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Apply Mission Statement
Our mission is to serve a culturally diverse Texas A&M – San Antonio student population by providing quality mental health services, fostering a sense of belonging, collaborating with campus and community partners, and promoting holistic wellness to improve student success.
Vision Statement
We strive to promote student success by decreasing mental health stigma and providing services that support better health and well-being in our student's lives.
About Us
The Student Counseling Center staff consists of licensed mental health clinicians, a Clinical Case Manager, an Administrative Coordinator/Office Manager, Graduate Trainees, and student employees. Our clinical staff represents a variety of mental health disciplines, including Licensed Psychologists, Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Social Workers, and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselors. Our staff also includes Graduate Trainees who are in the process of obtaining their graduate degrees in counseling and psychology.
Meet our Staff
Joanna Vela, LPC-S, LCDC, NCC
Director of the Student Counseling Center
- Preferred Pronouns: She/ Her/ Hers
- Theoretical Orientation/Treatment Approach: I utilize Cognitive Behavioral and Person-Centered therapy approaches as the core of my work with students. I believe the most powerful force in the treatment process creates a safe space for clients to feel seen and heard. I also highlight the power of changing one's thoughts to influence how one feels, as well as the importance of processing the emotions of life experiences. Lastly, I prioritize focusing on the parts of life within one's control rather than those that are not and letting personal values guide one's life choices.
- Areas of Interest: Substance Use Disorders, Trauma Recovery, Depression and Anxiety, Identity Development, and Spirituality.
- Fun Facts: I have been scuba diving with sharks. I like to knit and crochet. I enjoy Aggie Football, the Texas Rangers, and Los Spurs.
- Top 5 Strengths: Woo, Communication, Responsibility, Connectedness, Includer
Anthony J. Washington, LPC-S
Assistant Director of the Student Counseling Center
- Preferred Pronouns: He/Him/His
- Theoretical Orientation/Treatment Approach: Sometimes, we can lose sight of the resiliency and strength we possess when life weighs us down, and sometimes, it even feels like we’re losing ourselves. My goal is to help people remember their internal strength to continue moving forward. I’m a therapist who takes a Client-Centered and Strengths-Based approach in my sessions with individuals. I have a background in Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and am EMDR (Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) trained.
- Areas of Interest: Anxiety, Depression, Self-esteem, Stress Management, Motivation
- Fun Facts: I have been fortunate enough to travel to multiple countries and see some amazing things! I also love to cook and spend time outdoors!
- Top 5 Strengths: Learner, Intellection, Relator, Futuristic, Analytical
Karla Martinez, M.S., LPC-Associate
Supervised by Julieta Rubio Hobbs PhD, LPC-S
Clinical Case Manager
- Preferred Pronouns: She/Her/Ella
- Theoretical Orientation/Treatment Approach: I utilize a Person-Center approach and Trauma-Informed care to create a safe and supportive environment for clients to grow and heal. I also have a certification in Bilingual counseling with an emphasis in Spanish. I believe in equal access to mental health services for diverse communities and reducing language barriers. My goal is to help empower clients by creating a compassionate space for them to explore difficult aspects of their life and create the change they desire.
- Areas of Interest: Latinx community, Domestic Violence, and Trauma
- Fun Facts: I love learning new languages and know how to say a couple of things in Italian and say “Hello my name is Karla” in Korean. I also know how to use a sewing machine and like to alter/fix my clothing sometimes.
- Top 5 Strengths: Empathy, Harmony, Relator, Discipline, Connectedness
Shenina Delfin
Administrative Coordinator II
- Preferred Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
- Background: I’m a Filipinx-American who grew up in Southwest ISD. My life’s mission is to close the achievement gap experienced by disadvantaged communities. ❤️
- Education: B.A. Urban Studies, Design & Government from UT Austin🤘🏼
- Fun Facts: I was nationally ranked as a Longhorn Powerlifter 🏋🏻♀️ and competed as a classical flutist & jazz pianist 🎶. I love anime, fashion, math, and sustainability!🌿
- Top 5 Strengths: Learner, Restorative, Ideation, Context, Deliberative
Emily K. Rivera
Graduate Trainee
- Preferred Pronouns: She/Her/They/Them
- Theoretical Orientation/Treatment Approach: I'm trained to work from a person-centered, strength-based perspective. I believe every client possesses the capacity for change, and I am just here to walk alongside them in their journey!
- Areas of Interest: LGBTQ+, Couples & Family Systems
- Fun Facts: I played the clarinet & alto saxophone for more than 8 years!
- Top 5 Strengths: Empathy, Consistency, Developer, Harmony, Discipline
Jerimar Abinsay, LPC-S
Counselor
- Preferred Pronouns: He/Him/His
- Theoretical Orientation/Treatment Approach: My theoretical orientation was developed by integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with Solution-Focused Therapy and Trauma-Informed Care. I utilize strength-based and mindfulness techniques to help my clients personalize their treatment as they fulfill their needs.
- Areas of Interest: Depression and Anxiety, Trauma-Informed Care, Development and Spirituality, LGBTQIA+ Issues, Grief and Loss.
- Fun Facts: I love playing Dungeons and Dragons. I enjoy playing interactive games of various genres with friends and strangers as long as the competitive spirit is in good nature.
- Top 5 Strengths: Restorative, Deliberative, Context, Individualization, Learner
Sandra Mendoza Lee, LCSW-S
Counselor
- Preferred Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
- Theoretical Orientation/Treatment Approach: My theoretical orientation is grounded in Client-Centered Therapy with a Strength-Based Perspective. I believe in the power of recovery and resiliency. Everyone is unique, and so is my approach to individual therapy. I draw from Narrative Therapy, Creative Therapies, Solution-Focused Therapy, Relational Psychotherapy, and Psychoeducation when creating treatment plans and providing therapeutic services.
- Areas of Interest: Anxiety, Depression, Trauma Recovery, Life Transitions, grief, and loss.
- Fun Facts: I enjoy spending time outdoors, gardening, and camping. I listen to all music genres, but my favorite is alternative rock.
- Top 5 Strengths: Discipline, Developer, Context, Connectedness, Empathy
Campbell Owen
Graduate Trainee
- Preferred Pronouns: He/Him/His
- Theoretical Orientation/Treatment Approach: I like to emphasize someone's individual strengths, while also utilizing their support network. I think change happens when someone combines a desire for change with knowledge.
- Areas of Interest: Trauma, Law Enforcement Officers & Family, Military Population
- Fun Facts:
- From Louisiana (Yes, I've held an alligator.)
- Favorite Place I've Visited: Bermuda
- I'm a huge TV/Movie Nerd.
- I love live music.
- Top 5 Strengths: Empathy, Consistency, Harmony, Relator, Developer
Fayth Hunt
Graduate Trainee
- Preferred Pronouns: She/Hers/Her
- Theoretical Orientation/Treatment Approach: I utilize a person-centered therapy approach, incorporating strength-based techniques to empower clients. My priority is to create a safe, welcoming environment where individuals feel safe and supported in their journey towards growth and positive change.
- Areas of Interest: Anxiety, Depression, Life Change, Self-Esteem
- Fun Facts: I'm obsessed with reality TV. My top two reality shows are Jersey Shore & Vanderpump Rules. I love spending time outside, going on walks, or sitting by the pool.
- Top 5 Strengths: Developer, Empathy, Harmony, Communication, Consistency