Meet our Clincians

Priscilla Perez, MA, LPC-S
Counselor and Founder of Grit & Grace Counseling

Welcome to Grit & Grace Counseling – we’re so glad you’re here.
I'm the founder and proud owner of Grit & Grace Counseling. I earned my Master’s degree in Counseling from The University of Texas at San Antonio and have been providing counseling services since 2012. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, helping them navigate a wide range of life experiences and challenges.

My approach to counseling is client-centered and grounded in evidence-based theories. I draw from a variety of modalities including Rogerian, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). In our work together, we’ll explore what makes you uniquely you—building insight into yourself, your relationships, and the world around you.

Therapy is a space for growth, healing, and self-discovery. Together, we’ll identify areas where you’d like to see change and work toward meaningful, lasting progress. My goal is to help you gain greater awareness, acceptance, and clarity—especially in areas that may feel outside of your control—and to support you in developing healthier perspectives and habits that align with the version of yourself you want to become.

At Grit & Grace Counseling, we are committed to providing a supportive, compassionate, and nonjudgmental environment where you feel safe to share, explore, and grow. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply not like yourself, our team is here to walk alongside you on your journey.

Taking this first step toward prioritizing your mental health is powerful—and we’re honored to support you along the way.

My areas of expertise: anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem, women's issues, infertility

Hillary Pappas, MA, LMFT

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.

Misty McGuffin, MA, LPC

“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 (13+), 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, all types of trauma (including childhood trauma, relational trauma, sexual trauma, combat trauma), LGBTQ related issues, recovery from addictions, sexuality issues, personality disorders, self-worth, stress management, emotion regulation, decision making, improving communication, parenting stress/issues, women's issues, men's issues, creating healthy relationships, and work/life 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), Radically Open Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (RO-DBT) Person Centered Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Parts Work Therapy (currently getting trained in IFS), 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, Christian counseling, grief & loss, and life transitions.

Lenni Y. Peed- MA, LPC

Welcome! Thank you for reading my bio. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I graduated with my Masters degree in Counseling from the University of Texas at San Antonio. I have over 11 years of experience working with clients ages 5 years old to adulthood. My passion lies with helping adolescents and adults build their foundation for good mental health.

Counseling sessions are client-centered with an integrative approach that includes Existential Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Reality Therapy. My hope is that by working together you will find meaning in life and build self-determination by creating a strong sense of self to make choices that will help you to achieve your personal goals.

My area of expertise: adolescents, women’s issues, coping with emotions, school issues, trauma, , self-esteem, and anxiety

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.

Keaton Scarff, MS, LPC, NCC

Welcome! I’m Keaton Scarff, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Texas, and I earned my Master’s degree in Counseling from the University of Texas at San Antonio. I am passionate about nurturing and empowering children (3+), teens, young adults, and adults in their journey through healing. My therapeutic approach implements a solid foundation in trauma-informed, person-centered therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy. I also blend over 20 years of experience as a dancer and dance educator to incorporate expressive arts, somatic processing, mindfulness, and self-compassion within my counseling sessions. I am trained in TGCT (Trauma and Grief Component Therapy) and TF-CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), and enjoy utilizing play therapy, sandtray therapy, narrative therapy, bibliotherapy, and behavior modification techniques when appropriate with clients. I strive to create a comforting space where you can feel safe and accepted as your most authentic self, and where discussing sensitive topics are met with compassion versus shame or judgement. Through our sessions together, you will learn concrete coping skills and gain increased understanding of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. As a fierce advocate, I prioritize fostering resilience and hope to empower others with the skills they may need to build meaningful relationships and navigate life’s various obstacles. Vulnerability takes a vast amount of courage, and I applaud you in your bravery for taking this step towards seeking support in your healing journey. Every person has the capacity for healing and growth, and you have the power and ability to create the life you most desire. “It isn’t where you came from. It’s where you’re going that counts.” – Ella Fitzgerald

My areas of expertise: grief/bereavement, trauma (childhood abuse/neglect, sexual abuse, & domestic violence), self-esteem and perfectionism, anxiety and depression, stress and burnout, behavioral concerns, family concerns, women’s issues, life transitions

Valerie Rabadan- LPC Associate
Supervised by Priscilla Perez, MA, LPC-S, license # 75961

Hi, I’m Valerie Rabadan! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate with a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. My journey in the field of mental health has been shaped by a deep commitment to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and achieve emotional well-being.

Before becoming a counselor, I spent 14 years as an educator. This experience has given me a unique perspective on personal growth, resilience, and the diverse challenges individuals face at different stages of life.

I work with individuals ranging from 3 to 65 years old, offering a supportive and compassionate environment that fosters healing and personal growth. My approach to counseling is integrative, drawing from person-centered therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, solution-focused techniques, and narrative therapy. I strive to help clients explore their emotions, develop coping strategies, and work toward meaningful change. No matter where you find yourself today, know that counseling can help you build the tools to move forward and find clarity, strength, and hope.

Areas of Expertise: Anxiety, Depression, Parenting, ADHD, Behavioral Issues, Career Changes, Life Transitions, School-Based Concerns, Building Self-Esteem, Women's Issues, Eating Disorders, and Couples Counseling.

"Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle." – Christian D. Larson

Brittany Carrera, BA, Counseling Graduate Student Intern
Supervised by Priscilla Perez, MA, LPC-S, license #75961

Hello, my name is Brittany Carrera. I have obtained a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the Univeristy of Texas at San Antonio and I am currently pursuing my master’s degree at Walden University. While working as a Family and Community Involvement Liaison, I discovered my passion for helping and empowering others leading me to pursue a degree in counseling.

I am excited to be part of the Grit & Grace Counseling team, where I will support you with your goals to empower you to live your best life. I believe mindset is key to making the changes that you see fit and to help you along in your journey to healing. My goal is to provide a safe and non-judgmental place, so that you are comfortable to express yourself and embark on forward change.

I have over 10 years of experience in being a dancer and dance educator and love incorporating artistic ways to help improve the overall being and confidence of the individual. I have experience in working with children (3+) through adolescents in the development and creative movement of dance. If interested we can incorporate this artistic approach into our sessions which can help with mindfulness, building self-esteem, managing stress and body awareness.

I hope that together we can accomplish life’s challenges by understanding what you are truly going through and finding ways by providing the tools to be successful.

Meet our Administrative Support Staff

Brigitte Jimenez

Brigitte is our administrative assistant and a graduate student at UTSA, pursuing her Master's in Counseling. Her dedication to both roles reflects her strong work ethic passion for helping others.