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
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.
Click here to book an appointment with Kayla
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
Mick Veasey, MS, LPC Associate Supervised by Chris Epstein, MA, LPC-S Primary Therapist
Advocate
Originally drawn to the field of mental health to work with veterans with PTSD, Mick received his Masters of Science in Counseling from Southern Methodist University. He joined i360 in February 2019 as part of the Life Development team and has since stepped into Client Advocacy and is currently a Primary Therapist at i360. Mick enjoys a wide variety of hobbies from Warhammer to Brazilian Jiujitsu and a great many others. His personal philosophy of counseling includes exploring the relational dynamics that formed who we are, who we believe ourselves to be, and what we believe we deserve – or not.
Through exploration of self and connecting the past to the present, we are freed from repeating the patterns of living that hold us back from living the life we want. As we learn about how we came to be as individuals, we learn about our particular stressors and how to navigate them. We learn to blame ourselves less for the things we cannot control. We learn to negotiate for ourselves in relationships and create the life we’ve always wanted, but for some reason always felt was out of reach. Through this process we find that the symptoms of anxiety, depression, or suffering lessen and disappear. Therapy can at times be a painful process, but through that pain something beautiful 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:
- 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
Cara Canady, MS, LPC-Associate, NCC
Supervised by Candice Marcum, LPC-S, LMFT-S
Client Advocate & Therapist
Cara is a Licensed Professional Counselor Intern under the supervision of Candice Marcum, MEd, LMFT-S, LPC-S, LCDC. Cara joined Innovation360 as an intern student counselor in August 2019 and has worked both virtually and in-person with individuals, couples, and families through modalities such as DBT, IOP, and Life Development. Prior to i360 Cara spent years working with persons diagnosed with substance dependence, explicitly, dual-diagnosed pregnant women. Additionally, Cara’s experience includes working with families of children diagnosed with cognitive, social, and behavioral diagnosis. Cara believes human connections are an important life aspect that contributes to mental, emotional, and social wellness, however, healing and reconnecting to one’s environment is not a linear process. Cara’s role is defined as understanding an individual’s issues as they cope with their relational interpersonal and intrapersonal circumstances.
FUN FACTS ABOUT CARA:
- Favorite Quote:“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
- Craziest College Job:Teaching toddlers how to play soccer
- Show & Tell Item:My puppy and her tricks
- Biggest Fear:Driving on ice
- Greatest Accomplishment:Adopting a puppy during a pandemic
- Favorite Workout Song:“September” by Earth, Wind & Fire
SPECIALTIES:
- Anxiety & Depression
- Family & Career Development
- Couple & Family Conflict
- Sexuality & Sexual Identity
POPULATION:
- Couples
- Families
- Emerging Adults
- Working Professionals
EDUCATION:
- M.S. in Counseling with a concentration of Couples, Marriage, and Family Therapy from Southern Methodist University
- B.S. in Psychology from Jackson State University
Contact Cara at canady@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
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
Melissa Griffing – LPC
Therapist
FUN FACTS ABOUT MELISSA:
Favorite Quote: “Think of it this way; every great wizard in history has started out as nothing more than what we are now, students. If they can do it, why not us?” AND “The world isn’t split into good people and Death Eaters. We’ve all got both light and dark inside us. What matters is the part we choose to act on. That’s who we really are.” – J.K. Rowling
Craziest college job: I was boring in college… I was a life guard, camp counselor, and a waitress.
Show & Tell Item: My Semester at Sea diploma. I lived on a ship for 4 months, traveled to 15 countries, and took class between sailing to each port.
Biggest Fear: Stepping on cockroaches or any bug with a hard shell because I don’t like the crunch
Greatest Accomplishments: My 3 sons!
Favorite workout song: Anything upbeat
Specialties:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Play Therapy
- Identity
- Stress Management
- Adolescent Counseling
- Perinatal Support
- Perinatal Depression
- Perinatal Anxiety
- Behavioral Issues
Population:
- Young Adults and Adolescents
- Children
- Parents
- Perinatal Families
Education:
- Masters degree in Counseling from Southern Methodist University
- Bachelors degree in Psychology and Elementary Education from University of Mississippi
- Some Ph.D from TWU in Family Studies
Contact Melissa at Griffing@i360Dallas.com
Curt Hampton – MA, LPC
FUN FACTS ABOUT CURT:
- Favorite quote: “My daily actions are the greatest predictor of my future.”
