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Executive Director
Kathleen McMahon, LPC-S, NCC, RPT-S
Katie is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor. She is a graduate of Sam Houston State University. Katie is an adjunct professor at Sam Houston State University. She has experience in providing expert witness testimony in court and is a former child advocate.
Research interests include the effects of play therapy on children with trauma backgrounds.
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Chief Clinical Officer
Amanda Beeman, MA, LPC, CAS
Amanda is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Autism Specialist. She is earning her Ph.D in Education with a specialty in Special Education. She is a graduate of Sam Houston State University and is dedicated to providing quality mental health services to her community. Her specialities include Autism and Trauma. She has presented at state and international conferences as an expert in Autism. Additional interests include working with the student population of Sam Houston State University.
Research interests include trauma and neurodevelopment, social-emotional regulation in autism spectrum disorder, early childhood intervention practices, and transition services for students with autism.
Our Team: Credentials
Director of Behavioral Services
Sarah Favilla, MA, LBA, BCBA
Sarah is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She is a graduate from Ball State University with a Masters degree in Special Education. While primarily focused on Autism Spectrum Disorder, she has worked with individuals with a variety of diagnoses, both medical and psychiatric. Sarah's experience includes working with children as young as 18 months and adults well into their 80s. She is passionate about the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA) and the positive changes it can bring.
Our Team: Credentials
Licensed Professional Counselor
Caitlyn Lewis, M.A.
Katie is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She is a graduate from the University of Texas at Tyler. With a client-centered approach, Katie enjoys walking with clients as they explore their physical, mental, and spiritual wellness. Her areas of interest are trauma, anxiety, relationships, self worth and life transitions.
Our Team: Credentials
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate
Alisha Renee Gardner, M.A., Supervised by Kathleen McMahon LPCS
Renee is a graduate of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Sam Houston State University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate enjoys working with adolescents and adults with various presenting issues. She is skilled in working with youth with adjustment disorders, behavioral issues, and depression.
Our Team: Credentials
Licensed Profesional Counselor Associate
Makayla Gill, M.A Supervised by Kathleen McMahon, LPCS
Makayla received her bachelor of science degree in psychology from Sam Houston State University in 2019. She then received her masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Stephen F. Austin. She has experience working with adolescents, young adults, and college students. She is experienced in presenting issues such as grief, anxiety, substance abuse, trauma, depression, self-exploration, and life adjustment. She is guided by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Person-Centered Therapy. She uses Existential Therapy and Gestalt Therapy components in therapy. She is interested in grief and bereavement and is passionate about helping clients work through all that impedes them from finding balance and living fulfilling lives. Makayla will be joining the Rise Counseling team upon receiving her Licensed Professional Counselor- Associate approval from the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors.
Our Team: Credentials
Qualified Mental Health Professional
Alyssa Hawkins
Alyssa is a master’s level counseling student studying at Sam Houston State University. In 2020 she graduated from Sam Houston State University with a BS degree in Psychology. She has several years of experience working with children and adolescents as a dance teacher and looks forward to continuing her therapeutic work with children, adolescents, and adults.
Our Team: Credentials
Qualified Mental Health Professional
Danika Anaya
Danika earned her Bachelor of Education in Counseling and Community Psychology from New Mexico State University in 2016. She received her M.A in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Sam Houston State University. Danika has worked with individuals with intellectual disorders and their families for six years through local health authorities and providers. She also has experience working trauma, anxiety and depression amongst adolescents and adults. She is working toward earning her play therapy certificate, as well a certification in equine assisted therapy. She is guided by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Person-Centered Therapy. She is passionate about working with individuals in develop their strengths, achieve their goals, and maintaining a healthy level of balance within their lives. Danika will be joining the Rise Counseling Team as an LPCA upon approval from the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors.
Our Team: Credentials
Masters Level Counselor Intern
Ryia Steps
Ryia Steps is a people person with experience working and supporting youth, college students, and their families. She is an alumna of Alcorn State University where she received her B.S in psychology. Currently, Ryia is pursing her M.A in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Sam Houston State University. With her degree, she plans to assess and tackle the domino effect o mental illnesses on marginalized communities. Ryia enjoys watching her favorite shows, talking to loved ones, painting cooking, or traveling for fun and relaxation.
Our Team: Credentials
Masters Level Counselor Intern
Daszia Sullivan
Daszia received her Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from Sam Houston State University in 2021. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health at Sam Houston as a Counseling Intern and is looking forward to pursuing a career in counseling to fulfill her passion in working with people and advocating for members of her community. She is guided by a person-centered approach to emphasize client’s strengths and develop the therapeutic relationship through unconditional positive regard and support.
Our Team: Credentials
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Rise Counseling and Wellness
Our therapists are trauma informed and dedicated to providing quality services. We offer therapy services in-person and online.
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