Meet Our Therapists
At Counseling Connections, our therapists understand that every person carries a unique story. By building meaningful relationships, we create a safe space where physical, mental, emotional, and (if designated) spiritual needs can be fully recognized. Guided by compassion and grounded in ethically sound, evidence-based practices, our counseling team designs individualized treatment plans that honor each client’s journey.
Rebecca Aronson, LPC-Associate
Staff Clinician, Supervised by Xochil Hinshaw, LPC-S
I have a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Houston, a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Texas A & M-Corpus Christi and am currently pursuing a dual Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling from Walden University.
Life experiences and a desire to bring awareness to mental health led me to where I am today. I know the importance of receiving help when we can’t do it on our own. My desire is for my clients to feel seen, heard, and valued as I help them work through what they are dealing with and help them gain a variety of tools to use when life’s challenges arise.
I have two daughters that I want to show what is possible when you set goals and work hard. In my free time, you can find me curled up reading a good book.
Claudia Balatoni, LPC, EMDR Trained
Staff Clinician
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Biblical Studies and a Master of Arts degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University.
My multicultural upbringing and ability to speak English and Spanish fluently, have given me the opportunity to work with a diverse group of socio-economic populations on a wide range of issues such as depression, anxiety, panic disorders, self-esteem, adoption, parenting, domestic violence, suicide, PTSD, physical and sexual abuse, women’s issues: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), infertility and Menopause. I primarily utilizes a variety of therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy.
My counseling goals are to integrate research-based psychological principles with scriptural principles to help clients achieve their mental, emotional, physical, social, moral, and spiritual development by finding healing, transformation, and restoration to live a full and healthy life. I believe through daily struggles, God works to transform lives and to bring about ultimate purpose, hope, and healing (Romans 5:3-5).
I enjoy reading, teaching, the beach, travel, and spending time with my husband, daughter, family, and friends.
Joshua Boles
Clinical Intern
I have a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Sam Houston State University and am currently pursuing a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Houston–Clear Lake. I am completing my practicum at Counseling Connections in Houston, Texas, under the supervision of Xochil Hinshaw, LPC-S.
My counseling approach is grounded in Person-Centered Therapy, with an emphasis on creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel valued and understood. Outside of counseling, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, painting, drawing, and exploring creative outlets.
Karina Rodriguez Figueroa, LPC-Associate
Staff Clinician, Supervised by Ana Valenzuela, LPC-S
I hold a M.Ed. in Counseling and Development from Lamar University and a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Puerto Rico. I am also a Texas-Certified School Counselor. I am currently undergoing training to obtain a Certification in Play Therapy. Since 2017, I’ve worked in education as a teacher and counselor, developing a strong passion for supporting children, adolescents, and their families.
I enjoy working with children and teens, helping them build confidence, self-esteem, and emotional awareness, while fostering a collaborative and trusting relationship with caregivers. I also look forward to working with adult individuals and walking alongside you to navigate the challenges life can bring. As a bilingual therapist (English/Spanish), I’m committed to providing culturally responsive and inclusive care to individuals and families from diverse backgrounds. It is a true privilege to walk alongside my clients as they navigate life’s challenges and move toward healing and growth.
My counseling approach is person-centered, integrating Solution-Focused Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to empower clients in building skills, reframing thoughts, and fostering growth. As a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, I approach each client with empathy, authenticity, and respect for their unique journey. I draw from a person-centered framework, integrating Solution-Focused Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help individuals develop practical skills, challenge negative thought patterns, and enhance their resilience.
Leslie Hagemeier, LMSW, TBRI® Practitioner
Staff Clinician
I am a licensed social worker, completing my master’s degree in Social Work in 2021. I am also a TBRI Practitioner and I have a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Houston. I have also worked with the Department of Family Protective Services for 24 years gaining a unique perspective regarding trauma and the impacts long term on children and families. I have experience in all areas of CPS, but for the last 12 years, I have specifically worked in conservatorship with foster children and their parents.
