Arón Bautista opened the Austin Center for Therapy and Assessment (ACTA) doors for the first time in the summer of 2007. It is his aim to provide the most comfortable and serene environment possible so that ACTA patients can confidently work through their concerns. He addresses patient concerns using a variety of approaches including cognitive behavioral, interpersonal, solution focused, and rational emotive techniques, as well as EMDR. In his counseling work, he tailors his approach for each client based on their concerns, personality style, developmental level, and the nature of their treatment goals. He specializes in the assessment and treatment of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, but is also quite competent in assessing and treating other mental health concerns.
Mr. Bautista developed ACTA after years of planning and preparation. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Austin College, a small liberal arts school north of Dallas. He continued his education at the University of North Texas where he completed the Master of Counseling Psychology program. His graduate school external practicum in Dallas, Texas focused primarily on neuropsychological and psychological assessment of adults with various concerns ranging from depression, to learning disabilities, to attention deficit disorder, to brain injuries.
After completing graduate school, Mr. Bautista worked at two private practices in the North Texas area completing internships in adult and child neuropsychological and psychological assessment. During that time, he strengthened his counseling skills, working with diverse populations and age ranges. He also supervised numerous undergraduate and graduate interns, as well as post-graduate interns in assessment work. Mr. Bautista returned to Austin in 2005 and began working at a private practice in Westlake. During that time, he developed skills in neurofeedback or EEG biofeedback and completed several training programs in the field.
Mr. Bautista is licensed by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors. He is a member of the American Counseling Association and the Austin Neuropsychological Society.
Dr. Jessica Woods is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. She is formally trained pediatric neuropsychologist with a specialization in the neuropsychological assessment of neurodevelopmental and neuro-medical disorders. Dr. Woods has extensive experience evaluating children, adolescents, and adults. As part of her training, she participated in interdisciplinary treatment teams, in an inpatient and outpatient context, to treat clients presenting with a variety of neurological, neurodevelopmental, and psychological needs. Her training in school psychology provides her with expertise in collaborating and consulting with educators and other professionals to develop comprehensive, individualized educational and treatment plans. She adopts a multi-faceted approach to neuropsychological assessment, which takes an individual’s culture, social-emotional functioning, cognitive profile, and academic performance into account to develop a holistic understanding of each patient’s unique presentation. Her areas of expertise include Attention-Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), dyslexia and other specific learning disabilities, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), concussion, epilepsy, dementia, stroke, and developmental disabilities.
Dr. Woods obtained her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Widener University. She completed an integrated-neuropsychology internship, splitting her time between a private practice and Jefferson Hospital Neuropsychology, in Philadelphia, PA. She then completed a two-year fellowship in pediatric neuropsychology at the Center for Neurological and Neurodevelopmental Health (CNNH) in South Jersey. Over the course of her training, she has worked with patient populations across the lifespan, from toddlers to geriatric individuals, presenting with ADHD, learning disabilities, epilepsy, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, brain injury and concussion, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, movement disorders, Alzheimer’s and dementia, as well as behavioral and psychiatric disorders. Most recently, Dr. Woods continued on as a staff neuropsychologist with CNNH when they expanded and rebranded into their current program, NeurAbilities.
Dr. Josh Marbach graduated with his doctorate in School Psychology from Texas A&M University, after obtaining an undergraduate and master’s degree from Texas A&M University as well. He completed an internship in school psychology at Fort Worth Independent School District and has experience in a variety of clinical and school-based settings. As both a former teacher and practicing school psychologist, Dr. Marbach has extensive experience evaluating children, adolescents, and adults across a range of disabilities. As a part of his training, Dr. Marbach participated in interdisciplinary treatment teams to provide effective assessment and treatment for school-aged children and adults presenting with a variety of neurological, neurodevelopmental, and psychological needs. He has worked in a range of settings, including hospitals, schools, counseling centers, outpatient clinics, and in private practice.
