Hi there!
A Fort Worth Country Day School “Original,” I graduated from high school in 2004 after thirteen years with my best friends. I attended the University of Texas at Austin where I earned my undergraduate degree in psychology with a minor in education. After jumping in the fountain and leaving the burnt orange tower behind, I moved back to my hometown of Fort Worth where I re-branded myself as a Longhorned Frog and went to graduate school at TCU for my Masters of Education in Counseling.
The day after I graduated from grad school I was hired at Cook Children’s where I spent the next eleven years gaining the bulk of my therapy experience. Most recently I had the pleasure of being the first clinical therapist to serve the Gastroenterology Clinic where I focused on the brain/gut relationship, and I helped patients learn about how their mental health and physical health are intertwined. It was in this role that I became passionate about helping children who have been diagnosed with chronic illnesses. My focus in GI was primarily on patients with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, collectively known as Inflammatory Bowel Disease or “IBD,” but I have experience in helping children with other things such as chronic abdominal pain, Celiac disease, and anxious tummies.
I am momma to both a 5 year old, “Junebug,” and 2 year old, Wyatt Bee, named after his great-grandfather, Carl Bee… and therein lies the name of my practice and social media blog, The Bug and Bee. Follow me on Instagram, @thebugandbee !
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Our Team
Emily Bradley, M.Ed., L.P.C.- Associate
Hello there! My name is Emily, and I am thrilled to join The Bug and Bee as a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate! Along with serving children, adolescents, and families at The Bug and Bee, I am also a Professional School Counselor serving grades K-5. Whether I am working with children in a school setting or individually, the heart of my counseling practice is the same: to build authentic, trusting relationships where you and your child feel connected, seen, heard, supported, and valued.
This is my 12th year in education and 8th year as a school counselor. Prior to Fort Worth ISD, I worked at Westlake Academy IBO World School for six years, followed by experience in educational consulting and community mental health counseling. I have received specialized training in Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), Critical Incident Stress Management, Love and Logic, and Solution-Focused Therapy among many others. I love to support and empower children (as well as caregivers) with practical self-regulation, coping strategies, and management tools for navigating big feelings such as anxiety, anger, and grief. I also focus on building a growth mindset, resilience, and self-esteem as a foundation of mental health and wellness.
I graduated with a B.A. from Texas A&M University (Whoop!) and then attended the University of North Texas where I earned my M.Ed. in Counseling with a focus in both school counseling and community mental health during a three-year clinical program. Most importantly, I am a proud mama to two incredible little boys, Levi (7) and Jonah (5).
I am so excited to join The Bug and Bee and look forward to getting to know your family! It truly does take a village, and I’m honored to walk alongside you as we learn and love our children well. Parenting is not always easy. Being a kid is not always easy. But we can do hard things together.
Rachel Childers, M.S., L.P.C.- Associate
Greetings! My name is Rachel Childers, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate. I graduated with my B.A. from University of Phoenix and later expanded on my career to receive my M.S. in School Counseling and Special Populations with a certificate in Clinical Mental Health. I have over 15 years of experience in education as a teacher, and school counselor that I bring into my work as an LPC Associate.
I enjoy working with adolescents, young adults, adults, families, and couples struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, stress, family conflict, trauma, attachment issues and those navigating new life transitions. My mission as a therapist is to meet my clients where they are and provide them with the skills they need to meet their individualized goal. My theoretical approach is eclectic because I believe that therapy should be formed to fit the client’s needs. I see every client as an individual and do not believe one size fits all. I enjoy supporting my clients by encouraging them to feel empowered and confident. I provide my clients with the tools they need to be successful. I believe counseling provides an opportunity for individuals to learn and grow personally with the help of a supportive professional. I strive to create an
environment that is safe and trustworthy to allow clients the freedom in working towards change and healing. I believe the therapeutic relationship is a partnership that leads the way to the client’s new beginnings.
I’m honored to be a part of The Bug and Bee family and look forward to working closely with you.
Ali May, Graduate School Intern
Hi, my name is Ali May. I am passionate about children and helping them learn and grow. I have been teaching children in grades pre-kindergarten through fifth grade for 14 years. During this time, I have worked with children with ADHD, learning disabilities, autism, emotional regulation difficulties, and much more. I have personal experience with foster-to-adopt where I have been familiarized with
- Reactive attachment disorder
- Major depressive disorder
- Anxiety
- and Post traumatic stress disorder.
I use a child-centered approach through play therapy. I meet each individual child where they are. I believe children will heal when given the time, resources, and the opportunities. I would love to be a guide along your child’s path to healing.
I am excited to continue along my counseling journey at The Bug and Bee and look forward to working with your family!
