About Us

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.

Ages served: 2+ Specialty: Trauma, Life Transitions, LGBTQIA, Pernital/Prenatal/Post-Partum, Parenting, Foster Care Hello! I am Ali Vasquez, a dedicated trauma informed Licensed Professional Counselor. I have a special interest in supporting individuals as they explore their history and patterns that influence their lives as they work to gain healing from their trauma. My compassionate and client-centered approach fosters a safe space for healing, helping clients navigate their emotions and foster growth and peace. With a holistic approach that integrates mindfulness, cognitive behavioral techniques, and strength-based practices. I work to empower you to reclaim your narrative and cultivate healing. I aim to be a trusted ally on the journey towards mental wellness and creating a brighter future for yourself and future generations. 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 and have since honed my skills in trauma-informed care. I understand the profound impact of inherited trauma on individuals and familial dynamics, guiding clients in breaking cycles and fostering resilience. Through this journey I have been provided with invaluable experiences with individuals and families and learned that the right person can make an impact on an individual’s life.

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?

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 and have worked within the mental health industry for over 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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Ages served: 5+ Specialty: anxiety, depression, life changes Hello! My name is Joelle Ortega, and I am a Licensed Processional Counseling Associate. I am working under the supervision of Roxanne Deams, LPC-S. I completed my graduate studies in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Our Lady of the Lakes University and my undergraduate studies in psychology at the University of Houston-Downtown. I utilize 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!

Ages: 10+ Specialty: anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, conflict resolution, generational trauma, couples and family Hi! I am Merino Sabu and I am a Licensed Professional Associate supervised by Roxanne Deams, LPC-S. I completed my Masters in Clinical Mental Health and Counseling from University of Houston-Victoria. Coming from a South Asian (Indian) background, I understand how culture, family expectations, and generational trauma can shape who we are. I know how it feels to be judged, to hide behind strength, and to long for a safe space to simply be yourself. My goal as a counselor is to create that safe, non-judgmental space you may have been missing - a place where you can take a deep breath, be real, and feel truly heard. I believe healing starts with empathy, openness, and connection, and I’m here to walk beside you as you explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. I use a person-centered approach combined with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you better understand yourself, shift unhelpful thought patterns, and find ways to move forward with confidence and self-compassion. I welcome clients from all backgrounds and identities, and I value the opportunity to learn from each person’s unique story. Whether you’re navigating family dynamics, cultural pressures, or simply trying to find your own path, I hope to support you in building resilience and rediscovering your inner strength. You don’t have to go through this journey alone - let’s work together to help you feel more grounded, empowered, and at peace.

Ages served 5+ 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!

Ages served: 5+ Specialty: neurodiversity, anxiety, depression, life transitions, family conflict Hello, my name is Alexa! I’m a counseling intern at the University of Houston Clear Lake, currently under the supervision of Roxanne Deems, LPC-S. My goal is to create a supportive, non-judgmental space where you can feel comfortable exploring your emotions and experiences. I use a person-centered approach to therapy, emphasizing empathy and understanding, and I am especially passionate about working with neurodivergent individuals. In addition to my work in counseling, I love reading, which helps me stay connected to new ideas and perspectives. I look forward to working with you and supporting you on your personal journey.

Ages Served: 2+ Specialties: Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Well-being, Family and couples counseling Hi, I’m Farah Akbar, a student intern counselor at Serene Counseling under the supervision of Roxanne Deams, LPC-S. I am currently pursuing my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Houston Christian University and will be graduating in May 2026. My clinical experience includes working as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), where I gained over one year of experience supporting children, teens, and young adults with special needs. I have a strong foundation in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and behavior therapy, and I am passionate about helping clients navigate challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and overall well-being. In addition to individual counseling, I also work with families and couples to improve communication, strengthen relationships, and create healthier dynamics. My multicultural background allows me to connect with clients from diverse communities, and I am fluent in English, Urdu, and Hindi. This enhances my ability to provide culturally sensitive and inclusive care to clients seeking support. In sessions, I strive to create a safe, supportive, and compassionate environment where clients can process emotions, build resilience, and move toward personal growth and healing. My therapeutic approach blends evidence-based practices with a trauma-informed perspective to meet the unique needs of each client. Seeking counseling is a courageous step, and I am honored to walk alongside my clients as they pursue healing and balance in their lives.

