Marjorie Brown

Marjorie is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas (UNT). She received her BA in Psychology from UNT in 2015. Currently, Elizabeth is a student counseling intern at the Counseling Place in Richardson, TX.

Marjorie is currently a 2018 – 2019 NBCC Fellow and serves as the Community Mental Health Representative of Rho Kappa chapter of Chi Sigma Iota and as Community Liaison of Counselors for Social Justice. She plans to work for an agency serving minority and low-income populations.

×

Elizabeth Cruz

Liz is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas.  She received her BA in Psychology with a minor in Art from Texas State in 2014.  She is a student counseling intern at UNT Testing and Counseling Services in Denton, Texas.  Liz currently works with children as an RBT (registered behavioral technician) performing ABA therapy.  She plans to graduate by summer 2019 and would like to work with a variety of populations that bridge across the lifespan. Specific interests include expressive arts, identity development, existential concerns, and interpersonal issues. 

×

Nicole Evans

Nicky Evans is a graduate student in the Community Mental Health Counseling program at the University of North Texas. She received her B.A. in Psychology from Baylor University in Waco, TX in 2006. She is a student counseling intern in the Children's program at Denton County Friends of the Family at their Outreach Center in Corinth, TX. Nicky is a member of Chi Sigma Iota counseling honor society and volunteers on the weekends for youth programs across the Metroplex. Upon graduation, she plans to work with children and adolescents from divorced, adopted, and blended families, and for LGBTQ+ clients in the underserved Dallas community. 

×

Courtlyn Greene

Courtlyn received her B.S. from Lamar University with a major in Psychology and a minor in Sociology. She is currently working towards her M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of North Texas. Courtlyn is a member of Chi Sigma Iota and is working with survivors of domestic violence at Hope's Door as a counseling intern. She is interested in working with clients throughout the lifespan, including work with adults, children, couples, and families. After graduation, Courtlyn hopes to continue growing in her work with clients through education and clinical experience.

×

Aleesia Hall

Aleesia Hall is a graduate student in the counseling program at the University of North Texas. She received her BA in psychology from Baylor University in 2015. In addition, she is a student counseling intern at the Irving Family Advocacy Center which is located in Irving, Texas. When she completes her schooling, she plans to work in a private practice setting working with children and adolescents who are struggling with various mental health difficulties.

×

Abigail Hancock

Abby is a graduate student in the School Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her BS in Interdisciplinary Studies and Psychology at Texas A&M University in 2013. She is a student counseling intern at Providence Elementary School in Denton ISD. She taught in Plano ISD for four years and is passionate about supporting the growth of the whole child. She plans to work as a school counselor in an elementary school in the Dallas area.

×

Benjamen Hedric

Ben is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. He received his BA in Psychology from Texas Tech University in 2011. He is a student counseling intern at Thomas C Marsh Preparatory Academy. Ben is currently working with Campus and District Administration to shift behavior management systems towards trauma informed practices by reconceptualizing In-School Suspension role. He plans to continue to work in the education and hopefully help school districts further integrate social and emotional learning into their school wide and classroom practices.

×

Julie Herndon

Julie is a graduate student in the Clinical and Mental Health Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her B.S. in Rehabilitation Studies from UNT in 2015. She is currently a graduate counseling intern at The Counseling Place in Richardson, Texas. She is currently a CASA volunteer and sees the need for mental health professionals in her local community. She plans to work in a facility that treats feeding and eating disorders and provide culturally-informed care to this underserved DFW community.

×

Jodi Jarrett

Jodi is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her BS in Economics, with a minor in Business Administration, from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2015. She is a student counseling intern at Denton County Friends of the Family in Corinth, Texas. Jodi is an OIF/OEF Marine Corps veteran and military advocate. She is currently the Director of Homeowner Services at Habitat for Humanity of Denton County and serves on the Board of Directors of the Denton County Veterans Coalition. She aspires to work with survivors of trauma and contribute to veteran’s mental health research.

