LGBTQ+ Friendly and Culturally Sensitive
Verified by Psychology Today
Follow:

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.
Sunset through bridge and body of water

Our Team

Eleonora Bass, Psy.D.

Founder, Supervisor, Executive Director

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 14 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, 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
Texas Psychological Association
Collin County Psychological Association
Eleonora Bass photo

Kent Little, LPA-IP

Clinical Director

Licensed Psychological Associate - Independent Practice, LPA-IP #39965
Mr. Little has over 13 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

Tiffani Gaines, M.S.

Psychometrist/Intern

Supervised by Eleonora Bass, Psy.D., LP #37283

Tiffani has over six 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

Anaiya Baukman, LPA

Licensed Psychological Associate, LPA #40159

Supervised by Eleonora Bass, Psy.D., LP #37283
Ms. Baukman has over 6 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.

Masters of Science in Clinical Psychology from Chestnut Hill College, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Certificate in Advanced Clinical Studies with concentration in Couples and Family Therapy from Chestnut Hill College, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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

Jennifer Deliganis-Bess, LPC-S

Licensed Professional Counselor, Supervisor Designated, LPC-S #66170
Jennifer Deliganis-Bess, LPC-S, is a trauma informed, licensed professional counselor and supervisor with over 21 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.

Masters of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Southwest Texas State University (now, Texas State University) in San Marcos

Josh Rodgers, LPC, RPT

Licensed Professional Counselor, RPT, LPC #85079

Registered Play Therapist

Josh has over six 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 clients ages 3- 24 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 TramuaPlay.

Masters of Science in Counseling Psychology, Angelo State University, San Angelo, Texas

Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Angelo State University, San Angelo, Texas

Ashley Ibbotson, Ph.D.

Licensed Psychologist, LP #38123 

Dr. Ashley Ibbotson has 10 years experience completing evaluations and assessments as
well as individual, group, and family therapy with children, adolescents, and adults struggling with mood disorders (anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder), developmental disorders (autism), personality disorders, ADHD, learning disorders, trauma, and substance abuse.

She completed an APPIC accredited pre-doctoral internship program where she conducted individual, group, and family therapies, comprehensive psychological evaluations, and crisis services with children, adolescents, and adults. She has facilitated group therapy sessions and social skills groups with individuals on the autism spectrum and those who suffered from
depression and substance abuse. She facilitated two years of intensive in-home therapy and crisis intervention, providing interventions to families and youth who were at immediate risk of being displaced from the home and entering the foster care, juvenile justice, and/or social services systems. She was also an adjunct Psychology professor for two years, teaching classes in General and Developmental Psychology.

Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology from Walden University

Master of Science in Psychology from Walden University

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Religion from the
University of North Carolina at Wilmington

Kirsten Murry, M.A.

Psychometrist

Supervised by Eleonora Bass, Psy.D., LP #37283
Kirsten has over three years of experience in the mental health field, working with children, adolescents, and adults. She has experience and training in providing psychological assessments across various settings, including private practice and hospital settings. Her clinical interests include anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, autism spectrum disorder, and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Kirsten also has experience providing social skills training and group therapy to children with autism.

Kirsten is currently pursuing a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School, with a focus on child and adolescent populations. She has a strong interest in pediatric psychology. Kirsten is passionate about using assessment to help clients better understand themselves, navigate challenges, and take meaningful steps toward improved mental health and well-being.

Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School in Dallas, Texas

Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Xavier of University of Louisiana in New Orleans, Louisiana

Brittney Dean, B.A.

Psychometrist

Supervised by Eleonora Bass, Psy.D., LP #37283
Brittney has doctorate-level training in clinical psychology with a forensic focus from the University of North Texas. She has over five years of experience at the UNT Psychology Clinic, where she worked with clients of all ages and contributed to the field through published research. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys roller skating at the skatepark and creating fiber arts through knitting and crocheting.

Brittney hopes to complete her doctorate in Clinical Psychology and continue specializing in forensic and clinical assessment to support adolescents and their families.

Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Texas Tech University

Melanie Gomez, B.S. 

Psychometrist

Supervised by Eleonora Bass, Psy.D., LP #37283

Melanie is bilingual (English/Spanish) and holds several certifications in marriage and family studies which have given her knowledge in understanding the complexities of working with individuals and systems of different backgrounds. She has previous experience working in a psychological assessment office where she spent time connecting with patients and families, scoring assessments, and learning about cognitive, emotional, and psychological functioning in individuals.

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. She is currently earning her Certified Specialist in Psychometry credential from the Board of Certified Psychometrists.

Bachelor of Science in Marriage and Family Studies from Brigham Young University-Idaho

Kayla Pennel, M.S.

Psychometrist

Supervised by Eleonora Bass, Psy.D., LP #37283
Kayla has two years of psychometry experience, and one year of experience as a student clinician during her Master’s level practicum. She serviced children, adolescents, and adults, as well as geriatric patients, over the course of her training through both psychological assessment and counseling. She also has a wide range of knowledge in neuropsychological batteries. Kayla has specialized interests in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, intellectual/learning disabilities, and personality disorders. Through her Bachelors, she also minored in Health Services, learning additional skills in social work and addiction.
 
In her free time, Kayla trains her two young dogs and enjoys various crafts such as puzzles, diamond paintings, building Lego, and color-by-number. She also makes 3D diagrams, including book nooks or mini rooms.

Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Texas A&M University Commerce (East Texas A&M Univeristy)

Bachelor of Science in Psychology from University of North Texas