Our Counselors

Education

Master of Arts degrees in Marriage and Family Therapy and Christian Education

Bio

Darin Griffiths is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) and holds a License in Marriage and Family Therapy (LMFT), both recognized by the Board of Examiners in Counseling of the State of Texas. He joined the STCH Ministries staff in 2005, was named Director of Education and Ministry in 2008, named Administrative Director of Corpus Christi and Satellite Offices in 2014 and became Vice President of Family Counseling in 2017.

Darin holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theology from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and also graduated from Southwestern Theological Seminary. He holds three Master of Arts degrees in the areas of Marriage and Family Therapy and Christian Education. He specializes in working with couples and individuals who are experiencing relationship challenges and practices a Solution Focused approach to therapy. This involves tailoring interventions to fit a client’s specific needs, in hopes of maximizing positive results. Additionally, his work usually involves some cognitive-behavioral interventions.

Darin also has an extensive history working in a ministerial capacity with churches and is a licensed and ordained minister. He is available to speak in private seminar settings on a variety of parenting and marriage topics, as well as pulpit supply in the absence of a pastor or for special occasions. Additionally, Darin is available to lead Marriage Enrichment seminars upon request.

Darin is married to Caren and they have two children, Hadley and Hayden. The family enjoys the outdoors together, especially working with farm animals, as well as hunting, fishing, and shooting sports.

Education

Master in Clinical Social Work

Bio

Joanna Berry is the Vice President of Family and International Ministries. After beginning in 1996 as a part-time therapist in Corpus Christi, Joanna was asked to assume the Director of Counseling position at STCH Ministries Family Counseling. Under her leadership Family Counseling grew and expanded significantly, and in 2017 she passed the baton to Darin Griffiths as this ministry’s new vice president. In addition to the counseling ministry, she also helped establish Christian Women’s Job Corp (CWJC) of Corpus Christi, which we now call Faith & Work.

In 2006, Joanna was asked to lead in the development of STCH Ministries International, focusing on ministering to children and families internationally, and was also named a vice president. Her passion has always been families, believing that the family is critical in the development of children, and that it is the foundation of churches and communities. She is available to speak on marriage and the family, and often speaks on the value of the family serving together, which is a strong focus of our international trips.

Joanna holds a master’s degree in clinical social work from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas. Prior to STCH Ministries, Joanna worked in a family business with her husband and raised three children. She and her husband, John, are the proud grandparents of 11 grandchildren. They attend and minister at First Baptist Church, Corpus Christi.

Education

Master of Science in Counseling

Bio

Lorena Mendez is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) licensed by the Board of Examiners in Counseling of the State of Texas. She is also a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor (RPT-S) registered by The National Association of Play Therapy. Lorena joined the STCH Ministries staff in 2006 and counsels families, individuals, children, and adolescents. She also serves as Regional Director for the Corpus Christi area.

Lorena holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration and Marketing and a Master of Science degree in Counseling from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. She also supervises graduate students through their counseling program internship and LPC Interns through their 3000-hour post-graduate internship to become fully licensed. Lorena speaks at various seminars, workshops, and community events.

Lorena stays busy raising her teenage son, Sabastian. She feels honored to be the one he calls Mom and has been blessed to watch him grow into the man God has called him to be. They attend Church Unlimited in Corpus Christi where God has moved greatly in their lives.

Education

Master of Science in Clinical Counseling

Bio

Leslee O’Neal, a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) licensed by the State of Texas, joined STCH Ministries in 2008 as a Family Therapist. Since that time she has counseled multiple families and individuals, specializing in grief therapy, temperament profiling, and pre-marital & marriage counseling. Leslee is a certified ARNO Temperament Specialist, a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist (CGRS), and is registered with Twogether in Texas as a pre-marital specialist.

With a BA in Elementary Education and an MS in Clinical Counseling, Leslee supervises graduate students presently in internship programs, as well as supervising soon-to-be licensed counseling interns. She also develops opportunities for fellow staff members to speak at seminars, workshops, churches, and other organizations.

Leslee is a former elementary teacher who has been married over 30 years, and has two grown sons, both of whom are pursuing their dreams in LA and New York.

