About
Who We Are
Behavioral Evaluation Services of Texas
We are a multi-disciplinary psychological private practice operating out of McKinney, Texas. Just as McKinney is "Unique by Nature," so are you, and we strive to honor that in our approach, assessment process, and customized treatment planning. Dr. Eleonora Bass, Psy.D. is at the forefront of BEST, and with over 13 years of experience in the field, including clinical work in the US and abroad, and across multiple settings and populations of all ages, you can be at peace that the special microcosm of you will be carefully considered during this evaluation process and beyond.
Our Mission at BEST Is
To Help You Easily Navigate This Confusing World of Mental Health
We want to empower you with knowledge so that you can use your natural strengths to help overcome areas of challenge. We want to eliminate the question of "Am I crazy?" because the truth is, you are not crazy. Life is stressful and comes with endless challenges on a daily basis. It can be hard to manage it all. Let us take some stressors off your plate and create a treatment plan just for you based on how you process information, using your strengths. Once the evaluation is complete, we'll be happy to stay in touch as a resource and to help brainstorm or consult on your progress.
Our Team
Eleonora Bass, Psy.D.
Founder, Clinical Supervisor, Licensed Psychologist
(LP #37283)
Dr. Eleonora Bass, Psy.D is a multi-lingual (English, Spanish, Italian,
Russian), licensed psychologist with a range of clinical experience in
the US and abroad. Dr. Bass has over 13 years experience doing
evaluations as well as individual, group, and family therapy with
children, adolescents, and adults struggling with mood disorders
(anxiety, depression, bipolar), personality disorders, ADHD, learning
disabilities, trauma, substance abuse, anger management, adult Autism
Spectrum Disorder, chronic pain, and life changes. She completed her
clinical trainings in Houston, Massachusetts, Costa Rica, Israel, and
Ecuador. She has worked in a wide range of settings including IOP/PHP,
therapeutic school, community health center, bilingual low-income
services, and private practice.
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology from William James College
Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from Boston College
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology from William James College
Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from Boston College
Texas Psychological Association
Collin County Psychological Association
Collin County Psychological Association
Kent Little, LPA
Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA #39965)
Mr. Little has over 12 years of
experience working in clinical psychology. He began his career working in
adult inpatient psychiatry, leading therapeutic groups that focused on
utilizing positive coping strategies and recreation/leisure to help
decrease some of the most severe symptoms related to a variety of
diagnoses. He went on to graduate school and after two master’s
degrees, found himself working in the outpatient setting, specializing in
psychological evaluations. Mr. Little predominantly worked for a prominent private practice in
McKinney, Texas over the past 7 years and finally found his niche. He has
helped clients from the DFW area by providing them with thorough
evaluations that help clarify their diagnoses and identify a path to
successful recovery.
Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Walden University
Master of Science in Psychology from Walden University
Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Walden University
Master of Science in Psychology from Walden University
Michelle Honargohar, B.S.
Psychometrist
Supervised by Eleonora Bass, Psy.D, LP #37283
Michelle has over three years experience in the mental health field and began her career working as a psychometrist evaluating children and adults with a wide range of cognitive and emotional difficulties. Further, she has specialized training in pediatric psychology/neuropsychology and Autism and experience providing clinical services to children in various settings. In addition to clinical work, Michelle loves to contribute to the psychology field via research and has presented at local and national conferences. She is currently pursuing her doctorate of philosophy, Ph.D. (specialization in school psychology and neuropsychology) from Texas Woman’s University.
Bachelor of Science in psychology from Texas Woman’s University in Denton, Texas
Bachelor of Science in psychology from Texas Woman’s University in Denton, Texas
Tiffani Gaines, M.S.
