Our Staff

Get To Know Our Team of Professionals

Gayle Jensen-Savoie, Ph.D., LPC, LMFT, LCDC

Executive Director

Gayle received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a Minor in Women's Studies from Southern Methodist University. Her Master of Arts degree is in Clinical and Counseling Psychology, and her Doctorate is in General Psychology.

Gayle comes to Fulshear with over 20 years experience in the hospital and behavioral health care industries. Most recently, Gayle was the Director of Behavioral Medicine at the Seay Behavioral Health Center/Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital of Plano, Texas. Prior to this she was Director of Mental Health Services at Baylor Richardson Medical Center and served as Clinical Director for Baylor-Parkside Lodge.

In addition to her impressive training and background, Gayle is a nurturing and confident leader. She describes her position at Fulshear as her "dream job, the fulfillment of my vast training and experience thus far."

Gayle spends her free time training for half marathons. She also enjoys traveling and is always planning for her next big trip. Mostly, she loves the time she is able to spend with her two sons.

Dr. Norma V.L. Clarke, MD

Psychiatrist

Norma is a board-certified psychiatrist with extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in acute care, residential settings, and outpatient settings. Norma spent five years prior to joining Fulshear serving as the medical director for the Adolescent Treatment Program at the Menninger Clinic. She takes a highly relational approach to working with Fulshear students, stating that she has “learned the value of careful history taking and slow and careful medication management for all diagnostic categories.”

Norma has expertise in diagnosing and treating bipolar disorders, personality disorders, PTSD, mood disorders, and psychotic disorders. She believes that medications do not represent the end point in a treatment plan; Norma believes that correcting dysfunctional habits of thinking and erroneous beliefs, and teaching stress management techniques are critical complements to psychopharmacology.

Norma takes a personal interest in every Fulshear student and says, “I love-and I mean it-watching the dramatic changes as the girls at Fulshear improve!”

In addition to her busy schedule as a psychiatrist, Norma finds time for hiking, nature, reading, cooking, and baking bread.

Allyson Smith

Residential Director

Allyson was raised in the Bay Area of California in a family with four brothers. She received a Bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University in the summer of 2007 in Marriage, Family, and Human Development, with a minor in Nutrition. Allyson started working as a residential staff at New Haven in 2007 and became a lead supervisor in 2009. She loves the Innerchange family and spending time with and working with the students. Allyson excels in working with clients dealing with trauma and depression. She is an example New Haven's relationship model and how we balance love with healthy limits.

As a Residential Director, Allyson loves working with and training the staff. She oversees all of the residential employees and works directly with parents, offering support and guidance.

One of her favorite activities to do is taking the girls rock climbing or teaching them yoga classes. Allyson also enjoys hiking, doing triathlons, and salsa dancing. Allyson is an avid rock climber and will go any time she gets the opportunity.

Irene Kotter

Director of Admissions

Irene has worked with InnerChange since 2004. She became the Program Director of New Haven’s North Campus and has been in admissions since 2009. 

Her first professional educational experience began in 1998 with the San Diego City Schools Administrative Department working for Special Education Early Childhood. She is licensed in cosmetology and earned a Bachelor of Social Work at Utah Valley University. Irene feels that the most powerful way to influence others is through building honest, empathetic, loving and respectful relationships and is excited to be working with the Fulshear team. 

Kandace Nasis, BA

Education Director

Kandace Nasis comes to Fulshear Ranch Academy with many years of experience developing and implementing Post Secondary Education Programs. Kandace possesses a BS in Human Services which directly compliments her work here at Fulshear Ranch. In addition, Kandace brings over 20 years of experience in the Service Industry which is crucial while serving our families.

When Kandace finds herself away from “The Ranch” she enjoys spending time with her family and dogs. She also enjoys outdoor activities, reading, book stores and Contemporary Jazz.

Jasmin Augustin, LMSW

Admissions Counselor

Jasmin received her Bachelor of Arts in Women's Studies at Florida International University. She continued onto graduate school and earned a Masters of Social Work. While in graduate school, Jasmin worked as a Recovery Coach at the Oliver-Pyatt Centers in Miami, Florida which specializes in treatment for women with eating disorders. Jasmin worked for the Oliver-Pyatt Centers for over two years and has since learned that she has a particular passion for helping young women with mental health issues. Additionally, while in graduate school, Jasmin completed her practicum hours at the Mt. Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Center in Miami Beach, Florida.

Jasmin chose to join the Fulshear team because of her passion for working with young women. She has found that Fulshear's programs and staff members are as dedicated to helping young women as she is. One of Jasmin's favorite quotes is "If you don't like the road you are walking on, start paving a new one".

While Jasmin is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family and dog, traveling, and exploring the Houston area.

