Meet the Team
Counseling Team
Lisa Zurita, LPC-A
Supervised by: Rhonda Kay Velders, LPC-S
Location: Conroe, Texas
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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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.
Seok “Sonnie” Kim LPC-A,
Supervised by Rhonda Kay Velders,
LPC-S
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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.
Odunayo M Samo, LMFT-A, LPC-A
Supervised by: Misti Nielsen, LMFT-S & Rhonda Kay Velders, LPC-S
Location: Nassau Bay
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I support teenagers, individuals, and couples seeking a safe, compassionate space to process what feels heavy or confusing. Many of my clients are navigating life transitions, healing from trauma, rebuilding connections in their relationships, or preparing for marriage with intention and clarity. My goal is to help you move toward clarity, confidence, and meaningful growth. I provide a collaborative, supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts and emotions freely. My work is grounded in a solution-focused approach, helping you identify and build on the strengths and resources already within you. For clients who desire it, I thoughtfully integrate Christian faith into the therapeutic process, honoring both emotional and spiritual well-being as we work together toward healing and wholeness.
As an immigrant of African descent, I understand what it means to start over — rebuilding identity, finding community, and navigating life between cultures. I know thecourage it takes to raise children in a world different from the one that shaped you, and the quiet tension of honoring your roots while embracing something new. Before becoming a therapist, I practiced law. A path that deepened my resilience, sharpened my advocacy, and cultivated a profound respect for people’s stories. These lived experiences shape how I show up in the therapy room: culturally aware, faith- honoring, and fully committed to creating a space where every client feels seen, understood, and empowered to heal.
Kailey Zatopek, LPC-A
Supervised by Rhonda Kay Velders LPC-S
Hi all! My name is Kailey Zatopek and I am a 2026 Masters of Counseling Psychology Graduate from Abilene Christian University! I see therapy as a gift and blessing for both me and the client. The client being given the space to heal, grow, and reach their goals. And a gift for me, getting to be such a unique part of that story.
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Leaning into modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, I like to look at each client’s story and create a treatment plan that would help them through their unique journey and struggles. For those that have a walk with Christ, I love to incorporate faith into the healing process, not just to guide clients to stabilization, but towards flourishing. I believe that all people have strengths and gifts they can use to regain control of their lives, and that sometimes all I need to give is just a nudge in the right direction.
Alexis M. Willis, Master’s Level
My name is Alexis M. Willis, and I am a graduate student completing my program in counseling. With the opportunity to work with Illuminated Pathways, I will be able to share how I have a strong passion for working with children and helping individuals and families work through life’s challenges with support and understanding. I am especially passionate about children’s mental health and believe early support and intervention can make a meaningful difference in a child’s emotional, social, and overall development. I also believe it is important to work with the family as a whole, as children are deeply impacted by the relationships and environments around them. Supporting both the child and their family helps create stronger communication, understanding, and long term growth.
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I believe that building trust and creating a comfortable environment are important parts of the counseling relationship. I want those I work with to feel safe, respected, and genuinely listened to during every interaction. My approach is rooted in compassion, patience, and faith, and I value meeting people where they are without judgment. I enjoy helping others recognize their strengths, develop confidence, and move toward personal growth and healing. I am committed to providing encouragement and support while helping clients navigate difficult experiences and life transitions. I believe a faith based approach is essential in providing strength, hope, and healing during difficult times. Integrating faith into therapy allows individuals to explore their emotions and challenges in a way that aligns with their values and beliefs while supporting their overall well being.
Kaitlyn Lightburn, Master’s Level
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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.
David Kibler, Master’s Level
My name is Daniel Kibler and I am a graduate student at Lamar University. I am majoring in mental health counseling at Lamar University and will seek to obtain my LPC license. I am looking forward to helping individuals find healing and guidance throughout traumatic life events.
