Leadership Team
Melinda Goff
Cassandra Bellus
Cassandra Bellus
Executive Director
Melinda joined Paws for Reflection in June 2024 and quickly developed a deep love for its mission and community. She now dedicates much of her time to supporting the organization, with the steadfast encouragement of her husband Edmund. You will see them both at the many events held at the Ranch, alwa
Executive Director
Melinda joined Paws for Reflection in June 2024 and quickly developed a deep love for its mission and community. She now dedicates much of her time to supporting the organization, with the steadfast encouragement of her husband Edmund. You will see them both at the many events held at the Ranch, always eager to share their enthusiasm for its purpose, its people, and the incredible work done here.
As a proud mom of two boys, Melinda is excited to see her eldest continue a family tradition of military service in the United States Air Force. The legacy runs deep, including her father and brother in the U.S. Army, and her uncle and grandfather in the U.S. Marines.
Melinda’s career as a junior high and high school math teacher spanned two decades, a path she began after earning her Bachelor of Education from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. She later broadened her expertise by earning an MBA from Lamar University.
Cassandra Bellus
Cassandra Bellus
Cassandra Bellus
Director of Equine Services
P.A.T.H. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor & Child Development Specialist
Cassandra Bellus received her B.S. in Psychology from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2015. Her desire to help special needs children and their families led her to pursue her M.S. in Human Development and
Director of Equine Services
P.A.T.H. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor & Child Development Specialist
Cassandra Bellus received her B.S. in Psychology from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2015. Her desire to help special needs children and their families led her to pursue her M.S. in Human Development and Early Childhood Disorders from the University of Texas at Dallas. In Late 2016 she discovered the field of therapeutic horseback riding and immediately began volunteering at a center in Waxahachie. She quickly realized that she had found her calling and became a PATH certified instructor.
She has now joined the team at Paws as a Therapeutic Riding Instructor and Child Development Specialist. Cassandra specializes in providing early intervention therapy for children between the ages of birth to 6 years in many areas including gross motor, fine motor, speech and language, problem solving skills, sensory processing difficulties, adaptive life skills, social/behavioral skills, and literacy acquisition. She also functions as a central resource of knowledge and support for parents learning to cope with the birth of a special needs child or a new diagnosis. Cassandra believes strongly in the healing and motivating power of animals and a natural environment combined with evidence-based practices in helping little ones and their families overcome some of the obstacles that may hinder the pathway into a happy healthy childhood.
She is endorsed by First 3 Years (formerly Texas Association for Infant Mental Health). She specializes in utilizing animals and a natural environment to assist children and their families struggling with developmental delay or associated early childhood problems.
Counseling Team
Delaney Allison
Delaney Allison
Delaney Allison
LPC, NCC, RPT
You love your child — but lately, you’re not sure how to help them.
The meltdowns feel bigger. The behavior is confusing. You’ve tried everything, and it’s still not getting better. You want to support your child, but you also want to truly understand them.
Welcome, I’m Delaney Allison (she/her), a Lice
LPC, NCC, RPT
You love your child — but lately, you’re not sure how to help them.
The meltdowns feel bigger. The behavior is confusing. You’ve tried everything, and it’s still not getting better. You want to support your child, but you also want to truly understand them.
Welcome, I’m Delaney Allison (she/her), a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and Registered Play Therapist. I help children and their caregivers navigate big feelings, challenging behaviors, and the moments that leave everyone feeling stuck.
With a background in education and advanced training in play therapy, I support children through anxiety, trauma, and emotional overwhelm — all through the language they know best: play. I work alongside caregivers to ease power struggles, rebuild trust, and foster more peaceful relationships. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and always rooted in the belief that all behavior is communication.
My work supports LGBTQIA2S+ folks and others from marginalized communities in unlearning the pressures and expectations shaped by systems built on control and disconnection. I help people reconnect with their identities, lived experiences, and inner truth — rooting in self-trust, belonging, and liberation.
If you're looking for compassionate, affirming support — for your child or for yourself — I’m here when you're ready.
