Psychotherapy Team
Amanda Pena, M.A., LPC
Amanda is the owner and director of Spectrum Services and a Licensed Professional Counselor with extensive experience in supporting neurodivergent individuals. She specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and other evidence-based approaches to help those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (Asperger’s), ADHD, and related social communication challenges.
With a deep understanding of anxiety, emotion dysregulation, and their impact on relationships, work, and education, Amanda helps clients manage sensory needs and anxiety that interfere with daily life. She is dedicated to empowering individuals to navigate their environments with confidence and success. Her therapeutic approach is collaborative and strengths-based, helping clients recognize their unique abilities while developing strategies to overcome challenges.
Beyond individual therapy, Amanda is passionate about equipping families with the tools they need to foster understanding and connection. As a parent of two wonderful children—one of whom is neurodivergent—she understands firsthand the complexities of parenting in a neurodiverse household. Through parent coaching, she provides practical guidance to help caregivers support, advocate for, and nurture their children through all stages of development.
Amanda is committed to creating an inclusive and affirming space where neurodivergent individuals and their families can thrive. Whether working with children, adolescents, or adults, her goal is to help clients build meaningful relationships, achieve personal growth, and develop the skills they need to lead fulfilling lives.
Cindy Spencer, LPC, BCBA, CTRS
Cindy is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPC) in Colorado and Texas, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). She holds a Bachelor of Science in Recreation Therapy, a Master of Science in Counseling from Old Dominion University, and a Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of New Mexico.
With over 16 years of experience, Cindy specializes in psychotherapy and behavior therapy for neurodivergent individuals, including those with Autism and ADHD. She helps clients manage anxiety, depression, and maladaptive behaviors while supporting caregivers through therapy, training, and consultation. Her approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to provide personalized, evidence-based care.
Currently, Cindy is operating out of Spectrum in Lakewood, Colorado, offering in-person and virtual therapy, including services in Austin, Texas. She also has eight years of experience as a risk management consultant for behavioral health providers nationwide.
Chasey Packer, LPC, NCC
Chasey’s passion for working with children and advocating for those with unique developmental needs has been a driving force throughout her career. Early in her adulthood, she dedicated herself both professionally and as a volunteer to support children, fostering her deep connection to helping others. This experience fueled her desire to continue her education, leading her to pursue and earn a Master’s in Professional Counseling, which she completed in the Spring of 2016.
Shortly thereafter, Chasey joined Spectrum in the Fall, where she completed her internship and further honed her clinical skills. Throughout her studies, Chasey developed a strong interest in working with individuals who experience atypical cognitive development. Her research, as well as her personal and clinical work, have consistently focused on supporting neuro-diverse communities and addressing the unique challenges they face.
During her clinical training, Chasey worked with a diverse range of clients, including adults, adolescents, and young children. This hands-on experience enabled her to build a versatile approach to therapy, blending emotional support with practical, creative interventions. Chasey’s ability to connect with people on a personal level allows her to meet clients and families where they are, offering compassion and guidance tailored to their specific needs.
A firm believer in the power of individual stories, Chasey takes the time to understand each person’s unique journey. She uses this understanding to provide emotional support while utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques to equip clients with the tools needed to overcome challenges and grow. With a blend of empathy and practical guidance, Chasey strives to empower her clients, helping them build resilience and navigate life’s difficulties with confidence.
Kristen Trocin, Psy.D
Dr. Kristen Trocin is a Licensed Psychologist in Texas, bringing years of expertise and dedication to helping children and families thrive. With specialized experience in providing evidence-based therapies for children on the Autism Spectrum, Dr. Trocin has a passion for empowering individuals and their families to develop essential skills that foster growth and emotional well-being.
In her practice, Dr. Trocin recognizes the invaluable role caregivers play in the development and success of their children. She has extensive experience in caregiver-mediated interventions, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between parents and professionals. By partnering with caregivers, Dr. Trocin works to equip them with the tools and strategies necessary to support their child’s growth and skill development, both at home and in the community.
