Team - The Adolescent Center

Call Us:

832.484.2635

Email Us: [email protected]

Meet Our Team

Administration

Psychologists

Therapists & Counselors

Spanish Speaking Clinicians

Founder

Valerie Jackson, PHD

Executive Director
Dr. Valerie D. Jackson holds a doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology and has over 25 years of experience working with children in care (Child Protective Services). Dr. Jackson’s expertise is based on her extensive work at residential treatment centers, inpatient and outpatient mental health facilities, child placement agencies, and her work as a psychologist and case manager. She is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of three organizations: Monarch Family Services, The Adolescent Center and Mental Health Services, and Initiatives for Healthy Communities, whose collective mission is to improve the child welfare system through empirically informed best practices and innovative research. Dr. Jackson has published her work in a few reputable publications. Dr. Jackson also serves as a board member for Open Gate Homeless Ministries, Texas Center for Child and Family Studies, and Julia C. Hester House Inc., and is involved as a committee member for the Committee on Advancing Residential Practices (CARP), Coalition of Child Serving Sectors, and Relative as Parents Coalition. She is a member of University of St. Thomas Institutional Review Board (research involving human subjects), Texas Psychological Association, American Psychological Association, Texas Alliance of Child and Family Services, and Region 6 CPS Service Provider Group which includes several counties in the greater Houston region. Dr. Jackson is passionate about providing children and families effective programming to improve their lives and overall well-being.

Office Team

Psychologists

Akalita Ross, PhD

Akalita A. Ross, Ph.D. is a psychologist that enjoys working with all age groups. She earned her doctoral degree in Clinical and Adolescent Psychology from Prairie View A&M University. She also received her Master's degree in Clinical Community Psychology from Texas Southern University and her B.A. in Psychology from Baylor University. Dr. Ross has clinical experience in providing psychological services in forensic, school and private settings. She has co-authored journal articles and participated in various trainings in the forensic settings. Dr. Ross has also been employed as an adjunct professor in institutions of higher learning. She is bilingual and can speak, read and write in Spanish and has completed assessments in Spanish for non-English speakers. Dr. Ross is a native Houstonian who enjoys to travel and try new things.

Anita Payan, PhD

Dr. Anita Payan is a Licensed Psychologist and Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP). She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Organizational Management at Emory University, Master of Education in Counseling at the University of Houston, and Doctorate of Philosophy in School Psychology at the University of Houston. She completed her American Psychological Association (APA) accredited pre-doctoral internship and post-doctoral fellowship in the Houston Independent School District Psychological Services and Crisis Intervention Department, where she specialized in providing emotional and behavioral consultation to staff members and parents, as well as providing crisis intervention, psychological evaluation, and individual and group counseling to youth. She has prior work experience as a psychologist in an academic medical setting and as a contracted specialist for conducting psychoeducational evaluations in schools. She is passionate about her work with children, adolescents, and families, and she strives to create a space where each client feels valued and heard.

Kimberly Demby, PhD

Kimberly Porter Demby, Ph.D. is a Licensed Psychologist who received her Bachelor of Art in Psychology from Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. She received a Master of Arts in Clinical/Counseling Psychology from Southern Methodist University, and worked for 2 years at the Connections Center providing evaluation and therapy for children and adolescents on the Autism Spectrum. Dr. Demby received her doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of North Texas. During her academic tenure, Dr. Demby completed 3 years of training in an elementary school setting where she provided individual and group therapy and psychoeducational evaluations. She also has extensive experience with late adolescence/college-aged populations through completion of training at 3 college counseling centers. Dr. Demby completed her postdoctoral training in a private practice specializing in neuropsychological evaluations, and has provided therapy and evaluation services for children in the foster care system. With over 10 years of clinical experience in a variety of settings, Dr. Demby has a broad skill set that allows her to be flexible in meeting the unique needs of each client she sees. Above all, she is passionate about her work and honored to be a part of each client's journey.

Samoan Johnson, PhD

Dr. Samoan C. Johnson has over 20 years of experience providing clinical mental health services to children, adolescents, and adults in outpatient and inpatient settings. She received her doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Houston. She completed an American Psychological Association (APA) accredited pre-doctoral internship and a postdoctoral residency at the Houston Independent School District (HISD) in the Psychological Services Department. Dr. Johnson is licensed as a psychologist (LP) and licensed specialist in school psychology (LSSP). She has received academic appointments with the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston and Baylor College of Medicine. Dr. Johnson is a past president of the Houston Psychological Association and the Houston Association of Black Psychologists.

