Dr. Julie Jones

In my twenties I realized I grew up surrounded by highly functional people who I now know are neurodivergent.  Raised within walking distance of NASA, I thought my peers and their parents were very bright, often quirky, and sometimes inhibited.  It’s no surprise that my teachers always paired me with a classmate who had autism.

My son Noah says he takes credit for my career.  He sparked a flame of chronic frustration, and I felt powerless to solve his early childhood medical and mental health issues.  I can only describe the rest of my professional story regarding one miraculous opportunity after another.  People and circumstances propelled me to learn more, ask hard questions, and to become the resource that didn’t seem to exist in Texas.

As a counselor, I spent almost a decade in a private school that served adolescents with social and learning differences.  In this setting, my ability to find, use, and become a resource came alive.  People seek me out to help them find resources, establish connections with private schools, choose additional providers (medication, OT, PT, SLP), consider therapeutic placement, and build transition plans.  I often collaborate with public and private schools during treatment.

I have been fortunate to work with the Tarnow Center treatment team in recent years.  Surrounding myself with highly educated people and specialized providers helped me to know when and how to advocate for clients.  As a family therapist on the team, I learned to work with highly complex cases.  I also learned what actionable resilience looks like and the various pathways to finding it.

I have always run a private practice in the background of my career.  As I move into the next phase of my own life, I am transitioning to 100% teletherapy.  My new office is next to a river.  It’s my turn to take over a family business.  As a fourth-generation rancher, I’m learning about land regeneration, water rights, native plants, and what thrives in the natural environment.  I am forever learning.

I am an aging athlete who cares more about health than body image or winning.  I am a triathlete, distance runner, and avid Peloton cyclist.  I track my recovery, sleep, heart, and active body functions with wearable technology.  Hint: I bring up fueling to feel good and moving for proactive, positive functioning in sessions!

I am married to someone who adores authentic me.  I have a blended family with four adult children. My furry friends include a Savannah cat, a mini Australian shepherd dog, and a previously feral old man cat.