Behavioral Health Services Staff

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

Melissa Mejia is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas. Melissa holds as Master of Arts in Guidance and Counseling from Texas A&M University- San Antonio.

She integrates Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy and Motivational Interviewing approaches to her clinical work. She has been treating adolescents, young adults, and families for over 10 years. Melissa has experience working with trauma, family violence, anxiety, depression, mindfulness, behavioral management and crisis interventions. She is dedicated in fostering a safe and welcoming environment through a multicultural lens.

In her free time, she enjoys traveling and making new memories with her family.

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.

Hey, I’m Ariel! I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Sam Houston State University and a Bachelors in Sociology from Texas A&M. I’ve been working in university counseling since 2019, and I love helping students heal, overcome obstacles, and build a life that brings them joy, pride, and purpose.

I’m certified in Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD, and I also love to use mindfulness practices, relationship dynamics, and existential questions to help my clients connect to their truest self. I live with my fiancé, our loveable devil cat and perfect angel dog. I’m crazy about roller skating and have played roller derby with several teams across Texas – currently Alamo City Rollergirls. I also love to play board games and video games, especially with friends.

Taylor Michaels is a Licensed Professional Counselor that received her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Texas at Tyler. She is a 200-HR Registered Yoga Instructor who has taught yoga and mindfulness classes for over five years. Her experiences have enabled her to use an integrative somatic approach to help clients overcome challenges and find healthy ways to cope with stress.

In counseling, she incorporates mindfulness to foster awareness, acceptance, and compassion. She is trained in EMDR, which activates the adaptive network in the brain to expedite healing from distressing life experiences. She integrates techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy. She has experience working with adolescents and adults at the university student counseling center, outpatient eating disorder treatment center, and private practice. She is passionate about helping clients struggling with anxiety, depression, OCD, self-worth, relationship issues, grief, personality and eating disorders.

She believes the counseling room is a secure space for clients to feel heard so that they may discover the power of their own voice. She enjoys walking alongside clients in their journey of self-discovery towards a life full of health, passion, and purpose.

Taylor is married and enjoys hiking, practicing yoga, working out, playing tennis, cooking, and reading in her free time.

Life's challenges and transitions are opportunities for growth, and I enjoy helping students develop their resiliency and improve their everyday life. I work collaboratively with students to explore obstacles that interfere with developing a greater sense of well-being and compassion. I believe approaching distress with compassion, psychological flexibility, and acceptance cultivates a more fulfilling life. I am passionate about working with those who have experienced abuse, and helping students find their voice and strength.

Counseling interests include anxiety, stress reduction, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma/PTSD, life transitions, and relationship concerns. I integrate techniques from acceptance commitment therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, somatic expression, and EMDR, while offering skills to develop resiliency, mindfulness, and confidence. I also provide counseling services at the UIW health profession schools.

My counseling experience includes university settings, psychiatric hospital IOP/PHP, and community health.

I'm new to San Antonio and enjoy its urban and outdoor adventures. I'm curious by nature and love taking road trips. Volunteering is another of my passions.

"Working collaboratively with students is the best way to address their individual needs and co-create a counseling space that is safe, empowering, and healing."

Christine is a Licensed Professional Counselor who graduated with her master’s degree in clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Texas at Tyler in 2016. Christine works from a perspective of hope, believing that wherever you may be “stuck,” there is room for change and growth. The warm and inviting atmosphere Christine creates allows her clients to feel safe and supported. Her therapeutic approach includes the use of Solution-Focused and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques. She also has training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy.

Christine has worked with children and adolescents in foster care, as a mental health counselor at a middle and high school, in community mental health, at a university student counseling center, and in crisis response. Christine enjoys working with children, adolescents, and adults on issues including mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, grief, family relationships, and spirituality.

Midwest native and Arizona-resident at heart, Addy is intentional about creating a space where clients can dive into therapeutic goals and build a therapeutic relationship that allows for authenticity, raw expression, and self-healing. At her core, she believes people have a strong capacity to learn, grow, connect, and thrive. Her approach to therapy is grounded primarily in ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), and she also incorporates tools from motivational interviewing, mindfulness meditation practice, and body-centered trauma-informed care. Over the course of the last two years, Addy has worked primarily in inpatient rehabilitation with individuals on their journey in substance abuse and severe mental illness recovery.

Addy received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology/Pre-Physical Therapy from Taylor University. She is currently completing her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northern Arizona University. She is also an enthusiastic, certified yoga practitioner; therefore, holistic well-being and the mind-body connection are emphasized within her therapeutic approach. Addy is married with an active pup, and enjoys practicing yoga, running, hiking, camping, and skiing in her free time.

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 to the office 35 plus years of Customer Service and passion to 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.

Hello! My name is Bailey McLendon. I am in my final year at Our Lady of the Lake University in the Master of Science in Psychology- Marriage and Family Therapy Program. I completed my undergraduate degree at Schreiner University in Kerrville, TX with a BA in Psychology, while also being a student-athlete. Being a student-athlete and first-generation college student, I understand what it’s like to go through life’s transitions and challenges.

Bailey takes a holistic approach to counseling sessions with a non-judgmental stance making sure the individual is comfortable and supported. Approaches Bailey uses are Solution- Focused, Strengths Based, and Narrative Therapy. She believes in working collaboratively with clients to utilize their strengths to overcome challenging situations in their lives and better understand themselves. Each session is individualized and client-centered, that means, it’s all about you!

In her free time, Bailey enjoys reading and traveling to see family and friends.

Hi! My name is Ana C. Ezeta. I am currently in my final year of my graduate program at Our Lady of the Lake University. I am in the Master of Science in Psychology- Marriage and Family Therapy Program. I completed my undergraduate degree at Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) in Laredo, Tx with a BA in Psychology with a minor in dance!

