Meet our Therapists
Meet our Therapists
Dr. Kristy Donaldson PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S™, CHST
Certified Enneagram Coach
EMDR therapist
Animal-Assisted Counseling Ambassador
Owner of Premier Neurofeedback & Counseling Services, PLLC.
Along with counseling services, I provide CANS assessments, Enneagram & Sport Psychology coaching, organizational trainings, bariatric evaluation for surgery, pain evaluations for pain stimulator pump trials, and am available for speaking engagements.
Professional Experience:
I have the honor and privilege of owning Premier Neurofeedback and Counseling Services and am credentialed as a Licensed Professional Counselor and LPC Supervisor, Registered Play Therapist™ and Registered Play Therapy Supervisor™, and Certified Humanistic Sand Therapist and Supervisor with a PhD in Psychology, specializing in Forensics.
I am a speaker on a variety of topics, Certified Enneagram Coach (please see link under resources), and an adjunct professor. My work is published with the American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies (AIAFS). I am the past President of the Board of Directors for the Advocacy Center of Waco, past President for the Heart of Texas Counseling Association, and a Past-President for the Texas Association for Play Therapy. I am a sustainer with the Junior League of Waco. Additionally, I am serving a three-year term on the International Journal of Play Therapy® editorial board, the Chair of the Association for Play Therapy™ Awards of Excellence Committee, Association for Play Therapy Ethics committee, and on the Association for Play Therapy Conference Program Committee.
Philosophy of Care:
I believe in finding the therapeutic approach that best meets the need of the individual client. I see my client as a whole person and utilize whichever modality provides the most cathartic response for the individual, as a prescriptive therapist. I have completed training at Baylor University from Sharon Rollins and consultation requirements in order to complete my EMDRIA certification. I am grateful for the opportunity to spend time with each client and walk alongside them as they process and heal their mind, body, and spirit.
Cairen Goree
M.A., LPC
Clinical focus: *currently on maternity leave*
Anxiety, trauma, grief, and life transitions; teens and adults.
Professional Experience:
Before becoming an LPC-Associate, I worked at Denver Children’s Home. There I supported youths overcoming trauma and various behavioral issues in their day-treatment and equine therapy programs. Later, I worked at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor’s student counseling center and their community clinic, counseling teens and adults of all ages. I am currently working with and under the supervision of Dr. Kristy Donaldson.
Philosophy of Care:
I typically take a strengths-based approach, often utilizing a solution-focused framework. I use a variety of modalities from trauma informed, child centered play therapy, to sensorimotor (body-based) techniques, and cognitive-behavioral therapies as suits my clients' needs. I strive to fully engage clients in every part of their unique therapeutic journey, from planning to progress monitoring. I especially enjoy getting creative with clients to develop goals and solutions that work for them.
Heather Carey
M.A., Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, EMDRIA
License Number: 204563
“You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” AA Milne.
Clinical focus:
As a therapist I have the great honor to walk along side with my clients to help them
work on becoming the best self they can be. Many of us have survived trauma, loss, and
emptiness, therapy can help a person to build the skills to overcome these adversities. I enjoy
working with clients of all ages. I have a heart for those individuals and families that are
experiencing trauma from illness and grief.
When working with children, I use play therapy. I have found this to be the best way to connect
with children. I was first introduced to how powerful play is in the lives of our children back
when my son was in preschool, this is where I learned that play is the language that children
use to communicate with the world around them. Play is the perfect modality to help heal
children and build connection with others. I was so excited, while in graduate school, I found
that play therapy was a practice that I could learn and integrate with my younger clients and
use to help build a strong therapeutic alliance. My belief is we can build a stronger and
healthier society if we can help our children to heal their hurts and insecurities then we will
help have healthier adults. Play therapy can also be used with adults who have experienced
childhood trauma.
Professional Experience:
I received my Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from William Jessup University where I also
received my Master of Arts in Counseling. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with
training in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, and Play Therapy. I like to use
a prescriptive approach to therapy, which means that I pull from different modalities to meet
the needs of the client. I am a certified EMDRIA consultant. I am working towards my Play Therapy Certification.
A little about me:
I enjoy spending time with my family, which includes my husband and two adult children. I also love to garden and spend time reading. I also have three dogs, Hazel, Kodi, and Bentley, who do most everything with us. I was once a Registered Veterinary Technician and a Medical
Assistant before choosing this career.
Philosophy of Care:
As a therapist I have the great honor to walk alongside with my clients to help them work on becoming the best self they can be. Many of us have survived trauma, loss, and
emptiness, therapy can help a person to build the skills to overcome these adversities. I enjoy
working with clients of all ages. I have a heart for those individuals and families that are
experiencing trauma from illness and grief.
Sierra Childers
M.S., LPC
Clinical focus: *currently on maternity leave*
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Anxiety disorders, Depression disorders, stress management relating to school, trauma issues, domestic violence, sex education.
