Governor Abbott Appoints Three And Names Chair Of Texas State Board Of Examiners Of Marriage And Family Therapists
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Russell “Russ” Bartee, Ph.D., Daniel Parrish, and Jeanene Smith to the Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists for terms set to expire on February 1, 2025. Additionally, the Governor named Lisa Merchant, Ph.D. chair of the board. The board licenses and regulates Marriage and Family Therapists in Texas.
Russell “Russ” Bartee, Ph.D. of Fort Worth is a self-employed Psychotherapist and Assistant Professor in the graduate counseling program at Texas Wesleyan University. He is a member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and the American Counseling Association. He previously served as a member of the American Psychological Association, Texas Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, and the Fort Worth Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. Bartee received a Bachelor of Science in Pre-Medical Science from Oklahoma Christian University and a Doctor of Philosophy in Family Therapy from Texas Women’s University.
Daniel Parrish of Desoto is the owner of DP Designs and Developmental Architectural Firm. Previously, he served as a Developmental Coordinator and Project Manager for Rock Strategic. He volunteers with high school students interested in architecture, and serves as a mentor to college architectural majors. Parrish attended Tuskegee University and received a Master of Architecture from Hampton University.
Jeanene Smith of Austin is a self-employed Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor. She is a member of the American Counseling Association, Texas Counseling Association, and the Texas Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. In addition, she serves as a board member of the Austin Center for Grief and Loss, and is a former President of Tejas Family Institute. Smith received a Bachelor of Science from West Texas A&M University and a Masters of Counseling from Episcopal Seminary of the Southwest.
Lisa Merchant, Ph.D. of Clyde chairs the Department of Marriage and Family Studies at Abilene Christian University, where she is also the director of and an assistant professor in their marriage and family therapy program. She also facilitates domestic violence intervention classes at the Ministry of Counseling and is a founding member of the Taylor County Alliance to End Domestic Violence. Merchant received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Sam Houston State University, a Master of Marriage and Family Therapy from Abilene Christian University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy from Texas Tech University.