Leading With Experience
Meet Our Clinical Team
Jessica Cisneros, M.Ed., LPC-S, BCC
Chief Clinical Officer
Jessica received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of St. Thomas and her Master of Education in Counseling from University of Houston. Jessica has her license as a Professional Counselor Supervisor and has worked with individuals of all ages with problems ranging from domestic violence, depression, anxiety, ADHD, behavioral issues, and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Jessica is currently supervising several LPC interns as well as overseeing the Behavioral Health department. She is a licensed board-certified coach and is passionate about helping individuals reach their full potential.
Andrea Escoto
Nazia Islam, LPC-S
Senior Clinician
Nazia is a board-certified Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor in the State of Texas. She received her Bachelor of Arts from St. John’s University, NY and Master of Science in Counseling Psychology at Pace University, NY. With more than 10 years’ experience working with children, adolescents, and adults, Nazia strives to create a safe space for her clients to share their stories, be their authentic self, engage in creative expression and heal. She has experience working with a variety of conditions including mood disorders, anxiety, ADHD, behavioral problems, trauma, suicide, grief, family conflicts, parenting problems, school adjustments and adjustment disorder. Nazia is also a registered Play Therapist and EMDR trained.
Manuela Barton, MA, LPC, RPT
Senior Clinician
Manuela is a bilingual Licensed Professional Counselor who works with children, adolescents, and adults in the State of Texas. She received her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Master of Arts in Counseling from Sam Houston State University. Manuela utilizes a variety of approaches in session such as client-centered, solution focused and CBT to empower clients in dealing with their concerns. Manuela has worked in the community mental health field for over 10 years.
Kathryn Foster, LCSW
Senior Clinician
Kathryn received her Bachelor of Social Work and Master’s degree in Social Work – Direct Practice from Texas State University – San Marcos. She believes in a client-centered approach combining self-empowerment, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy. She also implements tools from Motivational Interviewing and Narrative Therapy. She work with a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, PTSD, personality disorders, trauma, and stress. Kathryn also has experience working with adolescents and in adoption.
Anna Lachner, M.Ed., LPC
Senior Clinician
Anna received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Texas A&M University and her Master of Education in Counseling from the University of Houston. Anna is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and provides individual, family, and couple’s counseling to adolescents, children, and adults. As a clinician, Anna has extensive experience working with adolescents and young adults. Anna uses a variety of treatment modalities, with an emphasis on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused, and Person-Centered Therapy. She works with a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, relationship conflicts, trauma, PTSD, negative thinking patterns, and low self-esteem. She is particularly passionate about working with young adults through difficult life transitions and equipping clients with the confidence and skills needed to make positive changes in their lives.
Briana Dergent, LCSW
Senior Clinician
Briana received her Bachelor of Science in Child Development and Family Living from Stephen F. Austin State University and her Master's degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Houston. Briana provides individual, family, and couple’s therapy to adults, children, and adolescents. She works with a myriad of issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, and stress. Briana has a general interest in working with adults with trauma and does EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing). She uses a client-centered approach in order to help clients reach their own goals and aspirations for their lives. Briana’s ultimate goal is for clients to feel empowered and equipped with the skills they need to navigate life’s challenges and live fulfilling lives.
Jenna Gimmler, LPC
Senior Clinician
Jenna is a dedicated and compassionate Licensed Professional Counselor with more than 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. Her expertise includes working with individuals facing depression, anxiety, parental problems, life transitions, grief and relationship issues. Jenna received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Texas A&M University and her Master of Clinical Psychology from the University of Texas at Tyler. Jenna is a Senior Clinician with Family Houston providing counseling to individuals, couples, and families by utilizing therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy and other modalities as needed. She is committed to creating a safe and supportive space where her clients feel heard and valued. Jenna is committed to empowering her clients to create meaningful changes.
Sao Lorn, MA, LPC, LMFT, Certified EMDR Therapist
Senior Clinician
Sao S. Lorn is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Certified Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapist, and STRONG STAR Network Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) Provider, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia and Nightmares (CBT-I&N). He has a Master of Arts in Family Therapy from University of Houston – Clear Lake (UHCL). As a native of Cambodia, who came to the United States as a child, Sao has the ability to conduct therapy fluently in the English and Khmer (Cambodian) languages. His therapeutic approach is collaborative, client-centered, culturally sensitive, trauma-informed, and solution, goal, and trauma-focused, with a family systems EMDR cognitive processing and behavioral therapy foundation. He sees clients from all ages and stages of life. He works with children, individuals, couples, and families, including veterans and their families, going through a diverse spectrum of emotional, behavioral, relational, transitional, and life difficulties. Sao’s ultimate goal is to come alongside clients to counsel, empower, and equip them to overcome and resolve their problems and challenges, while stabilizing their lives, sustaining lasting improvement, and eventually becoming their own counselor in the process.
