Our Counselors

kristin dean

Hi, I’m Kristin! I am a Licensed Master Social Worker, currently working towards becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have been in the field for over 20 years, I spent most of my early career working in foster care and adoption in various roles. Most recently I have been working with single mothers, helping with the emotional transition, as well as teaching parenting and personal development. I am passionate about helping women experience the freedom that comes from rediscovering their identity during the many life transitions and/or events that can cause us to lose sight of it along the way. I love to learn and always want to be able to incorporate new ideas into my practice and am currently working toward my Perinatal Mental Health Certification.

One of my specialty areas is working with women during the pregnancy and postpartum period. I also have experience in the areas of infertility, pregnancy loss, birth trauma, anxiety, depression, parenting, life transitions, conflict resolution, healthy relationships, and communication skills. The foundation of who I am as a person and a therapist stems from my faith; however, how much of that is incorporated into your therapeutic journey is up to you. I practice using cognitive behavioral therapy, strengths-based and trauma-informed perspectives. My goal is to provide a safe space where you will feel comfortable, welcome, and we can build a trusting relationship to work towards your personal growth.

My desire is to give you new perspectives, and tools that will empower you to achieve your goals. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my husband and five children. If we happen to have a weekend free from various sporting events, we enjoy traveling and simply being together.

Claudia Balatoni

LPC, NCC, EMDR Trained, Staff Clinician

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas. I am Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) and EMDR-Trained. I am also a professional member of the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) and the Texas Counseling Association (TCA). I hold a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Biblical Studies and a Master of Arts degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University.

My multicultural upbringing and ability to speak English and Spanish fluently, have given me the opportunity to work with a diverse group of socio-economic populations on a wide range of issues such as depression, anxiety, panic disorders, self-esteem, adoption, parenting, domestic violence, suicide, physical and sexual abuse, women’s issues: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), infertility and Menopause. I primarily utilizes a variety of therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy.

My counseling goals are to integrate research-based psychological principles with scriptural principles to help clients achieve their mental, emotional, physical, social, moral, and spiritual development by finding healing, transformation, and restoration to live a full and healthy life. I believe through daily struggles, God works to transform lives and to bring about ultimate purpose, hope, and healing (Romans 5:3-5).

I enjoy reading, teaching, the beach, travel, and spending time with my husband, daughter, family, and friends.

Certifications: Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts (SYMBIS) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy.

Dr. Connie Beckham

LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker)

Hello, I’m Connie and I’ve been a marriage and family therapist for over 27 years! I am gifted in incorporating both my psychological and spiritual backgrounds into the therapeutic process. My passion is to see people experience freedom and growth as they come to understand their nature and nurture makeup. I have extensive experience in assisting couples in their marriages and helping adolescents face the challenges into adulthood. I have worked with hundreds of individuals and families in finding holistic solutions to complex problems and interpersonal relationship issues. I am also fully trained in EMDR and incorporate it into my practice as well.

I really love to continually set goals to challenge myself and grow— this Spring I earned my Doctorate in marriage and family counseling which was a huge accomplishment! When I’m not working with clients, you can find me spending time with my family (especially my grandbabies), taking my dog Samson on walks, and enjoying anything involving outdoor adventure.

Carly Kirk

LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker)

Hi, I’m Carly! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a background in school-based social work. The start of my career included years of practicing in the school setting which has given me a unique perspective on working with adolescents and families that I am excited to bring to The Well.

I am truly thrilled that you are here on our page seeking out help in the form of therapy. I deeply value the therapeutic relationship and my goal is to provide a safe space where you feel genuinely heard, validated, and encouraged! My specialties include working with young teens to young adults and their families with an emphasis on identity and self-esteem, depression and anxiety, suicidal ideation, life transitions and relationship building— all through a trauma-informed lens.

Aside from my work with clients and managing our team, I love to spend my time with my growing family, gathering with dear friends, traveling to new places… and sipping coffee while doing all the above!

Elizabeth Pennington

LPC-S, RPT, EMDRIA Approved Consultant

Elizabeth is a compassionate trauma therapist and educator, deeply committed to fostering healing in children and families. As an APT and EMDRIA-approved Trainer and Consultant, she is a resourceful cornerstone in the EMDR field, sharing her expertise with dedication and purpose.

Elizabeth’s training and consultation practice, Apollos Center for Training and Supervision, equips therapists with the tools they need to effectively treat even the most complex trauma clients. However, her innovative approach extends far beyond traditional therapy settings, providing customizable and individualized support. Happy Camper Child and Family Therapy, a nurturing space for aspiring therapists to hone their skills in treating complex trauma, offers holistic treatment with an attachment-focused philosophy.

