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Our Mission To provide positive solutions to problems people face at home, school, churches, businesses, and in the community.Our VisionA community where healthy relationships are valued and nurtured.Our HistoryTexas Family Institute was founded in September of 2002, by three men who were interested in providing services to the community that were “solution focused” at both the individual and the organizational level. We provide professional counseling services and encourage new therapists in their practices to be both business and service-minded.
In addition to counseling, TFI has offered many parenting classes, conducted anger management at local schools, give in-services to teachers on emotional skills in the classroom, and taught students what to do if they suspect someone is thinking about suicide.
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Rusty has worked with couples and families for over 25 years as a counselor and minister, and now as Executive Director of Texas Family Institute. He has a varied background that includes service in the United States Air Force, long-haul truck driving, and work at Dow chemical. In 1980 he decided to go to college and earn his degree, graduating with top honors from Abilene Christian University’s Marriage and Family Therapy Institute. After 13 years as a counseling minister, he went into private practice and subsequently started TFI with a group of friends who were interested in finding positive solutions to the problems they saw in their counseling practices and in the community. He has been married for 34 years to Sue and they have 3 grown children. |
Amy Richardson
Counselor, LPC
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Amy holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a Masters of Education Degree, in Mental Health Counseling from the University of North Florida. She is licensed as a professional counselor by the Texas State Board of Licensed Professional Counselors. Amy works with individuals, couples, families, and children, and has both professional and personal experience in blended family issues and the unique challenges facing military families. She takes a comprehensive approach to therapy addressing all aspects of a person’s life. As a mother to five, her pastimes generally revolve around family-oriented activities. |
Michael Finley
Counselor, LMFTa
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Michael Finley was born in 1972, to parents that worked hard in the construction industry to |
Kay Gillette
Counselor, LMFT
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Suzanne Perkins, MS
Director of Operations, TFI
Project Manager, Twogether in Texas
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Suzanne was one of the original group who felt an agency that was about positive solutions was a good idea in today’s world. She has been married 24 years to David, and they have 2 children, one of whom is severely mentally disabled. The toll that care giving takes on marriage has been an issue she is particularly concerned about and hopes to be able to work with more couples who are dealing with ongoing issues whether with children or with aging adults. She has a Master’s in Gerontology from Abilene Christian University and has been with TFI for 7 years. |
Shirley Olson
TNT Coordinator
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Shirley Olson joined Texas Family Institute in April 2008, as a Volunteer Coordinator for the Twogether In Texas program. She brings more than 25 years experience in the non-profit field working with volunteers to build and carry out programs. Married for more than 35 years, she is passionate about marriage, and believes that giving couples the tools to build a stronger marriage equips them to become happier and healthier, and more productive at home and in the community.
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Stephanie Paschal
Office Manager
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Our current Office Manager, Stephanie Paschal, has been with us since May 2007. She makes sure everything runs smoothly for clients and therapists and always is willing to help with any insurance questions you may have or any other questions about Texas Family Institute. Clients often comment on how helpful she has been and how pleasant she is when they come in. She lives with her family which includes her mom, sister and niece.
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