Mental Health Matters Symposium & Summit

April 2-3, 2025

Mental Health Matters Symposium and Resource Fair

When: April 2, 2025, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Academic Building Mural Area and Skyline Lounge
Who: STUDENTS, STAFF, AND FACULTY

About: This event will consist of community resources coming to UHD to provide information about mental health services, as well as career or internship opportunities.  This event will also consist of student orgs and UHD departments tabling with a focus on health coping activities at their tables to show how each area supports mental health.  This is a ‘come and go’ event.

Resources that will be there:

Parris Foundation: Founded in honor of Parris R. Gaehring who lost his life at a young age due to gun violence, The Parris Foundation exists to provide counseling, outreach, and educational services to disenfranchised communities.  We believe if someone has the desire to make different, healthier choices than those in the community around them, and they’re brave enough to ask for help, they deserve the opportunity to create a brighter future.

DePelchin Children’s Center: DePelchin Children’s Center supports and sustains children and the families who care for them. Some of our programs, such as parenting classes and counseling, preserve and strengthen families. Other services, such as foster care and adoption, ensure children have the care and support they need to overcome trauma, both now and in the future. Our work is driven by our belief that all children should be part of safe, loving homes.  DePelchin has been serving children and families in the Houston area since our founding in 1892. Our programs and services have evolved throughout our history, but our commitment to helping children has never changed. Today we also provide services in and around Austin, Lubbock and San Antonio, and we gratefully receive support from individuals, foundations, corporations, and government grants.

St. Joseph House:  We offer uplifting, empowering programs for those with a mental health diagnosis through St. Joseph Clubhouse (located in Midtown Houston). In the community we build, our members participate fully in daily operations and decision making and demonstrate that mental illness need not carry a stigma — that, given the tools, people with mental health concerns can be productive members of society with much to offer. Here, members find companionship and gain self-esteem working together in their preferred areas such as: organic horticulture, culinary arts, newsletter, computer skills, office management, maintenance and employment outreach.

Kingwood Pines Hospital:  Seeking out treatment for mental health issues doesn’t have to be a scary process. Our North Houston psychiatric facility has inpatient and outpatient programs to help children, adolescents, adults and seniors get back on their feet. Whether one is in need of inpatient treatment or an intensive outpatient program, our team can help get patients of all ages the kind of psychiatric care they need.

Call 281-404-9887 if you or your loved one suffers from a psychiatric disorder or chemical dependency. We are available 24/7 to schedule confidential, no-cost assessments, assist referring professionals and discuss treatment options. You can also send us a message by filling out the contact form. In case of emergency, please dial 911 or seek the nearest emergency room right away.

We Arise:  Our co-founders, Joan Zhang and Amanda D'Ambra Manian, each had their own struggles with eating disorders and mental health, experiencing firsthand the harm it caused in their lives — and the power of community and connection in their own healing.
They came together with shared conviction that nonjudgmental, inclusive, and effective eating disorder care should be available to all — whatever they look like and wherever they come from.
Partnered with leading eating disorder expert and psychiatrist Dr. Erikka Taylor, MD, MPH, with input and support from an incredible group of care advisors, they started Arise to change the conversation around eating disorders — and bring people a new kind of care that puts them at the center.

PaRC:  PaRC offers a customized drug rehab program. Our substance use disorder treatment is individualized to meet the needs of our clients. Personalized drug and alcohol addiction treatment services include medical detox, residential, partial day treatment and outpatient levels of care. Additionally, PaRC offers an extremely far reaching aftercare program and alumni network.

To ensure that the highest outcomes are met, PaRC offers several specialty programs to address the needs of individuals seeking treatment for drug or alcohol addiction. These programs include the Adult Program, Young Adult Program, Teen Program, as well as the Pain Recovery Program and the Professionals and Executives program.

PaRC takes pride in ensuring that each individual patient receives the customized drug rehab treatment they require to provide optimal outcomes for each patient. In order to ensure the highest levels of individualized treatment, PaRC offers extended lengths of stay continuing beyond 30 days.

The length of stay during treatment is determined by the patient’s progress and willingness to engage while in treatment. PaRC’s multidisciplinary approach ensures that a patient’s recovery needs are met and that each patient is provided a strong foundation for sobriety.

