Caitlyn Ussery, LCSW, began her social work career in 2013 serving unaccompanied refugee minors and immigrant children and the foster parents who cared for them. Caitlyn is a Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI®) Practitioner through Texas Christian University, an EMDR Trained Therapist, and trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She is also a certified Healing, Attachment, Loving Outreach (HALO) therapist and a Making Sense of Your Worth (MSOYW) facilitator. She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Dallas Baptist University and her graduate degree in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington. Caitlyn specializes in providing counseling services for children and families in the foster care/adoption community. She strives to provide a safe, encouraging, and respectful environment where those committed to therapy and change can find solutions. Her hope for each person is to have healthier, more connected relationships with others. Caitlyn enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and a good cup of coffee.

Morgan Draper, LPC, obtained a master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Houston Baptist University. Before obtaining her master’s and a license as a counselor, she worked specifically with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities as a Program Director and a Case Worker. In October of 2022, she began her journey as a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate where she gained experience in the mental health field by providing counseling and behavioral services to children, adolescents, and adults in both private practice and agency settings. During this time, she was closely involved in Family Services in which she helped clients moving through CPS and DFPS, and who are going through or have gone through the adoption process. Morgan's theoretical choice involves Person-centered and Strengths-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She has received her training in Trauma-Focused CBT and is currently in school to receive her certification as a Registered Play Therapist. She enjoys addressing issues involving depression, anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, and behavioral concerns, as well as working with those who identify as neurodivergent. Morgan’s goal is to empower clients and their families and support them on their journey of healing and understanding.

Morgan is based out of our Houston office.

Robin Elkins, LPC, received his undergraduate and master’s degrees from the Tarleton State University Fort Worth Campus. He is trained in Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI®), Play Therapy, an EMDR Trained Therapist, and certified Humanistic Sandtray Therapist. He has experience working in partial hospitalization facilities, family crisis centers, and in-home settings. Across these different settings, there was a consistent underlying theme of client trauma, difficulty creating relationships and connections, and issues with self-worth. These underlying themes were overshadowed by each client’s individual spirit and ability to overcome the tragedies of life. Currently, Robin is interested in processing complex grief and trauma, working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and exploring identity development with adolescents and adults through sandtray. Upon seeing an opportunity to work with Gladney and the people they serve, he quickly made a beeline to the facility and dropped off his information on a sticky note before going home and officially applying online.

Shelly Kalina, LCSW, received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Dallas Baptist University and her master's degree in social work from The University of Texas at Arlington. She has worked with children and families for 10+ years and previously worked in Gladney’s Post Adoption Department offering support to adoptive and birth families alike. Shelly’s goal as a therapist is to create a safe space for clients to explore their emotions while deepening their insight. Shelly loves the beach, brunch, true crime documentaries, and spending quality time with her friends and family.

Kara Leon, LCSW, received her undergraduate and master's degrees from Stephen F. Austin State University. She has worked within the foster care system for over five years with foster children and foster/adoptive parents, with the past one and a half years working with Gladney’s New Beginnings program. She is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and is an EMDR Trained Therapist. Her goal is to provide a judgement free and safe environment for people to express their emotions. Kara enjoys spending time with her family, reading, napping, and watching the newest action movies.

Dr. Ivy Byun started working in the field of adoption in 2007. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and music, master’s degree in marriage and family therapy and mental health counseling, and doctorate in counselor education and supervision. While she has had experience in private practice counseling, social work, and higher education, she is continually drawn to working with individuals, couples, and families in the adoption community. Dr. Byun is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and is an EMDR Trained Therapist.Her hope is to walk alongside people to help them increase self-awareness, develop skills to manage challenges, strengthen relationships, find a greater sense of meaning and purpose, and live meaningful, authentic, abundant lives.

Heather Rogers, LPC, has 16 years of experience in the adoption field and has worked closely with expectant mothers, birth parents, adoptive families, and adoptees. She has 4 years of experience working with adolescents in the Texas foster care system, specifically in a residential setting. Heather is passionate about helping her clients navigate through their grief, loss, and trauma. She is a TBRI® Practitioner, EMDR Trained Therapist, and trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Heather obtained her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Texas Christian University and her masters degree in Counseling from Texas Wesleyan University.

Kianté Conger, LMSW, Supervised by Kristin Porter, LCSW-S, received her undergraduate and master's degrees from Stephen F. Austin State University. She has worked within the foster care system for over six years with foster children and foster/adoptive parents, with the past three and a half years working with Gladney’s New Beginnings families after finalization. She is a certified AutPlay Therapy Provider. Her goal is to address the mental health needs of neurodivergent children and adolescents through a neurodiversity affirming approach. Kianté enjoys spending time with her family, reading, traveling, and watching intriguing documentaries.