Meet the Team
Our team of experienced therapists are available to help you connect
You’re In Good Hands with Wendy Byrd & Connected Heart
We are deeply committed to offering premier and empathetic mental health services. Recognizing the individuality of each client, we ensure that every treatment plan resonates with their distinct requirements.
Wendy and the Connected Heart family are esteemed professionals in their arena. This expertise cascades to our Connected Heart practitioners through ongoing training and insights. Those who seek therapy with us aren’t just clients — they’re embraced as part of the Connected Heart family.
Join us, and we pledge to support your path towards rejuvenation, strength, and holistic health.
Our Therapists
Robin Landers
Founder
Robin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and MAPS trained in MDMA assisted therapy. She runs a thriving private practice in Austin, Tx. She has over 20 years’ experience working with individuals and couples, adolescents and adults. Robin began her career in mental health directly after undergraduate school, where she received her BA in psychology and went on to receive her Masters in Social Work. Prior to opening her private practice, Robin worked with adolescents in the juvenile justice system as an individual and group psychotherapist. She is a certified EMDR therapist in Austin and registered with EMDRIA, an EMDR consultant who facilitates EMDR basic trainings, and is trained in Systems Centered Therapy and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy.
Sarah Beddingfield
LMSW
Sarah is a licensed social worker who has a master’s degree in social work from the University of Denver. She enjoys working with individual adults and adolescents, and has clinical experience with trauma, anxiety, depression, and neurodivergence. Sarah is also a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community and particularly loves working with young people on finding comfort and safety in their queer identity.
Sarah’s therapeutic approach is joyful and direct. She uses a combination of evidence-based approaches such as CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), DBT (dialectal behavioral therapy), and somatic experiencing tools. Sarah’s primary goal as a therapist is collaborating with clients to process their experiences, build resiliency, and become stronger advocates for themselves.
Chris Fatherree
LCSW
Chris Fatherree is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience in Mental Health in Austin and the surrounding communities. She works with adolescents and adults. She has worked with individuals who experience depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, and psychosis. Additionally, Chris has worked with people in crisis and drug and alcohol addictions. Chris’ therapeutic approach is curious, warm with thoughtful listening. She is trauma informed and uses multiple approaches to assist individuals in attaining their therapy goals. The approaches include Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Sand Tray and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Chris will create an open therapeutic environment for you and will work in collaboration with you to promote healing, develop personal advocacy and increase self-knowledge.
Wendy Byrd
Founder
Wendy Byrd is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Professional Counselor. She maintains a successful private practice in Austin, Texas.
As an EMDRIA certified therapist and approved consultant, Wendy utilizes EMDR in her practice on a daily basis. Prior to opening her practice in 2007, she worked with adolescents and children in a residential treatment facility conducting individual and group psychotherapy.
She has presented at local and national conferences on integrating EMDR into couples therapy. As a facilitator for EMDR training she helps teach other therapist EMDR. Over the years Wendy has volunteered her time and experience serving on both local and national associations to support other support mental health professionals and the field.
Sara Salem
LMSW
Supervised by Dr. Christine Norton, LCSW-S
Sara is a licensed social worker who graduated from Texas State University with her master’s degree in social work. She enjoys working with adolescents and adults one on one, as well as working with family members together to improve communication and increase understanding. She has worked as a clinician in an acute care treatment facility for those experiencing suicidal ideation and/or engaging in self-harm. Sara’s background includes both individual therapy sessions and group therapy sessions with clients living with depression, anxiety, and trauma.
Sara uses a combination of evidence-based practices dependent on the client’s needs, including but not limited to dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and solution-focused therapy. Her approach with clients is strengths-based as she works with people to build resilience, promote self-determination, and learn effective coping skills.