About Us
At Serene Counseling and Wellness, we strive to provide a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment for our clients. Our experienced and knowledgeable therapists provide a number of services, including individual therapy, family therapy, couples counseling, and group therapy. We understand the complexity of mental health, and are committed to helping our clients reach their desired outcomes. We pride ourselves on providing compassionate care, and on helping our clients reach their full potential by helping them to create balance and peace within.
Meet The Team
Roxanne Deams
LPC-S, CART, 500hr CYT, CFMHE
Ages served: 2+ Specialty: foster/adoption, trauma, grief/loss, anger, anxiety, depression, clinical supervision Hi, I’m Roxanne Deams, LPC-S, founder of Serene Counseling and Wellness. For the last 12 years, I have been working with children, adults, and families to help them acquire skills and knowledge needed for them to gain and maintain mental, emotional and physical balance. I have dedicated myself to the nurturing and healing of people as they work to learn better ways of processing emotions, improving communication, working through trauma, and moving towards self-healing and awareness. Over the years, I have increased my ability to serve those with varying needs through continued education. I am specially trained in Anger Resolution, Trauma Focused – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Unified Protocol of Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders. More recently, I decided to expand my love of yoga and became a certified 500Hr Yoga Instructor with additional education in yoga to help manage trauma response, anxiety, depression, stress and mindfulness. My overall approach blends an understanding of the connection between psychological and physical issues. In therapy, I place emphasis on the ways in which our thoughts impact our emotions, which impact our physical response. I utilize a trauma informed approach combining evidence-based interventions to address behaviors, anxiety, depression, grief, and other life changing occurrences. I strive to provide the best therapeutic approaches and techniques to aid in recovering and healing to achieve overall wellness and create peace within. Seeking therapy can be a difficult decision and you are making it. Being here now is a big step in the process of healing. Together we will work to create a safe space for you and/or your loved ones to create support and establish skills needed to bring stability and balance back into your life. Feel free to contact me with any questions.
Ali Vasquez
LPC, 200hr CYT, EMDR
Ages served: 2+ Specialty: trauma, life transitions, LGBTQA, post-partum, parenting, foster care Hello! I am, Ali Vasquez, a Licensed Professional Counselor. I have worked with children, teens, adults and families seeking to work through a variety of challenges. I have a special interest in helping navigate trauma, self-harm, anxiety and parenting. I enjoy supporting individuals as they identify negative patterns and begin to tap into their abilities to make impactful changes in their lives. I believe that we all have the ability to change our future for the better. While change may not be easy or comfortable, the reward is almost always worth it. As a native Texan, I was born and raised in the Houston area where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Houston Clear Lake with aspirations of pursuing a career in helping others. While working full-time in education, I completed a graduate degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lamar University. I have completed specialty training in EMDR, Trauma Focused - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Question-Persuade-Refer. I recently became certified as a 200 Hour Yoga Instructor to bring an additional layer to my therapeutic approach. Through this journey I have been provided with invaluable experiences with children and families and learned that the right person can make an impact on an individual’s life. I believe that self-growth is a life-long opportunity if only we choose to embrace it. We can break cycles that have been rooted in our history with the right tools for healing.
Stacy Baynham
LCSW-S, EMDR, RPT
Ages served: 5+ Specialty: trauma, women's issues, life transitions, play therapy, foster care, supervision My name is Stacy M Baynham, LCSW-S. I have been licensed as a Clinical Social Worker in the state of Texas since 2013. I am also a Board approved LCSW Supervision, and available for consultation or supervision. My specialties include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Play Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), as well as trauma informed modalities including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). As a therapist, I am compassionate, understanding and motivating. I enjoy working with adults, children and families to help manage life's changes. Let's face it, who has not encountered issues at some point in life? We will work together and find the most fitting solutions for you. Are you ready to start the journey toward a life of emotional well-being?