Education

Master of Science in Counseling

Bio

Desirae Contreras serves as a Licensed Professional Counselor at STCH Ministries Family Counseling in Corpus Christi, Texas, where she inspires clients to see how God is working in their lives (Ephesians 3:20). She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Science in Counseling from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. Desirae is a member of the American Counseling Association (ACA), Texas Counseling Association (TCA), and the Association for Play Therapy (APT). She has served as secretary for Chi Sigma Iota (Counseling Honor Society) and is currently a part of the board for the Coastal Bend Chapter of the Texas Association for Play Therapy (CBC-TAPT).

As part of her life-long passion for helping others, Desirae has received specialized training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Her passion is working with children and adolescents. Before coming to STCH Ministries, she worked as an adjunct professor at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and completed many internships at Corpus Christi ISD.

Desirae was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, and is married to Hector, who serves in the United States Air Force. Together they have one daughter. Desirae enjoys time with her family and friends, and their dog, Finley.

Education

Masters of Arts in Counseling

Bio

Amanda Brown is a Licensed Professional Counselor serving at STCH Ministries in Corpus Christi and Rockport. Amanda holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Southwestern Assemblies of God University and her Masters of Arts in Counseling from Regent University.

Amanda felt called to work with others when she was in high school. Her passion for people and her love for the Lord have led her to work for STCH Ministries. Her experience includes working with children, adolescents, and adults with vast concerns including symptoms of depression, anxiety, and adjustment issues. She also has experience working with clients who have experienced trauma.

Amanda grew up in the Coastal Bend and has lived in Rockport since 2016. Amanda and her husband, Robert, have been married since 2012. They have a son, Kayden. Amanda enjoys a good cup of coffee, time with her family, and loving on her two dogs, Charlie and Zoe.

Education

Masters of Science in Counseling

Bio

Peyton Lindgren is a Licensed Professional Counselor – Associate (LPC-Associate) and a National Certified Counselor (NCC) serving at STCH Ministries in Corpus Christi. Peyton holds a Bachelors of Liberal Arts in Sociology and her Masters of Science in Counseling from Texas A&M University Corpus Christi. Peyton is a member of the Gulf Coast Counseling Association (GCCA) and the American Counseling Association (ACA).

Peyton’s dream has always been to help others. She is passionate about working with children, adolescents, families, and couples. Peyton is working towards becoming a Registered Play Therapist and has experience working with all age groups.

Peyton has lived in the Coastal Bend since 2006. Peyton and her husband, Eric, have been married since 2017. Together, they share a loving lab named Reagan. Peyton enjoys traveling and spending time with family.

Education

Master of Science in Social Work

Bio

Charny Beck became the Regional Director of Family Counseling for the Houston area in September of 2016. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker – Supervisor. Charny holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Baylor University and a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington. She received her certification as an Educational Diagnostician from the University of Houston and holds her teacher certification in Early Childhood to 6th grade and in Special Education from Pre-K to 12th grade.

At STCH Ministries, Charny spends most of her counseling time doing marriage counseling, infidelity work, men’s and women’s issues, anxiety, depression, and grief and trauma with adults. She is level 1 and level 2 Gottman trained, a Certified Parenting with Love and Logic facilitator, Prepare/Enrich and SYMBIS facilitator certified. Charny uses CBT, DBT, Family Systems and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy in her treatment approaches. Being a pastor’s wife herself, she works with pastors and spouses in all areas of burn-out and brokenness. Charny has worn many hats in her career working with at-risk youth, Early Childhood Intervention programs, as well as has extensive experience in a variety of school settings working as a social worker, counselor, Educational Diagnostician and special education director. More recently Charny has done counseling in a private practice setting for twelve years. She now serves at STCH Ministries and each day looks forward to using her faith to pour into the lives of people. She calls it an honor and blessing to walk alongside marriages and families as they walk through their personal valleys of life.

Originally from Plano, Texas, Charny has called the Houston area home since 2004. She and her husband have been married since 1996 and are blessed with four daughters. Randy is a pastor at Waypoint Church in the Richmond area. Charny is active in her church through leading and teaching. She also has a heart for ministering internationally. She participates in multiple short-term mission trips a year to Belize and more recently Antigua and the Dominican Republic.

Education

Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling

Bio

Kimberly Collins was first introduced to STCH Ministries as a graduate student, where she saw first-hand that counseling is more than a mental health practice, it is a ministry. Kimberly completed her practicum at our Family Counseling office in Victoria and was hired on as a family counselor in September 2016. Kimberly now serves at our counseling offices in the Houston area as a Licensed Professional Counselor.

A graduate of both Howard Payne University and Dallas Theological Seminary, Kimberly holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and graduated with honors with a Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling. She is trained in EMDR Therapy. Kimberly’s experience includes serving as a youth pastor at First Baptist Church in Palacios for two years. She has also served with the mission team at FBC Palacios in Cali, Columbia, since 2008. Kimberly makes it her daily goal in life to make Christ known and, as Philippians 3:13 says, looking forward to what lies ahead, an eternity with her Savior.

Kimberly grew up in Bay City and loves to travel, particularly when it involves a trip to her grandparents’ ranch in Blessing, Texas, or going to Disney World. She had the honor of performing at the 2012 Olympics in London with a gospel music group called Winds of Triumph. Kimberly is married to Matthew, a high school football coach. Kimberly and her husband attend church in the Richmond area.

Education

Bachelors of Science degree in Psychology and Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Bio

Paige N. Martinez is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the Houston Area. Paige earned her Bachelors of Science degree in Psychology and Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Sam Houston State University.

Before coming to STCH Ministries she worked as an Intern at Sagemont Counseling Center. She is SYMBIS and Gottman-Level two trained for premarital and marital counseling. Her greatest passion is being a part of the process that empowers people by giving them the tools to better understand themselves and their unique situations. Paige loves working with people of all ages and from all walks of life, understanding that each individual’s story is significant and set apart. She has experience working with children, and their families, through play therapy, skills training, and parenting classes. She has an extensive research background geared toward working with victims of trauma. Her areas of focus include working with those struggling with anxiety, depression, addictions, and couple/family dynamics.

Paige’s strongest conviction is that real healing can only come from the Great Counselor, Jesus Christ, who welcomes everyone with open arms. She operates with a model that combines truth-based principles with evidence-based counseling techniques, keeping the personality of Christ as the center at all times.

Paige grew up in Houston, Texas and spent seven years doing volunteer ministry work with college-age students while attending Sam Houston State University. Paige enjoys staying active, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Education

Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate

Bio

Paris L. Miles is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate (LPC-A) in the Katy / Houston area. Paris received her Bachelors of Science degree in Psychology from Sam Houston State University. From there she was called to Dallas Theological Seminary where she obtained a Masters of Arts in Biblical Counseling (MABC). She is supervised under Lisa Latcham and Charny Beck. While in graduate school, Paris worked for a women’s non-profit organization where she received a scholarship and part-time staff position. She would share her testimony with other women to show how God turns pain into purpose, facilitate women’s groups, organize events and do fundraisers. Paris completed her practicum with STCH Ministries where she had the opportunity to put her passion for the play room into practice.

Paris enjoys working with children, adolescents, and teens. She integrates her counseling approach to meet her clients’ needs and believes that everyone has in themselves what is necessary for healing. Her preferred approaches include Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered, and Psychoeducation. Building trust in the therapeutic relationship is priority number one and she makes an effort to make counseling a comfortable and safe experience. Paris loves learning new skills and is constantly growing in her practice.

Paris grew up in Katy, Texas and loves novelty experiences. She would prefer to spend her weekend going to the cat café, watching Disney movies, or spending time with friends and family. She is married to her husband, Kyler and has two cats named Knives and Katana.

Education

Master of Arts in Counseling

Bio

Mark Kass loves seeing the Holy Spirit bring beauty into broken places and restoration and redemption to hurting lives through Christ-centered gospel-driven counseling. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor who joined our Houston counseling team in 2018. Mark holds a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska and a Juris Doctorate (Law) degree from St. Mary’s School of Law in San Antonio, Texas. After practicing as a licensed attorney for nearly twenty-five years, Mark sensed God calling him into full-time ministry. He holds a Master of Arts in Counseling, graduating Summa Cum Laude and Outstanding Graduate in Counseling, from Houston Graduate School of Theology in Houston, Texas.

