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 Arts in Counseling

Bio

Carolyn Cocklin joined the Corpus Christi STCH Ministries staff in 2015 and is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensed by the Board of Examiners in Counseling of the State of Texas. She earned her Master of Arts in Counseling from Dallas Theological Seminary. She is certified in TF-CBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and is trained in play therapy, currently working towards becoming a Registered Play Therapist. Carolyn has spent her time at STCH Ministries counseling children, adolescents, couples, and individuals of all ages in issues related to depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and relational challenges.

Carolyn is originally from Denton, Texas, and lived overseas from ages 10-18. She returned to the US to attend Texas A&M University before relocating to Dallas for 5 years. During this time she worked as a Resident Counselor at a Residential Treatment Center for foster children, as well as a Client Advocate at a Pregnancy Resource Center. She also completed a year long internship at the Children’s Advocacy Center for Denton County where she counseled hurting children, adolescents, and their families who were recovering from traumatic experiences.

Carolyn is married to Jason, and they are actively involved in their church. Carolyn and Jason like spending time outdoors, hiking and fishing, and especially enjoy when they can travel to mountains. You can also find Carolyn enjoying hands-on creative projects, like home renovations.

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 an LPC-Intern 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 Texas Counseling Association (TCA) and the American Counseling Association (ACA), and she has served as secretary for Chi Sigma Iota (Counseling Honor Society).

As part of her life-long passion for helping others, Desirae has received specialized training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and is working towards becoming a Registered Play Therapist. Before coming to STCH Ministries, she worked as an adjunct professor at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and as an intern 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. In her free time, Desirae enjoys attending church, cycling classes, and going on adventures with her husband and their puppy Finley.

Education

Master of Science in Counseling

Bio

Kelly Harris earned her Master of Science degree from Texas A & M University Corpus Chrisi in December of 2017. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Intern and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) Associate, licensed through the State of Texas. She is supervised by Lorena Mendez, MS, LPC-S, RPT-S; Leslee O’Neal, MS, LPC-S, CGRS; and Kristi Phillips, MA, LMFT-S. Kelly is a National Certified Counselor (NCC).

Kelly served as President-elect of the Gulf Coast Counseling Association (GCCA) from 2016-2017; President of GCCA from 2017-2018; and Immediate Past President from 2018-2019. Kelly’s work experience includes working with youth at the Nueces County Robert N. Barnes, Regional Juvenile Facility and with patients and their family members at Charlie’s Place Recovery Center during her master’s program. In February of 2018, Kelly began working at STCH Ministries Family Counseling office in Corpus Christi and serves as the therapist at Coastal Oaks Church in Rockport and Yorktown Baptist Church on the south side of Corpus Christi. She works with children, adolescents, individual adults, couples, and families.

Kelly and her husband, Randy, have been married since 2015. They have two grown children and one grandchild. Her counseling passion is working with couples and families using emotionally focused therapy. She and Randy are members of Yorktown Baptist Church. Kelly’s favorite recording artist is David Crowder and her life verse is Romans 5: 8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

 

Education

Masters of Science in Counseling

Bio

Peyton Lindgren is a Licensed Professional Counselor – Intern (LPC-Intern) 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

Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Counseling

Bio

Danielle Ojeabulu is an LPC-Intern, a Certified Professional Christian Life Coach, and Certified Stress Relief Coach. She is currently working on obtaining the ALMFT credential. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia, and a Master of Arts degree in Marriage and Family Counseling from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in New Orleans, LA.

Danielle has experience working with individuals, couples, and families using a Biblical, Family Systems, Cognitive Behavioral, and Brief Solutions-focused approach to therapy. She is trained in several modalities including Gottman Marital Therapy- Level 1 & 2 and EMDR therapy.

Danielle is married to Charles and they have three children, Jabari, Israel, and Judah. The family attends Distinction International Christian Church in Houston, TX. They have a strong desire for short term mission projects in Nigeria, Haiti, and wherever the Lord leads them.

Education

Master of Arts in Counseling

Bio

Mark Kass loves seeing the Holy Spirit bring beauty to broken places and restoration and redemption of hurting lives through counseling. God lead him to become a part of our counseling team in Houston in 2018, where he serves as a Licensed Professional Counselor-Intern. Mark holds a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska; a Juris Doctorate (Law) degree from St. Mary’s School of Law in San Antonio, Texas; and a Master of Arts in Counseling, graduating Summa Cum Laude, from Houston Graduate School of Theology in Houston, Texas.

After practicing as a licensed attorney for nearly twenty-five years, Mark is now working towards becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor, an AASAT certified Sex Addiction Recovery Therapist and Level 1 certified in Trauma Focused Narrative Therapy under Dr. Dan Allender. In his prior career, he did administrative and civil litigation and transactional work at various law firms, managed real estate at oil and gas and communication companies and owned his own real estate law office for seven years.

Mark has been married to his wife Kathy for 16 years and has raised four children: Gina, John Mark, Priya, and Jeremy. Although Mark was born in Iowa, he has called Texas home for the last 32 years. Mark has spent three decades of his life doing volunteer ministry work with youth, college-age, adults, and married couples, including mission work in the Philippines and Kenya. He is currently in leadership at the Fil-Am CRC Church, a Filipino church plant in Pearland, Texas, where he is preparing to seek his preaching license.

