
LaJunta “Micki” Rios (she/her), MA, LPC-S
Licensed Professional Counselor (#69496); Supervisor; Site Supervisor, Co-Founder
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor, and a retired Jr High Teacher and Family Involvement Coordinator.
I received my undergraduate degree from the University of Houston-Clear Lake in Education (Psychology and Health) and certification in Elementary Education. I worked 24 years in the Goose Creek Independent School District: 5 years at the elementary level and the rest at the Junior High Level. I loved my time in Education and treasured the relationships I made with students and teachers.
I attended school at the IONA School for ministry and became an ordained deacon in the Episcopal Church. Then, I went to Liberty University in Virginia to receive my Masters in Counseling.
I work with couples, families, children, adolescents, and individuals, specializing in grief counseling. My worldview is Biblically based, and I am keenly aware that not everyone works from that viewpoint. I work with those who have faith, a different faith, or no faith. I also work with those from other cultures and backgrounds.

The Rev. Dr. Meredith H. Crigler (she/her), DMin
Spiritual Direction, Coaching, Co-Founder
Meredith Crigler is an Episcopal priest ordained in 2010, currently serving as the Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Baytown, TX. Since 2016, she has also served with Backstory Preaching and is now their Steward for Formation training mentors and offering instruction in spirituality, process, and the craft of preaching. She serves as co-chair for the Episcopal Diocese of Texas Global Partnerships in Mission and serves on the board of the wider Global Episcopal Mission Network. She regularly directs pilgrimages, including to Greece/Turkey in the summer of 2025 and Egypt/Jordan in November of 2026. Meredith is trained as a Daring Way® and Dare to Lead® facilitator, facilitator of Prepare-Enrich (premarital), and Community Wellness Advocate with Living Compass. In 2024, she completed her doctorate (of ministry), focusing on preaching Holy Saturday.
During her master’s work, Meredith received training in Spiritual Direction from Catholic University. She brings to her practice a curious and open mind, a grace-filled heart, and a soul that swims in the deep end of the pool. She has known trauma, grief, disability, and joy. She also works with those who have experienced spiritual trauma.
Meredith is in the process of becoming certified as a coach through BetterUp and the International Coaching Federation. Her coaching practice focuses on client-centered goal-oriented solutions in the non-profit, religious, and entrepreneurial business world. Her background in project management, human resources, vocational transitions, navigating complex systems, and prioritizing whole-person wellness is sought out by clergy, search committees, and individuals across the country.
Meredith lives with her spouse Tim, dog Thurgood (who often joins her), and cat Pangur. Her core values are wholeness, wonder, authenticity, and grace. She is fond of traveling, reading, sunshine, DIY projects, stained glass, and conspiring with God. She’s especially bad at spelling, following oral driving instructions, and lawn care.

Angela DeGuerra (she/her), LPC-Associate
Licensed Professional Counselor -Associate (#93668); supervised by La Junta “Micki” Rios.
Angela is a Licensed Professional Counselor – Associate being supervised by LaJunta “Micki” Rios. She is also a certified teacher with experience teaching at the elementary level and working with the at-risk population. Angela has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Houston – Clear Lake and a Master of Education degree in Counseling and Development from Lamar University.
Angela’s passion for counseling has come from life’s experiences. Her background is very diverse both culturally and occupationally. She brings knowledge and understanding from various facets such as single parenting/co-parenting, blended families, shift work, along with her experience in education, and experience in the oil and gas industry.
Angela enjoys working with people from all age groups and various backgrounds. She provides a safe space for children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families to be heard and understood. Angela aims to collaborate with clients by utilizing multiple counseling modalities that provide support and guidance to address life’s challenges and stressors. She looks forward to helping each client achieve a healthy mental well-being.

Crystal English (she/her), LPC-Associate
Licensed Professional Counselor -Associate (#101102); supervised by La Junta “Micki” Rios.
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.

Jackie Booker, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor (#80090)
bio forthcoming

Clara Peña (she/her), EdD, LPC-S
Licensed Professional Counselor (#62235); Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (#11804); Registered Play Therapist (#T-2696); Registered Yoga Teacher; National Certified Health & Wellness Coach (A-3625668)
I primarily work with children, adolescents, and families struggling with stress, academic concerns, depression, anxiety, and trauma. Along with individual counseling, group counseling is available. Finally, being bilingual in Spanish extends my services to the Hispanic community as well.
Life sometimes throws curve balls that are difficult to handle alone. Using a collaborative approach, I’m here to help you gain more insight into personal growth and identify the strengths you already possess. Through psychotherapy you can learn new ways of coping through difficult times and determine goals for positive changes. I have worked with individuals who have experienced challenges on many levels. My goal is to provide a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, a Registered Yoga Teacher, I use modern talk therapy, along with yoga and breath techniques and meditation when appropriate. I am trained in several modalities, including play therapy. Experience as a schoolteacher and counselor augments my skill set when working with school-aged children.
Counseling Students

Sara Hernandez, (she/her)
Practicum Student under the supervision of La Junta “Micki” Rios (#69496)
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.

