Texans and others across the nation continue to grieve the 135 lives lost in the July 4, 2025, Hill Country flooding. Tragically, 27 of those who perished were young campers and counselors at Camp Mystic in Kerrville. Hundreds of volunteers rushed to assist in the subsequent rescue, recovery and cleanup efforts.
Eve Wiley, a 2013 M.S. graduate of the Southern Methodist University (SMU) Simmons counseling department, witnessed firsthand the tremendous need for psychological and emotional support for the survivors and families of those who died. Her son was attending a summer camp in the affected area, and she experienced the anxiety parents felt while waiting for updates. Her son escaped physically unharmed, but many others did not. As friends asked for advice on how to discuss the tragedy with their children, Wiley began sharing guidance on Instagram about supporting youngsters and families impacted by the flood. She quickly realized the horrific outcome had created a mental health crisis requiring immediate emotional assistance for many.
Wiley, the clinical director at The Housson Center in Dallas, decided to act. Her team already had a framework for community outreach and unanimously agreed to offer pro bono counseling for anyone affected by the floods. The Housson Center has a longstanding partnership with SMU as an approved internship site for counseling graduate students. Wiley noted the master’s level interns, who work alongside expert team members to provide therapy to children, teenagers and families across Dallas, did not hesitate to volunteer for the emergency counseling effort. Their service allowed the developing counselors to live out the mission of their profession and the SMU counseling department: to bring healing and hope during people’s hardest moments.
As of today, the group has provided more than 300 hours of free counseling to those impacted by the floods, an effort Wiley credits to the Housson Center’s partnership with the SMU counseling program.
Intern Callie Conner, a ’25 graduate, said she is honored to be involved. “In my classroom experience at SMU, I was trained to listen intently, show empathy, and provide safety through relational connection,” Conner said. “As I entered my internship at The Housson Center, I was provided supervision by Eve Wiley, and it was there that I learned counseling strategies and was able to hone my skills. In the midst of the floods, and the ever-changing situation, I had full access to and support from some of the best clinical professionals in Dallas.”
Camry Georgia, also a ’25 graduate and another intern, called participating in the program for Kerrville flood survivors one of the most meaningful experiences of her training. “What I’ve learned in the classroom and through my clinical training at SMU has been foundational in allowing me to show up effectively for survivors and families,” Georgia said. “I’ve deeply valued the opportunity to connect with my community, give back, and serve as a steady support for those navigating immense loss and uncertainty. This experience has profoundly shaped me as a clinician both personally and professionally.”
Wiley says the program will remain in effect for those currently being served as long as they need. Being able to offer the pro bono effort is indicative of the strength of the SMU Simmons counseling community.