Dr. Marbach’s training and years of experience in school psychology provides him with expertise in collaborating and consulting with educators and other professionals to develop comprehensive, individualized educational and treatment plans as well as offering parental guidance and support as they navigate the transition from the home to school setting. He adopts a multi-faceted approach to neuropsychological assessment, which takes an individual’s culture, social-emotional functioning, cognitive profile, and academic performance into account to develop a holistic understanding of each patient’s unique presentation. His areas of expertise include differential diagnosis of complex psychiatric and mood symptoms, autism spectrum disorders and other neurodevelopmental disorders, specific learning disabilities, behavioral challenges, and Attention-Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Dr. Nancy Craig is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, who is formally trained in clinical neuropsychology. Dr. Craig completed her master’s degree in Health Psychology from Northern Arizona University and her doctorate in Clinical Psychology, with a specialization in Neuropsychology from the University of Connecticut in Storrs, Connecticut. During that time, she completed a formal internship at the VA Connecticut Healthcare System, where she focused on inpatient and outpatient neuropsychological evaluations, in addition to gaining additional experience in health psychology by providing evaluations, education, and interventions in the stroke clinic, dialysis center, palliative care center, and organ transplant program. Dr. Craig completed her two-year post-doctoral residency at Hartford Hospital and The Institute of Living in Hartford, Connecticut, where she continued to focus on both inpatient and outpatient neuropsychological evaluations of individuals presenting with a variety of neurological and psychiatric conditions, including, but not limited to, acute and chronic traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, dementia, multiple sclerosis, movement disorders, adult ADHD, and a variety of medical conditions.
Since becoming licensed, Dr. Craig has provided comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations and collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to assist active-duty service members in the Traumatic Brain Injury clinic at the Fort Hood military base, as well as to service members and veterans at the Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center at Audie L. Murphy VA Hospital in San Antonio, working with both inpatient and outpatient populations. More recently, she has been providing neuropsychological evaluations at an outpatient psychiatry clinic that provides care for older adult members of the Austin community.
Dr. Craig has vast training and experience in evaluating adults for neurodegenerative, medical, and psychiatric conditions that impact cognitive functioning, emotional functioning, and overall quality of life. She enjoys working with individuals to assess their current functioning, provide diagnostic clarification, and in some cases decision-making capacity, for comprehensive treatment planning. She has extensive experience working with adults of all age ranges for a variety of conditions including neurodegenerative disorders (e.g., dementia, multiple sclerosis, movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, normal pressure hydrocephalus), cognitive disorders secondary to medical conditions (e.g., encephalitis, delirium), adult ADHD, and other psychiatric disorders.
Dr. Craig cares for her clients as individuals, factoring in social and developmental factors, emotional functioning, as well as cognitive functioning to provide the best personalized treatment plan to meet their goals and to maximize quality of life. She enjoys having the opportunity to provide psychoeducation to all individuals on factors that promote healthy cognition and aging across the early, middle, and late stages of adulthood.
Dr. Craig is a member of the National Academy of Neuropsychology (NAN), the Clinical Neuropsychology division (Division 40) of the American Psychological Association (APA), and the National Register of Health Service Psychologists (HSP).
Dr. Duckwall provides comprehensive neuropsychological assessments as well as assessments of intellectual, academic, and psychological issues. Assessments are focused on a comprehensive evaluation of cognitive functioning and possible deficits in memory and attention, intelligence and academic skills, personality traits, and other referral concerns.
Dr. Duckwall has extensive experience working as part of a multidisciplinary team to help provide a holistic system of care to clients of all ages, from young children to older adults. Dr. Duckwall has worked in both brief- and long-term therapy modalities with individuals, couples and families who present with concerns such as trauma, PTSD and related mood disorders, adjustment issues, major life events, relationship problems, and family of origin issues.
Dr. Duckwall is a member of EMDRIA (EMDR International Association) and the National Academy of Neuropsychology (NAN).
Dr. Duckwall completed her doctorate in Child and Adolescent Psychology at Argosy University-Georgia School of Professional Psychology, and her Master's degree in Clinical Psychology at American University in Washington, D.C. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at the University of Central Florida's Counseling Center, where she worked with a culturally diverse population of graduate and undergraduate students on a wide variety of presenting concerns. Dr. Duckwall completed a two-year postdoctoral internship at the Austin Center for Therapy and Assessment from 2016-2018, focusing on neuropsychological assessment of children, adults, and senior clientele.
Dr. Duckwall provides assessment services exclusively through her work with ACTA clients. She also maintains a private practice specializing in EMDR therapy, helping adults struggling with anxiety and trauma in relationships and life roles to stop people-pleasing and begin setting healthy boundaries to find their true selves. Therapy appointments are available via telehealth in Texas and California, or in person in Southern California. Please visit https://www.dramyduckwall.com for additional information or to schedule a free 15-minute consultation if you are interested in beginning the therapy process with Dr. Duckwall.
