Management Team
Kevin Gilliland, Psy.D.
Executive Director
After working more than two decades in healthcare, Kevin joined Innovation360 to better address the gaps that exist in outpatient mental health treatment. In addition to managing the day-to-day operations of Innovation360, which include staff management, program development, and coordinating client care with outside therapists and physicians, Kevin also works with individuals and couples seeking to improve their family and marriage relationships.
Prior to Innovation360, Kevin worked in the Medical Affairs departments of Johnson & Johnson, a multi-national manufacturer of pharmaceutical and biotechnology products, as well as Cephalon, an international biopharmaceutical company. During his time with these companies, Kevin worked closely with leading researchers across the country and played an integral role in bringing new addiction medication to the market.
Kevin earned his bachelors degree from Baylor University in 1986 and Psychology degree from Rosemead School of Psychology in 1992. He currently serves in the Counseling Department at Southern Methodist University (SMU). His interest in addiction and psychiatric treatment and research has taken him across the country to train, work and learn. He is a frequent lecturer, presenter and guest speaker at various seminars and forums nationwide. Kevin is the author of Struggle Well, Live Well, which provides no-frills advice on how to deal with your triggers, your partners, your vices and your spirituality.
FUN FACTS ABOUT KEVIN:
- Favorite quote: “Never judge your life by one bad day, judge it by the best day.” – Sebastian Kienle
- Craziest college job: Selling cemetery plots door to door (yea, seriously)
- Show & Tell item: I’d bring the movie “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly” – I love great movies!
- Biggest fear: Being eaten by a bear
- Greatest achievement: Completed two 140.6 Ironman triathlons
- Favorite workout song: “Could You Be Loved” by Bob Marley and the Wailers
Contact Kevin at Gilliland@i360Dallas.com
Desi Jensen
Business Manager, Life Development
A native of North Texas, prior to joining i360 Desi worked in various capacities including recruiting, human resources, and owning and operating a CrossFit gym. Desi is a very busy working mom raising 3 kids all going in different directions–which has also been terrific training for the many hats she wears at i360.
While her primary role is to assist Kevin, the executive Director of Innovation 360 Dallas, she’s also called upon to manage various projects, coordinate employee benefits, and give business insight while serving on the management team. She keeps in close touch with the care of i360 by looking for ways to continuously improve efficiency and maintain a strong culture. Desi also engages with clients by occasionally serving in Life Development.
FUN FACTS ABOUT DESI:
- Favorite quote: “When you stop growing, you start dying” -William S. Burroughs
- Craziest college job: Being a single mom
- Biggest fear: Being stranded out in the ocean
- Greatest achievement: Raising 3 amazing children
- Favorite workout song: Holy Grail by Justin Timberlake
Contact Desi at jensen@i360Dallas.com
Geoff Heppes
Director, Sales & Marketing
After spending four and a half years post college as a television sports anchor, Geoff made a career transition and moved into the pharmaceutical and medical device industry. For almost three decades Geoff has worked in sales and sales leadership positions for large companies like Johnson and Johnson and small start-up biotechs in areas including primary care, surgery, anesthesia, cardiology and orphan diseases. Geoff is passionate about investing in the development of people and improving organizational effectiveness.
Geoff and i360 Founder and Executive Director, Kevin Gilliland met during their first month of school as freshman at Baylor University in 1982 and have been close friends since. In fact, Geoff’s wife, Stephanie has worked in Life Development at i360 since the very beginning. In addition to his work at i360 in the Dallas and Austin offices, Geoff serves as Chief Operating Officer of a Dallas based anesthesia practice and consults with other physician practices to improve performance. Geoff is a 1986 graduate of Baylor University with a degree in Finance and Real Estate.
- Favorite quote: “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.”
- Craziest college job: Working in a television newsroom.
- Show & Tell item: Boston Marathon Medal
- Biggest fear: The dream that I haven’t studied for my final exam, and head out to take the exam in nothing but flip flops.
- Favorite workout song: “She drives me crazy” by Fine Young Cannibals
Geoff can be reached at Geoff@i360Dallas.com
Kayla Proffitt, CIP
Business Development
Since 2011, Kayla has served i360 in many capacities and in various roles, and she has been a leader among Innovation360’s Life Development program. Her passion lies in working alongside clients to help translate insights into behaviors in the midst of life as well as growing the network of professionals that we collaborate with.
As a Certified Intervention Professional, Kayla has experience working with families in need of direction during crisis situations. In this role, she works with individuals struggling with mental health issues and/or substance abuse in a way that unifies the whole family. She hopes to reach many more families to help their loved ones break through the destructive pattern of denial and begin treatment.
Prior to working with Innovation360, Kayla served in the community as a public speaker raising awareness of the consequences of our choices. She joined forces with C.A.R.E. & M.A.D.D. to further her passion for spreading that message. That involvement allowed her to see how she can utilize her own experiences to help others build the lives they want to live. She continues to speak for these organizations and is often asked to speak in high schools and in communities.
