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About the Within Center

Within is an innovative ketamine-assisted / psychedelic therapy clinic and retreat center located in Austin, Texas.

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Meet Our Team

Meet the dedicated team guiding the Within Center’s innovative and transformative approach to ketamine-assisted therapies.

CEO

David Naylor

David is an experienced Chief Executive Officer with an exceptional background in launching companies, along with a lifelong passion and deep personal journey of healing trauma, addiction, mental health and awakening consciousness through many different modalities such as Plant Medicine, Ancient Traditions, Gut Health, Microbiome, nervous system regulation, and mindfulness practices.

After a long career with Google, David went on to launch 4 different healthcare companies that resulted in 4 treatment centers, 12 aftercare homes, with over 60 employees. His passion and purpose is healing and expanding consciousness, and transforming the current healthcare paradigm.

David lives in Austin, TX with his partner, Mariya, two children, two dogs and enjoys playing pickleball, boating, and spending time with his community & friends, where they get to live together in meaningful community & friendship.

Medical Director

Dr. Samuel Lee, M.D.

Dr. Lee is a board-certified psychiatrist, specializing in a spiritually-based mental health discipline and integrative methodologies. He graduated with an MD at Loma Linda University School of Medicine and did a residency in psychiatry at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle. He has also been an inpatient adult psychiatrist at Kaweah Delta Mental Health Hospital and the primary attending geriatric psychiatrist at the Auerbach Inpatient Psychiatric Jewish Home Hospital.

In addition, he served as the general adult outpatient psychiatrist at Kaiser Permanente. He is board-certified in psychiatry and neurology and has a B.A. Magna Cum Laude in Religion from Pacific Union College. His specialty is in natural healing techniques that promote the body’s innate ability to heal itself.

Retreat Manager & Head Chef

Marilyn Franklin

Admissions Director

Crystal Larkins

As the head of admissions at Within, Crystal is the initial point of contact for prospective clients, guiding them in connecting with Within’s treatment programs and philosophy. Before joining Within, she excelled as a top producer in sales and financial services and successfully ran an insurance agency. At a pivotal crossroads, Crystal explored various healing avenues and modalities, which ultimately led her to the mental health field.

Crystal integrates her practical business and entrepreneurial experience with her extensive research into diverse healing practices. Her approach to personal and spiritual growth includes methods such as Human Design, detox and cleansing, astrology, parts work, Internal Family Systems (IFS), psychedelic therapy, and shadow work. She views each individual holistically, aiming to illuminate the inherent wisdom within their soul.

Crystal’s journey is one of ongoing growth, and she considers it a privilege to support others on their unique paths of self-discovery and healing.

Retreat & Membership Coordinator

Juls Bindi

As a certified Grief Recovery Specialist™, coach in Compassionate Communication, and certified Kambo practitioner, Aaron brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to his role as a psychedelic guide at Within. A proud member of The Mankind Project, he delves into shadow work, unlocking mind-body transformations by addressing the root causes of emotional and physical challenges, and empowering clients on their healing journeys.

With over a decade of life coaching experience, Aaron prioritizes safety and support, backed by CPR certification and EMT-B training. He is dedicated to creating a nurturing environment where everyone feels secure to explore their healing paths. Always evolving, he is currently expanding his horizons through studies in mysticism and transpersonal psychology, while deepening his indigenous practices.

Since 2017, Aaron has collaborated with indigenous mentors, honoring ancestral healing traditions and integrating ceremonial practices with scientific principles. A transformative trip to the Yawanawa tribe in Brazil in 2022 enriched his practice and enhanced his work as a psychedelic guide at Within.

Outside of guiding, Aaron embraces adventure, personal growth, and the beauty of nature. He treasures quality time with family and welcomes new opportunities for reflection and self-discovery.

Ranch Services & Integration Support

Dallas

Lida is a dedicated healer, medicine woman, and educator deeply rooted in indigenous traditions and ancient wisdom.