Dr. Jennifer Carter is a licensed psychologist and licensed specialist in school psychology practicing in the Austin area for over twenty years. She completed her doctoral training in educational psychology, with a specialization in school psychology at the University of Texas at Austin. During that time, she completed a formal doctoral internship at the Cypress Fairbanks Independent School District and a post-doctoral position overseeing a large multi-year research project examining the treatment of depression in girls. In addition to private practice, she has over ten years of experience working in the school setting and over fifteen years teaching and supervising graduate students in the UT-Austin school psychology/child clinical psychology program. In addition to practicum and internship supervision courses, Dr. Carter taught courses focused on the assessment of learning disabilities, cognitive-behavioral therapy, law and ethics, and functional behavioral assessment. She has provided consultation, training, and presentations to school communities about AD/HD, social emotional learning, and treatment of depression and anxiety. She has also provided individual and group therapy to address anxiety, depression, social skills, OCD, executive functioning, and sleep disturbance.
Dr. Carter completed an additional post-doctoral residency under supervision at Texas NeuroRehab Center, a medical rehabilitation and behavioral healthcare facility, for an adult assessment respecialization. During this training she focused on neuropsychological evaluations of adults with variety of medical and psychological conditions including acute and chronic traumatic brain injury (TBI), neurodegenerative disorders (e.g., dementia, multiple sclerosis, movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease), cognitive disorders secondary to medical conditions (e.g., encephalitis, hydrocephalus, tumor), substance abuse, adult ADHD, and differential diagnosis of psychiatric disorders. She also completed neuropsychological evaluations with children and adolescents receiving inpatient care for severe psychiatric conditions. Having experienced close family members diagnosed with Dementia and Parkinson’s disease, Dr. Carter strives to make clients feel comfortable, valued, and heard.
Dr. Carter’s areas of expertise in childhood and adolescent assessment includes learning disabilities (including dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia), emotional and behavioral disorders, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. She has extensive knowledge in grade level curriculum requirements, development in academic performance, special education and 504 services, and academic interventions and behavioral intervention plans. Dr. Carter has experience completing Independent Educational Evaluations with over 15 local school districts and charter schools, examining eligibility, placement, IEP goals, and IEP progress monitoring. She has also evaluated many students attending private schools in the Austin area. Her experience practicing in schools and teaching graduate students gives her a unique ability and perspective to work with families to recommend appropriate interventions and accommodations in the school and home settings. Dr. Carter has also completed evaluations for individuals seeking accommodations in the higher education setting. While serving as a faculty member at UT Austin she developed and oversaw a testing center for university students needing current evaluations.
Dr. Carter enjoys working together with her clients to identify the individual’s strengths as well as areas in which support may be needed. She strives to obtain a comprehensive and integrated picture of her client’s history and current functioning in order to provide useful recommendations and next steps to move forward. She takes time to help clients understand evaluation results and how to advocate for appropriate services.
Tara W. Lehew is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor in the state of Texas and holds a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of North Texas. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin where she studied the field of psychology and pursued a minor in business. While at the University of Texas, Ms. Lehew participated in an organization called 'Women in Psychology' in order to help educate students on campus about mental illness.
Ms. Lehew has experience working with diverse populations, including five years at the University of Texas at Austin Counseling and Mental Health Center providing individual and group counseling to undergraduate and graduate students, with a specialty in treating anxiety disorders. She also spent two years working with Collin County Mental Health/Mental Retardation providing counseling, skills training, and crisis management to adults of all ages. As a graduate student, Ms. Lehew provided individual counseling and academic assessment services to students at the University of North Texas and Southern Methodist University. As a practicum student, she also helped develop and provide lectures for students, staff, and faculty at Southern Methodist University on topics such as the Psychology of Creativity and Conflict Resolution.
Ms. Lehew joined ACTA part-time in January 2008 and became a full-time employee in September 2012. She currently provides individual counseling services to adolescents and adults of all ages. Her diagnostic specialties include depression, anxiety, undergraduate & graduate students, body image concerns & social confidence, co-dependency, ACOA issues, and grief/loss. Additionally, she has extensive knowledge of and experience with intellectual, academic, psychological, and neuropsychological assessment. Ms. Lehew uses an integrative approach that borrows from relational, cognitive-behavioral, and mindfulness approaches when working with clients. She strongly believes that developing a trusting and respectful relationship with each of her clients is necessary for personal growth. In her free time, Ms. Lehew enjoys running, yoga, and spending time with her friends, husband and daughter.
Kat Furley, a Masters level Licensed Psychological Associate, relocated to Austin in 2012 from their home-town of Houston. During their Masters education at Houston Baptist University, they completed their internship at Ben Taub General Hospital's Neuropsychiatric Center where they conducted a variety of psychological assessments and led skills training groups based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Their background includes fMRI research with OEF/OIF Veterans, clinical research with adults with diagnoses of Schizophrenia, Major Depressive Disorder, and Bipolar Disorder.
