Therapy Austin

Our Team

Founded in the spring of 2012, Therapy Austin is a counseling agency with many locations in central, north and south Austin, whose mission is to provide high-quality mental health services to adults and offer affordable fees and flexible after-work hours to ensure our community has broad access to counseling services. We accomplish this by engaging in a selective hiring process then investing heavily in the ongoing training and mentoring of our staff counselors. 

Danielle Hayes Therapy Austin

Danielle Hayes, LCSW

(she/her/hers)

VP of Clinical Innovation

Danielle Hayes is a cornerstone of Therapy Austin, having co-founded the agency in 2012 and now serving as the Vice President of Clinical Innovation. With a rich career spanning over 22 years in mental health, Danielle's leadership is rooted in a deep understanding of the field. Her role is pivotal in steering Therapy Austin toward groundbreaking developments in clinical practice.

Danielle's approach as a clinician is both client-centered and dynamic, blending hands-on skill-building with insightful, creative solutions and a deeply empathetic demeanor. Her international background endows her with a unique cultural sensitivity, enabling her to connect with a diverse clientele. This perspective has been integral in shaping Therapy Austin into a versatile agency that offers a wide range of services, including affordable counseling and specialized therapy for individuals, couples, families, and groups.

In her current role, Danielle is instrumental in conceptualizing, deploying, and overseeing innovative clinical programs. Her focus is on providing clients with highly personalized, relational and evidence-based care that is grounded in a strong therapeutic alliance. She believes quality is the key to creating sustainable change that offers lasting benefits to clients and their families. Through her dedicated efforts, Danielle ensures that Therapy Austin consistently leads in introducing progressive changes in the mental health sector.

Allyssa Morales Therapy Austin

Allyssa Morales

Associate Executive Director

Allyssa transitioned from Austin DBT Associates’ Practice Manager to Therapy Austin’s Practice Director in 2023. She professes a love for leading people, structure and organization and has helped many different types of practices establish systems and procedures that contributed to their overall success. In the Fall of 2023, Allyssa became our Associate Executive Director. She oversees all of our daily operations, which includes facilities, policy & procedure, recruiting, scheduling, communications, and request administration. She serves on our executive team, leads our brand new operations team, and is a member of our Bias & Inclusivity Steering Committee.

Favorite Movie: Movies that capture the soul experience: As It Is In Heaven (Swedish), Rust and Bone (French), Spirited Away (Japanese), Contact (American) 

Favorite Quote: Think higher, feel deeper. -Elie Wiesel

I feel happiest when… I'm connecting via music, the elements (water + sun), or good food + wine

Favorite part about working at Therapy Austin: The convergence of minds and tools that foster creative expansion, support, and healing. 

Gina Rodriguez Therapy Austin

Gina Rodriguez, LPC-S, LMFT-S

Managing Clinical Director

Gina has been with Therapy Austin since the end of 2015 and has been instrumental in the development and growth of this agency. She joined the Coordinator Team in 2017, then took on implementing our CEU-level Training Program in 2018. And, in 2019, she was promoted again to Training Manager. Since then, she stepped into the role of Director of Staff Development and in 2023 became a Clinical Director. Gina oversees our Clinical Education Team including CEU trainings, Consultation Groups, Senior Interest Groups, our Mentor Program, and Internship Program. Gina also oversees Mentors, Staff, and Senior Counselors. As a manager, she provides individual support and can answer any clinical, professional development, basic employment, and most agency-related questions. 

Favorite Ice Cream: Flavor: Strawberry, Current Favorite Pint: Jeni's Brambleberry Crisp

Favorite Movie: It's hard to pick a single favorite for this, so a 3-way tie will have to do: Goodfellas, The Godfather, When Harry Met Sally

I feel happiest when… I'm well-rested, and cats, music, art, and/or relaxing with loved ones are in the mix. 

Favorite part about working at Therapy Austin: TA's steadfast commitment to its dual mission of providing clients with high-quality services and teaching our staff valuable skills that promote professional development and thriving practices. Working for such a values-driven agency is essential to me and why I'm still here!  Oh, and we have a lot of hilarious people that work here, so I love that I get to laugh often with colleagues.

View Gina Rodriguez's Profile
DeLinda Spain Therapy Austin

DeLinda Spain, LCSW, CGP, CEDS

Senior Clinical Director

DeLinda is an expert clinician and an enthusiastic educator. A graduate of the University of Texas School of Social Work, she has been honing her clinical skills in Austin for more than 20 years. In 2018, she accepted the position of Clinical Director at Therapy Austin and in 2023, DeLinda became our Senior Clinical Director. A really important part of DeLinda’s work is developing each counselor's individual styles and techniques through case consultation and training. She is responsible for establishing, fostering, and maintaining the therapeutic frame throughout our agency. DeLinda works closely with the Clinical Management Team and Clinical Education Team. She is responsible for establishing, fostering, and maintaining the therapeutic frame throughout our agency. DeLinda is also the leader of group consultations. 

Favorite Quote: There's an absolutely right way to do something, an absolutely wrong way and a million variations in between. If you are doing something and it's not working, stop doing that and do something else. R. Lee Spain

#1 thing on your bucket list: Build a lavender farm

Favorite place in Austin: Any place that sells tacos

Favorite part about working at Therapy Austin: The people, of course

Alethea Johnson Therapy Austin

Alethea Johnson

Facilities Manager

Alethea joined Therapy Austin in 2020 as our first ever Office Manager, having spent many years assisting other practitioners with running their businesses. She oversees all physical locations and office operations and procedures. Alethea controls correspondence, designs our filing systems, reviews and approves supply requisitions, and assigns and monitors clerical functions. She also supports our Recruitment and Training Teams. In 2023, her title transitioned to Facilities Manager to better represent all that she oversees and does for Therapy Austin.

Favorite Quote: “Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.” - J. M. Barry

Dream Vacation: Beautiful nature, good food, good company and experiencing a new place.

Favorite place in Austin: Anywhere with a friend, talking and laughing.

Favorite part about working at Therapy Austin: Such a positive and supportive work environment!

Catherine Dilger Therapy Austin

Catherine Dilger, LPC

Training & Policy Manager

Catherine joined our team as a Staff Counselor in 2019. She soon began leading our detailed training program that all new hires go through before they begin seeing clients. She has since passed it onto our Staff Coordinator. Catherine leads monthly Cohort trainings and serves as our Privacy Officer, ensuring that everyone stays HIPAA-compliant.

#1 thing on your bucket list: Travel the world! I want to see and experience it all. 

I feel happiest when… I'm hanging out with people I love and I’m in water. I love going to swim or just float around in the river or lake, and I love to boogie board in the waves at the beach. 

Favorite Movie: Pride and Prejudice, the one with Kiera Knightly. 

Favorite part about working at Therapy Austin: The warm, authentic, supportive community. People truly care about each other here, and that's something special. I also really enjoy that my role here includes supporting my colleagues as well as working with clients. (My strengths do not include the ability to pick just one favorite when asked to pick a favorite.)  

View Catherine Dilger's Profile
Maggie Behle Therapy Austin

Maggie Behle, LCSW

(she/they)

Clinical Programs and Education Manager

After a decade of teaching, Maggie joined Therapy Austin as a Staff Counselor in August of 2018 and rose as one of our inaugural Mentors in October of 2019, then Staff Coordinator in June 2021, Mentor Manager in March 2022, and Clinical Manger in Spring 2023. Gifted in both writing and instruction, Maggie uses her resourceful and strategic talents to improve our Mentor program and shape the evolving curriculum. In 2024, Maggie became our Clinical Programs and Education Manager, overseeing our new hire trainings, CEU trainings, and clinical programs at Therapy Austin.

Favorite Movie: V for Vendetta and sometimes Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga

#1 thing on your bucket list: Visiting all the National Parks 

I feel happiest when… I’m swimming with my kids or playing with my dogs

Favorite part about working at Therapy Austin: Helping clinicians become the therapist they want to be 

View Maggie Behle's Profile
Melanie Dyer Therapy Austin

Melanie Dyer, LPC

(she/her/hers)

Clinical Manager

Melanie joined our agency in 2018 as a Staff Counselor and was quickly promoted to Leadership in 2019. In 2022, she transitioned from being our Request & Recruitment Manager to our Client Care Manager. In 2024, Melanie moved over to our clinical side and became one of our Clinical Managers. As a manager, she provides individual support and can answer any clinical, professional development, basic employment, and most agency-related questions.

