Adeline Vela (she/her), Practicum Student

Practicum Student under the supervision of La Junta “Micki” Rios (#69496)

Welcome Adeline into your sessions

My name is Adeline Vela (she/her), and I am currently a Practicum student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Our Lady of the Lake University. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, with a minor in Sociology, from Texas State University in 2021. I have a passion for understanding people and supporting them as they navigate life’s challenges and work toward meaningful growth.

I have a background as a Qualified Mental Health Professional supporting individuals of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism. Through this experience, I have strengthened my skills in communication, empathy, advocacy, and adapting my approach to meet each individual’s unique needs. This work has also helped me continue developing the cultural humility and competence that I bring into counseling practice.

I welcome the opportunity to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and with a variety of concerns, including depression, anxiety, trauma, family and relationship challenges, and life transitions. I am interested in working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, families, and groups. Following graduation, I plan to pursue licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).

My interest in psychology and counseling began at a young age and has grown from a curiosity about how our experiences, relationships, and backgrounds shape who we are. I strive to provide a warm, empathetic, and nonjudgmental space where clients can feel comfortable being themselves and exploring the experiences that matter most to them. I approach counseling from a person-centered and multiculturally responsive perspective, and I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to the community through providing free counseling services as a practicum student.

Jaylla McConnell (she/her), Practicum Student

Practicum Student under the supervision of La Junta “Micki” Rios (#69496)

Welcome Jaylla into your sessions

Hey y’all! My name is Jaylla McConnell, and I am a graduate student in the Counseling and Development program at Lamar University. My goal is to become a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and provide compassionate, quality therapeutic services to children, couples, families, and individuals.

I earned my Bachelor’s degree at San Diego State University in Interdisciplinary Studies, with a focus in Psychology, Sociology, and Counseling and School Psychology. My professional experience includes working with foster youth, providing trauma-informed care, supporting individuals experiencing depression and anxiety, assisting with goal setting, and working with underserved communities.

These experiences have deepened my passion for helping people navigate life’s challenges while recognizing the strengths and resilience they already carry. I believe that everyone deserves a safe, supportive, and judgment-free space to feel heard, understood, and valued.

I am grateful for the opportunity to be with my clients as they navigate difficult seasons, gain insight, discover their strengths, and work toward healing and meaningful change. My hope is to create a therapeutic environment where clients feel comfortable being their authentic selves and empowered to take steps toward the life and relationships they desire.

Kimberly Stirlen (she/her), Intern Student

Intern Student under the supervision of La Junta “Micki” Rios (#69496)

email to schedule appointment 

Kimberly Stirlen holds an Associate of Arts from San Jacinto Community College and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston, State University. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Houston Clear-Lake. Additionally, she is a certified telemental health provider. Utilizing an integrated theoretical framework, Kimbery blends Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) to help clients reframe cognitive distortions and achieve measurable progress toward their clinical goals. 

Kimberly is dedicated to guiding you through your personal growth journey, empowering you to emerge whole, resilient, and equipped for lasting well-being. Recognizing that individuals often hold the inherent awareness of where they want to go, she serves as a collaborative partner to help bridge the gap between where you are and where you aspire to be.

Mona Fraley (she/her), Intern Student

Intern Student under the supervision of La Junta “Micki” Rios (#69496)

email to schedule appointment 

Mona Fraley brings more than 15 years of experience in education and 10 years of military service to her work with children, adolescents, and families. As a Behavior Specialist and counseling intern, she is passionate about helping clients navigate life’s challenges with compassion, empathy, and practical support.

Mona earned a Master of Education in Special Education with a concentration in Learning and Behavior Disorders and is currently pursuing a Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Lamar University while completing her counseling practicum and internship at Peaceful Pathways.

Throughout her career, Mona has supported children and adolescents experiencing behavioral challenges, trauma, emotional regulation difficulties, ADHD, autism, anxiety, and school-related concerns. She values collaborating with families, schools, and community partners to help clients achieve meaningful growth and success.

Her counseling approach is grounded in creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard, valued, and empowered. She is committed to providing culturally responsive care, honoring each client’s unique background, identity, values, and lived experiences. Mona believes healing begins through authentic connection and strives to help individuals build resilience, strengthen coping skills, and discover hope as they move toward meaningful and lasting change.

I am a Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Marriage & Family Therapy Intern student and a future LPC/LMFT. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2023 and am currently attending Walden University. I am passionate about creating a safe, supportive space where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered.

I work with adolescents, couples, families, and women, with a special interest in trauma, anxiety, relationships, and identity development. My approach is warm, down-to-earth, and compassionate, grounded in the belief that healing and growth happen best in a space built on trust and understanding.

My passion for counseling comes from my own experience as a teenager navigating questions of identity and life transitions. Although I had a good childhood, I understand how challenging it can be to figure out who you are. For some families it is not always easy affording mental healthcare. Because of this, I am deeply committed to giving back to my community and helping make mental health support more accessible to individuals and families.

I believe in meeting clients where they are and walking alongside them as they work toward healing, growth, and meaningful change.

Consider joining Sara’s Fall Group:

The Well at Trinity is pleased to welcome five Counseling students this fall 2026 semester: Interns Kimberly Stirlen, Mona Fraley & Sara Hernandez and Practicum students Jaylla McConnell & Adeline Vela!

The Well is a learning site commiteed to increasing access to mental health.

Welcome students into your sessions and make appointments to see our interns!

I am a Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Marriage & Family Therapy practicum student and a future LPC/LMFT. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2023 and am currently attending Walden University. I am passionate about creating a safe, supportive space where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered.

I work with adolescents, couples, families, and women, with a special interest in trauma, anxiety, relationships, and identity development. My approach is warm, down-to-earth, and compassionate, grounded in the belief that healing and growth happen best in a space built on trust and understanding.

My passion for counseling comes from my own experience as a teenager navigating questions of identity and life transitions. Although I had a good childhood, I understand how challenging it can be to figure out who you are. For some families it is not always easy affording mental healthcare. Because of this, I am deeply committed to giving back to my community and helping make mental health support more accessible to individuals and families.

I believe in meeting clients where they are and walking alongside them as they work toward healing, growth, and meaningful change.

Crystal English, LPC-Associate (#101102) is a licensed mental health professional and the visionary founder of Think Well Solutionz, a wellness platform dedicated to helping individuals love themselves from the inside out. With more than almost 15years of experience in education, counseling, and community support, Crystal has devoted her career to serving children, adolescents, families, and underserved populations with compassion, cultural humility, and integrity.

Crystal holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and brings her professional experience within educational settings to her broader understanding of youth and family wellness while completing her post-graduate supervision toward full licensure. Her professional interests include nervous system regulation, trauma-informed care, emotional intelligence, self-worth development, and helping individuals move from survival mode into sustainable well-being.

Through Think Well Solutionz at “The Well”, Crystal blends clinical insight with practical tools, psychoeducation, and empowerment-based messaging to make mental health approachable, relatable, and impactful. She is deeply committed to ethical practice, community wellness, and legacy-building work that promotes healing across generations.

Crystal believes that wellness is not a luxury, it is a necessity, and that when people are supported emotionally, they are better positioned to succeed in every area of life.

Join us welcoming Crystal to The Well!

Hoping to increase attendance by inviting those leaving Lunch & Learn, Gentle Yoga now has a new time!