Anara Makahani
Daniela Nuno
Marcela Rodriguez, LMFT-A, LPC-A
Clinician
As a trauma therapist, I am dedicated to supporting clients on their journey of self-discovery and healing. With a client-centered approach, I provide empathy and unconditional positive regard, walking alongside individuals as they navigate their challenges and embrace their true selves. My focus is on helping clients create internal safety and address the impact of trauma on their well-being. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Houston and a Master of Education in Marriage and Family Counseling from Lamar University. I specialize in working with adults who have experienced trauma and distressing symptoms. Through modalities such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Internal Family Systems (IFS), I support clients in processing difficult experiences and fostering personal growth. As an EMDR parent-child specialist, I also incorporate Attachment-Informed EMDR to heal intergenerational wounds and strengthen parent-child attachment bonds. Having completed Level One and Level Two IFS training, I use IFS to help clients find peace within and build a better relationship with themselves. Supervised by: Lauren Spaulding LMFT-S, Candice Tillman LPC-S
Melanie Tantuco
Pierre Matta, MA, LMFT-S
Senior Clinician
Pierre Matta has a Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Studies from the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Illinois and a Master of Arts in Behavioral Sciences – Family Therapy from the University of Houston at Clear Lake. Pierre works with children (over the age of 11), adolescents, and adults. He provides individual, couple, and family therapy. Pierre has a family orientation and uses a variety of treatment modalities, selecting those that best serve the needs of his clients. Pierre was trained as a Christian minister and enjoys including spirituality in a client’s treatment plan when requested. Pierre is also an approved supervisor for licensed marriage and family therapy associates.
Jeffrey Rice, MA, LPC-S, LMFT
Counselor Supervisor
Jeffrey is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT). He has a Master of Arts in Psychology with a focus in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Houston – Clear Lake (UHCL). He works with children as young as 5 as well as adolescents and adults. Jeffrey provides individual, couples, family and group therapy. He has a collaborative and culturally sensitive client- and family-centered approach, allowing for self-exploration and empowerment from a Post-Traumatic Growth perspective. He finds that here, in their post-traumatic growth, is where the client finds their own answers by simply getting in tune with their own strengths and resilience! In his 20 year career, Jeffrey has developed a rather eclectic approach of treatment modalities including: Family Systems from a Feminist Perspective; Collaborative Language Systems including some Narrative Therapy; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, specifically Trauma-Focused (TFCBT); and the Neurobiology of Addiction. His experience spans learning disabilities; Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD); ADHD; depression; anxiety; relationship and behavior issues; trauma; grief; family conflicts; transitions, specifically school-based or “failure to launch”; Sex Addiction (SA); narcissism; infidelity, including formal Disclosures; and those who are “spiritually-speaking”.
Emma Shepherd, LPC Associate
Clinician
One of the greatest joys I experience in clinical work is seeing each client grow not only in the clinical setting but also in their community and their lives at large. I strive to foster a safe and empowering environment for clients to explore their sense of self through processing emotions, life events, and ongoing stressors. I work to build a supportive therapeutic alliance with each client through understanding their unique worldview and challenges. I continue to be amazed by the strength and resilience demonstrated as the journey of healing is navigated. I am passionate about working with children, adolescents, and adults through providing psychotherapy for those facing mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, adjustment disorders, and more. I intend to use a variety of approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, and play therapy, to help clients achieve their goals. As a novice counselor, I collaborate with my clinical supervisor, Nazia Islam (LPC-S), to continue my own learning process. I intend to work alongside each client to create individualized treatment plans and embark on the journey of growth and healing together.
Thanh (Kelly) Troung
Lori Moschetti, LPC-S
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
With 11 years of experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Lori is deeply committed to helping children, teens, and adults overcome challenges and achieve meaningful growth. Lori graduated from Our Lady of the Lake University with a Master's degree in Counseling. Her approach is compassionate, empathetic, and goal-oriented, with a foundation on a client-centered approach, she uses various evidence-based therapy modalities including Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to create tailored strategies for each client. For those seeking healing from past trauma, she is Master Trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), a powerful, research-backed method that helps resolve distressing memories quickly and effectively. Lori also has knowledge in other modalities and strategies and takes pride in empowering clients with practical tools and insights to foster and build upon existing strengths and resilience for lasting change.
Leslie Rodriguez, LCSW
Senior Clinician
Leslie received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Texas A&M University and her Master’s degree of Social Work from the University of Houston. Leslie’s passions are empowering clients to reach their goals and be the best version of themselves. Leslie provides individual, couples and family therapy for children, adolescents, and adults. She works with a variety of issues such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, negative thinking patterns, and stress. Leslie uses a variety of therapeutic approaches to tailor to the client, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Trauma-Focused CBT (TFCBT), and motivational interviewing. As a clinician, Leslie’s goal is to walk along with her clients and provide them with the tools necessary to reach their greater potential.
