League City Counseling and Education Center

Main Phone: (832) 932-3530

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League City Counseling and Education Center

Main Phone: (832) 932-3530

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Client Portal
  • Meet Our Team
  • Therapeutic Services
  • Insurance & Fees
  • Contact Us
  • FAQ

Meet Our Team Members

Smiling woman with long hair wearing a red floral top indoors.

Katherine Portillo, MEd, LCDC, LPC, EMDR Trained Therapist, BSP-Trained (1&2)

Founder & Clinical Director

Katherine is the owner of League City Counseling and Education Center and brings over 15 years of experience in the mental health field. She holds a Master’s in Education and Counseling from the University of St. Thomas and is both a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC).


Katherine is trained in EMDR and Brainspotting (Phase 1 & 2) and specializes in supporting individuals and families dealing with trauma, substance abuse, co-dependency, anxiety, and OCD. She is passionate about working with clients of all ages, offering a compassionate and individualized approach to healing and personal growth.


In addition to her clinical work, Katherine finds great joy in mentoring and training new counselors, helping them grow into confident, compassionate professionals as they begin their careers in the field of mental health.

Smiling woman with short hair and earrings in a cozy indoor setting.

Genie Portillo, MSW, CSW, LCDC, CCTP, EMDR Trained Therapist, CCTHP

Genie is a consultant for our Center and has over 35 years of experience in the mental health field. She has ran a group practice for over 20 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. 


Genie offers ONLY VIRTUAL SESSIONS

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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 a 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. 

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Andrea Knight MA, LPC, EMDR-T

Andie is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a masters degree from Houston Christian University. She is dedicated to walking alongside individuals and couples (aged 18 and older) as they navigate the complexities of their past and work toward a more fulfilling future. 


Andie is an LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist and has specialized experience in supporting individuals on the neurodivergent spectrum.

Healing from trauma is a deeply personal journey that requires a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space. Her work is grounded in the belief that everyone possesses the capacity for growth and resilience. As an EMDR trained therapist, she utilizes a variety of modalities to help clients process traumatic experiences and their long-term effects on emotional and physical well-being. 


Andie utilizes a holistic person-centered approach, integrating various evidence-based techniques to meet your unique needs, acknowledging how our environments and physical health impact our mental wellness. She is passionate about working with clients experiencing the effects of post traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety, chronic illness, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, and suicidal ideation.  

Dakota Pierson, MS, LPC- Associate, Supervised by Lauren Hawkins, LPC-S

Dakota is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate (LPC-Associate). She holds a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is passionate about helping teens, young adults, and adults find healing, growth, and balance in their lives. Her approach is warm, person-centered, and collaborative, welcoming clients across different ages and stages. She specializes in anxiety, anger, self-esteem, trauma, and relationship struggles, using evidence-based techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients build confidence and healthier habits. She is currently being trained in Eye Movement Reprocessing and Desensitization (EMDR). 


Dakota believes counseling is most effective when clients feel safe and supported, and she strives to create a judgment-free space where they can be their authentic selves. Together, she works with clients toward resilience, growth, and a more fulfilling life.

Beth Fabrega, MS, MEd, LPC-Associate, Supervised by Nate Smith, PhD, LPC-S

 Beth is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate (LPC-Associate). She holds a Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Houston-Clear Lake. Additionally, she also holds a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction and previously taught English literature at the secondary level. Beth is trained to support clients of all ages who are navigating ADHD, anxiety and trauma. She is currently being trained in Eye Movement Reprocessing and Desensitization (EMDR).

As a transracial Korean adoptee, Beth is sensitive to the diverse experiences of adoptees and their families. She employs a Person-centered approach with all clients, characterized by nonjudgmental understanding and empathy. Beth welcomes clients of all ages and provides an open and affirming environment for everyone she serves.

Ashley Esqueda, MS, LPC-Associate, supervised by Sean Munley, MA, LPC-S, RPT-S

   Ashley is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPC-Associate) in the state of Texas, dedicated to supporting individuals in their pursuit of mental wellness and personal growth. She earned her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Houston–Clear Lake, where she developed a strong foundation in evidence-based therapeutic practices.


Ashley has clinical experience working with children, adolescents, and adults, and specializes in the treatment of autism spectrum–related concerns and anxiety disorders. She works with clients presenting with depression, adjustment and life transition challenges, relational difficulties, and trauma-related concerns. Her therapeutic approach is grounded in evidence-based modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based interventions, which are tailored to meet each client’s individual needs and treatment goals.


As an LPC-Associate, Ashley practices under the supervision of Sean Munley, LPC-S, RPT-S. She is committed to ongoing professional development and is currently working toward her Registered Play Therapist (RPT) certification. Ashley emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive, nonjudgmental therapeutic environment in which clients feel heard, empowered, and supported throughout the therapeutic process.

Kerri Newton, MEd, LPC-Associate supervised by Vanessa Bridges, Ph.D., LPC-S

Kerri is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate supervised by Vanessa Bridges, Ph.D., LPC-S. Kerri holds a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Lamar University. She is trained in cognitive processing therapy (CPT) with a focus on helping clients process and move past trauma. She is a certified mental health crisis coach and a trained leadership coach. 


Kerri has worked collaboratively with families and individuals navigating chronic illness, brain injury, disability and recovery. She has also worked with teen and adult individuals and adult couples dealing with suicidality, anxiety, depression, childhood and adult trauma, PTSD, bipolar disorder, work challenges, and relationship difficulties. 


