Abby Candelari, Ph.D. grew up in Austin, Texas. Dr. Candelari obtained her bachelor’s degree in psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, where she worked in two labs, including the Adolescent Development Research Group, graduating with University Honors and Departmental Honors. At the University of Texas, Dr. Candelari received over five scholarships, including an Unrestricted Presidential Endowed Scholarship, which is among the most prestigious awards the University has to offer. After graduation, Dr. Candelari pursued her masters and doctoral degrees in clinical psychology at the University of Houston, where she was heavily involved in both research and clinical training. She was a graduate student researcher in the Child Temperament, Thoughts, and Emotions Lab (CTTE) from 2016-2020. She received several financial awards as a graduate student including Teaching and Teaching Assistant Fellowships, and two College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) travel awards. She also received a Texas Psychological Foundation Research Proposal Award to fund her dissertation, which piloted a new intervention for mothers of anxious children. Throughout her training, Dr. Candelari obtained clinical experience in a variety of settings including a children’s hospital, private practice, and federally qualified/community health centers. Dr. Candelari also served as the Chief Clinic Assistant at the University of Houston Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), where she supervised trainees and managed the services provided by psychology trainees at UH.

Dr. Candelari has extensive training in exposure and response prevention (ERP) for OCD. Dr. Candelari completed her clinical internship at the OCD Clinic at Baylor College of Medicine, where she treated adults, adolescents, and children with obsessive-compulsive disorder and related anxiety disorders. After obtaining her doctoral degree, she stayed on with the OCD Clinic at Baylor to pursue her postdoctoral fellowship. As a postdoctoral fellow, Dr. Candelari continued to treat individuals with obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, and provided supervision for two research studies providing treatment to parents of children with autism and anxiety disorders. She continues to supervise trainees at the OCD Clinic.

Currently, Dr. Candelari is an Assistant Professor at Baylor College of Medicine. She is committed to treating mothers struggling with mental health during pregnancy and the postpartum period. She currently serves as the Program Director for the Maternal Perinatal Addiction Treatment (MPAT) Clinic at Ben Taub Hospital, where she treats pregnant and postpartum women with anxiety, depression, serious mental illness (SMI), and substance use disorders on a multidisciplinary team.

Dr. Candelari has co-authored over 20 peer-reviewed journal articles, and has co-authored five book chapters. Dr. Candelari’s research interests lie in developmental psychopathology, and specifically focus on interventions for parents of anxious children, temperamental and parental risk/resilience factors, and how these traits influence psychopathology throughout development. She values continuing education. Dr. Candelari completed the Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) training workshop, which is an efficacious parent-based treatment for child and adolescent anxiety disorders and OCD, in 2021. She has presented at, and frequently attends, national and local conferences including the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) and the Association for Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies (ABCT).

Abby Candelari, Ph.D. grew up in Austin, Texas. Dr. Candelari obtained her bachelor’s degree in p... Read More

Dr. Danielle Carr is a distinguished licensed psychologist with over two decades of experience in the field. Her unwavering commitment to helping individuals of all ages overcome life’s challenges and achieve fulfillment has been the cornerstone of her outstanding career.

Dr. Carr’s journey in psychology began with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, which she earned with Magna Cum Laude honors from Texas A&M University. She then embarked on an academic path that culminated in a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Georgia.

Her graduate school experience encompassed a number of clinical settings where she treated children, adolescents, and their families. She had the opportunity to train under the premier experts in the field of behavioral treatments for children. Under their supervision, Dr. Carr treated children and adolescents struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and Oppositional Defiant Disorder, among others. Through these experiences, she has helped parents to feel more confident in their abilities to help their children reach their full potential. As a parent herself, she feels passionately about providing kids and parents with the skills that they need to thrive.

During her doctoral internship year at Brown University, she discovered her interest in the intersection of psychology and health. Her first experience in this realm was within a sleep clinic where she was trained in CBT-i, the gold-standard treatment for insomnia. She helped both adults and children learn how to get a good night’s rest, providing much-needed relief for so many. Dr. Carr went on to pursue a post-doctoral fellowship at the Emory University School of Medicine, where she worked with children and families facing pediatric cancer and sickle cell disease, as well as with adolescents in a primary care medical clinic. Dr. Carr’s care and compassion have driven her to care for both adults and children through some of the most delicate and stressful periods of their lives.

Dr. Carr worked M.D. Anderson Cancer Center for over 17 years, where she made significant contributions to cancer care. Dr. Carr helped cancer patients to develop the skills they needed to face a frightening and potentially life-threatening situation. Her patience and understanding continue to allow her clients to have a safe space to discuss their fears openly. Though she has transitioned to private practice, Dr. Carr has retained a relationship with M.D. Anderson as a clinical supervisor for a grant-funded research study.