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I firmly believe that we do not have to be defined by our experiences but we can rise above them and become healthy minded individuals. I believe a faith-based approach is needed in therapy because it is said in Scripture how God has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3 KJV). With the Bible as our foundation, we can thrive in this society and overcome the issues of life. This also provides us the opportunity to bring individuals and families back to God’s original design. I will be using a combination of CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) with a foundation in biblical principles, I seek to help provide individuals with the tools to strive in society.
Mark Anthony Davis, Master’s Level
My name is Mark Anthony Davis, and I am a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Walden University. I am committed to creating a counseling environment where clients feel heard, respected, and supported as they work through the challenges of life. As a U.S. Navy veteran, I bring an understanding of resilience, discipline, life transitions, and the importance of having a sense of purpose.
People admire those who courageously do their best despite difficult circumstances; that willingness to move forward is an act of faith.
Aaron Newsom, Master’s Level
My name is Aaron Newsom, and I am a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Grand Canyon University, where I am currently completing my counseling internship. I am passionate about helping others navigate life’s challenges by creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where they feel heard, understood, and valued. I believe every person has unique strengths, and I enjoy working collaboratively with clients to overcome obstacles, achieve their goals, and improve their overall well-being. My professional interests include trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, and personal and spiritual growth. I look forward to serving individuals, couples, and families as I continue developing as a counselor.
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Outside of counseling, I am a husband, a father to two wonderful daughters, and a military veteran. I enjoy reading, gardening, running, traveling, and spending time with my family. I hope to help clients discover their own strengths, find meaning in their journey, and live with greater purpose, resilience, and fulfillment.
Aspen Truman, Master’s Level
Hi there! My name is Aspen Truman-Balbuena and I am a graduate student at Lamar University studying clinical mental health counseling. As a master’s-level intern here at Illuminated Pathways, I aim to foster a warm, therapeutic space where you can feel unconditionally accepted, just as you are. Through intentional, collaborative care and values rooted in compassion, resilience, and integrity, I am committed to supporting your mental and spiritual well-being. My ultimate goal as a counselor is to reflect the love and grace of God while walking alongside individuals on their journey toward healing and growth. In my personal life, I greatly enjoy spending time with loved ones, exploring the world and experiencing new cultures through travel, second-hand shopping, being outside in nature, and health and wellness.
Barbara Frances Ruiz, Master’s Level
My name is Barbara Frances Ruiz, and I am a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Liberty University. I believe the counseling relationship is the foundation of meaningful change, so I strive to create a space where clients feel safe, heard, respected, and free from judgment. Authenticity matters to me, and I believe in meeting each person exactly where they are.
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I am especially passionate about working with individuals and families affected by addiction and trauma, including adults, adolescents, and children. I firmly believe that what we have done or what we have gone through does not make us unworthy of help, healing, or a different future. Painful experiences may become part of our story, but they do not have to determine the rest of our lives. My own lived experiences have given me a deep compassion for people who may feel ashamed, overwhelmed, stuck, or uncertain about what comes next.
My approach to counseling is client-centered, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that each person’s needs and experiences are unique. I am particularly drawn to cognitive behavioral therapy because the thoughts we carry can strongly influence our emotions, behaviors, relationships, and beliefs about ourselves. Because therapy is not one-size-fits-all, I am committed to finding an approach that fits each individual client.
My Christian faith is central to the way I understand grace, mercy, hope, and restoration. Romans 8:28 reminds us that God can work through even the most painful parts of our lives. This does not mean every hardship is good, but that God can take the broken pieces and weave them together for a greater purpose, even when it takes time to understand.
Outside of the therapy room, I am a mom to 4 adult children and a grandma to 5. I share my home with my dog, Flip Flop, and my cat, Selkie. I enjoy walking in nature, creating art, and growing plants on my balcony, which has become my own peaceful space.
Amazing Office Staff
Renee Speelman, Office Manager
Sabrina Maring, Scheduler/Admin. Asst.
Brianna Martinez, Front Desk Receptionist
