Meet the Team Behind Foster the Mind

At Foster the Mind, our mission to restore hope begins with people who care deeply. Our dedicated staff and board members bring together years of expertise in neurotherapy, qEEG brain mapping, and brain-based interventions, combined with a passion for helping children, adults, and families across the DFW Metroplex thrive.

Bryan Butler

Compassionate Technician of the Mind

Helping survivors of abuse and the foster care population isn’t just Bryan’s profession — it’s his life’s calling. From leading youth groups to working as a Behavioral Therapist with emotionally disturbed children, Bryan has witnessed firsthand the lasting impact of trauma on the brain and emotional well-being.

With degrees in Theology and Psychology (Hardin–Simmons University) and a Master’s in Marriage and Family Counseling, he brings both compassion and clinical insight to everything he does. As the heart behind Foster the Mind, Bryan is committed to expanding access to brain-based therapies that address trauma at its root — helping children and families heal in a way that lasts.

Mikael Stanton

President of the Board

Mike brings over 20 years of experience in the manufacturing and service industries, alongside a strong background in youth counseling. He served as a counselor at MHMR – Tarrant Youth Recovery Campus, supporting adolescents aged 13–17 through both inpatient and outpatient treatment.

Outside of work, Mike is a devoted husband to his wife Ashlea of 24 years and a proud father of four. He enjoys yoga, meditation, strength training and various outdoor activities. He is honored to contribute his expertise and passion to Foster the Mind. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from Texas State University and currently serves as a Business Development Manager for Gates Corporation covering the United States and Canadian markets.

Amanda Brietling

CEO & Clinical Director

Amanda Breitling-Butler is a transformation and operations leader with over 25 years of experience in environmental consulting, project management, and enterprise leadership. Trained as an environmental and political scientist, Amanda brings a rare blend of scientific rigor and strategic insight. Her career spans aerospace, government, and private consulting—including founding and leading her own firm.

She’s known for relational leadership, strategic planning, and process optimization. With international nonprofit experience in Haiti, Nicaragua, and Mexico, Amanda offers a global, people-centered lens for driving organizational growth. Passionate about aligning innovation with impact, she helps turn vision into value through systems, experiences, and outcomes that last.

Josh Holland

Board Certified Neurofeedback Technician

Joshua Holland got an early start working with youth in 2012 with the Changing Course Foundation on high ropes courses. He instructed in safety and interacting with children and young adults in a positive and meaningful way.

Josh has worked as a job coach for visually impaired students. He also has extensive experience with the foster care system in Texas and has worked with at-risk youth.

After attending Sul Ross State University and earning 50 hours, he is currently continuing his education in neuroscience.

Dr. Carolyn Self

Treasurer of the Board

Carolyn began her professional life working with 2nd through 7th grade children from a high crime area. These same children had burned down the school gym the year before she arrived. For her efforts to help these youngsters beautify and relate to their environment in a positive way, she was nominated by the Dallas school system for the Outstanding Young Educator Award. She was awarded a $10,000 grant for her doctoral study on the treatment of Anxiety, Phobic Avoidance and Depression.

After leaving academia, she opened a private practice providing counseling for mental health issues, which she has been doing for 30 years. During this time she has designed and directed two residential programs to treat anxiety and depression. At present Carolyn is happily involved at her clinic the Anxiety, Mood and Phobia Center in Fort Worth, Texas.

Rachael Basham

Secretary of the Board

Rachel Basham is a marketing professional with 16 years of experience. While she’s worked in many industries, her favorite is being in the nonprofit world. Doing for others, spreading joy, and making the world a better place is her passion, and she is excited to make a difference by being a part of Foster the Mind.

She is actively involved in the PTA at her children’s elementary school. She wants to be involved with Foster the Mind because she believes in all children and giving them every opportunity to be successful.

She graduated from the University of North Texas with a BBA in Marketing and later completed her MBA from the University of Texas at Dallas. She is currently in marketing at Plummer in Fort Worth, Texas.

Why Our Team Matters

Our staff and board members ensure that Foster the Mind remains committed to providing life-changing therapies with integrity, compassion, and excellence. Together, we strive to restore hope, one mind at a time

Our Operational Model

Foster the Mind is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to making the world a safe and joyful place for every mind. We work with private pay patients to sustain our clinical practice. We accept support from donors and sponsors to provide free or low-cost treatment to foster children and other underserved populations.