Austin Trauma Therapy Center

We know that the success of our clients heavily depends on the health and wellness of our staff and because our team is so focused on this healing work with others, it is our priority to keep our staff healthy and well. We’re honored to receive the City of Austin: 2022 & 2024 Mayor’s Health and Wellbeing award.

Our team is focused on helping people heal and regaining a sense of agency post trauma/crisis. We have a diverse team of culturally sensitive, ethical, and trauma-informed practitioners ready to help you on your wellness journey. Every member of our team is required to have training and knowledge in multiple Trauma-Informed practices and all come with a social justice oriented background. We prioritize and practice trauma-informed leadership throughout our agency whether working directly or indirectly with clients. At ATTC, we are allies and supporters of the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities. Please feel free to reach out to schedule a session with our highly skilled Austin therapy associates.

Trauma-Informed Therapists

Austin Trauma Therapy Center
LaJuan McKinney, LCSW

LaJuan “Juana” McKinney is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Juana received her master’s degree from the University of Texas at Arlington. Juana is no longer accepting new clients.

Juana utilizes evidence-based Trauma Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Certified Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Psychoanalytic Therapy, and incorporates mindfulness with all treatments.


Juana’s experience includes counseling sexual and domestic violence survivors, the LGBTQIA+ community, treatment for those needing support with complex trauma, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Her approach is trauma informed,strengths based, and client centered which provides a safe space for healing. She believes there is no one size fits all modality and tailor’s treatment to each
individual client.

Juana’s approach is guided and collaborative as she believes clients are the experts on their own lives. Juana is passionate about helping clients become the best version of themselves. In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time with family, and being outdoors.

Marissa Allen, LCSW

Marissa is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She earned her Masters of Science in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin and bachelor’s in Social Work with a minor in psychology from Texas State University. She is currently virtual and accepting new clients.

With a wealth of experience, Marissa specializes in working with adolescents, young adults, college, and post-graduate students. Her expertise spans various challenges, including depression, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem/self-worth issues, interpersonal relationships, boundary setting, and major life transitions.

Marissa’s mission is to create a therapeutic space that is safe, inclusive, empathetic, and supportive for all. Approaching therapy through a social justice lens, Marissa employs diverse therapeutic modalities such as Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Motivational Interviewing. She is dedicated to forging authentic connections with her clients, fostering a collaborative environment where together they can explore coping mechanisms for navigating both traumatic experiences and the challenges of everyday life.

Outside of her professional role, Marissa finds joy in collecting plants, attending concerts, exploring art exhibits, and getting lost in a good book or TV show. She values time spent with friends and family, incorporates meditation and regular workouts into her routine, and delights in experimenting with new air fryer recipes.

Austin Trauma Therapy
Orlando Parrales, LCSW

Orlando Parrales is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in New York and Texas. He
earned his Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) at Texas Tech University and his Master of
Science in Social Work (MSW) at Columbia University. He is pursuing his PhD in Social
Welfare at the University of California Berkeley. Orlando is currently accepting couples and individuals in person and virtually.

Orlando’s counseling approach is deeply rooted in the person-centered approach, which he
enriches with elements from strength-based and solution-focused perspectives. He is dedicated to
working closely with his clients, helping them recognize and utilize their internal strengths and
resources to navigate life’s challenges.

Orlando’s expertise extends to working with couples, aiding them in understanding each other better and enhancing their communication skills and relationships. He also has a wealth of experience in assisting individuals with a range of mental health issues, from anxiety and depression to complex trauma and substance use challenges.

Orlando’s professional journey has equipped him with a robust foundation in various therapeutic
approaches and techniques, including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-
CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and
Motivational Interviewing. He is pursuing additional clinical training in the Gottman Method and
a Sex Therapist Certification through the American Association of Sexuality Educators,
Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT).

Emily Lambert
Emily Lambert-Berger, LCSW

Emily is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and practices under the supervision of Earley Barnes-Ullrich LCSW-S. Emily is also currently working towards her Registered Play Therapist (RPT) credential. Emily is accepting new clients.


Emily received her Masters degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin in 2019. Since then, she has gained experience working with individuals across the lifespan, including children, teens, adults, and families. She has experience working with trauma, mental health disorders such as
anxiety, depression, ADHD and autism.