As a former co-director at the Shamanic Healing Center in Costa Rica, she honed her expertise in sacred and natural medicine. Now, as a psychedelic guide at Within, Lida brings her extraordinary gifts to create vibrant, transformative spaces. She expertly guides individuals on profound journeys, helping them rediscover their true selves through holistic practices.

Admissions & Intake Coordinator

Trinidad de Luz

Therapist & Psychedelic Guide

Elizabeth Rosenblum, LCDC

Elizabeth Rosenblum is a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor Level III, holds a MAPS psychedelic harm reduction certification through the Zendo Project, and is a certified yoga instructor (RYT).

Her approach to substance use disorder treatment is strength-based, client-centered, and trauma-informed. Elizabeth integrates neuroscience, research, and the body-mind connection into her counseling practice, drawing on her 25 years of experience in mental health and addiction services. She employs evidence-based techniques, including movement, yoga, CBT, and other solution-focused therapies, to provide compassionate, science-based support and dignity to clients undergoing ketamine-assisted therapy.

Outside of her professional life, Elizabeth enjoys sunshine, movement, family, travel, friends, laughter, and pickleball!

Certified Coach & Psychedelic Guide

Heather McCan

Heather McCan is a somatically-informed coach and psychedelic guide at Within Center, bringing 14 years of experience in working with plant medicines, participating in sacred ceremonies as a guardian, and providing healing through bodywork as a licensed massage therapist.

Heather’s personal journey took a transformative turn during a sacred plant medicine ceremony, which liberated her from a life-threatening alcohol addiction and catalyzed her path toward healing, recovery, and the development of her intuitive ability to hold space for others. Through grace and the guidance of these profound experiences, she discovered the medicines, people, and practices that played a vital role in her recovery. Now, Heather stands as a beacon of light and hope, committed to showing that true healing and transformation are achievable. Her greatest desire is to use her acquired knowledge and personal challenges to help others connect with their own inner healer.

A student of the divine, Heather is passionate about reading sacred spiritual texts and exploring the unseen realms. She enjoys snowboarding, hiking, music, dancing, concerts, and attending transformative festivals. Heather shares her life with her beloved dog–and light of her life–Vega.

Admissions & Intake Coordinator

Patrick Stanger

As a certified Grief Recovery Specialist™, coach in Compassionate Communication, and certified Kambo practitioner, Aaron brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to his role as a psychedelic guide at Within. A proud member of The Mankind Project, he delves into shadow work, unlocking mind-body transformations by addressing the root causes of emotional and physical challenges, and empowering clients on their healing journeys.

With over a decade of life coaching experience, Aaron prioritizes safety and support, backed by CPR certification and EMT-B training. He is dedicated to creating a nurturing environment where everyone feels secure to explore their healing paths. Always evolving, he is currently expanding his horizons through studies in mysticism and transpersonal psychology, while deepening his indigenous practices.

Since 2017, Aaron has collaborated with indigenous mentors, honoring ancestral healing traditions and integrating ceremonial practices with scientific principles. A transformative trip to the Yawanawa tribe in Brazil in 2022 enriched his practice and enhanced his work as a psychedelic guide at Within.

Outside of guiding, Aaron embraces adventure, personal growth, and the beauty of nature. He treasures quality time with family and welcomes new opportunities for reflection and self-discovery.

Therapist & Psychedelic Guide

Amber Cress, LPC-A

Amber Cress is a licensed professional counselor associate with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and certifications in various therapeutic modalities, including Foundations of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy. Her background includes providing crisis support for human trafficking victims and serving in the U.S. Coast Guard, experiences that have deeply shaped her understanding of trauma and resilience.

Amber views healing as a deeply personal journey. She specializes in somatic therapy, narrative therapy, and the transformative potential of altered states. Through somatic therapy, Amber helps clients reconnect with their bodies and understand how physical sensations affect their emotional well-being. In narrative therapy, she empowers clients to reshape their personal stories, fostering meaningful change.

As a pioneer in integrating altered states into therapy, Amber respects both indigenous traditions and contemporary research, offering clients safe and respectful exploration for emotional and psychological healing.

