Our Team
We are fortunate to have a talented, dedicated, and dynamic team who love their work and are passionate about providing exemplary care to every child and family.
Founder, CEO
Sarah Rosen Garrett is a Registered Play Therapist (RPT-S) and licensed psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience working with children and families. Sarah began her career as a special education teacher with Teach for America and was twice awarded Teacher of the Year. Garrett has specialized, advanced training in play therapy, art therapy, Child-Parent Relationship Therapy and Trauma-Focused Equine Therapy. In addition, she is trained in crisis and suicide intervention, and the treatment of trauma, including witnessing a traumatic death, and child abuse, neglect, and sexual assault. Sarah is a member of NASW and the American Association for Play Therap
Upon moving to the Texas Hill Country in 2005, Sarah first worked as a CASA volunteer, and recognized the need for high-quality, affordable mental health care in rural Central Texas, and additional support for parents and families. Sarah’s passion for providing exemplary mental health care for all children and families led her to create Camp Phoenix and the Phoenix Center in 2007. Sarah is also the author of the children’s book Phoenix Rising. Learn more at www.phoenixtx.org/book.
Director of development
Teryl McFerrin works to raise community awareness and philanthropic investment for capital campaigns, operational use, and special programs at the Phoenix Center. Since attending Southwestern University in Georgetown, and The University of Texas at Austin, Teryl has spent her career building support for higher education, nature conservation, animal welfare, and community engagement.
Deeply rooted in her work is the core belief that all children have limitless potential and a grand capacity for transformation. From helping kids learn outdoors to connecting youth with life-changing scholarships at UT Austin, Teryl has witnessed the long-term impact of financially supporting children. She believes when you invest in children, you invest in the future of our community and is grateful to serve the mission to heal children and families at the Phoenix Center.
Teryl and her family live in Burnet where they are involved with local organizations and youth programs.
Contact Teryl about fundraising, events, and news inquiries at teryl@phoenixtx.org.
Program Manager, Bilingual
Yamilex Vega, LMSW, EMDR Trained, received her Master of Science in Social Work and her Bachelor of Social Work from The University of Texas at Austin. The Neurosequential Network acknowledges that Yamilex Vega has completed NMT Certification through the Phase 1 level.
Yamilex is a bilingual (English/Spanish) therapist who has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults who have experienced trauma. Yamilex has experience supporting immigrant communities and providing mental health services in Spanish. She began her career supporting families involved with the child welfare system. Prior to working at the Phoenix Center, she was a bilingual family advocate at a children’s advocacy center. In this role, she gained skills in crisis counseling, suicide intervention, EMDR, and family therapy. Yamilex utilizes a strengths-based and person-centered approach to meet the needs of her clients.
Yamilex first became involved with the Phoenix Center as a clinical intern in 2021. She had the opportunity to witness the power of art, music, play, animals and nature in empowering clients and providing unique avenues of self-expression, growth, and healing. Yamilex is grateful for the opportunity to continue serving children and families at Phoenix Center.
LICENSED Therapist
Chali Henderson, LPC, LMFT, RPT, received her Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Texas State University.
Chali is a bilingual therapist who specializes in play therapy, Child-Parent Relationship Therapy and grief and loss. In addition, Chali has specialized, advanced training in evidence-based treatments for children on the Autism Spectrum.
Chali believes that through a healthy, positive therapeutic relationship, children and families can begin a process of healing and growth that can endure throughout a child's lifetime. Chali has a passion for working with children, adolescents, and families to improve family relationships and create positive lasting change.
Music Therapist, BOard Certified
Niamh Fahy, MT-BC, received her Masters in Music Therapy from the University of Roehampton in the United Kingdom. Niamh is licensed through the Certification Board of Music Therapists and is a member of the American Music Therapy Association. Niamh has experience working with children and adults with neurodevelopment and neurodegenerative disorders, adults who have experienced acquired or traumatic brain injury, adults and children who have experienced trauma, and adolescents in the juvenile justice system.
Niamh first started working at the Phoenix Center through our Camp Phoenix sessions in the summer of 2015. Following the success of this pilot music therapy project, the music therapy program has grown at the Phoenix Center. Prior to working at the Phoenix Center, Niamh worked both in the Austin area and internationally, in London, at the Royal Hospital for Neuro-Disability.
Niamh feels extremely lucky to work in a career that allows her to use her love of music and her love of working with people, to create a therapeutic environment that addresses a variety of needs, both physical and emotional, across the life-cycle.
LICENSED THERAPIST, Bilingual
Jacqueline Galarza, MA, LPC, NCC, EMDR Trained, received her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas, and her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Concordia University.
Jacqueline is a bilingual therapist who began her career working with the Latinx population in Austin providing counseling to children and adults. Jacqueline utilizes a trauma-informed approach to meet each child's needs and provide a safe space to heal and grow. Jacqueline incorporates various modalities such as play therapy, sand tray therapy, expressive art, and outdoor / adventure therapy. Prior to working at the Phoenix Center, Jacqueline was an intern at Candlelight Ranch where she facilitated therapeutic outdoor activities during Camp Phoenix sessions.
LICENSED Therapist
Katie Hering, LMSW, EMDR Trained, received her Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Arlington with a concentration in children and families. Katie began her career working with families who were unhoused at a non-profit organization which strived to keep families living together. In this role, she gained experience with crisis intervention, assessment, and case management utilizing a strengths-based approach.