×

Madison Lowrie

Madison Lowrie is a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at the University of North Texas. She received her Bachelor of Science from Dallas Baptist University in 2015 with a major in Psychology and a minor in Sociology. She is a student intern at the Irving Family Advocacy Center in Irving, Texas. Madison is currently serving patients and families at Cook Children's Medical Center as a Program Specialist in the Inpatient Psychiatry Department. Madison is passionate about the importance of mental health care within the medical setting and desires to work as a Clinical Therapist at a children's hospital following graduation.

×

Melissa Manila

Melissa is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her BA in Psychology from Oklahoma State University in 2016. She is a student counseling intern at Denton County Friends of the Family in Corinth, Texas. Melissa has spent the past two years working in the Dean of Students Office at UNT, where she assists students that are experiencing barriers to continuing their education. She is currently a member of Chi Sigma Iota (CSI) Counseling Academic & Professional Honor Society. After graduation, she plans to work with adults that have experienced trauma.

×

Jessica Mohrweis

Jessica is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her BA in Communication Studies from UNT in 2005. She is a student counseling intern at Hope’s Door New Beginning Center in Plano, Texas.

Jessica is currently a member of Chi Sigma Iota. Jessica’s counseling interests include trauma, anxiety and depression, and multicultural issues. Upon graduation, Jessica plans to work with underserved populations and adults who have been impacted by trauma.

×

Arianna Orozco

Arianna is a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. In 2015, Arianna earned her BS in Rehabilitation Studies from UNT with minors in Addiction Studies and Psychology. She is a student counseling intern at the Counseling Place in Richardson, Texas. After graduation, Arianna plans to pursue her PhD in Counseling Education with a focus on working with LGBTQ+ populations.

×

Jordan Richardson

Jordan Richardson is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. He received his BA in Sociology from Southwestern University in 2015. He is currently a student trainee at the UNT Counseling and Testing Center in Denton, Texas. He plans to work on a college campus counseling center after graduation. He has a special interest in working with LGBTQ+ students and increasing awareness and understanding of how sociocultural processes influence mental health.

×

Jennifer Samuel

Jennifer is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her BA in Business from ACU in 1981.  She is a student counseling intern at Hope’s Door New Beginnings in Plano, Texas.  She worked as a systems analyst for thirteen years and raised three children prior to her graduate studies.  She has volunteered at many different agencies throughout her adult life such as Parkland Hospital, Wichita Falls State Hospital, Meals on Wheels, and Vogel Alcove.  She hopes to work at an agency that offers counseling services to both adults and children.

×

Johannah Song

Johannah is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her BS in Psychology from Texas A&M University in 2016. She is a student counseling intern at the Denton County Juvenile Probation Center - Post Adjudication Program in Denton, Texas.

Johannah is currently a member of Chi Sigma Iota and Counselors for Social Justice. Her goal is to counsel adolescents and adults who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and other human rights abuses. She would also like to work with ethnic minorities, the LGBTQ+ community, and religious minorities. She plans to pursue a PhD in Counseling and hopes to work as a professor and researcher to advocate for underrepresented populations.

×

Madison Walker

Madison is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her BA in Psychology from Texas State University in 2016. She is a student counseling intern at the Children’s Advocacy Center for Denton County in Lewisville, Texas. Madison currently serves as the Social Committee Chair for Chi Sigma Iota - Rho Kappa chapter and is tasked with planning and hosting social events for members. After graduation, she plans to continue her education by pursing a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision where she will further grow clinically and academically. Her research interests include underserved populations, children and adolescents who have experiences trauma, play therapy, and expressive arts.

×

Braden Weinmann

Braden (pronouns: he/him/his) is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. He received his Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Angelo State University in 2012 and was named the Distinguished Graduate from the Archer College of Health and Human Services. He is a student counseling intern at Counseling and Testing Services at UNT. He plans to work as a university mental health counselor with a focus on fostering safer and more nurturing college environments for students with queer and transgender identities.

×

Rebecca Werts

Rebecca is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her B.A. in Psychology from UNT in 2013. She is a student counseling intern at Hope’s Door New Beginning Center in Plano, Texas.

Rebecca is passionate about women’s emotional health. She desires to equip and empower women as they overcome the barriers and challenges associated with living an authentic life. In addition to counseling women, Rebecca endeavors to provide counseling services to underserved African-American and faith-based communities.

