Ray Of Hope & Life-Behavioral & Mental Health

11/22/2025

SEE YOU THERE!!! FREE DINNER! Let’s Gooooo!

11/11/2025

We are happy to have one of our QMHP-CS return and continue her journey helping others, but as a LPC-A!! She is accepting 5 clients at the moment!

Call 409-227-4757 to get started!

About

I am a dedicated mother, therapist associate, and systems thinker with a deep passion for holistic development, mental health, and human transformation. My journey has been shaped by a commitment to learning, evolving, and bridging the gap between traditional institutions and alternative, embodied wisdom.

Life took a transformative turn when I welcomed my son into the world in October 2021. Two months later, I graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a BSA in Human Ecology, focusing on Pre-Health Sciences and Family Development. In 2022, I began pursuing my Master’s of Education in Counseling & Development (Couples & Families) at Lamar University, where I gained hands-on experience in mental health counseling. I earned my M.Ed. Counseling & Development in August 2025, and my provisional license in October 2025.

My career spans diverse industries, from health & fitness to criminal law, which has refined my ability to adapt, navigate high-pressure environments, and think critically across complex systems. In the field of mental health and counseling,

I aim to integrate:
🔘 Trauma-Informed Care & Somatic Approaches – Helping individuals regulate their nervous systems, process experiences holistically, and develop resilience.
🔘 Existential & Psychedelic, Peer-Reviewed Perspectives – Exploring meaning, consciousness, and transformative states.
🔘 Systems Thinking & Human-Centered Solutions – Whether in therapy, advocacy, or business, I seek to optimize structures to better serve people.

Currently, I serve as an LPC-A (Licensed Professional Counselor Associate) working with children, adolescents, and adults in clinical and community-based settings. Additionally, I own Free Mind, LLC, where I focus on holistic consulting, small business development, and personal growth strategies.

I thrive in collaborative, forward-thinking spaces where strategy meets depth, and where real change can happen at both an individual and systemic level. I welcome opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals, researchers, and organizations committed to expanding human well-being and pushing the boundaries of mental health, neuroscience, and holistic care while advocating for humans and the earth.

Shaelyn Whatley, LPC-A
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPC-A) | M.Ed Counseling & Development | Owner at Free Mind, LLC

08/12/2025

Please welcome Jess to our Warren location!
Located at Ray’s Hope, Inc.

Hi! My name is Jess Schneider, and I’m so excited to be here! I have been married for 18 years, and my husband and I are blessed with seven wonderful children. I am the founder and executive director of Heritage Hall Academy here in Warren, and I previously served as a public school principal and educator. Over the years, I have worked with children of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, with extensive experience supporting neurodivergent children as well as those who struggle with anxiety and social skills. I have a deep passion for serving my community, and I look forward to helping children and families in our area gain the skills they need to thrive.

07/12/2025

📢 Public Service Announcement

Dear Clients & Community,

We want to share that Ms. Kia will be out of the office for the next few weeks starting July 14th as she welcomes and cares for her beautiful new baby girl. 💕👶

During this time, she will be working remotely and staying connected as much as possible. Our dedicated team will be stepping in to assist and ensure continued support and care for all of our families.

⏱️ If you have not heard back from us within 48 hours regarding a request, question, or concern, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Your communication matters to us.

We appreciate your patience, kindness, and understanding during this special time. Thank you for allowing us to serve and support you and your children. We are proud to be a part of your journey.

With gratitude,
David Cook
409-227-4757

06/24/2025

📣 Attention Lumberton ISD Families

A new state law is coming for the 2025–2026 school year that will limit student use of personal devices like phones and smartwatches during the school day.

📄 Please take a moment to read the letter attached for important details on what this means for your student and how Lumberton ISD is preparing for the change.

Thank you for your continued support! 💙❤️

Text included here as well:

Dear Lumberton ISD Families,
We are writing to inform you of a new state law that will affect student use of personal devices during the school day beginning in the 2025–2026 school year.
About the Law
The Texas Legislature passed House Bill 1481 (HB 1481), which requires school districts to eliminate student use of personal communication devices during the instructional day. Lumberton ISD is committed to complying with this law and supporting student success through a focused learning environment.
Prohibition
Students will be prohibited from using personal communication devices during the school day.
Personal Communication Devices
These include, but are not limited to:
Cell phones
Smartwatches
Tablets
Any other device capable of telecommunication or digital communication

Exceptions
The law does allow exceptions for students who:
Have documented disabilities that require device use

Have medical needs that require device access

Are using devices for approved instructional purposes

Why This Matters
The goal of HB 1481 is to reduce distractions, improve classroom engagement, and support academic success. Research shows that limiting device usage helps students remain attentive, perform better academically, and strengthen in-person social interactions.
What to Expect at Lumberton ISD
Our district is in the process of updating policies to align with HB 1481. Specific guidelines and expectations will be communicated before the new school year begins. In the meantime, we encourage families to begin conversations with their students about preparing for this transition.
We appreciate your support as we work together to ensure that all students benefit from a learning environment that promotes focus, respect, and academic growth.
Sincerely,
Lumberton ISD Administration

05/18/2025

02/17/2025

Parents take the kiddos!

https://www.facebook.com/share/1BVcWpCnUS/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Indoor trampoline and soft jungle gym equipment for ages 10 and under! $9-$11 plus tax, adults free!

02/04/2025

💚 It’s Okay to Not Be Okay 💚

Life gets heavy sometimes. We all carry unseen battles, doubts, and worries. But here’s the truth: You don’t have to carry it all alone.

Reaching out doesn’t make you weak—it makes you brave. Talking to a friend, family member, or professional can be the first step toward healing.

🌿 You Matter
🌿 Your Feelings Are Valid
🌿 Help Is Just a Conversation Away

Take a deep breath and remember: There’s strength in seeking support. Let’s break the silence and build a world where reaching out is a sign of courage, not fear.

If you’re struggling, someone is ready to listen. 💬

01/27/2025

Learn from the mistakes of others. You can't live long enough to make them all yourself.

01/05/2025

💔

Livingston ISD student Coby Brewer, 13, has passed away over the Christmas break. He was a 7th grader at the school. The morning of December 24th, at approximately 5:22 am, Coby would be pronounced deceased after tragically taking his own life. He had attempted on the afternoon of December 22nd and then taken to the hospital where he would pass. According to the family.

We have no further information to release at this time. Please pray for the family; it’s what they need most right now.

11/23/2024

My name is Brandi Stegall, I have a bachelor’s degree from Lamar University and am currently working on my master’s degree in marriage and family therapy. I am a proud wife and mom of two adult sons whom are 19 and 20, Braxton and Brendan. I have been a Pre-K teacher and a daycare administrator, holding a CDA in child development. My undergraduate focus was psychology and family studies where I found my passion for helping others. I am thrilled to be part of the Ray of Hope & Life and Allied Counseling team. I have always been passionate about helping others and found my calling in counseling and skills-building. I am a qualified mental health professional with over a year of experience working with children, adolescents, and young adults on skills-building. I hope to help children and teenagers gain self-confidence, love themselves, and build a life they will love. I look forward to working with you and your children in the future.