In their free time, Kat enjoys knitting, dancing, and learning about the occult. Their favorite dinosaur is the stegosaurus, and they often attend visual arts events.
Kinsey Christian is a Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA). She provides psychological and neuropsychological assessment under the supervision of Jessica Woods, PsyD, Josh Marbach, PhD and Nancy Craig, PhD. Ms. Christian earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Baylor University followed by a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Texas A&M University-Commerce, where she graduated with honors. During her master’s program, her practicum experiences included therapy and assessment services at the TAMUC Psychology Clinic where she worked with various age groups and populations. She also provided counseling services as an intern at Hometown Counseling, a private counseling practice.
In her free time, Ms. Christian enjoys playing sand volleyball, painting, and working on puzzles.
Michaela Hernandez is a Licensed Professional Counselor who provides counseling services, as well as neuropsychological and psychological assessment services under the supervision of Jessica Woods, PsyD, Josh Marbach, PhD and Nancy Craig, PhD. She earned a Master of Science degree in Clinical Psychology with a specialization of neuropsychology from the University of Texas at Tyler in December 2018. Shortly thereafter, she joined the ACTA clinical team in January 2019.
During her graduate practicum experience at NeuroRestorative and Martin Neurobehavioral Center in Tyler, Texas, Ms. Hernandez administered a variety of neuropsychological and psychological assessments, provided counseling services, and instructed a Life Skills class where she discussed and presented on topics such as emotional identification, resilience, stress & anger management skills, relaxation techniques, coping skills, and resource gathering.
At Neurorestorative, she obtained experience assisting adults with brain, spinal cord and medically complex injuries, illnesses and other challenges in rebuilding their lives. She worked with clients to increase their independence and their chances of smoothly returning to their homes and communities.
At Martin Neurobehavioral Center, she obtained experience assisting individuals with traumatic brain injury, stroke, dementia, spinal cord injuries, learning disabilities, chronic pain, and other neurological disorders.
As a clinician, Ms. Hernandez is committed to providing a safe and non-judgmental environment during testing to assist clients to obtain the information they need in order to take the recommended steps forward.
Jessica Hinojosa is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Texas who earned a Master’s degree in counseling from Texas A&M University Corpus Christi and a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Texas State University.
Ms. Hinojosa has experience working with diverse populations. She began her career working for a 24/7 crisis hotline, before pursuing a Master’s degree in counseling. Ms. Hinojosa provided skills training as well as crisis and case management at Nueces County Community Mental Health Agency for two years. She then provided both individual and group therapy to adolescents and adults at Bayview Behavioral Psychiatric Hospital. Ms. Hinojosa has also worked in private practice before joining the Austin Center for Therapy and Assessment team in 2021.
Ms. Hinojosa currently provides individual counseling services to older adolescents and adults. Her areas of clinical focus include depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders and trauma. She uses an integrative approach that combines cognitive behavioral, mindfulness, and humanistic forms of healing. Ms. Hinojosa’s education and experience in both inpatient and outpatient clinical settings created the foundation of her integrative care. She believes the foundation of healing starts with an empathetic therapeutic rapport and she strives to meet her clients where they are.
Wendy Stone is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Texas. She began her degree in Beaumont, TX at Lamar University before moving to Austin, TX in 1999. She completed her Bachelor's degree in Psychology and her Master’s degree in Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy from St. Edward’s University.
She has worked in numerous non-profits, counseling agencies, and in private practice helping many children, couples, and individuals achieve their personal goals of wellness. Working 5 years at Austin Child Guidance Center, Mrs. Stone facilitated parent and adolescent multi-family groups and counseled children dealing with ADHD, learning disabilities, and trauma. She started her clinical experience working at Family Crisis Center where she counseled children in schools who experienced domestic violence and/or sexual abuse. She also facilitated a mandated adolescent and parent anger management group. She worked in private practice for 15 years focusing on diverse populations of children, adolescents, young adults, couples, families, and individuals. Her diagnostic specialties include ADHD, anxiety, women's issues, adjustment disorder, relationship issues, parenting behavioral therapy and learning disabilities.
Mrs. Stone recently joined ACTA in September 2023. She provides counseling services to children beginning at age 8, adolescents, and adults of all ages. She also provides parenting behavioral training. She enjoys working from a solution focused model integrating cognitive behavioral, interpersonal, and mindfulness-based psychotherapy. With children, she integrates bibliotherapy and art therapy, along with cognitive behavioral therapy.
