Staff Biographies
Keith Preston – Program Director
Keith Preston has over ten years of supervisory experience directing programs for Mental Health and Social Services agencies. Prior to beginning his career, both his undergraduate and graduate studies were concentrated in the field of Psychology. He has experience working with diverse populations dealing with issues related to Developmental Disabilities, Mental Health, Mental Retardation, physical disabilities, and cognitive impairments. He has worked with adolescents and adults, individuals and families in residential, outpatient, day habilitation, and rehabilitation settings.
Tamara Raines – Admissions Coordinator
Tamara received an AAS in Human Services and a BAAS in Psychology from the University of Houston-Victoria. She is a certified mediator in Basic Conflict Resolution, which she received from the Center for Peace in Victoria, TX.
Tamara has worked with various populations in social services settings to include homeless women and children and those involved in the criminal justice system. Her true passion, however, is assisting individuals with mental health challenges to live a rich and rewarding life.
Sarah Aguilar-Prinsloo, MA, PhD (c.) – Therapist
Sarah received her MA in Family Therapy from The University of Houston-Clear Lake and is currently a candidate to receive her PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy from St. Mary’s University. In addition to her Clinical Practice, she serves as a member of the adjunct faculty at the School of Human Sciences and Humanities at the University of Houston-Clear Lake.
Sarah’s research has been published in a number of academic journals and presented at a number of professional conferences. Her membership in professional associations includes the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, Collaborative Family Healthcare Association, the International Society for Neurofeedback and Research and the Texas Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.
Frank Owen – Ranch Foreman
Born and raised in Texas, Frank Owen has an Associate's Degree from UTI in Autogas and Diesel Engines. He has worked as a diesel technician for sixteen years, as well as working in the plumbing and electrical fields. Frank served in the US Army for four-and-a-half years, during which time he learned much about working with different people and equipment.
Frank loves to spend time riding and training horses, including seven of his own. He enjoys his work at Sommerville YAC, taking care of the ranch and working with the residents, and finds new opportunities for learning here.
Libby Blackman – Mentor/Equine Specialist
Libby has lived in Texas most of her life and has loved horses since early childhood, getting her first horse at the age of eleven. Over the years, Libby has worked in many facets of the horse industry. In the 1980s, Libby ran a Pony Party business to help support her horse hobby. She has also published a successful horse magazine, The Horse Connection, and has also owned and operated a feed store.
A Certified Christian Counselor, Libby believes everyone has value and potential. She believes caring for and working with horses builds self-esteem and teaches responsibility and respect. Combining her love for horses and compassion for people, Libby is now a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor at Sommerville Young Adult Community. She has seen how individuals participating in equine-assisted activities experience physical, emotional and mental rewards.
A mother of four and grandmother of two, Libby resides in Shepherd, TX with her husband Bill.
Bonnie Albrecht – Mentor
Bonnie Albrecht has a BS in Heatlh Studies and a BA in History from Eastern Illinois University. She has worked in Social Services for three years, gaining experience in direct care, medical records, and quality improvement.
Elizabeth Stapleton – Mentor
Elizabeth Stapleton was born and raised in Texas. A 2007 high school graduate, she is currently pursuing a degree in the Human Services field of Social Work. Having years of experience with public relations, she has acted as a mentor in elementary education and in assisting and supporting the elderly community. She is working to educate herself with the broad range of conditions that present a constant struggle for SYAC residents in their day-to-day life skills and activities.
She has been an active member in Business Professionals of America, Livingston High School Band, and also performed with the Emerald Bells Drill Team.
In her spare time, Elizabeth enjoys being on the lake, spending quality time with her family, horses, and adorable Lhasa Apso puppy.
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