Greater Houston Counseling Services:  At Greater Houston Counseling Services, PLLC, our mission transcends traditional therapy; it's about creating a beacon of hope in a world clouded by mental health challenges. We believe in championing every individual's journey, helping them harness their unique strengths to find personal well-being. Our commitment is two-fold: To provide empathetic support where every voice is heard and every story valued, and to continuously refine our practices to remain at the forefront of effective therapeutic solutions.
​Grounded in our dedication to making mental health support both affordable and accessible, we strive to transform mental health from a luxury to a universal right. Our proactive community initiatives aim not only to provide care but also to break the chains of stigma, ensuring that everyone feels empowered to seek the help they deserve. We take pride in the diverse tapestry of professionals that make up GHCS, as they reflect the myriad of backgrounds and experiences in our community. Our approach isn't just about healing—it's about empowering our clients to thrive in the tapestry of life's challenges and joys. Join us on this transformative journey; together, we can light the path to a brighter, more balanced future.

University of St. Thomas Community Clinic and Clinical Mental Health Counseling Graduate Program: UST offers low-cost mental health counseling services to the greater Houston community through its Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC).  UHD also partners and offers practicum and internship placement with the Counseling Services Department.

Safe Zone: The SafeZone app gives you direct access to the fastest possible safety assistance regardless of where you are! The SafeZone app is free to all students, faculty and staff, and operates across all our campuses and facilities. Once installed, you can:

• Report safety concerns 24/7.
• Get connected quickly with mental health professionals if you are feeling depressed, anxious, or overwhelmed.
• Activate location sharing with authorities if alone and concerned for safety.
• Anonymously report incidents via text message, photograph, and location.
• Control your profile data and what is shared; location is only shared when you raise alerts, check in, send reports, or request assistance.

All One Health Employee Assistance Program:  AllOne Health Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a free service that offers a wide variety of counseling, referral, and consultation services. designed to assist in resolving work and life issues in order to live a happier, healthier, more balanced life.

UHD Wellness & Success Center: The Department of Sports and Fitness is located in the Wellness and Success Center (WSC) at the University of Houston - Downtown. The award winning 75,000 square foot facility opened January 17, 2023, and offers a variety of Sports and Fitness programs and services for the UHD Community. Stop by the WSC to take advantage of Group Fitness classes, Personal Training, two Functional Fitness areas, a large weight room, and a cardio training area to improve your health through physical activity. If you enjoy playing sports stop by the WSC for a quick basketball or volleyball game or consider competing in Intramurals or Sports Clubs. UHD students can visit the eSports PC and Console rooms inside the One Main Building to enjoy gaming on multiple platforms. All UHD students taking classes in the current term have an active membership. Memberships are available for UHD Faculty and Staff and the surrounding community. 

UHD Counseling Services: Student Counseling Services is here to offer support as you navigate your college journey and is free for enrolled UHD students.  Counseling Services is designed to help you maximize your mental health and effectiveness at home, school, or work. Through our services, you will receive confidential, personal support for a wide range of issues, from everyday concerns to serious problems.​ Whether you want advice about a relationship, need to talk to someone about drug use, or are simply feeling overwhelmed by school life, we can help. You have access to contact us via online and can also receive crisis support over the phone or schedule an appointment with ​us.  All records, including medical information, referrals and evaluations, are kept confidential in accordance with federal and state laws.

VETERAN SPECIFIC RESOURCES:

Grace After Fire: Grace After Fire's mission is centered on helping woman Veterans help themselves by connecting them with the resources and the tools they need to be a productive citizen in their community, work and home after transitioning from the military. Grace after fire also offers Peer to peer groups, wellness groups, financial assistance and social events.

Wounded Warrior Project: Every warrior has unique challenges and goals. That’s why we provide a variety of veteran programs and services to help you take the steps that are right for you. What’s more, thanks to the tremendous support of our donors, you never pay a penny to get the help you need to build the future you deserve. They offer supportive services such as physical health, mental health, and financial wellness.

VA Mental Health Department: VA has a variety of mental health resources, information, treatment options and more—all accessible to Veterans, Veterans’ supporters and the general public. VA is here to provide and connect you with clinical resources and peer support so you can confront and manage any mental health challenge. We offer more treatment options and more ways to access treatment than ever before. VA mental health offers peer support groups focused on PTSD, addiction, domestic violence and various traumas, mental health retreats, and wellness programs.

VA Suicide Prevention: Our specially trained suicide prevention coordinators—available in each VA medical center across the country—can help you get the counseling and services you need. They also offer counseling services for veteran and families dealing with combat trauma.

