Please get to know the workers, students, and volunteers at Gratia Plena:
Elsa Aguilera, MSW is a Family Life Minister with experience in grief, loss, and bereavement. She has worked with adolescents and adults experiencing loss. Her Master's Degree in Social Work is from the University of Houston. She holds a certificate in Creative Grief where she can incorporate various visual arts modalities into practice. She has worked in a school system setting as a Social Worker/Mental Wellness Interventionist and at the Family Life Office at the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Elsa is bilingual. She works at the Cabrini office and will be supervised by Dorothy Godines.
Kenneth Anicete, MS, NCC, LPC-Associate received his master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Divine Mercy University. As a former seminarian, he received his bachelor’s in Philosophy and Theological Studies from St. Joseph Seminary College. Kenneth’s experience in the seminary has laid the foundation for his counseling education as he intends to work towards the flourishing of others with the Holy Spirit. He is supervised by Renee Fauria, LPC-Supervisor. Kenneth works in our Padre Pio office in the Spring / Woodlands area.
Eric Balkom is a volunteer in the St Therese office. Recently retired from the oil and gas industry, Eric and his wife are members of St Faustina Parish in Fulshear. Originally from Baton Rouge, LA, moved to Katy in 2013 for a work assignment. After attending an ACTS retreat in 2019, Eric was inspired to recommit to the Catholic faith and is striving to serve any way he can. They have a daughter here in Katy who works in real estate and their son lives in Portland, OR and is a freelance photographer.
Maria del Pilar Brodersen is part of our management team as Business Manager. She has a degree in Business Administration with a major in Finance. She also has an MBA from the California National University. She previously worked for the World Bank and for AEI Services LLC. She and her family are parishioners at St. Bartholomew in Katy, and she attends Mass weekly at St. Theresa in Sugar Land. She works in our Thérèse office in the Stafford / Sugar Land area.
Doctor Kenneth Buckle, PsyD, LP As Executive Director of Gratia Plena, he leads the management team and oversees clinical services. Dr. Ken is a native Houstonian and is licensed to practice Psychology as a psychologist in Texas. Dr. Ken obtained his undergraduate degree in Psychology from the
University of St. Thomas in Houston. He then completed his graduate studies in the Chicago area at Wheaton College and the Illinois School of Professional Psychology. He and his wife are parishioners at St. Laurence (Sugar Land). He works in the Thérèse office in the Stafford / Sugar Land area with adults, addressing mental illness and addictions.
Diana Calderon is a bilingual office assistant. She is a parishioner at St. Joseph and serve as a proclamator of the Word. Has been one of many Guides for the Prayer and Life Workshops (Talleres de Oración y Vida) since 2015 and now is part of the south-central national coordinating team.
Pilar Castaneda, PhD, LMFT is a licensed psychologist with a doctorate from Syracuse University. She obtained her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogota, Colombia. She has worked extensively with children, trauma survivors, families struggling with a terminal disease and couples from diverse backgrounds. Also, she has practiced in several states in the U.S., taught Family Therapy, and did assessments for the Adoption program in the Department of Social Services among many other things. She moved to Texas in 2022 and is a parishioner at St. Faustina Catholic Church in Fulshear. She works part-time at the St. Francis of Assisi office.
Huong Nguyen Cao, M.Ed., LPC-A,works at our Thérèse office, she received her master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Houston. Tina was born in Vietnam and immigrated to the US in 1975. She lived with her family in the Northeast, then moved to Houston in 1990. She spent many years working in the corporate world as an IT professional but finds it fulfilling to be a helping professional. Tina's home parish is St. Faustina. She works at the Thérèse office in the Stafford / Sugar Land area and Renee Fauria, LPC-Supervisor, supervises her.
Polyana Chavez, M.Ed., is a native of Mexico. She received her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Texas at El Paso. Polyana holds a master´s degree in Education from El Tecnológico de Monterrey (Chihuahua) and a master´s degree in Family Therapy from IREFAM. She is a parishioner at St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Clear Lake City. She is bilingual and works part-time as a Mental Health Coach in the Cabrini Office, she is supervised by Christina Garcia, LPC-Supervisor.