My desire is to treat the family as a whole unit and provide individual and family counseling, conduct parenting programs, play therapy, and marriage and family counseling. I feel it is most important to empower families and be by their side to walk through difficult times and help to find lasting solutions that will heal and transform them. TBRI is a model designed to help children who have suffered from trauma. It empowers them, connects families, and gives helpful and lasting corrections that also work to build self-esteem in the child, impacting family functioning as a whole.
When I am not working, I enjoy time with my family and dogs, gardening, swimming, and going to church.
Sonnie Kim
Clinical Intern
I strongly believe in our ability to heal when given the right support and that many of the pieces we need for healing are already inside of us. While change can be difficult, it is much more doable with help, and my aim is to provide a calm and caring presence while contributing the missing pieces you need for things to become better.
I’ve worked as a health coach after receiving my BS in Kinesiology & Health from UT Austin and I’m currently pursuing a MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at UH Clear Lake. My free time is spent exploring philosophy and making music and I love to play drums and write songs for my band.
Audra Lozano, MA, LPC, RPT ™
Staff Clinician
Audra Lozano, MA, LPC, Registered Play Therapist ™, is a Texas-certified school counselor and a licensed professional counselor (#71574). She has been in the education field as a teacher since 2005, and now as a high school counselor since 2012.
She graduated from Sam Houston State University with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and a minor in secondary education. In 2011, she graduated with a master of arts in counseling from Sam Houston State University’s CACREP-accredited counseling program. Audra completed her hours for a play therapy specialization in 2019.
Audra Lozano specializes in the areas of school counseling and plays therapy. She has a passion for helping children and families strengthen and enhance their parent-child relationship. Yearly, she attends the University of North Texas Play Therapy Summer Institute in Denton to stay up to date on current trends in play therapy. Audra utilizes the child-centered play therapy approach, along with facilitative methods in the playroom.
Hannah Marsh, LPC, EMDR Trained
Staff Clinician
I am passionate about working with individuals who experience traumatic events, anxiety, and depression. I strive to create a safe and open environment for clients and their families to heal. I value the mind/body connection and enjoy teaching clients about their brains and bodies in a trauma-informed and easy-to-understand way.
I love working with children, adolescents, and teenagers. I use an attachment-focused, attuned and eclectic style in crafting an individualized treatment plan. I am trained in EMDR, solution-focused, and CBT therapies.
In my spare time, I enjoy cooking and spending time with my dog, Lexie.
Shelby Mersing, LPC
Staff Clinician & Clinical Coordinator
I have a BA in Psychology from Texas State University – San Marcos and a MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I bring an array of professional experience from childcare to investigations with diverse populations.
I am passionate and dedicated to help others through their difficult or traumatic events by collaborating with individuals on building new skills to help navigate their unique experiences. I strive to provide a safe and judge-free zone for my clients to find a place for healing and hope. My chosen theories that I gravitate towards are CBT therapies, TBRI®, and Person-Centered Therapy. I work with children, adolescents, families and/or individual therapy with adults. Counseling requires trust and collaboration between the client and therapist in which then goals can be established and accomplished. I want to help you by challenging and supporting you to reach those goals because your mental health matters.
When I am away from the office, I like to spend my free time with my family and our dogs, travel, Glamping on the river or lake, and doing DIY projects around the house.
Jazsmene Miller, LPC
Staff Clinician
It is my life’s mission to help people experience a better quality of life. Through personal counseling services, workshops, and seminars, my passion is to serve others with knowledge of mental health awareness.
I believe in a holistic counseling experience. Although there are numerous counseling approaches and techniques, I curb the process to meet each client’s specific needs. My counseling approach is based on a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Strengths Based Therapy and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy.
Leesha Miller, LPC
Staff Clinician
Leesha Miller is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate with over 20 years of experience in education, spanning all grade levels and multiple departments, including Special Education and School Counseling. Throughout her career as both a teacher and counselor, she has remained dedicated to serving traditionally underserved populations, bringing compassion and patience to every interaction.
Leesha has worked extensively with children and adolescents from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Her clinical experience includes supporting clients dealing with emotional disabilities, anxiety, depression, and mood dysregulation. She is deeply committed to culturally responsive care and integrates this perspective into her therapeutic work.