Mental Health America: Mental Health America provides support for individuals with lived experience of mental health conditions through community education, screening and research, and advocacy and public policy.

Vet Center: We offer confidential help for Veterans, service members, and their families at no cost in a non-medical setting. Our services include counseling for needs such as depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the psychological effects of military sexual trauma (MST). We can also connect you with more support in VA and your community.

Mental Health Matters Summit

When: April 3, 2025, from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Where: Milam/Travis Room, TDECU Tour Room, & WSC
Who: STUDENTS, STAFF, AND FACULTY

About: This event is a full day of mental health presentations, activities, and panel discussions.  Please RSVP to receive a swag bag at check in.  If you cannot make all of the events, you are welcome to come as you can! 

Register Here: https://forms.office.com/r/KqYUVH1YxR

Agenda

Thursday, April 3, 2025 – Summit 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

• 8:15 – 8:50 – Check in
• 9-9:15 – Welcome from Dr. Maxwell, Interim VP of 3SL
• 9:15 – 10 – “Overcoming Setbacks” (UHD Counselors Tiffany Wilson & Jessica Peralta)
• 10-11:15 – Mindfulness Matters/Walking Meditation to the WSC/Soundbath with Saumil (UHD Counselors Christina Henry, Brittany Boudreaux, and Lizet Ivarra)
• 11:15 – 11:45 – Return to the Milam/Travis Room for Lunch from the WSC
• 11:45 – 12:30 – Keynote Speaker – CEO/Co-Founder of We Arise – Joan Zhang
• 12:30-1 – FAQ’s/Q&A About Support Animals – JaNa Bickel & Major
• 1-1:30 – “Mental Health in the Digital Age” (Kayla Almaguer & Jimena Martinez)
• 1:30-2 – “Mental Health Perceptions Among Cultures” (Kimberly Turcios & Donavon Davis)
• 2-3 – Panel #1 – Variations in the Path of Social Work (Hope Pacheco, Lisa Gonzales-Hatfield, Richard Simonds, Sherry Zhang)
• 3-4 – Panel #2 – “Professional Clinicians and Helping Certifications” (Timothy Coulter, Sehrish Ali, Jazz Nixon, Latressa Booker)
• 4-4:30 – Wrap Up

Keynote Speaker

Joan Zhang, Co-founder and CEO at Arise Health
Joan cofounded Arise out of her own lived experience with eating disorders and mental health conditions — and deep empathy for the diversity of mental health journeys of so many others that drives her work as a product leader in the mental health tech space. Prior to founding Arise, Joan was a senior product manager at Headspace Health where she led initiatives that empowered members to get into clinical care faster than ever. Prior to Headspace, she was a lead product manager at Click Therapeutics developing a digital treatment for major depressive disorder.

Joan started her career in management consulting at Deloitte where she led projects to implement robotics process automation at a top global pharmaceutical company and EHR systems for a statewide development disability service provider. Joan grew up in southeast Houston as a graduate from Clear Lake High School and currently lives in Katy.

Presenters:

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.

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.

Lizet Ivarra, Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate, Supervised by Timothy Coulter, LPC-S
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. 

Brittany Boudreaux, Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate, Supervised Dr. Bernadette Smith, LPC-S
I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Texas State University and a Master of Science Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of St. Thomas. Since being in the mental health field, I have worked with individuals of all backgrounds including individuals from the BIPOC and LBGTQIA+ community who are dealing with life transitions, trauma, relationship problems, anxiety, and depression. I am experienced in cognitive and dialectical behavioral therapy. However, I work from a person-centered eclectic perspective. This means first and foremost I want to get to know you and what brings you to therapy, then together we can build the proper form of treatment for you. Additionally, I am a Certified Trauma Professional. This means I have undergone specialized training to understand and treat trauma in its many forms—be it emotional, physical, or psychological. I believe that we should not just exist in this world but live to the fullest. I've faced my own challenges that have shaped me both personally and professionally. I understand that the journey through healing is deeply personal and can be complex. My role is to walk beside you on this path, while offering specialized knowledge and tools to help you navigate your journey towards healing. I am here to support you in moving from merely surviving to truly thriving.

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.

Kayla Almaguer (pronounced ‘Al-muh-gair’), Lamar Intern & Lone Star College Faculty
Kayla Almaguer is dedicated to fostering mental well-being through education and innovation. Currently pursuing her second master's degree to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), she integrates empathy and emotional intelligence into every aspect of her work. Her passion lies in creating human-centered learning environments that prioritize mental health, resilience, and meaningful connections.

