meet our team

---

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

Safe Spaces Speaker and Trainer

Mari Gutierrez is an independently licensed psychological associate (LPA-I) and is currently the Suicide Prevention Coordinator at Andrews Center, as well as Program Director of CCBHC (Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic). She is the leader of the Zero Suicide Implementation Team at Andrews Center and is a facilitator of suicide prevention and intervention workshops.

Prior to Andrews Center, she had worked alongside Dr. Charles Walker, a local clinical neuropsychologist, at a post-acute brain injury rehabilitation facility and at a spine and pain clinic, conducting neuropsychological assessments and providing psychotherapy to consumers and their families. On occasion, she is also an adjunct instructor for the psychology department of the University of Texas at Tyler.

Mari was motivated to join The Evie Effect in order to support local suicide prevention efforts and help reduce the rate of suicide deaths in East Texas. With the Evie Effect board of directors and alongside other key, community partners, she is helping to develop a local outreach to suicide survivors (LOSS) team in order to provide immeidate support and resources to families who have experienced a traumatic loss of loved one by suicide. 

She enjoys spending time with her son and their two dogs, reading, and belly dancing with the Tyler Belly Dance Company.

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 of The 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

Carla Anthony brings her keen sense of curiosity and dedication to her role as Treasurer at The Evie Effect. In her spare time, Carla enjoys diving into books and exploring new areas of knowledge, always eager to learn something new.

Inspired by the unique journeys and challenges faced by people, Carla finds motivation in the resilience and strength of others. Her passion for non-profit work stems from a deep personal connection to the cause of suicide prevention, driven by a heartfelt desire to give back to the community.

Carla's hero is her mother, a woman who has faced numerous trials with grace and a constant smile. This resilience and positivity profoundly influence Carla's approach to life and work.

Known for her eclectic interests, Carla proudly embraces her inner nerd. She has a broad appreciation for art, technology, and literature, enjoying the odd and niche as much as the mainstream. This diverse passion for life enriches her contributions to The Evie Effect, where she combines her love for learning with a commitment to making a difference.

Shonda serves as the Director of Cultural Belonging at The Evie Effect, bringing over three decades of experience in inpatient and ambulatory healthcare. A lifelong resident of Tyler, Shonda is passionate about advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and access to healthcare while actively working to diminish health disparities.

With a focus on mental health and well-being, Shonda aspires to raise awareness and advocate for everyone, particularly Black, Indigenous, people of color (BIPOC), and LGBTQ+ individuals who face mental health challenges due to historical, structural, and cultural factors. She strives to dismantle structural barriers, enhance diversity among mental health practitioners, endorse culturally suitable treatments, and establish community-based outreach programs to address these issues.

Shonda believes in prioritizing and safeguarding mental health, echoing Janelle Monae's sentiment that 'prioritizing and protecting your mental health is everything.'

Beyond her professional pursuits, Shonda finds joy in family, especially in spending time with her adult son. She is an advocate for volunteering, networking, and community service. Her hobbies encompass vacationing, exploring luxury hotels, and nurturing family bonds.

Her mission aligns seamlessly with The Evie Effect’s commitment to initiating dialogues on mental health. She seeks to support those who may be hesitant to engage with mental health practitioners, offering guidance and direction to individuals curious about their mental well-being. This dedication to fostering inclusivity and promoting mental healt

Julie Bass embodies the transformative power of positivity, bringing a radiant energy to The Evie Effect that creates a ripple effect of joy and inclusivity. As a Board Member, Julie's contributions continue to be a vital part of our mission to change the public’s perception of mental wellness and suicide.

Her journey with The Evie Effect has been a testament to the butterfly effect, as Julie's involvement has not only shaped her own path through grief but has also touched the lives of those around her. 

Julie’s passion for service runs deep, with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UT Tyler and a history of compassionate work with organizations like The Children’s Village, a non-profit foster home, and various other non-profit causes.

Julie’s commitment to fostering positive change is underlined by her favorite quote from Brené Brown: "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."

As a Board Member, Julie continues to channel her passion for service, leveraging her experiences and compassion to support the mission of The Evie Effect. Her dedication to making a difference remains a driving force behind our shared goals.

Bio coming soon!

 For over 18 years, Michelle Kenyon has enriched Tyler, Texas’s educational and spiritual landscape. She began her career in school systems, fostering student development, and later transitioned to Children’s Ministry, where she served as Director, shaping the spiritual growth of young minds.

Michelle is a driving force at Flourish, dedicated to empowering nonprofits with vital support services. Her role capitalizes on her deep understanding of community needs and organizational development, enhancing agency resilience and impact.

Michelle also contributes to Tyler’s cultural vibrancy as a former docent at the Tyler Museum of Art and an active participant in local arts. Married for 36 years and a proud mother and grandmother, Michelle’s personal and professional life reflects a commitment to growth, service, and community enrichment.

Bio coming soon!

Jazmine Parks serves as our Director of Fundraising and Development, playing a pivotal role in advancing our organization's mission. She specializes in driving fundraising initiatives and formulating impactful development strategies.

Throughout her career, Jazmine has excelled in fostering partnerships and spearheading fundraising endeavors, reflecting a passionate commitment to effecting meaningful change. Her innovative collaborations stem from a deep desire to give back to society and address pressing societal needs.

Inspired by Malala Yousafzai's advocacy for education and girls' rights, Jazmine admires those who fearlessly champion noble causes. Beyond her professional pursuits, Jazmine's adventurous spirit emerges through her culinary explorations showcased on her Instagram food blog. She also treasures moments spent with loved ones and her beloved canine companions.

Jazmine Parks, with her professional expertise, dedication to philanthropy, and spirited sense of exploration, significantly contributes to our ongoing efforts to create positive and enduring change.

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