- Craziest college job: Selling books door-to-door for a summer in North Carolina
- Show & Tell item: My guitar. I’ve had a cool journey with that thing; we even auditioned for The Voice in L.A.
- Biggest fear: Breaking my teeth out of my mouth, somehow
- Greatest achievement: Running the Dallas White Rock half marathon (when it was called that)
- Favorite workout song: “Come Together” re-recorded by Ft. Worth’s own Gary Clark, Jr.
SPECIALTIES:
- Trauma
- Relationship Anxiety
- Relationship Coaching
- Men’s Issues
- Interpersonal skills sharpening
POPULATION:
- Adults
- Men who struggle with relationships
- Couples
EDUCATION:
- Masters of Arts in Counseling, Midwestern State University
Click here to book an appointment with Curt
Contact Curt at Hampton@i360Dallas.com
Cindy Hyde, MA MFT, LPC
Therapist & Certified Clinical Trauma Professional
Cindy is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, with a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. Cindy is a Certified Sex Addiction (CSAT) Candidate and Certified Partner Trauma Therapist (CPTT) Candidate. 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, sex addiction, relationship addiction, fantasy addiction, emotional and psychological abuse, partner spouse addiction, dating in today’s world, and life management.
Cindy also has a vast knowledge base of Adult Children, Sex / Love addiction, and Codependency recovery programs. She is a Certified Core Map Facilitator and utilizes Core Map Assessments to help clients understand who they were born to be at their core. She uses 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. 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.
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 / Relationship Endings/ Divorce
- Codependency
- Shame, Guilt
- Anxiety
- Betrayal/Infidelity
- Relationship Challenges
- Healthy Relationship Skills
- Managing recovery after addiction
- Sex, Love, Fantasy Addiction
- Adult Children, Sex and Love Addiction, Codependency Recovery Program Support
- Core Map Assessments
EDUCATION:
- Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy
Email Cindy at Hyde@i360Dallas.com
Michael Murphy – LPC-Associate
Under the Supervision of Austin Parsons M.A., LPC-S
Michael is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate under the supervision of Austin Parsons M.A., LPC-S. He works with clients in our IOP & DBT programs as well as individual therapy clients. Through growing up all over the country and the world, Michael gained an appreciation for different people and cultures, which continues to serve him in his work today. He found his passion for his role at i360 through years of personal exploration and connection with others. Now with a degree in psychology and a masters in counseling, he is happy to be with Innovation360 and is excited to continue working to help people who struggle with mental health and/or addiction to see their lives as an opportunity for love, connection and happiness just as he has come to do.
Contact Michael at Murphy@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.
Brianna Souddress, MS, LPC Associate
Under the supervision of Chris Epstein, M.A., LPC-S
Therapist & Life Development
Brianna is a recent graduate of the University of North Texas. She joined Innovation360 in December 2020 and has since completed her practicum by seeing clients for individual therapy, assisting with several group therapies, and working as part of the Life Development team. Brianna is passionate about helping others to create meaningful and lasting change through the use of Cognitive Therapy techniques, such as providing psychoeducation and identifying maladaptive thinking patterns to reframe. Brianna strongly believes in counseling’s ability to bring forth an individual’s own strength and power through a supportive, non-judgmental environment. We are the masters of our own journey and with the right support, have the strength to overcome so much.