Caryn Darwin, PhD

Dr. Darwin is a licensed psychologist and a licensed specialist in school psychology with over 15 years of experience in the field of mental health working with youth. She completed her Bachelors, Masters and Education Specialist degrees at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN, and earned her Doctorate degree in School Psychology from Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN in 2016. Prior to moving to Texas to complete an APPIC approved pre-doctoral internship at Rockdale Regional Juvenile Justice Center in 2015, Dr. Darwin worked as a school psychologist in Tennessee for ten years. Dr. Darwin's research and clinical interests include the impact of trauma and ecological factors on social/emotional, behavioral, and academic functioning; advocacy and fostering self-determination in all youth, including those from diverse and multicultural backgrounds; positive behavior intervention supports; restorative justice principles and practices; and, dismantling the school to prison pipeline. She has presented at both state and national conferences on disruptive behavior disorders and crisis intervention and has publications in the National Register of Health Service Psychologists and in the Texas Association of School Psychologists newsletter.

Tonya Martin, PsyD

Dr. Tonya Martin is a Licensed Psychologist who enjoys working with clients of all ages. She earned her Doctorate of Psychology degree in Clinical Forensic Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Chicago, and her Bachelor of Science and Art degrees in Psychology and Criminology at The University of Florida. Dr. Martin moved to Houston to complete her doctoral internship and later her post-doctoral fellowship at the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department where she conducted court-ordered evaluations, including juvenile waiver and psychological evaluations, and provided therapy to juvenile girls who were victims of human trafficking. Dr. Martin has worked in Chicago and Houston primarily with forensic adolescent and adult clients in various settings, including state prisons, county jails, residential treatment settings, and community-based mental health settings doing both therapy and psychological evaluations. She also worked for five years in Fort Bend County conducting court-ordered evaluations for the county and district courts. Currently, Dr. Martin is also employed at The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD where she is the Chief Psychologist at the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department- Forensic Unit. She has also taught as adjunct staff at Prairie View A&M University where she taught master’s level psychology students. Dr. Martin is dedicated to providing quality care to her clients and to increasing her professional competence through research and continuing education.

Marsha Chin, PsyD

Dr. Marsha Chin holds years of experience working with diverse populations of all age groups that represent various ethnicities and cultural backgrounds. She also brings with her a wealth of experience gained from 15 years of federal government service with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in the Mental Health & Behavioral Sciences Service Department. Dr. Chin completed her post-doctoral clinical psychology fellowship with a specialty focus in forensic psychology at The Children’s Assessment Center in Houston, Texas where her tasks focused on treating child victims of sexual abuse and sex trafficking of minors. Dr. Chin has specialized training in trauma-focused therapies with child, adolescent, and adult populations. She also serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Psychology Department at Our Lady of the Lake University - Houston Campus.

Therapists & Counselors

Tarkitha Williams, LPC-S

Tarkitha is a graduate of Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, La. She received her Bachelors of Science Degree, Teaching Certification and Masters of Art in Counseling all from Northwestern State University. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Psychology. She has been in the mental health field for over 10 years specializing in adolescent behavioral and mental health issues as well as adults with acute and profound psychosis. She taught school in Louisiana for 7 years as a certified teacher. She also has expertise with juvenile probation as she worked with adolescents and their probation officers for 3 years before relocating to Houston, Tx. Tarkitha has experience with children, adolescents and adults from different backgrounds in an inpatient and outpatient setting.

Amy Aniyeloye, LPC-S

Amy Douzart Aniyeloye, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) is from Monroe, Louisiana and has lived in the Houston area since 2006. Amy is a proud graduate of Grambling State University located in Grambling Louisiana where she received a Bachelor degree in psychology. Amy began her career as a CPS specialist for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services working with children, adolescents, adults, elderly, and multi ethnic families who were victims of domestic violence, substance abuse, rape, sexual abuse, neglect, and physical abuse. Amy received her Master of Arts in Counseling from Prairie View A&M University. Amy has gained over 11 years of experience in various settings including schools, homes, residential treatment centers, and inpatient and outpatient psychiatric hospital programs with individuals who present with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, mood disorders, personality disorders, etc. In addition, Amy is happily married and a proud mother of one amazing son.

Freddy Viafara, LPC

Freddy Viafara is a Licensed Professional Counselor. He received his Master´s Degree in Counseling in 2013 from University of St. Thomas. He received a Master´s Degree in Education in 2010 from the same institution. Freddy is originally from Colombia so he tends to gravitate towards multicultural counseling and humanistic therapy based on approaches. He works as a full time teacher with more than 13 years of experience working with children and families in the Houston area. He is a firm believer in empowering families with strategies that are simple and effective. In 2016, he got certified as a Systematic Training for Effective Parenting(STEP) facilitator. Freddy enjoys attending live concerts, music collections, and cooking healthy foods.

