Child Psychology
Alaina Lopez, Heart To Heart Counseling Services, LLC

Positive Behaviors in School

For a child to go from starting kindergarten to switching between elementary, middle, and high school can be a complicated process to adapt to due

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Child Psychology
Alaina Lopez, Heart To Heart Counseling Services, LLC

Benefits of Routine

“Consistency is key” is a quote that we have all heard many times. Consistency is a factor that positively affects adults as well as children.

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Alexander Villarreal

Student Counselor Intern

I am a compassionate and dedicated counselor with a passion for helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and achieve emotional well-being. Currently, I work with children and teenagers to address issues such as anxiety, depression, family conflict, bullying, academic pressure, emotional regulation, and self-esteem struggles. My focus is also on creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their feelings, set meaningful goals, and develop effective coping strategies.

I believe in the power of therapy to foster self-awareness, resilience, and personal growth. Drawing from a variety of therapeutic techniques, I tailor my approach to each client’s unique needs and preferences.

Whether you are looking to overcome specific challenges, improve your emotional health, or explore deeper personal issues, I am here to support you on your journey to healing and personal growth.

Kimberly Kimbrough-Edwards

M.Ed Counseling & Development, Student Counselor Intern

Kimberly has over 15 years of educational experience working with children of all ages. Her educational and professional background includes a B.S. in Professional Writing (UHD), MBA (University of Phoenix), Ed.D Educational Leadership (University of Phoenix), certified in
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), certified in Mental Health First Aid and CPR
(The Harris Center), Crisis Intervention Coach (Building Better Families), and Master Life Coach
(Transformation Academy).

She is also founder of There is Life After Life 501(c)(3) Non-Profit that focuses on coping skills and strategies for living after having dealt with trauma, specifically
Suicide loss. The non-profit works with families and communities in understanding suicide, by
providing resources for suicide prevention.

Kimberly is also Owner of Backtolife360 LLC, which
is an extension of There is Life After Life. Her passion and drive comes from all things life. She utilizes her personal and professional experiences to encourage and motivate others to embrace life and not take it for granted. Having gone through the personal loss of her then 19 year old son, who was severely depressed and suicidal, Kimberly has used her life experiences to help others understand the importance of mental health.


When working with clients, Kimberly pulls from therapeutic approaches such as Person (client) centered, mindfulness, Gestalt, and Cognitive Behavior therapy. She believes the key to a successful session starts with building a trusting therapeutic relationship between therapist and
client. Kimberly is very excited to be a part of the Heart2Heart family and looks forward to helping her
clients get back to the life they love and enjoy! You can find out more about her suicide prevention journey and resources by visiting: https://www.thereislifeafter.org

 

Atlanta Ponce De Leon

Student Counselor Intern

Navigating childhood and adolescence comes with its own set of challenges. Atlanta is dedicated to supporting children and teens on their journey, helping them build the emotional, social, and behavioral skills they need to thrive. She believes that every child has unique strengths and potential, and with the right support, they can overcome obstacles and grow into their fullest selves.

Atlanta has experience working with children and families facing a range of challenges, including behavioral issues, social difficulties, and academic struggles. She is also passionate about supporting individuals on the autism spectrum, tailoring her approach to meet each client’s specific needs. Her background includes creating engaging, brain-centered activities that foster resilience, confidence, and self-awareness.

As a student counselor intern at Lamar University, Atlanta utilizes play therapy to help children express their emotions and develop essential life skills in a safe and supportive environment. She is currently working towards certification as a play therapist, further enhancing her ability to connect with young clients through creative and therapeutic play.

Clients looking for a safe and encouraging space to explore emotions, improve social connections, and develop essential life skills will find a compassionate guide in Atlanta. She has particular expertise in addressing self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and adjustment issues. Atlanta is committed to helping children and teens feel seen, heard, and empowered on their journey toward growth.

Areas of Specialization:

Childhood Trauma • Life Transitions • Personal Growth • Academics • Post-Secondary Planning • Life Stessors • Anxiety 

Tina Lee

Licensed Professional Counselor- Associate

Tina Lee is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate (LPC-A) with a strong foundation in both education and counseling. Drawing on her extensive experience as a Certified School Counselor for over 25 years, Tina has spent much of her professional life working closely with students and families in elementary, intermediate, middle, and high school settings. This background has deepened her understanding of the challenges individuals face across various stages of life, particularly when navigating transitions, managing stress, and fostering personal growth.

