Hi, I’m DiShanna (Di), the owner and founder of A Better Journey Therapeutic and Educational Services. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor with 13 years of experience in the counseling field. I hold a PhD(c) and will soon be completing my Doctorate in Addiction and Neuroscience. My passion lies in helping others overcome addiction, depression, anxiety, and unhealed trauma.

Before becoming an addictions counselor, I struggled with alcoholism for nine years, along with depression, anxiety, and PTSD. My addiction led to multiple encounters with the legal system, spending much of my adolescent and young adult years on probation for alcohol-related offenses. But by the grace of God, I overcame those challenges, broke free from addiction, and founded A Better Journey to help others do the same.

My mission is to support individuals on probation, helping them complete their court requirements while evaluating their relationship with alcohol and other substances. I believe probation is a second chance—an opportunity to learn from past mistakes and build a better future, free from jail or prison. I enjoy guiding clients toward self-discovery, helping them understand the root causes of their substance use, and turning setbacks into powerful comebacks.

Outside of work, I love spending time with my husband, four children, and extended family. I enjoy traveling, attending church, and seeking adventure—whether it's rollercoasters, rock climbing, zip-lining, or skydiving.

My favorite quote is, 'It's never too late to be who you should have been.” And my favorite scripture is, “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” – Proverbs 16:3.

My team and I are honored to support you on A Better Journey!

Hi, I'm Maurice, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of A Better Journey Therapeutic Services. I lead strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and execution, ensuring we provide the highest level of care.

I have a Bachelor of Science in Health Science and a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration. Currently, I’m in the final year of my Doctorate in Healthcare Administration, further strengthening my expertise in healthcare leadership and innovation.

I’m passionate about enhancing access to quality substance use treatment and committed to making a lasting impact in the lives of individuals on their recovery journey.

Hello, I'm Maylin (May)! I am the Administrative Program Assistant here at A Better Journey. My goal is to support each of you by providing detailed information about our programs and guiding you through the enrollment process, ensuring you can begin your treatment as smoothly as possible.

I’m truly grateful to be part of this amazing team, and I want to make sure you feel comfortable choosing us and reaching out with any questions you may have.

“Do everything in love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:14

Hi, I'm Curtis, the Quality Manager. I attended Texas Southern University and love spending time with family and friends, sharing laughter and good moments. In my free time, I have a passion for exploring new places through travel.

Hi, I’m Matthew, a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor with 10 years of experience. I hold a degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology from the University of El Paso. Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work with diverse populations, including incarcerated individuals, forensic clients, those experiencing homelessness, and individuals in both inpatient and outpatient treatment settings.

Outside of work, I enjoy outdoor activities and prioritizing physical health as part of a balanced lifestyle. I’m grateful to be part of your Better Journey and look forward to supporting you on the path to recovery.

Hi, I’m Kimberli. I attended Tarrant County College District in Fort Worth, Texas, and have been a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) in Texas since 2016. My own recovery journey began in 2007, and it has fueled my passion for helping others overcome the challenges of addiction and build a fulfilling, sober life.

Outside of work, I love gardening and taking care of my little homestead. I believe that having hobbies and meaningful activities is a vital part of the recovery process, helping to create balance and purpose in life.

I am Vincent, a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC III) with a passion for helping individuals overcome substance use challenges. Since 2014, I have been dedicated to using evidence-based practices and therapeutic modalities to support clients on their recovery journey.

My experience spans a variety of settings, including mental and behavioral health, the Correctional/TDCJ Rehabilitation Program Division, detox, residential treatment, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and supportive outpatient programs. I am committed to providing compassionate, effective care to those seeking a path to lasting recovery.

My name is Ingrid, and I am a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. I was born in Opelousas, Louisiana, where I spent most of my childhood. From a young age, I was always curious and eager to learn about the world around me. Whether it was reading, writing poetry, or engaging with people from different walks of life, I always felt that life had so much to offer.

I earned my AAS in Human Services from Lone Star Community College and am currently pursuing my social worker degree at Walden University. My decision to become a substance abuse counselor is deeply personal, as I am an adult child of alcoholic parents. With over 20 years of experience working with individuals facing mental health and substance abuse challenges, I am dedicated to helping others on their journey to recovery.

A fun fact about me is that, although I love the water, I can’t swim. Additionally, I believe, as Damien Thomas said, 'If you change your mindset, you have the ability to change your world.'

Reflecting on my life, I realize that every experience, both good and bad, has shaped me into who I am today. From my childhood curiosity to my teenage years of self-discovery and my ongoing journey in college, I am grateful for the lessons I’ve learned along the way. I look forward to the future and the opportunities it holds.

Hi, I am Sandy. I am a dedicated and passionate addiction professional with a strong background in substance use counseling and clinical management. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Tarleton State University. My work is centered around building relationships with local resources to ensure comprehensive care for the clients I serve in my community.

Recovery is my passion, and I take a hands-on approach to life. I am actively involved in strengthening my community by volunteering with various organizations. One of my most rewarding experiences has been teaching a recovery class to incarcerated women in the Reentry Program at Tarrant County Jail.

I am also an active member of NAADAC (National Association for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors) and TAAP (Texas Association of Addiction Professionals), where I proudly serve on the board for the Fort Worth Chapter of TAAP. Through these organizations, I advocate for addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery services on a local, state, and national level, frequently visiting legislators in Austin and Washington, D.C., to advance the field for addiction professionals.

My dedication to this work has been recognized through awards such as the Fort Worth TAAP Counselor of the Year, Professional of the Year, and the SAMHSA MFP Fellow of the Month. I am committed to making a lasting impact in the field of addiction treatment and recovery, ensuring individuals have the support and resources they need to heal and thrive.

I love spending my days with my two children, making memories together. You can often find me working in my garden, what I like to call 'dirt therapy.' I also enjoy being outdoors and attending live music events and festivals.