×

Mona Woolley

Mona Woolley is a graduate student in the School Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her BS in Literature from UNT in 2000 and has been teaching high school English for 19 years. She is currently teaching AP Language, is a department head, and is a school counseling intern at V.R. Eaton High School in Haslet. Mona aspires to work as a school counselor while pursuing her LPC. After several years in school counseling, she plans to work as a licensed counselor with a specialization in adolescence.

×

Cohort 2 Students

×

Adilah Zafor

Adilah is a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at the University of North Texas. She received her BA in Psychology with a minor in Counseling from the University of North Texas in 2016. She is a student counseling intern at Denton County Friends of the Family in Corinth, Texas.

Adilah’s goals are to better understand the ways in which trauma affect an individual’s self-perception and self-efficacy. Adilah hopes to work with international clients and gain more insight into mental health on a global scale. She would also like to work as a sexuality counselor with focuses on women’s emotional health, LGBTQ+ communities, and underserved minority populations.

×

Amy Dondalski

Amy Dondalski is a counseling graduate student on the child track at the University of North Texas. She received her BA in Child Development in 2016 from Texas Christian University located in Fort Worth, Texas. She graduated magna cum laude and minored in Spanish and Women & Gender Studies. Amy is a student counseling intern at Alliance Child & Family Solutions in Burleson, Texas. Amy is a Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) Educator. She plans to work for an organization that utilizes play therapy and animal assisted therapy with children that are experiencing anxiety, depression and grief in Fort Worth.

×

Aresha Bagheri

Aresha Bagheri is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her BA in Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin in 2016. She is a student counseling intern at Denton County Friends of the Family. She previously worked as a Behavior Technician at the Center for Autism and Related Disorders in Austin, Texas. She plans to work in non-profit agencies which offer mental health services to communities in need. 

×

Ashley Smith

Ashley Smith is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her BS in Human Development and Family Studies with a minor in Psychology from Texas Tech University in 2017. She is a student counseling intern at Child and Family Resources Clinic in Denton, Texas. Ashley is currently a member of the American Counseling Association and a member of the Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society International. She plans to work as a play therapist in the DFW area.

×

Briana Eoff

Briana Eoff is a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her B.S. in Forensic Psychology in 2016 from University of the Southwest which is located in Hobbs, NM. While at University of the Southwest she balanced being a student athlete on an athletic scholarship and obtained NAIA Scholar Athlete Award for 2015 and 2016. She is a student counseling intern at Children’s Advocacy Center for Denton County in Denton, TX. She plans to work for a non-profit organization that serves abused and neglected children.

Degree Program: Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Child Track - UNT

Undergraduate degree, location, and year of graduation: B.S. in Forensic Psychology, University of the Southwest in Hobbs, NM, graduated in 2016

Internship site and location: Children's Advocacy Center for Denton County in Denton, TX 

Military Affiliation: N/A

Any interesting achievements or project you were a part of (ie. members of a team or club, research projects, or academic awards): Collegiate Athletic Scholarship for softball. NAIA scholar athlete 2015/2016

What field do you plan to work in after you graduate and why?: Counseling in a non profit for abused and neglected children.

If you plan to continue your education after graduation what will be your focus area: Unsure at this moment. 

×

Brittany Legacy

Brittany is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her BS in Biology from Mount Saint Mary’s University in Los Angeles in 2012, and went on to complete her first Master’s in Human Physiology at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. in 2014. Brittany is currently a student counseling intern at Baylor Scott and White Institute for Rehabilitation-Frisco working with those who have suffered traumatic brain injuries. In addition to this, Brittany also currently serves on the executive board for Counselors for Social Justice (CSJ) as the Communications Officer and is a member of Chi Sigma Iota (CSI) Counseling Academic & Professional Honor Society. Brittany enjoys the opportunity to bring together her passion for science, advocacy, and counseling together in one place, and hopes to continue to incorporate aspects of neuroscience into her future work as a counselor across the lifespan.

