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Behavioral Health Services Staff

Behavioral Health Staff

Dr. Kevin Milligan's profile photo

Dr. Kevin Milligan, LPC-S

Director of Behavioral Health

Dr. Kevin Milligan is a Licensed Professional Counselor - Supervisor in the state of Texas. Dr. Milligan graduated with his Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Dr. Milligan is certified in Cognitive Processing Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. He specializes in working with survivors of trauma, clients with PTSD, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, and crisis interventions. He also serves as an adjunct professor in graduate-level counseling programs and has supervised graduate-level practicum and internship students. His research interests include religion and spirituality in mental health and grief and loss. Dr. Milligan is married with three children and enjoys spending his free time with his family, going to the gym, and being involved in sports.

kmilliga@uiwtx.edu

Richard Boyd, MS, LPC, NCC

Richard Boyd, MS, LPC, NCC

Clinical Counselor

Richard graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a graduate certificate in Integrative Behavioral Health. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of TX. Richard specializes in trauma counseling and has been trained in Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) and has a certification in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT).

Richard has been in the field of counseling for over 17 years, 12 of which he spent serving as an active-duty Air Force Chaplain. He has worked extensively with veterans and their families from all branches of the military, specifically helping those with anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, and personality disorders. Additionally, Richard has a Master of Divinity from Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, PA. One of Richard’s strengths is the ability to integrate the spiritual pillar of wellness in mental health counseling. Richard is an integrative Counselor which means he uses a number of counseling theories, including Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Dynamic Relations Counseling (DRC).

He is married with three children and loves to spend time with his family, traveling, taking his dog for walks, and going for long runs.

Alexandra Okeke, MS, LPC

Clinical Counselor

Alexandra graduated summa cum laude with a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Addiction Counseling from Walden University. She is a licensed professional counselor in the State of Texas and Certified Yoga Instructor.

Alex's therapeutic approach is multifaceted, drawing from trauma-informed care, yoga and mindfulness practices, EMDR, and CBT. Her inclusive methodology fosters healing and resilience, acknowledging the complex intersections of identity and experience. She carries a strong commitment to serving diverse populations, offering trauma-informed therapy that not only heals individuals but also uplifts the communities they call home. Alex has a special passion for serving underserved communities to make a lasting impact on society's collective well-being.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Alex finds joy in dancing, yoga, nature, traveling, and cherishing moments with her beloved family and sassy cockapoo.

Brooke Leith, MA, LPC-Associate; Supervised by Faith Ray, LPC-S

Clinical Counselor

Everyone has a unique story to tell — I'm here to listen to yours. Your feelings are valid, and I'll provide a compassionate and non-judgmental perspective, no matter what challenges you're facing. We can explore your story through words, art, music, meditation, journaling, or whatever resonates with you.

I primarily use Narrative Therapy, which believes that we can rewrite the stories we’ve told ourselves to discover who we are at our core. We'll work together to identify your concerns, externalize them, and investigate the narratives that are fueling them. I also use Internal Family Systems, an evidence-based approach to healing trauma. With couples, I'll utilize the Gottman Method to help you manage conflict and enhance your friendship.

After earning a B.A. in English Writing and Rhetoric from St. Edward's University, I pursued a career in marketing and communications before realizing my true calling is mental health. In 2020, I returned to school to earn an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from St. Mary's University. Outside of work, I’m passionate about reading, traveling, cooking, exercising, and meditation. I love to do arts and crafts, try new restaurants, and go to the movies. I'm married to my best friend and we have three kitty cats together.

Edna Garcia, MS, LPC-Associate

Clinical Counselor

Edna is a Hispanic and bilingual LPC-Associate who is passionate about creating a space where individuals feel truly seen, heard, and valued. She strives to challenge mental health stigmas and remove barriers that can make seeking help feel difficult, ensuring that every client feels supported every step of the way. Edna is committed to fostering cultural awareness, recognizing the importance of understanding and respecting each individual’s unique background and experiences.

Edna holds a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a Bilingual Counseling Certificate from the University of Texas at San Antonio, along with a B.A. in Psychology and a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Texas State University.

Using a Person-Centered approach, Edna creates a comfortable, engaging space where warmth and humor are part of the healing process. She works with individuals of all ages, addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, cultural and identity concerns, and life transitions. With techniques from CBT, DBT, and Gestalt Therapy, Edna helps clients explore their emotions, gain insights, and build coping strategies.

Fluent in both English and Spanish, Edna is committed to increasing access to mental health services for Spanish-speaking and marginalized communities. She believes everyone deserves the opportunity to prioritize their mental health and is honored to walk alongside clients on their journey toward healing and personal growth.

