Alicia Lakin, LPC

Ronda T. Alaniz, LPC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor with extensive experience providing therapy and case management for children, adolescents, and adults. She currently serves as a Remote Therapist with Hazel Health Services, conducting evaluations and offering evidence-based counseling for clients ages 4–25. With over nine years as a School Mental Health Counselor at Edgewood ISD, Ronda developed and implemented individual and group counseling programs for PK–12 students. She also brings valuable leadership experience as a former Program Director and Case Manager in nonprofit and social service settings. Ronda earned her Master of Arts in Psychology from Stephen F. Austin State University and her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Texas A&M University.

Ronda creates a warm, supportive, and collaborative environment where clients feel heard and respected. She values open communication and works closely with clients to establish meaningful, achievable goals. Her approach integrates evidence-based methods tailored to each client’s developmental stage and individual needs. Ronda empowers clients through education, self-awareness, and practical coping skills, fostering growth, resilience, and emotional well-being.

Ronda begins with a comprehensive assessment to understand each client’s history, strengths, and challenges. She then collaborates on a personalized treatment plan centered on the client’s goals and progress. Utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Trauma-Focused CBT, Ronda ensures care remains effective and responsive. Her sessions emphasize emotional regulation, skill-building, and positive self-talk to promote lasting well-being.

After graduating from the University of Northern Iowa in 2014, Kendrah worked at a non-profit organization that focused on substance abuse and mental health. She worked there from 2014-2021 initially as a substance abuse counselor and later transitioned into a Clinical Director position. Most recently, Kendrah has been serving patients in a private practice mental health therapist role. Kendrah's interests and specialties are Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Marriage and Family, Culture and Diversity, Dual Diagnosis, Meditation and Dating Violence/Abuse. She also has an interest in Self Image/Self-Esteem and Addictive Behaviors with Substance Use and Gambling.

Akili’s approach is centered around the individual. His goal is to help people embrace their authentic self. He believes that counseling and the therapeutic process is experiential. He has been through most of the life struggles we all have been through. Akili has also written several books - the latest of which, “Be an Anomaly”, is about the autism spectrum. Beyond his passion for helping others, Akili is passionate about his family, drawing, music, and basketball.

Akili utilizes multimedia resources, oftentimes with an emphasis on writing and creativity. He works to create a warm atmosphere of welcoming energy and connection. Therapeutic modalities used include REBT, CBT, Positive Psychology, ACT, and Gottman Method.

The tools that Akili uses are those hidden within you. He uses creative therapy and behavioral techniques to help you get where you want to be. Your collaboration is a trip that you will embark on together. Akili will help you find the best solutions to the answers you have.

Rebecca Burns is a licensed clinical social worker with a vast range of experience working in the mental health field. Rebecca has worked directly with individuals of various backgrounds and age ranges. Rebecca attended Fordham University for her Bachelor's degree and attended Rutgers University where she received her MSW. To date, Rebecca has been practicing for 4 years as a clinical social worker in an outpatient setting. Over the years, Rebecca has worked with diverse clients seeking relief from a wide range of symptoms, including anxiety, depression, OCD, childhood/adult trauma, relationship issues, personality disorders, life transitions, stress, and navigating loss and grief. Rebecca is trained and certified in cognitive-based therapies, including CBT and TF-CBT. Practicing from a biopsychosocial lens, Rebecca integrates evidence-based treatments, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Strengths-Based Approaches to individualize treatment plans for each client. It is an important aspect of treatment to identify which approaches and interventions work best for each client's unique needs. Additionally, one of Rebecca's biggest priorities is to create the space for each client to build a trusting, non-judgmental and therapeutic relationship.

Ernest Smith, LPC, specializes in supporting adolescents, young adults, adults, and older adults as they navigate grief, anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. With a compassionate and client-centered approach, he creates a safe, nonjudgmental space for individuals to explore their experiences and build the skills necessary for healing, growth, and resilience.

Ernest draws from a range of evidence-based modalities—including solution-focused therapy, person-centered therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). He tailors each session to meet the unique needs of his clients, whether helping adolescents manage emotional regulation and identity development or supporting older adults in coping with grief and life changes.

Ernest provides trauma-informed care and recovery-focused strategies that foster emotional safety, self-awareness, and long-term well-being. His goal is to walk alongside each person with empathy, understanding, and practical tools that promote lasting change and inner strength.

Wendy Barajas is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with over 15 years of experience working in community mental health outpatient settings. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Mount St. Mary’s University in Los Angeles and her master’s degree in Marriage, Family, and Child Therapy from the University of Phoenix. Wendy works primarily with adults and couples and also enjoys supporting children and teens. As a first-generation Latina, she understands the challenges of navigating bicultural identity and generational trauma.

Wendy supports clients experiencing anxiety, depression, eating disorders, workplace or school concerns, peer challenges, and sexuality-related issues. She believes clients are the experts in their own lives and partners with them to find balance and clarity. Wendy integrates humor into sessions when appropriate and brings a firm yet friendly, honest, and down-to-earth approach. She adapts her communication style to meet each client’s needs and enjoys celebrating progress and accomplishments.

Clients can expect to feel heard and seen from the first session. Wendy focuses on building connection, understanding what led clients to prioritize their mental health, and establishing trust. Together, they identify meaningful, attainable goals. Wendy provides respectful and honest feedback while supporting steady progress, viewing therapy as a collaborative journey rather than a race.