Dr. Carr’s passion for advancing knowledge in the field of psychology is evident in her substantial research contributions. She has been involved in multiple research projects, including studies on the psychosocial aspects of cancer, the impact of parental divorce on adolescents, and the role of optimism in psychological and physical functioning among patients diagnosed with HIV. Her dedication to research has resulted in numerous publications and presentations at esteemed conferences and allowed her to provide cutting-edge treatments to her clients.

Dr. Danielle Carr is a distinguished licensed psychologist with over two decades of experience in... Read More

Sam Leonard, M.A., M.S., is a fifth-year doctoral student in the clinical psychology program at the University of Houston with two master’s degrees and over 1,000 hours of supervised clinical experience. Sam has a deep commitment to improving mental health outcomes, particularly among individuals who have been exposed to trauma and those who struggle with addiction.

Sam has embarked on a journey of research, clinical practice, and academic excellence that sets him apart in the field of psychology. Sam earned his Bachelor of Science at Colorado State University, setting a strong foundation for his future endeavors. During his undergraduate years, he delved into cognitive neuroscience research, further fueling his curiosity about the human mind. Following graduation, Sam served two impactful years in AmeriCorps, working primarily with lower-income and homeless populations in a non-profit community healthcare setting. This invaluable experience laid the groundwork for his role as a care coordinator where he combined assertive community treatment as part of an integrated dual-diagnosis behavioral healthcare team. Through this experience, Sam developed an interest in working with individuals who struggle with both addiction and mental health issues.

Sam’s academic pursuits continued with a Master of Science in General Psychology at the University of Memphis, where he explored the complexities of shame, guilt, and their relationship with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) severity among combat veterans. Sam then decided to continue his education in the clinical psychology Ph.D. program at the University of Houston. As a doctoral student, he has been heavily involved in clinical research and served as the Research Program Co-Coordinator of the Trauma and Stress Studies Center (TaSSC) at the University of Houston. He has authored and co-authored several peer-reviewed journal articles and presented his findings at national conferences.

Moreover, his dedication to understanding the impact of PTSD and other mental health issues among first responders has garnered attention and support. Through his program Sam obtained additional clinical training through the Substance Disorders Treatment and General Mental Health Clinic Programs at the Houston VA, gaining hands-on experience in treating adults dealing with trauma, substance use, anxiety, depression, and insomnia; further solidifying his interest and expertise in working with these populations.

In addition to his academic achievements, Sam is also an instructor at the University of Houston, where he shares his knowledge and passion for psychology with undergraduate students. Among the courses he has taught is Biological Psychology, highlighting his expertise in the mind-body relationship. With a heart for helping others and a wealth of experience in both research and clinical practice, Sam Leonard is a valuable asset to the field of clinical psychology. His commitment to improving the lives of those struggling with mental health challenges, particularly individuals with PTSD and addiction issues, makes him an invaluable member of our team. When you choose to work with Sam, you’re not only benefiting from his extensive knowledge and experience but also from his genuine dedication to your well-being. Discover the difference that compassionate and evidence-based therapy can make by scheduling an appointment with Sam today.

Sam Leonard, M.A., M.S., is a fifth-year doctoral student in the clinical psychology program at t... Read More

Liz Ross, Ph.D. grew up in Houston, Texas and graduated from the Kinkaid School. Dr. Ross received her Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Virginia. After graduation, she worked as a mental health associate at the Menninger Clinic, a residential psychiatric facility located in Houston. Dr. Ross then went on to pursue a doctoral degree in clinical psychology at the University of Houston, where she was heavily involved in research and clinical training. She received several financial awards as a graduate student including the Presidential Graduate Fellowship and the C.L.A.S.S. Research Assistant Stipend Award. Dr. Ross completed her internship year at the University of Texas Health Science Center-San Antonio. After obtaining her doctoral degree, she pursued a postdoctoral fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine.

During her training, Dr. Ross obtained clinical experience in a variety of settings including medical hospitals, outpatient medical clinics, inpatient short and long-term psychiatric facilities, outpatient therapy and assessment, an intensive outpatient program, residential treatment facilities, research settings, and at the veteran’s hospital. Dr. Ross’s training put a strong emphasis on utilizing the biopsychosocial model for assessment and intervention, which she incorporates into her practice. Prior to transitioning to private practice, Dr. Ross worked as a clinical psychologist at TIRR Memorial Hermann.