Trina Le
LPC-Associate
Ages served: 10+ Specialty: behaviors, trauma, life changes, anger management, grief/loss, anxiety, depression, college Salutations! My name is Trina Le. I recently completed my master’s degree in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at the University of Houston. I am an LPC-Associated under the supervision of Mrs. Roxanne Deams, LPC-S. I am excited to transfer what I have learned into working with children, teenagers, and adults! I hope to be present with you through your journey of self-discovery! I have a passion for working with students and helping young adults find their academic and career interests. I believe in the importance of finding a profession that best aligns with your interests so that you may be more satisfied with being there long-term. It is better to be content for the long run than be temporarily satisfied. I understand that it can be a difficult transitional process, but you are not alone! Whatever your experiences, they are completely valid, and I want to be here to help you feel confident with whatever decisions you make going forward! As an aspiring author and an active reader, I have been continuously intrigued by the potential stories hidden within the pages of books. Applying that to counseling, I believe that every person has a story to share and that they are the main character in their own unique journeys! As with novels, I cannot wait to hear how the story goes and to work collaboratively to help you be the best you possible and to strive for that happy ending! I hope to see and speak with you soon!
Derrick Johnson
LPC-Associate
Ages served: 12+ Specialty: couples, families, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, suicidality, behavior challenges, chronic pain, substance abuse Counseling can be a scary process, especially if you’re a male or identify as a member of a minority community. However, within counseling, you can experience the feeling of being accepted as your authentic self and experience what it is like to be seen and heard as a person rather than a stigma or label. This is a foundational step in the healing process and has served as the basis of my counseling approach. As soon as you step into the office, you will be welcomed and reassured that you are enough and your story matters. I will provide an open and understanding space for you to express your concerns and I will collaborate with you on a game plan to start working towards achieving goals. I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor – Associate under the supervision of Roxanne Deams, LPC-S. I have worked within the mental health industry for nearly 5 years. Throughout this time, I have had the privilege of working with adolescents, adults, couples, and families. The idea of men seeking mental health assistance still carries a lot of stigma, unfortunately, but as a Black male counselor I work to ensure you feel supported, understood, and accepted each time you step into the office. Each person is unique, but there are universal truths we all struggle with and that understanding is part of the basis of my Existential Counseling framework that I implement with techniques derived from Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) My goal as a therapist is to help you get a better understanding of your presenting concerns, develop a way to confront these concerns, and leave feeling empowered to not only address the original issues but have a gameplan to apply to new problems life throws your way.
Morgan Williams
LPC-Associate
Ages served: 2+ Specialty: Anxiety, Depression, Women's issues, Life Transitions, School Challenges, College and Career Howdy! I obtained my bachelor’s in Communication and Psychology from Texas A&M University and my master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from University of Houston Victoria. Upon seeing the prevalent mental health needs in my community, I became passionate about advocating, educating and assisting others in their own mental health journey. I am excited that you are taking this next step in working towards wellness and investing in yourself! My counseling approach is rooted in empathy, respect, and a belief that every individual possesses the strength and potential to work through life’s challenges. I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can openly express their thoughts and process their feelings. I tailor my counseling techniques to meet each client's needs by drawing from various therapeutic modalities, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches. I have experience in providing counseling for adults, adolescents, and children in issues of: anger management, career development, relationship issues, self- esteem, depression, and grief. My role is not to tell you what to do, but instead to guide and support you in your journey of self-discovery. Together, we will work collaboratively to set achievable goals, explore personal realizations and develop skills that empower you to overcome obstacles and get you to where you want to be! I am currently under the supervision of Roxanne Deams, LPC-S.
Sommer Adebayo
LPC-Associate
Ages served: 2+ Specialty: anxiety, depression, trauma, transitions and adjustments, parenting, foster care, adoption, and communication Hello! My name is Sommer Adebayo, and I am working under the supervision of Roxanne Deams, LPC-S. I have a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Marriage and Family therapy. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as an intern at Serene Counseling and Wellness as I work towards becoming a licensed therapist. My passion is to support individuals, families, and couples in navigating life's challenges. I approach therapy from a systemic perspective that involves person-centered, strengths-based, and solution-focused methods to promote healing, resilience, and growth. I believe each client is unique and has the power to find the best solutions for themselves. I strive to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel encouraged to share their experiences with me. With every season of life comes change, growth, and development. I look forward to walking alongside you in your current season of self-discovery and self-acceptance.
