Stars On The Rise
LPC-Associate Interns

I am elated to mentor some of the best and brightest new LPC-Associates . It is my honor to introduce them to you. My hopes that they will meet no only their expectations but everyone who use their services. I am very honored to mentor these wonderful people. 

Team member

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I would like to extend a warm welcome to McNeese State University Practicum Student, Santina Taylor. I will have the privilege of supervising Santina's clinical hours for Spring 2024 through Larneka Lavalais, LPC PLLC.

Bio: Greetings! My name is Santina Taylor. I have been in nursing for 12 years and a board-certified family nurse practitioner (FNP) for 10 years. I graduated from Lamar University with my Bachelor's degree and the University of Texas with my Master's and Doctorate degrees. As a FNP, my career has been in urgent care, primary care, community health, and as an adjunct faculty. Currently, I am a student in the post-master's psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program at McNeese State University. I look forward to learning about mental health and how to help others in their journey towards healing.

Amy Moore

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I would like to extend a warm welcome to Lamar University Practicum Student, Amy Moore. I will have the privilege of supervising Amy’s clinical hours through Larneka Lavalais, LPC PLLC

Bio: Amy Moore is a graduate student at Lamar University pursing a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. A Southeast Texas native, Amy graduated from Lamar University in 2006 with a bachelor of arts degree in English and worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before moving into higher education. For the past decade, Amy has worked in marketing and student life at a local two-year college. Life experiences partnered with her career experiences made it clear to Amy the importance of mental health and access to mental health services. Amy began her graduate studies in 2022 and has successfully completed courses in Counseling Skills, Group and Individual Counseling, Professionalism and Ethics, Abnormal Human Behavior, Career Counseling, Crisis Prevention and Intervention, as well as two in-person Residency courses. Amy is ready and excited to complete her practicum with Larneka and work directly with clients.

Erin Palculict 

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I would like to extend a warm welcome to Erin Palculict. Erin is an LPC-Associate that I will be supervising while she is working on her clinical hours to become fully licensed.  


BIO: Erin has a Masters in Education and is an LPC-Associate for the Hardin Jefferson School District, servicing students in Special Education. Erin absolutely love her job. She enjoys working with kids and watching them progress and grow. She has always been a "fixer" so naturally, counseling was her calling.   Erin has one AMAZING son, named Cyrus.  He is seven and he keeps her on her toes.  They both share a love for the beach and being around water.  Erin is so excited to grow her career in counseling and learn from her peers.

Jeanetta Mary Alice Price

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I would like to extend a warm welcome to Jeanetta Price. Jeanetta is an LPC-Associate that I will be supervising while she is working on her clinical hours to become fully licensed.

Bio: Jeanetta Mary Alice Price is from the Beaumont, TX. Ms. Price is a graduate of Lamar University with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. In addition, she is a License Mortgage Loan Originator known as the “OUTTA SIGHT MORTGAGE LOAN LADY.” Ms. Price is the Visionary behind the first anthology., “The WRITE 2 Heal.” Ms. Price mission in life is to help others tap into their vision by utilizing writing as an instrument of healing.  Ms. Price is a living testimony that it is more glory to your story. Often, she reflects on the life of the virtuous woman, Essie Andrus, her biological and spiritual mother who leads by example with her unwavering faith. God blessed me with the gift to write in order to save my life. Ms. Price learned very young the power of words. Although some days she did not feel beautiful, but she wrote herself “Beautifully Healed.” As a spoken word artist, she hosts, “The WRITE 2 Heal” seminars that includes poets, partner artists, and even audience members who will participate in an open mic section. The seminars provide a safe poetic space for all participants to begin their journey of healing while writing. Ms. Price freedom of expression, boldness, vulnerability, and confidence set her aside from other authors, artist, and advocates.  Unapologetically, her writing is a reflection of her unique personality, life’s experiences, complimented by God given creativity. The fire that is shut up in her bones spread wildly around the atmosphere and set others on fire to stand fearless in their truth as they write to heal.

Leah George

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I would like to extend a warm welcome to Leah George. Leah is an LPC- Associate that I will be supervising while she is working in her clinical hours to become fully licensed.

Bio: George, M.ED., LPC-Associate. Leah is a graduate from University of Houston Clear Lake with Bachelors in Education. Leah graduated from Lamar University with Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2020. Leah has a passion for serving the community and helping people work through healing in their life journey. Leah enjoys counseling everyone. Leah has experience in counseling individual, couple/marriage, family, group, grief/loss, career, and academic counseling. Leah’s counseling approach is Person-centered, Reality/Choice therapy, Solution-focused therapy. Sometimes she will ask clients to complete homework assignments, as she believe that the work we do in sessions will be most effective if implemented in your life outside of therapy.

Audrey E. Shankle

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I would like to extend a warm welcome to Lamar University Practicum Student, Audrey E. Shankle. I will have the privilege of supervising Audrey’s clinical hours for the Summer of 2022 through Larneka Lavalais, LPC PLLC.

Bio: Audrey Shankle, BGS, is a student counselor in the M.Ed Counseling and Development Program at Lamar University. Audrey has 8 years of experience working in social work settings, supporting individuals and families in increasing safety and wellbeing practices; assisting with supportive services, and providing mental health and treatment planning services.   “Being trained in Individual, Multicultural, and  Marriage and Family Systems theory affords an opportunity to expand the scope of individual counseling. The Systems Theory assumes the individual is not “an island” but rather interconnected with systems of people at  society, community, and family levels. A change in any element can affect other elements. My passion is not only helping individuals achieve their personal social, emotional, and mental health goals; but to also increase functioning in other dimensions of their wellbeing, using data driven theory and techniques.”

Brandon Thomas

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I would like to extend a warm welcome to Texas Southern University Practicum Student, Brandon Thomas. I will have the privilege of supervising Brandon's clinical hours through Larneka Lavalais, LPC PLLC. Brandon will be one of the graduate college inters providing free therapy to teens. To register call 409-527-4347 or email [email protected].

Bio: Brandon R. Thomas,Sr. hails from the city of Dallas, Texas. He attended the illustrious Texas Southern University where he obtained a B.S in Child and Family Development. He went on to receive a M.S. in Human Services and Consumer Sciences. Brandon accepted from the start that he had a God-given innate passion to help and a purpose to serve. Currently enrolled in the Doctoral program for Counseling Education, Brandon has acquired a theoretical foundation in family dynamics and social strategies, as well as practical competency in youth & family counseling and case management. His approach is rooted in Solution-Based Counseling that allows him to continue to be the catalyst that is needed to promote effective change throughout the lives of each individual he reaches. 

DeLisa Stacy

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I would like to extend a warm welcome to Walden University Practicum Student, DeLisa Stacy. I will have the privilege of supervising DeLisa's clinical hours through Larneka Lavalais, LPC PLLC

Bio: DeLisa Stacy is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. She is scheduled to complete her master's program in Spring 2025. Currently, Delisa holds a Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Southern New Hampshire University. For several years, she has worked in public education as a math teacher, and has worked alongside school counselors and behavioral specialist to advocate for children's mental health in urban communities. Delisa has a passion for helping people on their healing journey, and bringing mental health awareness to lower income communities in her city. Her love for growth, self- compassion, and empowerment motivates her to pursue her goals as a counselor

Chasity Jones

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I would like to extend a warm welcome back to Chasity Jones!! Chasity is a student at Texas Southern University and I will have the privilege of supervising her practicum hours through Larneka Lavalais, LPC PLLC. Chasity will be one of the graduate college inters providing free therapy to teens. To register call 409-527-4347 or email [email protected].

Bio: I am Chasity Jones, a dedicated graduate student currently pursuing a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Texas Southern University. With a passion for supporting the mental well-being of individuals and a strong commitment to service, I bring a unique perspective to the field, informed by my military background and nursing experience. Prior to starting my graduate studies, I dedicated 11 years of my life to serving in the Air Force, where I honed my leadership skills, resilience, and sense of duty. My military service provided me with valuable expertise in crisis intervention, stress management, and effective communication, which I now integrate into my work in mental health counseling. In addition to my military background, I also bring nursing experience to my academic journey. I have worked as a nurse for 9 years in various healthcare settings, where I provided compassionate care to patients and honed my skills in assessing and addressing individuals' physical and emotional needs. As a graduate student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, I am committed to helping individuals navigate life's challenges, address mental health issues, and promote overall well-being. I strive to create a safe and supportive environment for my clients, drawing on my diverse experiences to offer empathetic and effective counseling services.

LaToya Jones

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 I would like to extend a warm welcome to LaToya Jones. LaToya is an LPC-Associate that I will be supervising while she is working on her clinical hours to become fully licensed.

Bio: LaToya Jones M.ED., LPC-Associate I am a graduate of Lamar University with a Master’s of Education in Counseling and Development. I am a motivated, strong-willed individual who is determined to be of service to others in our community. I have been in the education field for the last seven years. Moreover, for the past two years, I was employed as a certified school counselor in my school district. Although that position was fulfilling, I desire to explore other avenues in the mental health field. I envision focusing on supporting troubled youth, adults who have overcome childhood adversities, and individuals from low socio-economic backgrounds. My personal philosophy revolves around the idea of constant growth and self-improvement. I believe in the power of resilience and perseverance, always striving to challenge myself and push beyond my limits. Embracing change is a fundamental principle, as I view it as an opportunity for learning and development. Cultivating empathy and compassion towards others is another cornerstone of my philosophy, as I firmly believe in the importance of kindness and understanding in creating meaningful connections. Moreover, I am committed to maintaining a positive mindset, focusing on gratitude and mindfulness in the face of life's challenges. As a result of my experience and philosophy, I am interested in counseling approaches such as humanistic, person-centered, and solution-focused brief therapy which I have implemented in an educational setting. I believe that everyone seeks personal growth and fulfillment through unconditional positive regard or Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Model. I look forward to working with individuals to learn and grow together.  

Ana Garcia

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I would like to extend a warm welcome to Ana Garcia. Ana is an LPC-Associate that I will be supervising while she is working on her clinical hours to become fully licensed.

Bio: Ana Garcia holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lamar University. With over a decade of experience as a case manager at TAN healthcare center, Ana is dedicated to providing accessible counseling services to vulnerable populations and promoting multicultural counseling. Believing in the inherent resilience of every individual, Ana offers unwavering support and nonjudgmental encouragement. Ana's holistic approach combines person-centered, mindfulness-based, and cognitive-behavioral therapies to foster self-awareness, empathetic connections, and effective strategies for well-being. Ana strives to create a positive difference in the lives of clients by championing equity and inclusion in mental health.

Alicia Vallejo

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I would like to extend a warm welcome to Alicia Vallejo. Alicia is an LPC-Associate that I will be supervising while she is working on her clinical hours to become fully licensed.

Bio: My name is Alicia Vallejo. I have a bachelor degree in Psychology from Texas A&M University and a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health from University of Houston Clear Lake. I recently received my LPC-Associate in April 2024. I have experience working in private practice and residential centers. I have worked with all populations but mostly children and adolescents. While my clinical approach is eclectic, it is primarily centered around cognitive behavioral therapy. I am upbeat, empathetic, and passionate about working with people and helping them strive to be the best person they can be. My favorite quote is: “believe in yourself. You are braver than you think, more talented than you know and capable of more than you can imagine.” A little about my personal life. I was born in Houston, Texas. I have been married for almost eight years. I do not have children but have four God children soon to be five God children. During my free time I enjoy shopping with my mom, eating out with my husband and prioritizing self-care. 

Crystal Williams

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I would like to extend a warm welcome back to Crystal Williams. Crystal is an LPC-Associate that I will be supervising while she is working on her clinical hours to become fully licensed.

Bio: Crystal Williams, a native of Port Arthur, TX is a 2001 graduate of Abraham Lincoln High School. Following graduation, she attended Lamar State College-Port Arthur, obtaining an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration, Lamar University-Beaumont, obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in General Studies and Prairie View A & M University, obtaining a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Counseling. Crystal is employed with the Diocese of Beaumont as a School Counselor, providing services to elementary and middle school students at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic School in Port Arthur, St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica School in Beaumont and St. Mary Catholic School in Orange, TX. Crystal plans to continue pursuing her passion of counseling, working with youth and adolescents, and being a Mental Health advocate in her community.