Favorite Quote: "I choose violence." -Cersei Lannister

Favorite place in Austin: The Little Darlin'

Something you want us to know about you: I speak Spanish! Not as fluently as I used to, but I learned how to speak it when I lived in Chile for a year and a half in my 20s.

Favorite part about working at Therapy Austin: Always feeling supported and encouraged in my ambitions.

View Melanie Dyer's Profile
Alex Rosen Therapy Austin

Alex Rosen, LCSW

Clinical Manager

Alex joined Therapy Austin as a Staff Counselor in 2019. In 2020 she became a Mentor. Her warm nature and ability to nurture new counselors was very apparent and she became a Clinical Manager in 2023. Alex oversees Mentors and Counselors. As a manager, she provides individual support and can answer any clinical, professional development, basic employment, and most agency-related questions.

Favorite Movie: Babe (1995) about a pig who learns to herd sheep. Dick King-Smith, who wrote the book that the film is based on, was my favorite writer as a kid.

#1 thing on your bucket list: Take my kids to see the part of England where I grew up.

Something you want us to know about you: I really enjoy video games, although I don’t get a chance to play all that often. Stardew Valley, Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and Skyrim are some favorites.

Favorite part about working at Therapy Austin: The opportunities for shared learning and connection. I love working alongside colleagues who are creative, curious, and deeply committed to the work that we do.

View Alex Rosen's Profile
Anne Johnson Therapy Austin

Anne Johnson, LPC

Clinical Manager- Intern Program

Anne joined our team early in 2020 and quickly demonstrated her clinical skill. With a promotion to Staff Coordinator in 2021, she also took on the additional role of Mentor, lending her clarity and strengths to counselors who are not as far along in their professional journey. In 2023, Anne became a Clinical Manager overseeing our Intern Program. As a manager, she provides individual support and can answer any clinical, professional development, basic employment, and most agency-related questions.

Favorite Ice Cream: Ice cream is my favorite food in existence. Too many to choose but must contain at least a bit of chocolate.

Favorite Quote: Dear Me, 

If, in future years, anyone asks you to give advice to your sixteen year old self...don't. Make your own unique messes, and then work your way out of them. 

See you, 

Alan Rickman (this is from a class assignment when he was 16)

Favorite place in Austin: My bed

Favorite part about working at Therapy Austin: All the amazingly wise, funny, fun, and kind colleagues. Who often surprise me with past endeavors, hidden talents, etc.

View Anne Johnson's Profile
Tori Elizarde Therapy Austin

Tori Elizarde, LCSW-S

Clinical Manager

Tori joined Therapy Austin as Staff Counselor in 2020. She became a Mentor in 2021 and her ability to empower counselors with a calming presence really came to light. She was promoted to Clinical Manager in 2023. Tori oversees Mentors and Counselors. As a manager, she provides individual support and can answer any clinical, professional development, basic employment, and most agency-related questions.

Favorite Quote: "Keep moving forward"  -Meet the Robinsons

Favorite Ice Cream: Ben & Jerry's Phish Food

Something you want us to know about you: I love 90s alternative music, dystopian novels, and really funny television.

Favorite part about working at Therapy Austin: I love so much about working at TA! I am so impressed by our staff; I learn something new every day and I appreciate how willing our counselors are to share their experiences. I also appreciate TA's dedication to growth and development - it shows up in our training curriculum, staff experiences, and the connection to our local community!

View Tori Elizarde's Profile
Courtney Zai Therapy Austin

Courtney Zai

Operations Manager

Courtney joined Therapy Austin in 2021. She joined us with a Bachelor’s in Communication Studies and HR experience in higher education. Courtney transitioned from HR Coordinator to Practice Coordinator in the spring of 2023. In 2024, Courtney became our Operations Manager, overseeing recruitment, HR, and facilities.

Favorite Quote: "I'm not superstitious. But I am a little stitious." -Michael Scott

#1 thing on your bucket list: Traveling with my daughter. I can't wait until she's old enough to experience and soak in all this world has to offer! 