Brittany is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her BS in Biology from Mount Saint Mary’s University in Los Angeles in 2012 and went on to complete her first Master’s in Human Physiology at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. in 2014. Brittany is currently a student counseling intern at Baylor Scott and White Institute for Rehabilitation-Frisco working with those who have acquired traumatic brain injuries. Brittany also currently serves on the executive board for Counselors for Social Justice as the Communications Officer and is a member of Chi Sigma Iota.

×

Callie Stanford

Callie is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her BA in International Studies from UNT in 2015. Callie is currently a student counseling intern at Denton County Friends of the Family working with individuals impacted by sexual and relational violence. After graduation, she would like to continue to counsel clients who have been impacted by trauma in a community-based setting.

×

Cameran Tompkins

Cameran Tompkins is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her BS in Psychology from Texas A&M University in 2016. She is a student counseling intern at Hope’s Door New Beginning Center in Plano, Texas. Cameran is currently a member of Chi Sigma Iota. After graduation, she plans to provide play therapy to children in an agency that offers services to those who have experienced trauma and abuse.

Degree Program: Counseling Program at University of North Texas

Undergraduate degree, location, and year of graduation: Bachelors of Science in Psychology from Texas A&M University in 2016.

Internship site and location: Hope’s Door New Beginning Center in Plano, Texas.

Any interesting achievements or project you were a part of (ie. members of a team or club, research projects, or academic awards): Member of Chi Sigma Iota

What field do you plan to work in after you graduate and why?: Play therapy with children at an agency that provides services to those who have experienced abuse.

×

Danny Mulnix

Danny is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. He received his BS in Psychology from Capella University in 2016. He is a student counseling intern at the Child and Family Resource Clinic in Denton, Texas and a member of the counseling academic and professional honor society international, Chi Sigma Iota. Danny has chosen to focus on his clients during his internship and plans to work with clients throughout the lifespan in the underserved Dallas community.

×

Derek Smith

Derek is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at UNT. He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2002 and a Master of Arts in Theological Studies in 2015. Derek was a pastor for ten years and have worked with various age groups ranging from infants to older adults. Furthermore, he has gained experiential insight through serving and contributing to many different international and local communities through church mission trips.

Derek plans to work in private practice and incorporate holistic and integrative care with individuals, couples, and families. While pastoring in churches, he saw a great need for counseling that was not being met by the church because of the lack of resources and support from leadership. He believes that counseling through a holistic, integrative approach would help fill a void that many churches are experiencing in congregations, and he hopes to bring broader understanding and empathy between mental health and spiritual/religious care.

Derek is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at UNT. He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2002 and a Master of Arts in Theological Studies in 2015. Derek was a pastor for ten years and have worked with various age groups ranging from infants to older adults. He believes that counseling through a holistic, integrative approach would help fill a void that many churches are experiencing in congregations, and he hopes to bring broader understanding and empathy between mental health and spiritual/religious care. Derek is currently a student counseling intern at Baylor Scott and White Institute for Rehabilitation-Frisco working with those who have acquired traumatic brain injuries.

×

Emily Pelon

Emily is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the UNT in 2015. She is currently a counseling intern at the Denton County Juvenile Probation Center - Post Adjudication Program in Denton, Texas. Emily has spent the last four years working at Denton County Friends of the Family Emergency Shelter and the Dean of Students Office at UNT assisting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. After graduation, her goal is to provide counseling services in underserved communities and to work with adolescents and adults who have experienced trauma or gender-based violence.

×

Evan Hald

Evan is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. He received his BS in Integrative Studies from UNT in 2014. He is a student counseling intern at Denton County Friends of the Family in Denton, Texas. He was previously a volunteer for Communities in Schools of North Texas and sees the need for mental health professionals in his local community. He plans to work in a Nonprofit or Social Service Agency and practice Play Therapy with underserved children in the North Texas community.

×

Gabrielle Javier

Gaby is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her BA in Psychology from UNT in 2014. She has a minor in Japanese and is a member of UNT’s Japanese honor society. She is a student counseling intern at Denton County Friends of the Family. She plans to continue to work for a non-profit organization serving trauma populations.

