Our Staff
At Mental Pain and Trauma Center, our expert clinicians are trained to meet your needs.
CEO and Founder – Dr. Jeremy Cassius has a wealth of experience
A graduate of the Forensic Psychology PhD program at Walden University, Dr. Jeremy Cassius has a wealth of experience with diagnosing and treating Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Anxiety , and Depression. From 2009-2013, he served as the Executive Director of PLAN of North Texas Inc, an agency offering lifetime supportive services to clients with severe mental illnesses like Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia. He is licensed to practice in Texas and Ohio.
Following his position at PLAN, Dr. Cassius began conducting Forensic Mental Assessments for clients of Immigration attorneys, Probate attorneys, Family attorneys, and Personal Injury attorneys.
Dr. Cassius saw that there was a need to work with the clients of personal injury attorneys. “I saw many people affected by severe trauma and head injuries…they need our help.” For this reason, Dr. Cassius founded the Mental Pain and Trauma Center to realize the unmet need of clients who suffer trauma from a life threatening event.
Jessica L. Tylicki, Ph.D, Director of Psychological Evaluation Services
Jessica Tylicki earned her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Kent State University. Her education concentrated on assessment psychology, including the development and validation of test methods for identifying individual differences in adult clinical outpatients and inpatients, undergraduate students, criminal defendants, and personal injury litigants. Dr. Tylicki has written over eleven published papers and book chapters, several of which are first authored, on the utility of personality and psychopathology measures. She has also served as a peer reviewer for various assessment-focused psychology journals. Furthermore, Dr. Tylicki is currently an adjunct professor in the psychology department at Florida Atlantic University.
Clinically, Dr. Tylicki has specialized training in neuropsychological assessment, which she uses to determine the impact of age and diseases in brain functions and behaviors. She completed a one-year postdoctoral fellowship at a neurology institute in South Florida, where she conducted
over 360 assessments for adults with mild and major neurocognitive disorders as well as mental health disorders. Most recently, Dr. Tylicki has worked in private practice, where she examined the neuropsychological functioning of geriatric patients.
Dr. Kimberly Rood has over eight years of experience in the mental health field. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Texas A&M, a masters degree in counseling from Texas state university and a PhD in health psychology from North Central University.
Dr. Rood takes a client-centered approach, as she believes everyone deserves to be respected and heard. She specializes in mental health assessments and evaluations. Dr. Rood is a military spouse of fifteen years. Her hobbies include reading, CrossFit and playing with her three children.
Dr. Lori Ben-Ezra has been licensed in Florida since 1995. She has extensive evaluation experience as she has completed disability evaluations for the State of Florida and psycho educational evaluations to facilitate student success. Dr. Ben-Ezra’s strong diagnostic skills help clients to move forward with the most appropriate treatment plans to improve their mental health.
Dr. Michael Contreras clinical specialties include marriage and family counseling, school difficulties and behavior referrals, adolescent issues, crisis intervention, substance abuse, PTSD, anxiety, and depression. He facilitate numerous groups and skills training curriculum in various topics including adolescent first offenders, anger management, divorce and separation, parenting, and teen issues.
Dr. Jaylyn Shifrin is licensed Clinical Health Psychologist with expertise in the assessment and treatment of individuals living with chronic health conditions, such as chronic pain, insomnia, cancer, and organ failure. She has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Georgia, a masters degree in Clinical Health Psychology from the University of Florida and a doctoral degree in Clinical Health Psychology from the University of Florida.
Dr. Shifrin uses a trauma-informed approach that centers around the unique needs of each client. She specializes in conducting mental health assessments and evaluations that support each client’s well-being and sense of empowerment and safety. Her hobbies include traveling with her husband, reading, and gardening.
Stephanie Procell earned her PhD in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Forensics from Fielding Graduate University and completed her Master’s degree in Forensic Psychology and Forensic Mental Health Counseling from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. She is a licensed psychologist and has spent much of her career conducting psychological evaluations and providing mental health treatment to a wide variety of populations, including working with persons with a history of trauma, TBI, and/or chronic pain.
Dr. Procell has been involved in psychological research and has spoken on several panels discussing issues with mental health in corrections. She understands the difficult nature of opening up to a stranger during a psychological evaluation and strives to make the process as comfortable and stress-free as possible. On a personal note, she fancies herself as an amateur photographer and is tall for her height.