Emily places an emphasis on creating safety and comfortability in the therapy space through use of humor and genuine connection with her clients. She takes a holistic approach to therapy and highlights the relationship between mental and physical health.
In the last four years Emily has worked in a variety of settings including schools and residential treatment. She is an eclectic clinician who utilizes aspects of Attachment Theory, Trauma Informed-Care and Strengths Based Approach to help guide her work. Additionally, she has experience utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), parent education, Mindfulness, Play Therapy, and Theraplay which utilizes play interventions to help strengthen the child and caregiver relationship.


In her free time, Emily enjoys spending time with her friends, family and her dog, Ollie. She also loves trying new foods, baking, and being outdoors.

ATTC Trauma Therapist
Sharon Leung, LMSW

Sharon Leung (she/her) is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), and currently under the supervision of Diana Anzaldúa, LCSW-S. Sharon received her BSW and MSW from The University of Texas at Austin. Sharon is currently accepting new clients virtually and in-person.

She is a LGBTQIA+ affirming clinician with professional experience in education, outpatient clinic, and non-profit settings. Having family from Hong Kong, Sharon is familiar with some Cantonese and Mandarin Chinese, as well as Chinese culture, and welcomes Asian and minority clients into the therapeutic space with a culturally mindful lens. 

Sharon incorporates a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach that honors people’s right to self-determination. For treatment options, Sharon offers Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness interventions. Though her professional experience has largely been serving adolescents, Sharon hopes to empower clients of any age and background in their journey towards a sustainability of hope, joy, and purpose. Sharon values a client’s sense of safety and hopes to hold a space of trust, acceptance, and healing. 

In her spare time, Sharon enjoys spending time in nature, with loved ones, and with a cup of boba in hand. Sharon loves to connect with new people and looks forward to working with you as your therapist. 

Sara Zavaleta
Sara Zavaleta, LCSW

Sara Zavaleta (pronouns: they/them) is a bilingual and bicultural Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). They proudly serve as a queer and nonbinary clinician who supports folks in their healing journeys from trauma, including intergenerational or historical trauma. Sara is a fluent Spanish speaker and a second-generation Salvadoran who was born and raised in Austin. Sara is accepting new clients virtually.

In their psychotherapy, Sara uses an intersectional feminist, trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and strengths-based approach that honors people’s identities and cultures. For treatment options, Sara offers Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and mindfulness interventions. Sara has extensive experience supporting parents with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), survivors of gender-based violence (domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking, etc.), asylum seekers, immigrant communities, LGBT+ folks, and people of color. Sara works to provide the empathetic therapeutic support to adult individuals that they would have liked to have at the start of their own healing journey.


Sara earned their Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) and Master of Arts in Latin American Studies from the University of Texas at Austin. For their undergraduate education, they graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Minor in Spanish from Vanderbilt University.

In their spare time, Sara enjoys swimming, paddleboarding, hiking, and cycling–basically any quality time in nature is great! Sara also loves regularly practicing yoga and meditation as part of their self-care practice.


Sara Zavaleta (pronombres: elle) es une trabajadore social clínico (LMSW) quien es bicultural y bilingüe. Con mucho orgullo, Sara es une terapista quir y nonbinarie quien apolla a la gente en sus caminos de sanación de trauma, incluyendo trauma intergeneracional o histórico. Sara habla español a un nivel experto y es une salvadoreñe de segunda generación nacide y criade en Austin.

En su psicoterapia, Sara usa un enfoque feminista interseccional, informada por trauma, centrada en sobrevivientes de violencia, y basada en las fortalezas de cada persona que honra las identidades y culturas de la gente. Para opciones de tratamiento, Sara ofrece terapia de desensibilización y reprocesamiento por movimiento ocular (EMDR), terapia cognitiva y de comportamiento enfocada en el tratamiento de trauma (TF-CBT), y tratamientos de meditación. Sara tiene experiencia extensa en apoyar a pacientes con trastornos perinatales de ánimo y ansiedad (PMADs), sobrevivientes de violencia basada en género (violencia doméstica, violencia sexual, acecho, etc.), solicitantes de asilo, comunidades inmigrantes, personas en la comunidad LGBT+, y gente de color. Sara trabaja para proveer el apoyo terapéutico y empático a niños, adultos, y familias que a elle le hubiera gustado tener al principio de su propio camino de sanación.

Sara obtuvo su Maestría de Ciencia en Trabajo Social (MSSW) y Maestría de Arte en Estudios Latinoamericanos de la Universidad de Tejas en Austin. Para su educación de bachillerato, se graduó de la Universidad Vanderbilt con una Especialidad en Sociología y una Subespecialidad en Español.

