UHD / Student Success and Student Life / Student Counseling Services / Meet the Team

Meet the Team

	Naomi Berger-Perez, Director of Counseling Services Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor \| Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Supervisor Naomi has worked in the field of mental health for over 16 years and is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, holding a supervisor status for both. She has a passion for guiding and teaching other counselors and takes pride in those that she has led to becoming fully licensed. As a native Houstonian Naomi has worked in a wide range of mental health settings starting out in the non-profit sector at a domestic violence agency and an organization for children, adolescents, and families in Houston's inner city. She has also worked with those populations who have complex medical needs both physically and emotionally, and most recently, as an employee assistance program counselor for a large hospital system, offering a wide range of support through various counseling modalities for children, adolescents, and adults. Naomi operates from a person-centered approach, and one of open-mindedness in that every day is a learning experience in which we can learn. Location: OMB S280
	Tim Coulter, Assistant Director of Counseling Services Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor “I hold a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Houston-Downtown and a Master of Education in Counseling from the University of Houston. Before becoming a therapist, I spent many years as a banker providing financial solutions to couples and individuals from all walks of life. In addition to financial counseling, I have worked with teenagers, young adults, couples, groups, cancer patients, and individuals in many areas including anxiety, depression, sexual identity, leading a purpose-driven life, career development, substance abuse, anger management, smoking cessation, grief, motivation, and mindfulness. I've worked in many environments including colleges, high schools, residential treatment facilities, private practice, and cancer centers doing both traditional counseling and meditation." Location: OMB S280
	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
	Tiffany Wilson Licensed Professional Counselor Tiffany Wilson has been with the UHD community for 8 years with experience in the Admissions Department and the Davies College of Business Advising Office. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and earned her Master of Arts degree in Counseling from Prairie View A & M University in May 2014. Tiffany has experience in a variety of settings including residential mental healthcare centers, and community-based and outpatient community mental health centers. She provides therapy for adolescents and adults addressing a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, stress, mood disorders, emotional adjustments to health concerns, and relationship concerns. She uses a holistic approach in counseling from several treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Mindfulness, and Solution Focused Brief Therapy. She believes that everyone has the gift to heal themselves with guidance and support. Location: OMB S601
	Laura Nava Licensed Professional Counselor 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

Master's Level Counselors in Training:

	Cristina Granados, University of St. Thomas Intern I am a first-generation Latina currently pursuing my master's in clinical mental health counseling at the university of St. Thomas. I joined the UHD counseling team in the summer of 2025 and it’s been a wonderful experience to be surrounded by a loving and supportive team. I love participating in school events and spending time with the students here at UHD. My mission is to be alongside my clients during tough times but also celebrate their wins. I equip students with skills to use outside of therapy such as mindfulness and breathing techniques. Some of the work I do focuses on building confidence and to empower each person to give them that drive, because I believe that each person has the power within themselves to change the course of their life and rewrite their own narrative. My counseling theories involve Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), positive psychotherapy (PT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), and Narrative Therapy (NT).
	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!
	Evan Zigmond, University of St. Thomas Intern Evan Zigmond (they/them) is a Graduate Student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of St. Thomas. They have experience working with substance use and with members of the LGBTQ+ community. Evan is passionate about listening to and understanding not just their clients, but everyone they meet. They love UHD and the counseling department and are honored to be featured on this web page. Evan cherishes their family, consisting of their lovely wife Melody and two cats, Rhubarb and Pumpkin.
	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.