Contact Kayla at Proffitt@i360Dallas.com
Jennifer Updike
Operations Manager
Jennifer has a unique blend of talents that assist our i360 Dallas headquarters office to run efficiently. Her background provides her with a skill set that enhances i360′s ability to be consistently evolving toward greater service in a relational context. In her role as Operations Manager, Jennifer coordinates with our clients and families to arrange services to fit their individualized i360 plan, as well as oversees procedures and systems to keep the company, with all its collaborative variables, running as smoothly as possible.
FUN FACTS ABOUT JENNIFER:
- Favorite quote: “It’s not happy people who are thankful, it’s thankful people who are happy.”
- Craziest college job: Sewer Survey Crew- yes, we smoke bombed the sewer pipes to check for leakage!
- Show & Tell item: My sewing machine
- Biggest fear: Not living a purposeful life
- Favorite workout song: Can’t Stop the Feeling by Justin Timberlake
EDUCATION:
- Bachelors degree in Secondary Education
Contact Jennifer at Updike@i360Dallas.com
John Wilson
Client Liaison
John is the client liaison and is usually the first conversation that our clients and families have with Innovation360. He works closely with clients and their families throughout their entire i360 experience, from admission to discharge and aftercare. John has been involved in relationship development with clients for almost three decades and brings a long history of excellence in customer satisfaction and problem solving to i360. John graduated from the University of Louisiana at Monroe and moved to Dallas later in life.
FUN FACTS ABOUT JOHN:
- Favorite quote: “The time is always right to do what is right.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
- Craziest college job: Laying floor tile
- Show & Tell item: My unicycle
- Biggest fear: Slow death
- Greatest achievement: Raising 3 amazing kids
- Favorite workout song: I listen to Pandora “70’s Funk”
Contact John at Wilson@i360Dallas.com
Madelyn Edmondson, CTRS
Life Development Manager
Madelyn (Maddie) Edmonson serves as the Life Development Manager, managing staff, and client logistics and helping to train and supervise staff development. Her clinical and logistical talents combine to schedule clients with a selected team during therapeutically beneficial times, based on the client’s goals. Maddie studied Therapeutic Recreation at Texas State University and has experience working with clients from adolescents to geriatrics. Her Therapeutic Recreation background gives her the ability to utilize play with clients to promote new insights and progress in recovery through Life Development.
FUN FACTS ABOUT MADDIE:
- Favorite quote: “Where there is love, there is life.”
- Craziest college job: San Marcos Outlet Mall (specifically during Black Friday/holiday weekends)
- Show & Tell item: My dog showing off his tricks
- Biggest fear: Losing my purse
- Favorite workout song: 90s hip hop
SPECIALTIES:
- Recreational Therapy
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Bipolar
- Serious / Chronic Mental Illness
- Play
POPULATION:
- Emerging Adults
- Adolescents
EDUCATION:
- Bachelors degree in Recreation Therapy
Contact Maddie at Edmondson@i360Dallas.com
Advocates & Therapists
James Bass – M.MFT, LMFT-Associate
Therapist
James is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate under the supervision of Mike Bishop, Ph.D., LPC, LMFT-S. He is a graduate of Abilene Christian University. Before working at Innovation360, he was a missionary in Ireland for two years and has since returned to his hometown in Dallas. James is passionate about seeing individuals and their families made whole by building on the change in their life stories and helping them find healing. He now serves at Innovation360 as a client Advocate and Therapist, entering into the client’s world and coordinating with clients and their families to facilitate that change that lasts.
Fun Facts about James:
- Favorite Quote: “Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.” Theodore Roosevelt
- Craziest College Job: Delivery driver for Little Panda
- Show & Tell Item: Irish rugby jersey
- Greatest Accomplishments: Getting married and spending 2 years in Ireland
- Biggest Fear: Getting lost at sea or falling in a pit of snakes like Indiana Jones
- Favorite Workout Song: “Typical” by MUTEMATH
Specialties:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Chronic Mental Illness
- Marital/Family Conflict
- Spiritual/Existential Issues
Population:
- Couples
- Families
- Emerging Adults
- Adolescents
- Pastors/Missionaries
Education
- Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy
Contact James at Bass@i360Dallas.com
Mark Dane – MMFT, LPC, LCDC, NCC
Therapist & Life Development
Mark is a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) with licensure as both a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. He completed Behavioral Tech’s Intensive Dialectical Behavioral Therapy training and works with our Comprehensive DBT program as well as individual therapy and Life Development. His early background included being a minister and professor at state and private universities in the areas of history, religion and philosophy. Later he worked for a history publisher as an editor and researcher based in Europe, which fostered diverse multicultural experiences. These experiences provide a background that is often drawn on in his therapeutic relationships.
“I teach research proven skills that address anxiety and depression in I360’s DBT program and also whenever they’re needed. I help people discover if they’re using or misusing substances trying to cope with something else and work with them to find a better way forward. I see people who have gone thru divorce and are reframing a new life. I work with people who have seen a lot of life and it has left them with big questions and doubts that can no longer be ignored.”
