Meet the New Hope Team
The incredible team at New Hope is made up of individuals from various walks of life, all coming together with a mission to help those most in need in our beautiful Texas Hill Country. From the therapists to the director to the office staff, each of us plays a vital role in encouraging positive mental health and emotional growth in our community.
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LINDA WILBOURN, LPC
Linda Wilbourn is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and specializes in helping children (ages 7 to 12), providing guidance for individuals on the autism spectrum, and clients with social disorders.
Young-at-heart and endlessly optimistic, Linda takes great care of New Hope's younger clients with the assistance of art and play therapies. Her techniques allow for children to process and express their feelings and experiences in a safe manner: fostering growth, understanding, and emotional wellbeing. Linda will be the first to tell everyone that art and play therapies are not solely for children however, and she masterfully weaves one's creative outlets into their healing journey. Many of her clients have shared their delight and appreciation for Linda's approach to their counseling, tapping into their own inner-child with play and art as a means of introspection, healing, and redirecting neurological pathways. Linda is trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Play Therapy, and is a certified Clinical Telemental Health (CTMH) provider. Linda loves to travel and has been to several countries across the globe, appreciating culture, religious expression, and historical spaces. Her immeasurable love also extends to animals, and Linda is a life-long supporter of charities such as Kerrville Pets Alive, Freeman-Fritts Animal Shelter, and the Kathleen Cailloux Humane Society. |
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PJ PRATHER, LCSW
PJ is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and is dedicated to helping individuals find the silver lining in the midst of trauma. Provides counseling, assessments, and evaluations for a wide variety of issues with individuals, older teens and young adults, couples and families of all shapes and sizes
She is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), and also integrates multiple therapeutic modalities into her sessions, including a specialty training in Certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CCBT). She is also a certified Clinical Telemental Health (CTMH) provider. She uses ETF to help allay effects of trauma and abuse. PJ has expertise in crisis intervention, PTSD, suicide prevention, and dementia. Her passions include working with elderly and disabled populations, grief and loss, perinatal issues, coping with medical issues and traumas, post traumatic concerns, and behavioral concerns. |
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KAREN MATTOX, LPC-A
Karen Mattox is a Licensed Professional Counselor - Associate
(LPC-A), and the newest member of the New Hope team. Having a background with Child Protective Services, Karen has dedicated her life to uplifting and encouraging everyone that shares a conversation with her. Karen's passion lies in supporting the elderly population as they navigate the complex challenges of aging. She specializes in addressing issues related to grief and loss, helping clients process their emotions and find healing during difficult transitions. Additionally, Karen provides compassionate support for those dealing with trauma and medical issues, empowering them to cope with their experiences and regain a sense of control. Sharing her warmth and laughter all over Kerrville, Karen is actively engaged in various service initiatives. She is a dedicated member of her church, contributing her time and talents to support its mission and outreach programs. In addition to her church involvement, Karen collaborates with multiple community-oriented organizations, and can often be found volunteering with the Doyle Community. |
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KATHY TURNER, LCSW
Kathy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 30 years of experience in counseling and social work. She has worked in a variety of settings, including hospital emergency rooms, inpatient psychiatric care, home health, and hospice, and has extensive experience supporting individuals and families affected by intimate partner violence, child abuse, and trauma.
