Practitioners

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.

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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 January of 2028. 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 and seek to heal their image of God.

Meredith is an ACC-certified coach through 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, corporations, and individuals in many countries

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, scuba diving, DIY projects, stained and fused glass art, and conspiring with God. She’s especially bad at spelling, following oral driving instructions, and lawn care.

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Angela is a Licensed Professional Counselor. 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.

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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.

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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. 

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Counseling Students

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Support

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.

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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.

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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.