Leesha earned her undergraduate degree in education from Lamar University in Beaumont, TX, and went on to complete her Master’s degree in Counseling at the University of Houston–Clear Lake in 2013.
Her counseling approach is eclectic, with a strong foundation in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). She customizes each session to meet the individual needs of her clients, focusing on understanding the “why” behind behaviors and helping clients develop effective strategies for change. Leesha is passionate about empowering young people and equipping them with the tools they need to thrive.
Kevin Persad, LMFT
Staff Clinician
I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist who has provided couples, family, individual, and group counseling services since 2009. I earned my Master of Arts in Family Therapy from the University of Houston-Clear Lake and my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Houston.
My therapy modalities include, but are not limited to, family systems theory, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, client-centered approaches, emotionally-focused couples therapy, and solution-focused therapy. As a therapist, I help couples with communication and relationship difficulties; provide anger management and various mental health wellness groups; offer family therapy to address conflict resolution; and assist clients in developing and implementing adaptive coping skills to reduce distress and promote healthy relationships.
On a personal note, I am a native Texan who enjoys green spaces, good restaurants, and spending quality time with my wife and daughter.
Dr. Mary C. Reissinger, Psychologist
Staff Clinician
Dr. Mary C. Reissinger is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the state of Texas. Before joining Counseling Connections for Change, she worked as an Assistant Professor at Baylor College of Medicine, Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.
She earned her Doctor of Psychology degree from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology in Chicago and finished residency with the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ APA-accredited internship program at Federal Medical Center, Carswell, in Fort Worth, Texas. Dr. Reissinger completed her Postdoctoral Psychology Fellowship with Baylor College of Medicine which focused solely on the advocacy, research, and treatment of victims and survivors of human trafficking. This specialized fellowship program is the first of its kind in the nation and as the first Fellow accepted into the program, Dr. Reissinger helped develop its associated clinic, research database, and ongoing healthcare provider training workshops.
She is specialized in the fields of Clinical Health and Forensic Psychology, is certified in Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD, and trained in multiple evidence-based interventions to treat Trauma and Stress-related Disorders. Recently, Dr. Reissinger published in the APA Journal addressing vicarious traumatization while caring for victims of trafficking and authored a book chapter on improving the identification of human trafficking victimization in adolescents.
Kaylee Ringuet
Clinical Intern
I have always had a strong desire to help others, whether that be friends or individuals in my community. Moreover, I believe that we are all equipped to overcome the obstacles life may bring. However, it can be difficult to achieve these feats alone. With support and counseling, individuals have a better ability to gain awareness of their strengths in order to utilize them in overcoming life’s challenges.
My hope is to provide dedicated and empathetic support as well as an attentive presence to work towards overcoming challenges and achieving goals together.
I graduated from Sam Houston State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. Currently, I am working towards gaining a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Lamar University. In my free time, when I am not spending time with friends and family, I enjoy reading, yoga and pilates, as well as playing with my dog.
Nicole Silvas
Clinical Intern
I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Houston-Clear Lake with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Literature and an English Language Arts Composite teaching certificate. I am currently completing a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Houston-Clear Lake. Using an integrated evidence-based therapy and person-centered counseling approach, I enjoy collaborating with individuals, groups, and families.
Throughout my 28-year teaching career, I witnessed numerous students and families struggling with mental health needs, which inspired my passion to help others and led me to pursue training as a counselor.
I am married and have two adult sons. When I am not seeking out the newest restaurant or musical venue, I enjoy reading, traveling, hiking, watching movies, and spending time with friends and family.
Elizabeth Svetlik, LPC, ImTT Trained
Staff Clinician
Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Music degree with a vocal concentration from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, TX and a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. She taught music for fourteen years but she knows that God has called her to counseling. Elizabeth has been in practice for counseling for about 13 years. She has an eclectic approach to counseling centered on the client’s needs. Elizabeth uses techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Reality Therapy and Image Transformation Therapy.
