Meet the Team

Name: Janie Wang

Title: Mental Health Counselor

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

License: Licensed Professional Counselor – Supervisor

Education: Master of Arts in Counselor Education, The Ohio State University

Approach to Counseling: Janie approaches counseling as a means to access the lifelong process of personal growth towards wellness through self-discovery, practice, and decision making. This means welcoming the experience and knowledge that you bring into the session as vitally important components of the chapter you are experiencing as well as to the life story you ultimately want to narrate. We may take turns listening to, analyzing, and editing the content you bring, but you are ultimately the author that I have the honor to support with compassion and encouragement.

Professional Interests: Janie’s professional interests center on anxiety, depression, crisis management, PTSD, complex trauma, grief and loss, motivation, and healthy relationships. Janie is also strongly committed to destigmatizing mental health care for BIPOC communities

Approach to Wellness: An enthusiastic but still not quite successful amateur gardner, Janie is persistently reminded by her plants that we won’t harvest much from an unnourished, untended self, so she engages in self care though personal interests such as reading, thrifting, cooking, and being an explorer of her own hometown of Austin. She also draws from a well of support that includes her family and friends, her dog, and her chaos garden of mysterious unidentified herbs and mythically giant sized kale.

Janie offers counseling remotely via video and/or phone. She also offers in-person sessions at the Northridge Campus (NRG).

Name: Janny Hernandez- Paneque

Title: Mental Health Counselor

Pronouns: she/her/hers

License: Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas

Education:  Master of Counseling Psychology in Marital & Family Therapy

Approach to Counseling: Janny works to serve clients based on a holistic approach, combined with clinical experience, personal observations; and advocacy, while deciding on mental health goals together, and providing recommendations in line with those goals. Janny strives to create a safe, positive, & trusting space for all of her clients within a foundation that is free of judgment, great communication, compassion, and mutual respect.

Professional Interests: Janny knew early on in her career journey that she wanted to major in psychology, when she first became a volunteer at the Braille Institute for the visually & hearing impaired while in college. Volunteering, she had the opportunity to serve as a Spanish translator during counseling sessions, and also assist students of all ages with basic living skills. She witnessed first-hand how special and powerful the “counseling experience” can be in influencing not just a client’s mental health & overall wellness, but also the entire family, and community. Working as a T.A in Special Education also broadened her curiosity & interest to further explore, and learn about human growth/development, and the psychology of behavior. These experiences were eye opening to the possibilities within counseling, and her love in working with neurodivergent clients. Janny’s other areas of experience and focus also include: Young adult/adolescent issues, suicide prevention, depression/anxiety, stress reduction, time management, acculturation/assimilation issues, grief & loss, truama, LGBTQ + education, social/communiction issues, & parenting education.

Approach to Wellness: Janny believes that a healthy mind is always a work in progress for everyone. Janny strongly believes that striving for life balance, internal peace, and contentment through life’s ups and downs- is never too much to ask for. She believes that standing in “your truth” is neither a good or bad thing, it is simply a place of authenticity where self awareness, and self-advocacy collide, awakening us to new possibilities that we didn’t even imagine were  possible. 

Janny Hernandez Paneque- offers counseling remotely via video/or in person sessions at the Cypress Campus.

Janny is also fluent in Spanish.

Name: Mary Forrest-Wright

Title: Mental Health Counselor

Pronouns: she/her/hers

License: Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist-Supervisor, Licensed Professional Counselor – Supervisor

Education: Master of Arts in Counseling & Marriage & Family Therapy, St. Mary’s University, San Antonio

Approach to Counseling: Mary works to offer culturally affirming and client-centered individual and group counseling to students. She likes to work collaboratively with her clients and their feedback is valued. Her approach is trauma-informed therapy and her approach is grounded in an integration of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and understanding the role of neurobiology in our emotional system. She likes to focus on helping her clients identify their strengths while challenging and changing any negative thought filters that might be holding them back in life. She is committed to anti-racist and anti-oppressive therapeutic practice.

Professional Interests: Mary’s professional interests include trauma, suicide prevention, conflict management, relationships, anxiety, and depression.