Professional Experience:
I have a Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health and Counseling. I have worked alongside doctors in a clinical setting to treat clients of all ages and various presenting concerns. I have also provided counseling services in a college counseling center. During my time at these facilities I worked with clients with anxiety disorders, depression, suicidal ideations, grief, family and relationship issues, personality disorders, career issues, school concerns, and fear of death and dying in elderly clients.
Philosophy of Care:
My counseling approach combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy. My objective is to work with clients to establish and reach goals discussed at the beginning of the counseling process. I believe client’s are experts of their own life and should have a say in the development of their treatment plan.
Victor Brown
M.S., LPC
Clinical focus:
Children, Teens, Adults who are experiencing post traumatic stress symptoms,
anxiety, depression, life transitions, identity, parenting, marital/couples counseling, stress, and
mood disorders.
Professional Experience:
I graduated from Tarleton State University with a Master of Science in
Clinical Mental Health and Counseling. I have worked with in the academic environment at a
Student Counseling Center. I have also assisted individuals with developmental and intellectual
disabilities in the group home/workshop environment. Additionally, I am working towards becoming a Certified Personality Disorder Treatment Provider (C-PD).
Philosophy of Care:
I believe that anyone can benefit from therapeutic assistance. Throughout
our lives, our experiences contribute to how we approach and respond to situations and how
we view ourselves as well as the world around us. My approach to the therapeutic process
involves getting an understanding of people as they are and focusing on the needs in their
individual development. My goal is to identify a person’s intrinsic motivation to make the
necessary adjustments to navigate the obstacles in their life to achieve optimal mental and
emotional well-being, depression, life transitions, parenting, marital/couples counseling, stress, and mood disorders.
Jason Wilson
M.A., LMFT
“Don’t let pain define you, let it refine you.”
-Tim Fargo
Clinical focus:
I work with individuals of all ages and stages of life. I have experience helping
individuals with, mood disorders, Trauma, and relationship issues and extensive
experience and passion for helping Neurodivergent individuals with ADHD.
Professional Experience:
I obtained both my Bachelor of Science in Psychology and my Master of Arts in
Counseling from William Jessup University. Prior to being a therapist, I worked in group
homes for children with severe emotional disturbances. I have done a lot of work with
individuals of all ages who have been diagnosed with ADHD in addition to families who
have children with an ADHD diagnosis. Having ADHD and raising three boys with
ADHD I understand the unique challenges that this disorder can bring about. I also
have experience working with fire survivors who lost their homes and loved ones from
California wildfires, in addition to working alongside trauma victims to help them obtain a
sense of balance in their lives.
Philosophy of Care:
I take a prescriptive approach and tailor treatment for each individual client. You can’t
put mental health in a box and what works for one person may not work for someone
else. I use Acceptance and Commitment therapy, Cognitive Behavioral therapy,
Narrative Therapy and play therapy in my sessions in addition to several other
modalities all blanketed in a person-centered approach.
While I help individuals on their journey to better mental health, I also incorporate a
systems approach that looks at the overall picture of what led to someone getting to
where they are, and what environmental factors contribute to both the issue, and
solution.
Katy van der Merwe, MS, LPC
Clinical focus:
For children- I enjoy working with children of any and varied diagnoses (Autism Spectrum Disorder, General or Social Anxiety, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) using Play Therapy techniques. For adults- traumatic experiences, family issues, domestic violence recovery, general anxiety, depression, adjustment struggles using the approach that best suits a client’s needs.
Professional Experience:I obtained a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master’s degree from Tarleton State University and have spent the last 9 years working with children in an educational/developmental setting (ages 6mo.-12 years). This last year I have worked as a clinical intern and school counselor. My experience includes working with adult and child victims of domestic violence, children with various diagnoses (as listed above), and families who are immigrating/have immigrated to the United States.
Philosophy of Care:
Every person reserves the right to live free of the burdens which hinder them from being fully alive. As a counselor, I believe it is my job to partner in the unburdening process; to work alongside a client in identifying areas of trauma/difficulty and overcome obstacles using clinically proven interventions.
Maggie Thayer, M. Ed, LPC, EMDR therapist
Clinical Focus:
My clinical focus is offering you hope, relief, and practical skills in a world that can be overwhelming and stressful. I have experience working with trauma, stress, OCD, phobias, anxiety, academic challenges, family transitions, grief, relational aggression, and career burnout. I blend modern psychotherapy techniques and faith based principles to help my clients overcome various mental health issues and life’s challenges. I’m available for individuals and couples.
Professional Experience:
I received my Bachelor's of Science Degree in Multidisciplinary Students from McMurry University and my Masters of Education in Counseling and Development from Lamar University. I have 19 years of combined experience as a teacher and school counselor. I worked with students, their families, teachers, and academic success teams such as 504 and special education.
I am trained, and soon to be certified, in EMDR. I use a prescriptive therapy approach that includes DBT, CBT, and solution focused methods . I love connecting with clients to help them feel safe and truly seen. Then we work together to formulate your best treatment plan.