Es su tiempo libre, Sara goza nadar, andar en su tabla de remo, ir en caminatas, y andar en bicicleta–básicamente cualquier tiempo en la naturaleza es fantástico! Sara también goza meditar y hacer yoga como parte de su práctica de autocuidado.

Rose Hernandez, LCSW-S

Rose Hernandez is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Board appointed Supervisor. I am currently virtual and accepting new clients.

Ms. Hernandez appreciates working with adults, children, teens, and young adults as well as their parents who face challenges in their current lives.

Ms. Hernandez’s expertise includes helping clients with relational difficulties, career frustrations, emotional repercussions of trauma, areas of attachment, depression, and anxiety. Rose has over 20 years experience working with traumatized populations in a variety of settings.

Her approach includes the development of a comfortable, nonjudgmental, and compassionate environment. Ms. Hernandez has experience with relational therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), a Certified Trust Based Relational Intervention Practitioner and trained in Trauma-Conscious Yoga.

Her experience serves to assist the client in developing healthy connections with life, others, and self. She is bi-lingual and bi-cultural (LatinX) and goes by she, her, and ella.

Austin Trauma Therapy Center - Trauma Therapist - PhD
Kathryn Wortz, PhD.

Kathryn Wortz Ph.D. is a seasoned clinical psychologist who has practiced over many years. She’s worked not only in private practice but also in University and Collegiate training settings. Dr. Wortz is available to see new clients virtually.

Her work has focused on treating survivors of trauma, particularly those who were abused as children. With her warm style and blend of solid psychotherapeutic traditions, she sees the role of therapist as compassionate witness and collaborator, gently guiding, as well as “walking alongside” the client through the process of healing the past and embracing the present. 

Kathryn is bilingual in English and Spanish. Kathryn uses Emotionally Focused Therapy along with Exposure therapy and Gestalt Theory for a here and now approach. She also uses a DBT approach to help with treating mood disorders and self-harm. Dr. Wortz is currently being trained in EMDR as of 2024.

Dr. Wortz received her BA degree from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA)  before coming to Texas where she attained the PhD in Clinical Psychology at Texas Tech. Dr. Wortz is clinically licensed in Texas and Maine.

She has been licensed in Texas for nearly 30 years. She practiced for 20 years in West Texas before moving to East Texas to work for the University of Texas Health Science Center in Tyler. She now continues to serve others at ATTC.

Austin Trauma Therapy Center Social Worker Ashley
Ashley Lopez, LCSW

Ashley Daly is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and practices under the supervision of Leticia Jimenez, LCSW-S. Ashley Daly holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Social Work from Texas State University and a Master’s degree in Social Work from The University of Texas at Arlington. Ashley is accepting new clients.

Throughout her professional career, Ashley has worked with diverse populations by assisting in case management services, crisis assessments/interventions, and support through empathic counseling.

Ashley has extensive background in working with clients who are experiencing symptoms related to grief and loss, complex trauma, domestic violence, sexual abuse, personality disorders, and anxiety/depression. Ashley has also had experience working with individuals suffering from substance abuse, experiencing homelessness, and incarceration.

Ashley’s therapeutic approach is integrative utilizing Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Client-Centered Therapy, and Solution Focused methods. Ashley values the importance of creating a therapeutic environment that focuses on empowering clients to identify and maximize their unique strengths to reach their desired goals.

Ashley supports and teaches clients tools to practice healthy coping skills, so they can make the necessary changes to live a happier and healthier life. It is Ashley’s passion to advocate, support, and walk alongside clients in their therapeutic journey because she believes change is possible.

Ashley is an Austin native who now resides in San Antonio with her husband and goldendoodle, Sophie. In her free time, Ashley enjoys painting, traveling, going for bike rides, and spending time at the river. Ashley finds the outdoors to be most important in maintaining healthy self-care practices.

Antonia Garcia, LMFT

Antonia is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas with over five years of experience working with children and families in a variety of settings. Antonia provides services in both English and Spanish. Antonia is no longer accepting new clients.

Antonia is a Mexican-American woman raised on the Texas border. Antonia uses the pronouns she/her/ella. Antonia was raised both bilingual (English and Spanish) and bicultural.

Antonia completed a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Psychology and Spanish at St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas. Antonia went on to complete a Master of Science in Psychology specializing in Family, Couple, and Individual Psychotherapy while also completing the Psychological Services for Spanish Speaking Populations certification at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas.