Approach to Wellness: Mary strongly believes in self-care. She believes that taking care of oneself is just as important as making time for work and other obligations.  Mary enjoys cycling, strength training, yoga, meditation, reading (a lot), watching sci-fi and mystery shows, cuddling her two dogs, and spending time with her spouse, family, and friends.

Mary offers counseling remotely via video and/or phone. She also offers in-person sessions at the Round Rock Campus (RRC).

Name: Rebeka Villarreal

Title: Mental Health Counselor

Pronouns: she/her/hers

License: Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Education: Master of Science in Social Work, The University of Texas at Austin

Approach to Counseling: Rebeka facilitates self-discovery and growth through a healing-centered and culturally sensitive lens. She emphasizes mindfulness and draws insights from a neurobiological perspective, navigating a holistic journey that honors individual experiences while promoting well-being and resilience.

Professional Interests: Rebeka’s professional interests include guiding people through life transitions, trauma, anxiety, depression, and grief & loss. She considers herself an agent of change and uses her voice to challenge injustices and advocate for change.

Approach to Wellness: Beyond her professional endeavors, Rebeka finds joy in exploring new recipes, deepening her knowledge of counseling, reading about culture, cherishing quality time with her family & friends, travel, and indulging in endless cuddles with her dog.

Rebeka offers counseling remotely via video and/or phone. She also offers in-person sessions at the San Gabriel Campus (SGC).

Name: Kenneth T. Luna

Title: Mental Health Counselor

Pronouns: he/him/his

License: Licensed Professional Counselor

Education: Masters of Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Texas A&M University-Central Texas

Approach to Counseling: We will discuss hard things and may sometimes not be talked about outside our therapeutic relationship. For this reason, the forefront of my process of therapy begins with rapport. Without mutual trust and respect in one another, healing cannot start. I believe it is my duty to establish a relationship that is unbiased and safe for you. While counseling can be hard and serious, I hope that we can have fun times and laugh while we discuss different aspects of your lives.

Professional Interests: LGBTQIA2S+ Issues, Young Adult/Adolescent Issues, Suicide & Crisis Management- Depression/Anxiety, Stress Reduction- Relationship Issues- Sexual Assault/Violence, Grief & Loss, Time Management, Stress Reduction, Self-Esteem & Personal Growth.

Approach to Wellness: I believe that wellness and self-care is more than just a buzzwords. Wellness and Self-care is something that is so imperative to the longevity of our well-being. Taking care of ourselves can be done in small spurts during the day, like drinking enough water or having lunch. Taking care of ourselves does not always have to be grand gestures.

Kenneth offers counseling remotely via video and/or phone. He also offers in-person sessions at the Elgin Campus (EGN).

Name: Leyna Nuñez

Title: Mental Health Counselor

Pronouns: she/her/hers

License: Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Education: Master of Science in Social Work, The University of Texas at Austin

Approach to Counseling: Leyna’s approach focuses on a students’ strengths and abilities to help them overcome challenges.

Professional Interests: Leyna’s professional interests include anxiety and depression, bipolar disorders, sleep issues, substance use disorders, suicide prevention and LGBTQIA issues.

Approach to Wellness: Leyna enjoys helping students find positive coping skills and healthy habits that work for them and their situation.

Leyna offers counseling remotely via video and/or phone. She also offers in-person sessions at the Highland Campus (HLC).

Name: Mike Gibbs

Title: Mental Health Counselor

Pronouns: he/his/him

License: Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor

Education: Master’s of Arts in Counseling from St. Edwards University

Approach to Counseling: Mike is a firm believer that therapy is a collaborative process and a journey that both the therapist and the student take together. Mike strongly believes that the student is the expert on themselves and he as the therapist serves as a guide to help them navigate the best path forward that they want for themselves. Mike uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Solutions Focused, and Conflict Resolution Skills in order to help individuals challenge their negative thinking and improve their quality of life.

Professional Interests: Mike’s professional interests include conflict resolution, relationship issues, anxiety, depression, and academic issues. In addition, Mike also has a passion for working with communities of color to not only provide therapy services but to also reduce the stigma of seeking out mental health services.