Mark is Level 1 certified (clinical track) in Narrative Focused Trauma Care, completed under Dr. Dan Allender. He has completed training in the “Unwanted” narrative approach to unwanted sexual behavior under Jay Stringer and has completed the AASAT Sex Addiction Training program under Dr. Doug Weiss. Mark has also received training in Biblical Counseling from Christian Counseling & Education Foundation affiliated with Westminster Seminary. His work focuses on adult survivors of childhood trauma, men struggling with unwanted sexual behaviors including pornography, adultery, and other forms of sexual acting out, couples counseling, personal issues of pastors, and other men’s issues.

Mark has been married to his wife Kathy for 19 years and has raised two daughters and two sons. Mark has called Texas home for his entire adult life. He has spent three decades doing volunteer cross-cultural ministry work with youth, college-age, adults, married couples, as well as mission work in the Philippines and Kenya. He has also previously served as a preaching elder and currently attends Kerusso Grace Church, a Hispanic inner-city gathering in Houston’s First Ward.

Education

Master of Arts in Counseling

Bio

Al Smith is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate in the Houston area. He graduated from Houston Graduate School of Theology in 2020. Al completed his practicum at Star of Hope Men Development Center. He found the experience very rewarding listening to the men share their stories and witness the power of God help them make positive change.

Retired Teacher/Coach from the Texas public-school system 2010. He had been involved as an associate with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for over 25 years. After being retired for a few years he felt God calling him to help people in ministry or counseling. He had a conversation with my pastor, and he said to him, you can help as many in counseling as in ministry. So, he decided to pursue counseling. As he thinks about it, counseling is ministry.

He enjoys working with youth, young adult men and premarital counseling. His experience as a high school teacher/coach helped him relate to youth and allowed him to quickly build rapport. His preferred approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Person Centered, and Existentialism. Finding meaning during tough situations can help move people forward. He began with STCH Ministries in September 2021. What he enjoys most about working at STCH Ministries is the freedom of sharing scripture, praying with clients, and inviting the Holy Spirit to come during the session.

Bio

Sabrina Stone is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate in the Houston area. Sabrina graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary in December 2019 with high honors in the Masters of Arts in Biblical Counseling program. As an LPC Associate, Sabrina is supervised by Laurie Ables, MA LPC-S.

Sabrina began with STCH Ministries Family Counseling – Houston as a practicum student in 2018 and served as a volunteer following practicum. She was hired in January 2021 with STCH Ministries as an LPC Associate. As a counselor, she has focused primarily on adults. Sabrina has completed Narrative Focused Trauma Care Level 1 and 2, and Restoration Therapy Level 1. She spent time in a hospice practicum and works with grief as well. She is currently in her training phase for EMDR. Her counseling approach is primarily person-centered and trauma-informed.

Sabrina and her husband are parents of five adult sons and grandparents of 1 granddaughter. Sabrina enjoys art, literature, movies, Bible studies, and traveling. She loves spending time with family and friends. She and her husband are active in their local church.

Education

Master of Arts in Psychology

Bio

Lorraine is the Regional Director for the Victoria area. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) in the state of Texas. Lorraine holds a Bachelor of Behavioral Science degree in Psychology from Hardin-Simmons University and a Master of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Houston – Victoria. Lorraine enjoys helping and teaching new counselors learn how to become effective counselors in their own areas of interest.

Lorraine has been with STCH Ministries since 2007. Prior to joining STCH Ministries, she worked at Gulf Bend MHMR Center for 14 years, working with both adults, teens and children. Lorraine counsels from a Cognitive Behavioral approach, as well as using Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), to help individuals work through difficulties in their lives. She combines these two techniques with God’s word and His principles to help individuals find peace and hope in their lives. Lorraine works with individual and families, but especially enjoys working with couples to help strengthen their marriages. She is also a Certified Irlen Screener. When her daughter was diagnosed with Irlen Syndrome, she saw the difference this treatment made in her daughter’s academics and knew that she had to help others as well. Lorraine is available to provide training and presentations on a variety of topics, such as “Men are Like Waffles and Women are Like Spaghetti”, “Boundaries for Kids”, “Recognizing & Reporting Abuse and Neglect”, and “So You Want To Work With Kids?”. Lorraine enjoys helping church volunteers work more effectively with those they lead.

Lorraine and her husband, Gary, have two children, Colton and Emily. Her son has surrendered to the call into ministry and will be pursuing that in his college endeavors. Emily is following in Lorraine’s footsteps to major in psychology at Howard Payne University. The Turners are active members of First Baptist Church in Victoria.

