MEET OUR TEAM
Alycia “Ally” DeGraff, PhD, LMFT
Sr. Director of Clinical Innovation & 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)
STEVIE STANFORD, PhD
Clinical Director & Co-Founder
EDUCATION
Arizona State University [Psychology, BA]
Northern Arizona University [Counseling Psychology, PhD]
CLINICAL SPECIALIZATION
Dr. Stanford is a licensed psychologist, seasoned clinical leader, and co-founder of The Annex. She has led high-acuity programming at renowned treatment centers nationwide and specializes in attachment wounds, sexual trauma, and relational dysfunction. With expertise in trauma-informed care and family systems work, Dr. Stanford is also a respected speaker and author on topics such as trauma recovery, secure attachment, and intimacy. Her approach blends evidence-based modalities with relational attunement, rooted in the belief that true transformation occurs where clinical excellence meets emotional safety. She leads with integrity, creating environments where clients are met with skill, care, and heart.
CERTIFICATIONS
EMDR (EMDRIA Certified), CSAT (Certified Sex Addiction Therapist), AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist, CCTP (Certified Clinical Trauma Professional), Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator
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)
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
Daniel Williamson, LMFT-A
Clinical Therapist | Supervised By Dr. Alycia DeGraff
EDUCATION
St. Edward’s University [Psychology, BA]; St. Edward’s University [Counseling, MA]
CLINICAL SPECIALIZATION
Daniel Williamson specializes in experiential and depth-oriented psychotherapy, integrating Internal Family Systems (IFS), modern psychoanalytic theory, and attachment-based frameworks. His clinical work is grounded in a belief that transformation happens when people are able to access, feel, and integrate the full spectrum of their inner experience — including the parts of themselves that carry shame, grief, fear, or longing. Dan works with individuals and couples navigating trauma, addiction recovery, relationship stress, emotional dysregulation, and existential transition. He is particularly skilled at helping clients understand how early attachment experiences shape present-day relational dynamics, and how insight and emotional connection can lead to repair, reparenting, and resilience.
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.
Samantha McPherson, QMHP, LCDC-I
Clinical Care Coordinator
UNIVERSITIES + DEGREES
St. Edward’s University (Psychology, B.A.), Currently pursuing M.A. in Counseling at St. Edward’s University
CLINICAL SPECIALIZATION
Samantha McPherson specializes in working with individuals navigating substance use disorders, co-occurring mental health concerns, and relational challenges in early recovery. Drawing from a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach, Samantha integrates evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and expressive arts interventions to support emotional processing, skill-building, and personal insight. Her clinical experience is rooted in fostering authentic connection, helping clients explore their identities, rebuild trust in relationships, and develop sustainable coping strategies. Samantha is passionate about working with diverse populations and committed to creating a safe, empowering space that honors each person’s unique story and capacity for growth.
CERTIFICATIONS
Certificate in Evidence-Based Addiction Counseling – St. Edward’s University
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