Meet our Clincians
Please see below for more information about each of our clincians and staff. Our team brings a wealth of knowledge, expereince, and care in the counseling field. We hope that we are able to service your needs. We look forward to meeting with you!
Priscilla Perez, M.A., L.P.C.-S, N.C.C. -
Counselor and Owner of Grit & Grace Counseling
Welcome to our page! I am the founder and owner of Grit & Grace counseling. I am a proud graduate of The University of Texas at San Antonio where I earned my Masters degree in Counseling. I have been providing counseling services to indviduals since 2012 and have extensive experience in working with a variety of populations.
My counseling sessions are client centered and theory base, utilizing techniques from different theories such as Rogerian, cognitive behavioral, solution focused and acceptance commitment theory. In our sessions together, we will discover what makes you, YOU. In sessions, clients tend to gain a better understanding of themselves, the people in their lives and the world around them. Together, we will find solutions to help you work towards a better version of yourself and improve in the areas of life you would like to change. My hope is that I can help you gain more awareness and acceptance towards the things and people we cannot control and develop healthier perspectives to improve the parts of your self you would like to grow in.
GRIT & GRACE COUNSELING will help provide you the tools and support you need to navigate the ups and downs, with the hope that you may be able to have a better quality of life regardless of the things that are out of your control. If you are feeling stressed, overwhelmed or are not feeling like the best version of yourself, our team is here to help you navigate your journey in a compassionate, safe and therapeutic environment. I believe that clients have the power and ability to help create the life they desire.
You are taking the first step in improving your mental health!
My areas of expertise: anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem, women's issues
Maribel Arias, M.A., L.P.C.- Clincial Supervisor
I am the Clinical Supervisor here at Grit and Grace Counseling. I obtained my Masters degree in Counseling from Wayland Baptist University. I have seven years of counseling experience providing individual and marital counseling. My passion is to help people during the various stages, circumstances, and situations that people face throughout life and on a daily basis. My goal is to help create a safe and peaceful environment for my clients to better understand them on an individual basis. I will strive to help my clients find their unique qualities and purpose in life. I believe that every person has the capacity for healing and growth.
Trauma Approach
I have extensive training in the field of trauma treatment. I specialize in helping clients work through their past trauma. My goal is to help clients feel more empowered in their daily lives so that they no longer feel like victims of their past circumstances.
I specialize in helping individuals overcome the lasting effects of trauma, whether it be from childhood experiences, accidents, or life-changing events. I utilize evidence-based therapies such as Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EFT Tapping, and mindfulness to empower clients to heal, find resilience, and regain control over their lives.
Mood Disorder Approach
Understanding the intricate world of mood disorders such as depression and anxiety is one of my strengths. I provide effective tools and strategies to manage symptoms, facilitating lasting relief and empowerment.
Couples therapy Approach
I have a profound passion for fostering healthy and loving relationships. My comprehensive approach to couples therapy is tailored to each unique partnership, fostering communication, understanding, and connection. Whether you're facing conflicts, struggling with intimacy, or desiring to enhance your partnership, I am here to guide you.
I believe in the power of a collaborative, empathetic, and non-judgmental therapeutic environment. I will work with you to develop a customized treatment plan that suits your unique needs and goals. My approach is rooted in respect, trust, and a strong commitment to your personal growth and well-being.
My areas of expertise: Mood Disorders, Trauma, grief, and Couples/Sex Therapy.
Hillary Pappas, M.A., L.M.F.T
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in both Texas and Washington State. I have over 14 years of experience working with children, adolescents, families, and adults. I work with those living with trauma, anxiety, depression, developmental differences, along with behavioral issues, family issues, and school-based concerns. As a military spouse and parent, I also find importance in working with veterans’ and their families to increase connection and resilience. I use a wide variety of strength-based, client centered treatment interventions including play therapy, EMDR, solution-focused therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral therapy. I will work side by side with the individual and families in order to clearly identify the problem, develop achievable treatment goals, and continue to collaborate throughout the therapy journey.