Justine Joseph, LPC

Justine works with individuals and couples of all ages to provide targeted counseling services. Her therapy will become a team effort and you will work together to identify realistic goals for you to work towards and accomplish. Justine completed her Master of Education in Counseling Education from the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas in August of 2013. She is currently working toward obtaining her full license as an LPC-Associate. She completed the specialized training - Systematic Training of Effective Parenting.

Fabiola Williams, LPC

Fabiola's goal as a therapist is to help her clients explore ways to fuller, richer lives. Everyone needs someone to talk to at some point of their lives and she is stride to be that person for her client. She always steps into every session with an open mind and holds no judgment, and aims to provide a safe and supportive environment that will encourage the exploration of issues that may prevent clients from leading happy, productive lives. Faby holds a Master's Degree from the University of St. Thomas, and she is a Licensed Profession Counselor. Her experiences include play therapy, divorce or separated couples, individual, and family therapy. She is an eclectic therapist with a focus on cognitive behavior therapist and solution focus therapy.

Sabastan Moore, LPC

Sabastan Moore, LPC is a state certified Therapist servicing the Greater Houston area especially Katy & Richmond. Using a Person-Centered Approach to therapy, his focus is crafting strategies for self-improvement for your specific needs. The concierge component of this practice, whereby he brings therapy to your home or office, is intended to provide clients with the authority to create an ideal atmosphere for the work to be done. In choosing Progress to Purpose Concierge Therapy – you are choosing someone with experience in Texas public schools should your need be for your children, you are choosing a husband and father should your need be for your relationship/family, you are choosing the best option to ensure the growth you desire.

Jaleesia Rosemond, LPC, LCDC

Sometimes life throws us curve balls, but that does not mean if you swing, you’ll miss. Being able to take a step back, observe the situation from a different perspective and being able to come back to the bat is always an option. Let her help you explore those options. No matter how big or small, having a listening ear can solve many problems. Jaleesia currently holds a licensure in the state of Texas as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. She enjoys working with children, ages 14 and older and adults. She has experience in depression, anxiety, addictions, autism, bipolar, MS, sexual abuse and domestic violence, just to name a few. Having a religious background, she is familiar with issues and conflicts that can arise in that area.

Martha Lopez, LPC

Martha Lopez is originally from the Houston area (Cypress). Martha obtained a bachelor’s degree in psychology at the University of Houston and received a master’s degree in counseling at Prairie View A&M University. Martha started her career as an investigator for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. She received most of her mental health training at The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD. Martha gained additional experience in the mental health field by providing counselling services to elementary-aged children in a school setting and at Lone Star Behavioral Health. Martha’s main methods of treatment is brief solution-focused and cognitive behavioral therapy that focusing on symptoms of anxiety, depression and anger.

Adrianne Williams, LPC

Adrianne Williams is a Licensed Professional Counselor from New Orleans, LA currently residing in Houston, Texas. Ms. Williams earned her Bachelor’s degree from Grambling State University in 1990 and her Master’s degree from the University of New Orleans in 1994. Ms. Williams has over 25 years of experience in the field of mental health; specializing in grief and trauma. Her therapeutic approach is eclectic and utilizes evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness. Ms. Williams has a history of working with children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples in both private and non-profit settings. She is also the proud mother of two and a lifelong member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority Incorporated.

Lindsey Cason, LCDC

Lindsey Cason is a licensed chemical dependency counselor. She has been counseling individuals with substance use disorders since 2015. She earned her associates of applied science at Alvin Community College in substance abuse counseling in 2015. Lindsey has experience working in both outpatient and residential treatment as well as methadone maintenance. She is a certified parenting group facilitator with experience teaching parenting skills and working with families. She has experience providing specialized women's services for substance abuse and domestic violence. Lindsey is a certified instructor for the State of Texas Offender Education Program and teach DWI Education, DWI Intervention, Alcohol Education for Minors, and Drug Offender Education. She has experience as a prevention specialist teaching drug prevention within public schools. She earned her associate of nursing in 2018 and has experience in mental health nursing. She is currently working towards a bachelors in health services management.

Lorena Nava, LCDC

Lorena is a graduate from Texas A&M International University in Laredo, TX. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree with a major in Criminal Justice and a minor in Psychology. She has been in the mental health field for 7 years. Prior to being in the mental health field, Lorena worked with The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services for 5 years working with families and she continues to serve and work with families now. Lorena has experience working with adults specializing in the substance use field in an outpatient setting doing individual and group therapy. Lorena is fluent in Spanish (writing, reading and speaking).