Education

Master of Education in Counseling

Bio

Lisa Latcham is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S), a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor (RPT-S) and a Certified SYMBIS Assessment Facilitator. She serves as a family therapist at our counseling office in Beeville and counsels children in care at the Homes for Children Campus. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Southwestern University and a Master of Education in Counseling from the University of Houston – Victoria.

Before coming to STCH Ministries in 2015, Lisa spent 26 years in the public school system as a teacher for both middle and high school and as a school counselor in elementary and high school. Her educator certifications are in Secondary Science and School Counseling.

Lisa and her husband, Chip, are active members of First United Methodist Church in Beeville. Lisa and Chip enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren, gardening, hunting and traveling.

Education

Master of Education in Counseling

Bio

Vincent Porter is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensed by the Board of Examiners in Counseling for the State of Texas. Vincent has been with STCH Ministries Victoria Office since 2011. Vincent holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from Oklahoma State University. He has a Master of Education degree in Counseling from the University of Houston – Victoria, where he graduated as a member of Chi Sigma Iota.

Vincent worked as a Special Education Teacher and Vocational Adjustment Coordinator for eleven years. He was also a School Counselor for fourteen years and is knowledgeable in the areas of career counseling, parent rights, and child advocacy for children of special needs. Vincent currently counsels couples, families, individuals, children, and adolescents. Vincent has a background in addictions counseling, has organized and leads codependency groups. Vincent also has training in EMDR therapy. Vincent’s approach to therapy is eclectic. He draws from a wide range of techniques including EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral, and Solution Focus Therapy interventions.

Vincent has attended and served Parkway Church, Victoria, leading in ministries such as children’s ministries, Divorce Care, and Celebrate Recovery since 1994. Vincent supports his son in church and in school, where he a member of the Gifted and Talented program. Vincent also enjoys hunting, fishing, weight training, and outdoor sports with his son.

Education

Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology

Bio

Marisa Gonzales is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate and is a Family Therapist in Victoria. She received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from the University of Houston-Victoria.

Before going back to school to pursue her master’s degree, Marisa worked in a children’s advocacy center (CAC) setting for 14 years. The majority of her time working in a CAC was as a forensic interviewer, and she worked with children from the ages of 2 to 18 and adults with intellectual disabilities. Marisa was a Fellow Member of the Professional Society of Forensic Interviewers and the Texas Region IV Lead Forensic Interviewer from 2013-2015. She is currently a member of Psi Chi, The International Honor Society in Psychology.

Marisa has been blessed with two amazing and gifted daughters that she loves dearly. They enjoy spending time together, their large extended family, and their friends. They attend Parkway Church in Victoria.

Education

Licensed Professional Counselor

Bio

Judith graduated from Baylor University in 1983 with a BS in Education, and in December 2019 with a MEd in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Houston-Victoria and is a Licensed Professional Counselor.  Judith works as a family therapist at STCH Ministries family counseling location in Victoria, TX.

Judith has had several careers in her life, and the most recent is to becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).  After graduation she taught elementary school, specializing in PE and reading.  Judith’s “2^nd career” was as Program Director for Perpetual Help Home (a non-profit transitional housing ministry for homeless women and their children) in Victoria, TX for 13 years.  Through it all, Judith served as pastor’s wife in several Baptist churches.

Judith has been happily married to Tim Williams since 1984, and together they have two adult daughters, one son-in-law, and one absolutely grand child.  Tim, who serves as Director for Church Relations for STCH Ministries, was a senior pastor for 27 years in Baptist churches in Texas.  Judith enjoys growing flowers and spending as much time outdoors as possible.

Education

Licensed Professional Counselor, EMDR Trained Clinician

Bio

Allison is a Licensed Professional Counselor working at the Homes for Children in Pettus. She has her B.S. from Mississippi College and M.A. in Counseling with a Specialization in Marriage and Family Counseling from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

Allison had experience working with children and families during her internship at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. She has classes in Trauma, Trust-Based Relationship Intervention, and is trained in EMDR therapy.

Allison grew up in Mississippi and is a huge Mississippi State Bulldogs fan. She loves sports of almost any kind and roots for the Saints and the Dallas Cowboys!