Who We Are & What We Do:

Founded in 1992 by Dr. Frances Mayo along with local psychologists, doctors, counselors, and community leaders, Access was created to meet the urgent need for affordable mental health services in Aransas County. At the time, while residents could find medical clinics, there were no local options for professional counseling without traveling to Corpus Christi or beyond. Access changed that. For over 30 years, we have continued this legacy by providing high-quality, stigma-free counseling close to home, while serving as a trusted partner to schools, hospitals, and community organizations across the Coastal Bend.

Anne Mourtaja, LPC

Anne brings over 23 years of experience in education and counseling, holding a B.S. in Psychology and Elementary Education and an M.S. in Education with a focus on Counseling. Since joining Access in 2009, she has provided guidance to individuals and families, blending professional expertise with a personal passion for mental health. A long-time Coastal Bend resident, Anne is also active in the community as a Fulton Mansion docent and board member, as well as a volunteer with the Aransas County Historical Society. She loves reading, volunteering, and spending time with her book clubs.

Stephanie Martinez, LCSW

Stephanie has been part of Access since 2020, bringing over a decade of combined experience in education and mental health care. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with EMDR certification and specialized training in geriatrics, grief support, and prevention, she creates a safe, nonjudgmental space for individuals to heal, grow, and strengthen their sense of self. With a background that includes five years as a teacher and eight years as a therapist, Stephanie blends compassion with practical expertise to meet the unique needs of every client. She is deeply committed to helping the people of Aransas County, believing that small communities have the power to nurture lasting change. Motivated by her own family’s experiences with mental health challenges, Stephanie is passionate about helping others rewrite the story of their lives. She has lived in the Coastal Bend for 20 years and loves spending time with her family.

Linda Lee, LPC

Linda has been part of Access for nearly three decades, offering compassionate counseling and steadfast support to families and individuals throughout Aransas County. With 28 years of service, she embodies the organization’s deep local roots and enduring commitment to community wellness.

Linda Ruddick, Office Support

Linda has been part of the Access team since 2015, bringing organization, precision, and a welcoming presence to the heart of daily operations. With a background in administrative support and insurance billing, she ensures that clients and counselors alike experience a smooth and supportive environment from the first phone call to the final appointment. A certified Administrative Medical Assistant and Texas Notary, Linda combines strong technical skills with genuine care for people. She is especially inspired by Access’s youth programs, which help young people build confidence, problem-solving skills, and positive self-image with the support of their families. Known for her warm smile, Linda believes in maintaining balance through simple habits with walking, rest, and laughter. When she’s not keeping the Access office running efficiently, she enjoys collecting roosters (just not the real ones).

Candy Derrick, President

Candy has dedicated more than 40 years to the Coastal Bend community, blending her background in education, counseling, and leadership to strengthen Access’s mission. A retired school counselor with a master’s degree in Counseling, Candy served 28 years with Rockport-Fulton ISD, where she witnessed firsthand the evolving mental health needs of local families. As Board President, she brings deep community insight and a commitment to breaking cycles of generational hardship, ensuring Access continues to offer hope and practical support to every family it serves. A resident of Aransas County since 1982, Candy is also known for her love of reading, gardening, and gathering friends—she coordinates her neighborhood supper club and remains a connector at heart.

Jacquelyn Neil Boss, Vice President

Jacquelyn has been part of Access for eight years, beginning her involvement as a volunteer before joining the board. A retired professional with a background in supporting individuals with special needs and their families, she brings empathy, advocacy, and a deep understanding of the challenges families face. Jacquelyn also dedicates time to the Castaways, the Humane Society, and the local Open Mic at Rockport Center for the Arts. In her free time, she enjoys painting landscapes.

Paula Jordan, Treasurer

Paula is a retired Certified Public Accountant who began her Access service in 2016. During her career, she worked in tax and compliance at USAA, specializing in corporate taxation. She brings invaluable financial expertise and an unwavering belief in Access’s mission to expand mental health and educational support for families. Paula is active in her community as treasurer of her condominium board and cherishes time with her growing family as a proud grandmother of three — soon to be four!

Ruth Douglas

Ruth has served on the Access board since 2015, following a long career as an educator and counselor in multiple school districts. With an M.Ed. in Educational Administration from Trinity University, she brings both classroom and leadership experience to her role. She is deeply inspired by Access’s commitment to making counseling affordable and accessible for families. Ruth also volunteers at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church as the CarePortal point person and enjoys learning Scottish Gaelic on Duolingo.

Cheryl Karr

Cheryl joined the Access Board in 2023, bringing with her more than 30 years of federal service and a lifelong belief in the power of counseling to change lives. Before retiring, she served as a Marketing Specialist in the Public Affairs Office of the U.S. Army’s Industrial Operations Command, where she helped sustain the Army’s production facilities by securing third-party contracts for ammunition plants, arsenals, and depots across the country. Through her work with military personnel and veterans, Cheryl developed a deep appreciation for the emotional challenges faced by those who serve, and the importance of accessible mental health support. She is passionate about ensuring Access continues to meet the growing counseling needs of children, families, and veterans.