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.
LINDA WILBOURN, LPC
Linda Wilbourn is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and specializes in helping children (ages 5 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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CODY GRENWELGE, LCDC
& BIPP FACILITATOR 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 an 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. |
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YOLANDA MELENDEZ, LPC
Yolanda Melendez is a Licensed Professional Counselor and is a bilingual counselor serving the area's Hispanic population. In addition, Yolanda is an LVN with a background in Education and Nursing, and a specialty of pediatric nursing.
Yolanda is a Developmental Specialist II (DSII), and has a great passion for developing and managing health education programs for children and families; formulating therapy plans with parents. Her expertise and passions expand on to working with developmentally delayed children, including autistic and the elderly and disabled populations. Yolanda is certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), as well as Clinical Telemental Health (CTMH). |
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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 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She is also a certified Clinical Telemental Health (CTMH) provider. 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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HENSELMO MADRIGAL, LPC
Henselmo Madrigal is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a certified Bilingual Counselor: fluid in both English and Spanish, he is able to offer therapy in his clients' preferred tongue, ensuring clarity and comfort in communication. With a working understanding of the cultural values and experiences of the Spanish-speaking community, Henselmo is able to create an empathetic, safe, and respectful space where his clients have shared they're able to feel understood.
Henselmo embodies a true spirit of service, guided by deep compassion and a genuine desire to uplift others. His giving nature allows him to connect with clients on a personal level, encouraging them to feel seen and understood. Driven by a big heart and a commitment to making a positive impact, his dedication to helping others is at the core of his professional practice. Although he has a few different techniques in his hand, the foundation for Henselmo's approach to counseling lies in Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). He is also a certified Clinical Telemental Health (CTMH) provider, and is only offering virtual sessions at this time. Henselmo's compassion for helping others extends beyond the counseling space, and Henselmo dedicates many hours to volunteering with local food pantries and charities. On the rare occasion when he takes time for himself, Henselmo seeks the restorative power of nature, allowing him to recharge and continue his life's mission with renewed perspective and energy. |
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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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SARA UECKER, DEPUTY DIRECTOR
Sara is the definition of "can-do attitude". Problem solving and networking make her heart for service happy.
Having grown up in Kerrville, she has participated in community uplifting all her life.
Newly married, she and her husband enjoy spending time outdoors, whether at her parents' ranch or by the river, and sharing their compassion in Christ with the people around them.
Having grown up in Kerrville, she has participated in community uplifting all her life.
Newly married, she and her husband enjoy spending time outdoors, whether at her parents' ranch or by the river, and sharing their compassion in Christ with the people around them.
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. |
KEARA NEATHERY, MARKETING MANAGER
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. |
PHYLLIS WELLS, LPC, COMPANY CONSULTANT
Phyllis served as a teacher and school counselor for nearly 24 years before she and her husband moved to the Hill Country.
After counseling with New Hope for five years, Phyllis retired from seeing clients, but she continues to provide guidance to the therapists and staff of the counseling center. She and her husband live in Boerne on a sweet little farm where they garden, keep bees, and entertain their grandchildren. |