Minniel Douglas
LPC-Associate, Mindfulness Practitioner
Ages served: 3+ Specialty: anxiety, depression, life transitions/adjustments, women’s issues, family/relationships, trauma, conflict resolution, and helping leaders and those who serve others Hello! My name is Minniel Douglas, and I am a LPC-Associate under the supervision of Roxanne Deams, LPC-S. I truly enjoy helping others to arrive at their place of wellness emotionally, cognitively, and physically. My approach to therapy is one that involves a mix of cognitive-behavioral therapy and person-centered therapy mixed with mindfulness-based and gestalt interventions. When working with children, I also use play therapy techniques as a means to help my young clients in their therapy journey. My goal is to support clients as they go through different mental health concerns, life transitions, and relationship transitions/issues. I have worked in the mental/behavioral health field for over a decade in one capacity or another. My experience has been working with children, adolescents, adults, and couples. My experience has taken place in both the out-patient and in-patient settings. I have learned to truly support my clients where they are and help them to become restored and renewed, becoming more of their true authentic selves. It would be my honor and pleasure to work with you or/and your child/adolescent. Have a wonderful day, and I look forward to meeting you.
Caitlin Banks
Marriage and Family Intern
Ages served: 2+ Specialty: family conflict, anxiety, depression, trauma, transitions and adjustments Let’s be real, sometimes “life be lifing” and it’s a struggle to navigate. Did you know that you don’t have to figure it all out at once? What if I told you that those bumps in the road along your journey can be smoothed over? That anxiety or depression that has been slowly creeping in along the way can be tamed. Are you the strong friend, or sibling? While you are holding space for everyone else, do YOU have a soft place to land and sort through the past and present of your story? If not, I got you & I’m here to help! My name is Caitlin Banks, and I am a Marriage & Family Therapy Intern under the supervision of Nkem Chinwah, LMFT-S. I am passionate about working with BIPOC children, adolescents, and couples & families in need of a non-judgmental space to hold the hardest parts of their stories. I collaborate with my clients to hold a trauma-informed space for healing and liberation in the context of interpersonal and familial relationships through self-compassion, boundaries work, and self-differentiation. I support those challenged by anxiety, depression, issues related to racial stress, and family of origin trauma. My therapy approach is like GPS. I don't determine where you go, but I can support you in finding the best way to get there.
Joelle Ortega
Graduate Intern
Ages served: 5+ Specialty: anxiety, depression, life changes Hello! My name is Joelle Ortega, and I am a Master’s student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Our Lady of the Lake University. I am working under the supervision of Roxanne Deams, LPC-S. I completed my undergraduate studies in December 2020 at the University of Houston-Downtown with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. I have an interest in applying cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based approaches while working with children, adolescents, and women to help them improve their overall well-being and develop healthy coping skills. I believe that we continuously evolve throughout life, and the right support is paramount. I enjoy providing a safe and non-judgmental space while supporting individuals as they face life's many complex challenges. My goal is to make a difference in clients’ lives by helping them build self-esteem, self-worth, and self-confidence. I look forward to navigating the counseling journey and experiencing growth with you!
Madison Stanton
Graduate Intern
Ages served: 10+ Specialty: Women’s issues, relationship dynamics, life transitions, anxiety, and depression Hello! My name is Madison Stanton, and I am a Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate student at Houston Christian University. In pursuit of my degree and clinical certifications, I am working under the supervision of Roxanne Deams, LPC-S. My passion lies in helping people navigate the challenges they face in a supportive, non-judgmental, healing environment. I draw from therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy, but I believe in curating the counseling experience for each individual. I am dedicated to working with you to overcome any obstacles you may face in your daily life and help you achieve your desired outcome.