Outside of therapy, Amber enjoys nature, traveling, mindfulness, and exploring cultural traditions. She incorporates these values into her practice, providing a supportive and integrative environment for clients seeking self-awareness, personal transformation, or new healing avenues.

Ceremonialist & Psychedelic Guide

Lida Ebrahimi

Lida is a dedicated healer, medicine woman, and educator deeply rooted in indigenous traditions and ancient wisdom.

As a former co-director at the Shamanic Healing Center in Costa Rica, she honed her expertise in sacred and natural medicine. Now, as a psychedelic guide at Within, Lida brings her extraordinary gifts to create vibrant, transformative spaces. She expertly guides individuals on profound journeys, helping them rediscover their true selves through holistic practices.

Assistant Retreat Manager

Ashlyn Phillips

Ashlyn began her service-oriented journey as a music teacher, where her love for creating a safe, supportive environment for growth and authenticity was born. Recognizing her passion for working with people, Ashlyn decided to step away from her pursuits as a professional musician to explore a deeper, more purpose-driven path. In need of some adventure and space for self-inquiry, Ashlyn then found herself on a remote regenerative farm in Hawaii, where she studied holistic health, sustainable agriculture, herbal medicine, and ultimately experienced a profound awakening and transformation. While living in Hawaii, Ashlyn participated in The Emerging Visionaries Incubator retreat as well as an Energetics, Awareness, and Healing course, which solidified her call to serving others in the healing space.

Ashlyn is currently pursuing certifications in Holistic Health Coaching and Transformational Facilitation to expand her knowledge and offerings, merging ceremonial practices with scientific principles to blend ancestral wisdom with modern-day wellness. Ashlyn’s goal as a mind, body, and spirit coach is to create a warm, supportive environment that promotes personal growth, radical self-love, and empowers people to live their most vibrant, authentic lives!

Outside of her professional role, Ashlyn enjoys life by making music and art, dancing, working out, exploring nature, and caring for her plants and animals. Ashlyn remains steadfast in her own inner-work journey through meditation, creative expression, and a student mindset, always eager to learn and study the work of the Divine.

Certified Coach & Psychedelic Guide

Aaron Jack

As a certified Grief Recovery Specialist™, coach in Compassionate Communication, and certified Kambo practitioner, Aaron brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to his role as a psychedelic guide at Within. A proud member of The Mankind Project, he delves into shadow work, unlocking mind-body transformations by addressing the root causes of emotional and physical challenges, and empowering clients on their healing journeys.

With over a decade of life coaching experience, Aaron prioritizes safety and support, backed by CPR certification and EMT-B training. He is dedicated to creating a nurturing environment where everyone feels secure to explore their healing paths. Always evolving, he is currently expanding his horizons through studies in mysticism and transpersonal psychology, while deepening his indigenous practices.

Since 2017, Aaron has collaborated with indigenous mentors, honoring ancestral healing traditions and integrating ceremonial practices with scientific principles. A transformative trip to the Yawanawa tribe in Brazil in 2022 enriched his practice and enhanced his work as a psychedelic guide at Within.

Outside of guiding, Aaron embraces adventure, personal growth, and the beauty of nature. He treasures quality time with family and welcomes new opportunities for reflection and self-discovery.

WITHIN BLOG

Knowledge

What is Ketamine Therapy

News

The Ketamine Therapy experience.

Press Release

Within Health Raises $1.1M

WITHIN, a psychedelic medical clinic, retreat center and integration program based in Austin, Texas, has raised $1.1 million to expand its treatment services, open centers…
News
Austin Chronicle features Within Center’s Psychedelic Journey

STORIES OF AWAKENING

Welcome to “Going Within,” the enlightening podcast hosted by David Naylor, founder of Within, a pioneering psychedelic-assisted therapy clinic in Austin, Texas. In this thought-provoking series, David and his guests open the doors to a realm of profound healing and consciousness expansion through psychedelic therapy and other awakening experiences.

LATEST EPISODES

LISTEN NOW