Kristina Vaughan, LCSW

Ian Sanders is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) with 13 years of experience working with teens, adults, and couples. He is passionate about helping people navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, and major life transitions. Ian values a collaborative, strengths-based approach and strives to create a supportive, affirming, and nonjudgmental space for all clients, including LGBTQ+ individuals and those exploring identity or relationship concerns.

Clients working with Ian can expect an active, collaborative experience focused on practical growth. He blends evidence-based therapies with clear, actionable skills so clients leave sessions with tools they can apply in everyday life. Ian believes therapy should feel empowering and approachable, and he prioritizes open communication, emotional safety, and individualized care for each person or couple he supports.

Ian begins by gaining a clear understanding of each client’s goals, challenges, and strengths. Together, they develop a straightforward treatment plan tailored to the client’s needs. Sessions focus on building insight, strengthening coping skills, and tracking progress over time. Ian also incorporates psychoeducation for families and caregivers when appropriate and works with couples to improve communication and address relationship challenges.

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Angelique Umutesi is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience in outpatient mental health, school-based settings, and crisis intervention. She earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Texas at San Antonio and is completing her Doctor of Social Work at the University of Kentucky, focusing on Military Behavioral Health. She is a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist with additional training in grief, global mental health, and refugee trauma.

Therapy with Angelique is relational, grounded, and collaborative. She offers a space where clients feel safe, seen, and supported—free from pressure to have it all figured out. She values transparency and cultural humility, bringing warmth, curiosity, and gentle honesty to each session. Whether facing trauma, loss, identity shifts, or faith questions, Angelique walks with clients as they reclaim their voice and story.

Angelique begins by building a strong foundation—exploring your history, goals, and values. She collaborates with clients to create personalized treatment plans, drawing from IFS, ACT, and narrative therapy through a trauma-informed lens. Integrating spiritual and cultural frameworks when relevant, she ensures therapy stays connected, meaningful, and sustainable throughout the journey.

Violetta Aranda, LPC is a native South Texan and second generation Mexican- American. She is a 2011 graduate of St. Edward's University in Austin, Texas and obtained full LPC licensure in Texas in August of 2017. Her practice focuses on cognitive behavioral modalities within a humanistic client-centered approach to foster healing through self-acceptance and self-awareness. She has over a decade's worth of experience working within the mental health field and fifteen years working directly with children and adolescents in various capacities. Before joining Talkiatry, Miss Aranda practiced exclusively within the community health sector and these experiences provided the opportunity to become fully immersed in Trauma and Crisis Management and fostered the passion for evolving research in the treatment of trauma-informed care. She now aspires to utilize these allocated experiences and passion for the field to promote mental health awareness, client advocacy, and quality of care.

Monique Randle, LCSW, has been a licensed mental health therapist since 2009. She earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and holds a certification in sex therapy from the Sexual Health Alliance. Monique has training in trauma and couples therapy, including EMDR, TFCBT, PACT, Gottman, Prepare/Enrich, and SYMBIS. She has experience in outpatient and private practice settings, as well as supervising MSW interns and LCSW candidates.

Monique creates a warm, supportive, and non-judgmental space for clients to be their whole selves. She values honesty, collaboration, and open communication, blending evidence-based approaches like CBT, ACT, and narrative therapy with relational and mindfulness techniques. Her work is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, sex-positive, and LGBTQIA+ affirming. She helps clients build emotional awareness, set healthy boundaries, and cultivate self-compassion, addressing both the “why” behind patterns and practical tools for change.

Monique begins by exploring each client’s story, history, and goals. Together, they create individualized, evidence-based treatment plans, regularly adjusting as needed. Sessions are collaborative, providing insight, practical tools, and emotional support to apply in real life. Progress is measured not only by symptom reduction but by increased self-awareness, emotional stability, and confidence in navigating challenges.

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.

Stephorna Barnes-Patterson, LCSW, brings over 15 years of experience working in community and outpatient settings with individuals across all age groups. She utilizes various treatment modalities to meet diverse needs. Stephorna earned her degree from Adelphi University School of Social Work and is a licensed clinical social worker committed to compassionate, effective care.

Stephorna offers flexible, client-focused, and culturally competent treatment. She tailors every session to meet the individual’s unique needs, creating a space where patients feel heard, understood, and empowered in their healing journey.

During the initial session, Stephorna takes time to understand each patient’s history, concerns, goals, and existing strengths. She collaborates with clients to develop personalized treatment plans aimed at providing both immediate relief and long-term healing.