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Director
Joanna Vela, LPC-S, LCDC, NCC
- Preferred Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
- Top 5 Strengths: Woo, Includer, Communication, Responsibility, Belief
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- 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.
Assistant Director
Anthony J. Washington, LPC-S
- Preferred Pronouns: He/Him/His
- Top 5 Strengths: Learner, Intellection, Relator, Futuristic, Analytical
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- 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!
Counselor
Jerimar Abinsay, LPC-S
- Preferred Pronouns: He/Him/His
- Top 5 Strengths: Restorative, Deliberative, Context, Individualization, Learner
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- 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.
Counselor
Sandra Mendoza Lee, LCSW-S
- Preferred Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
- Top 5 Strengths: Discipline, Developer, Context, Connectedness, Empathy
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- 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.
Counselor
Emilie Mendala-Mathew, LPC
- Preferred Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
- Top 5 Strengths: Relator, Intellection, Discipline, Learner, Input
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- Treatment Approach: My therapeutic approach is grounded in a holistic, integrative framework that blends Person-Centered, Existential, and Insight-Oriented foundations with Mindfulness-Informed, Trauma-Informed, Narrative, and Polyvagal perspectives. While these methods reflect my primary approach, I remain flexible and collaborative, incorporating other evidence-based and evidence-informed modalities as needed to best fit each student’s goals and unique experiences. I strive to create a supportive space where students feel respected, empowered, and deeply heard. Within this relationship, I help students explore meaning, identity, and self-understanding while also cultivating resilience, nervous system regulation, mindfulness, and self-compassion.
- Areas of Interest: Navigating Transitional Stages of Life, Resiliency & Grit, Generational Healing, Compassion Fatigue, Mind-body Connection & Nervous System Regulation, Stress Reduction, Alternative Wellness Practices to Support Holistic Well-Being
- Fun Facts: I feel most at peace when I’m near the ocean. I intentionally spend time in solitude to recharge and nurture my well-being, and I also love creating spaces that promote healing and peace for myself and others. I am a lifelong explorer and learner, curious about life, growth, and new experiences.
Clinical Case Manager
Karla Martinez, M.S. LPC-Associate*
*Supervised by Julieta Rubio Hobbs PhD, LPC-S
- Preferred Pronouns: She/Her/Ella
- Top 5 Strengths: Empathy, Harmony, Relator, Discipline, Connectedness
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- 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.
Graduate Trainee
Marisol Alvarado
- Preferred Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
- Strengths: Empathy, Context, Relator, Harmony, Communication
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Treatment Approach: In a counseling space, I utilize an intersectional framework to better support client concerns and goals. I believe in advocating for clients as they navigate their growth in a college setting. I aim to build a collaborative environment and recognize the importance of rapport in a counselor-in-training and client.
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Areas of Interest: Multiculturalism, Life adjustment/transitions, Interpersonal Relationships, Anxiety, First-generation Community
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Fun Facts: I am from the Valley (956!). Also, my name translates to sea + sun.
Graduate Trainee
Diana O'Connor
- Preferred Pronouns: She/Her/They/Them
- Strengths: Input, Activator, Relator, Connectedness, Ideation
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Treatment Approach: Narrative - we think, speak, and remember in stories. How has your story shaped you? How would you describe your life? What do you hope for the future? Solution Focused - clients already have strengths they possess through culture, family, friends, etc. How can we tap into what has worked in the past?
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Areas of Interest: Transgender Community, LGBTQIA+/Queer Community, Play Therapy, Art Therapy, Children & Adolescents
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Fun Facts: I love Pokemon! Mew is my current favorite. I love to dance as self-care. House music is my favorite.
Graduate Trainee
Bree Bugnet
- Preferred Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
- Strengths: Learner, Includer, Belief, Positivity, Connectedness
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Treatment Approach: In counseling I hope to create a safe and inclusive space where we work together to explore the pains, worries, and doubts where we start to make meaning or understanding to the experiences that shaped us and those that continue to do so. As we do this, I hope to recognize the strengths that exist within us while exploring new possibilities and self-compassion.
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Areas of Interest: Resiliency, Anxiety, Trauma, Self-Esteem, Identity, Holistic Wellbeing
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Fun Facts: I recieved 1st place in my age group for a sprint triathalon! I love a good book, playing sports, enjoy cooking, and spending time outside with friends.
Administrative Coordinator
Veronica Rodriguez
- Preferred Pronouns: She/Her/Ella
- Top 5 Strengths: Analytical, Relator, Responsibility, Deliberative, Achiever
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- Background: I'm a Mexican-American who grew up in rural West Texas — where the wide-open spaces and close-knit community shaped my appreciation for connection, resilience, and authenticity.
- Education: B.A. Communications from Texas A&M University-San Antonio
- Fun Facts: I love live music and exploring new places. Also, I am learning Arabic and know a few words in Turkish.