Layne Dennis
Graduate Intern
Specialty: anxiety, depression, LGBTQIA+, trauma, life transitions and adjustments Hello! My name is Layne Dennis, and I am a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at the University of Houston-Clear Lake. I am working under the supervision of Roxanne Deams, LPC-S. My passion is being able to be a part of the healing process for others as they navigate through any challenges that may come up in their day-to-day lives. My therapy approach prioritizes the individuality, comfort, and appreciation of the client within the session, as well as them being the expert in the room in terms of their experiences and feelings. I utilize a blend of person-centered, postmodern, and cognitive-behavioral techniques, adjusting accordingly to best suit the client’s needs. My goal is to hold a collaborative space where clients feel safe, empowered, and seen, regardless of their identities. I believe it is an integral part of the therapeutic process to not only understand how a client’s world looks for them, but to also focus on the aspect of working together to see what would be most beneficial for their situation. I also understand that growth does not look the same for every client, and commit to being there every step of the way to help turn goals into realities. It would be my honor to work alongside you on your journey of getting to where you want to be. I look forward to meeting with you!
Merino Sabu
Graduate Intern
Ages: 4+ Specialty: anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, conflict resolution, generational trauma Hi! I am Merino Sabu and I am currently pursuing my Master's in Counseling at University of Houston-Victoria. I am gaining valuable hands-on experience under the supervision of Roxanne Deams, LPC-S. Coming from a South Asian background - Indian to be specific - I understand the complexities of generational trauma and its impact on individuals and families. I resonate with the feeling of being judged for who you are, the lack of a safe space, and having to wear a mask of being strong and having your act together. My journey in counseling is driven by a passion to create a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences without fear of stigma. I believe in the power of empathy and active listening as foundational to building therapeutic relationships that empower clients to discover their own strengths and resilience. Through a person-centered approach, I am dedicated to fostering healing and growth that is rooted in empathy and cultural sensitivity. I hope that I can offer the much needed support as you embark on this tumultuous journey called life.
Asia McClenon
LPC, LCDC-I
Ages served: 17+ Specialty: substance use, life transitions, depression, anxiety, couples, relationship difficulties, foster care Greetings, I am Asia McClenon, LPC. I have worked in the mental/behavioral health field in different capacities for the last eight years. Much of my experience has been working with a combination of children and adults in out-patient and in-patient settings. I am an advocate for people living their truth in whatever capacity that means for them. I strive to create a place where people can feel safe working through their feelings, problems, and concerns. My goal is to help clients reach their full potential so that they can be the best version of themselves. I have had extensive training in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused CBT, Anger Resolution, and Solution Focused Brief Therapy. The approach utilized will be determined by the specific needs that are noted during our initial session and will be tailored to each individual client. I primarily work with teens and adults to address behavior changes that may be the result of anxiety, depression, and/or grief. Changes in emotions can lead to disruptions in our daily functioning leaving a feeling of being disconnected and off balance. I believe that there should be balance between the mind and body to create a greater sense of peace and stability. I would love the opportunity to work with you to identify your specific needs and goals to help you establish an individual sense of equilibrium.
Brooke Butler
Intern
Ages served: 4+ Specialty: women's issues, life transitions, anxiety, depression, anger Hello! I am Brooke Butler and am working under the supervision of Roxanne Deams, LPC-S. I completed a Bachelors Of Science in Psychology in May 2020 from The University of Houston-Downtown. I graduated from Lamar University with a Masters in Marriage and Family Counseling and Development. I have an interest in working with children, adolescents, and women to help them develop healthy coping skills to manage depression and anxiety. My focus is using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Person-Centered Therapy to help increase self awareness and to give clients tools they can use throughout their lives to maintain inner peace. I look forward to taking this journey of growth and learning with you.
Tristan Bowers
Marriage and Family Graduate
Ages served: 10+ Specialty: couples, family, grief/loss, anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship difficulties, family conflict My name is Tristan Bowers and I am an MFT student intern under the supervision of Amber Bailey, LMFT-S. I completed my undergrad at the University of Houston-Downtown with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. I am currently pursuing a Masters degree from Abilene Christian University in Marriage and Family Therapy. With a heartfelt commitment to helping others, I specialize in working with families, couples, women, and children. I understand that life's challenges can impact individuals of all ages and relationships, and I am here to provide a safe space for healing and growth. I believe that therapy is a transformative journey that requires trust, empathy, and compassion. My goal is to create a supportive environment where you feel heard, validated, and understood. Together, we will explore your experiences, emotions, and thought patterns, fostering personal insight and promoting positive change. I look forward to embarking on this therapeutic journey with you and supporting you in creating a more fulfilling and balanced life.