As part of the Department of Strategic Innovation at Lone Star College, she advocates for system-wide solutions that support both educators and students in navigating stress, burnout, and emotional challenges. Previously, as an Assistant Professor and AI Faculty Fellow, she developed the college system’s first Generative AI certification program, equipping faculty and staff with tools to enhance both learning and well-being. Kayla’s work bridges the gap between mental health, education, and technology, ensuring that support systems are as forward-thinking as they are compassionate.

Jimena Martinez, Social Work Intern, Pursuant of a B.A. in Social Work
Jimena Martinez is currently attending the University of Houston-Downtown to pursue her Bachelor's in Social Work. She is also a student intern at UHD Counseling Services, where she helps students navigate counseling services. In addition, she is privileged to hold the position of President of SWSCAN and Vice President of Kappa Delta Chi Sorority, Inc. These remarkable opportunities allow her to broaden her skill set and continue her personal growth and development. Helping others fuels her excitement to assist individuals in meeting their needs. Jimena aspires to be a voice for her fellow Latinas and empower immigrant students who face unique challenges.

Kimberly Turcios, University of St. Thomas Intern
My name is Kimberly Turcios. I am a Master’s level student who attends the University of St. Thomas-Montrose. I am currently studying Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I am a proud Latina and a first-generation college student, which has shaped my passion for mental health advocacy and supporting others in their journeys. Currently, I am interning at the University of Houston-Downtown, providing support to college students. I also have experience working with young children from my previous internship site and also as a preschool teacher's aide.”

Donavon Davis, University of St. Thomas Intern
My name is Donavon Davis. I'm a Master’s level student at the University of St. Thomas studying Clinical Mental Health Counseling.  I'm currently interning at UHD Counseling Services supporting college students in their mental health journeys

JaNa Bickel and “Major”
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. 

Soundbath by Saumil Manek, “Union is Creation”
Union is Creation is a wellness brand dedicated to fostering connection, balance, and self-discovery through sound healing, yoga, and conscious living. Rooted in the philosophy that true harmony arises when body, mind, and soul unite, Union is Creation offers transformative experiences that empower individuals to embrace their inner power and live with intention.

Hosting over 25 wellness events per month, Union is Creation curates sacred spaces for healing and growth through sound baths, guided meditations, and yoga practices. They are also a featured practitioner on Insight Timer, the world’s #1 meditation and sleep app.

Their work extends to weekly sound healing sessions at Buffalo Bayou Cistern and Discovery Green, as well as corporate wellness programs and retreats for organizations such as Cigna Healthcare, BP Energy, Houston Texans, Lululemon, India House, and the Eternal Mahatma Gandhi Museum, among many others.

To book a private sound bath or yoga session (English or Spanish), contact maneksaumil@gmail.com.

Panelists:

Hope Pacheco, LMSW, Assistant Dean of Student Advocacy & Assistance
Hope Pacheco is a proud mom, a first-generation college graduate, a scholar-practitioner, a mentor, a researcher, a social worker, and an equity-minded administrator. She has worked for and on behalf of students of all ages to access and advance their educational opportunities her entire career. She develops opportunities, builds systems, influences policies, and shares knowledge to help students succeed and find a place of belonging. Hope earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Texas-Austin and her master’s degree in social work from the Graduate College of Social Work at the University of Houston and has supervised social work interns for over 20 years. Hope is a doctoral candidate at University of Houston College of Education’s Higher Education Leadership and Policy Studies program. Her research focuses on resilience and success strategies for Latina STEM majors.

Lisa Marie Gonzales-Hatfield, M.A., B.S.W.
“Lisa Marie Gonzales-Hatfield is an accomplished higher education leader with over 15 years of experience in career development, student services, and program management. She currently serves as the Director of the Career Development Center at the University of Houston-Downtown, where she oversees the operations of the center, supporting more than 25,000 students and alumni. Lisa is passionate about empowering diverse, underserved students, helping them develop career readiness and confidence to achieve their unique goals.

Throughout her career, Lisa has been praised for her exceptional communication skills, creativity, and ability to build strong relationships across university departments and external organizations. She is a dedicated mentor, skilled in guiding students through career exploration, job acquisition, and workforce development. Lisa is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, ensuring students have the tools they need to succeed both in the classroom and beyond.