Fun Facts about Dane:
- Biggest Fear: Despair- it just doesn’t fight fair.
- Favorite Quote (for now): “It is useless to meet revenge with revenge, it will heal nothing.” J.R.R. Tolkien
- Favorite Workout Song: Whatever rattles out enough adrenaline to finish – some Aerosmith can do it.
- Craziest College Job: Working on a ranch. Horses are great – but saddle sore isn’t.
Specialties:
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
- Dual Diagnosis/ Substance Abuse
- Post Divorce Issues
- Spirituality/Religious Abuse
Education:
- Masters in Professional Counseling
- Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy
Ryan Eberst, MA, LPC
Therapist
Ryan is a Licensed Professional Counselor working as a client advocate, individual therapist, and coordinating the student internship program. He has interest in working with those who struggle with anxiety, mood disorders, substance abuse and addictions, trauma, personality issues, thought disorders, and relational struggles and enjoys working with people through identity issues, grief, life transitions, and existential and spiritual questions. Ryan joined the Innovation360 team in May 2016 as a Life Development member while finishing his degree. He provides therapeutic services in individual and group settings for clients and families.
FUN FACTS ABOUT RYAN:
- Favorite Quote: “One of the vulnerabilities of being visible is that when you’re visible you can be seen, and when you can be seen, you can be touched; and when you can be touched, you can be hurt…One of the dynamics you have to get over with is this idea that you can occupy a position of responsibility, that you can have a courageous conversation, without being vulnerable” – David Whyte
- Craziest college job: Steak delivery
- Show & Tell Item: I’d bring slow smoked brisket and ribs for everyone
- Biggest fear: Used, wet bandaids at the bottom of locker-room showers or at a public pool
- Greatest achievement: Over a decade of sobriety
- Favorite workout song: Metal
SPECIALTIES:
- Addiction
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Dual Diagnosis
- Serious / Chronic Mental Illness
- Spiritual and Existential Issues
- Trauma
POPULATION:
- Adults
- Young adults/College students
- Business professionals
- LGBTQ individuals and couples
EDUCATION:
- M.A. in Professional Counseling from Amberton University
- B.A. in Theology and Biblical Languages from Hardin-Simmons University
Contact Ryan at Eberst@i360Dallas.com
Danielle Fermier, MA, LPC
Therapist
Danielle Fermier joined the Innovation360 team in 2010 and currently works as a therapist. Danielle has experience helping individuals and groups work through addiction, shame, depression, anxiety and relationship issues. Her philosophy rests on the belief that lives can be positively and enduringly transformed by hope.
FUN FACTS ABOUT DANIELLE:
- Favorite quote:“If we’re going to find our way back to each other, we have to understand and know empathy, because empathy’s the antidote to shame.” – Brené Brown
- Craziest college job: I didn’t have crazy ones. But, my most fear-inducing job was as a cold caller – sitting in a wide open cubical calling complete strangers while everyone else in the office could listen in.
- Show & Tell item: I’d bring my dog, and we could make it a dog show, which she’d win.
- Biggest fear: Heights – those giant escalators in subways and airports get me every time.
- Greatest achievement: So far, I’d say learning to like more foods than the deeply southern (read: unhealthy) fare I grew up eating. There is hope!
- Favorite workout song: “Madness” by Muse
SPECIALTIES:
- Substance use and abuse
- Relationship Issues
- Shame
- Depression
- Infertility/Pregnancy Loss
POPULATION:
- Adults
- Young Adults
EDUCATION:
- Masters degree in Counseling
Contact Danielle at Fermier@i360Dallas.com
Amy Fisher, M.A., LPC
Client Advocate & Therapist
Amy is a Licensed Professional Counselor that joined the i360 team in December of 2016. Amy currently works as a client advocate and individual therapist and has experience working with individuals and groups with depression, anxiety, addiction, and other issues that interfere with the ability to enjoy daily life. Amy’s goal is to walk alongside individuals to help clients develop the skills necessary for experiencing and maintaining a greater sense of freedom, intimacy, and meaning in their relationships and in their lives. Amy is both honored and committed to meeting clients where they are at and helping them achieve their personal and relational goals.
FUN FACTS ABOUT AMY:
- Favorite quote: “Hope waits but does not sit. It strains with eager anticipation to see what may be coming on the horizon. Hope does not pacify; it does not make us docile and mediocre. Instead it draws us to greater risk and perseverance.” – Dan B. Allender
- Craziest college job: Being the only employee at a bed and breakfast
- Show & Tell item: Some of my photos from India
- Biggest fear: Being carried away in an ocean current and drowning
- Favorite workout song: “Back in Black” by AC/DC
SPECIALITES:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Serious / Chronic Mental Illness
- Relationship Issues
EDUCATION:
- Masters in Counseling
Email Amy at Fisher@i360Dallas.com
Tricia Gordon, MA, LPC
Therapist
Tricia is a License Professional Counselor and Human Resources leader with 15+ years of experience working with diverse people and organizations including Fortune 500 corporations, non-profits, healthcare agencies, government, and faith based. She joined Innovation360 in 2011 and became even more passionate about the journey of life’s transitions and how it impacts the future, individually and corporately. She enjoys the challenges and opportunities that awaken during this season of life and delight in partnering with others to find the expected and unexpected beauty in their stories.