In 2012, I completed my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pacific Lutheran University, and in 2008 completed her Bachelors of Psychology from Central Washington University. I have also worked in a wide variety of settings including out-patient services, in-patient services, and residential. Mycareer began working at a residential mental health facility working with adults, and over time transitioning to specialize working with children, adolescents, and their families. I became trained in Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapist in 2017, in 2019 became a developmental specialist in Washington state, and in 2021 completed EMDR basic training. Along with working with youth and their families, I also enjoy working with adults of all ages and backgrounds.
It is my passion to help client’s build on their strengths and supports, along with enhancing skills to live a happy and fulfilled life. It is my goal to help you feel heard, understood, and empowered each time you enter the office. During your sessions, you can expect laughter and kindness, acceptance and support, empathy and empowerment. I will help you recognize your true worth and potential, and to reach a deeper understanding of who you are and who you would like to be.
Ellen Ray, M.S.W., L.C.S.W., R.N.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has worked with women, children, and families for most of my career life. Some of the areas that I have helped individuals with include life transitions, divorce, depression, anxiety, anger and self-esteem. Much of my therapeutic work has been with early childhood, elementary school aged, adolescents and families. I love to utilize art-based activities, toys, sand tray therapy and any expressive arts in the therapy sessions. While I enjoy working with all ages, I have a passion for helping our youth grow into health adults. Currently, I am working on my Registered Play Therapy certification.
I graduated with my Master of Social Work degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio and bachelor degrees in business and nursing from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. I define myself as a humanistic therapist who provides individualized treatment plans for your specific needs. The modalities that I practice include person-centered, child-centered, gestalt or solution-focused therapy.
I have a family that includes my husband who is a retired Air Force Veteran, 3 teenagers and 2 fur children. We are an active family who enjoys watching our children play sports on the weekends. I am also an avid lover of learning and enjoy my quiet time reading.
Misty McGuffin, M.A., L.P.C.
“Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change.” – Brene Brown
It takes a great deal of courage to be vulnerable, and you have taken the first brave step of seeking out a counselor to help you on the journey to healing and change – Congratulations! I would be honored to be a part of helping with whatever is on your mind. I believe healing comes through honesty and openness, so I strive to be compassionate and non-judgmental during this process. I work to create an open-minded atmosphere of respect, calm, trust, kindness, willingness, and full acceptance of every person as they are. I want everyone to feel heard and to know they don’t have to go through this alone. I am comfortable with the tough conversations that lasting change requires. I believe every person has the ability to be who they want to be, and my goal is to help empower you to do so through supportive, constructive feedback and helping you gain insight into any barriers.
I work with adolescents, young adults, and adults of all ages. I am open to helping you find your way through almost any problem or obstacle you may be facing, but my areas of specialty include: adjusting to life transitions, mood disorders, depression, anxiety, trauma, LGBTQ related issues, sexual identity, recovery from addictions, eating disorders, personality disorders, self-worth, stress management, emotion regulation, problem solving, decision making, improving communication, creating healthy relationships, and life/work balance.
I earned my Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling in 2012. I have experience working with people from all walks of life including individuals from various cultures, religions, and worldviews. My history includes working with individuals, families, inpatient setting, intensive outpatient setting, group therapy, foster care, LGBTQ, and military.
I treat every client as a unique individual with their own unique needs, ways of being, and methods of change. So therefore, I practice an eclectic approach to therapy by utilizing various evidence-based techniques to include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), person centered therapy, solution focused therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, and meditation. Together, “we can do hard things.” -Glennon Doyle
Ali Richter MA, LPC-Associate
Supervised by Veronica Ball MA, LPC-S, RPT, CSC, license # 18538
Hi! I received a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from St. Mary's University and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Texas A&M University (whoop)! I have worked with a variety of populations and see clients ages 5 and up.
