Meet the Staff

Kelly R. Goodness, Ph.D.

Dr. Goodness is a clinical and forensic psychologist. In addition to maintaining a general clinical practice, Dr. Goodness routinely evaluates and treats some of the state’s most difficult behavioral and psychiatric patients. Her extensive forensic experience combined with her hospital, community and institutional clinical experience provides her with a breadth and depth of expertise unsurpassed by those in most other clinical or academic settings. Dr. Goodness is particularly adept as a forensic examiner and  expert witness as her experience flows from evaluating and treating difficult forensic and clinical cases rather than merely studying or researching them. In addition, Dr. Goodness teaches Forensic Psychology at the University of Texas at Dallas and is an expert speaker who has provided numerous presentations and workshops on capital murder, mitigation investigations, psychological injury, forensic assessment, insanity, psychopathy, general psychology, and more.

E-mail: goodness@sprintmail.com

Jennie Fincher, M.S. has a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology earned in 2002 at Abilene Christian University. She is currently working toward obtaining her licensure as a professional counselor in Texas. Her areas of special training and expertise include diagnosing and treating mental illness, such as depression and anxiety. She specializes in treating adolescents and families with various issues, such as anger, behavior problems, and relational difficulties. Additionally, she is a certified Pet Partner with the Delta Society. Jennie sometimes employs her certified therapy dog, Zoë (a yellow Labrador retriever), to assist in therapeutic situations. As such, Jennie and Zoe affords Dr. Goodness and Associates with the distinction of being one of the few DFW mental health practices offering this unique service.

Laurie Cristy is our go-to person for almost everything at Dr. Goodness & Associates as she is the Officer Manager and knows everything about everything! Whether you need an appointment, an invoice, information about the practice or directions to the office, she can take care of you. Laurie ensures that everyone is where they are supposed to be, when they are supposed to be and with what they need to get the job done. She is a professional organizer and expert business manager which makes her an asset to us and our clients alike.

Laurie Cristy is currently a student at UNT in Denton studying Business Management. She juggles a career, school, community service, and a family. Laurie brings to the company several years experience managing a service-based company along with multiple years of experience in the legal field.

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“Zoe” the Therapy Canine

“Zoe”

“Zoe” has been nationally certified as a Pet Partner since 2004. She had to pass a variety of training programs and tests in order to be certified as a Pet Partner and has since aided in the treatment of a variety of individuals in therapeutic settings.

 

Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) is is "a goal-directed intervention in which an animal that meets specific criteria is an integral part of the treatment process.” Possible goals of AAT include:

¨ Increase attention skills

¨ Increase self-esteem

¨ Reduce anxiety

¨ Improve willingness to participate in therapy (www.deltasociety.org)

 

Animal Assisted Therapy is particularly useful for children who have:

¨ Behavioral problems

¨ Difficulty opening up to adults

¨ A developmental disorder or a disorder within the autistic spectrum

 

Likewise, Animal Assisted Therapy is particularly useful for adults who are:

¨ Mourning the loss of a loved one, including a pet

¨ Experiencing a cognitive disorder such as Alzheimer's, stroke or traumatic brain injury

¨ Dealing with end of life issues

¨ Are in a nursing home

¨ Depression