Meet the Team

Counselor Houston TX Cindy LMFT A

Cindy Gonzales, LMFT-A
Supervised by Misti Nielsen,
LMFT-S

Cindy graduated in 2021 with a Master of Arts degree in Family Therapy from the University of Houston-Clear Lake. In the same year, she passed the Texas state board exam and became a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate (LMFT-A).

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Cindy is currently supervised by Misti Nielsen, MA, LMFT-S; and she also engages in weekly case consultation with Illuminated Pathways Family Therapy Founder and CEO, Rhonda Kay Velders, MA, LPC-S, AAT. Together, they are working towards ensuring clients receive quality care comprised of evidence-based treatment modalities, such as Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), as well as biblical truths and solutions to everyday problems.

Cindy enjoys working with couples in pre-marital and marital counseling and is a certified facilitator of the SYMBIS (Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts) curriculum. She has also completed the Level 1 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy.

In addition to marriage/couples therapy, Cindy is passionate about addressing a variety of individual and relational issues including anxiety, trauma, addiction, depression, low self-esteem, insecurity, shame, betrayal, anger, resentment, and unforgiveness. Overall, regardless of which presenting problem walks in the door, Cindy enjoys working and praying alongside clients as they experience healing, personal growth, and restoration of their relationships.

Cindy is currently accepting new clients and is available on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Counselor Houston Tx Team Monica Doxey

Monica Doxey, LPC-A
Supervised by Rhonda Kay Velders,
LPC-S

Monica is currently under the supervision of Rhonda Kay Velders, MA, LPC-S, AAT, founder and CEO of Illuminated Pathways Family Therapy, and participates in weekly case consultations with Carlette Metoyer, MA, LPC-S, owner and founder of CSM Counseling.

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Through this collaboration, Monica is dedicated to providing holistic, high-quality care by building strong therapeutic relationships and utilizing evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), and Person-Centered Therapy. She also integrates wisdom and truth from scripture to support clients throughout their healing journeys.

Monica is passionate about working with adolescents, young adults, and adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, low self-esteem, insecurity, anger, or relationship challenges. She strives to create a safe, compassionate space where clients feel understood, supported, and empowered to navigate life’s challenges.

Monica’s commitment to providing excellent care is deeply rooted in her faith and personal life experiences. The compassion and grace she extends to her clients flow from both her clinical training and the restoration and healing she has received through her relationship with God. She believes that God has called her to walk alongside others in their healing journeys and to serve as a vessel for His compassion, wisdom, and grace. Monica trusts that God will use her as a therapist to bring hope, restoration, and encouragement to those she serves—helping each person discover their own strength, purpose, and the renewal that comes from God’s grace

Monica Doxey earned her Master’s degree in School Counseling from the University of Central Oklahoma in May 2010 and completed her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health in May 2024. She successfully passed the National Counselor Exam in July 2024 and became a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in July 2025.

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Kaley Holm, Master’s Level

My name is Kaley Holm, and I am currently undertaking graduate studies at Grand Canyon University.

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Upon graduation, I intend to pursue licensure as a Professional Counselor (LPC). I bring a strong foundation of compassion and empathy to the counseling field, which informs my commitment to cultivating trust and delivering effective support for clients. My therapeutic practice utilizes a person-centered approach, aiming to empower clients to achieve their individual goals throughout their healing journey. I am dedicated to serving as both guide and resource during this process.
My planned areas of specialization include Marriage and Family Therapy and Christian Counseling, with additional competencies in anxiety, depression, grief, substance abuse, and spirituality.

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Kaitlyn Lightburn, Master’s Level

My name is Kaitlyn Lightburn, and I am a graduate student and counseling intern committed to supporting individuals through life’s challenges.

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I focus on building a safe and inviting environment where clients feel heard, encouraged, and empowered to grow. Compassion, empathy, and faith guide my practice as I strive to foster healing and hope during each counseling session.
Values such as family, balance, and meaningful connections are central to who I am, and I incorporate these beliefs into my therapeutic approach. I’m convinced that, with encouragement, self-reflection, and thoughtful support, everyone has the ability to discover their strengths and work toward a more fulfilling life.

Alexandra Golfis, LPC-A,
Supervised by Rhonda Kay Velders,
LPC-S

Alexandra Golfis (Alex) is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPC-A) who offers compassionate, client-centered counseling for individuals navigating anxiety, grief, and relational challenges. 

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Alex also provides faith-based counseling here at Illuminated Pathways Family Therapy through processes for each individual and their families with a focus to bring relationships back to God’s original design. Alex collaborates with clients to create a supportive space for insight, healing, and meaningful change at a pace that feels right for each individual.