As an LPC-Associate and now a fully licensed LPC, my office home has been at Premiere Neurofeedback for over a year. I’ve worked with clients of all ages and stages of life. I enjoy helping clients set and achieve goals that improve their self worth, strengthen important relationships, and achieve a resilient and joyful outlook on the future. To achieve this, we will reset your nervous system by ending stuck emotional and physical cycles held deep in your body and implicit memory through the use of somatic and experiential therapies.
Focus of Care:
I enjoy helping my clients work through the struggles of life that we all face at one time or another. It is important to me that my clients leave our sessions with renewed hope and a plan for the future that is tailored to their goals and wishes.
Maggie is under the supervision of Dr. Kristy Donaldson, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S™, CHST pursuing her credentials as a Registered Play Therapist (RPT).
Dr. John "Will" Ward, PhD, LCSW-S, M.Div.
John “Will” Ward, PhD, LCSW-S, M.Div. has over thirteen years of experience working with children and their families including in churches, schools, healthcare settings, and in-home therapy. Will holds his Doctorate of Social Work and Master of Divinity both from Baylor University. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and board approved supervisor in the State of Texas.
Will is passionate about helping children and families to repair attachment, learn regulation skills, and thrive in their communities. He specializes in emotional regulation and anger management with children. He has a particular interest in working with children diagnosed with mood disorders, ODD, and Reactive Attachment Disorder. He is a Certified AutPlay Therapy® Provider, a play therapy framework used to work with neurodivergent children such as kids with Autism. Will loves working with adult clients on attachment, family of origin issues, and loves to use Internal Family Systems (IFS). He is also trained in providing Cognitive Processing Therapy.
He is a certified PREPARE/ENRICH Facilitator and enjoys working with couples on a variety of issues including premarital counseling, parenting, and co-parenting. Will also loves to help clients walk through life stages such as grief, faith deconstruction, and reconstruction and loves working alongside the LGBTQ+ community. He utilizes play therapy techniques alongside Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and is also certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT). Virtual appointments only at this time, limited openings.
Will is under the supervision of Dr. Kristy Donaldson, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S™, CHST pursuing his credentials as a Registered Play Therapist (RPT).
Whitney Newsome, MS, LPC, LCDC
Clinical Focus:
Whitney Posey graduated from Tarleton State University in 2011 with her
Bachelors of Science in Psychology. Whitney graduated from Capella
University with a Masters of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy in
2016.
Professional Experience:
Whitney received her Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor in 2017
where she then worked as an LCDC for 5-years at the Hackberry Crain
women’s Unit in Gatesville, TX; providing group and individual substance
use counseling. Whitney has 11 years of various experience from prison
systems including working within a juvenile setting and a maximum-security
prison, community outreach programs, complex disorders, and a desire to
end the mental health stigma.
Philosophy of Care:
Whitney’s primary focus is children and teenagers due to her early
experience working with underserved populations and her desire to fill in
the missing link before children and teenagers get into the system. She
believes meeting the client where they are is very important in creating a
thriving therapeutic alliance.
Whitney is under the supervision of Dr. Kristy Donaldson, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S™,
CHST pursuing her credentials as a Registered Play Therapist (RPT).
Jennifer Serrato, M.Ed., LPC
Clinical Focus:
My clinical focus as a therapist is centered on providing compassionate, individualized care to children, teens, and adults of all ages, helping them navigate life’s challenges and build emotional resilience. I have extensive experience supporting clients with anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), behavioral issues, peer relationship difficulties, and school-related concerns. In addition, I work with women navigating unique life transitions and challenges, as well as individuals coping with grief and loss. My practice also includes working with those managing obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), guiding them toward healthier coping strategies and improved quality of life. With a warm, collaborative approach, I strive to create a safe space where clients feel heard, supported, and empowered to grow.
Professional Experience:
I’m a proud Waco native with a heart for serving this incredible community. My journey began at The University of Texas at San Antonio, where I earned my Bachelor's in Psychology. After college, I returned home to Waco and spent eight wonderful years as a classroom teacher—an experience that deepened my love for supporting students and their families. Driven by a desire to make a deeper impact, I went back to school and earned my Master's in School Counseling. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working with students, walking alongside them through life’s challenges and milestones. That path led me to pursue my license as a professional counselor. I am excited to begin working towards my licensure as a Registered Play Therapist as well as begin training to become EMDR certified.
Philosophy of Care:
I’m passionate about walking alongside individuals as they discover their inner strength and nurture their own growth. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with children, teens, and families in a variety of community settings, and I truly believe that everyone deserves the chance to find happiness—no matter what challenges or past experiences they’ve faced.
As a therapist, I draw from a variety of counseling approaches to gently guide you in reshaping unhelpful thinking patterns, opening the door to positive changes in daily life. My heart’s goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you can experience the healing power of therapy and move toward a life that feels joyful, balanced, and deeply fulfilling.
Jennifer is under the supervision of Dr. Kristy Donaldson, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S™, CHST pursuing her credentials as a Registered Play Therapist (RPT).