Young Christopher went from being completely mute to talking at both the Phoenix Center and school.  As his teacher told his grandmother, "Whatever you have been doing in the last 6 months, it is working."   

Christopher's tremendous progress illustrates the growth and healing that is possible after abuse and trauma. His progress is evidence of the significant impact of intensive, high-quality mental health services for children and families. For example, he attends Phoenix Center services twice a week at no cost to his grandmother.  We will share more about his remarkable progress at the upcoming Gala.

Right now, there are other deserving kids like young Christopher in our community and on our waiting list. Thank you for your continued support so we can continue to grow and help more children in need.

In 2013, Phoenix Center served a record number of children and parents. Thank you for making our growth possible. You have truly made a difference in the lives of children and families.

Since Camp Phoenix was founded in

84 Children and parents in  2007

164 Children and parents in 2010

384 Children and parents in 2012

Phoenix Center welcomes a new part-time Child and Family Therapist to help meet the growing need within the community. 

Mandi Melendez earned her Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Texas State University, and also holds a Master of Arts in Interpersonal Communication from the University of Texas at Austin. She is a Nationally Certified Counselor, an MFT-Associate, an LPC-Intern, and she has completed all of the coursework to earn her Registered Play Therapist credential. Mandi has specialized training in play therapy, Child-Parent Relationship Therapy, mindfulness based practices, family systems, group therapy and addiction recovery. 

Mandi firmly believes that every child deserves access to a compassionate and fully present adult, and delights in guiding parents and guardians in offering children this precious gift. She is a passionate advocate for children and adolescents, and volunteers her time with the children and families of Camp Phoenix, Hope Hospice, and the Texas Advocacy Project. She has accepted a three-year commitment with the Hill Country Chapter of the Texas Association for Play Therapy, and is currently serving the board as President-Elect. Mandi has taken an active role in Counselors for Social Justice, and was featured in a documentary made by Counselors for Social Justice.  The Phoenix Center is thrilled and honored to have Mandi Melendez as a member of our team.

Current Groups 

Phoenix After School

Mondays: Elementary School Children

3:30 - 5:00 pm 

Tuesdays: Middle and High School Girls 

4:00 - 5:30 pm  

Parenting Workshops

Thursdays: 5:30 - 8:15 pm 

Caring For Children who have Experienced Trauma

7 week parenting group, with coinciding children's therapy groups and a free of cost dinner for the entire family. Offered in collaboration with HCCAC. The group began in February 2014 and is held at Trinity Episcopal Church in Marble Falls. A huge thank you to Rev. David Sugeno, Rector, Rev. Cathy Boyd, Associate Rector, Madeleine Manigold, Penny Miller, and all of the volunteers at Trinity Episcopal Church who have donated generously of their time and talents in support of this program.  

Mondays: 12:00 - 1:30 pm

Child Parent Relationship Therapy Group 

CPR-T, also called Filial Therapy, is a research-based, 10-week parenting group that teaches parents of 3 - 9 year-old children how to use some of the same skills play therapists use to help children experiencing social, emotional, or behavioral problems. CPR-T is offered at the Phoenix Center during the lunch hour; our current group began in January 2014. 

Camp Phoenix 2014

Sign-up has begun for Camp Phoenix 2014 sessions.  All of our therapeutic camp sessions are free of cost & are staffed entirely by mental health professionals and masters level Interns offering a ratio of 1 adult to every 2 campers.   Children make tremendous progress through equine therapy and our innovative therapeutic camp curriculum.  For the 2014 camp dates and an application, please visit our website or click here.