Beginning in 2006, Dr. Nicole Fitzpatrick assumed the role of the Director of Hyde Park Counseling Center. She received her Ph.D and Masters Degree from the University of Texas in Austin in the area of Educational Psychology. Her passions are counseling, assessment, and speaking to groups on the message of Galatians 2:20, “that we have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer we who live, but Christ who lives in us.” She specializes in the treatment of anxiety and depression.

Nicole’s work in diverse settings--including schools, non-profit organizations, collegiate teaching, and now private practice--have equipped her with a breadth of experiences to deal with a variety of emotional and behavioral issues. As a member of Network 220 she directs the training program for Central Texas and is also working on several different writing projects to develop and expand training materials.

Growing up in southern California, Nicole feels at home in the sunny climate of central Texas which she has called home for the last 20 years. In her free time, Nicole spends time with her husband, a native Austinite, and their two sons discovering the beauty of God’s creation throughout the Texas hill country. They enjoy exploring food trailers, restaurants throughout the city, as well as day trips with her family.

In 2012, Francisco joined the Hyde Park Counseling Center after a long career as a government servant. Francisco’s approach to counseling is rooted in 2 Timothy 2:24, which calls the Lord’s servants to instruct others with patience, kindness and compassion, in the hope that God will grant repentance leading to knowledge of the truth, a return to senses and an escape from the enemy. His desire is for those experiencing doubt, hurt, guilt, grief, shame and estrangement from God to be found, healed and restored by the merciful and gracious God.

Francisco received his Master of Education Degree from Southwest Texas State (now Texas State University) in 1988. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board Approved Supervisor for Licensed Professional Counselors. He is also a National Board Certified Counselor and Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor. Francisco has 24 years of counseling experience in a variety of settings (non-profit organizations and governmental agencies) as well as serving the body of Christ. This counseling experience includes helping men and women with anger management, substance abuse, sexual addictions, grief/loss, forgiveness, marriage and relational issues. He has extensive helping individuals and their families with issues related to the criminal justice system.

A long-time resident of Austin, Francisco moved here in 1977, from his home town, San Antonio, to attend the University of Texas. As a college student, he met and later married his beloved leading to 32 years of marriage. This marriage of 32 years (with many lessons learned) ended when his beloved was “promoted” and is now glorified in Heaven. He is the proud father of three adult children and two grandchildren who are the apple of his eye. He is an avid reader with a passion for theology and those who know him; know his zeal for worshiping God. Francisco attends the Quarries and enjoys long walks with his dog.

After 47 years in public education, with 36 of those being a middle school counselor, I am very excited to start a new chapter in my life as part of the Hyde Park Counseling Center. My passion is counseling, and I’m not ready to retire from that. Married 47 years with one daughter and 4 precious grandchildren, I’ve spent more than 42 years teaching youth Sunday school classes and working with the youth group at my church. For many of those years, I’ve also facilitated parenting groups and small groups.

My desire is to provide support to those who are dealing with life situations that create loneliness, grief, and depression. My personal focus comes from Philippians 4:7-8 where we’re told to find “the peace that transcends all understanding” in Christ as we think on the “things that are true”. I have seen that ring true in my life and look forward to working with others to experience God’s peace and divine presence.

I received my Masters of Education from Southwest Texas State (now Texas State University) in 1980 and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor.