Christina Henry
Licensed Professional Counselor
Christina has worked in the field of mental health for over a decade and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She earned a Master of Arts degree in Health Psychology from Texas State University in 2014.   Christina has experience in psychological testing & assessment and mental health in a multidisciplinary medical setting. She provides therapy for youth and adults focusing on concerns regarding anxiety, depression, stress, preventative health both physical and mental, smoking cessation, grief, and relationships. Her approach to treatment involves multiple treatment modalities, including, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person Center Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.

Location: OMB S601

Lizet Ivarra
Licensed Professional Counselor
I am a bilingual, first-generation Latina college graduate, and Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate (Supervised by Yolanda Swope, LPC-S). Therapy can be a healing journey where you become more familiar with yourself and move towards desired change in your life. As your counselor, I will be committed to collaborating with you and prioritizing your emotional well-being. Since everyone has unique goals, I strive to customize my approach in counseling to meet individuals where they are in life. This could look like challenging your inner critic, acknowledging painful emotions, or understanding how your past affects your present. Some treatment modalities I use include Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Over the past two years, I have gained experience working with adolescents, young adults, and college students presenting with anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, career readiness, and relationship concerns. If you’re ready to take the next step in your mental health journey, it would be an honor to join you.   

Location: S280

Jessica Peralta
Licensed Professional Counselor
Jessica Peralta is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She attended the University of Houston-Victoria in Katy, Texas where she earned her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2021. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Houston-Victoria and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology in 2016.  She primarily works with adolescents, adults, and couples. She enjoys helping her clients identify the root of many of their initial concerns and working with them to overcome these obstacles to obtain more clarity of what they have gone through in their past, and the impact it has on their present.  Jessica approaches her clients with helping them speak their mind and openly work through their problems in a safe space. While working with couples who are willing and able to take that first step in strengthening the friendship within their relationship. What she strives to help all her clients achieve is a stronger sense of autonomy and confidence in themselves and abilities.

Location: OMB S601

Laura Nava
Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate Supervised by Timothy Coulter, LPC-S

Hi, I am Laura Nava a Licensed Professional Counselor- Associate at the University of Houston-Downtown. I graduated from the University of St. Thomas with a master’s in science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in the year of 2024. I am a bilingual therapist (English/Spanish) and hold certifications as both a Trauma-Informed and Grief-Informed Professional. My counseling practice is grounded in evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Person- Centered Therapy. In my clinical work, I have supported individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, identity development, and academic pressure. I have extensive experience working with young adults from historically marginalized communities, including first-generation college students, and I approach each therapeutic relationship with cultural humility and empathy. As a first-generation college graduate and Latina, I am passionate about empowering students and clients from diverse backgrounds. I understand the unique pressures that come with balancing multiple identities and life transitions, so I strive to provide culturally responsive, affirming care that meets each person where they are.

JaNa Bickel and “Major”
Texas Star Dog Training Certified Therapy Dog
“I have been training dogs for 30 years in obedience/agility and Search and Rescue plus service and therapy dogs. My dog team has worked all over the country and overseas to help close cases of missing people. I have also trained my dogs, plus my teammates’, and held seminars for other people and their dogs. I am experienced in working with different police departments, as well as the FBI, and National Children for Missing and Exploited children. I have also worked disasters including Hurricane Katrina and Ike to name a few. I adopted Major about 2 years ago when I needed to train another therapy dog. I knew from his adoption application he would make an excellent companion, and he has exceeded my expectations. He has been there for children and adults, alike being his very sweet self. Major is a therapy dog and is in training to become my 3rd personal service dog.

Location: OMB S601

Diana Montoya, Sam Houston State University Intern

I am a current Master of Arts student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Sam Houston State University and a first-generation bilingual counselor-in-training. I have a background in immigration law, where I worked as a paralegal providing direct support to victims and survivors of crime through humanitarian visa processes. My passion lies in working with diverse populations by fostering resilience, supporting personal growth, and enhancing emotional well-being. I approach counseling through a multicultural lens, grounded through a person-centered approach, while integrating Adlerian and Feminist theories to better understand clients’ lived experiences, relational patterns, and the impact of social systems. I believe that everyone carries a unique story shaped by their lived experiences, strengths, and identities. I strive to create a safe and comforting space to allow you to feel seen, heard, and empowered. I look forward to walking alongside you as you share your story and work toward meaningful change while building on your strengths. You got this and you can do this!

Sumbul Imran, University of St. Thomas Intern

I am a graduate student in my final year of training in clinical mental health counseling at the University of St. Thomas. My counseling approach is grounded in humanistic and person-centered values, with an emphasis on empathy, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard. I strive to create a safe and supportive space where clients feel comfortable exploring their thoughts and emotions.

