Staff
Roy Wooten, MS Executive Director
Roy Wooten has over twenty years experience in social services serving primarily in senior leadership of youth and family service nonprofit ministries. He holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Abilene Christian University. Roy has held licenses with the Texas Department of Protective and Family Services and the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists. He has served in leadership posts in civic, church and professional organizations. Roy is frequently a sought-after speaker and guest on relationship matters including marriage, parenting, fathering and family issues. He has presented at the National Association of Relationship and Marriage Educators, Texas Network of Youth Services, Texas Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, Christian Association for Psychological Studies, Texas Head Start Association, Texas Association of School Boards, Texas Parent Involvement Conference, Oklahoma and Texas Parent Teachers Associations and many others. He has been interviewed in print and television media from Amarillo to Houston and consulted with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, Harris County, City of Houston and churches, schools and nonprofits.
Roy has been married to Devra since 1988 and has a son and daughter who are actively engaged at school, church and their community in the Northwest Houston area.Top
Barb Waldron, MS, LCP Intern Clinical Coordinator & Counselor
Barb holds a bachelor’s degree in Business from Campbell University and a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Palm Beach Atlantic University. She studied spiritual development at Asbury Theological Seminary, and is a member of the American Association for Christian Counseling. Barb’s passion is working with couples to help them create a satisfying relationship - understanding what drew them together, honoring their differences, resolving relational conflicts, and designing a future based on shared values. She is also skilled at helping clients discover their purpose in life. Barb uses dynamic forms of self-expression and expressive arts, in order to help clients uncover the boundless possibilities in their lives. She is a leader with Cleansing Stream, a life-changing worldwide ministry which helps men and women find freedom from past hurts in order to live in peace, wholeness, and joy; and create fulfilling relationships with others.
Barb has been married to Jim since 1983. They enjoy traveling, music, and theater. For exercise and relaxation, Barb practices Pilates and yoga. Top
Renee Traweek, MSW, LCSWClinical Therapist
Renee holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from the University of Texas at Arlington and a Master Degree in Social Work from the University of Houston. Renee is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a certified Administrator and Trainer of Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) Assessment Tool, and a Texas Board Certified Supervisor for LSW, LMSW, and LCSW.
Renee has over twenty-five years of extensive experience in foster care, juvenile justice and community based programs. Her experience includes inpatient and outpatient counseling services and program development and administration. She is currently a Field Instructor and an Associate Professor at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work.
Renee provides services for client with mental health or chemical dependency issues; for children with ADHD, behavioural, grief/loss, and abuse issues; for couples with marital conflicts; and for families in crisis. She is committed to the preservation of marriage and family.
Renee has been married to Bryce since 1972 and they have five children and eleven grandchildren. She enjoys reading, cooking, gardening, painting, and traveling with her family, especially to South Padre Island. Top
Shelley Zavodny, LPC, LMFT Clinical, Marriage & Family Therapist
Shelley holds a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from University of Houston and a Masters of Science in Psychology, specializing in Marriage and Family Therapy, from Our Lady of the Lake University. Shelley's experience includes inpatient psychiatric, community mental health and residential treatment and she has worked with a wide array of diverse populations and issues. She additionally has experience with Reflection Teams and working with interdisciplinary treatment teams. She enjoys working with teens, young adults, men, women and families of all ages. She holds membership in the American, Texas and Houston Associations of Marriage and Family Therapists.
Shelley has been married to David since 2010 and has three cats, one dog, a newt and a snake and lives in Northwest Houston area. Top
Kim Parmer, BS, LCDC Addictions Counselor
Kim holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Social Work from Illinois State University. She was a small business owner and is experienced in nursing home settings, in-patient psychiatric hospitals and with pregnant women. She specializes in co-dependency, addiction, and families interacting with an addicted parent or child. Kim has a strong desire to work with addiction issues in the Christian community. She is an active member of the Waller Independent School Board, Waller Area Chamber of Commerce, and her home church.