As a Community Outreach Coordinator in Killeen, Katie worked to provide support to numerous non-profit organizations, including facilitating group therapy with children in Communities in Schools. Prior her work as a therapist, Katie worked as a camp counselor and preschool gymnastics coach. Katie is passionate about empowering children and families to overcome challenges and see their unique potential and strengths.
LICENSED Therapist
Carli Bartling is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC-Associate) who earned her bachelor’s degree at Brigham Young University and her master’s degree in professional counseling with an emphasis in Marriage, Family, and Couple Counseling at Texas State University. Carli specializes in Play Therapy and utilizes sand tray therapy, expressive arts, nature, and music in counseling. Carli is passionate about working with children and teens, especially within the context of the family unit, and recognizes that when one family member is struggling, the whole family is affected.
Carli enjoys using a strengths-based approach, building on the gifts and abilities clients bring into counseling, and helping them find solutions that work for them. She firmly believes that strengthening and helping children and families contributes to stronger communities. In addition to the joy that comes from continual learning and helping others, Carli loves time spent with her own family, being out in nature, traveling, and creating music together. She is grateful to be able to work with a fantastic team and environment found at the Phoenix Center.
LICENSED Therapist
Tiffany Goodsell, LPC-A, EMDR Trained, earned a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies specializing in Elementary Education from Texas State University. Tiffany then received a Master's of Education in School Counseling from Lamar University. She has over 15 years of experience working with children and families as a teacher and Social Emotional Learning Coach. Tiffany has specialized training in working with neurodivergent children including with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, trauma, and more. Tiffany utilizes therapeutic methods such as EMDR, play therapy, sand tray therapy, and art therapy for cognitive, behavioral, and emotional needs. Through a safe and caring relationship, Tiffany helps children and adolescents process life experiences, and traumatic events, and develop more effective coping strategies for navigating their world. She believes that healing occurs with a team approach between the child, guardian(s), and therapist.
LICENSED Therapist
Kellyn Lappinga, LMSW, received her Masters from the University of Houston’s Graduate College of Social Work and her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.In her graduate studies, Kellyn focused on the developmental effects of trauma in children and youth, ACEs, and research-based interventions that help to heal trauma, rather than just fix behavior. Kellyn has experience working in care coordination for individuals and families experiencing financial hardship and homelessness.
Therapeutically, Kellyn uses strengths-based, child-centered play therapy and expressive arts therapy. These trauma-informed methods allow for the development of a relationship based on trust. This opens up a child’s capacity to grow and become more self-aware, fosters social and emotional intelligence, and the capacity to become who they are capable of becoming.
Apart from learning about trauma and advocating for social justice, Kellyn loves her dog Lola, floating on rivers, poetry, art, and wildflowers.
Certified Equine Specialist
Paula Basden is a Certified Equine Specialist with a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Baylor University. She specializes in equine-assisted learning for individuals wishing to improve their lives by being more connected to themselves, others, and the world around them. She is certified through EAGALA and has extensive training in trauma-focused equine programs through The Natural Lifemanship Institute. Her philosophy is based on an innovative, ethical practice that builds on the human/horse connection, helping people learn more about themselves and then using that learning to make positive changes in their lives.
Paula’s lifelong love of horses and passion for helping others has blended into a career that encourages others to create and maintain healthy relationships. She is excited about being a part of the healing work of the Phoenix Center and helping to bring a proven methodology of treatment to the options available to the children and families there.
Certified Yoga Therapist
Celice “Cece” Goad has over 1000 hours of teacher training and is a Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance as well as a Certified Yoga Therapist with International Association of Yoga Therapists. Cece facilitates yoga therapy and mindfulness programs for students at Head Start, Marble Falls and Burnet public schools, and for youth in juvenile probation services with the Phoenix Center.
welcome ambassador
Jill McDaniel serves as our Welcome Ambassador and studied business at Blinn College in College Station. After a career in administration, Jill pursued her passion for helping others in home healthcare. After 10 years of dedicated caregiving, Jill wanted to continue serving others and her heart led her to Phoenix Center. Personally, Jill is married, loves animals, and has two wonderful rescue cats. Jill feels extremely blessed to have the opportunity to be part of such an amazing organization... the Phoenix Center!
Bookkeeper
Yadira Arreguin serves as Phoenix Center's Bookkeeper. Yadi was born and raised in Marble Falls and graduated from Marble Falls High School. She then studied at South Texas College where she earned her associate degree in business. Since then, Yadi has worked in all manner of business roles, starting as an administrative assistant, bookkeeper and Human Resources. During her time off from bookkeeping duties, Yadi enjoys spending time with her own family, cooking and traveling. Yadi is excited to be part of the Phoenix Center team as she continues to embrace personal growth, help others, and foster healing and positive change within our community.
Facility Dog, Co-Therapist
Mabel is an Assistance Dog specifically trained to work in an agency with children who have experienced trauma. Assistance Dogs help create a calming and regulating environment and help reduce symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
She completed intensive training and certification through Canine Companions for Independence, a service dog organization. In addition to working at the Phoenix Center, Mabel will serve as a “Courthouse Dog,” which means she is permitted to accompany a victim of child abuse into a courthouse.
Click here to learn more about Mabel and her training.
ClinICAL InternS
Phoenix Center is an approved internship site for graduate student clinical interns from the University of Texas at Austin, Texas State University, and Seminary of the Southwest. To learn more, please email info@phoenixtx.org.