Jeff Burgert, LMSW

Therapist

Jeff received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Texas Tech University where he also studied literature and philosophy. He then went on to work at the Menninger Clinic as part of their nursing staff for more than five years. Jeff later completed his Master’s degree in social work at the University of Houston.Jeff is in the unique position of having worked as both direct care staff and as a clinician at residential treatment facilities. He has gained experience in working with individuals struggling with a variety of different diagnoses and accompanying behaviors. The bulk of Jeff’s experience has been with teenagers and young adults and Jeff is particularly familiar with and interested in working with young adults struggling with personality disorders; specifically Borderline Personality Disorder.

Jeff has a wide variety of personal interests that he enjoys away from work. He is a former athlete and still enjoys both playing and watching sports. He is also quite fond of film, music, classic American literature and, of course, psychology and human behavior.

Dale Erdmann, LCSW

Therapist

Dale has spent his forty year career working in residential programs with adolescents and families who have had considerable issues with making the transition to early adulthood. He has specialized in working with adoption issues for most of his career and has concentrated clinical training from The Kinship Center in southern California. These experiences have brought him to appreciate the value of working with a treatment team and helping students to take responsibility for their own lives such as the one at Fulshear Ranch Academy. One of the main keys to the success of this work is the trust that comes from honest communication between everyone involved in the process and this “work” almost always leads to growth. Witnessing and participating in that growth has been the “energy” for his career.

Dale enjoys spending time with his family, their dogs and in the outdoors. He has been a voluntary blood donor for over 45 years.

Michelle Gutierrez LMSW

Therapist

Michelle has over 12 years experience in providing services to children and families. She received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Abilene Christian University. She also completed her Masters Degree of Social Work at the University of Houston. While studying for her Masters Degree, Michelle provided therapeutic services to children and adolescence at a psychiatric hospital. She has experience working with parent-child relationships, along with those who may have suffered from childhood trauma.

In her spare time, Michelle enjoys spending time with her lovely and supportive husband. She and her husband are truly blessed to have their son in their lives. "He has made life interesting." She and her family enjoy going to church and the beach.

Diane Monroe, LCDC-I, LPC-I

Therapist

Diane earned a dual major in Psychology and Sociology in 2006. She then received her M.Ed. in Educational Psychology with an emphasis in Counseling at University of Texas El Paso. Diane has years of experience working with dual diagnosis. She commonly worked with Borderline Personality Disorders in women.

For as long as Diane can remember she has had a passion for helping young women and children. After completing volunteer hours at a women’s transitional home, she knew she wanted to help women who were struggling with finding themselves and becoming independent. Diane enjoys helping young women find out what they really want out of their lives and develop healthy positive relationships.

Diane is originally from Lake Charles, Louisiana. When she is not working she enjoys spending quality time with family and friends.

Kyla Sbrusch, RN

Kyla is the Program Nurse at Fulshear Ranch Academy. Kyla received her BS in Nursing in 2007, was licensed as a Registered Nurse, and has since worked in the medical field in a variety of settings including neonatal intensive care, community health and womens' health services. Kyla works hand-in-hand with Fulshear's psychiatrist, local clinics and physicians to oversee the medication distribution and medical care for the students. For Kyla, medical treatment is more than medication and band-aids, it's education and promotion of healthy lifestyles.

Kyla loves spending time with her family. Kyla and her husband, Wyatt, are very active in the community and she finds their daughter is her purest passion. Kyla loves reading, Yoga, taking walks with her daughter and spending time with the whole family - especially outdoors.

Lucy Taylor

Equine Specialist

As an EAGALA certified Equine Assisted Psychotherapist, Lucy oversees all of our student riding programs and equine groups. She loves facilitating relationships with horses to heal people.

In her free time Lucy enjoys rodeo and spending time with her family, horse and her dogs.

Shawn Webb, MA, LCDC-I, Recovery Support Specialist

Life Skills Coach

Shawn holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from Lamar University as well as a Master of Arts in Anthropology from the University of Houston. Following graduate studies, he worked for 11 years as the Director of Educational & Case Management Services with refugee and human trafficking populations. He also served as an Adjunct Professor of Anthropology at the University of Houston for four years specializing in gender & sexuality. Additionally, he has been an active volunteer in the recovery community of Houston for over two years serving those overcoming chemical dependency. He is a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor Intern as well as a Recovery Support Specialist through the Texas Department of State Health Services.

His personal & professional passions center on assisting others in rebuilding their lives through educational empowerment.

Shawn enjoys spending time with family & friends, yoga, tennis, film, and reading. He is also an avid traveler having visited 26 countries on five continents. He has been fascinated with cultural diversity since his exposure to National Geographic magazine in early childhood.

Diane Thixton, LMSW

Therapist

Diane received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Sociology from Universities of Houston Main. Shortly after graduation she began working at the Menninger Clinic as a mental health associate and research assistant. While continuing to work she began her studies and earned a Masters of Social Work; also at the University of Houston: Graduate College of Social Work. Diane has had the opportunity to work with a wide population from children, adolescents, young adults, at risk youth, professionals in crisis, and with the Asian/ Asian American Population. Her interests are helping others that have endured trauma as well as grief and bereavement.

Diane also enjoys all animals, traveling, arts and crafts, reading a good book, going to festivals, and spending time with family and friends.