Our Team
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Frances "Fran" DeArman, MS, LPC, C-PD
Clinical Director/Psychotherapist
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS
She/Her/Hers
My Origins:
I became a therapist because of my grandmother the funniest, fiercest, most relentlessly kind woman I've ever known. She didn't take shit from anyone. But long before she was the woman who took her "be nice" pill every morning with her coffee (side effects reportedly included telling other people what to do and showing up at your door with a cake whether you'd asked for one or not), she spent years white-knuckling her way through a depression that nearly took her from us. Twice. Before I was born.
Keep reading. It’s wild.
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Courtnie Wittkopf, LPC, LCDC
Psychotherapist
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS
She/Her/Hers
My Origins:
I started college with the intention of majoring in nursing, but once I took my first psychology class, I knew I had to switch! Since then I have graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Science in Counseling from Texas A&M University-Commerce.
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Rhea Siemsen, LPC, LCDC
Psychotherapist
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS
She/Her/Hers
My Origins:
My path into counseling has been shaped by both professional training and lived experience. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Brandman University while attending classes on Naval Air Station Lemoore, where I also worked in financial aid supporting military-affiliated students. I later earned my Master’s degree in Counseling from West Texas A&M University.
I spent approximately a decade as a military spouse, including active duty, reserve service, and military contracting phases, with frequent deployments and extended time apart. This chapter of my life included navigating the realities of long-term separation, reintegration, and ultimately divorce.
These experiences provided firsthand insight into the complexities of military life, including relationship strain, transitions, and the emotional impact of repeated deployments.
Professionally, I have experience working in community mental health as a substance use counselor, including supporting individuals involved in drug court, probation, and CPS-related cases. This work has strengthened my ability to balance accountability with compassion while helping clients navigate complex systems and expectations.
These combined experiences have given me a meaningful understanding of how life stress, systemic pressures, and personal challenges intersect.
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Nicole Zembery, LPC-Associate
Psychotherapist
Supervisor: Brunna Merrill LPC-S
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS
In Network with Aetna & Cigna
She/Her/Hers
My Origins:
Before becoming a therapist, I spent years working in fast-paced, people-centered environments—experiences that shaped my approachable, adaptable, and down-to-earth style. Those experiences taught me that life is rarely neat or linear, and that people often carry far more than what others can see on the surface. They also helped me understand the importance of having a space where you don't need to have everything figured out before asking for support.
I earned my Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University and currently practice as an LPC-Associate under supervision in Texas. At my core, I am fascinated by people—their stories, emotional worlds, relationships, thought processes, and the ways they make sense of themselves and the world around them. My natural curiosity, empathy, and ability to notice patterns help clients gain insight, connect the dots in their experiences, and better understand themselves with clarity and self-compassion.
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Reese Hanson, LPC - Associate
Psychotherapist
Supervisor: Kelley Doss, LPC-S, CEDS-C
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS In Network with Aetna & Cigna
She/Her/Hers
My Origins:
From a young age, I knew I was meant to be in a helping profession. I’m originally from Niceville, Florida, but growing up in a military family meant frequent moves, which allowed me to meet people from all walks of life and experience a variety of cultures. Through this exposure, I noticed a universal truth—mental health challenges exist everywhere, and the need for compassionate, accessible support is present in every corner of the world.
This realization guided me to pursue a career in mental health. I earned my bachelor's degree in Psychology from Auburn University, with minors in Counseling and Italian Studies, and I am currently continuing my journey by pursuing a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Auburn as well. My path has been shaped by a strong desire to understand people deeply and help them navigate the challenges that may be holding them back.
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Reem Fox, LPC - Associate
Psychotherapist
Supervisor: Jason Daugherty, LPC-S, LCDC
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS In Network with Aetna & Cigna
She/Her/Hers
My Origins:
I have always been a collector of stories—those passed down through family, captured in art, or lived quietly between cultures. As the child of refugees, born and raised in Oslo, Norway, I learned early what it meant to feel “out of place” in many spaces at once. Those experiences shaped my deep curiosity about people, identity, and meaning, and planted the seed for my desire to walk alongside others as they navigate life’s complexities.
I began my professional journey as a social worker in Norway and later found myself building a new life in Houston, Texas. As I continued my education in the United States, I pursued a second bachelor’s degree in psychology and am now in my final year of a master’s program in clinical mental health counseling.
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Natacha Nikbakht
Supervisor: Frances “Fran” DeArman, MS, LPC, C-PD
Student Intern
NOW ACCEPTING CLIENTS
She/Her/Hers
My Origins:
I earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree from The University of Texas at Dallas and am currently a Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate student completing my clinical internship. I am passionate about supporting individuals as they navigate through life’s challenges and work toward greater self understanding and emotional well being.
Growing up in a multicultural household shaped my perspective and deepened my appreciation for the many experiences and identities people bring into the counseling space. I speak and understand Farsi/Dari and English fluently, and I value working with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and life experiences.
My goal is to create a supportive and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel comfortable exploring their thoughts, emotions, and personal growth journey.
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Kathleen Hobson, MA
Supervisor: Frances “Fran” DeArman, MS, LPC, C-PD
Student Intern
NOW ACCEPTING CLIENTS
They/Them
My Origins:
I am an advocate, educator, and aspiring counselor and my first career was doing diversity, equity, and inclusion-related work in higher education for the last 15 years. Originally from Ohio, I received my B.A. in Sociology from Ohio University and my M.A. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Akron. I moved to Denton to open the University of North Texas Pride Alliance, where I served as director for 10 years. Working with queer and trans students, I was drawn to providing emotional support and space to sort through trauma, and wanted to seek formal training as a counselor. Building trust with clients and holding space for them while they journey through challenging parts of life is work I feel honored to be able to do.
I am now in the final chapter of my graduate school journey to obtain a Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of North Texas.

