Welcome | My Professional Profile
On this page, you’ll find a detailed look at my professional background, education, and areas of expertise.
As the owner and operator of New Leaf Services, I bring a unique blend of academic training, counseling experience, and a passion for personal transformation.
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My journey in the mental health field is rooted in evidence-based practices and a commitment to helping individuals, couples, and organizations achieve meaningful change. Explore my qualifications to understand how my skills and experience can support your growth.
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For any questions or to discuss how we can work together, I invite you to schedule a FREE 30-Minute Consultation.
Professional Summary
Dedicated and empathetic Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPC A) with a strong background in mental health services and counseling.
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Earned a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from UTRGV with hands-on experience through internships and supervised practice.
Adept at building rapport with clients, employing evidence-based therapeutic techniques, and working effectively in both in-person and remote settings.
Committed to providing high-quality therapeutic support services to clients and contributing to their emotional and psychological well-being.
Formal Education
Univ. of TX - Rio Grande Valley | Edinburg, TX | May 2024
Master of Education (M.Ed.) | Clinical Mental Health | GPA 3.80
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Univ. of TX - Pan American | Edinburg, TX | December 2011
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) | Major: Psychology - Minor: Sociology | GPA 3.48
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S. TX College | McAllen, TX | December 2008
Associate of Arts (A.A.) | Major: Social Sciences ( Psychology ) | GPA 3.77
Skills and Trainings
• Case Management and Documentation
• Intakes for Mental Health Services
• Safety Planning
• Treatment Planning
• Motivational Interviewing
• Telehealth Trained
• Trauma Informed Clinician
• Psychiatric Crisis Screening, Resolution & De-escalation
• Mindfulness
• Anxiety Reducing Behavioral Modification
• A.S.I.S.T. (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training)
• AS+K? To Save A Life Gatekeeper Suicide Prevention
• C.A.L.M. (Counseling on Access to Lethal Means) Suicide Prevention
• C.A.M.S. (Collaborative Assessment and Mgmt. of Suicidality) Suicide Treatment
• C.A.S.E. Approach (Chronological Assesment of Suicide Events)
• C.I.S.M. (Critical Incident Stress Management) Trauma Debriefing
• C.A.R.T. (Certified Anger Resolution Therapist)
• Anger Mgmt. Psychosocial Skills Administration
• Zero Suicide Framework Program Development and Application
Relevant Experience
Zero Suicide Coordinator
Leadership in Suicide Prevention and Organizational Development (2019 - 2023)
As a Zero Suicide Coordinator at Tropical Texas Behavioral Health (TTBH), I led the development and implementation of the Zero Suicide framework across multiple mental health organizations throughout Texas. This role required high-level collaboration with executive leaders, state agencies, and healthcare providers, allowing me to hone my expertise in policy development, strategic planning, and organizational leadership.
Working alongside the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), I facilitated the integration of Zero Suicide principles across eight Local Mental Health Authorities (LMHAs), ensuring alignment with trauma-informed care practices.
I engaged with managers, clinical supervisors, and executive leadership teams to create and modify policies that emphasized both client safety and staff well-being, demonstrating my ability to develop scalable frameworks that align with an organization’s mission and operational goals.
In this position, I coordinated large-scale suicide prevention trainings for clinical and non-clinical staff, such as AS+K, CALM, and CAMS protocols, ensuring that personnel were equipped with practical tools to identify, assess, and manage suicidality. My efforts contributed to a cultural shift toward safety-first practices, focusing on the prevention of avoidable deaths through collaborative treatment planning.
Additionally, I spearheaded the creation of Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) teams, enabling staff to respond effectively to crises and ensuring emotional support for frontline professionals. I was responsible for developing and implementing action plans, providing technical assistance, and evaluating outcomes, demonstrating my ability to balance strategic leadership with operational management.
This role required proficiency in:
• Program development and evaluation: Designing, implementing, and assessing the effectiveness of mental health initiatives.
• Cross-functional collaboration: Engaging with leadership at all levels to align policies and practices across multiple organizations.
• Training and capacity-building: Facilitating professional development programs to promote evidence-based care.
• Crisis management: Leading suicide prevention efforts and debriefing teams after critical incidents.
• Data-driven decision making: Monitoring outcomes to ensure continuous improvement and compliance with state and national standards.
Through my work as a Zero Suicide Coordinator, I developed the executive-level skills needed to lead complex mental health initiatives, drive systemic change, and promote sustainable practices across large organizations. This experience reflects my capacity to manage high-stakes projects, build effective partnerships, and inspire teams to embrace a shared vision for safety and growth.
New Leaf Services
Entrepreneurial Leadership in Counseling and Business Development (2012 – Present)
Since 2012, I have operated my own counseling business, delivering court-mandated anger management programs and psychosocial rehabilitation services under the banner of New Leaf Services. This long-standing entrepreneurial journey has given me deep insights into the intersection of mental health, business operations, and client engagement, while refining the essential skills needed to build and sustain a counseling practice.
In this role, I’ve provided services as a Certified Anger Resolution Therapist (C.A.R.T.), working closely with probation departments and court systems. Meeting the strict compliance requirements of these institutions has strengthened my ability to navigate regulatory environments and maintain a high level of accountability. Consistent referrals from Hidalgo County’s Adult Probation Department reflect my reputation for reliability, professionalism, and high-quality service delivery.
Running a business for over a decade has required me to develop and master several key skills, including:
• Client Relationship Management:
Establishing and maintaining positive relationships with clients, probation officers, and court representatives.
• Service Expansion and Adaptability:
Adjusting my offerings to meet evolving client needs, from anger management classes to expanding into broader mental health services, including counseling, coaching, and consulting.
• Financial Planning and Budgeting:
Managing operational costs, pricing, and ensuring the business remains economically viable without compromising service quality.
• Marketing and Outreach:
Engaging with community stakeholders, promoting services through local networks, and leveraging social media to raise awareness about the practice.
• Regulatory Compliance: Maintaining good standing with courts and probation systems by following strict documentation standards, meeting deadlines, and ensuring all reports and certifications meet professional requirements.
Over the years, I’ve also gained valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities involved in working with diverse client populations. From individuals navigating the criminal justice system to those seeking personal growth, I’ve learned the importance of tailoring services to fit the unique needs of each client while staying true to evidence-based practices.
Additionally, managing my own practice has strengthened my ability to:
​• Balance administrative tasks with client care, ensuring both the business and therapeutic components run smoothly.
• Develop strategic partnerships with community organizations and professionals to enhance service delivery and grow my network.
• Foster personal and professional growth, recognizing that entrepreneurship requires continuous learning, adaptability, and resilience.
My entrepreneurial experience has also taught me the importance of boundaries, time management, and work-life balance—critical elements for maintaining long-term success and preventing burnout in a demanding field. Each challenge faced has contributed to my growth as a business owner, counselor, and leader, preparing me to offer more comprehensive services through New Leaf Services.
Looking forward, I am committed to expanding my practice to meet the needs of all my clients through specialized counseling, coaching, and consulting services, building on the lessons learned from over a decade of hands-on business experience.
Professional Associations
Member of the American Counseling Association ( ACA )
Member of the Texas Counseling Association ( TCA )