Antonia has extensive experience working with survivors of sexual abuse, victims of human trafficking, immigrants, and individuals on the Autism spectrum. Antonia believes everyone has the ability to achieve their goals. In her work, Antonia emphases collaboration and frequent feedback.

Antonia’s approach is systems based and incorporates principles of Narrative Therapy, MRI, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Antonia believes strongly in strengths based, client centered, and social justice focused interventions.   

Diana Zwang, LCSW

Diana is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Austin, Texas. Diana is virtual and currently accepting new clients.

Diana received her Master of Social Work degree from Texas State University, and a bachelor of psychology degree from Wellesley College in Massachusetts. 

Diana has extensive background in leading therapy groups in in-patient hospital settings and also provides individual counseling focused on implementing new coping skills post-hospital treatment to help clients ease back into life’s journey, safely.

Diana uses strategies and principles from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Neuroscience. She uses these approaches to help clients lessen the effect of life stressors and heal deep-rooted trauma. 

Diana assists clients gently through the healing process as they develop new awareness and discover inner strengths that lead them to inner peace and mental clarity.

She uses a variety of therapeutic approaches in her work including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, CBTp, Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy, Trust-Based Relational Intervention, Trauma Focused CBT, Mindfulness. These modalities are proven to help patients cope with a variety of life problems and crises. Diana is trained in TF-CBT and has a EMDR certification.

In her free time Diana enjoys trying new recipes and spending time with her cat and dogs.

Mariana Marquez, LCSW

Mariana Marquez-Vega is a bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Mariana is fluent both English and Spanish. Mariana is no longer accepting new clients.

Mariana started her career as a case manager at a behavioral clinic that allowed her to transition to Clinician for teenage boys at an immigrant shelter were she was able to conduct anger management groups and individual therapy. Marina has extensive experience working with teens struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, aggressive outbursts, teens transitioning out of juvenile facilities. Children and Families involved with State agencies.

Mariana is trained in TF-CBT as well as EMDR in psychiatric care and counseling services with toddlers, adults, and geriatrics. Mariana uses a trauma-informed client-centered psychodynamic approach to help her clients heal.

Through a strengths-based, relational therapy, her goal is to create a safe space for clients to be seen, heard and valued. Mariana looks forward to working with you in your healing journey, identifying where you would like to go and figuring out how you can get to that place from where you are now. 

In her free time, Mariana enjoys spending time with her family.

Austin Trauma Therapy Center
Tania Flores, LMSW

Tania, a bilingual therapist who can hold warm, compassionate space for adults (18+) and elders. She currently works under the supervision of Jessica Reynolds, LCSW-S. Tania is seeing new clients virtually and in-person.

I support people to navigate stress, feel seen, heard, and understood. Most importantly though, I can help you face the unique challenges and pressures you may be facing at this time.

In the past, I’ve provided care for those struggling with grief,depression, life transitions, generational trauma, domestic violence, parentification, anxiety and work/school stress. At Austin Trauma Therapy Center, I’m committed to providing inclusive care by supporting bodies of culture, Latinx 1st gen and 1.5 gen identities… if you know you know.

Seeking therapy involves strength and vulnerability. Together we can create a safe space to explore your experiences and move collaboratively towards your goals. As a therapist, my approach is person centered and I draw from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused Brief Therapy. I’m dedicated to your healing journey. You are important to me.

Outside of the therapy space, I enjoy exploring new cities whenever possible, and spending time with my family and friends. I find joy in cycling, pilates and nature.

Soy una terapeuta bilingüe y puedo brindar un espacio cálido y compasivo para adultos (mayores de 18 años) y personas mayores. Apoyo a las personas a navegar el estrés, a sentirse vistas, escuchadas y comprendidas. Sin embargo, lo más importante es que puedo ayudarle a enfrentar los desafíos y presiones únicas que pueda estar pasando en este momento.

 Mi experiencia ha sido con atención a quienes se enfrentan con el duelo, las transiciones de vida, el trauma generacional, parentalización , ansiedad y el estrés laboral/escolar. En Austin Trauma Therapy Center, estoy dedicada a brindar atención inclusiva apoyando a personas diversas e, identidades latinx de 1.ª generación y 1.5 generación.

 Buscar terapia  requiere fortaleza y vulnerabilidad. Juntx podemos crear un espacio seguro para explorar tus experiencias y avanzar de manera colaborativa hacia tus metas. Como terapeuta, estoy dedicada a tu sanación. Tu eres importante para mi.

