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.
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.
Katy van der Merwe, MS, LPC
Clinical Focus
I enjoy working with children, adolescents, and families as they navigate life's challenges. My primary clinical focus includes supporting children through Play Therapy while helping them process emotions, build resilience, and develop healthy coping skills.
I have experience working with children and individuals facing concerns such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, anxiety, depression, life transitions, traumatic experiences, family conflict, and social or emotional challenges. I also work with clients recovering from domestic violence, navigating career or life decisions, and adjusting to significant life changes.
My goal is to create a safe, supportive environment where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to grow.
Professional Experience
I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Child Development from Texas Woman's University, and a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Tarleton State University. Over the past 10 years, I have worked with children and families in educational and developmental settings, serving children from infancy through age 12.
My professional experience includes:
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School counseling
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Working with children using Play Therapy techniques
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Supporting adult and child survivors of domestic violence
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Counseling children with developmental, behavioral, and emotional concerns, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, anxiety, and related diagnoses
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Working with immigrant families as they adjust to life in the United States
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Supporting individuals and families through cultural reintegration following deployment or extended overseas living
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Helping clients navigate life transitions, family challenges, and personal growth
Philosophy of Care
I believe every person has the capacity to heal, grow, and build a meaningful life. Sometimes difficult experiences, trauma, or unexpected life changes can make that journey feel overwhelming, but no one has to face those challenges alone.
My role as a counselor is to walk alongside my clients with compassion, curiosity, and respect. Together, we identify obstacles, build on existing strengths, and use evidence-based therapeutic approaches to foster healing and lasting change. I strive to create a space where clients feel safe, valued, and accepted as they work toward becoming the healthiest version of themselves.
Whether you are seeking support for yourself or your child, I consider it a privilege to be part of your journey toward hope and healing.
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 Posey, MS, LPC, LCDC
Clinical Focus
At Premier Neurofeedback Counseling Service, Whitney serves clients of all ages, children,
teens, and adults—specializing in a wide range of challenges, including:
Emotional and Mental Health: Anxiety, depression, stress, and mood or personality
disorders.
Trauma: Post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSD).
Neurodevelopmental & Childhood Concerns: ADHD and other developmental issues.
Life Navigation: Identity exploration and support through life transitions.
Substance Use & Co-Occurring Disorders: Specialized care leveraging her background
as an LCDC, empowering individuals to build resilience, cultivate self-awareness, and
achieve lasting behavioral change.
Professional Experience
Whitney earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Tarleton State University in 2011
and her Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Capella University in 2016. Her
extensive clinical background includes working with juvenile offenders (TJJD), providing
community outreach for men on parole (TCOOMMI), supporting active-duty military personnel,
practicing in maximum-security prison environments (Mental Health Therapeutic Division
Program), and serving within a women’s Therapeutic Community inside a Substance Abuse
Felony Punishment Facility (TDJC) along with inpatient experience.
Philosophy of Care
Whitney’s approach is rooted in the belief that a strong therapeutic alliance begins by meeting
clients where they are. To support everyone’s unique needs, she draws from a variety of
evidence-based modalities, including:
Trauma-Informed Care
Child-Centered Play Therapy
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Person-Centered Therapy
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
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).
Joy Miller, MA
Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate, NBCC
Supervised by Kristy Donaldson, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S™, CHST
Clinical Focus:
My goal is for every client who walks through my door to feel genuinely seen, heard, and valued. I am passionate about working with children, teens, adult women, and families as they navigate life’s challenges, transitions, and seasons of growth. I take an integrative, individualized approach to therapy, supporting clients navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, executive functioning, grief, self-esteem, body image, life transitions, and relationships. When desired, I incorporate faith-based perspectives as an additional source of hope, meaning, and encouragement.
Professional Background:
I earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Dallas Baptist University. Throughout my clinical training, I gained experience providing counseling services at the Dallas Baptist University Counseling Center and Premier Neurofeedback and Counseling Services. I am pursuing additional training to become a Registered Play Therapist (RPT).
Philosophy of Care:
I believe every person has inherent worth, unique strengths, and the capacity for healing and growth. I hope to provide a space where clients feel supported, understood, and empowered as they navigate life’s challenges. I strive to help clients develop greater self-awareness, healthier thought patterns, effective coping skills, and increased confidence while building upon the strengths they already possess. Taking the first step toward therapy can feel uncertain, but you do not have to navigate it alone. It is a privilege to walk alongside each client through their journey toward healing, hope, and meaningful growth.
Joy is under the supervision of Dr. Kristy Donaldson, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S™, CHST.
Jacqueline Sanders, M.Ed., LPC-A, GAL
Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate, NBCC
Supervised by Kristy Donaldson, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S™, CHST
Clinical Focus:
I enjoy working with adolescents and adults who are facing challenges or transitions in life, helping them build resilience and discover healthier ways to navigate difficult experiences. I have extensive experience working with individuals experiencing post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, behavioral concerns, school-related challenges, and relationship issues. I have also worked closely with veterans and others who have experienced significant trauma, helping them process difficult experiences while building practical strategies for healing and stability.
In addition, I have experience supporting individuals with personality disorders, developmental or physical disabilities, and those navigating complex family or social systems. A key component of my work includes helping clients develop strong self-advocacy skills, empowering them to communicate their needs, establish healthy boundaries, and build confidence in their ability to navigate personal, academic, and professional environments. My approach is trauma-informed, strengths-based, and collaborative, with the goal of helping clients feel supported, understood, and empowered as they move toward meaningful change.
Professional Experience:
I bring more than 25 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families across community, military, educational, and legal systems. My masters degrees are in Education and Counseling from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, and I hold a bachelor’s degree in political science with a focus on government and law from Stockton University.