FUN FACTS ABOUT TRICIA:
- Favorite quote: “We are born in relationship, we are wounded in relationship, and we can be healed in relationship.” – Dr. Harville Hendriz
- Craziest college job: Grand Marshall for a New Orleans parade
- Show & Tell item: My half marathon medal
- Biggest fear: Rodents
- Greatest achievement: It is yet to come but the highlight at the moment is starting and growing my counseling business
- Favorite workout song: Let’s Get Loud by Jennifer Lopez
SPECIALTIES:
- Trauma (physical, sexual, emotional and verbal abuse)
- Life Transitions / Adjustment Difficulties
- Depression
- Alcohol / Drug (Use, abuse and addiction)
- Multicultural Issues
- Spiritual Issues
POPULATION:
- Tweens and Teenagers
- Young Adults
- Parents
- Business Professionals
EDUCATION:
- Masters in Counseling & Human Resource Management
Contact Tricia at Gordon@i360Dallas.com
Katie Hoag, MS, LPC
Therapist & Client Advocate
Katie is a licensed professional counselor currently working as a client advocate and individual therapist. Katie has experience working with young adults, pre-teens and adolescents struggling with trauma, behavioral issues, anxiety, depression, and transitioning towards independence. Her philosophy focuses on the power of collaboration with family members and clinicians, as well as incorporating healthy play into clients’ lives.
FUN FACTS ABOUT KATIE:
- Favorite Quote: “Imagination is not only the uniquely human capacity to envision that which is not, and therefore the fount of all invention and innovation. In it’s arguably most transformative and revelatory capacity, it is the power to that enables us to empathize with humans whose experiences we have never shared.” – J.K. Rowling
- Craziest college job: Internship at Nestle in Switzerland
- Show & Tell item: My 1957 Ducati 175 Supersport (Silverstone) named Baby Duke
- Biggest fear: House Fires
- Favorite workout song: Depends on the day and workout!
Specialties:
- Activity Therapy
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Failure to Launch
- Trauma
Population:
- Young Adults
- Adolescents
- Young Professionals
Education:
- Masters degree in Counseling from Southern Methodist University
- Bachelors degree in Psychology and French Language from Pepperdine University
Contact Katie at Hoag@i360Dallas.com
Cindy Hyde, MA MFT, LPC Intern
Therapist & Certified Clinical Trauma Professional
Cindy is a Licensed Professional Counselor under the supervision of Chris Epstien, LPC-S. She is also a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, with a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. Prior to pursuing her lifelong dream of becoming a transformational trauma counselor, Cindy was a business owner, a Relationship Trauma Coach and a trainer for an experiential based intensive group program. Currently, Cindy enjoys working with clients experiencing many life circumstances including, but not limited to, family of origin issues , post traumatic experiences, relational trauma, abandonment, betrayal, infidelity, love addiction, relationship addiction, fantasy addiction, emotional and psychological abuse, partner spouse addiction, singleness, addiction, dating in today’s world, and life management. Cindy also has a vast knowledge base of Adult Children, Al-Anon, and Coda recovery programs. She utilizes a personalized transformational approach that empowers her clients to overcome life’s obstacles and create the life and relationships they want. At Innovation 360, she works as an individual therapist as well as a co-facilitator in the Intensive Outpatient and Women’s Recovery Groups at Innovation 360.
FUN FACTS ABOUT Cindy:
- Favorite quote: “Beautiful things in the world can’t be seen or even touched, they must be felt with the heart”– Helen Keller
- Craziest college job: I was a hairdresser. I would sit at my station and study in between clients
- Show & Tell item: My three dogs, they just happen to be the cutest dogs EVER!
- Biggest fear: Walking alone in a parking lot
- Favorite workout song: Roar by Katy Perry
SPECIALITES:
- Family of Origin and Interpersonal Trauma
- Complex PTSD, Interpersonal Trauma Related PTSD
- Relational Trauma
- Invisible Abuse: Emotional, Verbal, Psychological, Narcissistic and Spiritual
- Abandonment
- Shame, Guilt
- Boundaries
- Anxiety
- Betrayal/Infidelity
- Relationship Issues
- Healthy Relationship Skills
- Managing recovery after addiction
- Strong knowledge of Adult Children (ACA), Al-anon and Coda Recovery Programs
EDUCATION:
- Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy
Email Cindy at Hyde@i360Dallas.com
Ken Osean, LCDC
Therapist
FUN FACTS ABOUT KEN:
- Favorite quote: “What lies behind you and what lies ahead of you, pales in comparison to what lives inside of you.”