Katherine Coe is a graduate student in training at Gratia Plena, pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of St. Thomas. She has a passion for mental health and helping others through hardships towards growth. She is a parishioner at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Community. She works in the St. Francis of Assisi office and is supervised by Sister Megan Grewing, CDP, MS, LPC-Supervisor.
Heidy Delgado was born in Colombia and has been living in Sugar Land since 1995. She has a Business Degree and has joined the Intake Team at the Therésè office. Heidy and her family are parishioners of St Laurence Catholic Church in Sugar Land where she currently serves as the Hispanic Ministry Coordinator. She is bilingual.
Corey Dossey, MA, LPC has her counseling degree from Sam Houston State University and undergraduate degree in Psychology from Texas A&M. She is a parishioner at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Houston. She has experience in play therapy. She is EMDR trained. She works part-time in our Assisi office near I-10 and Dairy Ashford.
Renee Fauria, EdD, MA, LPC-Supervisor is a parishioner at Sacred Heart (Conroe) and teaches graduate classes at Houston Christian University. She has worked as a crisis pregnancy counselor and has experience working in hospital and outpatient settings. Her doctoral degree in Education is from Sam Houston State University and her master's degree in counseling is from the University of Chicago. She works part-time in our Padre Pio office in the Spring / Woodlands area.
Elizabeth Ferda, MSW, LCSW is a native of Lafayette, Louisiana and has a master’s degree in social work from Tulane University. Elizabeth and her husband are parishioners of St. Faustina Catholic Church. She works in the Thérèse in the Sugarland/Stafford area and at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Rosenberg, Texas. Elizabeth has experience working with adults and couples.
Christina Garcia, MS, LPC-Supervisor is a parishioner at the Catholic Charismatic Center in Houston, and she works mainly in our Mother Cabrini office in the NASA / Clear Lake area but also meets with guests at the Thérèse office in Sugar Land/Stafford. She sees adolescents and adults and has worked in hospital settings as well as with Catholic Charities. Her master's degree is from the University of Houston at Clear Lake. She works for us full-time.
Kim Garcia is a volunteer at the Mother Cabrini office in the Nasa/Clear Lake area. Kim and her husband Albert have been members of St. Mary of the Expectation in League City for over 20 years. They have been married for 25 years and have two adult children. Now that her children are grown and out of college, she is now working towards her Associates in Applied Science and eventually becoming an Occupational Therapy Assistant. Kim is a native of Corpus Christi and was raised by her grandparents and aunt. She is grateful for the foundation they laid for the love of her faith and serving others.
Leticia Garcia is one of our bilingual receptionists and helps with administrative issues in the office as intake manager. She and her family are parishioners at St. Laurence (Sugar Land). She works in the Thérèse office in the Stafford / Sugar Land area.
Amelia "Molly" Garcia is bilingual and is part of the Intake team at the Thérèse office in Sugar Land/Stafford. She is a parishioner at St. Thomas Aquinas parish in Sugar Land. She is a choir member, and her ministry focus is with their parish St. Vincent de Paul Society.
Cecilia Garza, MS is a mental health coach with a master's degree in Psychology from the University of Houston - Clear Lake. She is fluent in English and Spanish. She is a parishioner at St. Frances Cabrini. She works in the Thérèse office and is supervised by Dr. Ken Buckle.
Dorothy Godines, MS, LPC is native of Corpus Christi. She serves as Assistant Clinical Director at Gratia Plena, working closely with Dr. Ken. Her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is from Divine Mercy University with her undergraduate in Theology from Our Lady of Corpus Christi. She was a lay missionary with the Society of our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity in North Dakota, where she was a youth minister on the Turtle Mountain Reservation. She is a certified traumatologist, Compassion Fatigue therapist and educator, EMDR (Level 1) and HEART model through the Green Cross Academy. She sees children, adolescents, and adults.