At TIRR, Dr. Ross helped patients with spinal cord injuries and other major medical conditions to cope with one of the most stressful and impactful events in their life. In collaboration with other medical professionals, she provided a comprehensive mind-body treatment approach to promote wellness, address emotional needs, and improve quality of life. Dr. Ross and her colleagues created an outpatient psychology clinic at TIRR designed to address patients’ behavioral health concerns including sleep problems, pain, adjustment to chronic medical conditions, depression, and anxiety. In addition, Dr. Ross and the team created targeted intervention manuals to address insomnia, chronic pain, and anxiety. Dr. Ross was promoted as the coordinator of all outpatient psychotherapy services at TIRR prior to starting her private practice.

Dr. Ross’s other relevant work experience includes serving as a consultant for Houston Methodist, J.Flowers Health Institute, and Advantage Point Behavioral. Dr. Ross also worked in the pain departments at both Baylor College of Medicine and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center as a staff psychologist. Dr. Ross also spent three years developing the mental health program at the Orchard on the Brazos, a dual-diagnosis substance abuse rehabilitation treatment center.

Since starting her private practice, Dr. Ross continues to invest in continuing education in an effort to broaden her scope of clinical care. In 2021, she developed a sub-specialty in treating journalists who are exposed to occupational chronic stress and trauma. These individuals are often put in unique circumstances that make them more vulnerable to witnessing traumatic events. Dr. Ross has received formal training from the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma on the professional culture and occupational challenges of journalists. As a part of this training, Dr. Ross has enhanced the digital security of HIPAA-compliant telehealth software. In 2022, Dr. Ross added a virtual reality exposure therapy service for those struggling with specific phobias. Dr. Ross received an advanced certificate for completing additional training related to the use of virtual reality in exposure therapy.

Dr. Ross is committed to supporting her colleagues and the local community. She is currently serving as President of the Houston Psychological Association for 2023-2024 term.

Liz Ross, Ph.D. grew up in Houston, Texas and graduated from the Kinkaid School. Dr. Ross receive... Read More

Emily is currently a second-year graduate student in the clinical mental health counseling program at the University of Houston-Victoria. Before entering the counseling field, she worked extensively in clinical, home, and community-based settings as a Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist (CTRS). Emily has a rich background in providing both individual and group recreational therapy to a diverse client population. Her experience as a recreational therapist, in conjunction with her training through her counseling program, make her uniquely qualified to help clients navigate through health and life challenges. Emily is able to provide tangible ways for clients to cope and adapt to unexpected life circumstances.

Her journey began as a recreational therapy intern, where she focused on developing activity-based wellness interventions for individuals with dementia. She crafted and implemented protocols to enhance social and leisure engagement, while also conducting group therapy programs for memory care residents. Emily’s patience and gentle nature make her a natural fit for working with clients with physical and mental disabilities.

Building on this experience, Emily gained clinical insight at UTHealth’s Harris County Psychiatric Center (HCPC), offering group therapy to adults and adolescents in mental health crises. Her group engagements provided clients with avenues to explore activity-based coping strategies and self-expression. During this experience she developed a greater passion for helping those with broader mental health needs and provided her with the hands-on experience to navigate crisis situations.

Expanding her reach to home and community-based settings, Emily provided private clients with life skill and community reintegration training. She collaborated with clients and their families, improving access to community resources that promoted wellness and social engagement.

At TIRR Memorial Hermann, Emily served as a clinical treatment team member, working with patients recovering from traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, strokes, and other medical conditions. She focused on helping patients cope and adjust, introducing leisure-based wellness strategies and offering skills training for recreation and community engagement. Emily also managed a peer mentoring program, connecting current patients with community members who had similar experiences. Emily was considered an integral part of the team at TIRR, using her expertise and creativity to help patients to return to activities that they used to enjoy prior to their injury. She has extensive knowledge of medical devices and adaptive equipment related to common disabilities and is able to weave this knowledge into her clinical care.

Transitioning to Rehab Without Walls, Emily continued her dedication to home and community-based services. She collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to address clients’ long-term goals as they transition home from the hospital. She helps clients implement adaptive strategies in their environment, gaining valuable insights into the challenges they face after receiving a life-changing diagnosis.

Emily’s passion for improving client wellness led her to the counseling profession. She was drawn to the complexities of the human experience and felt called to learn how to help clients with the psychological distress commonly associated with unexpected traumatic events. She has received extensive training in various counseling techniques and completed clinical practicum hours under the supervision of a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, applying cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based techniques.

Emily is currently a second-year graduate student in the clinical mental health counseling progra... Read More