FUN FACTS ABOUT BRIANNA:
- Favorite quote:“The best things in life don’t come easy, but those things are the ones worth the sacrifice.” – Adriana Locke
- Favorite song:“Come what may” -Moulin Rouge
- Crazy college job:Uber Eats
- Show and tell item:Pictures/videos of her kiddos
- Biggest fear:Losing loved ones
Specialties:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Women’s Issues
- Addiction
- Trauma (physical, sexual, emotional and verbal)
- Life Transition/Adjustment Concerns
- Overall Health/Wellness
Population:
- Young Adults
- Adults
- Professionals
- Parents/Couples
Education:
- S. in Applied Psychology from New York University
- S. in Counseling from University of North Texas
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
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
Julia Bell
Life Development
Born and raised in Houston, TX, and pursuing her Professional Counsling liscensure, Julia finds it a privilege to work in the Life Development role with i360 clients while pursuing hours towards being a Licensed Professional Counselor. Julia loves this role for so many reasons, the biggest of which is getting to walk side by side with clients through tough seasons and see them grow in autonomy and resilience. Sometimes she can’t believe she gets paid for her role. She finds it an absolute joy to be using her giftings in such valuable ways to help others.
FUN FACTS ABOUT JULIA:
- Favorite quote: “Happiness is only real when shared.” – Christopher McCandless, depicted in “Into The Wild”
- Craziest college job: driving medical documents to all of the Texas A&M Health Science centers across Texas… got paid to listen to music and podcasts for multiple hours a week – the dream!
- Show & Tell item: the article my Dad published in a local magazine years ago – not because the article itself is necessarily impressive (though I think so), but because he decided in his retirement that he was going to try new things and put himself out there and he did just that. #proudkid
- Biggest fear: my parents not being around when I raise kids in the future (I’m the youngest child in my family).
- Greatest achievement: easily my masters degree – going back to school after you’ve been out for awhile is TOUGH, y’all!
- Favorite workout song: Sky Full of Stars – Coldplay
EDUCATION:
- Texas A&M University, Business Management
- University of North Texas, Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Jason Eck
Life Development
Jason was born and raised near Los Angeles, California but has called Texas home for the past 13 years. He graduated from Southern Methodist University in Dallas in 2016. Jason is passionate about life and passing on his learned experience to someone else. He believes that emotional pain is a gift, affording one the opportunity to try something new and grow. Outside of work he is actively involved in the greater 12 step recovery community which plays a large part in his own happiness and sense of purpose. Jason also enjoys most forms of exercise, sand volleyball, healthy eating, and growing spiritually.
- Favorite quote: “This is the real secret of life — to be completely engaged with what you are doing in the here and now. And instead of calling it work, realize it is play” Alan Watts.
- Craziest college job: Building pool tables.
- Show & Tell item: My Pokémon card collection.
- Biggest fear: Not living life fully.
- Greatest achievement: Having a personality change sufficient to bring about mental health recovery.
- Favorite workout song: “Street Fighting Man” by Rage Against the Machine.
SPECIALITIES:
- Substance abuse
- Anxiety/ Depression
- Motivation difficulties
- Spiritual/Existential Issues
- 12 steps
- Meditation
Education: B.A. in Markets & Culture from Southern Methodist University
Jill Harris
Lead Life Development for Females
Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Jill graduated from Texas A&M University in 2013. Jill joined the Life Development team in 2018 and is the female Lead for Life Development. She equips, encourages, brainstorms, supports, and instills a sense of community for the LD staff as they creatively and consistently support i360 clients. As a Dallas native, her curiosity feeds the desire to find all the hidden secrets DFW and her travel destinations have to offer. She is passionate about play, trying new hobbies, creating through art and food, and getting outdoors by camping, hiking, rock climbing, and soccer. In Life Development, Jill enjoys the opportunity to walk with people through their struggles and achievements, while also appreciating the simple steps every day it takes to know oneself better through relationships. Jill encourages, challenges, and supports clients through life development experiences. Jill has been married and living in East Dallas since 2013 and loves long meals with her family and friends.
FUN FACTS ABOUT JILL:
- Favorite quote: “Sometimes fear does not subside, and one must choose to do it afraid.” -Elisabeth Elliot
- Craziest college job: Ropes Course Instructor
- Show & Tell item: My collection of rocks and shells from significant places I’ve visited over the years.
- Biggest fear: Drowning in open water
- Greatest achievement: Leading a group of college students on a missions trip out of the US, Inner city discipleship ministry
- Favorite workout song: anything from Khalid, John Mayer, Texas Country or 80’s rock. Or a strong love ballad. Anyday.
