Meet Our Team Members
Katherine Portillo, MEd, LCDC, LPC, EMDR Trained Therapist, Brainspotting Practitioner
Katherine is the owner of our Center and has over 15 years of experience in the mental health field. She has a Master’s in Education and Counseling, specializing in issues regarding trauma, substance abuse, co-dependency, anxiety, and depression. Katherine enjoys working with all ages.
Genie Portillo, MSW, CSW, LCDC, CCTP, EMDR Trained Therapist, CCTHP
Genie is a consultant for our Center and has over 30 years of experience in the mental health field. She has ran a group practice for over 15 years and has extensive knowledge in supervision. Genie specializes in relationship and couple's counseling, substance abuse, co-dependency, trauma, anxiety, and depression. She is an EMDR trained therapist and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional.
Kate Akers, MEd, LPC, LCDC, EMDR Trained Therapist
Kate is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Substance Abuse Counselor in the state of Texas. She has a Master's Degree in Counseling and Development from Lamar University and a Bachelors Degree in Psychology from the University of Houston. Additionally, Kate is currently becoming an EMDR trained therapist.
Kate has a background in providing individual and couple's counseling to adolescents and adults . Her specialties are working with individuals struggling with trauma, depression, anxiety and substance abuse.
Laura Alvarado-Rojas, MS, LPC, EMDR Trained Therapist
Laura has her Masters in Counseling from University of Houston Clear Lake. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and an EMDR trained Therapist. Laura has a person centered approach and enjoys working with adolescence and young adults. Her specialties are working with Clients who experience depression, anxiety, trauma, suicidal ideation, eating disorders and loss of identity.
Misty Malady, MA , LCDC-Intern Certified Life Coach and Relationship Coach
Misty is a certified life and relationship coach specializing in goal setting, establishing life skills, and cultivating a self-awareness to facilitate a fulfilling life. She has a Master’s Degree in Criminology and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Houston Clear Lake. Misty has over thirteen years of work experience within the legal field in both criminal and family law. Her expertise centers around family dynamics, relationship issues and guiding individuals through transitional events in their lives. Misty has an extensive background in working with people of diverse values, cultures, and economic status.
Karla Gutierrez, MS, LPC- Associate supervised by Robyn Reyna, LPC-S, RPT
Karla graduated with her master's degree in clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Houston Clear-Lake. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate under the supervision of Robyn Reyna, LPC-S, RPT.
Karla is passionate about aiding people in their personal healing journey. She has been trained in play therapy and is working towards becoming a Registered Play Therapist once her supervision is completed. Her therapeutic approach is mainly focused on Person Centered Therapy, Play Therapy, Talk Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Karla wants to ensure that clients feel they have a safe space to express themselves and feel comfortable to share their authentic self. Her focus is to form a therapeutic alliance with clients so they can work together to strive for their goals.
Dayanna Herrera, MS, LPC- Associate supervised by Nicole Ponce, LPC-S, LCDC
Dayanna obtained her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Houston-Clear Lake. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate supervised by Nicole Ponce, LPC-S, LCDC. Dayanna incorporates different styles of therapy including person centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and existential therapy.
Dayanna is bilingual and can provide services to English and Spanish speaking individuals. She has experience working with children, adolescents, and families.
Dayanna is dedicated to empowering, supporting, and helping individuals navigate life’s challenges. Her therapeutic approach centers on the belief that each person has the capacity for growth and healing.
Dinah Parker Matthews, MA, LPC-Associate supervised by Nancy Thomas, PhD, LPC-S
As a resident of the Clear Lake/NASA area for over 50 years, Dinah Parker Matthews has a deep connection to the community and a commitment to making emotional and mental wellness available to all who seek it.
Dinah received a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Colorado Christian University (CCU) and is a License Professional Counselor -Associate.
Dinah works with clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, stress, life transitions, or relationship challenges. She counsels with adolescents, adults, individuals, couples, and those who want more out of their relationships or are experiencing stress, betrayal, or estrangement. She has been trained in Gottman Method Couples Therapy and uses Gottman techniques and materials in her couples counseling sessions.
Dakota Pierson, BA, Certified Life Coach,Counselor in Training
Dakota is deeply committed to aiding individuals on their journey toward personal growth and healing. With a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and currently pursuing a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Houston Clear Lake, she brings a rich academic background to her practice. Alongside her academic qualifications, Dakota is also a certified life coach, enhancing her ability to guide clients through transformative experiences.
Dakota specializes in child counseling but also extends her services to young adults and adults. In her therapeutic approach, Dakota integrates Person-Centered Therapy as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Central to her practice is the creation of a safe and supportive environment where clients feel empowered to explore their innermost thoughts and feelings authentically. By fostering a collaborative and empathetic therapeutic alliance, Dakota empowers individuals to overcome obstacles, develop resilience, and embark on a path toward holistic well-being..
Beth Fabrega, MEd,Counselor in Training
Beth is currently pursuing her second Masters in Clinical Mental Health to become a licensed counselor. Her theoretical approach is Person-Centered. She focuses on having an empathic non-judgmental approach to counseling.
Beth is a transracial Korean adoptee. Growing up as an adoptee, she is sensitive to the different experiences that adoptees and their adopted families navigate.
Beth obtained a Master's in Education in Curriculum and Instruction and formerly taught high school. She has also participated in mentoring in local school districts with adolescents.
In her training for her Master in Clinical Mental Health, she has had experience with young children, adolescents, and families. Beth is open to clients of all ages and strives to be an open and affirming listener to all clients.
Mary Fraire, BS, Intake Coordinator Certified Life and Relationship Coach
Mary has a diverse range of coaching certifications in professional life, cognitive behavior techniques, relationship conflict management, holistic health and wellness, as well as mindfulness and trauma informed care. Mary is dedicated to helping individuals transform their lives, unlock their full potential, and navigate challenges with resilience and purpose.
Mary has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Houston Clear Lake and will be pursuing her master's degree in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Graduate program. Mary has over 22 years of work experience in human resources and over 12 years of volunteer and work experience in lay counseling and restoration services for survivors of human trafficking.
Mary’s trauma-informed coaching philosophy revolves around the belief that each individual possesses unique strengths and capabilities, and her role is to guide individuals in harnessing these attributes for personal and professional growth. Mary’s main focus is to help clients overcome limiting beliefs, develop positive habits, and cultivate a mindset conducive to success. Mary offers Christian coaching with a Biblical perspective upon request.