×

Kait Christian

Kait is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her BA in Psychology and Spanish from Texas A&M University in 2016. Currently, Kait is a student counseling intern at Denton County Friends of the Family. She also serves as the Community Liaison for the UNT Counselors for Social Justice. She is interested in working with clients throughout the lifespan including children and adults. After graduation, she plans to provide both culturally-informed and trauma-informed care to minority and low-income populations in the DFW community.

×

Lindsey Bass

Lindsey is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her BS in Psychology with a minor in Sociology and Marketing from Duke University in 2017. She is a student counseling intern at Hope’s Door New Beginnings Center in Plano and at the Art Station in Fort Worth.

Lindsey is currently a member of Chi Sigma Iota (CSI) Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society as well as Counselors for Social Justice (CSJ). She is passionate about making mental health care available for underserved communities and ultimately wants to work with children and their parents using talk, play, art, and animal assisted therapies to help her clients overcome and grow.

×

Melanie Palitos

Melanie Palitos is a graduate student in the School Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her BA in Psychology from The University of Texas at San Antonio in 2014. Melanie is currently teaching sixth grade reading language arts, is a school counseling intern for the Dallas Independent School District and is a member of the ICBH project with UNT. After graduation, Melanie plans to work with underserved students as a professional school counselor while pursuing her LPC.

×

Michael Andrew Russell

Michael is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. He received his Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Tarleton State University in 2012. His primary interest is becoming a play therapist and working in private practice. Clinically, he provides play and expressive therapy to children and adolescents.

Degree Program: Counseling, Child Track

Military Affiliation: None

Interesting achievements/activities related to field: None

Working field after graduation: Play and expressive therapies, private practice after full licensure.

Post-graduation focus: Hope to return after doing some field work/establishing, would like to focus in the effects/benefits of play through the lifespan.

×

Veronica Dyke

Veronica (she/her/hers) is a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at the University of North Texas. She received her BA in English Literature with a minor in Psychology from UNT in 2016. She is a student counseling intern at the Denton County Juvenile Detention Center in Denton, Texas. Veronica formerly worked with the foster care alumni program at UNT, assisting students who have experienced foster care transition into a university setting. After graduation, she hopes to serve adolescents and adults struggling with addiction and is passionate about harm reduction.

×

Alexandra Castro

Alexandra Castro is a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with Minors in Sociology and Spanish from Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas in 2017. She is currently a Counseling Intern at the Denton County Juvenile Probation Department - Post Adjudication Program in Denton, Texas.

As an undergraduate, Alexandra was a recipient of the Terry Foundation Scholarship Award. Being from a border town in South Texas, Alexandra saw the need for expanded mental health services in her community. After graduation, Alexandra hopes to work with underserved populations and plans on providing services to the Spanish speaking community.

×

Brittany Easthope

Brittany is a graduate student studying counseling on the school track at the University of North Texas. She received her BS in Family Life with a Human Development emphasis and a minor in psychology from Brigham Young University in 2018. She is a school counseling intern with Denton Independent School District in Denton, Texas. She is a member of Chi Sigma Iota, the international and professional academic honor society for counseling students. After graduation, she plans to do counseling with adolescents in an education setting.

×

Victoria Fine

Victoria Fine is a graduate student in the counseling program at the University of North Texas. She received her B.A. in Interdisciplinary Arts and Design from UNT in 2015. She is currently an intern at Bettye Myers Middle School in the Denton Independent School District. In her free time, Victoria is on the Equity Committee for a nerd-focused convention located in San Antonio, TX that focuses on diversity concerns in the convention circuit, collaborating with local officials for opportunities for community connection, and creating business opportunities with small businesses.

After graduation, Victoria plans to work with clients across the life span struggling with unprocessed trauma to help clients authentically find their identities and develop healthy coping skills. Victoria plans to incorporate expressive arts and transpersonal counseling in her work with clients and utilize these topics to better understand generational trauma across the populations.

×

Brianna Henderson

Brianna is a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at the University of North Texas. She received her B.S. in Psychology and Child Learning and Development from the University of Texas at Dallas in 2013. She is a counseling intern with Communities in Schools in Lewisville, TX. Brianna is a member of Chi Sigma Iota International Honor Society. In the future she plans to work at a site that provides play therapy to children in need.

