Counseling

Delaney Allison, LPC, NCC, RPT
Delaney Allison (she/her) is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas and Oklahoma and a National Certified Counselor. She spent seven years as an elementary educator in Coppell ISD, where she developed a passion for supporting children and families' social-emotional growth. Delaney earned her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2021 from the University of North Texas, where she received specialized training in Play Therapy. She is a Registered Play Therapist and believes in the transformative power of play therapy for young minds.

Delaney began at Paws for Reflection Ranch as a therapeutic riding volunteer and was inspired by the healing potential of equine and animal-assisted therapy. She later joined the counseling team, and she works with individuals and groups on issues like anxiety, depression, trauma, life adjustments, and caregiver support. She believes in building strong therapeutic relationships to foster self-exploration and growth, in addition to intentional focus on caregiver support to encourage overall family healing.

Outside of counseling at Paws, Delaney is a small business owner and serves as a board member of the non-profit organization Black Boys Meditate, which aims to serve underprivileged communities through mindfulness. She enjoys and practices mindfulness herself, animal photography, and spending time with her family and five rescue animals.

DAllison@Pawsranch.net

Mercy Priest

MPriest@Pawsranch.net
I’m Mercy Priest, an MSW student intern currently completing my Master of Social Work at Louisiana State University. I’m passionate about working with children, individuals with disabilities, and those seeking to build self-esteem. My approach is client-centered, empathetic, and grounded in a deep respect for each person’s unique story. In addition to my clinical training, I serve as the counseling administrative assistant, helping schedule new clients and ensuring a smooth first step into the therapeutic process. I’m currently working under the supervision of Mikah Dolphin and am committed to creating a safe, affirming space for healing and growth.

"Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love" 
- Mother Teresa

Counseling Internships

Paws for Reflection Ranch has affiliation agreements with several North Texas universities to provide training on animal assisted counseling methods, such as UTA, TCU, DBU, Nelson (previously SAGU), Tarelton State University, UNT, and SMU. 

Don't see your school listed? Contact PawsForReflection@PawsRanch.net to see if we can partner with your university, today!

Rebecca Chesney, M.Ed, LPC-S, Clinical Supervisor

Rebecca earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at Texas A&M University (Whoop!) and her Master of Education degree in School Counseling from Dallas Baptist University. She is currently pursing her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from University of the Cumberlands. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor in the state of Texas and certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitizing and Reprocessing) Therapy. She also has extensive training in Child-Centered Play Therapy.
Rebecca has a wealth of experience that stems from working in various settings such as schools, non-profits, children's advocacy centers, and private practice. Her love for animals has led her to study and research the benefits that come from Animal-Assisted Therapy. Rebecca supervises graduate students at the ranch working through practicum and internship. She also assists in program development and counselor training.
Rebecca has been happily married for over 24 years, has a teenage daughter, and two fur babies at home. She has a heart for the hurting and is passionate about mentoring the next generation of counselors.
"But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me." -2 Corinthians 12:9

RChesney@PawsRanch.net

Nathan Lowe, LPC-A

What if it all works out? Let's ground ourselves, let go, and release ourselves from the responsibility of fear and worry and burden that was never ours in the first place. We'll do it together.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate working under the supervision of Mikah Dolphin, LPC-S. I received my master's degree in clinical mental health Counseling from Walden University in August of 2022. Prior to becoming a mental health counselor, I worked in public schools as a teacher, a behavior interventionist, and an instructional coach. I practice person-centered therapy with an emphasis on viewing everyone with unconditional positive regard and the human search for joy and meaning. I have experience serving all ages in nature-based counseling, equine assisted and animal assisted counseling, play therapy, and traditional talk therapy. What an honor it will be to share life with you.

"People are just as wonderful as sunsets if I can let them be...When I look at a sunset I don't find myself saying "soften the orange a bit on the right hand corner." I don't try to control the sunset I watch with awe as it unfolds." -Carl Rogers

NLowe@Pawsranch.net

Mikah Dolphin, M.A., LPC-S,Director of Counseling Services

Mikah was divinely drawn to Paws For Reflection Ranch where her passion for caring for animals, teams, and clients is fostered in this environment that provides connection to peace, healing, and growth.  Mikah grew up on a farm and from a young age understood the positive impact that animals have on our lives.  As a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor, Mikah desires to join with her clients (children through adults) and this special environment to create a therapeutic relationship that promotes thriving in daily life, a path to wellness, and a deeper connection to Christ through each person’s unique identity (if desired by the client).  Mikah’s professional journey encompasses a variety of settings, including foster care, private practice, residential care, and hospital-based programs; outpatient, intensive outpatient (IOP), and partial hospitalization (PHP).  Mikah’s leadership experience includes clinical supervision, business and clinical operations, grant oversite, and project management, all of which are focused on diversity and inclusion, promoting team strengths, fostering professional development, and a mission-driven culture.  Mikah welcomes the opportunity to give you a tour so that you too can experience this beautiful God given gift that we lovingly refer to as Paws.

Contact Mikah: MDolphin@Pawsranch.net

Counseling Team

Kristin Stelzer, LPC-A

KStelzer@Pawsranch.net
Kristin completed her internship at Paws for Reflection Ranch under the training of Mikah Dolphin, LPC-S, and received licensure in 2023. Her clinical background experience includes working with children, adolescents, and adults in a variety of treatment areas, including anxiety and depressive disorders, those who have experienced various forms of trauma, and relationship and adjustment issues. It is her aim that you feel fully respected and accepted within the counseling relationship and work collaboratively toward your or your child’s goals. In her spare time, Kristin enjoys spending time with her family while discovering new music, food, and playing trivia.

Samuel Williams, M.S., LPC Associate 
Under the supervision of Mikah Dolphin, LPC-S 

SWilliams@PawsRanch.net

When individuals experience life stressors, it is not uncommon for those individuals to need skills that will be a help regarding those stressors.  Sam is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate with a great passion to bring healing to people who have found stressors in their life.  He will help each client with coping skills to deal with those stressors by addressing life patterns that tend to be maladaptive. By using strategies and interventions that lead to healthier, more adaptive ways of coping,  Sam will empower individuals to have a better relationship with themselves and others while healing.  Sam served his country from 1987 to 1995 as a soldier in the U.S. Army.  He also serves in the protestant church since 1988 and as an ordained Elder since 2000.  Sam’s educational background includes a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling and a Bachelor’s in Psychology both from Tarleton State University.