Ricardo Granie, PMP is part of our management team as Development Manager and leads development of our staff members as well as development of Gratia Plena, especially managing grants and donor relationships. He and his wife are parishioners at St. Faustina in Fulshear and have been involved in various ministries at several parishes for many years. He has a project management certification, and before joining Gratia Plena he managed IT projects at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Sr. Megan Grewing, CDP, MS, LPC-Supervisor is of the Congregation of Divine Providence and relocated to Houston from San Antonio. She obtained her master's degree in counseling from Angelo State University. She is a parishioner at St. Rose of Lima in Houston. Sr. Megan sees people of all ages at the Assisi, near I-10 and Dairy Ashford, and Thérèse offices. She provides clinical supervision for LPC interns.
Father Michael Grey, C.S.Sp., PhD serves as the chaplain for Gratia Plena. He is Assistant Director of the Office for Mission Advancement for his religious order, the Spiritans (formerly known as the Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers). He has a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology - Ethics from Duquesne University. He has taught for Theology departments at Duquesne and the University of St. Thomas (Houston). He has served as a parish priest in many African-American and Hispanic parishes and travels to give mission appeals.
Monica Gutierrez, MS, LPC-Associate was born in Mexico and raised in Houston, Texas. Monica graduated from the University of St. Thomas with a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She is bilingual and enjoys providing mental health services in both English and Spanish. She enjoys working with children, teens, and adults. She is supervised by Sr. Megan Grewing, CDP, LPC-Supervisor. Monica is currently on maternity leave.
Monica Guillen, M.Ed., LPC-Associate is a part-time counselor at our Aquinas office. She graduated from Lamar University with a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She has worked in bilingual education as an elementary school teacher for the past several years. Monica and her husband have a young daughter and they are parishioners of Assumption Catholic Church. Monica is supervised by Sr. Megan Grewing, CDP, MS, LPC-Supervisor.
Mary Therese Hafernik, LPC-Associate is a part-time counselor at our Thérèse office and our Aquinas office. She graduated from Divine Mercy University with a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Previously she attended the University of Dallas, where she earned a bachelor's degree in Pastoral Ministry. Mary Therese worked for several years at Cristo Rey Jesuit Preparatory High School as a Theology Teacher, which sparked her desire to pursue a career in counseling that will promote healing to the whole person, body, mind, and soul. Mary Therese is supervised by Sr. Megan Grewing, CDP, MS, LPC-Supervisor.
Olga Hernandez, MS has a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics and Literature from the University of Cartagena and a Master of Science in Counseling from University of Houston Clear Lake. Olga is fluent in Spanish and worked as preschool teacher for 12 years and as teacher aid in a classroom with children with different abilities for three years. She loves crafts, especially making big multicolor crochet blankets. Olga works part-time as a Mental Health Coach in the Cabrini Office while applying for her licensure. She is supervised by Christina Garcia, LPC-Supervisor.
Kathy Holecek, BA, NASM, FMCHC provides Spiritual Direction as well as certified Nutrition and Health Coaching and support to clients as they take steps toward improving their health and their relationship with food. Kathy is originally from Oklahoma but has lived in Texas since 2004. Kathy obtained a BA in Humanities from St. Gregory’s University in Shawnee, OK. Her health coaching certificate is from the Institute of Functional Medicine. Kathy has a Spiritual Director certificate from the Cenacle Spiritual Direction Institute. She believes in a holistic approach to wellness that encompasses the physical, spiritual and emotional aspects of health. Kathy has a particular interest in Saint Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body and how it applies to living out our lives as a gift to others as physically and spiritually integrated men and women. Kathy and her husband have five kids and they are parishioners of Sacred Heart in Richmond. Kathy works in our Thérèse office in the Stafford / Sugar Land area.