Dr. Tripp is a licensed clinical psychologist with expertise in the assessment and treatment of individuals with various mental health conditions, including PTSD, addiction, depression, and stress. She received her doctorate from the University of Memphis and completed both her clinical internship and postdoctoral training at the University of California San Diego/VA San Diego Healthcare System. Dr. Tripp has published several peer-reviewed research articles and chapters on the topics of treatment for PTSD and addiction, and she is a strong believer that most mental health problems can be recovered from with the right tools and support.
While not working, you can find her outdoors, cooking, and spending time with her husband and two kids.
David Nathanson | Chief Revenue Officer
David Nathanson, Chief Revenue Officer is an experienced, dynamic executive with an innovative background in leadership, recruiting, sales, and business development. He is an exceptional communicator and connector with a demonstrated ability to energize and positively influence team members and clients. A skilled business strategist with an outstanding track record of proven success growing market share.
Janet Snyder, LCSW, Clinical Director
Janet has a Bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University in Social Work and a Master’s degree from the University of Texas at Arlington in Social Work.
Janet has worked with clients who have experienced a variety of traumatic events and helped those clients achieve healing. Janet uses different therapy models to meet the needs of each client individually. Janet has worked with children, teens, adults and elderly clients in many settings throughout her career. Janet is compassionate and open-minded in working with clients.
Janet feels that together with the client, healing can be achieved by building a trusting relationship and working together.
Throughout my over 19 years as a licensed mental health counselor, I have worked with many different populations, from children to seniors, in a variety of settings, to include inpatient, substance abuse residential treatment, intensive outpatient, outpatient, and the public school system. I have specialized experience working with individuals and groups with eating disorders, as well as those within the criminal justice system.
I also have significant experience with military service members and their families during intense times in our recent military history. My own years as a U.S. Marine Corps spouse have given me the ability to empathize with the challenges of this life, and I am eager to support our military families who face similar hardships. In addition, I enjoy working with couples as they attempt to resolve conflict and reconnect with one another. Whether the relationship has drifted apart over the years, there was a significant violation of trust, or a couple is looking for assistance as they amicably separate, I work with the different ‘parts’ of the relationship to facilitate healing.
Lisa Quintanilla, M.Ed, LPC Associate, LCDC
I hold a M.Ed., LPC Associate, LCDC
I work with marriage, family, couples, individuals, children, adolescents, and adults. I have experience in counseling for anxiety, adhd, BPD, depression, grief, mood disorders, PTSD, sexual assault victims, and substance abuse.
Nayeli Morales has a Bachelors in Social Work from New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico and her Masters in Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, TX. Nayeli is bilingual, speaking English and Spanish fluently. During her time at Our Lady of the Lake University, Nayeli focused on the Hispanic population. She has worked with children and teens as well as incapacitated individuals throughout her career. Nayeli believes in empowering individuals and is passionate about helping others. Nayeli is from El Paso, TX and she enjoys playing soccer and reading books.
Hayven is a social worker from Amarillo, TX. She has a bachelor’s from Abilene Christian University in Bible and Ministry and a Master’s in Social Work from Abilene Christian University. She is currently working to become a licensed clinical social worker.
Hayven has worked with at-risk students, refugees, and children with special health care needs throughout her career as a social worker.
Hayven is passionate about mental health and working with disadvantaged communities. She believes that by working alongside individuals to process and heal from traumatic experiences they can become empowered and gain resilience.
Dominique is passionate about creating safe spaces where healing can take place. She is a Licensed Master Social Worker in the state of Texas with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Lamar University and a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington.
Dominique has had the honor of working with a lot of really brave individuals throughout her career, including children and families, refugees, and survivors of sex trafficking. She believes that, while we don’t get to choose the hurts we endure in this life, we do get the opportunity to choose how we heal. Since pain comes in all shapes and sizes, Dominique uses different therapeutic techniques tailored to the individual needs of those she serves.
When Dominique is not at work, she enjoys time spent chasing after a small toddler alongside her spouse, an authentic chai latte and a great book.
Rebecca Holler, Licensed Professional Counselor
Rebecca Holler is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate and is supervised by Allison Hunter, LPC-S. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from University of Texas at Brownsville, and a Master of Education in School Counseling with a specialization in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling from Lamar University.
Rebecca believes in helping individuals and families find their path to emotional wellness, one conversation at a time. She is bilingual and speaks English and Spanish fluently.
Rebecca specializes in helping others struggling with anxiety, life transitions, trauma, and with setting healthy boundaries. Her goal is to create a therapeutic environment where people can feel comfortable to share their unique story. Rebecca also practices an integrative approach to therapy, so she tailors her treatment plan to fit your needs.