Psychometrist
Supervised by Kent Little, LPA #39965
Tiffani has over five years of experience working in the field of psychology. She began her career working as a program therapist at an adult psychiatric inpatient facility, completing intake assessments and providing creative group therapy. After taking some time to find her niche in psychology, she decided to pursue a master’s degree in Psychometrics and has worked as a psychometrist since then. She describes herself as open, reflective, and excited to learn. She has a personality that is cheerful, optimistic, compassionate, and goal oriented. She has multiple experiences with research and teaching, bringing in critical thinking, writing, and interpersonal skills as a trainee. Her interest in the impact of trauma, substance use disorders and mood disorders will allow her to meet individuals where they are as she provides needed psychological support. Tiffani is committed to understanding and supporting members of marginalized communities at individual and systemic levels and serving diverse populations.
Master of Science in Psychometrics from Louisianna University at Monroe
Elijah Byrd Sr., M.S.
Psychometrist
Supervised by Eleonora Bass, Psy.D, LP #37283
Elijah has over five year of experience in the mental health field and enjoys working with children, adolescents, and adults. He has experience and training in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) testing in children, teens, and adults, neuropsychology, and more. His clinical interest is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Anxiety Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Mood Disorders, and Neurocognitive Disorders. He is currently pursuing his Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology (specialization in neuropsychology) at Fielding Graduate University.
Bachelor of Science in Bible and Psychology at Dallas Christian College in Dallas, Texas
Master of Science in Clinical Psychology at Southwestern Assemblies of God University in Waxahachie, Texas
Jennifer Deliganis-Bess, LPC-S
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S #66170
Supervisor Designated
Jennifer Deliganis-Bess, LPC-S, is a trauma informed, licensed professional counselor and supervisor with over 20 years of experience providing parental support, individual, and family therapy to children, adolescents, and adults, ages 8 years and older, struggling with the affects of trauma, anxiety, panic, depression, anger issues, OCD, phobias, ADHD, life transitions, grief and loss.
Jennifer has specialized, advanced training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Attachment Trauma, and expressive therapies, such as play and sand tray. She has enjoyed working in various settings, such as school, non-profit agency, clinical, private practice, and telehealth.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Southwest Texas State University (now, Texas State University) in San Marcos, Texas
Masters of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas
Shivani Sarkaria, Psy. D.
Licensed Psychologist, LP #40128
Dr. Sarkaria holds a Psy.D in clinical psychology with an emphasis on children and families. She has over 7 years of experience conducting psychodiagnostic, personality, trauma, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Intellectual disabilities, and ADHD evaluations across the lifespan. She created a storybook for parents of children with ASD for her doctoral dissertation to help parents and caregivers understand the diagnosis of ASD and process their emotions around the diagnosis. She has therapeutic experience working with trauma, anxiety, depression, grief/loss, skills training, and emotional and behavioral challenges across the lifespan. She has experience utilizing CBT, ACT, DBT, and CPT. She has worked in various settings, including community mental health, schools, medical centers, and private practice. She has completed her clinical training in California, Missouri, and Texas. She focuses on conducting robust, data-driven, and culturally sensitive psychological assessments to help guide treatment for children and adults. She strives to provide guidance and clarity, so every client and family feels empowered to take the next steps in their treatment.
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology from California School of Professional Psychology- Alliant International University
Masters of Arts in Clinical Psychology from California School of Professional Psychology- Alliant International University
Josh Rodgers, LPC, RPT
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC #85079
Registered Play Therapist
Josh has over five years of experience working with children in various settings such as schools, non-profits, foster homes, and private practice. He is a trauma-informed Registered Play Therapist who works with children ages 3 - 18 struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, anger, and life changes and provides guardian support to better help them help their children.
Josh utilizes art, creativity, and sand tray in his approach to helping children heal and manage those big emotions. He has specialized training in CBT, Trauma Focused CBT, Sand Tray, CPT, and TraumaPlay.
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Memphis, Tennessee
Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Angelo State University, San Angelo, Texas
Masters of Science, Counseling Psychology, Angelo State University, San Angelo, Texas
Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Angelo State University, San Angelo, Texas
Masters of Science, Counseling Psychology, Angelo State University, San Angelo, Texas
Abha Ahuja, Psy.D.
