Welcome

With nearly two decades of experience in helping children and families, Elizabeth launched Happy Camper Child and Family Therapy in response to the changing demands of adapting to a post COVID society. After experiencing first hand the detrimental effect of the lockdown of 2020, Elizabeth committed to develop a new strategy for providing safe, consistent treatment for children and families.  ​ Elizabeth has advanced credentials in Play Therapy (treatment for children and families) and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). She is a TBRI Educator (Trust-Based Relational Intervention) and has specialized training in family relationships and attachment styles.  ​ Elizabeth is a mother to 8 children (through birth and adoption) and enjoys hiking, camping, and kayaking together. Personally experiencing the benefits of a camping retreat, Elizabeth has a vision to enhance the therapeutic experience with the unique camping  environment.

Ladybird is a Sheepadoodle and the official Happy Camper Cainine. Clients of all ages call Birdie "Friend".

Jorge is a Bi-Lingual, LPC-Associate, with training and experience in Play Therapy, Echo Therapy, EMDR and Attachment. Jorge fosters a welcoming and safe environment through a mutually beneficial connection so clients can reach their desired goals and live up to their highest potential. He believe in the therapeutic power of play and the relationship of safety that a trained therapist provides. He is open to working with children, adolescents, and adults from diverse backgrounds and is knowledgeable in anxiety, depression, trauma, adjustment disorders, and more. For adult clients Jorge use a variety of approaches to help each client’s unique needs, including attachment-focused and trauma informed interventions. Jorge is enthusiastic about working alongside each client on their journey of growth and healing by providing the highest quality of care. Jorge is supervised by Shelley Zavodney, LPC-S, LMFT-S

My name is Alexis Penning, and I am originally from East Texas. I was adopted at a young age and had a wonderful childhood experience growing up on a 100-acre farm. In having this childhood experience, I have felt deeply connected to nature and animals, finding peace, inspiration, and connection in the natural world. This connection has shaped my approach to counseling, fostering a deep appreciation for growth, resilience, and the healing power of our environment. In my teen years, I developed a sense of compassion and a desire to want to work with at-risk youth and vulnerable populations. In having this desire, I pursued a bachelor’s degree in social work, laying the foundation for a career in advocacy and support for vulnerable populations. I have had the opportunity to work with Child Protective Services over the past years. Throughout this work, I have gained extensive experience working with foster care, at risk populations, and individuals who have experienced significant trauma. In doing this work, I realized that I wanted to work more intimately with children, adolescents, and families that have experienced hardship or trauma. In having this desire, I went on to pursue a master’s degree at Lamar University to become a Licensed Professional Counselor. It is now my mission to provide the populations that I work with a safe place to overcome their most vulnerable moments and life challenges. I will work as an advocate and supporter to help clients reach their goals. It would be my duty, responsibility, and passion to help the clients that I serve reach the overall goal of success, and to help them understand that they’re more than the trauma that they’re facing today.

As a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), I'm on a mission to bridge the gap between mental wellness and healing power of the natural world. My professional journey has been deeply intertwined with my love for nature and movement, allowing me to merge the therapeutic benefits of both realms. I combine evidence-based therapeutic techniques with mindfulness practices, encouraging clients to connect with themselves and the environment around them. With a background as a teacher, coach, and school-based therapist, I know the challenges students face outside the therapy room. I'm a firm believer in the restorative power of the outdoors. When I'm not in the office, you can find me hiking, biking, or running in the natural spaces of Houston and beyond. I am under the supervision of Jody Chandler, LCSW-S.

Hi there! My name is Deidra Bartholomew. I’m originally from Kansas but made it to Texas as quick as I could. I have been married to my husband for 15 years and I am a proud mother to 3 boys and 2 bonus children. I am passionate about family, friends, cooking and traveling with our English Bulldog Peyton. In my spare time I enjoy listening to live music and trying new restaurants. I earned my undergraduate degree in History at Sam Houston State University and my Master’s in Educational Counseling at the University of St. Thomas. With 24 years’ experience in secondary education, 9 as a high school counselor, I am looking forward to working with individuals, adolescents, parents, couples, and families while providing a warm, energetic, and genuine down to earth approach. I am especially interested in grief and parenting adolescents. I support you taking an active role in the therapy process while identifying and embracing purposeful approaches that will bring peace, confidence, and problem-solving skills to your life. I am committed to creating a safe and trusting space where you feel accepted and understood. I will incorporate a variety of theoretical orientations to include attachment-based therapy and trauma informed interventions. Healing, growth, and connection are my priority when working with my clients.