Her specialized expertise includes helping individuals process and heal from childhood trauma, cope with anxiety and life stressors, and navigate the pressures of academics and post-secondary planning. Tina is particularly passionate about supporting clients through life transitions—whether it’s moving from middle school to high school, high school to college, empty nesting, retirement, or other significant milestones in life.

Tina’s counseling philosophy is rooted in empathy, collaboration, and respect for the unique experiences and perspectives of each client. She employs a client-centered, strengths-based approach and frequently utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Person-Centered Therapy to guide her practice. These therapeutic modalities are effective in helping clients gain a clearer understanding of their thoughts, behaviors, and emotions while empowering them to develop practical coping strategies and build self-awareness.

Tina believes that the therapeutic process should be a collaborative effort, where the counselor and client work together to create meaningful change. She strives to make her clients feel seen, heard, and valued—building a strong, trusting rapport in a safe, non-judgmental environment. This environment allows individuals to express vulnerability and explore their emotions without fear of judgment.

A key component of Tina’s work is fostering personal growth and self-empowerment. Through her support, clients gain the tools they need to overcome life’s obstacles with resilience and confidence. Whether it’s managing the pressures of school, dealing with significant life changes, or processing past trauma, Tina helps her clients build insight, set actionable goals, and embark on a path to self-acceptance and healing.

Her ultimate goal is to walk alongside clients, guiding them through the complexities of life while helping them develop a deeper sense of self and emotional resilience.

Tina is committed to continuously growing in her field, and she is an active member of the Texas Counseling Association and the Houston Counseling Association. She attends workshops, training sessions, and conferences to stay informed on the latest practices and research in counseling, ensuring that she can provide the best possible care to her clients.

Khalia Hardwell

M.Ed, Licensed Professional Counselor- Associate

As a compassionate and dedicated therapist, I am committed to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and find a path toward healing and growth. With over 7 years of experience in the field of mental health, I specialize in, a variety of areas of focus, providing a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to explore their feelings and experiences.

I take a client-centered approach to therapy, tailoring my methods to meet each person’s unique needs and goals. My therapeutic techniques draw from CBT, DBT, TF-CBT, ACT, art therapy, Play Therapy, and mindfulness, allowing us to work together to develop coping skills, gain insight, and make positive changes. Whether you are facing a difficult life transition, struggling with emotional pain, or seeking personal growth, I am here to support you in your journey.

Throughout my career, I have worked with a diverse population, providing individual and group therapy for clients facing various challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship issues. I have held many roles which include a recovery coach, crisis intervention manager, and peer support specialist supervisor. My approach combines evidence-based techniques with a compassionate and client-centered perspective, allowing me to create a safe and supportive environment for my clients. I believe that the relationship between therapist and client is essential to the healing process, and I strive to build a trusting, collaborative, and empathetic connection. My goal is to empower you to live a more fulfilling and balanced life.

I work with individuals, couples, families, and adolescents. I offer both in-person and virtual therapy sessions. If you are ready to take the next step toward healing, please feel free to reach out to schedule an initial consultation.

Areas of Specialization:

Behavioral/Disruptive Disorders • Depression • Anxiety • Trauma • Sex Therapy • Identity Issues • LGBTQ+ 

Maryanne Nnake

Licensed Professional Counselor

Maryanne is a Licensed Professional Counselor and holds a Master of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Houston Clear Lake in Houston, TX. She welcomes individuals, couples, children, adolescents, and families seeking to enhance their lives.

Maryanne takes an overall Narrative approach, pulling from other modalities such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), and SFT (Solution Focused Therapy). She offers Christian or secular counseling and utilizes a systemic therapy approach with an emphasis on family perspectives.

Maryanne believes in a collaborative approach, and providing a safe, non-judgmental environment for clients to share their story from their perspective.