×

Anna Milius

Anna is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her BA in Psychology at Texas A&M University in 2018. She is a student counseling intern at the Irving Family Advocacy Center in Irving, Texas. Anna became a member of Psi Chi, the Psychology International Honor Society in 2017 and a member of Rho Kappa Chapter of Chi Sigma Iota, the Counseling International Honor Society in 2020. She plans to work with people who have experienced trauma and utilize animal assisted therapy in her future work as a counselor.

×

Victoria Morgan

Victoria is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her B.A. in English Literature from Baylor University in 2014. She is currently a counseling intern at Paws for Reflection Ranch in Midlothian, Texas, where she practices animal-assisted therapy. Victoria taught at an international high school in Bucheon, South Korea from 2015-2016. She plans to work with adults and young adults who have experienced trauma in the future.

×

Alexa Patrick

Alexa “Lexi” Patrick is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her BS Integrative Mental Health Studies from UNT in 2016. She is a student counseling intern at the Child Advocacy Center for Denton County in Denton, Texas. Lexi currently sees the need for mental health professionals in her local community as families struggle to manage stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. She plans to work in a nonprofit organization that supports children and families who have experienced abuse and/or neglect, as well as foster children in the underserved Denton community.

×

Griselda Ruvalcaba

Griselda Ruvalcaba is a school counseling graduate student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her Certified Nursing Assistant license in 1997, her American Airlines flight attendant wings in 2001, her bachelor’s degree in bilingual education from UNT in 2006, and her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from UNT in 2013. She is a school counseling intern at Jackson Elementary.

She has been a bilingual teacher at Plano ISD for 15 years and has taught 1st grade bilingual, 3rd grade bilingual and 4th grade bilingual. She is aware of the need for bilingual counselors in the school system and plans to work in a bilingual elementary school after graduation.

×

Dijana Zmiro

Dijana Zmiro (she/her/hers) is a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at the University of North Texas. She received her BS in Psychology from the University of Texas at Dallas in 2018. She is a student counseling intern at UNT's Counseling and Testing Services working with college students impacted by various mental health concerns. Dijana's areas of interest include anxiety, self-worth, and multicultural concerns. After graduation, she hopes to continue working in a university setting and promoting the mental health of college students.

×

Akeitha Walton

Akeitha is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her BS in Psychology from Texas Woman’s University in 2016. She is a student counseling intern at Hope Clinic of McKinney and Children’s Advocacy Center for Denton County. Akeitha has worked as a Lead Mental Health Technician at Santé Center for Healing, a residential treatment center in Argyle Texas, since May of 2016. She plans to pursue her PhD in counseling psychology to work across the lifespan with underserved communities around the country.

×

Amber-Lea Martinez

Amber-Lea is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. After receiving her BA in Psychology from Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi in 2016, Amber-Lea worked at a community mental health clinic for two years, proving services for children and underserved families. She is currently a student counseling intern at Children's Medical Center - Partial Hospitalization Day Program in Dallas, Texas and serves as the UNT Student Representative for the Texas Association for Play Therapy.

After graduation, she plans to continue her education by pursuing a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision. Her areas of interest include play therapy, interpersonal trauma, underserved populations, and counselor supervision.

×

Andrea Flores

Andrea Flores is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her BA in Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin in 2017. She is a student counseling intern at Denton County Friends of the Family. Andrea is currently serving as the Counselors of Counselors Liaison for the organization Counselors of Social Justice. Upon graduation, she plans to move back to Austin to work with children living in underserved communities.

×

Angelica Burgess

Angelica Burgess is a graduate student in the counseling program at the University of North Texas. She received her B.A. in Cognitive Science and Psychology from Northwestern University in 2016. After finding satisfaction working with clients as a behavioral health case manager, she transitioned to pursue her master’s degree in clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2019. She is currently working as a counseling intern at Jewish Family Service in Dallas. Following graduation she hopes to continue to work in a community setting with children, adolescents, and their families.