Kim married her husband in 1988 and has two daughters, one son and two golden retrievers. Kim loves bible studies and enjoys watching her children grow and learning from them. She also enjoys baking, scrapbooking and family activities. Top
Glenda Johnson, MA, LPC Clinical Therapist
Glenda Johnson is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Talladega College and a Masters degree in Counseling from Prairie View A&M University. Most of her career, Glenda has been an educator and more recently a school counselor. She works with children and adolescents. She also provides individual and couples counseling. Glenda belongs to the Texas Counseling Association, the American Counseling Association, Spring Creek Counseling Association and Sam Houston Area of Play Therapy Association.
Glenda married Clyde Johnson, Jr. in 1982. They live in the North area of Houston and have two grown children. Glenda enjoys reading in her spare time. Top
Pam Cosart, MA, LPC Intern, CART Board Certified Christian Counselor
Pam holds a Business degree from Eastern Illinois University and a Masters degree in Counseling from Liberty University. She is a veteran facilitator of women’s bible study groups and is the co-director at Cy-Fair Christian Church’s Soul Care Counseling Ministry. Pam specializes in treatment of anxiety, depression, grief and loss; she provides individual, adolescent, children, couple and family counseling, including pre-marital and marriages in distress. She journeys with women who are navigating through transitions of life. Additionally, she is a certified anger resolution therapist. Pam is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors, the Board of Christian Professional and Pastoral Counselors, and the American Counseling Association.
Pam married her husband Al in 1975. They have three adult children: Audra, Jordan and Alex. In her spare time, she likes to read and walk/jog for fitness. She enjoys traveling with her husband and spending time with their first grandchild. Top
Phil Ginsburg , LMFTA, LPC Intern, LCDC, NCC Counselor
Phil Ginsburg holds a Bachelors Degree in Community Service and Public Policy from the University of Massachusetts-Boston and a Masters Degree in Counseling from Sam Houston State University. He works with individuals experiencing adjustment to life cycle events, Career Counseling, Grief related issues, Substance Abuse and Addiction, Co-Occurring Disorders, Major and Bipolar Depression, Attention Deficit Disorders, Sexual Concerns, Anxiety Issues, Compulsive Behaviors and Trauma.
Phil provides pre-marital counseling, works with all couples and families experiencing negative interaction cycles, parenting, communication problems, and co-dependency issues. He provides psycho-education to assist individuals and families effectively help themselves or other family members who have challenging mental health needs. Phil has worked as a counselor in a long term residential treatment facility with women who have substance abuse and other mental health challenges, referred to as co-occurring disorders, or dual diagnosis. Many of the women Phil has worked with in treatment have also experienced severe trauma and abuse. Phil has been published in the American Counseling Association’s Family Journal and the Journal of Individual Psychology: He holds membership in the Texas Counseling Association, the American Counseling Association, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and the Texas Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.
Phil and his wife Joy have been married since 1997. They have 4 young children-Henry, Bobby, Ethel, and Evan — and a cat named Maggie. His favorite activities are being a husband, daddy and son. He enjoys watching movies with the family, writing music and poetry. He can bench press a triple cheeseburger and can mentally run a marathon faster than any one he knows. Top
Mona Mossad, MD, LPC Intern Counselor
Mona holds a Bachelor in Science and Chemistry and Medical Doctorate degree from Cairo University School of Medicine and a Master in Pastoral Counseling form Ashland Theological Seminary.
She has experience in various specialties including internal medicine, obstetrics, pediatrics, emergency medicine and rural medical services. She does not practice medicine but is a Licensed Professional Counselor Intern. She is a member of the American Counseling Association. Mona is continuing to develop a specialty in adult and teenage individual therapy.
Mona is married to Emad Mossad since 1987 and they have two children. They live near the medical center in Bellaire. Mona enjoys reading, music, traveling and volunteering in her local church when she is not counseling. Top
David Weir, MA, MS, LPC Intern Counselor
David has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and two Masters Degrees, one in Counseling and the other in Training and Development. He is a Nationally Certified Counselor, a Licensed Professional Counselor Intern, and a foreign war military veteran. David is also a member of the Texas Counseling Association and American Association of Christian Counselors.