Approach to Wellness: Mike has a strong passion for helping people. Mike believes that everyone has strength inside of them to overcome challenges and it’s a matter of the people seeing this strength in themselves that will ultimately facilitate change. As a therapist, it is Mike’s goal to help students find the strength and courage that already exists inside of them.

Mike offers counseling remotely via video and/or phone. He also offers in-person sessions at the Eastview Campus (EVC).

Name: Susan Lorino

Title: Mental Health Counselor

Pronouns: she/her/hers

License: Licensed Professional Counselor

Education: Master of Education in Educational Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin

Approach to Counseling: Susan’s counseling style is compassionate, non-judgmental, curious, and embraces humor when appropriate (yes, you can laugh in therapy!).  She believes that the quality of the relationship between the counselor and client is the foundation to successful psychotherapy.  She strives to nurture a relationship that is open, trusting, and safe, a relationship where the client feels comfortable to show up as their authentic and true self so that they can get the most out of the therapeutic experience.  Susan integrates use of the Neuroaffective Relational Model, Internal Family Systems Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy, and Accelerated Resolution Therapy to help clients move toward their goals, healing, and growth.

Professional Interests: Susan’s professional interests include adult/childhood trauma, relationship difficulties, grief/loss, depression, anxiety, and self-esteem issues.  She particularly enjoys working with clients to help them heal from trauma by reconnecting with themselves and their heart’s desires, finding greater peace, and rebuilding their self-esteem and confidence.  

Approach to Wellness: Susan’s favorite ways to care for herself and recharge are to hike Austin’s awesome trails, immerse herself in natural beautiful places (think mountains, beaches, rivers, and more hiking trails!), spend time with her favorite people and furbaby, and to laugh lots and lots.

Susan offers counseling remotely via video and/or phone. She also offers in-person sessions at the Rio Grande Campus (RGC).

Name: Alecxia Ceballos

Title: Hourly, Mental Health Counselor

Pronouns: she/her/hers

License: Licensed Professional Counselor

Education: Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, St. Mary’s University

Approach to Counseling: As a somatic therapist, she supports individuals in reconnecting with their bodies as a source of wisdom, resilience, and self-compassion. With a focus on relationship and attachment-based approaches, she helps clients understand their patterns in relationships, set embodied boundaries, and navigate the complexities of emotions and connection. She believes that healing is both a deeply personal and relational experience; her work integrates body awareness and somatic practices to foster a sense of inner safety, presence, and authentic self-expression. Whether it’s moving through anxiety, processing grief, or developing resilience, she guides clients toward feeling more grounded, empowered, and connected-both to themselves and to others.

Professional Interests: She is dedicated to helping the BIPOC community in reconnecting with their bodies as a source of resilience and healing. Her work focuses on attachment, embodies boundaries, and trauma recovery, particularly with clients who have experienced anxiety and complex PTSD.  

Approach to Wellness: She loves spending time with friends and family, including her two dogs who bring plenty of joy and playfulness into her life. You can often catch her and her husband dancing cumbias on Saturday nights. She also loves sports and plays softball with Austin’s social league.

Alecxia is available for counseling sessions in English or Spanish at Highland (HLC) and Eastview (EVC) campuses.

Name: Andrew Silver

Title: Mental Health Counselor

Pronouns: he/his

License: Licensed Professional Counselor – Supervisor, Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor

Education: Master of Arts in Professional Counseling, Texas State University

Approach to Counseling: Using heart centered mindfulness, generative states of awareness, and cognitive therapy, Andrew works collaboratively with individuals to develop a compassionate relationship with their own experience. This helps guide people on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance, alleviates suffering, and can heal relational disconnects.He works with people who are dealing with a wide range of issues including: relationship problems, depression/anxiety, addictions, recovery, trauma, panic attacks, obsessive thoughts, boundary issues, compulsive behaviors, and mood instability.

Professional Interests: Andrew’s professional interests include complex trauma, suicide prevention, anxiety and depression, mental health stigma in BIPOC communities, and relationship stress.