I am particularly passionate about supporting individuals as they navigate life transitions, relationship challenges, and concerns related to self-esteem and personal growth. Outside of my academic and professional work, I enjoy connecting with others, staying active, and engaging in creative outlets that promote balance and overall well-being.

Xavier Charles, Sam Houston State University Intern

Born and raised in Houston, Texas, I am a current counseling student at Sam Houston State University who brings a holistic, mind–body approach to counseling. As a former athlete, I am a strong advocate for athlete mental health and integrate mindfulness techniques, intentional movement, and cognitive behavioral change into sessions. My work is rooted in meeting clients where they are while supporting sustainable emotional and physical well-being. My long-term goal is to open a fully holistic clinic where a multidisciplinary team provides counseling, rehabilitation, recovery, life coaching, and consulting to treat individuals both mentally and physically.

Noelle Winter, University of St. Thomas Intern

My name is Noe, I am a counselor-in-training, currently finishing my first year of my Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of St. Thomas. My approach to counseling is heavily based on the client's needs: being Person-Centered, I believe in letting the clients carry the conversation at their own pace while being a constant voice of empathy and support. I also find Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as well as some concepts from Gestalt and Adlerian approaches to be useful in providing an integrative approach to meet the client where they are at. I am interested in working with all populations, including athletes. I have grown up in the realm of sports and wellness, and I am particularly interested in focusing on the connection between mental performance and physical performance in sports, arts, or tactical populations. My long-term goal is to eventually get my CMPC Certification and work with collegiate athletes or professional athletes on mental performance. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, and taking my dog on hikes to explore Houston! I look forward to meeting and working alongside you!

Jacquelyn Nunn, University of St. Thomas Intern

I am a graduate student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of St. Thomas. I see counseling as a space where people can slow down, feel less alone, and begin making sense of what has felt confusing, painful, or overwhelming. My approach is grounded in authenticity, curiosity, and trauma-informed care. To me, this means paying attention to how people’s experiences may shape their sense of safety, relationships, identity, and self-worth, while moving at a pace that respects each person’s readiness and autonomy. I am interested in helping people make sense of themselves and their experiences, especially when they are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of themselves. I also pay attention to patterns in how people relate to themselves, others, and the world, because those patterns often reflect what someone has lived through and how they have learned to keep going. I hope to help clients feel more grounded and supported as they build trust in themselves and reconnect with their voice, values, and direction.

Cindy Beltran, University of St. Thomas Intern

Cindy Beltran is a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern in her first year of the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at the University of St. Thomas. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Cindy has over 10 years of experience in community health services, working with diverse and underserved populations. As is a bilingual first-generation Latina counselor in training, she is committed to creating a supportive space where clients feel heard, valued, and empowered. Cindy encourages individuals to rewrite their narratives, embrace their strengths, and recognize that their past does not define their future.

Her guiding belief is “Your lowest season is not the end of your story.”

Cauley Snoddy, University of St. Thomas Intern

Cauley is currently pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of St. Thomas. After spending many years raising her two children, she is now pursuing her lifelong dream of becoming a counselor. Cauley is passionate about helping individuals recognize their unique strengths and develop resilience as they navigate life’s challenges. She has experience serving as a group facilitator at Bo’s Place, a nonprofit bereavement center, where she worked with children and adults processing grief and loss. Her counseling approach draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Adlerian Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy, allowing her to tailor her work to the unique needs of each client. Cauley strives to create a supportive, empathetic, and respectful environment where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered in their personal growth. She considers it a privilege to walk alongside clients in their journey and to be welcomed into a space where healing, self-discovery, and meaningful change can occur.

Betsy Aguilar, Undergraduate Student Assistant

Hi, my name is Betsy Aguilar. I am one of the student workers here in the counseling department. You'll see me in the front office early in the morning.  I like to read, draw, paint, and binge-watch a lot of horror movies. I like to eat a lot too. The counseling department here is very welcoming and a relaxing place to be in, so don't be afraid to drop in! All of the staff here are welcoming. 

Marceline Solis, Undergraduate Student Assistant

Hi, my name is Marceline. I’m a junior majoring in Fine Arts, and I’m deeply passionate about art and all things creative. I run a group called The Crafty Gators, where students come together to explore arts and crafts in a fun, collaborative space.

When I’m not leading Crafty Gators, I’m usually painting or staying busy with my biggest project yet—a custom mural for the office designed to create a more welcoming environment for all students and visitors. I love hearing everyone’s interpretations of my process, and I can’t wait for everyone to see the finished product!

Outside of art, I enjoy playing guitar, going to concerts, playing video games, and spending time with my friends and family. In the future, I hope to become a college art professor and showcase my work in gallery exhibitions, and I hope to be as well-known and influential as my favorite director/artist, David Lynch.

"Everything I learned in my life, I learned because I decided to try something new.”

― David Lynch