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Meet our Team

Vanessa Aleman, M.Ed, LPC

Introduction

Vanessa Aleman is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Rio Grande Valley native, wife, and mom who believes every person has the capacity for deep healing and lasting transformation. She is passionate about creating a space where clients feel truly seen, heard, and supported as they navigate their personal journey.

Professional Background & Approach

Vanessa’s path to counseling was shaped by nine years in education, where she served as a teacher, coach, and school counselor. Through this work, she discovered that one of the most powerful gifts you can offer someone is the opportunity to be fully seen and heard. She holds a Master’s degree in Counseling and Development and draws from a variety of approaches, including Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Logotherapy, and Gestalt Therapy. At the center of her work is each individual client—their story, their pace, and their healing.

Personal Life & Interests

Vanessa enjoys life with her husband and child, and treasures time spent together as a family. Whether taking long walks outdoors, exploring new places, or listening to faith-based podcasts, she values meaningful connection and shared experiences.

Philosophy of Care / Faith Integration

Faith is the foundation of Vanessa’s work and the lens through which she views healing. She believes true restoration reaches both the heart and the soul. Vanessa feels honored to walk alongside clients as they deepen their relationship with the Lord, rediscover their purpose, and step into a life of hope and freedom. Wherever someone finds themselves in their journey, she strives to provide a welcoming and supportive space to begin.

Meagan M Anderson, MA, LPC

Introduction

Meagan Anderson is a Licensed Professional Counselor who is dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with hope, strength, and purpose.

Professional Background & Approach

Meagan has experience working with adults and adolescents in structured settings, including correctional and juvenile facilities. She uses a client-centered approach and integrates therapies such as CBT, Trauma-Focused CBT, DBT, Psychodynamic, and Adlerian techniques to meet each client’s unique needs.

Personal Life & Interests

Meagan is a proud mother who enjoys running, working out, reading scripture and poetry, and spending time with her family.

Philosophy of Care / Faith Integration

Meagan believes each person has God-given strengths that enable them to overcome challenges. She provides compassionate, faith-based guidance to help clients rediscover their identity, grow through difficulties, and move forward with confidence.

Miguel A De La Fuente, MS, LPC

Introduction

Miguel De La Fuente is a Licensed Professional Counselor who is passionate about helping individuals find healing, resilience, and renewed purpose. His background uniquely blends clinical expertise, military service, and life experience.

Professional Background & Approach

Miguel is a National Certified Counselor and U.S. Army Ranger veteran with experience working with trauma, PTSD, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and relationship challenges. His approach is eclectic and integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma-informed care, and positive psychology to support the whole person.

Personal Life & Interests

Miguel is a proud father of six and values time with his family. He is also deeply committed to physical fitness and enjoys CrossFit and mountain biking as part of maintaining overall wellness.

Philosophy of Care / Faith Integration

Rooted in his Christian faith, Miguel believes in healing the mind, body, and spirit. He works alongside clients to build strength and purpose, encouraging growth and transformation through faith and perseverance.

Clarissa Garcia, MSSW, LCSW

Introduction

Clarissa Garcia is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is dedicated to helping individuals find healing, strength, and renewed hope. She is passionate about serving clients from diverse backgrounds and supporting their emotional and spiritual growth.

Professional Background & Approach

Clarissa specializes in working with Latino populations and has experience as a Court Victim Advocate and mental health professional in public education. Her holistic approach integrates evidence-based therapy with faith-based principles to support the whole person.

Personal Life & Interests

Clarissa is a loving wife and mother who values connection, faith, and community. She enjoys spending time in reflection, nurturing meaningful relationships, and investing in the wellbeing of others.

Philosophy of Care / Faith Integration

Clarissa believes healing comes through both clinical care and a deeper relationship with Christ. She works collaboratively with clients to build resilience, overcome challenges, and grow in purpose through compassionate, faith-centered guidance.

Eduardo Gonzalez, M.Ed, LPC

Introduction

Eduardo Gonzalez is the founder of Sharyland Counseling Services and a Licensed Professional Counselor who is passionate about helping individuals find healing, hope, and restoration. He welcomes adolescents and adults from all backgrounds and walks alongside them as they share their stories and pursue meaningful growth.

Professional Background & Approach

With 24 years of experience as a counselor in Sharyland ISD, Eduardo has a deep understanding of the challenges individuals and families face. He provides a supportive and compassionate environment where clients feel heard, valued, and understood. His approach is centered on listening well, building trust, and helping clients develop practical tools to navigate life’s difficulties and move toward lasting change.

Personal Life & Interests

Eduardo has been married for 20 years and is a proud father of five and grandfather of three. He enjoys spending time outdoors with his family, playing tennis, cycling, and supporting his children and grandchildren in their activities.

Philosophy of Care / Faith Integration

Eduardo believes that every person is worthy of wholeness in both mind and spirit. He gently guides clients at their own pace, helping them explore their experiences and rediscover hope through faith, healing, and personal growth.

Cristina Peña, MS, LPC

Introduction

Cristina Peña is a Licensed Professional Counselor who is passionate about helping individuals find healing, clarity, and renewed hope. She supports adolescents and adults through emotional and life challenges.

Professional Background & Approach

Cristina has experience in higher levels of care, supporting clients through anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Her approach is rooted in Person-Centered Therapy and incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to build self-awareness and coping skills.

Personal Life & Interests

Cristina is a wife and mother of four who values family deeply. Her personal experiences shape her compassionate and understanding approach to counseling.

Philosophy of Care / Faith Integration

Cristina believes true healing is both emotional and spiritual. She creates a safe, supportive environment where clients can grow, find peace, and move from pain to purpose through faith.

Charles Vela, M.Ed, LPC

Introduction

Charles Vela is a Licensed Professional Counselor who is passionate about helping individuals heal from past wounds and move toward a more resilient and fulfilling life. He offers compassionate support to clients from a wide range of backgrounds.

Professional Background & Approach

Charles holds degrees in Philosophy and Psychology and has experience working with individuals, families, veterans, first responders, and law enforcement. He uses an eclectic, client-centered approach and is trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and trauma-informed care to help clients build emotional regulation and resilience.

Personal Life & Interests

Charles values authenticity and personal growth. His own journey has shaped his empathetic approach, allowing him to connect deeply with clients and meet them where they are.

Philosophy of Care / Faith Integration

Charles believes healing is always possible. He partners with clients to build insight and practical skills while supporting their personal and spiritual growth through a compassionate, faith-informed approach.