Sarai earned her Master of Science in Counseling Psychology and is a licensed counselor in Texas. Sarai has worked as a professional counselor with trauma counseling organizations and in the University setting. She is a specialist in trauma recovery and relational repair therapy, and she is fluent in Spanish and English and is Gottman Level 1 and EMDR trained. Sarai served honorably for 12 years in the United States Army, performing crisis intervention and counseling and conducting numerous workshops and retreats worldwide.  Journey4ward is excited to have Saria counseling and serving our victims.  Journey4ward’s victims that she has counseled have all expressed that she is a wonderful counselor, and she has helped them to process the stages of grief and helped them immensely in their recoveries.

Monet is a licensed professional counselor who has been providing therapy services for over 7 years and is working towards becoming an LPC-S (LPC Supervisor). Her vast experiences include inpatient and outpatient mental health care, school counseling, working with children, traumatic grief counseling, individual sessions, group sessions in mental health and substance abuse, and family group sessions. Monet uses evidence-based practice skills to include EMDR, cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness/ motivation, stress relief skills, client-centered therapy, and solution-focused counseling. She is also trained to provide therapy services as a safe space in the LGBTQ community and is a victim of gun violence. Monet lost her sister to gun violence and is passionate about working to prevent gun violence in our community.

Ileana Abreu is a Bilingual Graduate Student Intern attending Lamar University. Ileana is passionate about helping others explore their stuck points, and processing the challenges that life will present to you in the different seasons. Often, these challenges come disguised as trauma, loss, behavioral or relationship conflict, and can manifest as anxiety, depression, and stress. While experiencing these challenges, it can be difficult to picture better days ahead and continue with your daily responsibilities. During this time, it is important to have someone to lean on and provide a safe non-judgmental space where you can freely express yourself and receive guidance through it all. This is where Ileana will come in to help by using different tools and techniques, to redirect your focus and work through your trauma. Ileana works with individuals ages 12 and up and offers sessions in Spanish.

Kaleigh Walker is a Graduate Student attending Colorado Christian University with over 7 years of experience in Education.  Kaleigh believes that the therapeutic process can be a unique resource for anyone navigating life's challenges. She primarily provides person-centered therapy and trauma-informed approaches with vast experience in working with individuals that have experienced Trauma related challenges.  Kaleigh also provides a safe space for healing and transformation to occur through a relationship built on trust and empathy. Kaleigh works with clients ages 12 years and up

Kristina Gilder is a graduate Student Intern attending Lamar University with seven years of experience in social work settings. Kristina has conducted individual counseling sessions for adults and children. Her previous involvement includes working with children who have been victims of abuse and neglect, identifying and referring adult clients to appropriate rehabilitative services such as mental health and substance use services, conducting home studies of persons who might care for children, and ensuring that people who are caring for children have access to resources to meet the children’s needs. Kristina has experienced and seen first-hand the effects that violence can have on the victim’s loved ones. Kristina’s therapeutic orientations include client-centered, solution-focused, cognitive behavioral therapy, and faith-based Christian counseling. Kristina is known for her empathetic, warm, and non-judgmental style. She is passionate about working with clients in different stages of life and assisting them through their healing journeys. Kristina works with clients 16 years and up.

Keandra is a graduate student intern with eight years of experience in the mental health field and has a Bachelors's in Psychology from The University of Texas of the Permian Basin. She has worked with trauma victims in a behavioral health facility and has worked in a crisis call center helping clients. Keandra is currently pursuing her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and will graduate in August 2022. Her approach to counseling includes EMDR, CBT, DBT, Christian Faith, and Client-Centered. Keandra also serves as our sign language counselor and Journey4ward is pleased to have Keandra as a part of our counseling team.

Sherri Mata is a full-time faculty member at Tarrant County College and Tarleton State University and a Licensed Professional Counselor. Sherri has a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in professional counseling and is working towards a doctorate in clinical psychology that leads to licensure as a psychologist in the state of Texas. As an instructor, Sherri teaches general psychology, psychology of adjustment, lifespan/human growth and development, educational psychology & APA writing. As a counselor, Sherri has worked with the felony, victim, and college student populations. As a director of counseling, Sherri advocates for a community of non-violence, working with city officials, local independent school districts, and various coalitions representing the Victim’s Coalition and the Criminal Justice System. Sherri’s current research includes assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for victims of violent crimes as well as a disorder that is being researched and considered for the next edition of the American Psychiatric Associations Diagnostics and Statistical Manual of Mental Desired (Persistent Complex Bereavement Disorder). Sherri also serves as a volunteer counselor for Journey4ward.