Jazmine Nash, LCSW

Life is a journey we all want to live to the fullest but sometimes stress, grief, hurt and uncertainty can make this a challenging task to accomplish. Living a healthy lifestyle includes more than being able to say you have the necessities covered. A healthy lifestyle includes having time for loved ones, but also for yourself. It includes being able to set goals and work on achieving them, while knowing how to respond to stressors that make it feel impossible. Life includes healing and sometimes having to do so without receiving an apology or we receive one, but family counseling would be beneficial to gain further understanding. Living life can also include adjusting to a loss that at first can feel as if your whole world is turned upside down and through time and support you slowly but surely begin to smile again. Life can include any of these various stressors and experiences, but through engaging in therapy you will learn the skills needed to respond and cope in a healthy manner. You will learn about skills that help you to negate negative thoughts and emotions. Through therapy you can also learn how to say “no” and set boundaries with loved ones that you don’t want to hurt, but you know some things need to change. Therapy is your safe space to unload, process and begin coping so in the end you have the tools needed to feel like you are living life to the fullest. I will teach you these skills through various therapeutic models including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy so that you feel empowered to make the necessary changes to your life in order to achieve the goals you desire.

Gladys Wilson, LPC

Gladys did her Undergraduate Degree at the University of Mary Hardin Baylor and I completed her Masters of Science at Capella University. She is currently recognized as both a Licensed Professional Counselor and a National Certified Counselor in the State of Texas. She loves to use an Eclectic style of therapy with a lean toward Cognitive Behavior Therapy. She listens to her clients stories and joins them as a facilitator to the change they desire in their lives. She has worked with children, adults and families over the years.

Morgan Draper, LPC-Associate

Morgan obtained a Bachelor’s degree in English and Psychology from Harding University and received a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Houston Baptist University. Morgan started her career as a Registered Behavior Technician for children with Autism, she then moved on to be a Program director for IDD, and obtained her certification as a Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional. She received most of her mental health training working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Morgan gained additional experience in the mental health field by providing counselling services to children, adolescents, and adults in private practice. Morgan's theoretical choice involves Person-centered and Strengths- based cognitive behavioral therapy. She enjoys working with individuals who have struggled with depression, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem, and relationship concerns, as well, as working with those who identify as neurodivergent. Morgan has a passion for those in need, no concern is too small.

Yeteast Green, LPC-Associate

Yeteast Ashley’ Green Graduated from Houston Baptist University in 2015 with a Master of Art in Psychology. She graduated from the University of Phoenix in 2011 with a Bachelor's in Psychology and from the College of Biblical Studies in 2009 with a Bachelor’s in Biblical Counseling. She enjoys working with individuals struggling with chemical dependency, adolescents ages 15 and above, adults, and couples. She has been trained in EMDR and is working to become certified. She is a proud member of the sisterhood of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc.

Brooke Gomes, LPC-Associate

Brooke Gomes is a graduate of West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV where she received her bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology. Shortly after graduating, she taught at an International school in Angola, Africa for four years. After returning to the United States; she settled in Houston where she obtained her Master’s of Arts degree in counseling from Houston Baptist University. Brooke also obtained her Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Capella University to include autism to some of the other populations she serves.

Patrina Fanagan, LPC-Associate

When human beings of any age experience trauma or severe life stressors, it is not uncommon for their lives to unravel. My great passion is bringing healing to people who have had these experiences and are struggling with the residue from them. I help my clients, who include children, adolescence and adults, to find healthy perceptions of themselves. I assist and support clients to be the author of their own lives. I work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, disruptive behaviors, relationship challenges, self-esteem, and trauma. I know that no single approach is the right one for every individual, and so I have been trained in a range of modalities with a focus on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). I will focus treatment on the issues that are most relevant to my client’s condition and experience by utilizing interventions from different modalities rather than just one. My educational background includes a B.S. in Psychology with a study of Life Coaching from Liberty University and a M.Ed in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lamar University. I have been in the mental health field for over 10 years in various settings. I love riding horses, enjoy dancing to zydeco music, and love going to an Aquafit class.

Shabana Guel, LPC- Associate

Shabana is a licensed professional counselor currently serving the needs of a diverse population of secondary students in a school setting. She moved to the United States from the United Kingdom in 2008 and quickly found a passion for working with adolescents. Before counseling, Shabana taught reading and language arts at the secondary level. As a classroom teacher, she was inspired to further her education. She attended the University of St. Thomas to attain her Master's in School Counseling and LPC credentials at Prairie View A&M. As an international scholar, Shabana has hands-on experience working with adolescents with various cognitive, behavioral, socio-emotional, and cultural needs. Working with adolescents remains a deep passion. Currently, she works with secondary students using person-centered therapy, brief solution-focused therapy, and cognitive behavior therapy approaches. Utilizing these approaches has benefitted secondary students as they learn to navigate the highs and lows of young adulthood.