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 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.
Dr. Axelson is also a qualified parenting facilitator and provides expert testimony, work-product reviews, and consulting services to family law attorneys. She owns and operates a court-ordered supervised visitation business called Pineywoods Family Supervision.
In addition to her direct practice, Dr. Axelson teaches an in-depth course for mental health professionals on conducting child custody and adoption evaluations and provides supervision for professionals pursuing qualification as child custody evaluators. She regularly presents to judges, attorneys, and mental health practitioners on best practices and has published several articles related to child custody evaluations. She is an active member of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC), contributing to the advancement of standards and fostering collaboration within the field.
Hailey McDougald has an Associate in Applied Science in Paralegal and began her career working for an attorney. She decided to further her career by working with court-involved families in a different capacity. Hailey manages all client intake, scheduling, and correspondence, ensuring each family receives compassionate, professional support from their first contact through 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.
Hailey 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 request that she be appointed to a case, feel free to contact our office or contact Marla directly at:
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 Master's 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, makes 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 request that she be appointed to a case, feel free to contact our office or contact Andrea directly at:
103 E. Bremond Ave.,
Lufkin, Texas 75901
(936) 707-2214
Kristen Persilver is a Licensed Professional Counselor who performs child custody evaluations and adoption evaluations under the supervision of Dr. Axelson. She earned her Master of Arts in Counseling from West Texas A&M and brings over a decade of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families across educational, clinical, and private practice settings.
Kristen is currently accepting child custody evaluation and adoption evaluation cases throughout North, Central, and East Texas. She is committed to providing thorough, impartial evaluations grounded in professional standards and the best interests of children.
If you would like more information about Kristen or to request that she be appointed to a case, feel free to contact our office or contact Kristen directly at:
409 E. Tyler Street, Box 164
Athens, Texas, 75751
(430) 236-2552
Kandi Shaw is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor with extensive experience in child welfare and family services. She has been conducting adoption evaluations since 2015 and is currently practicing under the supervision of Dr. Axelson, where she also performs comprehensive child custody evaluations.
Kandi earned her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Tarleton State University in 2006 and is currently pursuing her PhD in Forensic Psychology at Walden University. In addition to her academic achievements, she brings over 20 years of clinical therapy experience, alongside longstanding work in nonprofit child welfare settings. Her professional background includes foster care services, juvenile justice involvement, court-ordered anger management programs, and the delivery of parenting and co-parenting education. Through her work with children and families facing complex and often challenging circumstances, Kandi has developed the expertise needed to conduct thorough, trauma-informed custody evaluations within the family court system.
Kandi is currently accepting adoption and child custody evaluations in Ellis, Johnson, Navarro, Tarrant, and Dallas counties.
If you would like more information about Kandi or to request that she be appointed to a case, feel free to contact our office or contact Kandi directly at:
1014 Ferris Ave Ste 2154
Waxahachie, TX 75165
(254) 592-3385
Jaclyn Bailes is a Licensed Professional Counselor who is accepting child custody evaluations under Dr. Axelson’s supervision. She obtained a BS in Human Development and Family Studies from Stephen F. Austin University and an MA in Professional Counseling. She has almost 5 years of counseling experience across most stages of life in a variety of settings.
Jaclyn is accepting child custody evaluation cases in Freestone County, Limestone County, Anderson County, Leon County, Houston County, and Navarro County. Her goal is to provide thorough, professional evaluations that comply with the Texas Family Code and professional standards, and that prioritize the child's well-being.
If you would like more information about Jaclyn or to request that she be appointed for a case, feel free to contact our office, or you can contact her directly at:
800 N Mallard St., Palestine, TX 75801
534 E. Commerce St., Fairfield, TX 75840
Phone: 903-300-2705