Dream Vacation: I went to Santorini and it truly felt like a dream. I would love to explore more of Greece!

Favorite thing about Therapy Austin: I love how supportive TA is of each person on our team. TA is wonderful at recognizing the strength of a person and helping them build on that to reach their personal goals. 

Ashlyn Simmons Therapy Austin

Ashlyn Simmons, LCSW

(she/her/hers)

Clinical Programs Coordinator II

Ashlyn began at Therapy Austin as a Staff Counselor in August of 2019 and then took on the role of Staff Development Counselor in October of 2020 and Staff Coordinator in June 2021. In 2024, Ashlyn became our Clinical Programs Coordinator II overseeing our Adolescent program and supporting new hire training.

Favorite Quote: “Great people do things before they're ready. They do things before they know they can do it. Doing what you're afraid of, getting out of your comfort zone, taking risks like that- that's what life is. You might be really good. You might find out something about yourself that's really special and if you're not good, who cares? You tried something. Now you know something about yourself” - Amy Poehler

#1 thing on your bucket list: See every National Park

Dream Vacation: Spending an extended time exploring France (Paris, Normandy, Nice, Marseilles, and going back to Besçanson where I used to live)

Favorite part about working at Therapy Austin: The consultation groups, diversity of counselors and clients, and the support offered at every stage of employment

View Ashlyn Simmons's Profile
Ashley Symons Therapy Austin

Ashley Symons

Marketing and Technology Coordinator II

Ashley comes to Therapy Austin with a Bachelor's in Sociology and Communications and has experience working on a wide range of projects for numerous non-profits. In 2021, Ashley became our Content Coordinator and in 2024 she transitioned to Marketing and Technology Coordinator II. She oversees all marketing and technology.

Favorite Movie: Christmas Vacation

#1 thing on your bucket list: See Hamilton with the original cast. Not sure that will ever happen again, but it would be a dream! 

I feel happiest when… I’m with my pugs. I have so much cuteness aggression towards them. The second they do something cute, it’s like an instant hit of dopamine.

Favorite part about working at Therapy Austin: The support I get and getting to support people doing such important work

Jeanelle Turner Therapy Austin

Jeanelle Turner

Client Care Coordinator

Jeanelle joined Therapy Austin as a Staff Counselor in August 2021 and in Spring 2023, Jeanelle became our Practice Liaison. In 2024, Jeanelle became our Client Care Coordinator and is the point of content for clients. She processes all new requests that come in to ensure clients are matched with their perfect counselor. Jeanelle also serves as a Senior Counselor.

Favorite Quote: Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think---A.A. Milne (Winnie the Pooh)

#1 thing on your bucket list: Swimming with dolphins

Something you want us to know about you: The best way to get to know me is telling me your favorite TV show, I probably know way too much about it even if I never watched it. I love TV trivia. 

Favorite part about working at Therapy Austin: My favorite part about working at TA is the growth and development. I enjoy TA being a place that incorporates many talents and attributes of their staff. You can develop your skills as a therapist, while looking at other career opportunities at TA to develop skills in recruiting, mentorship, etc. I enjoy the flexibility and growth TA affords new clinicians. 

View Jeanelle Turner's Profile
Jason Pearce Therapy Austin

Jason Pearce

Practice Liaison: Clinical Training

Therapy Austin is invested and dedicated to ongoing clinical training for our entire staff. Jason joined Therapy Austin in 2022 as a Staff Counselor. He was promoted to Practice Liaison in 2023 and handles the administrative tasks related to the Clinical Topics, Special Interest Groups (SIGS), Senior Quarterly Meetings, and Supervisor Trainings.

I feel happiest when… My "doing" mind says "alright, good work, take a break." 

Favorite Quote: “I think Pringles' original intention was to make tennis balls... But on the day the rubber was supposed to show up, a truckload of potatoes came. Pringles is a laid-back company, so they just said "**** it, cut 'em up!"” — Mitch Hedberg

Dream Vacation: It is mid-Fall. There is a hammock. There is a cabin. The mountains are nearby. There are tall trees enveloping the space. There are few insects. 

Favorite part about working at Therapy Austin: The people! Those moments of connection in passing or in commiseration, and everything in between.

View Jason Pearce's Profile
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