Meet Our Counselors

My Story
I have been in counseling ministry for over 24 years. My calling came through John 21 when Jesus tells his disciple Peter “feed my sheep”. I strive to do as He asked Peter by acknowledging that God is essential for truth and wisdom. I meet clients without judgement, accepting them as individuals of infinite value and immense worth to God and therefore to me. Since I believe that God honors this posture, I humbly believe that God is present in each session.

My Approach
We will actively work together. You will be encouraged to tell me your story and to look at how your past may be affecting your present. I firmly believe that we are shaped by our past, but we do not have to be held captive by it. We will explore patterns of thinking that lead to self-destructive actions and the beliefs that direct these thoughts. I will listen and help you form goals and strategies to modify these patterns and improve coping and healthy emotional regulation. Our sessions will often be problem focused and goal directed, however you will be given time to process current difficulties at the start of every session.

My Experience
My individual counseling experience includes issues related to sexual assault, codependency, depression, and anxiety. Having completed Levels 1 and 2 Clinical Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, I specialize in marital counseling. My experience includes working with couples that are struggling with issues related to infidelity and affair recovery. My passion is to see marriages restored and thriving.

"Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus comes again."
I Thessalonians 5:23

As a previous pastor in the local church, Chris has gained great insight to the struggles adults and adolescents can face in today’s culture. He has worked with clients struggling with depression, low self esteem, sexual addiction, substance abuse, ADHD, career issues, grief, marriage struggles, anxiety, anger, and many other situations can cause life to be not only hard, but very confusing.

University of Texas at San Antonio
M.A. Professional Counseling

As a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist, Nancy is very passionate about counseling with children. She believes that children oftentimes cannot express themselves through words. By using play therapy, she is able to build a trusting relationship with the child where they feel safe to express their needs, hurt, pain or frustration through their play. Through play, they work together to create positive ways to cope with, or work through their issue.

Nancy has over 15 years of experience working with children. She has had specialized training in play therapy, trauma and loss, and grief counseling. She also has had a lot of experience working with children who are experiencing difficulties with divorce, anxiety, academics, self esteem and other childhood issues.

In addition to 7 years as a school counselor, Nancy has had 13 years of experience as an elementary school teacher. She feels that having this “inside track” knowledge of the schools gives her a better insight to some of the difficulties facing today’s children. Taking the first step toward getting help is often the most difficult. Nancy looks forward to working with your child and making that first step as comfortable as possible for you all.

Texas State University
M.Ed. Counseling & Guidance

Lanny desires to help people live fulfilled lives through learning to live true to their unique design. Having also lived in Mexico and Guatemala, he has experienced life in other cultures, and his background has equipped him to understand the unique trials of families in law enforcement and the military. He especially has a heart to help couples learn to understand and enjoy each other.

University of Texas at San Antonio
M.A. Community Counseling

Kay has been working with individual adults, couples, and families, helping them realize their goals to improve emotional quality of life since 1988. After initial Certification as a Chemical Dependency Counselor, her career led her to a specialty in trauma resolution and PTSD. For the last 8 years she has worked consistently with combat PTSD, redeployment and military family reintegration issues. Her work also focuses on Bipolar Disorder and other types of trauma, sexual abuse and the depression, anxiety and problem behaviors (including addictions) that can arise from them. Kay has training in several trauma focused therapies including Prolonged Exposure Therapy, Mindfulness and CPT. She also uses CBT and DBT techniques, Most importantly, Kay believes that recovering one’s quality of life and relationship happens exclusively in the loving presence of The Counselor and Healer, our Lord Jesus Christ.

University of Texas at San Antonio
M.A. Education

Elizabeth Aleman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker focused on providing therapy to adolescents, young adults and families; covering a multitude of issues to include self-harming behaviors, depression, anxiety, anger management, and various trauma. As a social worker, Elizabeth has spent most of her career working with children, adolescents and families; primarily working with youth in the foster care system who have experienced physical, verbal and emotional abuse. She has provided mental health services to children, adolescents and adults while working in a mental health clinic setting. Her therapy modalities are a mixture of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused, Trauma Informed Care, and Talk therapy. She specializes in trauma, behavior management, and family therapy.

The University of Texas at San Antonio
Master of Social Work

In over thirty years of private practice, Tommy has worked effectively with a multitude of issues. Through this, he has gained much experience and insight in the areas of Spirituality, men’s issues, anxiety, stress management, career counseling, addiction, self-esteem, and past traumas. He believes in not only identifying the root cause(s) of personal issues but also in developing a specific plan of action for dealing with these. He utilizes a client-centered, solution-focused approach that incorporates how our thoughts and emotions are intertwined.

St. Mary’s University
M.A. Mental Health and Substance Abuse Counseling

Laurie is a Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years of experience in international school ministry and mental health counseling. She enjoys encouraging and motivating clients with a warm, interactive, non-judgmental approach to therapy. She works with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, grief, life transitions, women’s issues and with those caring for aging parents. She utilizes a combination of Solution-Focused, Cognitive Behavioral, and Attachment Theories. She hopes to reflect the love of Christ to those she serves.

University of Texas at San Antonio
Our Lady of the Lake University-Master of Social Work

Joanna is a licensed professional counselor and most importantly saved by grace alone. She is passionate about walking with individuals in the midst of their pain in a professional, compassionate and gentle manner. Her experience is mainly working with survivors of domestic violence, she enjoys counseling women, youth, and older children during seasons of loss, anger , anxiety, abuse and trauma. She also has a heart to work with engaged couples and tackle parenting issues. Joanna is committed to professional, discerning counsel that is grounded in God’s Word.

In addition to counseling, Joanna has worked in a residential care facility for troubled teens, active in women and children’s ministry in her home church and has been an elementary school teacher with over seven years experience. She considers it an honor and privilege to work with you as you start or continue your counseling journey.

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18

Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
M.A. in Marriage and Family Counseling