David takes a Person Centered and Cognitive Behavioral approach in conducting therapy sessions, and he is seasoned in working with clients dealing with depression, anxiety, domestic abuse, relationship and parenting conflicts, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
David has been married since 1986 and has two grown daughters. His interests include sailing, traveling, and outdoor sports. Top
Chau Nguyen, LMSW Counselor
Chau holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of St. Thomas and a Master of Arts in Social Work from the University of Houston. Before joining Shield Bearer, Chau served as a television journalist for fifteen years. She received honors in the field as the TV News Reporter of the Year for the Houston Market and a recipient of an Emmy Award for her work in the documentary “A Return to Vietnam.” Her passion to help people grew as she covered life changing stories up close and personal. Chau works with individuals, including teens and adults, as well as couples and families. She serves on a number of local boards, including Asian American Family Services.
Chau is married, and she and her husband have a daughter and 2 dogs. Chau is an avid fitness enthusiast, having completed 8 marathons and an ironman distance triathalon. Top
Ariana Detert, MSW, LCSW Clinical Therapist
Ariana holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee and a Masters in Social Work from the University of Central Florida. Ariana has utilized her knowledge and experience to work with at-risk children and adolescents. Ariana has several years of experience working with young children, adolescents, young adults and families in residential centers, foster homes, community mental health centers, elementary, middle and high school settings.
Ariana married Michael Detert in 2007 and they have a Beagle/ Terrier mix dog named Bailey. Top
Annika Zielger, LMSW Counselor
Annika holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Social Work from the University of Houston. She taught at a special needs school for several years, working with children with emotional and behavioral problems. Additionally, she has experience working with adults in a community mental health center and at an outpatient psychiatric hospital. Annika enjoys working with adolescents, individuals and couples.
Annika married Bob in 2009 and they have a cat named Mooshi. In her spare time she enjoys reading, watching movies, traveling whenever possible, and spending time with family and friends.
Marianne Dublado, LMSW Counselor
Marianne holds a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from the University of Houston and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from University of Houston. She has always had the passion to help people. Marianne has volunteered with many organizations, as a tutor of elementary school students in after school programs at the YMCA and Texas Children’s Hospital. She has been involved with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants wishes to children with life threatening medical conditions. Marianne recently became involved with Big Brothers, Big Sisters where she serves as a Big Sister to a wonderful 9 year old autistic boy.
During her undergraduate education, Marianne was trained as a Behavior Therapist for children with autism. In both her undergraduate and graduate education, she interned at Communities in Schools and worked with at risk children and adolescents. She also has experience working with adults with substance abuse and mental health issues. Marianne counsels individuals and families with a wide variety of issues. She is particularly skilled in working with clients who have grief and shame issues.
Marianne is a member of the National Association of Social Workers and North American Association of Christians in Social Work.
She has a two year old pug named Caleb. Marianne loves to travel, read non-fiction books, especially anything that has to do with personal or spiritual development. She is co-founder of an online community called The Newbies that encourages people in their faith walk. Marianne also enjoys photography and blogging.
Joyce Pappas Finch, Ed.D., LPC Intern Counselor
Joyce holds a Bachelor of Science in Education-Elementary Education from the University of Houston, a Master of Education in Guidance and Counseling from Sam Houston State University, and a Doctorate Degree in Counselor Education from Texas Southern University. She holds Certificates as a Texas Teacher-Provisional-Life-Elementary, and Professional-Life-Counselor.
Joyce has worked in human services for 37 years, including 13 years as a high school counselor and 10 years as an intermediate school counselor. She is presently a professor at Texas Southern University, teaching graduate classes for students pursuing a career as a school counselor and/or agency counselor.
Joyce belongs to the Texas Counseling Association (TCA), where she has presented several times at TCA conferences. She is also an active member of the Ladies Organization at St. Anthony the Great Orthodox Church.