Dominique Hollkamp, MA, NCC, LPC-Associate graduated from Sam Houston State University with her bachelor's in Psychology and master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She enjoys incorporating her faith into a holistic approach to address each client uniquely. Before working as a psychotherapist, Dominique provided ABA therapy to children with Autism for two years and travelled internationally to promote mental health in helping underserved populations. Her volunteer/work history includes faith-based and mental health-centered service in and around the Houston area at different parishes, agencies, organizations. She works part-time at the Cecilia and Aquinas offices. She is supervised by Chari Westcott, LPC-Supervisor.
Laura Jackson, LPC-Associate obtained her Masters of Ed in Counseling from Lamar University. She has a passion for helping children and adults thrive through life’s challenges. She is a parishioner at St. Laurence in Sugar Land. She works in the Thérèse office in the Stafford / Sugar Land office and is supervised by Christina Garcia, LPC-Supervisor.
Liza Knight, MEd, LPC, was born and raised in Houston, TX. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio and a degree in Counseling from the University of St. Thomas. As a bilingual therapist in English and Spanish, she enjoys serving her community. Liza is a parishioner at Holy Family Catholic Church and occasionally frequents Holy Rosary, where she used to volunteer as a youth leader. She works at the Thérèse office in Stafford part-time.
Lori Knowles, PhD, LP is a licensed psychologist with a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Texas Southwestern Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in Dallas. She obtained her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Texas A&M University in College Station. She worked in Developmental Pediatrics at UT Health Science Center-Houston in addition to other clinical and teaching positions with adults and children. She has also volunteered extensively with her parish and the Archdiocese, including serving individuals with special needs and their caregivers and working with RCIA and Special Youth Services. She and her husband are parishioners at St. Laurence Catholic Church. She works part-time in our Thérèse office.
Sol Labanca, MA, LMFT-Associate is native of Buenos Aires, Argentina. She earned her Master in Marriage and Family therapy at the University of Houston Clear Lake and her Bachelor of Science degree at Universidad de Belgrano, Argentina. Sol can provide therapy in both English and Spanish. She has been married for 19 years to husband Francisco, they have 4 kids (two teenagers and two elementary school age) and are members of St Anthony of Padua Church in The Woodlands. She is currently enrolled in the Master of Arts in Faith and Culture at St Thomas University and has a heart for helping clients engage in productive dialogue that will open doors for personal transformation and healing. Sol can work with adults, couples and families. She is being supervised by Elizabeth Dawn Thompson, LMFT-Supervisor. She works part-time at the Padre Pio office.
Mary Kay Malicki, MS provides spiritual direction services for Gratia Plena and consultation to the Catholic community for Days of Reflection and retreats. She is the Manager of Spiritual Direction for Gratia Plena spiritual directors and provides supervision and consultation to our workers on the spiritual lives of their clients and also contributes to the spiritual formation of our workers. She is a retired Catholic school teacher. She received her spiritual direction training at the Spiritual Direction Institute at the
Cenacle in Houston with specialized training in Italy and is a member of
Spiritual Directors International. She has 20 years of experience as a spiritual director. She has a master's degree in Chemistry and worked in her early years as a research chemist. She is Catholic and married with four adult children. She and her husband are parishioners at St. Catherine of Siena. More information about spiritual direction is available in the "Our Services" section of this website. She meets with directees at our Assisi and Thérèse offices.
Janette Milmoe – M.Ed., LPC-Associate She is a part-time counselor at our Mother Cabrini office in the NASA/Clear Lake area. She earned her Master of Education in Counseling and Development from Lamar University and has been a school counselor for the past five years. Before that, she served as a junior high school English teacher and instructional coach for twelve years. Janette and her husband have been parishioners at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Nassau Bay since 2011 where they are both heavily involved in several ministries. Janette enjoys working with children, adolescents, and adults. Janette is supervised by Christina Garcia, MS, LPC-Supervisor.
Elma (EJ) Molina is one of our bilingual part-time receptionists and is working in the Thérèse office in the Stafford. She is a parishioner at St. Laurence in Sugar Land and is a volunteer and translator for the annual Medical Missions of the Divine Mercy.