- Craziest college job: Delivery boy for a drug store that sold liquor
SPECIALTIES:
- Alcohol addiction
- Drug use, abuse & addiction
POPULATION:
- Any person suffering with substance use and disorders
Neha Patel – M.Ed, LPC-Intern
Therapist & Life Development
Neha is a Licensed Professional Counselor Intern under the supervision of Michael Ashenfelter, LPC-S. Before joining Innovation 360, she volunteered at a local nonprofit and a shelter in India for individuals who have faced human trafficking, domestic violence/abuse and sexual assault/abuse. Neha has experience empathetically providing a safe space to individuals, families, couples, and groups work through depression/anxiety, addiction, abuse (sexual/emotional/physical/verbal), Bipolar I/II, BPD, trauma/PTSD, and women’s issues. She is passionate about helping individuals creatively find their “catalyst” for change and healing. Neha uses a solutions focused, culturally sensitive and trauma informed framework when working with clients. She honors the story of what one has been though, where one is, and assists in creating goals for hopeful present and future. Also, Neha is trained in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and is an artist! She loves to implement both mindfulness and creative methodologies into her practice because they are effective tools in holding space, processing life issues, and externalizing difficult narratives that one has experienced. She now serves at Innovation 360 as a Therapist, Creative Arts Therapist & Life Development team member. Neha also provides counseling in Gujarati, Spanish, and is proficient in Hindi.
Fun Facts about Neha:
- Favorite Quote: “And here you are living, despite it all.” – Rupi Kaur
- Craziest College Job: Painting outside!
- Show & Tell Item: My Art: It can be the food – I cook that represents my culture, my literal artwork or anything I code (Apps/Websites/Virtual Reality)!
- Greatest Accomplishments: Sobriety.
- Biggest Fear: Abandoning myself when I need me the most. Fear is instructive!
- Favorite Workout Song: “Nina Cried Power” – Hozier (favorite anytime of the day song*)
Specialties:
- Anxiety/Depression
- Culturally Sensitive
- Domestic Abuse/Violence
- Experiential/Narrative Therapy
- Expressive Arts Therapy
- Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction
- Multicultural/Multigenerational Issues
- Spiritual/Existential Issues
- Substance Abuse (Use/Abuse)
- Trauma and PTSD/Trauma Informed Therapy
Population:
- Adults
- Trauma Survivors
- Emerging Adults/Adolescents (14+*)/Teens
- Families
- Parents
- LGBTQIA+ (Individuals/Couples/Families/Parent(s))
Education
- Masters In Education in Counseling and Development
- Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction – Dallas Yoga Center
- Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology
Contact Neha at Patel@i360Dallas.com
Misty Solt – PhD, LPC-S, LCDC, BCN
Dr. Misty Solt is a Licensed Professional Counselor- Supervisor in the state of Texas. Dr. Solt is also a Registered Play Therapy-Supervisor, Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, Certified Child-Centered Play Therapy-Supervisor, Certified Child-Parent Relationship Therapist-Supervisor, Board Certified in Neurotherapy, and a Fully-Trained EMDR Therapist. Dr. Solt received her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Eastern Illinois University in 1998 and completed her Doctorate in Counseling with a specialty in Play Therapy at the University of North Texas in 2003.
Over the years, Dr. Solt has worked as a counselor in the following areas: school crisis counseling, in-home counseling, agency counseling, and private practice. Dr. Solt is currently serving on full-time faculty as an Associate Clinical Professor at SMU. Prior to serving on faculty, she was the Clinic Director of the SMU Center for Family Counseling for three years. Dr. Solt has also served as the Assistant Director of the Center for Play Therapy and has been a Supervisor for the Intensive Play Therapy Supervision component of the Summer Institute since 2000. Dr. Solt has also taught and supervised as an Adjunct Professor at UNT in the areas of Practicum, Assessment, and Filial Therapy.
In May of 2003, Dr. Solt opened Neurotherapy and Counseling Services, which provides counseling services to children, adolescents, and families, as well as supervision to LPC-interns and play therapists. Dr. Solt also serves as a therapist for Innovation360 in Dallas. Dr. Solt has served on Frisco Independent School District Hope Rising Team, which is a trauma response team to assist children and teens that have experienced a trauma or loss.
Dr. Solt is also on the Board of Directors for Camp C.O.P.E., which is an intensive counseling experience offered to children of a deployed or injured parent serving in the military. Dr. Solt has also served on the board of the North Texas Chapter of the Texas Association for Play Therapy for four years. Dr. Solt has authored various articles in the area of play therapy and is the author of “My Special Playtime”. Dr. Solt is a mother of three and resides in Frisco, Texas.
Lori Stone, MSSW, LCSW-S
Clinical Social Worker
Lori is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Lori has been counseling adolescents, adults, couples and families for 15 years. Lori works in both private practice and as part of the I360 counseling team. She believes that it is her role to offer a safe and trusted environment in which clients can identify their own specific goals and navigate life’s challenges. She has worked as a trauma counselor in a non-profit agency and as an adjunct professor at the University of Texas at Arlington’s Graduate Social Work Program. At I360 she provides individual, couples and family counseling.