Throughout my career, I have served in roles focused on advocacy, behavioral intervention, crisis response, and family support. I previously worked with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services as a Child Protective Services Advanced Senior Specialist, where I supported children and families navigating complex and often traumatic circumstances while collaborating closely with courts, attorneys, and community partners; while maintaining one of the highest reunification rates.
I have also served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) and Guardian Ad Litem for district courts in Bell and Coryell Counties, advocating for the best interests of children involved in the foster care system. Most recently, I served as the Behavioral Intervention Team Chair and Senior Student Conduct Officer and Case Manager at Texas A&M University–Central Texas, where I worked with students facing behavioral, mental health, and life challenges while supporting their success in higher education. Across these roles, my work has consistently centered on trauma-informed care, helping individuals build stability, resilience, and stronger support systems.
Philosophy of Care:
I believe healing happens in spaces where people feel safe, respected, not judged, and genuinely understood. My approach to counseling is grounded in compassion, authenticity, and collaboration. I view each client as the director of their own story, and my role is to be a supportive guide alongside them as they gain insight, strengthen their voice, and develop tools for lasting change.
I am passionate about helping individuals recognize their inner strengths, build confidence, and learn to advocate for themselves in ways that support healthier relationships and more fulfilling lives. By drawing from evidence-based therapeutic approaches, I work with clients to better understand their experiences, shift unhelpful patterns, and move forward with greater clarity, resilience, and hope.
Jacqueline is under the supervision of Dr. Kristy Donaldson, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S™, CHST.
Heidi Clements, M.S., LPC-A
Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate, NBCC
Supervised by Kristy Donaldson, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S™, CHST
Clinical Focus:
I enjoy working with adolescents and adults who are navigating trauma, anxiety, emotional overwhelm, life transitions, and relationship concerns. My passion is helping clients better understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors while developing practical tools for healing, resilience, and lasting change. I strive to create a supportive and collaborative environment where clients feel safe, heard, and empowered throughout the counseling process.
I have experience supporting individuals facing trauma and PTSD, anxiety and overthinking, OCD-related behaviors, depression, emotional dysregulation, relationship concerns, family system challenges, and concerns related to intimacy and sexual health. My clinical focus also includes sex therapy, supporting clients as they navigate intimacy concerns, sexual wellness, communication, boundaries, identity exploration, and relational connection within a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental therapeutic environment.
My background in Child Protective Services and trauma survivor support has strengthened my ability to work compassionately with clients experiencing difficult life circumstances, complex emotions, and high-stress family dynamics.
In addition, I have experience working with trafficking survivors, adolescents, college students, and families navigating behavioral, emotional, and relational concerns. I am passionate about helping clients strengthen self-esteem, improve self-advocacy, establish healthy boundaries, and build healthier patterns in their relationships and daily lives.
Professional Experience:
My professional background includes work in Child Protective Services supporting high-risk families, counseling experience through the McLennan Community College Counseling Center, and trauma-informed support for survivors through Unbound Now. These experiences have provided me with a strong foundation in trauma-informed care, crisis response, emotional support, and family systems work.
I also have clinical training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), trauma-informed interventions, strengths-based approaches, and relationship-focused counseling. My work focuses on helping clients identify unhelpful thought patterns, improve emotional regulation, develop coping strategies, and increase confidence in navigating difficult situations.
Throughout my clinical work, I have remained committed to helping clients build resilience, strengthen relationships, and create meaningful personal growth in a supportive therapeutic environment.
Philosophy of Care:
I believe healing happens through authentic connection, compassion, and collaboration. My counseling approach is grounded in creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel supported while working through life’s challenges. I view therapy as a partnership, helping clients gain insight, develop practical skills, and move toward healthier and more fulfilling lives.
I am passionate about empowering clients to recognize their strengths, improve self-understanding, and develop confidence in their ability to navigate difficult emotions, relationships, and experiences. Using evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT, I work collaboratively with clients to foster emotional growth, resilience, self-awareness, and lasting change.
Heidi is under the supervision of Dr. Kristy Donaldson, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S™, CHST.
Clinical Focus:
With over six years of experience in the mental health field, I specialize in working with couples, adolescents, teens, and adults facing a range of challenges, including depression, anxiety, relational issues, addiction, and trauma. My therapeutic approach incorporates evidence-based modalities such as Gottman Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Trauma-Informed Care, allowing me to tailor treatment to meet the unique needs of each client.
Professional Experience:
I have gained diverse experience through various roles, including Acute Therapy, Care Coordination, Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP), Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), and Special Education Teacher Apprentice. These experiences have provided me with a comprehensive understanding of mental health across different populations and settings.
I hold a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Houston Christian University (formerly Houston Baptist University) and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Tarleton State University, equipping me with a strong educational foundation for my practice.
Philosophy of Care:
My philosophy centers on fostering client independence, personal growth, and flourishing through a bio-psycho-social-spiritual framework. I aim to address the interconnectedness of mental, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being. I believe in a collaborative, client-centered approach that honors individual beliefs and values, incorporating faith-based modalities such as prayer and Scripture reading when desired by my clients.
My heart is to create a safe, supportive environment where clients can explore their full potential, navigate life's challenges, and achieve lasting wellness—guiding them step-by-step toward becoming the best versions of themselves.
Jacob is under the supervision of Dr. Kelly Barnett, LMFT-S, LPC-S pursuing his credentials to become a fully licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
Jacob Waddle, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate (LMFT-A)
Supervised by Dr. Kelly Barnett, LMFT-S, LPC-S