Approach to Wellness: Andrew strongly believes in self-care. He believes that taking care of oneself is just as important as making time for work and other obligations. Andrew enjoys yoga, working out, reading, and being in community.

Andrew offers counseling remotely via video and/or phone. He also offers in-person sessions at the South Austin Campus (SAC).

Name: Ashley Chowdhury

Title: Mental Health Counselor

Pronouns: she/her/hers

License: Licensed Professional Counselor

Education: Master of Arts in Counseling, Dallas Theological Seminary

Approach to Counseling: Ashley’s aim is to create a safe environment where students are able to learn tools to help achieve their goals. Ashley’s approach is rooted in the integration of mindfulness, self-compassion practices, developing healthy coping skills.

Professional Interests: Ashley’s professional interests includes mood disorders, anxiety, relationship stressors, self-esteem issues, and managing life transitions. Ashley particularly enjoys working with students around family of origin concerns, developing a healthy self-concept, and navigating adulthood.

Approach to Wellness: Ashley strongly believes that self-care and cultivating healthy relationships are foundational for wellness. Ashley enjoys reading, finding fun activities to do in Austin, spending time with her family, and being in community with others.

Ashley offers counseling remotely via video and/or phone. She also offers in-person sessions at the Riverside Campus (RVS).

Name: Sandra Elizondo

Title: Mental Health Counselor

Pronouns: she/her/hers

License: Licensed Professional Counselor

Education: Masters of Arts in Counseling (St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Tx.)

Approach to Counseling: Sandra believes in aclient-centered approach in individual and group counseling with students. She also uses cognitive behavior therapy to help students in the therapy sessions.  Sandra also works at helping students explore mindfulness and to use that in helping them relax and use grounding techniques to help regulate emotions.  She works on establishing a safe environment by being culturally sensitive and open to different perspectives so that individuals feel they have permission to speak about difficult issues.  

Professional Interests: Sandra’s professional interests include self-care, grief and loss, relationship issues, academic concerns/issues, imposter syndrome, depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, stress management, LGBTQIA issues, mental health issues across the board, mental health awareness and breaking the stigma.

Approach to Wellness: Sandra’s approach to wellness has to do with focusing her self-care on spiritual, emotional/mental, and physical well-being activities.  Sandra enjoys spending time praying, playing with her dog, spending quality time with family/friends/community, working on arts and crafts, reading, cooking/baking and gardening. 

Sandra offers counseling remotely via video and also offers in person counseling sessions at the Hays campus. 

Sandra is bilingual in English and Spanish and can see individuals who prefer to do counseling in Spanish.

Name: Sonia E. Torres

Title: Hourly, Mental Health Counselor

Pronouns: she/her/hers

License: Licensed Clinical Social Worker- Supervisor

Education: Master of Science in Social Work, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Approach to Counseling: Sonia creates a therapeutic space that is compassionate, culturally sensitive, and attuned to the unique experiences and familiar dynamics of each individual. She believes that healing is deeply connected to acknowledging and celebrating cultural identity and works to honor that in every aspect of therapy. Sonia uses an integrative approach that includes therapeutic modalities such as Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness-based practices, tailoring sessions to meet each person’s unique needs. Her work is grounded in creating a space where clients feel seen, valued, and empowered on their journey toward healing and growth.

Professional Interests: Sonia is passionate about supporting 1st-generation students, helping them navigate academic pressures, family expectations, and the unique challenges of being the first in their family to attend college. She also enjoys working with individuals to address childhood trauma, relationship stress, and the transitions and identity exploration of young adulthood.

Approach to Wellness: Sonia views wellness as a holistic journey that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit. She enjoys dancing with a local Latin dance company, which brings her joy and helps her stay connected to her culture through music and movement. She also finds peace and grounding in nature, and is learning Arabic, a challenging yet rewarding experience that deepens her appreciation for different cultures and languages. Sonia encourages clients to explore practices that resonate with them, whether through creativity, connection, or reflection.

Sonia offers counseling remotely via video and/or in person sessions at the South Austin Campus (SAC). 

Sonia offers sessions in English and Spanish.