MEET OUR TEAM
Alycia “Ally” DeGraff, PhD, LMFT-S
Clinical Director & Co-Founder
EDUCATION
University of Georgia [Human Development & Family Science PHD], Texas Tech University [Couples & Family Therapy, MS], Texas Tech University [Community, Family, & Addiction Services, BS]
CLINICAL SPECIALIZATION
As a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Dr. DeGraff specializes in the treatment of relational and systemic dynamics, with a focus on adult couples and families navigating challenges related to finances, addiction, high-conflict interactions, infidelity, grief and loss, and professional performance. She serves as a professor of couples and sex therapy and has authored publications on mental health, financial well-being, and marital quality. In addition, Dr. DeGraff brings extensive expertise and a long-standing career in the design, development, and evaluation of mental health treatment programs.
CERTIFICATIONS: Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Nick Nissen, MD
Medical Director
EDUCATION
Harvard Medical School [Psychiatry Residency], Brown University Alpert Medical School [Doctor of Medicine, M.D.], University of Notre Dame [Bachelor of Arts]
CLINICAL SPECIALIZATION
Dr. Nissen is a board-certified psychiatrist and former Harvard Medical School Chief Resident of Student Mental Health. A Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, he brings a holistic, personalized approach to care—integrating biological, psychological, and social strategies. He specializes in non-stimulant ADHD treatment, including medication alternatives, targeted supplementation, and executive functioning skill-building. He also addresses anxiety at its roots, combining cognitive and exposure therapies with thoughtful medication management and lifestyle changes. As a parent and former coach, Dr. Nissen is committed to helping patients achieve meaningful, lasting change.
CERTIFICATIONS
Board-Certified Psychiatrist (American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology), TEAM-CBT Level 1 Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
TAYLOR M. BARSTAD, LCSW
Director of Operations
EDUCATION
Colorado State University [Master of Social Work, MSW], University of Montana [Bachelor of Social Work & Psychology, BSW]
CLINICAL SPECIALIZATION
As Director of Operations, Taylor combines her clinical insight with operational strategy to ensure the delivery of high-quality, client-centered care. She oversees the infrastructure and systems that support effective treatment, bringing a unique blend of logistical leadership and clinical understanding to her work. Taylor is passionate about creating environments where both clients and staff can thrive with a strong emphasis on collaboration, transparency, and integrity in care delivery. Taylor Barstad is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with specialized training in eating disorders, substance use disorders, OCD, and trauma. Taylor’s clinical foundation continues to inform her leadership as Director of Operations.
CERTIFICATIONS
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Certified
RYAN YOUNG
Chief Executive Officer & Founder
EDUCATION
San Diego State University [Economics, BA]
Ryan Young has spent over a decade leading and shaping mental health and addiction
treatment programs rooted in compassion, integrity, and clinical excellence. His work spans all levels of care, where he has focused on building treatment environments that are both deeply therapeutic and operationally grounded. Ryan’s strength is operating programs that prioritize the client experience while cultivating a strong, supported, and mission-aligned team. His leadership reflects a commitment to innovation without compromising quality, always centering care that is relational, responsive, and evidence-informed.
Ryan’s expertise includes the operation of trauma-responsive, integrative models of care;
creating collaborative, values-driven staff cultures; and building systems that elevate both the client and employee experience. At The Annex, he leads with a clear vision: to offer a more human, progressive model of mental health care that reflects the complexity of those it serves.
MYCAH MILLER, MA, LMFT
Clinical Therapist
EDUCATION
St. Edward’s University [Counseling, MA], Texas A&M University [Sport Conditioning (psychology, coaching minors), BS]
CLINICAL SPECIALIZATION
Mycah is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in attachment, emotional regulation, and recovery from relational trauma. She integrates Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and somatic approaches to support individuals and high-conflict couples in healing trust, self-worth, and connection. Her work is grounded in the brain-body relationship and emphasizes relational and systemic wellness. Mycah has extensive experience working with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, and personality disorders, and incorporates mindfulness, nature-based practices, and walk-and-talk therapy to support meaningful, embodied change across diverse client populations.
CERTIFICATIONS
200-Hour Yoga Teacher Certified, Eidetic Imagery (Level 1)
RACHEL GARNER, LCSW-S, MSW, PMH-C
Clinical Therapist
EDUCATION
University of Hawaii at Manoa [MSW], Southern Oregon University [BA Human Communications]
CLINICAL SPECIALIZATION
Rachel Garner specializes in family systems, with a focus on perinatal mental health and parent education and coaching. Mrs. Garner is a trained parent educator in both the Positive Discipline Parenting model and the Triple P Parenting Program. She provides trauma informed, attachment-based parent education, coaching and family therapy. She has extensive experience working with families impacted by substance use disorders and mental illness, including adults and children. Mrs. Garner is also a trauma specialist, trained in EMDR and TF-CBT.