Ages served: 5+ Specialty: anxiety, depression, life transitions, family conflict I am a graduate counseling intern at Concordia University Irvine, currently completing my practicum and internship under the supervision of Roxanne Deams, LPC-S. As a Black male counselor-in-training, I am committed to providing culturally responsive care and creating an affirming space where clients feel seen, supported, and empowered. I work with individuals ranging from adolescence through late adulthood, and I approach each therapeutic relationship with empathy, authenticity, and respect for the unique lived experiences of my clients. My areas of focus include anxiety, self-esteem, identity development, life transitions, and emotional wellness. With a strong foundation in evidence-based practices and guided by a heart for service, I aim to help clients navigate challenges, build resilience, and move toward personal growth. I believe in the healing power of connection and am passionate about helping others discover strength within themselves.

Ages served: 5+ Specialty: anxiety, depression, trauma, socioeconomic barriers Hello, my name is Ashley Chavero. I received my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Houston in 2020, and I am currently a Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate student at Lamar University. I am working toward completing my practicum and internship requirements under the supervision of Roxanne Deams, LPC-S. I have experience working with diverse and high-needs communities and am committed to providing inclusive, compassionate mental health services. As a bilingual professional fluent in both English and Spanish, I strive to create safe, supportive spaces where individuals feel truly recognized and valued. My therapeutic approach is grounded in person-centered principles and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques, emphasizing empathy, collaboration, and practical strategies for change. At the same time, I recognize that each client is unique, and I am always open to adapting my methods to meet their specific needs, concerns, and goals. My priority is to offer a flexible and supportive therapeutic experience that honors each client’s voice and fosters meaningful growth. I look forward to walking alongside clients on their healing journeys and helping them access the care they deserve.

Ages served: 10+ Specialty: anxiety, depression, life transitions, school challenges Jacinta is a compassionate graduate student currently pursuing her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Walden University. She has a strong foundation in communication sciences and disorders and brings nearly a decade of experience working with children and families in both clinical and school settings. Her integrated background allows her to blend therapeutic insight with developmental expertise, helping clients feel heard, understood, and supported as they work toward increased confidence and personal growth. Jacinta’s approach emphasizes creating a warm, collaborative environment where individuals and families can explore their experiences and build skills that support lasting well-being. Jacinta is currently providing counseling services under the supervision of Roxanne Deams, LPC-S.

Ages served: 3+ Specialty: anxiety, depression, life transitions, school challenges Hello! My name is Christina, and I am a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, currently training under the supervision of Roxanne Deams, LPC-S. I have a deep passion for supporting children, teens, and families as they navigate the ups and downs of life. My approach to therapy is centered on connection, compassion, and collaboration. I believe that every person has an inner strength and the ability to grow; sometimes we just need a safe, understanding space to explore it. In our work together, my goal is to create a calm and supportive environment where clients can feel seen, valued, and empowered to make meaningful changes. I draw from approaches like play therapy, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and solution-focused techniques, but I always tailor sessions to fit each person’s unique needs and goals. It’s a privilege to walk alongside my clients as they build confidence, resilience, and emotional balance. I look forward to joining you on your path toward growth and healing.

Ages Served: 6+ Specialties: ADHD, Anxiety, Life Transitions, Behavioral Challenges Hi! My name is Amani, and I am a graduate student at the University of Houston, pursuing my Master’s in Social Work with a focus on clinical practice. I am currently completing my practicum and internship under the supervision of Roxanne Deams, LPC-S, and Stacy Baynham, LCSW-S. My therapeutic approach is integrative and culturally responsive, drawing from person-centered and cognitive behavioral frameworks. I believe in building a strong therapeutic alliance grounded in authenticity, justice, and growth. I strive to create a safe, affirming space where clients feel seen, supported, and empowered to navigate life’s challenges. I am passionate about helping individuals strengthen emotional awareness, develop healthy coping strategies, and discover their own capacity for change. Outside of counseling, I enjoy spending time outdoors, exploring creative outlets, and finding new ways to practice mindfulness in daily life.

Ages Served: 5+ Specialties: Depression, Anxiety, Life Transitions, Behavioral Challenges Hello, my name is LaBrittany Harper. I am a graduate student at Lamar University pursuing my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I am currently completing my practicum and internship under the supervision of Roxanne Deams, LPC-S. I have always had a passion for helping others and creating compassionate, supportive spaces where individuals feel seen, heard, and valued. My professional interests primarily include working with children, adolescents, and individuals who have experienced trauma. I utilize a person-centered and strengths-based approach, and I am committed to meeting clients where they are while empowering them to build resilience and healthy coping skills. I hold an undergraduate degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and have experience working as a Behavioral Specialist, where I supported students with behavioral, emotional, and academic needs. These experiences strengthened my desire to advocate for youth and inspired my continued dedication to the counseling profession. Outside of academics, I enjoy spending time with my daughter, traveling, reading, and journaling. These activities help me maintain balance, practice self-reflection, and stay grounded both personally and professionally.