My goal is for you, the client, to feel comfortable and safe in counseling so that I can truly get to know what you are facing so that we can work together to understand and improve your conditions. I use a client-centered approach and employ motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, and bibliotherapy modalities. I love to use expressive arts and sand tray therapy in session and often use play therapy with children.
I'm an avid reader and always love to suggest related books if you are open to it!
"Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light." -Brene Brown
My areas of expertise: anxiety, depression, trauma, school issues, self-esteem, grief & loss, and life transitions.
****Clincians at our Medical Center Location****
Jennifer De La Rosa, M.S., L.P.C.
Hello, my name is Jennifer De La Rosa and I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor. I graduated with a
Masters degree in Counseling from Texas A&M University - San Antonio in 2010. I am certified in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT).
I have experience working with children, teens and adults for the past 12 years. I am passionate about helping people work through self-exploration in order to overcome life’s stressors. As humans we are always undergoing change within ourselves or our environment and with that comes challenges that may be expected or unexpected. Within each person there is resilience and determination that may lay dormant. Together, we will build a relationship based on trust and understating. My role will be to help guide you on your journey in finding your strengths. In our therapy sessions together, we will work on life’s challenges by using Person Centered Therapy, CBT, Logotherapy, Solution Focused approaches, and mindfulness to identify personal strengths and work towards self-awareness. I provide counseling for children (10+), teens and adults.
I believe that discovering oneself and building determination and resiliency in therapy will lead to living life with meaning and purpose.
Areas of expertise: trauma, anxiety, depressions and adjusting to life stressors
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Kimberly Patlan, M.S., L.P.C.
Hello, my name is Kimberly M. Patlan, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I graduated from Texas A&M International University. I am bilingual and have experience working with children (4+), teens, and adults. I am passionate about helping others through their difficult times. I have experience working with individuals going through depression, anxiety, grief & loss, PTSD, etc. I enjoy educating others and helping them gain an understanding of their own emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. I have extensive experience and training helping children and adults that have experience traumatic experiences. As a collaborative team we can work together to help you find your strengths to get you through these difficult times.
My therapeutic approach begins by building a solid foundation on a Person-Centered approach and incorporating its core principles. Taking into consideration your needs and building on other modalities such as Solution-Focused Therapy, Child-Centered Play Therapy, or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Audrey Abell, M.A., L.P.C.
Hello! I am Audrey Abell and I obtained my training and education to become a Licensed Professional Counselor from Texas A&M San Antonio in the areas of Counseling and Guidance. I take joy in working with preteens, teens and young adults and neurodivergent individuals.
My life’s work is to help all people improve their lives through counseling. My goal is to empower you and/or your loved one as you discover new tools to help you manage and persevere through life’s challenges. My specialized experience working as a special education teacher and professional school counselor for 8 years has helped me become successful working in collaboration with parents/caregivers in helping people with varied cognitive and social capabilities, Autism and Intellectual Development Disabilities navigate the challenges they encounter.
I use an integrative approach to working with individuals that includes solution focused, reality, cognitive behavioral therapy, and somatic therapies addressing issues such as struggling to cope with change, managing emotions, relationships issues, academic difficulties, anger, and behavioral issues.
Meet our Administrative Support Staff
Kayla - Administrative Assistant
Hi, my name is Kayla!
I am an Administrative Assistant for Grit & Grace Counseling. I am here to support you with the first steps on your counseling journey. I can assist with scheduling appointments and can help verify your insurance benefits. I am also able to assist Spanish speaking clients. In my spare time, I enjoy watching horror movies with my husband and eating peanut M&M’s with popcorn.
Lexi- Executive Administrative Assistant
Hi, my name is Lexi! I am the Executive Administrative Assitant at Grit & Grace Counseling.
I am a proud Road Runner and currently working towards getting my Bachelor's degree at the University of Texas at San Antonio.
I assist Grit and Grace Counseling with scheduling appointments, filing insurance claims and payments.
Outside of work, I am passionate about the gym and my Christian faith. I enjoy spending time outdoors with my husband, playing pickleball or hiking. We also spend time watching shows with our cat!
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