Meet the Team
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Naomi Berger-Perez, Director of Counseling Services Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor | Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Supervisor Naomi has worked in the field of mental health for over 16 years and is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, holding a supervisor status for both. She has a passion for guiding and teaching other counselors and takes pride in those that she has led to becoming fully licensed. As a native Houstonian Naomi has worked in a wide range of mental health settings starting out in the non-profit sector at a domestic violence agency and an organization for children, adolescents, and families in Houston's inner city. She has also worked with those populations who have complex medical needs both physically and emotionally, and most recently, as an employee assistance program counselor for a large hospital system, offering a wide range of support through various counseling modalities for children, adolescents, and adults. Naomi operates from a person-centered approach, and one of open-mindedness in that every day is a learning experience in which we can learn. Location: OMB S280 |
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Tim Coulter, Assistant Director of Counseling Services Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor “I hold a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Houston-Downtown and a Master of Education in Counseling from the University of Houston. Before becoming a therapist, I spent many years as a banker providing financial solutions to couples and individuals from all walks of life. In addition to financial counseling, I have worked with teenagers, young adults, couples, groups, cancer patients, and individuals in many areas including anxiety, depression, sexual identity, leading a purpose-driven life, career development, substance abuse, anger management, smoking cessation, grief, motivation, and mindfulness. I've worked in many environments including colleges, high schools, residential treatment facilities, private practice, and cancer centers doing both traditional counseling and meditation." Location: OMB S280 |
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Christina Henry Location: OMB S601 |
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Lizet Ivarra Location: S280
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Jessica Peralta Location: OMB S601 |
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Tiffany Wilson Licensed Professional Counselor Tiffany Wilson has been with the UHD community for 8 years with experience in the Admissions Department and the Davies College of Business Advising Office. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and earned her Master of Arts degree in Counseling from Prairie View A & M University in May 2014. Tiffany has experience in a variety of settings including residential mental healthcare centers, and community-based and outpatient community mental health centers. She provides therapy for adolescents and adults addressing a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, stress, mood disorders, emotional adjustments to health concerns, and relationship concerns. She uses a holistic approach in counseling from several treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Mindfulness, and Solution Focused Brief Therapy. She believes that everyone has the gift to heal themselves with guidance and support. Location: OMB S601 |
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Laura Nava Hi, I am Laura Nava a Licensed Professional Counselor- Associate at the University of Houston-Downtown. I graduated from the University of St. Thomas with a master’s in science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in the year of 2024. I am a bilingual therapist (English/Spanish) and hold certifications as both a Trauma-Informed and Grief-Informed Professional. My counseling practice is grounded in evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Person- Centered Therapy. In my clinical work, I have supported individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, identity development, and academic pressure. I have extensive experience working with young adults from historically marginalized communities, including first-generation college students, and I approach each therapeutic relationship with cultural humility and empathy. As a first-generation college graduate and Latina, I am passionate about empowering students and clients from diverse backgrounds. I understand the unique pressures that come with balancing multiple identities and life transitions, so I strive to provide culturally responsive, affirming care that meets each person where they are. |
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JaNa Bickel and “Major” Location: OMB S601 |
Master's Level Counselors in Training
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Nicole Kuri, Sam Houston State University Intern My name is Nicole, and I am in my final year of my master’s degree at Sam Houston State University. I am originally from El Salvador and can speak both English and Spanish fluently. As a counselor-in-training, I strive to create a non-judgmental space where clients feel safe sharing their stories and experiencing their emotions. I practice an integrative approach, but I focus mainly on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Person-Centered Therapy. In a therapy session with me, clients can expect a collaborative exploration of their inner world to identify the thoughts and beliefs that may be negatively impacting their well-being. Besides improving thinking patterns, I also believe in the power of accepting and experiencing our own emotions as well as paying attention to the present through mindfulness. I have experience working with clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, domestic abuse, body image issues, neurodivergence, and more. Furthermore, I also have training in couples and family therapy. I firmly believe that seeking therapy is never a sign of weakness and that showing vulnerability takes bravery and courage. I look forward to being a witness to your story and growth! |