 

Angelica favors a holistic, integrated, and developmental approach to counseling that considers an individual's context and idiosyncrasies. She is curious about how individual perceptions of belonging, self-concept, and self-worth form throughout the lifespan. Angelica is also interested in the impact of trauma and poverty on development, expressive arts as a healing intervention, religion and spirituality topics in counseling, diversity in counseling, and neurocounseling.

×

Dakota Lopez

Dakota is a graduate student in the Rehabilitation Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. He received his BA in Psychology from UNT in 2018. He is a counseling intern at the Denton County MHMR Center in Denton, Texas. He has not served in the military but has multiple family members who are currently serving and who have served.

He is currently working with Transportation Services at UNT to bring a mobile bike shop to campus in order to promote a more environmental friendly approach to transportation and encourage students to bike more often. After he graduates, Dakota plans to work with MHMR and the populations that they serve. He plans on returning to school to achieve a Psy.D. as well as receiving training to incorporate animals into counseling.

×

Elisha Sharif

Elisha holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of North Texas and is currently a graduate student in the counseling program. Her passion for working with adolescents developed during her time serving as an AmeriCorps member and teaching 7th grade Reading. 

After graduation, she plans to work as a middle school counselor. Being able to work in the school setting is meaningful because it gives Elisha the opportunity to collaboratively serve students, families, and communities who may not have access to mental health resources. 

×

Ella Pipes

Ella is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her BS in Psychology from Texas A&M University in 2018. During her time at Texas A&M she was an undergraduate research assistant in the Lifespan Cognitive and Motor Neuroimaging Laboratory. Ella is a student counseling intern at Denton County Friends of the Family in Denton, TX. She is passionate about working with underserved populations, older adults, and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and hopes to work at an agency following graduation.

×

Gina Guirguisz

Gina is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her BS in Psychology from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2017. She is a student counseling intern at Baylor Scott and White Neuro Day Rehab in Frisco, Texas. Gina currently works at a residential treatment house to help women transition into independent, functional lives after treatment. She plans to work in a residential treatment facility for domestic violence survivors in the underserved Dallas community.

×

Hayley Lastovica

Hayley is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her BA in Art Therapy from Houston Baptist University in 2017, where she served as HBU Psi Chi chapter President for 2016-2017. Her previous experiences include the roles of Residential Supervisor at Fulshear Treatment to Transition and Behavioral Health Technician at Healing Springs Ranch.

 She is a student counseling intern at Carrollton Springs Changes in Frisco, Texas where she works with their LGBTQIA+ PHP/IOP group, Prism. Hayley is currently a Graduate Peer Recovery Mentor for UNT RISE Center. She is a member of Chi Sigma Iota International Honor Society. In the future, she plans to continue working with adolescents and young adults with a focus on those in the LGBTQIA+ community.

×

Katie Coleman

Katie is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her BS in Human Development and Family Studies from Colorado State University in 2015. She is a counseling intern at Denton Independent School District located in Denton, Texas.

Katie will complete her MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in August of 2021. After graduation, Katie plans to work with underserved individuals across the lifespan, specializing in play and animal assisted therapy.

×

Sekela Minor

Sekela holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of North Texas and is a graduate student currently focusing on Clinical Mental Health. She is a member of Circle K, an organization that does volunteer work around the city of Denton. Post graduation Sekela is looking forward to the possibility of working in a school setting where she can make an impact on the lives of children.

×

Lauren Taylor

Lauren is a graduate student in the Rehabilitation Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her BS in Rehabilitation Studies from UNT in 2018. She is a Graduate Assistant with UNT WISE in Denton, Texas where she is helping transition-age young adults learn independent living skills. Lauren was born with Muscular Dystrophy and uses a power chair for mobility. She uses her disability, and her service dog Buchanan, to help educate others about people with disabilities and disability etiquette.

In 2019, Lauren was crowned Ms. Wheelchair Texas, an advocacy title, with which she traveled across Texas advocating for her platform of Universal Design. Lauren is also a Leader with a program called To Be Like Me where she and other leaders educate children about disabilities, foster compassion, and raise awareness for inclusion.

Her plans for the future are to obtain her CRC and LPC to become a licensed counselor for kids and adults with disabilities. She hopes to come full circle by working for Scottish Rite Hospital or Children’s Medical Center where she was diagnosed and treated in her childhood.

