Payton is deeply dedicated to helping families understand the effect trauma has on the human body and how we react to the world around us. Her role as a Care Manager and Intake Specialist allows her to connect and rejoice with her families in their highest moments and be a shoulder to lean on in moments of despair.

Payton received her degree in Human Development and Family Sciences from Texas State University- San Marcos. In addition, she also completed the educator prep program, receiving her Texas Educator Certificate in Human Development and Family Studies (8-12). During her time in undergrad, she realized how deeply passionate she was about advocating for the safety, health, and overall wellbeing of our children. This passion and drive led Payton to pursue a Master of Social Work degree at Texas State University. She has specifically found her niche in working with families with traumatized children and adolescents with mental health diagnoses.

Payton joined Chosen as an intern in 2021 (through her MSW program).  Payton credits each member of the organization with providing her the abundance of support, resources, and knowledge to be successful in her new role as a Chosen Care Manager and a Making Sense of Your Worth program facilitator. In addition, she has several years’ experience working with children and adolescents in the role as a teacher, as well as a direct care staff member in a residential treatment center.

In her free time, Payton enjoys tending to and adding to her house plant collection, as well as sharing mental health awareness and strengthening messages on social media. Together, Payton and her boyfriend have three dogs who like to snuggle and make an occasion zoom appearance.