A friendly crew.

Dr. Jessica Gomez is a Bilingual Licensed Psychologist and Executive Director of Momentous Institute. She has worked with children and families for over 15 years and is dedicated to building healthy communities where children have access to quality education and mental health services.

Dr. Gomez is an active thought leader in mental health through publications, presentations, and collaboration with community leaders. She also served as a clinical and assessment supervisor on the APA Training Committee that oversees doctoral and post-doctoral psychology fellows. Dr. Gomez received her doctorate in clinical psychology and master’s degree in counseling psychology from the Adler School of Professional Psychology in Chicago, Illinois. She specializes in community mental health, staff development/training, family therapy and the treatment of complex trauma.

She has presented at TPA (Texas Psychological Association), NLPA (National Latino Psychological Association), Texas Pediatric Association, Aspen Challenge, Telemundo, NBC, KERA and Univision. Dr. Gomez has been published in APA’s The Family Psychologist Journal: “The Accidental Family Therapist”, Parent Magazine: “5 ways to help children be more inclusive of other kids”.

Laura Vogel joined Momentous Institute in 2007. Her previous experience includes over 25 years of working with children and their families. Laura is a licensed psychologist who received her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at The University of North Texas and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Austin College.

Andy joined the Momentous School in June 2023. He has over 27 years of experience in public education, including nine years as a high school principal, five years as a junior high principal, five years as an assistant principal, and eight years as a mathematics teacher. Mr. Hagman received a bachelor's degree in mathematics from the University of Texas at Austin and a master’s degree in Educational Policy and Leadership from the University of Texas at Arlington. Mr. Hagman has been married for over 28 years to Leah Hagman, and they have three children, Kendall, Brooks, and Carson.  

Fred is a licensed professional counselor/supervisor who currently oversees our nature-based campus in East Texas and has more than 35 years’ experience working with kids and their families. He previously worked as the Director of Adolescent Therapy for Momentous Institute (10 years) and before that as a family therapist (6 years). Prior to becoming an LPC, Fred was a senior counselor for the Salesmanship Club Youth Camp (13 years).  He received a masters in counseling from Texas A&M Commerce. He worked with Terrell Independent School District providing individual and family counseling for two years and worked as a child abuse investigator for Texas Department of Family Protective Services for three years. Fred has extensive training in group work, experiential therapy, nature-based therapy, parent education and individual and family therapy. He also conducts professional development trainings and community presentations. His curiosity and warm sense of humor combined with his competency/strength-based approach to working with kids and parents adds strength and energy to his work with families and the community.

Michiko joined Momentous Institute in December 2019. She has over 15 years of experience in child and adolescent health behavior and outcomes research. She has previously worked for Children’s Health, University of Texas School of Public Health, and University of South Florida. Michiko completed a Bachelor’s degree from International Christian University, a PhD in Developmental Psychology from University of California Riverside, and a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Health Psychology at Johns Hopkins University.

Robin joined Momentous Institute in July 2019. She brings with her more than 30 years of fundraising experience for a variety of organizations across the Chicagoland area, including The Community Foundation for McHenry County and the Chicagoland Lutheran Educational Foundation. Robin received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa.