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 I am a Licensed Professional Counselor providing counseling services to individuals, couples, families, and children from diverse backgrounds and with a wide range of clinical concerns. I specialize in working with survivors of child abuse and human trafficking, helping individuals and families navigate trauma, healing, and restoration.

I own Compass Counseling & Community Outreach, LLC, a private practice dedicated to supporting individuals and strengthening families. I am also the founder of the Safety Compass Child Abuse Prevention Program, an initiative that has helped hundreds of children and families learn practical strategies to prevent child abuse and human trafficking. Through this work, I have gained firsthand knowledge of the challenges facing children, families, and communities, as well as the importance of prevention, education, and collaborative solutions.

Additionally, I serve as an Associate Professor in the School of Psychology and Counseling at LeTourneau University, where I prepare graduate students to become effective and ethical professional counselors. I work with students across the state, country, and world who represent diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Through teaching, mentoring, and advising, I help future counselors develop the skills necessary to listen effectively, evaluate complex situations, communicate respectfully, and provide ethical care.

I have also guided students in conducting, completing, and publishing research studies and have incorporated students into my own research projects. I involve students in developing and delivering professional presentations throughout Texas and across the country, focusing on topics that strengthen families, enhance safety, and address current challenges affecting communities.

In addition, I serve as a reviewer for the Institutional Review Board at LeTourneau University, where I evaluate proposed research studies, provide feedback on research methodologies, and help ensure ethical research practices. This role has strengthened my ability to critically analyze information, consider potential impacts, and make thoughtful decisions based on evidence and ethical principles.

How does this equip me for serving on the Corpus Christi City Council?

Licensed Professional Counselor

As a counselor, I work with individuals from diverse backgrounds who are facing a wide range of personal and relational challenges. My goal is to help clients gain insight, experience healing, and achieve personal growth. In this role, I am mindful not to allow judgment or personal biases to interfere with treatment. Just as people expect medical providers to treat them with dignity, respect, and compassion regardless of differences in ethnicity, religion, political affiliation, or other personal characteristics, I believe the same standard applies to counseling.

As a counselor, I help clients address concerns affecting their personal lives, relationships, and careers while demonstrating empathy, respect, and genuine care. I maintain strong morals and values grounded in my Christian faith and hold personal views on a variety of issues. However, my role is not to impose those views on others. Rather, I seek to understand each client's unique experiences and help them address mental health and relational concerns through ethical, evidence-based practices.

Counseling requires relational skills that I believe are equally important in public service. Active listening, respectful communication, thoughtful dialogue, and appropriate confrontation are essential for understanding different perspectives and working through complex issues. I recognize that people's views of themselves, others, and the world are shaped by many influences, and I strive to understand those influences before forming conclusions.

As a city council member, I would bring the same commitment to listening, respect, and thoughtful decision-making. While I value diverse perspectives and seek to understand the experiences of others, I also believe that effective leadership requires honesty, accountability, and a commitment to pursuing what is true and in the best interest of the community.

Associate Professor

As an Associate Professor, I work with students from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, helping them develop into effective and ethical counselors. In this role, I strive not to impose my personal opinions or beliefs, but rather to encourage students to critically examine how their views of themselves, others, and the world have been shaped.

Drawing from systemic theories, I guide students in exploring the many influences that have contributed to their development while also recognizing their responsibility for the impact they have on the systems in which they participate. This perspective emphasizes both self-awareness and accountability.

I believe this approach is equally valuable in public service. As a city council member, I would seek to understand how individuals, organizations, and community systems influence one another, while working collaboratively to make thoughtful decisions that strengthen our community. By listening to diverse perspectives, fostering constructive dialogue, and recognizing our shared responsibility, we can create positive and lasting change.

I also conduct, evaluate, and disseminate research that enhances understanding and awareness across a variety of topics. Through my work as a researcher, I have learned the importance of approaching information with curiosity, critical thinking, and objectivity. Rather than being influenced by personal opinions, news headlines, or social media narratives alone, I carefully examine evidence, seek out multiple sources, analyze findings, and consider the limitations of available information.

This research background has strengthened my ability to make informed decisions based on facts rather than assumptions. It has also reinforced the value of transparency, thoughtful inquiry, and considering diverse perspectives before reaching conclusions. I believe these skills are essential in public service, where effective leadership requires evaluating complex issues, weighing evidence, and making decisions that serve the best interests of the community.

In all areas of my professional and community service, I strive to lead through a servant leadership approach. For me, this commitment is deeply rooted in my Christian faith and influences how I teach, mentor, conduct research, and engage with others in the community. I seek to serve with humility, integrity, and a genuine desire to help others grow and succeed.

The development of my students, the well-being of families, and the strength of our community are priorities that guide my work. Whether through education, counseling, research, advocacy, or community engagement, I strive to enrich the lives of others through service, connection, and empowerment.

How does this equip me for serving on the Corpus Christi City Council? 

As I look toward the opportunity to serve on the Corpus Christi City Council, I am committed to bringing the same servant-hearted approach to public service. I believe effective leadership begins with listening, understanding community needs, and making decisions grounded in integrity, accountability, and respect for others. My faith motivates me to serve others well, and I pray daily for wisdom, discernment, and the ability to be a positive influence in the lives of those around me.

I believe serving on the City Council would provide an opportunity to contribute to the continued growth and success of our community. I am committed to supporting fiscally responsible and relationally responsible decisions that strengthen our city, enhance quality of life, and promote the long-term well-being of Corpus Christi and its residents.