Kristin Yake Illumatedpathways

Kristin Yake, LPC-A
Supervised by Rhonda Kay Velders,
LPC-S

Kristin Yake is a dedicated Christian counselor committed to helping individuals find healing, clarity, and renewed purpose. With a passion for supporting youth and adults who have experienced trauma, addiction, or significant life challenges, Kristin blends clinical skill with a deeply compassionate, faith-based approach.

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Grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and guided by biblical truth, she embraces a holistic view of healing—recognizing that emotional, spiritual, physical, and relational health are all deeply interconnected. Kristin incorporates education on nutrition, lifestyle balance, and whole-person wellness to support clients in restoring energy, improving mood, and strengthening long-term resilience.

With a heart for guiding people toward lasting freedom and identity, Kristin’s mission is to empower individuals to move forward with confidence, healing, and a renewed sense of who they were created to be.

She creates a safe and encouraging space where clients can process their stories, develop practical tools for change, and rediscover hope. Kristin believes that true transformation happens through evidence-based practices combined with the restorative love of God, and she is dedicated to helping clients build healthier habits, deepen self-awareness, and cultivate spiritual growth.

Hannah

Hannah Crawford, Master’s Level

Hannah Crawford is a Master’s Level Intern working toward her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Walden University. She combines personal life experience with academic training to bring a warm, compassionate, and trauma-informed approach to her counseling at Illuminated Pathways Family Therapy.

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Hannah is deeply passionate about supporting individuals dealing with trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges. Her goal is to walk alongside clients as they find healing, hope, and the chance to become the best—or a better—version of themselves. She also aims to help clients grow not only internally but also in their walk with God, recognizing the significance of faith throughout therapy.

Rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and guided by Christian principles, Hannah works to create a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment where clients feel listened to, appreciated, and empowered. She believes that healing involves the mind, body, and spirit, and she is dedicated to helping individuals build resilience, increase self-awareness, and restore individuals and their families back to God’s original design.

Hannah feels honored to serve the clients of Illuminated Pathways Family Therapy and looks forward to supporting people on their journey toward growth, renewal, and a more meaningful life through biblical principles.

Sonnie

Seok “Sonnie” Kim LPC-A,
Supervised by Rhonda Kay Velders,
LPC-S

I strongly believe in our ability to heal when given the right support and that many of the pieces we need for healing are already inside us. While change can be difficult, it’s much more doable with help, and my aim is to provide a calm and caring presence while contributing the missing pieces you need for things to become better.

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As a counselor, my number one priority is to reflect the love and wisdom of God for the sake of your best interests. This means using proven tools in combination with christian principles to address what is most important to you. And providing the space for you to express your emotions and thoughts while responding only with kindness.

I am passionate about collaborating with each person to find an approach that feels right for them. Our plans will incorporate your strengths and preferences in order to match your unique personality, and the tools we use will be based on what you feel interested in and ready for. My ultimate goal is to help you arrive at your desired destination while traveling at a safe pace.

Along with counseling, I love exploring philosophy and making music. I play drums and write songs for my band, and also enjoy creating records on my own. I deeply cherish the way that my friends and family have been a part of my life, and I hope to have the honor of being a part of yours.

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Lisa Zurita, LPC-A
Supervised by: Rhonda Kay Velders, LPC-S
Location: Conroe, Texas

“Guided by Faith, Committed to Healing Hearts.”

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPC-Associate) under the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors and the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council. I graduated Magna Cum Laude from West Texas A&M University and proudly served as a U.S. Army Veteran.

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Before answering God’s calling to counsel, I built a successful 20+ year career as a Senior Director in Human Resources within the Oil & Gas industry, serving in both corporate and plant environments. My leadership roles focused on executive coaching, talent development, training, and career growth strategies. These experiences taught me the power of listening, empathy, and strategic guidance—skills that now form the foundation of my therapeutic approach. Although I valued my HR career, I felt a deeper purpose leading me toward counseling as God’s plan for my life.

Over the years, I have served on various mission trips across the United States with a focus on strengthening families. Most recently, I have volunteered at the Montgomery County Women’s Center & Shelter and at God’s Garage, supporting single parents, widows, and spouses of deployed military service members.

Today, I bring that same heart for service into my clinical work. My therapy experience includes Trauma-Informed Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Play Therapy, Family Therapy, Career Development, and Executive Coaching, among other approaches. I integrate evidence-based practices with a faith-based, spirit-led perspective to support meaningful healing and growth. As a single mom who raised three sons, I have a special passion for working with children and families.

Outside of my professional life, I am a wife, the proud mother of three sons and daughter-in-law, and a soon-to-be grandparent—my greatest calling of all.