Rosana Morales, MSW, LCSW is a bilingual clinical social worker who enjoys serving her community, and a member at the Catholic Charismatic Center in Houston. She obtained her bachelors and master's in social work from Our Lady of the Lake University. She has worked in both medical and mental health hospitals and outpatient settings. She believes in a holistic approach that integrates the physical, spiritual, and emotional aspects of health. She is passionate about facilitating positive change and working collaboratively with clients to overcome life’s challenges and become the best version of themselves for the glory of God. She works part time at Prince of Peace Catholic Community.
Sister Agnes Kimchi Nguyen O.P, MA is a Dominican Sister of the of Mary Immaculate Province in Houston, TX. The Mother House is the Dominican Sisters of Thánh Tâm, Xuan Loc Diocese in Viêtnam. She obtained her master's degree in Counseling from the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas. Sr. Agnes works with individuals and groups of people of the Vietnamese Parishes around Houston. She is supervised by Dr. Ken Buckle.
Father/Doctor Augustine Obasi, PhD is a diocesan priest from Nigeria and also a US citizen. He completed his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology in California and is provisionally licensed in Texas as a psychologist, being supervised for full licensure by Dr. Ken. He works at the Thérèse and Aquinas offices and is available for counseling and spiritual direction. He is completing a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at Gratia Plena.
Patricia Oyolzabal is our new bilingual receptionist and is working in the Thérèse office in the Stafford. She is a member of the Catholic Family Movement at St. Marks and her and her family are parishioners at St. Thomas Moore.
Sr. María Cruz Ortiz García is a part-time Pastoral Counselor, she is a Missionary Sister of the Blessed Sacrament and Mary Immaculate born in Spain. She has a Master´s Degree in Education from Autónoma University de Madrid; a master's degree in Vocational accompaniment and Spiritual Discernment from Universidad Pontifica Comillas de Madrid; a certificate in Family Coaching: Orientation, a certificate in Educational Coaching and a certificate in Strategic Coaching. She is fluent in Spanish, English and Portuguese. She participates in the formation team of her Congregation’s vocations. She works in the Thérèse and Aquinas offices. She is supervised by Christina Garcia, LPC-Supervisor.
Magnolia Phillips was born in Mexico City. She has a degree in Business Administration with a major in Marketing and Strategic Planning from the University of the Americas-UDLA. She has experience in Accounting, HR and Marketing and currently works in the Thérèse office in the Stafford / Sugar Land area as HR Manager. Magnolia and her family are parishioners at St. Laurence in Sugar Land and they have been involved in several ministries for over 20 years.
Carole Joan Polzer, MA, MS is originally from Astoria, New York and the oldest of five children. She attended Catholic school through high school and received her B.A. and master's degree from Hunter College in New York City. Carole also received a master's degree in Counseling from the University of Houston. Carole taught child development and family living at the high school level before joining the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, where she worked for 39 years. Her ministry included Coordinator of Youth Ministry and Director of Religious Education. Most recently, Carole served as a School Counselor for seventeen years at St. Michael Catholic School in Houston. Carole is available for Spiritual Direction and has directed retreats for women. She is a member of Our Lady of Walsingham Catholic Church in Houston and participates in the lay ecclesial movement, Communion and Liberation. Carole has two daughters - Natalie and Danielle. Carole serves as a part-time School Counselor at our Aquinas office in the Upper Kirby area and Assisi office near I-10 and Dairy Ashford. She is supervised by Dr. Ken Buckle.
Cristina Quintero was born in Maracaibo, Venezuela. She obtained her Public Accounting Degree from the University of Zulia in Maracaibo, Venezuela. She is our bilingual Business Analysts at St. Therésè office. Cristina and her family have been parishioners of St. Laurence Catholic Church in Sugar Land since 2009. Her husband and her are active members in The Hispanic Ministry and ACTS.