Areas of Specialization:

Coping Skills • Depression • Anxiety • Self-esteem

Kenya Fance

Licensed Professional Counselor

Kenya is a Licensed Professional Counselor who is passionate about education and pursuing her goals. She holds an MA in Counseling from Prairie View A&M University.  Prior to obtaining this degree in 2013, Kaye had previously earned a MS from Texas Southern University in Health Education.  Her undergraduate work involved receiving her bachelor’s degree, which included a minor in Sociology.

Coupled with her educational background and her experience in the public sector, she has demonstrated the ability to help people and steer them in the right direction. Kenya has risen to meet and conquer the challenges necessary to provide effective client care.  She is highly skilled in promoting the welfare of others, resolving human relations issues, and promoting health and well-being. She uses a person-centered approach with a multitude of therapeutic techniques depending on the individual needs of the client. This could include cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused, mindfulness, systems therapy, and creative therapy.

She enjoys working with young adults, as well as adolescents. Since 2006, Kenya has been working with adolescents as a Permanency Specialist with the Department of Family and Protective Services. She brings her passion for advocating for positive social change, development, cohesion, and empowerment to her role as a therapist.

Areas of Specialization:

ADHD/ADD • Anxiety • Depression

Porsche McAlister

Licensed Professional Counselor- Associate

Porsche McAlister is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate under the supervision of Alaina Lopez. She holds a Master of Education in Family and Marriage Counseling from Lamar University. Porsche has over five years of experience as an elementary school teacher and particularly enjoys working with children and adolescents. She is passionate about supporting young people who are dealing with anxiety, depression, anger management issues, and ADHD. Understanding that these emotions can be challenging to navigate, she is committed to providing support every step of the way. Porsche aims to create a safe, non-judgmental environment for all her clients by being open-minded and compassionate during sessions. It is important to her that clients feel heard and understood, so she is dedicated to listening and helping them work through their challenges.

Areas of Specialization:

Children & Family • Personal Growth • Coping Skills • Acceptance • Forgiveness • Healing

Courtney Warncke

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Courtney obtained her Masters of Social Work degree, with a specialization in children and families from The University of Texas at Arlington. Courtney has experience working with children, adolescents, and young adults. Courtney is certified in Trauma Focused- Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT). Courtney has experience working with clients who are struggling with anxiety, depression, and trauma. Courtney has great knowledge of disabilities, crisis, and trauma, and how it can both positively or negatively impact a person, depending on what support and if the correct resources are provided.

Courtney believes that she has a deeper understanding of how the correct level of support can positively impact a situation and the healing process. Courtney has been told that she is a relatable person, easy to talk with, and that her personality is inviting, and she hopes that will be portrayed in her sessions so that the client can connect with her and get the utmost out of their time. Courtney has experience in adapting to change and building resilience, which can help in empowerment and a more sense of security. Courtney seeking to provide clients with a safe, supportive, and comfortable atmosphere is a big motivation and must for her. Courtney holds an attitude that is unbiased and nonjudge mental, and she knows that sometimes all that is needed is a listening ear, which can work to build a relationship of mutual respect and understanding. Courtney is family-oriented and works to emphasize the strong role that each member plays in the family and how this can affect a person’s growth, development, support, and healing.

Courtney works to improve a person’s mental health status, overall well-being, and happiness. By having a strong, positive relationship with her client, they will work together to process and achieve the goals that were set. Courtney has a desire and passion to positively impact others and she believes that this career path found her, so she can do just that

Areas of Specialization:

Anxiety & Depression • Trauma and Life Transitions • Behavioral & Disruptive Disorders (Children & Teens) • Relationship Issues & Conflict Resolution • Parenting Support & Family Dynamics • Stress Management & Emotional Well-being • Self-Esteem & Identity Issues • Grief & Loss • Anger & Boundaries

Tanecia August

Licensed Professional Counselor- Associate

Life is full of ups and downs, but every day brings a new opportunity for change. I am passionate about helping individuals and families—children, adolescent, and adult counseling—navigate life’s challenges and build resilience. I offer a compassionate, collaborative approach to therapy that empowers clients to create meaningful change.

Whether you’re working through behavioral issues as a child, managing anxiety or self-esteem struggles as a teen, or facing stress, depression, or relationship difficulties as an adult, therapy can be a transformative space for healing. With the right tools and support, you can reframe your story, embrace change, and create a healthier path forward, regardless of your age or stage of life.