She is passionate about advocacy, empowerment, dignity, diversity and exploring relational connections. Her therapeutic approach is warm and person-centered, and she uses an array of evidence-based interventions to help facilitate healing according to the unique needs of each client.

Jessica Falco, MS, LPC-Associate, Supervised by Mondee Stone, MS, LPC-S


Jessica Falco is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate
supporting individuals and families navigating life’s emotional and
relational challenges. She earned her M.S. in Clinical Mental Health
Counseling from the University of Houston–Clear Lake and her B.A. in
Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin.

Jessica’s therapeutic approach is grounded in Acceptance and
Commitment Therapy (ACT) with an existential lens, allowing her to
support clients in understanding their experiences, clarifying their
values, strengthening identity, and building meaningful coping
strategies. Jessica works with a range of concerns, including anxiety,
obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), body image, eating disorders, and grief and loss.

She is deeply committed to creating a collaborative, nonjudgmental,
and empowering space where clients feel fully seen and supported.
Jessica is known for her genuine presence, steady demeanor, and
ability to cultivate a therapeutic environment that fosters insight,
growth, and resilience. When she is not counseling, Jessica enjoys
reading memoirs, philosophy, and speculative fiction, as well as
hiking in the mountains with her family.

Misty Malady, MA , Counselor Intern, LCDC-Intern Certified Life Coach and Relationship Coach

Misty is a Counselor Intern and Certified Life and Relationship Coach dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families create meaningful change and lead more fulfilling lives. She specializes in goal setting, life skills development, self-awareness, and navigating life transitions, empowering clients to build on their strengths and achieve lasting personal growth.

Misty holds a Master of Science in Criminology and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Houston–Clear Lake. She is currently pursuing a master's degree in Education with a specialization in Marriage and Family Counseling.

With more than thirteen years of professional experience in the legal field, including both criminal and family law, Misty brings a unique perspective to her work with clients. Her areas of focus include family dynamics, relationship challenges, communication issues, and helping individuals successfully navigate significant life changes. She has extensive experience working with people from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and personal backgrounds and is committed to providing a supportive, compassionate, and nonjudgmental environment where clients can explore challenges, develop insight, and move toward their goals. 

Chandler Louvier, BS , Counselor Intern

Chandler is a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at the University of Houston-Clear Lake and is currently completing her practicum training. She is preparing to work with children, adolescents, and adults as she begins her clinical counseling experience.


Chandler is passionate about helping clients who may be experiencing difficulties with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, emotional regulation, life transitions, and relationship concerns. She hopes to create a supportive space where clients can better understand and express their emotions, develop healthy coping skills, strengthen their problem-solving abilities, and gain greater confidence in themselves.

Her developing counseling approach is person-centered and collaborative. She is drawn to child-centered play-based interventions, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and she is continuing to develop her skills in these approaches throughout her training. 


Chandler is committed to continued learning, ethical practice, and providing compassionate care as she works toward becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor.

Mary Fraire, BS, Practice Manager, Counselor Intern, Certified Life and Relationship Coach

Mary is a Counselor Intern currently pursuing her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Houston Christian University. Mary earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Houston–Clear Lake and has more than 25 years of experience in human resources and 15 years of experience providing lay counseling and restoration services for survivors of human trafficking.


Mary is certified in professional life coaching, cognitive behavioral techniques, relationship conflict management, holistic health and wellness, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care. She also offers brain-based therapeutic approaches that help clients process trauma, anxiety, grief, and other emotionally distressing experiences.


Mary's counseling approach is compassionate, trauma-informed, and client-centered, helping individuals identify strengths, overcome obstacles, and build resilience. She is honored to offer Christian counseling from a biblical perspective for clients who wish to incorporate their faith into the counseling process.

Jordan Rogers, BA, Counselor Intern

Jordan holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Lamar University. He is completing his graduate internship as part of his master’s-level clinical training. He is eager to work with clients across the lifespan as he begins his counseling career.

Jordan is passionate about supporting clients who may be experiencing depression, anxiety, anger, or challenges with emotional regulation. Jordan strives to provide a welcoming environment where clients can feel comfortable exploring their thoughts and emotions while developing a healthier view of themselves and greater confidence in their abilities. He is eager to continue strengthening his skills in play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) while exploring additional approaches that may benefit his future clients.

Jordan views therapy as a collaborative process that allows individuals to develop greater self-understanding and work through challenges at their own pace. 

He approaches each client with openness and respect, using research-supported methods while tailoring his work to their individual needs and goals. As he continues developing professionally toward licensure, Jordan remains committed to providing thoughtful and compassionate care to those he serves.

Lauren Anderson, Administrative Assistant

Lauren brings years of experience in administrative support and customer service, along with a unique background as a dance instructor. She brings warmth, compassion, and genuine care to every interaction.


As the first point of contact for many clients, Lauren is dedicated to helping individuals feel welcomed and supported as they begin their counseling journey. She takes the time to understand each client's needs and thoughtfully connects them with the counselor who is the best fit for their goals and circumstances.


Lauren's commitment to providing exceptional service, combined with her caring nature and attention to detail, helps create a positive and supportive experience for every client who reaches out to our practice.

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  • About Us
  • Meet Our Team
  • Therapeutic Services
  • Contact Us