Dr. KaShanda Ray is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Alabama, Georgia and North Carolina who has two decades of experience working with teens and adults experiencing depression, anxiety and adjustment issues. Dr. Ray has worked in both community agencies as well as in higher education providing counseling and advising to college students on both 2-year and 4-year campuses. Dr. Ray completed a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Mobile, received a Master’s of Science in Community Counseling from the University of South Alabama and a doctorate in Organizational Leadership at Gardner-Webb University.
Dr. Ray uses strength based, cognitive behavioral and solution-focused approaches to therapy, while working to meet the unique needs of each individual. Dr. Ray uses a combination of talk therapy and therapeutic assignments to work with each individual.
Relationships are important to Dr. Ray and the therapeutic process. As a result, Dr. Ray strives to establish an environment that is comfortable and caring. The goal is to support you and help you work towards your goals.
I am a New Yorker turned Texan, receiving my bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland in psychology and family science and my master’s degree from the University of Texas at Arlington in social work. Diverse experiences with therapeutic riding, TMS therapy, military mental health, and more have provided well-rounded knowledge and skills. My passion for providing a person-centered holistic approach is fueled by the privilege of hearing so many life stories and getting to be part of someone’s support system that makes them thrive.
Outside of the office, I can be found navigating the chaos two rescue dogs bring to my household, trying to snag some quiet with a cup of coffee and a good book. When others talk about me, I do not want them to label my success by my achievements or job but by the number of lives I touch.
Cayla Cecil, Licensed Master Social Worker
Hi! My name is Cayla Cecil and I am a Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners Licensed Master Social Worker(# 67761). I am a charismatic, energetic, positive, quirky soul who has a big ole heart for helping people and doing my part in changing the world, one person at a time. I have been working as a social worker for the last 10 years and have found such a deep purpose in providing mental health care and helping people grow & succeed. I am a Texan born and raised, growing up in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, moving to Waco for my undergrad at Baylor University, and now I have been in our amazing city of Austin for the last 10 years. In my free time, I absolutely love listening to, dancing to, and spinning vinyl to all my favorite genres of music. Disco is my #1! I have always said that music is the best medicine and I can’t imagine where I would be without it. I also really enjoy cooking (and eating!) foods of all different cultures, and the special moments that come with having dinner with friends and family. I am 1000% an extrovert who LOVES people, a social butterfly some might say, and I can’t begin to describe how much I love spending time with my incredible group of friends. But on the nights that I am cozied up at home with my partner and my cats, we are usually nerding out by playing board games or watching animated movies. If I am outside, you can catch me playing disc golf or playing in the water. I feel so lucky to be living such a beautiful life in such a beautiful city!
McKenzie is a Licensed Master level Social Worker in the state of Texas. She has her bachelor’s degree in Social Work from James Madison University and her master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Texas Arlington.
McKenzie has been working with clients who have experienced a variety of trauma since the start of her career. She began her professional career working with children, teens, and young adults involved with the child welfare system, then continued her practice with clients of all ages who have experienced some level of trauma.
McKenzie believes in the power of the therapeutic relationship and the importance of creating safe spaces for her clients to heal at their own pace. She understands that trauma can affect everyone differently and uses this knowledge to help guide her practice to best fit each individual she works with.
When McKenzie is outside of work, she loves a great cup of coffee, traveling, visiting her family in Boston MA, and playing with her dog Winston.
Zuni A. Ortega is a bilingual Licensed Master Social Worker with a Master of Science in Social Work with a concentration in Direct Practice with Latino Individuals, Families, and Groups from the University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley. She has experience working with youth and adults dealing with cultural adjustment, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, stress management, self-esteem, anger, and self-harm. She approaches therapy from a holistic, person-centered approach with a primary focus on principals from cognitive-behavioral therapy and solution-focused therapy. Zuni will provide unconditional support while exploring, identifying, and working towards achieving one’s goal(s) in an individualized manner.
Michelle Iankowitz is a licensed clinician, complex trauma specialist, intimacy recovery coach, certified clinical hypnotherapist and also a certified HeartMath Interventions practitioner. Michelle combines heart and humor when supporting her clients through serious times of need and care. She graduated from Columbia University School of Science in Social Work and continued her holistic training throughout California and also Santa, Fe New Mexico. With over a decade of experience in the clinical world, Michelle always finds time to be with loved ones/friends, hike with her big puppy, discover new loose leaf teas and rock climb to test her own limits. Michelle is a big believer in finding balance between work and play while encouraging her clients to rediscover their own balance.