I integrate a variety of evidence-based techniques in my work, and specialize in Play therapy, Trauma therapy and Cognitive Behavioral therapy, tailoring my approach to meet the unique needs of each individual. I offer both Christian and secular counseling, focusing on practical, goal-oriented strategies that help clients develop healthier thinking patterns and coping skills.

Above all, I believe in the power of human connection and in creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel heard, supported, and empowered to work toward their goals and thrive. 

Mr. Nicholas Lopez

Anger Management Specialist

Nicholas Lopez is an educator of 21 years having attended Texas Southern University for both undergraduate and graduate school.

Lopez was drafted in the 5th round of the 1997 NFL draft to the Miami Dolphins. He later became a juvenile detention officer with Harris County and held this role of juvenile detention officer for three years.  In 2001 Nicholas began teaching middle school ESL Reading, where he also coached football and was a mentor teacher. 

His experience working in an at-risk campus led him to pursue his Anger Management certification. After eight years at his first teaching assignment, he transitioned to another middle school through the Talent Transfer Initiative.  During that time at his second teaching assignment, he served in many instructional roles, coaching football/cross country; taking leadership roles as LPAC chairperson and Behavior Interventionist. 

In 2015 Nicholas transitioned to his third middle school which led the district with discipline referrals and the following year showed a 54% decrease with discipline referrals.  The academic performance saw gains each year also receiving gold and platinum awards for Family Engagement.   

With 24 years of working with children, particularly at-risk youth give him the experience to coach individuals on behaviors or perceptions that prevent people from communicating effectively.  He is skilled at bringing awareness to attitudinal barriers to communication that result from personality conflicts, poor management, resistance to change or lack of motivation.

Dr. Nneka Nnadozie

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Nneka Nnadozie is a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of Texas. She received her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from The California School of Professional Psychology in Sacramento, CA in 2015, where she obtained specialized training in forensic psychology.

She became passionate about working with sex trafficking victims and survivors while conducting her dissertation research on adult prostituted women. She continues her work with sex trafficking victims by providing individual and group psychotherapy to youth survivors and their caregivers.

Dr. Nnadozie also developed and implemented a versatile and interactive curriculum for preventing child sexual exploitation. The curriculum, Standing for and Achieving Youth Empowerment (S.A.Y.E.), is a fundamental prevention program for youth who are at-risk for being trafficked, and it can be taught to qualified mental health professionals in diverse settings.

Dr. Nnadozie is the owner and founder of 360 Therapy & Psychological Services, LLC where she uses a trauma-informed approach for both psychotherapy and psychological evaluations. She focuses on helping youth and adults become aware of how their trauma history affects the mind and body, and in essence hinders their mental and physical wellbeing. She is passionate about providing developmentally appropriate and culturally competent trauma-informed therapy and psychological services to children, adolescents, and adults. She is also impassioned about helping clients advocate for themselves and transform from trauma victims to survivors.

More personally, Dr. Nnadozie is a native Houstonian and enjoys reading, shoe shopping, exploring different restaurants, and traveling in her free time.

Nyree Walker Pringle

Licensed Professional Counselor

Nyree is a Licensed Professional Counseling with her masters in Marriage and Family Counseling. In addition, she is a highly dedicated educator of 22 years in nurturing students and families, while helping and empowering youth to build the confidence, knowledge, and wisdom to become their best selves. As a marriage, couple, and family therapist, Nyree possesses a multicultural competence, knowledge, and awareness coupled with a passion for learning. In essence, Nyree prides herself on her commitment as an advocate for the positive cultivation, academic, and social and emotional development that enriches the lives of people from all walks of life.

 

Meredith Villafana

Business Operations Manager

Meredith joined our practice in 2018 and is a contractor for behavioral health practitioners. She studied business and accounting. She has extensive experience in credentialing and billing. Her creativity, entrepreneurial and leadership skills have greatly contributed to the expansion and success of the practice. Meredith coordinates patient-relation functions, business operations, other collaborative business efforts. Her passion and awareness for the mental health industry are a perfect match for this practice representing and innovative, forefront organization. 