Kathy’s career has included civilian roles with the U.S. Navy and Army, providing counseling, case management, and resiliency training for military families and veterans, including work at the Center for the Intrepid at Brooke Army Medical Center. She returned to Kerr County in 2016 to work with the VA’s Healthcare for Homeless Veterans Program before retiring in 2022. After the July 4th Flood, Kathy joined New Hope Counseling to support individuals and couples navigating its aftermath. As her heart is deeply rooted in the community, Kathy plans to facilitate community uplifting out in the places that need it the most through one-on-one sessions or support groups. A proud mother of two grown sons, Kathy enjoys life with her 10-year-old rescue dog, Lucy, who thinks she’s a pedigree Labrador Retriever. She enjoys her book clubs as well as kayaking and hiking with local groups. Kathy also volunteers for with the Dietert Center and her church. |
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JOHN COLLIS, LCP, LCDC, MDIV
John Collis is a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, and the Pastor of Hunt Baptist Church. He has worked with couples, individuals, and families
navigate and work through life events such as trauma, codendency, addiction, anxiety, depression, and numerous other struggles. His biggest passion is to come alongside those who are hurting and help them find solutions for their issues. As a counselor and a Pastor for nearly thirty years, John has a passion for helping those who may be struggling in their relationships or who may be dealing with anxiety and depression wrought from life events. John’s primary counseling practices are based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy. He believes that by changing the thought processes and thinking patterns, accompanied by incorporating solutions geared toward healing and recovery, that this will allow people to heal and blossom in their lives and relationships. John has worked as supervisor of the LaHacienda Family program for over five years. Through this vocation, John has worked with numerous couples, families, and individuals in helping them restore and/or rehabilitate their relationships with others and with themselves. As a Chemical Dependency Counselor, John has seen the devastation addiction has wrought on families and he has a desire to help heal the hurt that addiction brings with it. |
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PHYLLIS WELLS, LPC
Phyllis Wells is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 24 years of experience as a teacher and school counselor. After retiring with us in 2023, she felt called to return and support children and youth in our community following the July 4th flood.
Phyllis is trained in EMDR, play therapy, Sandtray therapy, and Theraplay. Her background in education provides her with a strong understanding of the developmental, emotional, and relational needs of young people. She is passionate about not only addressing symptoms but building meaningful connections with her clients. Phyllis works collaboratively with parents from the very beginning of the counseling process, ensuring they feel informed, supported, and actively involved in their child’s growth. Her goal is to equip children and families with practical tools, resilience, and renewed hope as they navigate life’s challenges together. |
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CODY GRENWELGE, LCDC
Cody Grenwelge's area of expertise is primarily with those struggling with substance abuse and behavioral addictions.
He is a Texas Certified Anger Resolution Therapist (CART), and a Certified Trainer with the National Fatherhood Initiative. Beginning in 2020, Cody became a State accredited facilitator of New Hope's Batterer's Intervention and Prevention Program, a group for individuals charged with domestic violence offenses. The group aims to teach the batterers accountability and responsibility based on their actions and developing a supportive group presence to help the individuals learn from their behavior. Cody and his wife, Angela Grenwelge now fully run the group under, Grace Place Services, for more information contact them at [email protected] |
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BRENDA FUDGE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Brenda has a business and education background with degrees from OSU and SFA, with an inspiring passion for helping others. She and her husband David of 35+ years are blessed with three adult children - and one energetic grandchild.
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SARA UECKER, DEPUTY DIRECTOR
Sara is a dynamic and driven young professional who thrives on solving problems and making things happen, no matter the challenge.
Having grown up in Kerrville, she has participated in community uplifting all her life. Newly married, she and her husband enjoy spending time outdoors, with a soft spot for animals and sharing their compassion in Christ with the people around them. |
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DI'ANA BATLEY, OFFICE MANAGER
Di’ana is a native of Kerrville, born and raised, and a graduate of Tivy High School.
She retired from James Avery Artisan Jewelry after 30 years of service in the Human Resources Dept. She and her husband Rik of 28 years are proud parents/grandparents/great grandparents, and they enjoy spending time with family. She has a love and compassion for people and knows no stranger. God is the center of her life and is a long time member of Calvary Temple Church. |
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LALA FLORES, COMMUNITY CARE COORDINATOR
LaLa brings 23 years of experience with the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, where she worked extensively with programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, and Social Security. Her strong knowledge of community resources allows her to help individuals navigate a wide range of social services with ease. Married for over 30 years to Alfred Flores, LaLa is a proud mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who loves spending time with her large family. She is a long-time member of Notre Dame Catholic Church in Kerrville and enjoys supporting local community events.
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KEARA NEATHERY, OFFICE CONSULTANT/ACCOUNATANT
Keara is a native of her beloved Texas Hill Country,
having graduated from Medina High School, and has a BA in Anthropology from the University of Texas at San Antonio. As someone living with mental illnesses herself, there is a significant place in her heart for helping the underserved and disadvantaged members of our rural communities. When she's not working with New Hope, she is a financial bookkeeper, as well as the manager of her small family farm. She lives in Medina, along with her partner and their many, many critters. |
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