Milton Smith,
M.Ed., LPC-S
Senior Clinician
Milton is a board certified Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Texas and is currently working on becoming a clinical professional supervisor. He has 10 years of experience providing treatment to adolescents, and adults that have been impacted by abuse, depression, life transitions, mismanagement of anger/impulses, relationship challenges, and trauma. Milton is a Senior Clinician with Family Houston providing counseling to individuals, couples, and families within different stages of change by utilizing therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Reality Therapy, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. He believes in helping individuals develop a healthier sense of perspective and of self. Ultimately, Milton’s goal is to provide a safe and supportive space where individuals feel empowered to make constructive changes
Tanja van Dam, LPC-S, RPT-S
Senior Clinical Supervisor
Tanja received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Abilene Christian University and her Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from University of Texas Tyler. Tanja provides individual, couples, and family therapy for children, adolescents, and adults. She has worked in community settings with children and their families, as well as with adults diagnosed with severe mental health disorders. Although her primary modality is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Tanja tailors treatment to the individual by using an array of therapeutic interventions. Tanja is a registered play therapist and believes in the power of play to help clients find their resilience and healing.
Judy Vo,
M.Ed., LPC
Senior Clinician
Judy is a bilingual Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). She believes it is important for one to take time to thoroughly engage in self-exploration for the purpose of both gaining a better understanding of who they truly are, and attaining a healthy dose of self-awareness that will permit significant change to take place in their life. She received her Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management and her Master of Education in Counseling from the University of Houston – Main Campus. Fluent in Vietnamese and English, Judy provides individual, couples, and family counseling services for adults, adolescents, and children. Her experience spans anxiety, behavioral issues, life transitions or adjustments, stress, relationship problems, and depression. Because everyone is unique, she customizes therapeutic approaches based on the clients’ needs whether it may be Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, or a variety of other techniques. As a clinician, Judy will provide a safe environment to explore, support, and grow with clients as they move through their journey of life.
Modalities
How We Help
Modalities are approaches or methods that a therapist uses to help you reach your goals. They fall into broad categories, such as cognitive and behavioral, somatic (body awareness), experiential (play or art therapy), and more.
Therapeutic modalities used by Family Houston Mental Health Counselors include:
Client Testimonials
Success Stories
Real impact, real results. See how our programs and services have changed the lives of individuals and families across Houston.
Alyssa’s Story – A Safe Space to Heal
Alyssa had always kept herself busy with school and sports, using distractions to avoid dealing with her emotions. When she lost access to a previous therapist, she put off seeking help—until a family friend encouraged her to reach out to Family Houston. She expected formal intake questions and a structured process, but what she found was different. Her therapist immediately made her feel comfortable, creating a space where she could open up without fear.
“She made me feel so safe in such a short amount of time. It was different from what I expected, and that meant everything.”
-Alyssa
Central Location
411 Durham Dr
Houston, TX 77007
Phone: (713) 861-4849
Fax: (713) 583-7165
Email: family@familyhouston.org
Family Houston Service Areas
Bay Area
1300 Bay Area Blvd. Building A, Suite 240
Houston, TX 77058
Fort Bend
12300 Parc Crest Dr.
Stafford, TX 77477
Waller
531 FM 359 South
Brookshire, TX 77423
*Virtual Telehealth Only
The Woodlands
1600 Lake Front Circle, Suite 200
The Woodlands,
TX 77380
Patient Safety & Confidentiality
Family Houston is committed to quality care for all clients. You may view your Client’s Rights in English or Spanish. If you have a patient safety concern regarding Family Houston, or any other Joint Commission accredited organization, you may contact the Joint Commission directly:
E-mail: patientsafetyreport@jointcommission.org
Fax: (630) 792-5636
Mail: Office of Quality and Patient Safety, The Joint Commission, One Renaissance Boulevard, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181
Looking for Information?
Our articles reflect Family Houston’s commitment to reducing stigma and expanding access through funding, awareness, and stories.
Support Hotlines:
The Harris Center: 713-970-7000
Crisis Intervention Hotline: 832-416-1177
Crisis Text Line: Text START to 741741
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
Affiliations / Partnerships / Accreditations
Client Rights & Consumer Information
In accordance with Texas Health and Safety Code §181.105, clients have the right to access their health care records and to file complaints regarding services received.
Requesting Your Health Care Records
Clients may request copies of their health care records by contacting our office directly. Requests must be submitted in writing and may require verification of identity. For questions regarding records requests, please contact our administrative team at family@familyhouston.org or (713) 861-4849.
Contact the Texas Health and Human Services Council
For more information or assistance, you may contact the Health and Human Services Council through their Contact Us webpage:
https://www.hhs.texas.gov/about/contact-us
Filing a Consumer Complaint
If you wish to file a consumer complaint, you may do so through the Texas Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division:
https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection/file-consumer-complaint