 

Areas of Specialization:

Anixety • Depression • Self-care • Grief • Relationship Issues

Claudine Kirby

Licensed Professional Counselor

I practice as a holistic mental health clinician; I focus on the deep connection between mind and body to foster healing and well-being. My approach is comprehensive, addressing both the physical and emotional dimensions of each individual, with the goal of nurturing the whole person. I enhance traditional mental health treatments and integrate the therapeutic benefits of movement; by combining Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with complementary modalities such as nutrition and exercise, I aim to help my clients achieve balance, resilience, and fulfillment in their lives. I believe therapy goes beyond just talking.

I work with teens, young adults, adults, and older adults, and I have a particular passion for supporting women through the mental health challenges associated with perimenopause and menopause, often brought on by hormonal fluctuations. 

past currently to create a healthy future.

I welcome everyone who is seeking help to break old behavioral patterns that no longer serve them and create new healthy and realistic ones that will help them lead a healthier psychological and physical lifestyle.

Areas of Specialization:

Children • Teens • Young Adults • Parenting • Depression • Stress • Anxiety • Self-esteem and Confidence • Childhood Trauma

Annastasia Vincent

Licensed Professional Counselor

Annastasia is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She earned her Master’s of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in the Spring of 2022. She received her Bachelor of Science in Teaching and Learning through the University of Houston, where she studied early childhood development. For ten years, she passionately served as an elementary teacher, working to educate children academically, socially, and emotionally. Her education and experiences in that role has equipped her to continue to work closely alongside families and children with a variety of needs and concerns. Anna is a member of the Texas Counseling Association, as well as the Texas Association of Play Therapy.

Anna believes in the power of a warm, trusting, and professional partnership. She understands that everyone is unique in their experiences, personalities, strengths, weaknesses, and life journeys. It is through the therapeutic partnership that she works closely to assist her clients in developing goals that are aimed at promoting emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual growth and wellness. Overcoming several challenges in her own life, has given the her the passion to help others to do the same.

Depending on the client and their needs, Anna incorporates various techniques including cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, solution-focused therapy, Trauma Focused CBT, positive therapy, and play therapy strategies (for younger children).

Areas of Specialization:

CANS Assessments • Personal Growth and Development • Play Therapy • Anxiety and Stress Management • Trauma and Grief • Depression and Coping Skills • Building Healthy Relationships

Tiffany Martin

Licensed Professional Counselor- Supervisor | Certified Clinical Trauma Professional

Tiffany Martin is a seasoned Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor (LPC-S) and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) with over 15 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, and families. With a background in elementary education and counseling, Tiffany is deeply committed to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges through compassion and effective therapeutic approaches.

Throughout her career, Tiffany has provided a safe, nonjudgmental space for clients to explore personal growth, develop positive coping strategies, and embrace life transitions. Her work is rooted in building trusting relationships and encouraging positive thinking, allowing clients to foster emotional resilience and achieve their goals.

Tiffany’s approach is eclectic and client-centered, drawing from a variety of therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, Mindfulness, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Positive Psychology. She specializes in working with individuals navigating life transitions, particularly teens through early adulthood, as well as adults in their 30s. Tiffany is particularly passionate about supporting women through issues such as weight loss/management, emotional eating, and enhancing self-esteem.

Areas of Specialization:

Anger Management • Personal Growth • Play Therapy • Depression • Parenting Skills • ADHD/ADD • Stress Management • Foster Parenting • Coping Skills • Anxiety • Bipolar • Couples Counseling • Building Healthy Relationships • Social Phobia • Work-life Balance • Feeling emotionally neglected from parents • Life Coaching

Alaina Lopez

Licensed Professional Counselor- Supervisor | Certified Anger Resolution Specialist | Registered Play Therapist |                        Founder of Heart To Heart Counseling Services, LLC

Alaina has over twenty years of experience working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families. Alaina believes therapy can help us identify our strengths and personal successes for ourselves, as well as our children. Therapy is an investment in the personal growth and well-being of an individual. Alaina strives to provide a warm, trusting, open, and supportive relationship for her clients. The therapeutic relationship is a partnership between the client and the therapist, and is based on trust, and respect to achieve the client’s goal.

My approach is eclectic.  It incorporates elements of mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative, acceptance, and commitment, emotionally focused, and positive therapy approaches.  Utilizing these approaches, we will learn to understand the past so we can understand how you were impacted by the past currently to create a healthy future.

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