FUN FACTS ABOUT LORI
- Favorite quote: “Love is our true destiny. We do not find the meaning of life by ourselves alone-we find it with another.” Thomas Merton
- Craziest job: The Petting Zoo at Six Flags!
- Show & Tell item: My walking stick from the Inca trail to Machu Picchu
- Biggest fear: Living my life without significance
- Greatest achievement: My family; my husband of 30 years, two children and seven grandkiddos!
- Favorite workout song: “Back in Black” by ACDC
SPECIALTIES:
- Trauma
- Depressive Disorders
- Anxiety Disorders
- Grief work
- Parenting
- Family Therapy
- Identity Issues
- Spiritual and existential issues
- Addiction
POPULATIONS:
- Adolescents
- Young adults
- Couples
- Families
EDUCATION:
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Work
- Master’s of Science in Social Work
Jeff Sullivan, MS, LPC Intern, LCDC Intern
Therapist & Client Advocate
Jeff is a licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor Intern under the supervision of Chris Epstein, LPC-S. He comes to counseling as a second career after spending 33 successful years in a family business of engineering and manufacturing industrial processing machinery, where he held positions from lab technician to president. What’s more, for 25 of those years Jeff both studied and taught the self-development technology of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) as part of his quest to better his own life. Jeff augments tried-and-true Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with NLP, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, and hypnosis, all shaped with basic neurobiology.
Jeff’s natural curiosity and engineering background drove his interest in nature’s most sophisticated frontier: the human mind. This, along with a deep love of humanity, inspires and motivates Jeff to help people achieve both greater peace and more positive results in their lives.
FUN FACTS ABOUT JEFF:
- Favorite quote: “The map is not the territory.” – Alfred Korzybski
- Craziest college job: Hand delivering coupon books sold over the phone.
- Show & Tell item: World’s biggest vibrating conveyor.
- Biggest fear: Boredom
- Greatest achievement: Being a good husband and father
- Favorite workout song: “EZ Rider” by Jimi Hendrix
SPECIALTIES:
- Addiction (Use / Abuse / Addiction)
- Anxiety
- Dream Reaching
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Trauma
- Weight-related issues
POPULATION:
- Executives / Business Professionals
- Family business owners / members
- Individual (Late Teen to Adult)
- Trauma Survivors
EDUCATION:
- Bachelors degree in Chemical Engineering
- Masters degree in Counseling
Contact Jeff at sullivan@i360dallas.com
Amanda Talley, MA, LPC
Therapist
Amanda is a License Professional Counselor and Outdoor Educator. In addition to being a part of the i360 team, she works in private practice where she is passionate about providing clients with the option of meeting for hiking or walking sessions outdoors. She has worked in inpatient, residential and outpatient settings with adults and adolescents struggling with eating disorders, mood, substance abuse, trauma and self-harm behaviors. Amanda joined Innovation360 in 2013 as a student intern and has stayed connected ever since because she believes in the creative approach to helping clients develop better skills and relationships to navigate life and found that it complemented her dream of combining counseling and the outdoors.
FUN FACTS ABOUT AMANDA:
- Favorite quote: “In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” – John Muir
- Craziest college job: Nothing crazy, but I had the opportunity to be a live-in nanny to a family with four kids and I loved it!
- Show & Tell item: My dog, Hobbes. He has tiger stripes and is ridiculously cute.
- Biggest fear: Ceasing to learn and grow.
- Greatest achievement: A month of backpacking and rock climbing in the Wind River Range of Wyoming through the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS).
- Favorite workout song: A great remix of Justin Timberlake or Khalid at Pure Barre.
SPECIALTIES:
- Eating disorders and issues with food
- Family members of someone with an eating disorder
- Depression/Anxiety
- Life transitions
- Identity
- Relationship difficulties
- Difficulty with motivation
- Christian & existential issues
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
POPULATION:
- Adolescents (14+)
- Young Adults
- Adults
- Parents
- Business Professionals
EDUCATION:
- Masters in Counseling through Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS)
- Outdoor Educator through the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS)
Contact Amanda at AmandaTalleyLPC@gmail.com
Jenna Tomlinson, M.A., LPC-Intern
Supervised by Chris Epstein, M.A., LPC-S
Client Advocate & Therapist
Jenna is a Licensed Professional Counselor Intern under the supervision of Chris Epstein, M.A., LPC-S. She joined the i360 team in January 2019 as a student intern and currently works as a client advocate, individual therapist and is a co-facilitator in the Intensive Outpatient Group. Prior to beginning her counseling studies, Jenna spent time working in education and gained several skills that have influenced her practice of therapy. Her philosophy of counseling is based on the concept that in order to arrive at true healing, just as much as we embrace the parts of ourselves that we see as beautiful and good, we must be willing to hold, accept and nurture the parts of ourselves that we hate the most.