×

Madison Tobben

Madison is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her B.A. in Psychology from Vanguard University of Southern California in 2013. She is a student counseling intern at the Child and Family Resource Clinic at the University of North Texas and Communities in Schools North Texas. She is a member of Chi Sigma Iota honor society and has a desire to work with trauma and at risk children.

Madison is passionate about providing parents with the support and resources they need in order to raise happy, healthy children. Following graduation, Madison plans to work in her community to provide children with play therapy and conduct Child Parent Relationship Training (CPRT) for parents.

×

Mallory Metz

Mallory Metz (she/her/hers) is a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her BS in Psychology from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2017. She is a student counseling intern at Denton County Friends of the Family working with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. After graduation, she hopes to continue working with underserved populations and pursuing her interest in family counseling.

×

Megan Griffith

Megan is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her BS in Psychology from Texas Tech University in 2017. She is a student counseling intern at Denton County Friends of the family. She recognizes the importance of working from a holistic perspective and plans to work with children who have experienced or witnessed domestic or sexual violence.  

×

Mindy Bell

Mindy Bell is a current graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at The University of North Texas. She graduated summa cum laude from Vanderbilt University with a degree in English and History in 2010, then spent the better part of a decade performing on local stages in Nashville and Dallas as a singer, actor, and poet. During this time and throughout graduate school, Mindy has proudly also worked as a Kindermusik educator with Purple Nest in Dallas and as a server at the multiple-award-winning steakhouse, Rick’s Chophouse in McKinney.

Although she has largely had to put her performing career on hold while she has pursued her graduate studies, there has been one notable exception: in 2018 Mindy was one of four actors in Imprint Theatreworks’ production of “Ghost Quartet” which won 3 DFW Critics Forum Awards. After she graduates, Mindy looks forward to continuing her work on stage as well as her work “in the chair” as a therapist. Mindy believes that connecting with the power of storytelling – whether through portraying the imaginary circumstances of a character, articulating her own lived experience, or bearing witness to the lived experience of a client – can be uniquely healing.

When she connects with the light in her own spirit or helps others connect with their own inner luminosity, Mindy feels most alive and excited about being human. She will pursue licensure as an Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and looks forward to further specializing in work with expressive arts, play therapy, spirituality in counseling, embodied therapy, and affirming care for those in the LGBTQI+ community.

×

Nicolas Bellegarden

Nic is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. He received his BA in Psychology from the University of Arkansas in 2016. He is a student counseling intern at the Child and Family Resource Clinic at the University of North Texas. Nic currently works teaching skills training to children and adolescents in underserved DFW-area communities, and sees the need for mindfulness and emotional education in his community. After graduation, he wants to work across the lifespan while also doing Play Therapy with children. He plans to pursue his doctoral degree in Counselor Education at his alma mater, the University of Arkansas, specializing in Adventure Therapy. 

×

Stephanie Ireland

Stephanie is a graduate student in the Rehabilitation Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her BS in Rehabilitation Studies, with two minors in Addiction Studies, and Human Development and Family Sciences in 2018. She is a student counseling intern at MHMR Denton's Crisis Residential Unit (CRU). Stephanie is a certified Yoga Instructor, and spends her weekends volunteering with The Phoenix, a non-profit sober active community, that instills the need for physical activity, personal connection, and being inclusive and safe for recovery. She has recently received her Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor-intern(LCDC-i), and is looking forward to continued service of people in her community (after graduation), with Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorders. 

×

Sydney McKinnis

Sydney is a master’s student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at University of North Texas. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from UNT in 2017. Sydney is a student counseling intern at Denton County Friends of the Family in Corinth, TX, where she counsels adults impacted by sexual assault and relational violence.

Sydney is a member of the American Counseling Association and the Rho Kappa chapter of Chi Sigma Iota. Sydney is passionate about reducing the cultural stigma of mental health and promoting clients’ hope and healing. She plans to continue counseling survivors of trauma as well as provide accessible and culturally responsive counseling services to minority and underserved communities.

×

Cohort 5 Students

 

×

Cohort 5 Students

×