Mireha Michel (she/her), Praticum Student
Counseling Practicum Student under the supervision of La Junta “Micki” Rios (#69496)
Mireha Michel is a student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Lamar University, working toward licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education with certification to teach grades EC–6. Mireha has a background in early childhood and elementary education, having taught in daycares, day schools, and elementary schools. She is passionate about helping young minds grow, thrive, and reach their full potential. Though she is not fluent in speaking Spanish, she can understand both written and spoken Spanish.
In addition to her work with children, Mireha has a deep passion for helping individuals from all backgrounds reach their full potential and cultivate the self-understanding necessary for healthy, fulfilling lives. Her own journey of self-exploration—especially through the transformative experience of motherhood while balancing graduate school and personal ambitions—has fueled her commitment to supporting mothers, women, and parents as they rediscover themselves and create the lives they truly want and deserve. Mireha believes this growth comes through intentional reflection and the development of proactive tools and strategies that empower individuals to manage daily responsibilities, navigate life’s uncertainties, and overcome personal challenges with confidence and resilience.
Overall, Mireha is committed to using her passion for self-care, self-exploration, research, and a solid foundation in mental health theories to guide her during her time under professional supervision. She is dedicated to learning, growing, and working diligently to gain the tools necessary to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel seen, heard, and supported in their journey toward healing and personal

Brandon Thomas (he/him), awaiting his return
Doctoral Candidate & Counseling Intern under the supervision of La Junta “Micki” Rios (#69496)
Brandon Thomas is a doctoral candidate at Texas Southern University with a specialization in child and family development. His research focuses on the intersection of race, mental health, and identity-based bullying, particularly how these factors influence the academic achievement of African American youth.
Brandon brings a culturally responsive and trauma-informed lens to his counseling work, drawing from both academic insight and practical experience. He utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and solution- focused counseling techniques to support children, adolescents, and families as they navigate emotional, behavioral, and educational challenges.
His goal is to create safe, affirming spaces where clients feel empowered to develop resilience, self-awareness, and personal growth. Brandon is committed to promoting wellness and equity through compassionate, evidence-based care.

Timothy Crigler (he/him), MEd, awaiting licensing
Recent graduate and counseling Intern under the supervision of La Junta “Micki” Rios
Tim Crigler is a recent graduate in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at Lamar University, working toward becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor. Tim has a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Forensic Mental Health and a certificate in diversity and inclusion studies from Waldorf University.
Tim has a passion for and an understanding of first responders, as he is one himself in the greater Houston area. Under supervision, he will be working with all age groups to help the clients with techniques to use for making healthier choices when dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more.
In addition to his vocation and work with counseling, Tim has a strong background in carpentry and construction. One of the ways he gives back to the community is in special building projects for Trinity; ask him about the library. Tim is married to The Rev. Dr. Meredith Crigler, and together, they enjoy travel, family, friends, cooking, niblings, and their dog Thurgood and cat Pangur.
Support

Natalia Guzman, Assistance Advocate
Bilingual support to navigate assistance
Natalia has more than 24 years of experience working with youth, families, and adult
students, with Children’s Protective Services, Community Youth Services, and Harris
County Department of Education. As a Youth Services Worker in a school setting, she has helped at-risk children and their families achieve success in the classroom and in life by using her unique life experiences to highlight how resilience can be used to
overcome adverse situations and lead to success.
Degrees
– Bachelor in psychology- University of Houston–Central Campus
– Doctor of Jurisprudence- Thurgood Marshall School of Law
Work history
– Investigated abuse and neglect allegations for Harris County CPS
-Youth Service Worker, Goose Creek CISD
– Teacher for Harris County Department of Education
Natalia’s passions
“My passions include musical theatre and relationship building. I believe that
relationships are key to having successful educational and life experiences. My calling
has been to be a positive influence in the lives of others; relationships are key. Through
mentoring and creating support systems, young people and families can be successful
via those relationships.”
Natalia’s best training
Natalia has facilitated groups in the Parent Teen Survival Program, while with Harris
County Community Youth Services. After retirement in 2013, she continued learning
and volunteering with Mom’s Demand Action. As a church Elder, she was instrumental
in creating a food pantry at her church. It distributes food to the elementary and junior
high schools nearby.
What does Natalia do for fun?
She enjoys reading, attending musical theatre productions, and politics. She advocates for the eradication of injustice by using her voice for those that are marginalized and in need of hope.

Sheryl Bagwell (she/her)
Instructor (ex. navigating business practices, bookeeping & insurance) & Administrative support to:
- LaJunta “Micki” Rios, LPC
- Angela DeGuerra, LPC-Associate
- Crystal English, LPC-Associates
Sheryl was born and grew up in Houston. She worked at Champion Paper Mill (1980-2003). After the paper mill shut down, she went back to school and received a certification from the Texas School Of Business for Medical Billing and Coding. Afterward, Sheryl worked at several nursing homes in the business office. While working at St. James House of Baytown, she became acquainted with Micki. After stepping back from that work in order to care for her husband, Mike, she started working with Micki as administrative support. Sheryl also offers instruction to practitioners and interns on how to navigate the business side of a practice and the complicated systems of bookeeping and insurance.
Mike and Sheryl have been married for almost 24 years and have 17 grandchildren between them. They enjoy spending time with family and attend Trinity Episcopal Church.
Are you a licensed counselor, certified coach, or trained spiritual director interested in applying to use space at The Well at Trinity?
Are you a counseling student whose values align with those of The Well and are seeking a supervisor or site supervision? Email LaJunta “Micki” Rios.