FUN FACTS ABOUT JENNA:
- Favorite Quote: “When belonging is contingent on beliefs and behavior, it suspends the necessary step of becoming, which prevents the fruit of transformation that is inevitable when we absolutely know and trust that we belong. “ – Christopher L. Heuertz
- Craziest College Job: Summer camp cheerleading instructor
- Show & Tell Item: I would do a backflip
- Biggest Fear: That fear itself would keep me from taking risks
- Greatest Accomplishment: Running a marathon
- Favorite Workout Song: “All Day Long” by Chance the Rapper
SPECIALTIES:
- Addiction
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Identity Issues
- Spiritual and Existential Issues
EDUCATION:
- M.A. in Biblical Counseling from Dallas Theological Seminary
- B.A. in Marketing from The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
Contact Jenna at Tomlinson@i360Dallas.com
Mick Veasey
Advocate
Mick is a recent graduate of Southern Methodist University and currently awaiting LPC licensure from the State of Texas. He joined i360 in February 2019 as part of the Life Development team and has since completed his practicum as a student intern and is currently a client advocate. Mick enjoys a wide variety of hobbies from model building to Brazilian Jiujitsu and a great many others. His personal philosophy of counseling includes creating meaning for ourselves and grounding in present moment awareness. The whole of the human experience exists within each one of us, and we each have the ability to realize our true potential for growth. Through increasing our present moment awareness, change is made possible.
FUN FACTS ABOUT MICK:
- Favorite quote: “Be Here Now!” -Ram Dass
- Favorite song: “Word to the Wise” -Mastodon
- Crazy college job: Installing security systems in jails and government buildings
- Show and tell item: Warhammer 40K – Imperial Fists army
- Biggest fear: Missing out on life
Specialties: (not licensed yet)
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Dual Diagnosis
- Addiction
Education:
- B.S. in Psychology from The University of Texas at Dallas
- M.S. in Counseling from Southern Methodist University
Stephen Vobach, MD
Psychiatric Consultant
For over 20 years, Dr. Vobach has been providing inpatient and outpatient psychiatric care for adults of all ages. He has been with the Baylor University Medical Center – Dallas since 1994, has served as Chief of the Psychiatry Department since 2003 and he currently owns a private psychiatric practice.
After graduating from Rice University, Dr. Vobach completed his M.D. at U.T. Health Science Center Houston in 1989. He followed that up with an internship and residency in psychiatry at UT Southwestern in Dallas and a geriatric psychiatry fellowship in 1994. He was voted “Best Doctor” by D Magazine between 2002 to present and earned the “Super Doctors” award from Texas Monthly from 2008 to present. He and his wife have funded various scholarships to Rice University and UT -San Antonio.
Working closely with i360, Dr. Vobach provides patients with psychiatric evaluation, as well as medication management. Throughout his career, Dr. Vobach has been able to help countless clients who have struggled with mental health and addiction related problems.
Jeannie Whitman, Ph.D., LP
Therapist
FUN FACTS ABOUT JEANNIE:
- Favorite quote: “A friend hears the song in my heart, and sings it to me when my memory fails.” –Anonymous
- Craziest college job: Wrote radio spots and recorded jingles for local radio and television.
- Show & Tell item: As a proud daughter of a WWII combat United States Marine, I would bring Pacific Theatre USMC Memorabilia.
SPECIALTIES:
- Stress and Trauma Related Disorders
- Traumatic Bereavement / Loss
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Life Transition / Adjustment
- Gerontology / Specifically dealing with Alzheimer’s Disease and related disorders
POPULATION:
- Individual
- Couples
- Veterans with PTSD
- Business Professionals
EDUCATION:
- Doctorate in Philosophy
Life Development
Ethan Clark – MA, LPC
Therapist / Life Development Lead
Ethan is a Licensed Professional Counselor. Prior to beginning his counseling studies, Ethan spent time living in and working with refugees in Athens, Greece. During this time, he experienced the weight and joy of entering people’s stories and reminding them of their inherent value. He joined the i360 team in May of 2018 working in Life Development after finishing his degree. Ethan currently works as a Client Advocate, Therapist, and in Life Development and has the desire to support clients as they strive to face life’s challenges in a healthier, more productive way.
FUN FACTS ABOUT ETHAN:
- Favorite Quote: “The reward of a thing well done is having done it.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
- Craziest College Job: Barista at a coffee shop. It’s a dark world out there when people aren’t caffeinated.
- Show & Tell Item: Pictures of important people and places in my life.
- Biggest Fear: Having to give a surprise speech in front of more than five people.
- Greatest Accomplishment: Moving to Greece and running the half marathon.
