Meet the Team

Joanna Vela, LPC-S, LCDC, NCC

Director

Preferred Pronouns: She/ Her/ Hers
Treatment Approach: I utilize Cognitive Behavioral and Person-Centered therapy approaches as the core of my work with students. I believe the most powerful force in the treatment process creates a safe space for clients to feel seen and heard. I also highlight the power of changing one's thoughts to influence how one feels, as well as the importance of processing the emotions of life experiences. Lastly, I prioritize focusing on the parts of life within one's control rather than those that are not and letting personal values guide one's life choices.
Areas of Interest: Substance Use Disorders, Trauma Recovery, Depression and Anxiety, Identity Development, and Spirituality.
Fun Facts: I have been scuba diving with sharks. I enjoy all kinds of crafting and puzzles. I'm a proud Aggie alum and love college football.
Top 5 Strengths: Woo, Communication, Responsibility, Connectedness, Includer

Anthony J. Washington, LPC-S

Preferred Pronouns: He/Him/His
Treatment Approach: Sometimes, we can lose sight of the resiliency and strength we possess when life weighs us down, and sometimes, it even feels like we’re losing ourselves. My goal is to help people remember their internal strength to continue moving forward. I’m a therapist who takes a Client-Centered and Strengths-Based approach in my sessions with individuals. I have a background in Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and am EMDR (Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) trained.
Areas of Interest: Anxiety, Depression, Self-esteem, Stress Management, Motivation
Fun Facts: I have been fortunate enough to travel to multiple countries and see some amazing things! I also love to cook and spend time outdoors!
Top 5 Strengths: Learner, Intellection, Relator, Futuristic, Analytical

Jerimar Abinsay, LPC-S

Preferred Pronouns: He/Him/His
Treatment Approach: My theoretical orientation was developed by integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with Solution-Focused Therapy and Trauma-Informed Care. I utilize strength-based and mindfulness techniques to help my clients personalize their treatment as they fulfill their needs.
Areas of Interest: Depression and Anxiety, Trauma-Informed Care, Development and Spirituality, LGBTQIA+ Issues, Grief and Loss.

Fun Facts: I love playing Dungeons and Dragons. I enjoy playing interactive games of various genres with friends and strangers as long as the competitive spirit is in good nature.
Top 5 Strengths: Restorative, Deliberative, Context, Individualization, Learner

Sandra Mendoza Lee, LCSW-S

Preferred Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Treatment Approach: My theoretical orientation is grounded in Client-Centered Therapy with a Strength-Based Perspective. I believe in the power of recovery and resiliency. Everyone is unique, and so is my approach to individual therapy. I draw from Narrative Therapy, Creative Therapies, Solution-Focused Therapy, Relational Psychotherapy, and Psychoeducation when creating treatment plans and providing therapeutic services.
Areas of Interest: Anxiety, Depression, Trauma Recovery, Life Transitions, grief, and loss.
Fun Facts: I enjoy spending time outdoors, gardening, and camping. I listen to all music genres, but my favorite is alternative rock.
Top 5 Strengths: Discipline, Developer, Context, Connectedness, Empathy

Karla Martinez, M.S. LPC-Associate*

*Supervised by Julieta Rubio Hobbs PhD, LPC-S

Preferred Pronouns: She/Her/Ella
Treatment Approach: I utilize a Person-Center approach and Trauma-Informed care to create a safe and supportive environment for clients to grow and heal. I also have a certification in Bilingual counseling with an emphasis in Spanish. I believe in equal access to mental health services for diverse communities and reducing language barriers. My goal is to help empower clients by creating a compassionate space for them to explore difficult aspects of their life and create the change they desire
Areas of Interest: Latinx community, Domestic Violence, Trauma
Fun Facts: I love learning new languages and know how to say a couple of things in Italian and say “Hello my name is Karla” in Korean. I also know how to use a sewing machine and like to alter/fix my clothing sometimes.
Top 5 Strengths:Empathy, Harmony, Relator, Discipline, Connectedness

Rebekah

Jaguar Class of 2026 🎓

Major: Psychology
Minor: Criminology/Criminal Justice
Extracurriculars: President‘s Leadership Class
Fun Facts: I live in a small town 30 minutes south of San Antonio .📍 I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, as well as working out during my free time. 🏋🏼‍♀️
Top 5 Strengths: Consistency, Harmony, Restorative, Includer, Discipline