Meet the Staff!
Dr. Tammi Axelson is a Licensed Master Social Worker with Independent Practice Recognition in the State of Texas, a designation she has held since 2005. She earned her Doctorate in Social Work from Tulane University in 2022, further solidifying her expertise in complex family dynamics and forensic social work.
With nearly two decades of specialized experience, Dr. Axelson has conducted over 200 court-appointed child custody evaluations and several hundred adoption evaluations across Texas, including counties such as Angelina, Houston, Nacogdoches, Collin, Gregg, Dallas, Ellis, Denton, Wood, Harrison, Harris, Cherokee, San Jacinto, and more. Her evaluations are grounded in forensic insight, practical solutions, and a deep understanding of the Texas Family Code. Dr. Axelson is recognized for her balanced, evidence-informed approach with an unwavering commitment to the best interests of children and families.
In addition to her direct practice, Dr. Axelson provides supervision for professionals pursuing qualification as child custody evaluators and regularly presents to judges, attorneys, and mental health practitioners on evolving legislation and best practices in expert testimony. She is also an author to publications specific to child custody evaluations and family dynamics, as well as an active member of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC), contributing to the advancement of standards and collaboration within the field.
McKenzie Trahan earned her Bachelor's Degree in English from Stephen F. Austin State University in 2017. She began her professional journey as an English teacher before transitioning into family law as a legal assistant where she developed a keen understanding of the legal processes surrounding custody and family court.
Now, as the Office Manager, McKenzie manages all client intake, scheduling and correspondence, ensuring each family receives compassionate, professional support from their first contact to the last. She oversees documentation, billing, and court communications, maintains confidential records in compliance with legal standards and HIPAA, and coordinates with attorneys and court personnel to facilitate timely evaluations. McKenzie also handles invoicing, payments, and practice logistics, ensuring the office runs efficiently.
McKenzie can be contacted at (936) 899-7296 or at
Marla Cannefax is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has been performing child custody evaluations under the supervision of Dr. Axelson since 2023. She graduated from the University of Texas at Tyler with a degree in clinical psychology.
Marla is currently accepting child custody evaluation and adoption evaluation cases in Smith County, Wood County, Rusk County, Henderson County, VanZandt County, Cherokee County, and Angelina County.
If you would like more information about Marla or to see about having her appointed to a case, fee free to contact our office or contact Marla personally as follows:
1800 Shiloh Road
Tyler, Texas 75703
(430) 208-8705
Andrea Musick is a Licensed Master Social Worker who has been performing child custody evaluations under the supervision of Dr. Axelson since 2024. She graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in 2017 with her degree in Social Work and continued her education at Walden University with her Masters in Social Work. She is dual licensed in Texas and Washington and currently runs an online private practice through the state of Washington.
Andrea has over 25 years of legal experience through her work as a Paralegal. Her intimate knowledge of the legal system paired with her knowledge of child custody evaluations from Dr. Axelson make her uniquely qualified to perform both child custody and adoption evaluations.
Andrea is currently accepting child custody evaluation and adoption evaluation cases in Trinity County, Angelina County, Nacogdoches County, Jasper County, Cherokee County, Houston County, San Augustine County, Polk County, and Shelby County.
If you would like more information about Andrea or to see about having her appointed to a case, fee free to contact our office or contact Andrea personally as follows:
103 E. Bremond Ave.,
Lufkin, Texas 75901
(936) 707-2214