fbpx

TEXAS

Celeste de la Paz, LCSW, LCSW

Celeste holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Texas at El Paso and a master’s degree in Social Work from Texas State University in San Marcos. She is a Texas transplant working also in Hawaii—she knows life in the heat and sun for sure!

Often described as empathetic, diligent, and astute, Celeste has experience working with victims of human trafficking. She knew after this experience that she wanted to become a therapist. 

Victoria Salazar, LPCA

Victoria Salazar is a compassionate, trustworthy, and kind-hearted licensed therapist who specializes in working with individuals, families, and children aged 12 and above. Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, Victoria’s own transformative experience with therapy inspired her to help others navigate life’s challenges and foster emotional healing.

Emma Taylor, LCSW-S, Supervisor,
Michigan, South Carolina, Texas

Emma Taylor is a thoughtful, warm, and occasionally funny therapist based in Houston, Texas, with a rich background in supporting individuals, children under 10, children over 10-teen, and young adults through various challenges and transitions in life. Emma harbors a deep belief in the transformative power of therapy, fostered by her intrinsic desire to create a safe harbor for her clients, where they feel truly heard and embraced in all their uniqueness.

Vanessa Baltagi, LMSW

Vanessa Baltagi is a steadfast and empathetic therapist based in Houston, Texas, with an extensive background in guiding individuals, families, and couples on their paths to healing and self-discovery. A bilingual therapist fluent in Spanish, Vanessa brings a rich Colombian heritage from her parents into her approach, which is rooted in person-centered therapy. She harmoniously integrates a diverse array of techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Informed Care (TIC), and Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) in her sessions.

Sue Ann Rios, LCSW-S

Sue Ann Rios is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker-Supervisor (LCSW-S) in Texas, working at Willis Counseling and Consulting. With a professional career spanning over 20 years, Sue Ann has dedicated herself to providing services across Social Work, Education, and Counseling settings. Her extensive experience and knowledge have been applied in various areas, including Supervision and Administration, Crisis Intervention and Prevention, School-Based Services, Medical Social Work, Telehealth, Child Abuse and Neglect, and Private Practice.

Shelby D. Padgett, LPC

Shelby Padgett is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) dedicated to providing empathetic and comprehensive care to individuals and young adults. She specializes in helping clients navigate various life challenges and emotional struggles, bringing a compassionate and solution-focused approach to her practice. Shelby holds an Associate’s degree in Behavioral Science from South Plains College and both a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lubbock Christian University (LCU).

Penelope Diaz, LPC-A

Penelope Diaz is a licensed professional counselor-associate (LPC-A) at Willis Counseling and Consulting in Texas. She specializes in working with individuals and children under 10, using a variety of therapeutic approaches to help clients navigate life challenges. Her approach includes Art Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Person-Centered Therapy, Play Therapy, Sandplay Therapy, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT).

Melissa Garcia, LMSW

Melissa Garcia, a passionate Licensed Master Social Worker, is deeply committed to guiding her guests through their mental health journey. Based in Texas, Melissa combines empathy and compassion in her therapeutic approach, valuing the importance of validating her guests’ feelings and fostering a safe therapeutic environment. Melissa’s academic background includes a Master of Science in Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, with a minor in Sociology, from UTRGV.

Linsey Brewster, LMSW

Linsey Brewster is a compassionate and dedicated therapist based in Texas who specializes in providing therapy for young adults and families, including children aged 11 to 17. With a loving, empathetic, and joyful demeanor, she works tirelessly to empower her guests, encouraging them to think and advocate for themselves as they navigate the complex landscapes of their lives. Linsey holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Barry University and a Master of Science in Education from the University of Miami.

LaShondra Giles, LPC-A

LaShondra Giles is a dedicated and compassionate Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPC-A) based in Texas, with a rich background in education and counseling that uniquely positions her to support individuals, families, and children over the age of ten, particularly through the turbulent teenage years. LaShondra holds a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas State University and a Master’s degree in School Counseling from the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Jennifer Heiner, LMSW

Jennifer Heiner is a compassionate and experienced Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) based in Midland, Texas, offering both in-person and virtual therapy sessions. With a strong background in individual and group therapy, Jennifer has dedicated her career to helping guests navigate mental health challenges and achieve personal growth. Jennifer has extensive experience working in various settings, including the Behavioral Health Center in Idaho Falls, where she provided individual and group therapy to adults and adolescents.

Gary Pfenning, BA, MSSW, LMSW

Gary holds a BSW from UH-Downtown and an MSW from UH-GCSW. He is also a Trauma Fellow and GLOBE Youth Behavioral Health Fellow. Visually impaired, Gary’s life experiences have fostered a profound gratitude for serving others and offering unique perspectives. With humor and lightness, he often says to people who doubt he is blind, “Well, if you don’t believe me—let me drive your car!” Guests frequently appreciate Gary’s humor and the warmth he brings to his practice. Gary has extensive experience working with teen students, constantly imparting wisdom and life advice.

Evelyn Bueno, LCSW

Originally from Houston, Texas, Evelyn holds a Master’s in Social Work from Baylor University. Described as intelligent, ethical, and compassionate, Evelyn enjoys working as a therapist because it gives her the opportunity to help people heal and teach them to love themselves. Her default time zone for appointments is Central Time Zone, so guests in Colorado will need to make the adjustment accordingly. Evelyn was inspired to become a therapist to provide guests with the resources they need to live a more fulfilling life.

Dorothy Leahy, LPC

Dorothy is a licensed professional counselor who holds a certificate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lamar University, an M.Ed. in School Counseling from Lamar University, and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Houston. Dorothy has experience working with adolescents and adults dealing with emotional dysregulation, anxiety, and depression, as well as those seeking positive changes in their lives.

Crystal Ross, LCSW

Crystal Ross is a dynamic and compassionate therapist with a rich background in supporting individuals, couples, partners, and young adults through a variety of challenges. Born in Massachusetts and having lived in various parts of the United States, including a significant portion of her life in Texas, Crystal brings a wide range of cultural and personal experiences to her practice. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Hawaii Pacific State University and is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), skilled in a broad spectrum of therapeutic modalities.

Brooke Elliott, LMSW

Brooke Elliott is a compassionate and determined Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) based in central west Texas, dedicated to supporting individuals and young adults on their journey toward healing and self-discovery. With a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work from Angelo State University, Brooke brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her practice.

Brittney Taylor,

MA, LPC, LPC-Supervisor

Brittney holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a Master’s of Arts degree in Community Counseling from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Known for her solid feedback, dependability, professionalism, and extensive experience, Brittney helps guide guests to understand the type of therapy that best meets their needs. Often described as organized, compassionate, and determined, Brittney became a counselor after providing support to others while living in a dorm setting.

Amina Omar Ali, LCSW

Amina holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Florida Atlantic University and a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Houston. She is a Licensed Master Social Worker known for her diligence. Born in Trinidad and later moving to Miami before settling in Texas, Amina’s warm and down-to-earth spirit makes her easy to connect with, and most guests find her approachable and easy to open up to. Often described as smart, straightforward, and loving, Amina has always been the therapist in her family.

Alexandra Johnson, LPC-A

Alexandra Johnson is a compassionate and patient Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPC-A) based in Houston, Texas, dedicated to supporting individuals, families, and children of all ages on their journey toward healing and growth. With a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of North Texas and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Dallas Baptist University, Alexandra brings a wealth of knowledge and empathy to her practice.