A central component of Dr. Trocin’s therapeutic approach is the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which she applies in both individual and group settings. CBT is a powerful tool for addressing a range of emotional and behavioral challenges. Dr. Trocin uses this approach to help children and adolescents improve emotional regulation, develop effective coping strategies, and enhance their social thinking abilities. By focusing on changing unhelpful patterns of thinking and behavior, CBT fosters greater resilience and emotional well-being.
Dr. Trocin is deeply committed to working collaboratively with children, families, and caregivers to create tailored treatment plans that meet each individual’s needs. Her dedication to evidence-based practices, along with her empathetic and practical approach, has made her a trusted resource for families navigating the complexities of Autism Spectrum Disorders and related emotional challenges.
Mackenzie Gilchrist, LPC – LPC-A
Mackenzie is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPC-A) at Spectrum Social Services. She earned her Master’s degree in Counseling from St. Edward’s University in 2024 and is currently working toward completing the required hours for full licensure. Under the supervision of Tiffany Otting, Mackenzie continues to refine her skills and develop creative, holistic interventions to best support her clients.
Since joining Spectrum Social Services almost a year ago, Mackenzie has focused her counseling experience on social skills, executive functioning, anxiety and depression, identity work, and life transitions. She has gained valuable field experience working with children, adolescents, and young adults at the Austin Grief and Loss Center and St. Edward’s Community Clinic. These experiences have shaped her approach to counseling, which emphasizes meeting clients where they are and fostering unconditional positive regard.
Mackenzie’s personal and family experiences have given her a unique perspective on advocacy, particularly for the LGBTQIA+ community and neurodivergent individuals. She is deeply passionate about building strong rapport with her clients, utilizing creativity, humor, and practical interventions through the frameworks of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Sarah White, LCSW
Sarah White is a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who graduated from the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work. With years of experience working across multiple settings, including inpatient psychiatric hospitals, Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP), and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), Sarah has developed a deep understanding of mental health and emotional well-being. She specializes in providing therapy for both adolescents and adults who face a wide range of emotional and behavioral challenges.
For the past three years, Sarah has focused her expertise on treating technology addiction and borderline personality disorder (BPD). In her role, she has provided both individual and group therapy in PHP and IOP settings, helping clients develop healthier coping strategies and navigate complex emotions. Her clinical work has centered on treating technology addiction, a growing concern for many in today’s digital age, and addressing the emotional and behavioral dysregulation often associated with BPD.
Sarah’s clinical practice spans a diverse population, including youth, young adults, and the elderly. Her broad range of experience allows her to offer tailored therapeutic approaches that best meet the needs of each client. Her deep understanding of evidence-based theoretical frameworks in psychology and clinical social work informs her work, ensuring that each treatment plan is built on the most effective therapeutic modalities.
Trained in several evidence-based therapies, Sarah is skilled in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), motivational interviewing, and acute crisis intervention. These therapeutic approaches enable Sarah to work collaboratively with clients to address and resolve the challenges they face, whether it’s coping with past trauma, managing emotions, or navigating behavioral struggles. Her ability to use these tools effectively in both individual and group therapy sessions has helped many clients build resilience, improve emotional regulation, and develop a stronger sense of self.
Sarah’s approach to therapy is grounded in empathy, respect, and the belief that every individual has the potential for growth. She is an ally to the LGBTQ+ community, offering support and care to individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Additionally, Sarah is deeply committed to supporting neurodiverse individuals, providing a compassionate approach that recognizes the unique challenges they face in the world. Her commitment to inclusion and advocacy ensures that all of her clients feel seen, heard, and valued throughout their therapeutic journey.
With a deep commitment to creating safe, supportive spaces for her clients, Sarah White is dedicated to helping individuals overcome their challenges, achieve emotional healing, and lead fulfilling lives.
Skyler Forrest, LPC – Student Intern
Skyler is currently an LPC student intern at Spectrum, pursuing a Master’s in Counseling at St. Edward’s University, with plans to graduate in the Spring of 2025. Before beginning graduate school, Skyler worked as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) providing early intervention through Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, which sparked their passion for working in the mental health field. This experience led them to pursue a career in counseling, dedicated to supporting individuals with diverse mental health needs.
