Meet the Team

Counselor Houston Tx Team Monica Doxey

Monica Doxey, LPC-A
Supervised by Rhonda Kay Velders,
LPC-S
Nassau Bay & Missouri City Locations

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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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.
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.

Counselor Houston TX Karli Guity

Karli Guity, LMFT-A
Supervised by: Misti Neilsen
Location: Missouri City

Hi, I’m Karli, and I’m glad you’re here! If you’ve read this far, you may be carrying something heavy like relationship conflict, anxiety that won’t quiet down, or maybe a traumatic event that has gotten life off track. I want you to know there is a way forward. My passion and goal is to make your therapy journey a healing and transformative one!
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I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate, and I received my bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University and my master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Abilene Christian University, with a concentration in the treatment of trauma. I work with couples, families, and individuals who are longing for a change in their lives; stronger relationships, steadier emotions, healthier coping, or simply a life story they get to be the author of again. I value honoring the complexity and richness of each client’s background while ensuring that I create a space where every client is seen and respected; ultimately, navigating everyone back to God’s original design. This is done through a faith-based approach, everyone will experience an authentic professional relationship through rapport building.
Narrative therapy is at the heart of my approach; helping clients make sense of their story, explore patterns, and feel confident in writing the next chapter of their lives. With my systemic (relational) lens, I pay attention to how your environment, relationships, and experiences shape what is happening inside of you. And remember, you do not have to figure it out alone!

When I am not in the therapy room, I am usually adventuring through new parks with my husband and our mini poodle, getting lost in a painting or craft project, or cheering on whichever Texas sports team is playing that weekend. If you’re ready to start writing your new chapter, let us have a chat!

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Odunayo M Samo, LMFT-A, LPC-A
Supervised by: Misti Neilsen, LMFT-S & Rhonda Kay Velders, LPC-S
Location: Nassau Bay

I approach therapy with a hopeful and grounded mindset, believing every person is created by God with inherent worth, resilience, and the capacity to heal and bounce back. Whether you are feeling depressed, overwhelmed, navigating a major life transition, or struggling with your sense of identity or worth. You do not have to walk through it alone.
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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.

When I am not in the therapy room, I am usually adventuring through new parks with my husband and our mini poodle, getting lost in a painting or craft project, or cheering on whichever Texas sports team is playing that weekend. If you’re ready to start writing your new chapter, let us have a chat!

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Melissa Silva
Call Center Office Manager

Anxiety & Depression · Stress Management · Self-Esteem · Life Transitions · Couples Relationships · Pre-Marital Counseling · Teens & Young Adults · Spirituality, Christian Faith Integration.
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As a practice manager in a mental health and wellness family therapy setting, I bring both compassion and structure to the heart of care. With a Master’s degree in business and Bachelor’s in healthcare management, my foundation is rooted in creating efficient, supportive environments where both clients and clinicians can thrive. I am currently pursuing a second Master’s degree in Psychology, with a focus on mental health and wellness, deepening my commitment to understanding and supporting human experiences.

I believe that healing happens best in spaces that feel safe, intentional, and well-supported-and I am passionate about helping build that foundation behind the scenes. My approach is both thoughtful and grounded, balancing empathy with strong leadership to ensure the practice runs with integrity, care, and purpose. Outside of my professional role, I am a proud mother, dog lover, music enthusiast, and a woman of faith. My love for God, family, and personal growth guides the way I show up in both my life and my work.