Her guidance supports a compassionate community, empowering empathetic healers. Elizabeth’s Mobile Play Therapy Office, a converted Sprinter van that highlights her adaptable methods, brings EMDR and play therapy directly to the homes and schools of medically fragile and traumatized children in Houston.

Through her thoughtfully designed Nature-Based EMDR and Family EMDR Resourcing protocols, Happy Camper Child and Family Therapy is offering families and individuals innovative, holistic approaches to trauma recovery.

As a mother to eight children, Elizabeth understands the profound impact of family and connection. While she offers in-person services, Elizabeth also provides flexible telehealth options to those in Texas and Idaho, ensuring that healing is accessible to all.

Elizabeth’s dedication to healing and her approach to therapy make her a beacon of hope for children and families facing complex trauma. Through her work, she is not only providing essential support but also shaping the future of EMDR.

Courtney Ware

LCSW

Hi there, I’m Courtney, and I am so glad you’re here! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a background in School based mental health, crisis intervention, family advocacy, and child development. My goal as a therapist is to provide a space where we can welcome vulnerability and process through some of life’s challenging experiences. I believe in the strength of relationships and the transformation that can come when connecting with others.

I am passionate about working with teens, young adults, and adults who have experienced trauma, anxiety, depression, and relational conflict. I utilize a trauma informed approach and a strengths based perspective. While working with clients I like to ensure that our sessions are client centered. I am here to walk alongside you and encourage you and my hope is you leave sessions feeling validated and empowered. Life is hard, and it would be an honor to work with you as we navigate the ups and downs and work to restore joy back into your life.

Outside of working with clients, I find comfort in spending time with my husband, family, friends, and especially snuggling with our dogs, Sadie and Frankie. I really enjoy traveling, reading, and exploring new coffee shops or restaurants.

I can’t wait to meet you and start this journey!

Angie Sticker

LPC-Associate

Hi, I’m Angie Sticker, an LPC-Associate with 10 years of experience helping teens and families navigate life’s challenges. Now, I focus on working with adults, families, and couples dealing with anxiety, trust issues, communication struggles, and everything in between. My approach is trauma-informed, and I’m an Advanced Certified Trauma and Resilience Practitioner (ACTRP), with additional training in EMDR, IFS, CBT, Person-Centered Therapy, and SFBT. Whether you’re facing anxiety, trauma, trust issues, or communication challenges, I’m here to provide a safe, supportive space to help you heal.

I believe in meeting you where you are, listening without judgment, and offering practical tools to help you move forward and create the life you deserve. And if you need some extra comfort, my therapy dog, Charlie, is available to join sessions too! I offer both online and in-person sessions, including walk-and-talk therapy when the weather is nice, to make it easier for you to start your healing journey. If you’re ready to take that first step, I’d love to walk alongside you.

When I’m not working, you’ll find me outdoors, reading, hanging out with my pups, and spending quality time with family. Let’s work together to get you to a place where you feel supported, heard, and empowered.

Melinda Boyd

Licensed Professional Counselor
Counseling Reboot

Do you experience depression, anxiety, chronic pain, low self-esteem, repetitive behaviors, impacts of abuse or relationship difficulties that seems to overshadow your day? Let’s work together to identify core negative beliefs that keep you from the life you want. Are you dealing with Trauma that is limiting your interactions with others, sleep disturbance, emotional numbing, avoidance or causing problems in your relationships? Would you be relieved to know there is a way to resolve trauma without talking about it?

It has been my privilege to work with Veterans, Active Duty Service Members and their spouses for the last five years. Working with combat Veterans and survivors of Military Sexual Trauma with PTSD, CPTSD, Depression and Anxiety brought understanding of the need to use interventions that were less traumatizing. Please inquire about special funding available for counseling for Veterans. Many of my clients have been 1st responders over the years. If you have been a victim of a crime in Texas and have an approved claim, I am a provider to Crime Victims Compensation Program. As a therapist, I use Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) which uses the science of your brain and imagery to help resolve negative body sensations associated with stuck emotions and images. I offer a safe, non-judgmental environment for you to be heard. Mind, Body and Soul connections are important to healing. Let’s discover if your identity includes negative messages that you have come to believe are true. For those wishing to increase Soul connections we can work to consider your value system to increase alignment with your behaviors. Each person has the option as to whether to include spirituality as part of their treatment. For persons desiring to incorporate Christian principles and spiritual coping skills into your therapy experience, I am a believer and would be honored to encourage you on your journey.

I also use EMDR Therapy, Breathing and Relaxation skills, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help you find new ground. I am trained in Gottman Method for couples counseling. This method is based on five decades of research into relationships. This method introduces conflict resolutions skills and helps form new habits to improve relationships.