About Us

Hi there! My name is Amanda Russo and I’m the clinical director of Balanced Life Solutions. I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC). I’ve lived in the Dallas/Fort Worth area my whole life. I went to The University of Texas in Dallas and obtained a Bachelor’s in Child Learning and Development and a Bachelor’s in Psychology. During undergrad, I entered an internship working with autistic children, which spurred my love for working with the neurodivergent community. I then went on to study at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center where I received a Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling. It was during my time at UTSW that I discovered my passion for neuropsychological and educational assessment where I worked for both the UTSW Psychological Services Department and the Parkland Trauma Unit. 

After school, I went on to work in several private practices, local community mental health clinics and public schools. In addition to being a counselor, I’m also a certified teacher in elementary education, special education, and school counseling. I’m extremely passionate about advocating for the appropriate educational services for children with special needs.

After working for the schools, I did neuroscience research and treatment for divergent social cognition with the University of Texas at Dallas’ Brain Performance Institute.  There, I utilized technology to provide treatment in an online interface, focusing on improving childrens’ ability to understand other peoples’ thoughts and implicit social information. Additionally, I gave presentations around the DFW metroplex focusing on how educators and parents could help foster social cognition.

I have expertise in neurodivergent diagnoses including autism, ADHD, and learning differences including gifted learners. Additionally, I have a strong passion for working with neurodivergent women and AFAB individuals as they are chronically under- and misdiagnosed due to their presentation of symptoms.

When I’m not counseling, I love spending time with my three children. I also enjoy singing, traveling, and reading books, especially on the topics of neuroscience and psychology.

Hi, my name is Cindy Finefrock! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, but you can also think of me as an expert compassionate listener and intrapersonal way-finder. I love to help people who long to feel understood, but who struggle to find relief amidst isolating experiences. I can guide you in your pursuit of healing and insight to create meaningfulness through expressing yourself and building relationships.

Throughout my experiences of living with a disability, counseling a diverse clientele, and working as a college missionary, I have learned how daunting it can feel to try to make sense of oneself and the world. Having a safe and supportive confidant is a deep need in this growth process. Authentically living out your self-actualized life is a gift to humanity, so I want to help you flourish on this soul-searching journey. If you are ready to start focusing on you, then reach out to me to set up your first session!

As you work with me, you will be refreshed by the business values that I uphold…

Honesty:

Integrity means genuinely caring about the good of others and being ethically minded in all of your dealings. True honesty embraces the light shed by accountability.

Empathy:

Empathy is not only asking, “How would I feel if I were in your shoes?” but it further asks, “How would I feel if I were you in your shoes?” Empathy is compassion in action and wisdom in silence. We should be quick to listen and slow to speak.

Love and Respect:

All people are equal in value and worth, yet one of the main things we share in common and can learn from is that we are each different. Every person matters, and how we treat each other should reflect love and kindness.

Dr. Horton received his Bachelor's and Master's in Social Work, and a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy from Texas Woman's University.  One of the reasons that he pursued a master's degree in social work and ultimately a doctorate in family therapy was because he wanted to assist others in realizing their ability to live a fulfilling life.  As an individual who grew up with a physical disability, he learned that the greatest limitations that we have are the ones we place on ourselves. He believes in the innate ability of everyone to achieve his/her dreams. 

In conducting individual, couples, and family therapy, Dr. Horton creates a supportive and confidential atmosphere wherein he may help clients deal with change and improve communication and problem-solving skills.  He particularly enjoys working with clients with disabilities and their families, as he understands the challenges they may encounter and the impact of disabling conditions on the family system.  Dr. Horton's disability causes a speech impediment (slow speech) and some physical limitations; it does not affect his clinical skills.  

Dr. Horton's license numbers are: LMSW - 50863; LPC-A - 87385; LMFT-A - 20257; and his NPI is 1205542503.  Dr. Horton is supervised by Dr. Paul Jurek, license #1121 and #000634.

Hi there! My name is Lauren and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPC-A) and a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC). I received my Master’s degree from the University of North Texas in Rehabilitation Counseling. Both my educational background and my personal life have well-equipped me to work with people from a holistic approach through a CBT and REBT technique lens. I specialize in working with people with disabilities and therefore tend to work from a Feminist Theory viewpoint as it emphasizes diversity and self-empowerment. I have 3 years of experience working at the University of North Texas as an ENGAGE program coordinator where I work with students who are neurodivergent to achieve their social, personal, academic, and vocational goals. I also work for a non-profit in Dallas called To Be Like Me where I have worked alongside other LEADers with various disabilities to educate today's youth and communities about disability. In addition to my professional history, I was born with a physical disability called Muscular Dystrophy and have used a power chair since the age of 3. I like to say I just live my life on wheels! My life’s mission has always been to become a mental health counselor with a disability for people with disabilities, as well as for anyone seeking a therapist who will meet them where they are and grow together. I’m looking forward to meeting and working with you!