- Favorite Workout Song: “Take Me Out” by Franz Ferdinand
SPECIALTIES:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Identity issues
- Spiritual issues
EDUCATION:
- Masters in Counseling
- Bachelors of Business Administration in Management
Contact Ethan at Clark@i360Dallas.com
Jill Harris
Life Development
Stephanie Heppes
Born and raised in Dallas, Stephanie is the second oldest of 7 siblings. Stephanie, her older brother and 4 younger brothers all graduated from Baylor University where she majored in fashion merchandising. She became quite gifted in learning how to keep the peace among her siblings and is sometimes referred to as “Switzerland” in the family. Stephanie is one of the original team that was hired for Life Development when i360 was started back in 2008. She is gifted at working with female clients that struggle with anxiety, depression, personality disorders and addictions. She brings a calming presence in situations where there is chaos and ongoing struggles. She’s been married to Geoff for over 30 years and has three adult children in the Dallas and surrounding areas. An avid runner, Stephanie has completed 10 full marathons and numerous half marathons.
FUN FACTS ABOUT STEPHANIE:
- Favorite Quote: “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” Mark Twain
- Craziest College job: the fact that I didn’t have one is crazy.
- Show and Tell items: “my 10 marathon medals”
- Biggest fear: being attacked by a shark
- Favorite workout song: most 70’s music
Nate Hutcheson
Life Development
An advocate of self-discovery through openness, Nate feels called to life development after broadening his own perspective through 12 step experience, meditation, academic education, world travel, and the wisdom that can only be gained through the risk of engaging in life. After enduring life for just long enough to find out that life is not meant to be endured, Nate discovered the one key to freedom from unnecessary suffering: helping others. Life development, as well as life itself, is now a series of moments filled with gratitude for opportunities to share hope with others, regardless of where someone might be on their path.
FUN FACTS ABOUT NATE:
- Favorite quote: “Everyone needs three things for a happy life: something to do, something to look forward to, and someone to love.” -Dr. Michael Cofield
- Craziest college job: Boxing corner man
- Show & Tell item: My journals: full of carefully described transmissions gifted by my spiritual teachers from their experience
- Biggest fear: Allowing trauma or negative conditioning to rob me of the experience of love
- Greatest achievement: Being told that I saved someone’s life
- Favorite workout song: The General by Dispatch
SPECIALITIES:
- Substance Abuse
- Addiction
- Failure to Launch
- Depression
- Trauma
- Mindfulness
Whitney Mildren – PhD, RN
Life Development
Whitney’s passion is walking through life with individuals struggling with mental illness and addiction. She actively engages with clients by meeting them where they are in life and creating a safe environment. With a PhD in philosophy, a nursing background, and a variety of experiences in working with underserved populations, she has a lot to offer in assisting people to health from every angle.
FUN FACTS ABOUT WHITNEY:
- Favorite quote: “Never be a prisoner of your past. It was a life lesson not a life sentence.”
- Craziest college job: Selling fraternity t-shirts my sophomore of college
- Show & Tell item: My miniature Goldendoodle, Lucy
- Biggest fear: Losing my ticket to an Oklahoma football game
- Greatest achievement: Graduating with my PhD
- Favorite workout song: anything by Whitney Houston
SPECIALTIES:
- Substance abuse/addiction
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Anxiety/depression
- Health/wellness
POPULATIONS:
- Healthcare professionals
- Teenagers
- Adults
EDUCATION:
- Doctorate in philosophy, Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing
Email Dr. Mildren at Mildren@i360Dallas.com
Brandon Sopher
Life Development
Prior to Life Development, Brandon worked as a professional tour guide taking people from around the world on camping road trips throughout the lower 48 States of America. Ask him some time to show you his “Swan Dive in The Land of the Navajo” video… Or better yet, to reenact it! Through life experiences such as attending college, living in New Zealand, studying Spanish in Western Europe, working as a tour guide, etc., Brandon has learned the value of stepping out of comfort zones and using adventure as a means of challenging and inspiring personal growth. Finding passion and purpose in serving others and building relationships, Life Development is now a daily opportunity for Brandon to share lessons learned “on the trail”, share his zest for life, and to help point others to their inherent value through the practice of being present.
FUN FACTS ABOUT BRANDON:
- Favorite quote: “Done is better than perfect.”
- Craziest college job: Adventure guide in the Ozarks.
- Show & Tell item: My journals.
- Biggest fear: Wasting potential.
- Greatest achievement: So far, helping raise my brother and sister and leading groups on cross country camping trips.
- Favorite workout song: The Red by Chevelle
SPECIALTIES:
- Depression/Anxiety
- Life transitions/Identity
- Relationship difficulties
- Motivation Difficulties
- Spiritual & existential issues
EDUCATION:
- Texas A&M University – Bachelor of Science, Industrial Distribution; Business Minor
Turner Womble
Life Development
Turner has years of personal experience dealing with his own struggles regarding anxiety, depression, and alcoholism. He finally found a way out on March 12, 2012 and has remained sober ever since. He is eager to help out the next person who is going through any life struggle. By turning past experiences and regrets into assets, he is able to relate and help those who are currently struggling because he often knows what’s it’s like to be in their shoes. The local recovery/sobriety community is a large part of his life outside of work. Turner also is passionate about working out, healthy eating, and collecting art.