Fuera del espacio de terapia, disfruto explorar nuevas ciudades y pasar tiempo con mi familia y amigxs. Algunos de mis pasatiempos son andar en bicicleta,  pilates y la naturaleza. Trabajo bajo la supervisión de Jessica Reynolds, LCSW-S.

Jeneke Lesak, LCSW

Jeneke (pronounced “Jen-ih-kuh”) A Licensed Clinical Social Worker. At this time, she is no longer seeing new clients. 

Jeneke is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and offers her clients a compassionate, heart-centered approach. She has a gift for making people feel comfortable in her presence and stays attuned to their needs in a supportive and safe environment. She understands the value for people to arrive at their own solutions and serves as a gentle, patient guide each step of the way. Her focus is on client strengths and how to enhance and bring awareness to one’s innate abilities to improve an overall sense of well-being.

Jeneke received her Master of Science in Social Work degree from the University of Texas in Austin, Texas in 2015 and has 10 years of experience working with adults and adolescents in a variety of settings: individual/group therapy, outpatient and residential treatment, and community-based social work. Areas of expertise include: trauma (single event and complex; including sexual, emotional and physical abuse), addiction, anxiety/depression and other mood disorders, relationship issues, psychosis, self-harming behaviors and suicidality. Jeneke has experience working with the LGBTQ+ and transgender community. 

In her practice, Jeneke uses a variety of modalities tailored to individual needs: EMDR, TF-CBT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Informed Care, Strengths-Based Approach, Mindfulness techniques and Nature-Based Therapy techniques. 

For fun, Jeneke enjoys traveling, hiking, camping, being outside in general, trying out new recipes and spending time with family and friends.  

Trauma-Informed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Open position

Trauma-Informed ADHD Coach / Neurodiverse Accommodation Specialist

Jennifer Lawrence, RBT | ADHD Coach

Jennifer Lawrence is a Master’s Level Behavior Clinician. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Education from Liberty University. Her Master’s degree is in Applied Behavior Analysis at Cairn University. Jennifer is virtual and currently accepting new clients.

Jennifer has over 10 years of experience working with neurodiverse individuals including adults, adolescents and young children. Jennifer is passionate about advocating and supporting neurodiverse individuals to achieve their goals. She is an effective facilitator that actively listens to analyze and problem solve to meet the needs of individuals she serves. She believes that all individuals deserve access to quality education and competitive employment that enhances their lives. 

 Jennifer has worked with diverse individuals throughout her career and believes in a culturally responsive approach.  She has led culturally responsiveness training to bring awareness to bias and healthcare disparities  that affects diverse individuals in both the healthcare and workplace setting. 

Jennifer is an author and advocate of inclusiveness as well as civil rights for diverse individuals in the community. She is committed to holding safe spaces for diverse individuals where their voices can be heard.

In her free time, Jennifer loves traveling with her family, sci-fi comics and shows. 

Trauma-Informed Patient Coordinator

Julia Molina-Zarate

Julia joins our team as our Office/ Patient Coordinator. She is a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister. She was born and raised in San Diego, Texas and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. She currently resides in Austin, Texas and loves the city that still manages to keep a small town feeling. Julia is bilingual in English and Spanish.

She believes in the importance of listening first when establishing a connection with her community. She has a passion for serving others in providing the best possible experience and resources that she can. Julia has built upon her unique skill set through her experience working with diverse populations that include individuals who have been incarcerated, their families, as well as communities who lack accessibility to the necessary resources to survive day-to-day life. While Julia recognizes the importance and necessary step of building a support system, she also understands the difficulty in taking that first step. It is important to her to help individuals understand that they are never alone.

She is an avid nature enthusiast and loves to take every opportunity she can to implement meditative techniques while observing nature.

Trauma-Informed Billing Specialist

Sonia Cantu, Austin Trauma Therapy Center
Sonia Cantu, Austin Trauma Therapy Center

Sonia joins our Office as Patient Coordinator / Billing Department and
comes with 30 plus years’ experience in Healthcare settings such as Family Practice, Emergency Room
and Surgery facilities.

Sonia is bilingual in English and Spanish, while working alongside the Doctors
and patients, billing is her expertise. She has the passion and patience to
help those who do not quite understand the billing aspects of their
insurance. Sonia is committed to providing quality customer services and care to the patients at ATTC.

Sonia has two grown children that have formed an amazing career and are
passionate about helping the community.

In her down time, Sonia likes to read, paint, find unique tea shops and spend time grounding in Nature with Mother Earth.

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