SPECIALTIES:
- Health, wellness, and nutrition
- Anxiety/Depression
- Grief
- Chronic illness
- Life Transition/Adjustment
- Spirituality
- Relationship Difficulty
- Identity
- Disability/chronic illness of family member
- Motivational difficulties
- Active Mindfulness/Play development
EDUCATION:
- S. in Biblical Counseling at Dallas Theological Seminary- in progress (Dallas Theological Seminary)
- S. in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Sciences; Emphasis in Youth Development (Texas A&M University- College Station)
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
Sammy Ray Jenkins
Life Development
Sammy knows what it is like to struggle through life and knows the pain of addiction. He loves sharing his experience to help others, and made a career of it. There is much more to recovery than abstinence. Fulfillment is of great importance, and a fulfilling life includes taking care of ourselves – mentally, physically, spiritually, helping others, exploring ourselves and the world around us, setting and reaching goals, and overcoming obstacles.
Sammy enjoys exciting things, physical things, the outdoors, and exploring the world around him. Hobbies of great importance and enjoyment to him are riding mountain bikes, community involvement, hiking, camping, hunting, fellowship, marksmanship, spending time with family, and rock climbing.
Favorite Quote: “Train your mind to see the good in everything. Positivity is a choice. The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts.” UNKNOWN
Biggest Fear: losing the people I love, failure, and not experiencing what life has to offer
Craziest Job: While my craziest job during college included gaining extensive personal knowledge in the area of alcoholism and addiction, I did somehow manage to start a successful LLC called Rudolph’s Christmas Lights which helped to provide the means for research in the above areas.
Show and Tell Item: My dogs
Favorite Workout Song: Thank You [Not So Bad] Vize & Felix Jaehn. I love EDM.
Specialties:
- 12 Step Programs
- Career Development
- Substance Abuse & Addiction
- Relationships
- Recreational Therapy
- Fitness
- Spiritual issues
Education: Bachelor of Science in Marketing and International Business, Peer Recovery Coach Training, ARISE Comprehensive Care with Invitational Intervention, Facilitating Career Development Training
Michael Murphy
Lead Life Development for Men
By growing up all over the country and the world, Michael gained an appreciation for different people and cultures, which continues to serve him in his work today. He found his passion for his role at i360 through overcoming his own struggles with anxiety and addiction. Now with a degree in psychology and a masters in counseling, he is happy to be with Innovation360 and is excited to continue working to help people who struggle with mental health and/or addiction to see their lives as an opportunity for love, connection and happiness just as he has come to do.
FUN FACTS ABOUT MICHAEL :
- Favorite quote: “In a gentle way, you can shake the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi
- Craziest college job: Working at a small town liquor store. Met some interesting people to say the least!
- Show & Tell item: I would bring my record collection – between 50 &100 original vinyls!
- Biggest fear: Fear itself.
- Greatest achievement: Identifying my path in life after years of wandering.
- Favorite workout song: “Ease & Grace” by Iya Terra
SPECIALTIES:
- Addiction
- Depression/Anxiety
- Life transitions/Identity
- Relationship difficulties
- Motivation Difficulties
- Spiritual & existential issues
EDUCATION:
- University of Connecticut, 2014: BA in English & Psychology
- Southern Methodist University, 2021: MS in Counseling
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.
Janie Whitmarsh
Life Development
Janie was born and raised in Oklahoma City, OK and has three grown daughters and two granddaughters. She is an avid reader who is constantly learning, is passionate about organization and decorating, and has a love for helping people. She is exceptional at bringing peace into chaos. Her life experiences with family and friends who have battled addiction and mental health of all kinds is why she is so dedicated to helping clients at i360.
FUN FACTS ABOUT JANIE:
- Favorite quote: “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms-to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” Victor Frankl found meaning in his suffering, meaning carried him.
- Craziest college job: none
- Show & Tell item: My grand daughter Hadley.
- Biggest fear: Spiders.
- Greatest achievement: My three daughters.
- Favorite workout song: September by Earth, Wind and Fire
SPECIALTIES:
- Depression/Anxiety: Yes
- Life transitions/Identity: No
- Relationship difficulties: Yes
- Motivation Difficulties: Yes
- Spiritual & existential issues: No
- Drug and Alcohol: Yes
- Boundaries: Yes