Kristin Stelzer
Delaney Allison
Delaney Allison
LPC-Associate
Kristin completed her internship at Paws for Reflection Ranch under the training of Mikah Dolphin, LPC-S, and received licensure in 2023. She is currently an LPC-Associate, under the supervision of Mikah Dolphin, LPC-S and practices from a cognitive-behavioral therapy approach. Her clinical background ex
LPC-Associate
Kristin completed her internship at Paws for Reflection Ranch under the training of Mikah Dolphin, LPC-S, and received licensure in 2023. She is currently an LPC-Associate, under the supervision of Mikah Dolphin, LPC-S and practices from a cognitive-behavioral therapy approach. Her clinical background experience includes working with children, adolescents, and adults in a variety of treatment areas, including anxiety and depressive disorders, relationship and adjustment issues, and those who have experienced various forms of trauma. She is passionate about women's issues, including infertility, postpartum issues, and maternal mental health. Additionally, Kristin has a special interest in advocacy for marginalized populations.
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. She and her family make time to travel to one new place every year.
"When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming." — Mister Rogers
Nathan Lowe
Delaney Allison
Nathan Lowe
LPC-Associate
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
LPC-Associate
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
Mercy Priest
Mercy Priest
Mercy Priest
Social Work Intern
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 re
Social Work Intern
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
Equine Team
Isabel Gerron (Izzy)
Isabel Gerron (Izzy)
Isabel Gerron (Izzy)
Therapeutic Riding Instructor, Equine Specialist & Admin
Isabel Gerron has spent her entire life with horses, starting her riding at the age of 10 and she also grew up with a loving cousin that was diagnosed with Down’s syndrome. Isabel, loving both horses and special needs, longed to one day be able to work with both. In her high school
Therapeutic Riding Instructor, Equine Specialist & Admin
Isabel Gerron has spent her entire life with horses, starting her riding at the age of 10 and she also grew up with a loving cousin that was diagnosed with Down’s syndrome. Isabel, loving both horses and special needs, longed to one day be able to work with both. In her high school career she volunteered at multiple therapeutic centers and when she graduated she started volunteering under Paws for Reflection director of equine. She soon became a trusted part of the Paws team, first as a feeder/ranch hand and then a riding instructor working towards her PATH certification as a therapeutic horse back riding instructor.
Leighann Hittle
Isabel Gerron (Izzy)
Isabel Gerron (Izzy)
Therapeutic Riding Instructor, Equine Specialist & Volunteer Coordinator
Leighann Hittle started riding horses when she was 9 years old at Paws for Reflection Ranch. During middle school she volunteered at rescues and sanctuaries so she could learn more about the care and understanding of horses. She got her first horse at the age of 13.
Therapeutic Riding Instructor, Equine Specialist & Volunteer Coordinator
Leighann Hittle started riding horses when she was 9 years old at Paws for Reflection Ranch. During middle school she volunteered at rescues and sanctuaries so she could learn more about the care and understanding of horses. She got her first horse at the age of 13. She was a young filly, about 7 months old. This filly taught her how to intuitively work with and train horses. Morning Star showed Leighann the true connection you can have with a horse. She helped keep her head on straight throughout high school years. Leighann returned to Paws as a feeder during those years and volunteered when she could at ranch events. She fed horses at Paws until she moved for college. In her intro to equine class she was partnered with a disabled student to help train a young colt. Working with him made her realize what she wanted to do with her life! That’s when she moved back and once again found herself at Paws for Reflection Ranch, now as a Therapeutic RIding Instructor and Horse Specialist. She is currently working on her PATH certification while teaching and helping to train horses at Paws.
Leah Bricco
Megan Shauck
Megan Shauck
Therapeutic Riding Instructor, Equine Specialist & Marketing Admin
Bio coming soon!
Megan Shauck
Megan Shauck
Megan Shauck
Therapeutic Riding Instructor & Equine Specialist
Bio coming soon!
Animal Care and Land Management Team
Rick Morse II
Rick Morse II
Rick Morse II
Ranch Maintenance
Bio Coming Soon
Natalie Pitz
Rick Morse II
Rick Morse II
Animal Caretaker
Bio Coming Soon
Laynie Piland
Rick Morse II
Laynie Piland
Animal Caretaker
Bio Coming Soon