Meet our TEAM

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Jessica is Evie’s mom.

 Jessica has always had the nature of an artist. From her early lessons in pastels and oil painting, through her Photography degree from The Art Institute of Dallas, art is a constant in her life. After the loss of her youngest daughter, it was only natural that she’d turn to painting and photography to heal. Inspired by a kindness rock left by their friend, Jessica and her husband, Michael, started painting through the grief.

“I'm inspired by people that have overcome any kind of adversity,” Jessica explains. “People who get up every day—in spite of what they have gone through—and persevere.” Seeing what a difference painting and hiding rocks made to her family’s grieving process, Jessica wanted to do more. “I wanted to start a conversation to help erase the stigma of mental illness and suicide. As a non-profit team we can do more, reach more peaople and really make a difference.” 

If you’re around Jessica for long, she’s just as likely to break into song or answer a question with a quote from a favorite movie. “I might possibly, start dancing at the grocery store to make my kids laugh,” she said. “Evie loved it. She said it made her life amazing.” 

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills (ASIST) Trainer

AS+K About Suicide To Save A Life Trainer

Mari Gutierrez is a shining light in the Tyler Community for promoting awareness, understanding and compassion regarding mental health and suicide. She is a licensed Psychological Associate and is currently the CCBHC (Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic) program evaluator at the Andrews Center. She is also a trainer for ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) and will be co-leading training workshops to help people learn how to interact and support those with thoughts of suicide.

Mari also has the unique opportunity of working alongside one of her heroes, Dr. Charles Walker. A local clinical neuropsychologist, she says that she is inspired by his professionalism and compassion when working with individuals to find the best quality of life through mental health treatment.  She has worked with him in various roles for over a decade and currently provides neuropsychological assessment services at Precision Spine Care. 

She has also been blessed with a strong network of family, friends and colleagues in the mental health industry that give her inspiration. A continual learner, she also draws motivation from the various cultural and spiritual differences of love and learning the different perspectives of others.  

Mari was motivated to join The Evie Effect  as we look to initiate conversations about mental health. She would like to reach those who are curious or may be in search of direction or support but are hesitant to talk with a mental health practitioner for various reasons. 

In her free time, she is a belly dancer with a local dance group and also enjoys exploring new places with her son.  Additional interests include reading, walking her dogs, and running. She is a self-proclaimed nerd who is an avid Star Wars and Batman fan and loves video games.   

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills (ASIST) Trainer

AS+K About Suicide To Save A Life Trainer

Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM) Trainer

Michael is Evie’s dad.

Michael Domingos is one of the founders ofThe Evie Effect and an accomplished speaker and writer. He was a professional speaker and writer for several years on overcoming adversity and grief. Michael graduated from the Speakers Academy as part of the National Speakers Association and also achieved Distinguished Toastmaster from Toastmasters International, the highest educational level attainable. Michael also served as a featured columnist for national magazines and as a freelance reporter for local newspapers. 

“I’m most inspired by those who have faced challenges and have used those experiences to help other people,” Michael explains. “That’s what led us to start Tiny Evie Rocks.” He’s thankful for the people who helped him and Jessica after the loss of Evie. Galvanized by the support from the community, Michael is using his knowledge of grief support and public speaking to pay it forward and help others who are walking the path of healing after a loss.  

A graduate of Tarleton State University, Michael has always been intrigued by the sport of rodeo and one of his heroes is Lane Frost. He jokes that his own professional bull-riding career lasted all of three seconds.  

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills (ASIST) Trainer

This position is currently open. Please contact us if you would like to apply to be part of our team!

This position is currently open. Please contact us if you would like to apply to be part of our team!

Ruth Bader Ginsburg once said “Fight for the things that you care about. But do it in a way that will lead others to join you.”  This quote is definitely a good way to describe Heather and it is fitting that Ruth Bader Ginsburg would be one of her role models. 

Heather served in the Army as a combat medic and then graduated from the University of Houston in 2018 with a degree in Women’s Gender, Sexuality Studies. A strategic thinker, Heather went on to enroll at UT Tyler where she will graduate with a Master of Public Administration in December 2023. 

Heather has continued to care for others as a licensed nurse for 9 years and is inspired by those who have struggled to make the world a better place. She considers it an honor to continue the fight for marginalized communities. Heather says that she draws strength from those who see a flicker of light in the dark.  

When Heather is not taking care of patients or busy with school, she finds comfort in raising chickens and cooking. Please note these are separate hobbies and she is not raising chickens to cook

The butterfly effect says that a positive vibration can change the entire cosmos.  The Evie Effect is blessed to see this happen with Julie, our Director of Inspiration and Inclusion. Her involvement radiates a profound energy that brings a smile to those around her. Julie says that The Evie Effect has taught her how to move forward through grief and help others through her journey.  However, her passion for serving others began long before meeting us. Julie graduated from UT Tyler with a Bachelors degree in Psychology. She has been working for The Children’s Village, a non-profit foster home and has been a fierce advocate for other non profits.  Although she has many inspirations, one of her favorite quotes is by Brene Brown and reads “When we find the courage to share our experiences and the compassion to hear others tell their stories, we force shame out of hiding and end the silence”.  

Bio coming soon!

Bio coming soon!