CERTIFICATIONS
Perinatal Mental Health Counselor (PMH-C), Clinical Supervisor, Positive Discipline
Haley Daroowala, LMFT
Clinical Therapist
EDUCATION
Abilene Christian University [Marriage and Family Therapy, M.A.], Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo [Nutrition Sciences, B.S.]
CLINICAL SPECIALIZATION
Clinical Specialization: Haley Daroowala specializes in treating complex trauma and attachment disorders, eating disorders, body image struggles, and anxiety disorders. Her training as a marriage and family therapist emphasizes the role of the family system in the development of complexities in developing healthy relationships with others and with the self. Haley works with teens (16+), adults, and families. She draws from an eclectic range of therapeutic modalities, including EMDR, attachment theory, and ACT, to create individualized treatment plans catered to the needs of each unique patient.
CERTIFICATIONS
EMDR Trained
Ashley Stone, MA, LMFT-ASSOCIATE
Clinical Care Coordinator
UNIVERSITIES + DEGREES
St. Edward’s University [Counseling, MA – Marriage and Family Therapy]
The University of Texas at Austin [Dance, BFA]
CLINICAL SPECIALIZATION
Ashley Stone is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate, supervised by Alycia DeGraff, PhD, LMFT-S. She has experience across PHP, IOP, concierge, and outpatient settings, working with adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Ashley integrates Internal Family Systems (IFS), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and relational approaches to help clients build insight, navigate emotional patterns, and foster meaningful change. Grounded in curiosity and connection, she is especially passionate about supporting couples and families in improving communication and deepening authenticity. Ashley helps clients explore identity, move through life transitions, and reconnect with themselves to cultivate clarity, purpose, and emotional well-being.
ROXCY BROWN, LMFT - ASSOCIATE
Clinical Therapist
EDUCATION
FIDM [Merchandise Marketing, AA], Antioch University Los Angeles [Psychology, BA], St. Edwards University [Marriage and Family Therapy, MA]
CLINICAL SPECIALIZATION
Roxcy Brown, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate, supervised by Alycia DeGraff, PhD, LMFT-S, specializes in couples and family therapy with a focus on guiding clients through trauma toward meaningful personal growth. Drawing from evidence-based therapeutic modalities including the Satir Model, Relational Life Therapy (RLT), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Experiential Therapy.
Roxcy helps clients develop secure attachment patterns, build emotional regulation skills, and integrate self-identity. With valuable experience gained through agency work and private practice before transitioning to The Annex, she worked with clients addressing personality disorders, complex trauma, and attachment injuries. She takes a holistic approach that recognizes the interconnected nature of these concerns and the importance of individualized treatment planning.
CERTIFICATIONS
Gottman Level 1
SAM GOLLUB, MAC, LMFT - ASSOCIATE
Clinical Therapist
EDUCATION
St. Edward’s University [Master of Arts in Counseling], Elon University [French, BA]
CLINICAL SPECIALIZATION
Sam Gollub, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate, supervised by Alycia DeGraff, PhD, LMFT-S, specializes in delivering evidence-based psychotherapy rooted in systemic theory. Drawing from experiential therapy, attachment theory, and Inner Family Systems (IFS), his focus grounds understanding in context to tailor treatment to the individual. His work is focused on helping families and couples navigate their relationships and develop their interaction patterns. Sam has experience working with grief, anxiety, and depression.
Sonali Krish, LPC-ASSOCIAtE, ERYT-500
Clinical Therapist, Yoga & Sound Healing Practitioner
EDUCATION
Capella University [Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MA], University of Texas at Austin [BSA], 500-hour Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (ERYT-500)
CLINICAL SPECIALIZATION
Sonali, supervised by Vanessa Rosage, LPC-S, specializes in integrative, trauma-informed psychotherapy that bridges traditional counseling with holistic mind–body practices. She incorporates Internal Family Systems (IFS), Polyvagal Theory, Narrative Therapy, and somatic frameworks to support clients in nervous system regulation, emotional resilience, and identity exploration. Her practice centers on individuals navigating anxiety, trauma, relational challenges, life transitions, and self-worth concerns.
In addition to individual therapy, Sonali facilitates experiential groups and community offerings that integrate yoga, breathwork, sound healing, and reflective inquiry. Her approach invites participants into deeper relationship with their bodies, parts of self, and collective healing practices.