My approaches include Solution-Focused Brief Therapy and Narrative Therapy. I try to highlight the strengths of different theories to fit the client’s identified needs and meet the collaboratively-defined goals. My clinical interests include treating individuals, couples, families, children, and crisis interventions. I use a systemic and strengths-based approach in working with clients and the relationships they have in their lives. I am bilingual in Spanish.

In my spare time, I enjoy dancing, reading, and spending time with my nieces and nephews!

Hi! My name is Adrienne and I am currently working to complete my Master of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy at Our Lady of the Lake University. I am originally from the rural Midwest. Athletics, music, and animals have been and continue to be an important part of my life since childhood.

I am a military veteran of almost 10 years and have mostly enjoyed traveling the world, meeting new people, and experiencing and learning from different cultures. While serving, I was a resilience trainer and a sexual harassment/assault victim advocate, and I completed my undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland Global Campus. These and other professional and personal experiences nurtured my passion for helping others to cope with life difficulties and experiences, as well as learn, grow, and thrive from them by instilling our strengths, resources, and resiliencies in our lives.

When it comes to psychotherapy, one size does not fit all! I take a strengths-based, holistic, and integrative approach to counseling and work collaboratively with my clients to decide which specific modalities may work best for them.

Some of my hobbies include gaming, extreme sports, the outdoors, and watching TV.

Hello, I am Amy Hermes. I am currently in my final year of my graduate degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of A&M San Antonio. I received my undergraduate degree from the University of San Antonio in business which led me to a career in management for some fortune 500 companies. It was there that I found my passion for helping others through development, teaching skills, and sharing resources which led me to peruse my masters degree in the mental health field.

College can sometimes be a challenging time, as we are often balancing new experiences, expectations, work, school, friends, and relationships while trying to figure out who we are and want to become. I am eager to learn about your experiences and work together to help you achieve your goals.

I utilize solution focused therapy and narrative therapy to help clients gain an awareness of themselves and identify strengths they can focus on to align with their determined goals.

I spend my free time training for my first marathon, attempting to train two basset hound puppies, and spending time with family and friends.

Hello! My name is Sarah Ortega, a San Antonio native, born and raised, first-generation college graduate. I received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a Pre-Counseling Concentration from Our Lady of the Lake University. Currently working to complete my Master of Arts (M.A.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Texas A&M University— San Antonio, TX.

My approaches include Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, as well as utilizing motivational interviewing. My approach to the therapeutic relationship is client focused; we can work collaboratively to find what fits best. I’m a forward-thinking professional with compassion and patience to work with you during difficult times or distress. I’m an empathetic individual who is willing to provide a safe space for college students and young adults to heal, grow, and flourish in their personal and academic life.

Furthermore, being Hispanic and growing up in a multicultural home has expanded my personal experiences, knowledge, and perspective in multiculturalism. This has helped me gain awareness in my counseling courses, everyday life, graduate training, and as a student counselor. I have a desire and passion to aid first-generation and underrepresented student populations.

My hobbies include hiking, traveling, playing video games, walking my pit bull, and writing poetry in my free time.

I am proud to have been a part of the Trio Program, and I have worked with people from diverse ethnic, religious, socioeconomic, and professional backgrounds. If you are looking for a place to feel supported during your college journey in a non-judgmental and accepting way, then you are in the right place. My passion is to help clients foster and use their personal strengths to gain insight, build resilience, and work toward self-fulfillment.

Hello! My name is Kiana Jones. I am in the last year of my Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at the University of Texas at San Antonio. I received my Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Texas A&M University in Central Texas. Born and raised in Killeen, Texas, I experienced the military culture, community, and what it was like to have parents in the military. I am also a proud first-generation college student. I understand what it's like navigating through difficult situations with limited support and would love to be a part of someone's support system. Before UIW, I was a counseling intern at Esperanza Eating Disorders Center, working with individuals with various disordered eating behaviors. It is such a privilege to take all that I learned at Esperanza and be able to help people at UIW who may also be struggling with disordered eating.

Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectal Behavior Therapy (DBT) are my primary approaches. I also like to utilize mindfulness practices to help others pay attention to their current thoughts and feelings without judging those thoughts. Every person is different, so every approach isn't the same, which is why I love counseling; we get to work collaboratively to reach your goal!

In my spare time, I enjoy painting, playing volleyball, and exploring vintage stores to collect vinyl albums.

Hello there! My name is Mark Ramirez, and I am currently working towards a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). I have completed my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at UTSA as well as my Associate of Arts in Psychology at Northwest Vista College. Prior to the education route, I served in the U.S. Navy, seeing the world and meeting fascinating people, and was honorably discharged in 2016.

While my clinical approaches include Solution Focused Therapy and Narrative Therapy, I utilize an overarching collaborative and strength-based approach to meet you where you are at. My clinical interests include individuals, couples, groups, and college students, particularly non-traditional students.

In my free time, you can usually find me hanging out with my wife and/or chasing after my two-year old daughter. My hobbies include videogames, painting miniatures, and continuously being dumbfounded at my bad luck when tabletop gaming.

Hello, I am Bailee Soares. I am in my final years of my graduate degree in Mental Health Counseling at Texas A&M University- San Antonio. I received my undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of California, Fresno. Which is where I found my passion for helping people through counseling. I was born and raised in Fresno California and am a first generation college student.

My approach to counseling is called Solution-Focused Therapy which helps clients identify their strengths to allow them to reach their goals in a shorter amount of time. My population of interest include individuals and couples.

In my free time I like to spend time reading, outting puzzles and Legos together, hiking, or exercising at the gym.