Meet the Team

Our team of experienced therapists are available to help you connect

Wendy and Robin

You’re In Good Hands with Connected Heart

At Connected Heart Therapy, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality, compassionate mental health care. We understand our clients and take the time and care to make sure we are meeting each client’s unique needs.

Our founders are experts in their field and our Connected Heart clinicians benefit from their extensive knowledge with continuous clinical education and consultation. Our connected heart clients receive the benefit of our high standards of care and are seen as part of the connected heart family.

We will be honored to work with you on your journey to restore your wellness, resilience, and overall wellbeing.

Our Therapists

Wendy Byrd

Robin Landers

Founder

EMDR consultant certificationEMDR therapist certification

Robin Landers, LCSW is a highly experienced psychotherapist, educator, and certified EMDR therapist, as well as an EMDRIA-approved consultant. With over two decades in mental health treatment, she specializes in trauma-informed care and innovative therapeutic approaches. Based in Austin, Texas, Robin has been at the forefront of integrating EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) with Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), pioneering protocols that enhance healing and transformation.

After years in solo private practice, Robin co-founded Connected Heart Therapy, expanding her commitment to holistic mental health care and professional education. As an EMDR consultant and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy trainer, she facilitates basic trainings, mentors clinicians, and educates other mental health professionals in EMDR and KAP protocols. Her expertise is rooted in a deep understanding of trauma, healing and the transformative power of personal growth.
Robin’s clinical work spans individual and couples therapy, with a focus on complex trauma, psychedelic-assisted therapies, and systems-centered therapy. She has worked with diverse populations, from adolescents in the juvenile justice system to adults seeking transformative therapeutic experiences. Trained in MDMA-Assisted Therapy, Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, and Systems-Centered Therapy, she brings a compassionate, integrative approach to mental health treatment.

Robin remains deeply dedicated to advancing the field through training, mentorship, and innovative clinical applications, continually refining her work to support both clients and fellow professionals in achieving meaningful psychological change.

Wendy Byrd

Jillian DiPaola

MSW, LCSW

Jillian DiPaola is a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in complex trauma and dysfunction. She  brings a deeply personal touch to her work as a therapist which is driven by her passion for understanding the complexities of the human experience. With extensive experience working in school systems, psychiatric hospitals, and private practice, Jillian has dedicated her career to helping people navigate trauma, dysfunction, and the challenges that impact their lives, careers, and relationships. Her work with teens, families, and adults has given her a unique perspective on the emotional and psychological difficulties that people face across different stages of life.**

Jillian’s approach to therapy is rooted in compassion, insight, and collaboration. She believes in meeting her clients where they are, and her sessions focus on psychoeducation, self-exploration, and helping individuals unlearn and relearn behaviors that no longer serve them. Through her “roots-up” approach, Jillian helps clients better understand themselves and their internal processes, fostering lasting growth. Her clients can expect not only valuable insight but also a warm, nonjudgmental environment where compassion and understanding are both modeled and practiced.

With a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Dance from Texas Tech University, and an M.A. in Professional Counseling with honors from Texas State University, Jillian has continuously sought to deepen her understanding of trauma and recovery. Certified in the Cloud & Townsend Growth Model and having completed numerous trauma recovery programs, she blends both evidence-based practices and a personal passion for healing into her work.

When she’s not in session, Jillian finds joy in the performing arts as a dancer and singer, teaching and performing in her spare time. Helping others remains her life’s work, and she considers it a true honor to walk with her clients on their journey toward healing and self-discovery. 

Wendy Byrd

Cassandra Garza

MA, LPCA

 I’m Cassandra Garza, a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate specializing in complex trauma, anxiety and depression. As a therapist and mental wellness enthusiast, my hope is to offer you guidance and encouragement through life’s challenges and provide you the tools to navigate your own self development journey and live as the best versions of yourselves.

I believe in helping you identify your own strengths and interests to develop the skills necessary to persevere through adversity and work towards creating a life that feels fulfilling and balanced. With extensive experience in crisis and trauma counseling, I’ve developed a passion for helping others build the resilience they need to not just survive, but thrive.

After receiving my B.S. in Psychology and M.A. in Mental Health Counseling, I dove into trainings on various trauma modalities such as Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, and Written Exposure Therapy, with a strong drive to continue learning best practices for my clients.

When I’m not therapisting I enjoy engaging in my hobbies like gardening, candle making, reading, and more. I believe fostering a good work-life balance for myself allows me to be the best clinician I can be for you all!

Robin Landers

Wendy Byrd

Founder

EMDR consultant certification EMDR therapist certification

Wendy Byrd, LMFT, LPC is a distinguished psychotherapist, educator, and certified EMDR therapist, consultant, and EMDRIA Approved Trainer based in Austin, Texas. She brings extensive expertise in innovative therapeutic approaches, including Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), EMDR, and as a certified IMAGO relationship couples counselor. She has been featured on Good Morning America and in Newsweek, speaking to the transformative potential of these cutting-edge therapeutic modalities. In recognition of her contributions to the field, she was awarded the 2024 Outstanding Service to EMDRIA Award.

Having established her private practice in 2007, Wendy has evolved her work to become the co-founder of Connected Heart Therapy, where she continues her dedication to holistic therapeutic approaches and professional education. Her expertise in KAP is grounded in a deep understanding of trauma, healing, and the profound potential for personal transformation. As an EMDRIA Approved Trainer and KAP educator, she has dedicated herself to advancing the field by training and mentoring other mental health professionals in both EMDR and KAP protocols.

Throughout her career, Wendy has demonstrated leadership in the mental health community through her service on both local and national professional associations’ boards. She has presented at national conferences, particularly noted for her innovative work in integrating various therapeutic modalities, including her approach to incorporating EMDR into couples therapy. Her background includes significant experience working with complex trauma, having previously specialized in adolescent and child therapy in residential treatment settings.

Wendy Byrd

Chris Fatherree

LCSW

A seasoned professional, Chris Fatherree is highly knowledgeable and well regarded as an LCSW serving the city of Austin and its surrounding areas. Chris has over 20 years of experience in the Mental Health Field. With warmth, collaboration, and openness, Chris works alongside adults of all ages to attain therapeutic goals specific to their needs.

Chris has worked with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, bipolar, and psychosis and is prepared to support your growth and healing journey as work to overcome these difficulties. She has additional experience treating crises and addictions, lending her to offer a safe welcome space for these challenges as well.

Her thoughtfulness and curiosity allows each individual to feel seen and supported. With approaches ranging from Motivational Interviewing, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Sand Tray, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), Chris is here to support each human as they need.

Wendy Byrd

Allison Hewett

I hold a degree from Southwestern University, where I focused on the evolution of anxiety, depression, relationship dynamics, and coping strategies—and how these factors continue to shape our mental health today. My clinical experience spans a variety of settings, including residential treatment for eating disorders, private practice, and non-profit counseling clinics.

Outside of my professional work, I enjoy spending time in nature, meditating, and painting collected rocks as a creative outlet. I’m also an animal lover and share my home with a sweet hedgehog named Pepper.

I offer free consultation calls to provide space for you to ask questions, explore your needs, and see if we’re a good fit. I look forward to connecting with you on your path to healing.

Book an appointment

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For emergencies call 911 or visit your nearest hospital.

512-350-8015

206 Wild Basin Rd., S Building A Suite 208, Austin, TX 78746

info@connectedhearttherapy.com