Joyce has been married to Robert since 1969. They have 2 daughters and 6 grandchildren. Joyce enjoys exercising, swimming, tennis, and spending time with family, especially with her grandchildren. Top
Amy Shih, MA, LPC Intern Counselor
Amy received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Drama from the University of Georgia and her Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Psychology with a counseling specialization from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Amy is a member of American Counseling Association, Texas Counseling Association, and International Positive Psychology Association. Her experience includes clinical and multicultural counseling, working with adults, couples, and children ages 5 years and older. Areas of specialty also include interethnic/interfaith/international relationships, marital conflict, self-esteem/self-image, panic, anxiety and depression, and spirituality. In addition, Amy has received Level 1 training in The Gottman Method Couples Therapy.
Prior to transitioning into counseling, Amy had over four years of international experience in Asia, working in management, leadership positions, and publication. Moreover, she took an active interest in the impact that the daily challenges in life can have on the mind and spirit. Amy believes “The most valuable lesson that I have learned from working with people from diverse backgrounds is that we are all deeply interconnected and share a desire for purposeful living.” With a positive and emotion-focused approach to therapy, Amy works with clients on discovering their signature strengths which she believes are the building blocks to one’s authentic self.
Amy and her husband Jim have been married since 1997. Amy enjoys traveling, biking, yoga, theatre, and drawing faces.Top
Carla Taylor-Guice, M.Ed., LPC Intern Counselor
Carla holds a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcasting from SUNY College and a Master of Education in Counseling from the University of Houston
For the past 3 years Carla has worked with diverse groups of individuals from children to adults in both inpatient and outpatient environments as well as a private practice, and various community agencies. In addition to working at Shield Bearer, Carla is on staff as a therapist at IntraCare Hospital where she is a Group Facilitator. She is also a Pro Bono Counselor with Mental Health America of Greater Houston. Carla is a member of Houston Licensed Professional Counselors.
She is married to Tony, and they have 3 sons and 6 grandchildren. Carla loves track and is a Co-founder of a local AAU Track Club which serves over 100 athletes ages 5-17. She also enjoys travel and reading.Top
Carrie Martinez, MS, LPC Intern Counselor
Carrie holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Northwest Missouri State University and a Master of Science Degree from Bellevue University in Human Services with Degree Focus in Clinical Psychology. She is a member of the American Counseling Association and a certified Solution Focused Counselor.
Carrie has worked as an intern at the University of Nebraska Medical Center's eating disorders unit, providing individual and group counseling for patients hospitalized with an eating disorder; also provided community and family education. Other professional experience includes working as a counselor with children and families, case management, assessment, and EAP counseling. Areas of expertise are working with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, bariatrics, addictions, relationships, abuse, trauma, sexual harassment, and special needs.
Carrie’s passion is helping people make positive changes in their lives. Her approach to therapy is to provide a supportive, nurturing, and non-judgmental environment and to work collaboratively with individuals to overcome barriers and to develop new skills to reach goals.
Carrie has been married to Joe since 2005, and has two daughters Marisa and Alyiah. She has a Great Pyrenees Sherman in training to become the next therapy dog. Carrie enjoys spending time with family, painting, movies, reading, swimming, and traveling.Top
Graduate Student Interns
Shield-Bearer is proud to be an internship/practicum site for new professionals who desire to help us meet our mission of high quality services without regard to ability to pay. Very few applicants are selected to become a part of the Shield-Bearer family. Graduates students selected have typically been those who have life and field experience in addition to their formal education and who fit well with our values and mission. Being counseled by a graduate student provides the most current researched approaches with weekly (sometimes daily) supervision by credentialed onsite and graduate school supervisors. We are proud to have been a part of facilitating the ongoing training of new counselors in conjunction with the following graduate programs:
• University of Texas, Clinical Social Work Department
• Sam Houston State University, Education and Counseling Departments
• University of Houston, Psychology, Education and Social Work Departments
• Texas Women’s University, Family Therapy Doctoral Program
• Houston Graduate School of Theology, Counseling Department
• Houston Baptist University, Christian Counseling Department
• Liberty University, Counseling Department
• Ashland Theological Seminary, Pastoral Counseling Department
• Seaton Hall, Counseling Department
• Argosy University, Counseling and Training Department
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