CERTIFICATIONS
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPC-A), 500-hour Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (ERYT-500), Certified Sound Healing Practitioner, Ongoing advanced training in Somatic Therapy, Narrative Therapy, IFS, and NARM
Sarah Sherwood, SEP, LMT, CLC
Somatic Experiencing Practitioner
CLINICAL SPECIALIZATION
Sarah Sherwood is a Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner, Mindfulness Coach, and Certified Trauma-Trained Breathwork Facilitator who works at the intersection of science and soul. She helps people break free from the grip of chronic stress, emotional overwhelm, and old survival patterns that are blocking their growth and fulfillment.
Her approach is body-based, trauma-informed, and deeply integrative because true transformation doesn’t happen from the neck up. It happens when we learn tools to regulate the nervous system, when we rewire long-held patterns, and when we stop trying to “think” our way to healing.
CERTIFICATIONS
Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, Certified Life Coach, Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified Breathwork Facilitator, Non-Linear Movement, Somatic
Parts Work, Organizational Mindfulness Teaching Partner
Austin Britten, MS, LPC-A
Licensed Professional Counselor - Associate
EDUCATION
Abilene Christian University, Abilene [Psychology, BS], Abilene Christian University, Abilene [Counseling Psychology, MS]
CLINICAL SPECIALIZATION
As a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, Austin is dedicated to helping individuals find meaningful peace and long-term mental wellness. With a robust background in psychological assessment and therapeutic interventions, he specializes in addressing mood disorders, substance use disorders, OCD, bipolar disorder, suicidality, and borderline personality disorder.
Austin is especially passionate about identifying and addressing the root causes of emotional distress. He integrates compassion with a client-centered approach to foster healing and self-understanding. His work emphasizes cultivating lasting peace within oneself, one’s relationships, and one’s environment.
CERTIFICATIONS
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Minnesotta Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI-2), Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI-IV), Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS).
Evelyn Poplin, RN
Registered Nurse
EDUCATION & DEGREES
Austin Community College, [Associate Degree in Nursing]
Clinical Specialization
Evelyn Poplin, RN, is a dynamic and compassionate nurse whose career reflects a deep commitment to excellence in high-acuity care and integrated behavioral health. She began her nursing journey in the heart of Austin’s only level-one trauma center, where she thrived in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment managing complex trauma cases and diverse medical emergencies. Her ability to stay calm under pressure and her intuitive leadership quickly distinguished her among her peers.
Evelyn’s passion for whole-person healing led her to transition into the role of Nurse Manager at a premier substance abuse treatment center. There, she played a vital role in developing clinical protocols, supporting interdisciplinary care teams, and enhancing the client experience through trauma-informed, recovery-focused nursing care. She brings a unique blend of critical care insight and holistic awareness to her work, with a leadership style rooted in collaboration, empathy, and integrity.
Certifications
Registered Nurse, Texas Board of Nursing
Lauren Juvers, BS
Director of Clinical Outreach
EDUCATION & DEGREES
Palm Beach Atlantic University (Psychology, B.S.)
EXPERIENCE
Lauren Juvers is a seasoned professional in the behavioral health field with a strong background in national outreach, relationship development, and program representation. With over six years of experience connecting families, referents, and clinicians to long-term, ethical care, she brings a reputation for authenticity and compassion.
As an alumna of long-term treatment herself, Lauren offers a unique blend of professional insight and lived experience, making her a trusted voice in the field. Her passion lies in helping individuals and families find the support they need for lasting transformation. In her role at The Annex, Lauren serves as a national representative of the program, helping expand awareness of its mission to treat complex trauma, attachment injuries, and personality disorders.
Anden Suárez
Admissions Specialist
EDUCATION & DEGREES
Texas Tech (Currently pursuing Counseling & Addiction Recovery Sciences B.S.), Attended Brown University studying Psychology
Clinical Specialization
Anden Suárez is a dedicated behavioral health professional with a strong background in admissions and client care. With specialized training in trauma-informed practices and crisis de-escalation, Anden excels at guiding individuals and families through the recovery process with empathy and clarity. Her approach is rooted in compassion, integrity, and a deep understanding of the challenges facing those seeking mental health support. Known for her steady presence and solution-focused mindset, Anden brings both professionalism and heart to every client interaction. She ensures an empathetic, streamlined admissions experience that prioritizes dignity, trust, and long-term healing outcomes.
Certifications
Trauma-informed Care Training, Crisis Intervention & De-escalation Training, HIPAA Compliance Training