Education

Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling

Bio

Sandra J. Glover is a Licensed Professional Counselor Intern in the Houston area.  Sandra obtained her Masters of Arts in Biblical Counseling from Dallas Theological Seminary in May 2018.  As an LPC Intern, Sandra is supervised by Marisha Copeland, MA LPC-S.

Sandra began with STCH Ministries Family Counseling – Houston as a practicum student in 2017 and has also served as a volunteer following practicum.  She has returned to STCH Ministries as an LPC Intern in July 2019.  As a counselor, she has focused on teens through adults.  She counsels individuals as well as married couples.  Sandra has completed Prepare/Enrich, Marriage Strong, Gottman Level 1, and Restoration Therapy Level 1.  Her counseling approach is primarily cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).  Becoming a professional counselor is a second career for Sandra as she deems herself “semi-retired” following a rewarding career in the corporate world.  In her corporate career, she was inspired to pursue counseling as a corporate volunteer with the Houston Area Women’s Center (HAWC).  However, she has always been involved in helping others through her ministry and church involvement.  As a Pastor’s wife, teacher, and speaker, Sandra has interacted with youth, teens and adults.  She has conducted retreats and seminars for women, youth, couples, and youth leaders.

Sandra is a wife, mother of two adult daughters, and grandmother of 3 (includes a set of twins).  She loves traveling in North America as well as having family vacations with her whole crew!  She also receives joy from serving in her church in various capacities.  Sandra’s inspiration for counseling and helping others is well suited with a quote from Maya Angelou, “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”

Education

Master of Arts in Counseling

Bio

Dosely Antongiorgi is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) licensed by the State of Texas. She counsels individuals and families and serves as Regional Director for the San Antonio area. Dosely’s experience primarily includes working with at-risk children dealing with grief, trauma, and violence. She is excited and humbled to be working for an organization that glorifies God and seeks to make His name known.

Dosely earned her bachelor’s degree in 2001 from Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi in Kinesiology, with a Sports Medicine emphasis. She also holds a Master of Arts in Counseling degree from the University of Texas – San Antonio.

Dosely was born in Guatemala but raised in Corpus Christi, Texas. She has called San Antonio her home for the past 13 years. She has one son, Giovanni, who is six years old. Dosely and Giovanni love spending time together, building with Legos and riding bikes. They attend Grace Point Church, where Dosely serves as a mission’s representative, linking missionaries to the church through prayer and support.

Education

Master of Arts in Counseling

Bio

Brogan Henderson is a Licensed Professional Counselor Intern (LPC Intern) licensed by the State of Texas. She counsels individuals, couples, children, and teenagers at STCH Ministries Family Counseling in San Antonio, Texas. She is excited to continue her counseling experience with STCH Ministries as she works to help bring God’s light into difficult situations. Brogan is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of a ministry that meets both psychological and spiritual needs.

As a graduate of both Howard Payne University and Wayland Baptist University- San Antonio, Brogan holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and graduated as the Top Graduate of Counseling with a Master of Arts in Counseling. Brogan’s experience includes working with adolescents in church settings for 7 years. Brogan’s practicum and internships included working at a bereavement center for children, teens, and adults experiencing grief.

Brogan grew up in Brownwood, Texas. She has lived in San Antonio since 2015. Brogan enjoys spending time with the youth at her church where her husband, Rick, is the Youth Pastor. Brogan and Rick enjoy traveling; their favorite vacation was to Paris, France and their first mission trip together was to Uganda, Africa.

Education

Master of Social Work

Bio

Misse Mbongo is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) licensed by the State of Texas. She counsels individuals, couples, children and teenagers at STCH Ministries Family Counseling in San Antonio. Misse is grateful for the opportunity to work with STCH Ministries whose vision and mission embodies what Christ calls us to do!

Misse has a Bachelor of Arts in French from the University of California, Riverside and a Master of Social Work from Baylor University. Misse’s experience includes working with children, women, vulnerable populations, elderly adults and terminally ill patients in a hospice setting. Misse holds to Romans 12:2 “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” She firmly believes lives can be transformed with healthy thinking!

Misse was born in San Francisco, California and raised in Cameroon, West Africa. She has lived in various countries and cities, but considers San Antonio home. She enjoys running, painting and spending time with family and friends. She attends Lifehouse Church, where she serves in the kid’s ministry.

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. 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), National Certified Counselor (NCC), 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-Intern 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

Master of Arts in Professional Counseling

Bio

Pam Frink became an LPC-Intern at our counseling office in Victoria, Texas, in the fall of 2017. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin, as well as a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. Pam is currently trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy for treating traumatic experiences. She has advanced training in EMDR therapy protocols for early intervention and ongoing traumatic stress.

Pam has past experience working with at risk children and adolescents at a state hospital. However, the majority of her professional experienced involved working with male and female offenders in the state prison system.

She was attracted to work at STCH Ministries for the opportunity to reach and serve others for Christ. She feels honored to walk alongside people who are hurting and introduce them to the great Healer.
As a single mom of two children, Pam knows her biggest personal accomplishment is her children. She loves traveling with her family and spending time outdoors. She is an active member of First Baptist Church in Cuero, Texas. Pam loves college football and is an active member of the UT Longhorn Alumni Band. Go Horns!