Her clinical areas of interest are anxiety, grief, depression, sexual and relational boundary issues and contributing to the whole health of the individual (i.e. physical, mental, and spiritual). If the client chooses, Elizabeth enjoys facilitating growth toward Christian spiritual health and mental health simultaneously.
Elizabeth is thankful and humbled at the opportunities she has to walk alongside people through their healing journeys. She has been married to the love of her life for 22 years and looks forward to many more. Elizabeth also enjoys endurance sports. She is a marathon runner and endurance swimmer and is grateful for the community experience that those activities bring to her life as well as the contribution that they make to her physical and mental health.
Sharon Treadgold, LMSW, MED, TBRI® Practitioner
Staff Clinician
Having served children and families of Brazoria County through the child welfare system for nearly 20 years, I am very interested in the impact trauma has on the brain and look forward to continuing my work with children and adolescents as well as adults who have experienced chronic or significant trauma.
We are all uniquely created with value and worth, and I desire to help others find their purpose. I believe that trauma can be healed through trust and nurturing healthy connections, and I am committed to working with families to ensure they are equipped with the tools needed to create a place of healing for loved ones experiencing the effects of trauma.
I completed my Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology at the University of Houston-Clear Lake and earned a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Houston in order to fulfill the calling on my life to serve others in their most difficult times.
I am married to a supportive, kind, and loving husband who is my biggest cheerleader. I enjoy spending time with family, traveling with friends, studying God’s Word, and relaxing at our ranch feeding the cows and enjoying nature.
Gwyn Washington
Clinical Intern
I am a Life Coach based in Houston, Texas. I am a graduate of the University of Houston with a Bachelor’s in Business and Psychology, and I am currently pursuing my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Grand Canyon University. I am passionate about working with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and demographics, including pre-teens, teens, adults at all life stages, families, and couples. My primary areas of focus include supporting those struggling with depression, anxiety, and trauma, while helping individuals resolve conflicts and develop assertive communication skills.
In my work with clients, I draw on my strengths in problem-solving, empathy, and motivational listening. I strive to provide warm, nurturing support, grounded in respect and unconditional acceptance. I am also focused on continuing to develop my skills in treatment planning, crisis intervention, and mental health diagnosis.
I believe my role is to help clients find their own perfect solutions. I prefer to avoid using labels or generalities, and instead approach each person with sincere curiosity, allowing each client to define themselves for me. The therapeutic approaches I favor include Person-Centered Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) for trauma.
Angi Watkins, LPC
Staff Clinician
My mission through therapy is to help provide perspective to adults and youth to help navigate confusing or difficult times, while trying to set attainable goals and give hope and direction. I have a multi-faceted counseling approach that includes person-centered and solution-focused therapy. I believe that as you work together, clients can acquire skills to help them overcome obstacles from the past, obtain coping skills, and move forward toward personal goals.
I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Stephen F. Austin State University in 2002. I went on to later graduate with my Masters of Science degree in Counseling in 2010 from the University of Houston Clear Lake. I have had proven success working with all ages of people, and have an extensive background working with teens, although I work with adults as well.
On a personal note – I grew up in Dallas, but moved to Houston in 2002 after leaving Nacogdoches where I attended school for my undergraduate degree. I am an educator, mother, daughter, friend, child advocate, and fur mom. I am a huge proponent of positive self-talk, and self-care. My hobbies include reading, spending time with my daughters, traveling, trying new restaurants, and exploring the beautiful city of Houston. I look forward to working with you toward supporting your mental health needs and accomplishing goals that will help you lead the most enjoyable and meaningful life possible.
Tangila Webb, LPC-Associate
Staff Clinician, Supervised by Xochil Hinshaw, LPC-S
I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Prairie View A & M University and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Walden University. I also earned a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University.
My counseling approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT). I am passionate about providing safe, supportive spaces where individuals feel seen, heard, and valued. My goal is to help clients gain clarity, strengthen their coping skills, and move toward living more fulfilling and balanced lives.
Outside of counseling, I enjoy watching sports, listening to music, line dancing, and spending time with my family. My faith community and a love for lifelong learning continue to inspire my personal and professional growth.