Governor Abbott Appoints Three And Names Chair Of Texas State Board Of Examiners Of Professional Counselors
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Jodie Elder, Ph.D., Vanessa Hall, and Garrett Nerren to the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors for terms set to expire on February 1, 2025. Additionally, the Governor named Steven Hallbauer chair of the board. The board has licensing, examination, and rulemaking responsibilities in the field of professional counseling.
Jodie Elder, Ph.D. of Dallas is an Adjunct Professor of Counseling in the Simmons School of Education and Human Development at Southern Methodist University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, as well as a speaker and presenter. She is a member of the Texas Counseling Association, Texas Association of Marriage and Family Counselors, American Counseling Association, Relational Therapists of Dallas, and the International Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. Elder received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from The University of Texas at Austin, a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Texas State University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision from Texas A&M University – Commerce.
Vanessa Hall of Tomball is the owner and general manager of SHAPES Fitness for Women. She is an author, former blogger, keynote speaker, and Leader of Celebrate Recovery Program. Hall received a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Communication from Dallas Baptist University and a Master of Arts in Human Resource Management from the University of Phoenix.
Garrett Nerren of Dallas is a commercial real estate broker at Jones Lang LaSalle. He is a member of the National Association for Industrial and Office Parks, International Council of Shopping Centers, The Touchdown Club of Dallas, and Dallas Court Appointed Special Advocates, and a council member on The Cotton Bowl Council. Nerren received a Bachelor of Arts in Government from Texas A&M University and is a 2nd year MBA Candidate at Southern Methodist University.
Steven Hallbauer of Rockwall is a founding partner of the law firm Lemons & Hallbauer, LLC. He practices law in the areas of civil litigation, family law, and wills, estates and probate. Prior to practicing law, he worked as a manager for CHR Solutions, Inc., a technology solutions company for telecommunications and communication service providers. He is a member of the Dallas Bar Association, Dallas Association of Young Lawyers, and the State Bar of Texas, and a fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation. In addition, Hallbauer is a longtime volunteer for the Greater Dallas Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, and currently serves on the chapter's Board of Directors. Hallbauer received a Bachelor of Science in Radio Television & Film from The University of Texas at Austin and a Juris Doctor degree from St. Mary's University School of Law.