Tara Merchant, LMHC

Maria Fiore is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has experience with a broad range of people and situations. Maria attended school at the University of Houston - Victoria, and practices in Texas. She continues to study and research in order to bring the best quality of care to each individual that she works with.‍In the time that Maria has been a therapist, she has worked directly with clients needing intense inpatient care, clients in an educational setting, and clients in various outpatient settings. She believes that every individual is unique and the care they receive should reflect that. Maria will work with you to develop therapeutic goals so you can grow into being the best version of yourself.‍She bases her treatment approach on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, with elements of mindfulness and solutions focused therapy. Outside of work, Maria enjoys gardening, reading, and spending time in nature.‍

Jessica Vassallo is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience in the area of mental health. She has worked with patients of various demographics including World Trade Center responders, college students, patients with severe and persistent mental illness, dually diagnosed patients, patients who have or have had cancer, and patients with impoverished backgrounds. She received her Master's Degree at Adelphi University in 2003, became certified that year and received her license in clinical social work in 2008. Jessica has been practicing in social work for 20 years, focusing on anxiety, depression, and PTSD. She uses an eclectic approach in therapy with a foundation in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, mindfulness therapy, and supportive psychotherapy. She develops an individualized treatment plan for all patients to focus on their goals. She believes that the person is impacted by all the larger systems they are in (family, workplace, community, larger society) and is committed to providing a non-judgmental, warm, and empathetic space to help clients feel understood and comfortable exploring the roots of their issues.

Anne Tormos, LCPC, LPC-MHSP, believes that every person has the ability to live a happy, healthy, engaging life, but at times individuals need an objective observer to help uncover what that life looks like. She treats clients ages 15 and up struggling with a variety of challenges, including mood disorders, anxiety, and life transitions. Anne is a National Board-Certified Counselor. She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the State of Illinois and a Licensed Professional Counselor � MHSP in the State of Tennessee. Anne earned a BA in Psychology from North Central College and an MS in Clinical Psychology from Benedictine University. Her experience includes working at an inpatient psychiatric hospital and outpatient group practice, which allowed her to utilize different types of care with people from all backgrounds with many different life stressors. She also has experience working within PHP and IOP settings. Anne is trained to utilize many therapeutic techniques, including CBT and DBT.‍Anne is prepared to join you on your journey to self-fulfillment. She believes that everyone has their own story to tell, and her approach is client-centered, strength-based, and solution focused. She cherishes all client relationships and devotes her time and energy to the healing process.

Lisa May is a licensed professional counselor and mental health service provider (LPC-MHSP) with extensive experience working in the mental health field. Lisa has worked with clients of various demographics who are living with a variety of mental health conditions. Lisa attended Lindsey Wilson College where she attained her Master's in Mental Health Counseling and Morehead State University where she graduated with a bachelor's degree in social work. She has worked with DCS, foster care, and had a private practice in KY before deciding to move to Tennessee. Lisa has been practicing for over 10 years and has worked in other areas of mental health since 1997. Working with Lisa, I found that treatment is tailored for the individual, as there is great effort put into choosing the treatment modality that fits the individual's personal struggles. Lisa uses the three C's (catching, checking, and changing) approach with a foundation in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy intertwined with Mindfulness. She also prefers the person-centered focus, as she works specifically with the individual and the struggles they may be facing.‍

Kristina Vaughan, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Houston, Texas. With over six years of experience as a dedicated social worker and more than two years as a practicing therapist, Kristina brings both compassion and expertise to her work. She earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Houston in 2016.

 Kristina specializes in Bipolar Disorder and impulse control disorders. She is known for her empathetic yet direct approach, working collaboratively with clients to identify and prioritize their most pressing needs. Her therapeutic style is eclectic, drawing from a range of evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Narrative Therapy, and Brainspotting.

Conditions Treated: Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, and Grief.

If you feel like you've been watching your life unfold from the sidelines instead of taking the lead as its storyteller, Kristina may be the right therapist to help you reclaim your narrative

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.