Gale Knighten is a Psychometrist providing neuropsychological and psychological assessment services under the supervision of Jessica Woods, PsyD, Josh Marbach, PhD and Nancy Craig, PhD for the Austin Center of Therapy and Assessment. Mx. Knighten holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from The University of West Florida in Pensacola, Florida. Looking to further their work within the mental health field, Mx. Knighten earned accreditation as a Certified Specialist in Psychometry (CSP) through the National Board of Certified Psychometrists. Mx. Knighten provided psychometric services at a private practice in Florida before joining the ACTA team.
Mx. Knighten has experience working with diverse populations having mental health diagnoses and concerns such as autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression, learning disorders, memory issues, and traumatic brain injuries.
Dana Jencks provides neuropsychological and psychological assessment services under the supervision of Jessica Woods, Psy.D, Josh Marbach, Ph.D. and Nancy Craig, Ph.D. She earned a Master of Arts degree with a specialization in rehabilitation counseling from George Washington University. Ms. Jencks is currently pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology at California Southern University. Her work at ACTA is part of her training, meeting practicum and internship requirements. For her previous practicums, she worked at two private practices in Austin, Texas, focusing primarily on psychoeducational and neuropsychological assessments.
During her graduate internship experience, Ms. Jencks split her time between a community counseling clinic and Linden Resources, a nonprofit organization serving people with disabilities. She provided individual therapy, vocational and job accommodation assessments, job coaching, and facilitated a career readiness transition program. After completing graduate school, Ms. Jencks worked at the Department of Rehabilitation in San Jose, California. She provided career and college counseling, assistive technology assessments, and job accommodation assessments to adolescents and adults with disabilities.
In her free time, Ms. Jencks enjoys spending time with her family and friends, exploring Austin, attending musicals and stand-up comedies, painting, and playing the violin.
Kaila Jameson is a Psychometrist who provides psychological assessment services under the supervision of Jessica Woods, PsyD, Josh Marbach, PhD and Nancy Craig, PhD. She is currently working toward her license as a Psychological Associate.
Ms. Jameson earned her Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology from Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi in May 2023. As part of her requirements for graduation, Ms. Jameson completed at least 450 practicum hours at a local private practice in Corpus Christi, Texas, before joining the Austin Center for Therapy and Assessment team. At her practicum site, Ms. Jameson conducted individual counseling sessions with elementary school children. She also conducted clinical interviews and provided psychological assessments for clients from diverse populations with a variety of mental health concerns.
During her free-time, Ms. Jameson enjoys making wine and candles in her kitchen and reading mystery or dystopian novels. She also enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and three dogs.
Lexi Sullivan is a Psychometrist providing neuropsychological and psychological assessment services under the supervision of Jessica Woods, PsyD, Josh Marbach, PhD, Amy Duckwall, PsyD, Jennifer Carter, PsyD, and Nancy Craig, PhD for the Austin Center of Therapy and Assessment.
Ms. Sullivan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas. She is working towards her accreditation as a Certified Specialist in Psychometry (CSP) and plans to earn a master’s degree in the future. Previously, she completed an internship at ACTA. While working toward her undergraduate degree, Ms. Sullivan gained experience as a research assistant, where she studied therapeutic interventions for test-related anxiety in college students, earning her three research awards.
Outside of work, Ms. Sullivan enjoys reading mystery novels, crafting, adventure and puzzle games, and cats.
Pablo Ruiz is a psychometrist providing psychological and neuropsychological assessment services under the supervision of Jessica Woods, PsyD, Josh Marbach, PhD, Nancy Craig, PhD, Amy Duckwall, PsyD, and Jennifer Carter, PhD. He is currently working toward earning licensure as a Psychological Associate.
Mr. Ruiz began his career as a Registered Behavioral Therapist, specializing in supporting children with neurodevelopmental disorders. In this role, he provided individualized skills training and behavior management strategies tailored to each child’s unique needs, developing a strong foundation in evidence-based practices. Building on this experience, he pursued a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in Edinburg, Texas, graduating in May 2024.
During his graduate training, Mr. Ruiz gained extensive hands-on experience providing counseling services in both English and Spanish to children, adolescents, and adults, utilizing therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). He also conducted psychological evaluations with clients from underserved populations, with a particular emphasis on Hispanic clients.
Mr. Ruiz joined the Austin Center for Therapy and Assessment team in 2024, where he continues to bring a commitment to compassionate and client-centered care, as well as providing services in both Spanish and English.