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Irene G. Rodriguez

Administrative Assistant

Hello, my name is Irene G. Rodriguez. I am excited to be joining the UIW Behavioral Health Services Office. This will allow me to help others as needed. I currently bring 35-plus years of Customer Service to the office and a passion for helping others with their everyday issues. On a personal note, I am married to a great husband and have furry babies (cats). We enjoy spending time at home on weekends, watching movies, and traveling.

Julia Lopez

Counseling Intern

Coming to therapy is a brave step—I’m glad you’re here!

I strive to create a warm, supportive space where you feel safe to explore your experiences and build a more grounded, authentic life. Therapy offers a place to process emotions, release the weight of past experiences, and create new ways of moving forward. My approach is inspired by Polyvagal and Attachment theories and integrates ACT, DBT, yoga, and mindfulness techniques.

I’m a Counseling Intern pursuing my Masters in Clinical Mental Health at Lamar University. I'm excited to support UIW students. Professionally, I have 13 years of experience in yoga, trauma-informed somatic practices, and leading movement and meditation worldwide. Outside of work, I’m a mom to a toddler, a wife, and a lifelong Chicago girl at heart. Having experienced the power of therapy firsthand, I’m honored to support you on your journey.

Alexandra Contreras, MS, LPC-Associate, NCC; Supervised by Dr. Kevin Milligan, LPC-S

Doctoral Counseling Intern

Alex Contreras is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate and National Certified Counselor. She earned her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with minors in Criminal Justice and Sociology from the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW). Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision at UTSA, Alex is passionate about advancing the field of mental health and counselor education.

Throughout her training, Alex has gained experience addressing a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, and stress management. She primarily integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Person-Centered Therapy into her practice, complemented by techniques from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and strength-based approaches to meet clients' unique needs.

Outside of her professional life, Alex enjoys an active lifestyle that includes running, working out, and practicing yoga. She also cherishes time with her two dogs—Sully, a 4-year-old Maltipoo, and Sandi, a 2-year-old Goldendoodle.

Christa Vento-Jones

Counseling Intern

Hello, my name is Christa Vento-Jones, and I am a graduate student counseling intern supervised by Alexandra Okeke, LPC. My passion for helping others is what brought me to the counseling field, and witnessing the power of healing is what invited me to stay. Your story is unique, and my goal is to meet you where you are with empathetic understanding, authenticity, respect, and a judgement-free presence.

I am currently pursuing my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Texas at San Antonio after receiving my bachelor's degree in psychology from University of the Incarnate Word. With a growing foundation in academic knowledge, clinical skills, and research in the field of mental health, I am looking forward to providing you with a safe space to feel empowered in your journey of self-discovery with a person-centered, culturally-sensitive, and collaborative approach.

Outside of academia, I enjoy spending time with loved ones, making music, attending theater shows, going antiquing, puzzling, and traveling.

Anna Rubio Rodriguez

Counseling Intern

Hello! My name is Anna Rubio Rodriguez, and I’m currently a counseling intern pursuing an M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). I graduated from Fordham University with a B.S. in psychology and a B.A. in English literature. I am currently also pursuing the Bilingual Counseling Certificate at UTSA to provide counseling sessions in Spanish.

My approach to counseling involves meeting the client where they are and integrating techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Adlerian therapy. I am excited to work with a diverse range of UIW students and provide a safe, supportive, and validating space for counseling.

In my personal life, I enjoy running outside, Pilates, and hot yoga. I also love reading literary fiction and spending time with family, friends, and my dog, Cowboy.

Sara Starnes

Counseling Intern

Hello! My name is Sara Ellen Starnes, and I am a counseling intern, currently pursuing my masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Texas at San Antonio. I graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with my bachelor's in Psychology and with a minor in Business Administration. I am very passionate about psychology and learning about human development!

I am interested in working with all types of clients and building strong connections with them. I want to help my clients feel supported and work with them through all types of issues. I am interested in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered, and Adlerian Theory. I am so excited to start working with you!

Outside of counseling, I enjoy exercising, reading, and playing Mahjong! I also love spending time with my friends and family!

Donte Sumpter

Doctoral Pastoral Chaplain Intern

Hello! My name is Donte Sumpter, native to Myrtle Beach, SC. Although I am a southerner, I claim WA State in the Pacific Northwest. I am currently  an U.S Army Chaplain. I graduated from Northwest University in Seattle, WA and completed my Master of Divinity at Columbia International University in Columbia, SC. I am currently pursuing my Doctorate of Ministry at Wesley Seminary through the Army. 

I am very passionate about tea, coffee, and meeting new people. Reading a good book and sipping a hot cup is second to heaven! As a former student athlete at ECU and CSU, I love football. GO Pack Go!

My wife Leah and I have two beautiful children: Naomi (7) and Eden (6).

Although, I value religion as a clergyperson, I understand that human dignity is not contingent on a person's worldview or belief system. In other words you do not have to be religious to speak with me! I value your experience either way! I am relatable and offer a non-judgmental presence.