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Noelle Winter, University of St. Thomas Intern My name is Noe, I am a counselor-in-training, currently finishing my first year of my Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of St. Thomas. My approach to counseling is heavily based on the client's needs: being Person-Centered, I believe in letting the clients carry the conversation at their own pace while being a constant voice of empathy and support. I also find Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as well as some concepts from Gestalt and Adlerian approaches to be useful in providing an integrative approach to meet the client where they are at. I am interested in working with all populations, including athletes. I have grown up in the realm of sports and wellness, and I am particularly interested in focusing on the connection between mental performance and physical performance in sports, arts, or tactical populations. My long-term goal is to eventually get my CMPC Certification and work with collegiate athletes or professional athletes on mental performance. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, and taking my dog on hikes to explore Houston! I look forward to meeting and working alongside you! |
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Jacquelyn Nunn, University of St. Thomas Intern I am a graduate student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of St. Thomas. I see counseling as a space where people can slow down, feel less alone, and begin making sense of what has felt confusing, painful, or overwhelming. My approach is grounded in authenticity, curiosity, and trauma-informed care. To me, this means paying attention to how people’s experiences may shape their sense of safety, relationships, identity, and self-worth, while moving at a pace that respects each person’s readiness and autonomy. I am interested in helping people make sense of themselves and their experiences, especially when they are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of themselves. I also pay attention to patterns in how people relate to themselves, others, and the world, because those patterns often reflect what someone has lived through and how they have learned to keep going. I hope to help clients feel more grounded and supported as they build trust in themselves and reconnect with their voice, values, and direction. |
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Cindy Beltran, University of St. Thomas Intern Cindy Beltran is a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern in her first year of the
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at the University of
St. Thomas. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Cindy has over 10 years of experience
in community health services, working with diverse and underserved populations. As
is a bilingual first-generation Latina counselor in training, she is committed to
creating a supportive space where clients feel heard, valued, and empowered. Cindy
encourages individuals to rewrite their narratives, embrace their strengths, and recognize
that their past does not define their future. |
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Cauley Snoddy, University of St. Thomas Intern Cauley is currently pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of St. Thomas. After spending many years raising her two children, she is now pursuing her lifelong dream of becoming a counselor. Cauley is passionate about helping individuals recognize their unique strengths and develop resilience as they navigate life’s challenges. She has experience serving as a group facilitator at Bo’s Place, a nonprofit bereavement center, where she worked with children and adults processing grief and loss. Her counseling approach draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Adlerian Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy, allowing her to tailor her work to the unique needs of each client. Cauley strives to create a supportive, empathetic, and respectful environment where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered in their personal growth. She considers it a privilege to walk alongside clients in their journey and to be welcomed into a space where healing, self-discovery, and meaningful change can occur. |
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Katherine Solares, Sam Houston State University Intern I am a first-generation graduate student in my final year of training in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Sam Houston State University. I received my bachelor’s degree in psychology from California State University, Long Beach, and my professional background is in education. My counseling approach is grounded in person-centered therapy. I strongly believe that the client is the driver, and I’m in the passenger seat. I integrate a systemic and feminist lens, particularly paying attention to how family patterns, culture and power shape a client’s experience. I view counseling through a multicultural lens to help the client get the most out of the process. I am passionate about supporting individuals build self-esteem and fostering personal growth. Above all, I want my clients to feel seen and heard when they are in the space with me. I’m interested in serving all populations, including the Latinx community, where mental health has often been stigmatized. Born and raised in South Central Los Angeles, I grew up around people who didn’t believe in mental health, and that experience shapes why this work matters to me. My goal is to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and eventually start my own private practice. Outside of my counselor training, I enjoy being outdoors and staying active. Hiking is a favorite! I also love being creative and writing. |
Undergraduate Assistants
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Betsy Aguilar, Undergraduate Student Assistant Hi, my name is Betsy Aguilar. I am one of the student workers here in the counseling department. You'll see me in the front office early in the morning. I like to read, draw, paint, and binge-watch a lot of horror movies. I like to eat a lot too. The counseling department here is very welcoming and a relaxing place to be in, so don't be afraid to drop in! All of the staff here are welcoming.
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Marceline Solis, Undergraduate Student Assistant Hi, my name is Marceline. I’m a junior majoring in Fine Arts, and I’m deeply passionate about art and all things creative. I run a group called The Crafty Gators, where students come together to explore arts and crafts in a fun, collaborative space. When I’m not leading Crafty Gators, I’m usually painting or staying busy with my biggest project yet—a custom mural for the office designed to create a more welcoming environment for all students and visitors. I love hearing everyone’s interpretations of my process, and I can’t wait for everyone to see the finished product! Outside of art, I enjoy playing guitar, going to concerts, playing video games, and spending time with my friends and family. In the future, I hope to become a college art professor and showcase my work in gallery exhibitions, and I hope to be as well-known and influential as my favorite director/artist, David Lynch. "Everything I learned in my life, I learned because I decided to try something new.” ― David Lynch |