Hi Brenda,

Summertime is here…longer days, hotter days, lazy days. A time, a season to enjoy simple pleasures with family and friends. Just a few of my favorites…blowing bubbles, swimming, chasing fireflies, eating ice cream, and belly laughing with my grandchildren. I wish you much fun and adventure this summer.

Summer is a time of planning and preparation at CFGC as we review our programs and services. We are extremely privileged to help hurting Texoma children and families heal, recover and move forward with their lives. Thank you for supporting our story of hope.

Please take a few minutes to catch up with us.

With Gratitude,

Brenda Hayward

Executive Director

Child & Family Guidance Center of Texoma

Summer 2023

Child & Family Guidance Center

804 E Pecan Grove

Sherman, TX 75090

Be a Part of the CFGC Team!

The Child and Family Guidance Center is currently looking for Associate Therapists and Staff Therapists to join the team. There are some amazing benefits offered with employment. Visit cfgcenter.org for more details.

New Faces at the Child and Family Guidance Center!

John Howard, LPC

John was first with CFGC from 2014-2016 as an LPC-Associate. He decided to rejoin the CFGC family in May. John received his bachelors in psychology at the University of Texas at Dallas and a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Southeastern Oklahoma State University and has been a fully licensed LPC for 7 years. He is specially trained in trauma informed care.

In his free time, John likes to run and bike on trails and the road. He enjoys music, art and is learning to play the guitar. John is also a dad to two crazy cats!

Jacob Lucas, LPC-Associate

Jacob comes to CFGC from Texas A&M Commerce master's program in counseling. He just started his 3000 hours and we hope he is with CFGC a good while. After receiving his full license, Jacob hopes to develop his own private practice where he would have the opportunity to engage clients in activities outside like going for walks, having some kind of “confidence course” playground, feeding/tending to animals (ideally fainting goats because that would be fun), or maybe even fishing.

In his free time, Jacob enjoys being outside. He likes going fishing or going to the lake to swim, sail or kayak. He also enjoys going on hikes and rock climbing. He plays a little guitar but only enough to impress your grandma.

Meet the Child and Family Guidance Center Interns!

Kiara Reyes

Kiara is in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling master's program at the University of North Texas. While at CFGC she will get 240 direct clinical hours and 240 indirect hours. Moving forward in her career, Kiara would like to work with couples and families. Additionally, she would like to complete continuing education to pursue certification in sex therapy through the American Association of Sexuality Educators and Therapists (AASECT). 

In March Kiara married her partner Sam. They have a bunny named Winston and a family dog named Beau. She enjoys 'reading for fun' which usually includes reading romance and mystery/thriller books. Kiara and Sam like staying active by playing tennis.

Sarah Teschendorf

Sarah is in the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Grand Canyon University. She will complete her 120 hours and graduate in December!

Sarah is a former middle school teacher. She plans to continue working with children, women, and divorcing families once fully licensed.



In her free time, Sarah enjoys working out, reading, enjoying the outdoors and traveling. She lives on her family's 150+ year old 55-acre farm with her husband and their 3 sons (15, 11, & 6). They also raise several different breeds of chickens and have 4 dogs and a cat! 

Abigail McGowan © Liesbeth Powers/The Dallas Morning News/TNS

Dallas Morning News:

It's anxiety, it's fear, it's emotional stuff': Doctors confront poor youth mental health

by: Marin Wolf

Physicians and counselors across the country have raised alarms about the worsening mental health among children and adolescents for years. Even before the crisis was amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic, there were shortages of psychiatrists, therapists and beds at in-patient treatment facilities. Texans have less access to mental health care than residents in any other state, according to a 2023 Mental Health America ranking. read more.

On Thursday, September 21, 2023, Child & Family Guidance Center is participating in Communities Foundation of Texas' NTX Giving Day, a one-day on-line giving extravaganza for our whole region. Last year, we were part of the success that brought together more than 3,300 NTX nonprofits to raise $62 million for our region.

You can even make your gift early between September 1 and September 20 by visiting our NTXGD site. Spread the word to your friends and loved ones about CFGC and NTX Giving Day!

13th Annual Starfish Benefit!

The Starfish Benefit will be held Saturday, May 4th, 2024! Exciting plans are already underway. Stay tuned!

Back to school already?!

Wait, didn't summer JUST start?!

It is already that time to start looking at back to school. The CFGC Case Manager has found some amazing Back to School resources to help reduce the stress.

Happy Thoughts

CFGC extends our sincere thanks and appreciation to all our stakeholders for your ongoing support!