Meet Our Team Members
Katherine Portillo, MEd, LCDC, LPC, EMDR Trained Therapist, Brainspotting Practitioner
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 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.
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
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.
Laura Alvarado-Rojas, MS, LPC, EMDR-T, BSP Practitioner
Laura has her Masters in Counseling from University of Houston Clear Lake. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor , an EMDR trained Therapist and BSP Practitioner. Laura has a person centered approach and enjoys working with adolescence and young adults. Her specialties are working with Clients who experience anxiety, trauma, suicidal ideation, eating disorders and loss of identity.
Karla Gutierrez, MS, LPC- Associate, EMDR-T, 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. Additionally, Karla is an EMDR Trained Therapist. 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, EMDR-T, 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. Additionally, Dayanna is an EMDR trained Therapist.
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.
Andrea Knight MS, LPC- Associate Supervised by Jessica Canfield Kafrouni, PhD, LPC-S, LCDC
Andie is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate supervised by Jessica Canfield Kafrouni, PhD, LPC-S, LCDC. She has a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Houston Christian University and a bachelor’s degree in special education from Illinois State University. Andie has consulted with educators and families for decades with special expertise in neurodiversity related issues (autism, ADHD, and more), including young adults transitioning to adult life.
She is passionate about working with individuals and couples aged 18 and older in their healing journey. She works with clients experiencing the effects of trauma, depression and anxiety, chronic illness, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, and suicidal ideation.
Andie supports clients in exploring attachment issues with the use of cognitive and dialectical behavioral techniques and integrates biological and sociological perspectives into her work with clients and couples.
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’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master 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 in the state of Texas, dedicated to supporting individuals on their path to mental wellness and personal growth. She earned her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from University of Houston- Clear Lake, where she developed a strong foundation in evidence-based therapeutic practices.
Ashley has experience working with children, adolescents and adults addressing a range of concerns including anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship challenges, and trauma. Her approach to counseling is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based techniques, tailored to meet each client’s unique needs.
As an LPC-Associate, Ashley works under the supervision of Sean Munley, LPC-S, and is committed to ongoing growth and development as a clinician. She believes in fostering a warm, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard, empowered, and supported throughout their healing journey.
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.
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.