In addition to her leadership role, Lisa actively contributes to various university committees, including the JED Committee and the Red Rose Scholarship Committee, and is a member of several professional associations. She has been recognized with multiple honors, including the Latino American Who’s Who Among American Professionals and the American Achievement Award in Social Service.”

Richard Simonds, MSW, BCC
Richard works for the College of Public Service at the University of Houston-Downtown supporting students. Richard is also an Adjunct Professor of Social Work at the University of Houston – Downtown. Richard is also a Board Certified Coach.

Richard Simonds has over 20 years of financial and executive coaching and has helped clients define and reach their goals. Richard has worked with clients at fortune 500 companies, nonprofits and community organizations. Richard has spoken locally, regionally and nationally about behavioral change, money management and credit. In addition, Richard has been featured in the Houston Chronicle and KHOU, channel 11.

Richard received his B.A. in Sociology from the University of Miami (OH) in 2004 before moving to Houston and obtaining a Masters of Social Work from University of Houston on 2007 and is a current doctoral student at Lamar University.

Sherry Zhang, LCSW-S, PMH-C
I started my career working beside veterans and their families. I continued working with adults and children experiencing domestic violence and sexual assault at a nonprofit by providing therapy and training. I then transitioned into community health care as part of the integrated behavior health team collaborating with primary care physicians and specialty physicians (OB, Pediatrics, and Geriatric) engaging in therapy and crisis management for vulnerable populations. I trained as an expert witness in court for cases related to domestic violence and sexual assault to help the public understand the impact domestic violence and sexual assault can have on individuals and families. While working in community health care I provided continued education training and consultation to physicians completing their residency, participated in community advocacy, and case management.  

Certification: 

• Board Approved Supervisor 
• Perinatal Mental Health-Certified
• Dialectic Behavior Therapy-Certified

Jazz Nixon, B.A. in Legal Studies, Pursuant of the Mental Health Peer Support Specialist Certification
Jazz Nixon is a dedicated advocate for veterans and mental health awareness, with extensive experience both in military service and in supporting fellow veterans. Having served for six years in the U.S. Army as an Infantry Squad Leader and has completed multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, gaining invaluable leadership skills and firsthand insight into the challenges veterans face upon returning home.

In addition to military service, Jazz has spent considerable time working with veterans in a variety of support capacities, including navigating claims processes, providing peer support, and addressing the complexities of PTSD. This experience has fueled a deep commitment to him improving the lives of veterans and ensuring they receive the care and recognition they deserve.

Currently, Jazz serves as a coordinator at the University of Houston, where he acts as a liaison between the school and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). In this role, he assists veteran students in transitioning to academic life, helping them navigate the benefits awarded and the challenges both within the educational system and in their personal lives, ensuring they receive the support needed for success.

Jazz holds a Bachelor’s in Legal Studies and continues to work passionately toward raising awareness about mental health issues, particularly within the veteran community, by advocating for resources and fostering an environment of understanding and is currently working on his MHPSS certification.  About Peer Support Services | Texas Health and Human Services

Sehrish Ali, PhD, LPC, CEDS, Clinical Director at Arise Health
Dr. Ali is a licensed psychotherapist and the founder of Guided Growth Therapy in Houston, TX, and clinical director of Arise where she specializes in supporting adolescents, adults, and families in cultivating healthier, more balanced relationships with food, exercise, and body image. As a certified eating disorder specialist, she offers a compassionate and deeply insightful approach to helping clients navigate the complex emotional and psychological challenges associated with body image, providing a safe space for healing and growth. In addition to her clinical practice, she is committed to advancing mental health care by educating fellow professionals on the critical importance of cultural competence in the treatment of eating disorders.

Tim Coulter, 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."

Latressa Booker, Community Health Worker, Bachelor of Social Work Student
Latressa Booker is a dedicated Community Health Worker (CHW) and Bachelor of Social Work (BASW) student, committed to promoting mental health awareness and equitable access to care. With aspirations to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), she plans to pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree while gaining hands-on experience in the community. Previously interning at Precinct 1 and currently interning and contributing to Precinct 2 and Precinct 2gether initiatives, focusing on strategic planning, food security, and social service programming that promote overall well-being. She is striving to bridge the gap between underserved communities and essential resources and believes in the power of culturally competent care, holistic approaches to wellness, and community-driven solutions.