Provisionally Licensed Psychologist, PLP, #40516
Post-Doctoral Fellow
Supervised by Eleonora Bass, Psy.D, LP #37283
Dr. Ahuja has over 10 years of experience in clinical psychology. She worked as a neuropsychologist at a neurology hospital in London, UK for 9 years. She has experience conducting neuropsychological evaluations with individuals affected by a wide array of neurological disorders, including various forms of dementia, movement disorders, brain tumors, TBI and neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD and learning disabilities.
Since moving back to the US in 2011 and taking a break to raise her two boys, she returned to the mental health profession in 2022. Her clinical experience also includes working with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, and eating disorders. She has worked in hospital, residential treatment and private practice settings.
She is currently in the process of obtaining her Texas license and receiving training to conduct Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) evaluations. Her approach to assessment and therapy blends cultural sensitivity, evidence-based practices and objective data to effectively guide individuals and families in reaching their treatment goals. She employs an integrative approach, incorporating principles from CBT, DBT, and ACT to assist individuals in reaching their therapeutic goals and pursuing a meaningful life with mental, physical and spiritual well-being.
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology from Carlos Albizu University
Anaiya Baukman, LPA
Licensed Psychological Associate, LPA #40159
Ms. Baukman has over 5 years of experience providing evidence-based individual, couple, and group psychotherapy to individuals in inpatient and outpatient facilities. She conducts psychoeducational, diagnostic, and Autism Spectrum evaluations across the lifespan. Ms. Baukman has experience working with adolescents and adults to address anxiety, mood, personality, psychotic, substance use, grief/loss, diversity, and complex or developmental trauma-related concerns. Ms. Baukman specializes in working with young adults, women with complex trauma, and couples. She assists couples with healthy communication, healing the relationship after the impact of trauma, betrayal recovery, infertility, miscarriage, separation and divorce, and the impact of personality on relationships.
Ms. Baukman embraces an integrative approach to therapy drawing from a variety of evidence-supported practices including Psychodynamic Therapy, Family Systems Theory, Relational Cultural Therapy, CBT, EMDR, Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples, and Gottman Method Couples Therapy.
Her clients would describe her as genuine, relaxed, and caring. Ms. Baukman strives to cultivate meaningful and collaborative therapeutic relationships, by approaching each session with warmth, empathy, and authenticity. She aims to foster a safe and exploratory environment for her clients with each interaction. Ms. Baukman has a culturally humble approach that privileges your multicultural/diverse experience and leads to the development of a comprehensive assessment or treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Certificate in Advanced Clinical Studies with concentration in Couples and Family Therapy- Chestnut Hill College
Masters of Science in Clinical Psychology – Chestnut Hill College
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Trained
Level 3 Gottman Method Couples Therapist with advanced training in trauma and affair recovery from The Gottman Institute
Melanie Gomez, B.S.
Psychometrist
Supervised by Shivani Sarkaria, Psy.D., LP #40128
Melanie has previous experience in a psychological assessment where she spent time connecting with patients and families, scoring assessments, and learning about cognitive, emotional, and psychological functioning in individuals. She is currently earning her Certified Specialist in Psychometry credential from the Board of Certified Psychometrists.
Melanie is a graduate from Brigham Young University-Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in Marriage and Family Studies, and a Psychology minor. Additionally, she has earned several certificates within the same field that have increased her knowledge on how to work with individuals of all backgrounds and populations. In the future, Melanie hopes to earn her doctorate in Clinical Psychology and continue her work in assessment to make a greater impact within her community.
Bachelor of Science in Marriage and Family Studies from Brigham Young University-Idaho
Gracie Medina, M.S.
Psychometrist
Supervised by Anaiya Baukman, LPA
Gracie has been working in the field of psychology for seven years. She began her career as a Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT), focusing on children on the autism spectrum. After earning her master's degree in 2021, she transitioned to the role of a psychometrist. Gracie has experience working with clients aged 4 to 90 years old. She is pursuing a Ph.D. with a specialization in school psychology and neuropsychology. Additionally, Gracie has a strong interest in research and is especially interested in trauma research.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Texas in Austin
Masters of Science in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Neuropsychology from University of Texas at Tyler