Skyler’s clinical field experience began at the St. Edward’s Community Counseling Clinic, where they worked directly with clients from a variety of backgrounds. Additionally, they interned with Communities in Schools of Central Texas, where they provided social services, community resources, and counseling support to high school students facing various challenges. These experiences allowed Skyler to deepen their understanding of the mental health struggles unique to youth and families.
Skyler is committed to fostering a warm, accepting, and safe environment for all clients, where they feel heard, supported, and empowered. They believe in creating an atmosphere that encourages personal growth and healing through a person-centered approach and utilize Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) techniques to help clients build emotional resilience, develop coping skills, and lead fulfilling lives. Skyler strives to walk alongside clients as they navigate their individual journeys, offering empathy, understanding, and non-judgmental support at every step.
Sonya Macfarlane, LPC Associate
Coming from a neurodiverse family and being neurodiverse herself, Sonya has long been passionate about understanding and supporting the neurodiverse community. She earned a bachelor’s degree in music with a minor in theater from Texas State University and a master’s degree in counseling from St. Edward’s University.
Sonya’s professional experience includes teaching preschool, elementary, and special education, as well as facilitating support groups for the Austin Area Birthing Center and Austin Grief and Loss. She completed her student internships at The Northwest Counseling and Wellness Center and Spectrum Services.
With a focus on whole-person wellness, Sonya emphasizes the mind-body connection and the impact of an individual’s environment. She takes a systemic approach to therapy, recognizing the vital role of family and other support systems. In addition to individual therapy, she offers family and couples sessions to foster deeper connections and healing.
Pronouns: She/Her
Teale Janysek, MA, CTRS
Teale joined the Spectrum as a CTRS in 2018, working with clients in the community, while working towards her LPC. Teale’s heart for people and the helping profession began at a young age and she found her passion in her Undergraduate degree in Therapeutic Recreation. She fell in love with the brain and how it works during her time at Oklahoma State and knew she wanted to be a counselor. She became certified as a CTRS, (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist), in 2012 and has worked in a variety of settings, including Memory Care, Community Based Physical Rehabilitation, Inpatient Psychiatric and Outpatient Med-Psych. Here she gained a strong knowledge base in a variety of populations from ages 4 to 94, as well as, gaining great exposure to a variety of diagnoses. She graduated with her Masters in Human Relations, with an emphasis in counseling, in 2016 from the University of Oklahoma. Teale transitioned to full time therapy work at Spectrum in 2019 to complete her counseling internship and became a fully licensed therapist in the Fall of 2021. She brings a strong understanding of family systems and the emotional and social challenges that we all face in life. She loves assisting clients in breaking down the barriers in their own lives and walking with clients through transitions. She is passionate about learning peoples’ stories, and strives to meet people where they are and come along side them to be a part of their journey. Teale’s goal is to build a trusting relationship with her clients where they feel safe to explore and build on their own strengths to achieve their goals.
Victoria Gutierrez-Jasek, LMSW
Tori is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who earned her graduate degree in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington. She has been a valued member of the Spectrum team since 2021, where she has discovered her passion for working with neurodiverse populations through the organization’s transformative programs.
Prior to becoming an LCSW, Tori worked as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), gaining invaluable experience that deepened her understanding of the challenges neurodivergent individuals often face when navigating a neurotypical world. Her time as an RBT highlighted the importance of advocacy, creating safe spaces, and fostering open, honest conversations—elements that fueled her transition into talk therapy.
Tori is dedicated to helping people uncover their happiest and most authentic selves. Her therapeutic approach is grounded in evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), and Motivational Interviewing. Additionally, she brings expertise in case management and behavior therapy from her previous roles as both a case worker and an RBT.
With experience working with children, adolescents, and adults, Tori is committed to providing compassionate, culturally competent care that meets each individual’s unique needs. She is passionate about her work and is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those she serves.