Carlos Razuri Barandiaran, MS, NCC, LPC-Associate is a counselor at our Aquinas office. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of St. Thomas. He is bilingual and has previously worked as a Spanish teacher, where he also provided support as translator. He attends at St. Edward Catholic Church in Spring. At University of St. Thomas, he was involved in different clubs that shared Catholic theology and philosophy with the community. As part of his graduate Practicum experience, at the University of St. Thomas, he was both at the Career Services Center and the UST Counseling Training Clinic. He has a varied practicum experience, ranging from impatient psychoeducational group work to career/educational counseling, to individual clinical counseling. He worked from an Existential standpoint that was effective, individualized, and evidence based. He employs an integrative and holistic Existential theoretical approach that values collaboration, experience, and openness. He is supervised by Renee Fauria, LPC-Supervisor.
Telma Reyes de Muralles is a native of Guatemala, living in the United States for a little over 16 years. She is bilingual, making Spanish her primary language. Telma is a devoted Catholic with a bachelor’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the Mariano Galvez University of Guatemala, EMDR Trauma Therapy training (levels 1 and 2), Gottman Institute couple’s therapy training (levels 1 and 2). She loves working with couples, teenagers, and adults and believes marriage is the foundation of society and is God´s perfect plan. Telma and her husband German belong to a group of married couples in their parish that helps prepare new couples to receive the Sacrament of Matrimony. She is a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Conroe. She works part-time at the Padre Pio office. She is supervised by Fr./Dr. Augustine Obasi.
Glenda Sanchez is our bilingual Bookkeeper at the Thérèse office in the Stafford / Sugar Land area. She has a Bachelor's of Science in Accounting from Universidad Bicentenaria de Aragua, Venezuela. She has been part of the Cursillo Movement of Christianity for the last 20 years and worked as a Cursillista at All Saints Catholic Church in Broward, Florida. She is a parishioner at St. Faustina Catholic Church in Fulshear.
Ana G. Schmude, MA, Family Sciences is a Mental Health Coach, she obtained her degree from the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family in Mexico City and her BA in Psycho-Pedagogic Counselor from UAA in Mexico. By embracing her Catholic faith, she has learned that true freedom and healing only comes through Jesus Christ with the teachings of the Church. She works with married couples and families assisting them in transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and family unity as they comprehend fully their own nature and mission in the eyes of God. She and her husband are parishioners at St. Anthony of Padua. She is fluent in both English and Spanish and currently works part-time in our Padre Pio office.
Christopher A. Schuman, MSN, ARNP, PMHNP-BC Completed his Masters of Science in Nursing at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in 2019 and received his board certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in 2020. He completed a post-graduate psychiatry fellowship in 2021 at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Prior to his role as a nurse practitioner, he worked as an ICU charge nurse at UMC Hospital in Lubbock, Texas. He also has a background in public safety and spent over 5 years working as a 911 operator. He is a convert to the Catholic faith. He lives in The Woodlands, Texas, with his wife and children. He works part-time in our Padre Pio office.
Guadalupe (Lupe) Serenil She is married with 3 adult children and is a parishioner at St. Francis Cabrini Catholic Church. She has been a bilingual Spiritual Director for 20 years and focuses on inner healing. Her desire is to help women with their journey with the Lord and meet them where they are. She works at the Cabrini office.
David Thies, MTh, MA, LPC-Associate, works part-time at our Assisi office. He graduated with a master's degree in Counseling from Lamar University, and has been a youth minister at St. Cecilia's for many years. He also holds a master's degree in Theology from the University of St. Thomas (Houston). He is supervised by Renee Fauria, LPC-Supervisor. He and his family are parishioners at St. Cecilia's.
Bruce Williamson,MS, LPC-Associate has a Bachelor of Theology and a Bachelor of Philosophy from the University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome, Italy and a master’s degree in Counseling from University of Houston Clear Lake. He is an artist and art teacher. Bruce and his wife are parishioners of St. Clare of Assisi parish where he has been active in the Church Ensemble Choir, teaching in RCIA and involved in ACTS retreats. Bruce is fluent in Italian. He works a part-time in the Cabrini office near NASA. He is supervised by Renee Fauria, LPC-Supervisor.
