Okay, I could've sworn there was a video of someone doing what I'm about to suggest but I couldn't find it. D:<
With the baby gate up, have your stepdad (or an adult male friend) pass by the room. He shouldn't stop but keep walking. As he's passing by, having him toss a super scrumptious treat (diced hot dogs, chicken, cheese, etc. it has to be really good stuff) into the room but not at Dixie. Repeat for 5 minutes. Keep doing sessions until the dog looks expectant for the treat and is willing to come right up to the gate with a wagging tail and completely calm/relaxed/happy body language. (This may take a couple 5 minute sessions.) After that, you can take have your stepdad/man friend stand in front of the gate and toss treats into the room. They should be calm and relaxed and only speak with a quiet voice. Once the dog appears comfortable, start feeding from hand. They shouldn't reach out for the dog though unless the dog seeks it. If that makes sense.
Have your stepdad be the person who feeds her, gives her chews and treats and lets her out to potty. Once she's completely comfortable with him, you should also consider letting him do the walking if she's good on leash and not nervous or shy outside. If you ever feel the need to scold her for anything, your stepdad shouldn't be the one to do it. Basically, your stepdad should be an indicator of only good things to come.
Some general links for fearful dogs (with help from Cardinal):
http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/pets/d ... g?page=allhttp://fearfuldogs.wordpress.com/ < gonna have to give this one a read through myself because CARDINAL HAS BEEN KEEPING IT FROM ME CAUSE SHE'S A MEANIE POOPOO HEAD!
http://www.youtube.com/user/kikopup (I can not express how awesome Kikopup is)
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0C724F6F6A597540
"Only ignorance! Only ignorance! How can you talk about only ignorance? Don't you know that it is the worst thing in the world, next to wickedness? - and which does the most mischief, heaven only knows. If people can say 'Oh! I did not know, I did not mean any harm,' they think it is all right."
~ Black Beauty by Anna Sewell