AAC Practitioners
Certified Animal-Assisted Practitioners
![Certification Logo](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/101354/w/2000/t8qS1JLUsxJc/AAC-Cert-Logo-watermark.png)
The practitioners in this section have completed all academic and clinical requirements with their animal partners to earn the Certification in Animal-Assisted Counseling. If you would like to reach out to these practitioners, you can find their names and contact information from the cohort in which they graduated.
![Adrianne Ortiz & Star](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/657382/w/2000/3ZbqcXbOMj_L/2023-recert-adrianne-star.jpg)
Adrianne Ortiz & Star
![Amanda Arriola & Cleo](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/657383/w/2000/TVzd785r90J1/2023-recert-amanda-cleo.jpg)
Amanda Arriola & Cleo
![Morgan Rupe & Rio](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/657386/w/2000/fh7hE6FhIcqC/2023-recert-morgan-rio.jpg)
Morgan Rupe & Rio
![Jalen Evans & Loyal](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/657384/w/2000/3Jo57TIFCfp1/2023-recert-jalen-loyal.jpg)
Jalen Evans & Loyal
![Judith Pfeiffer & Manny](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/657385/w/2000/OUCEe6Edgv2p/2023-recert-judy-manny.jpg)
Judith Pfeiffer & Manny
![Heather Trupia & Ahsoka](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/657376/w/2000/69aQy6wWyZej/2023-cert-heather-ahsoka.jpg)
Heather Trupia & Ahsoka
![Elizabeth Stein & Rusty](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/657379/w/2000/r6TzBivlnO5w/2023-cert-liz-rusty.jpg)
Elizabeth Stein & Rusty
![Amy Blasingame & Stanley](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/657371/w/2000/pgvtryonaFFU/2023-cert-amy-stanley.jpg)
Amy Blasingame & Stanley
![Cindy Hammonds & Luci](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/657372/w/2000/BVgjmHDLfj5j/2023-cert-cindy-luci.jpg)
Cindy Hammonds & Luci
![Diana Chavez & Sadie](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/657375/w/2000/EAPCb5vgHSrR/2023-cert-diana-sadie.jpg)
Diana Chavez & Sadie
![Cynthia Hodges & Texas Red](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/657374/w/2000/ydrFl-yoQMeN/2023-cert-cynthia-texas.jpg)
Cynthia Hodges & Texas Red
![Kristen Turpin & Hank](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/657378/w/2000/TaBC5a34iuNs/2023-cert-kristen-hank.jpg)
Kristen Turpin & Hank
![Heidi Schilling & Denali](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/657377/w/2000/f5qi_s-Fut_L/2023-cert-heidi-denali.jpg)
Heidi Schilling & Denali
![Teri Mills-Manuel & Clover](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/657370/w/2000/PX7M4luvZrFA/2022-cert-teri-clover.jpg)
Teri Mills-Manuel & Clover
![Melissa Whitsett & Gus](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/657380/w/2000/q0Z_lQFgEuAU/2023-cert-missy-gus.jpg)
Melissa Whitsett & Gus
![Maggie Dou & Dorothy](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/657368/w/2000/63Mj77EGK2_b/2022-cert-maggie-dorothy.jpg)
Maggie Dou & Dorothy
![Kristina Kern & George](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/657367/w/2000/aBTmIGpk0Go7/2022-cert-kristina-george.jpg)
Kristina Kern & George
![Melissa Trevathan-Minnis & Tortie](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/657369/w/2000/M4FdJ7J67LoX/2022-cert-melissa-torie.jpg)
Melissa Trevathan-Minnis & Tortie
![Alileah Hoke & Gracie](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/657366/w/2000/tRNZMG711zxj/2022-cert-ali-gracie.jpg)
Alileah Hoke & Gracie
AAC Practitioners by Cohort
The following practitioners have completed the academic requirements of the AAC Academy. Practitioners who are not fully certified have a provisional certification by the AAC Academy to work with their animal partner with AAC supervision. If you are interested in finding a practitioner who is trained in animal-assisted counseling, you may contact any of these practitioners.
2023 AAC Academy Practitioners
![Sam & MJ](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/655021/w/2000/vTK-zmJ675lo/AAC%202023%20-%20Sam_Mabel%20Jean.jpg)
Samantha Clements, MA
and Mabel Jean
Round Rock, TX
![Karen & Deuce](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/657330/w/2000/b34ih8yfAdhe/AAC%202023%20-%20Karen_Deuce2.jpg)
Karen Jones, MEd, LPC-S
and Deuce
Golden Paws Counseling Services, PLLC
Austin, TX
![Shannon & Maggie](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/655022/w/2000/V_mT9a-Ch4iu/AAC%202023%20-%20Shannon_Maggie.JPG.jpg)
Shannon Hamrick, MSW, LCSW
and Maggie
The Center for Integrative Counseling and Psychology
Dallas, TX
![Connie & Rose](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/655010/w/2000/uKSLR-bGrda_/AAC%202023%20-%20Connie_Rose.jpg)
Connie Hernandez, MSW, LCSW
and Rose
Eliana's Healing & Counseling Services
Houston, TX
![Claudia, Nala, & Simba](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/657332/w/2000/QkEbk2_0Z8wD/AAC%202023%20-%20Claudia_Nala-Simba3.jpg)
Claudia Ikonomopoulos, PhD, LPC-S
and Nala and Simba
Nueces County Juvenile Justice Center
Corpus Christi, TX
![Jennifer & Tucker](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/655013/w/2000/-9a1Sy_EQtmH/AAC%202023%20-%20Jennifer_Tucker.jpg)
Jennifer Grant, MSW, LCSW-S
and Tucker
San Antonio College
San Antonio, TX
![Melanie & Gertie](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/655017/w/2000/5w-9pwbuycOk/AAC%202023%20-%20Melanie_Gertie.JPG.jpg)
Melanie Lawson, MSW, LMSW
and Gertie
Olive Branch Counseling & Training
Helotes, TX
![Haileigh & Zoey](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/655012/w/2000/LWVwwaESQJQB/AAC%202023%20-%20Haileigh_Zoey.jpg)
Haileigh Pettigrew, MA, LPC Associate
and Zoey
Houston ISD
Houston, TX
![Rosalie & Teddy](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/655020/w/2000/BXTendeHfDpL/AAC%202023%20-%20Rosalie_Teddy.jpg)
Rosalie Piedra, MA, LPC, RPT
and Teddy
Mindful Connections Counseling
Austin, TX
![Gayle & Cooper](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/655011/w/2000/PBhI0MHBV4EV/AAC%202023%20-%20Gayle_Cooper.jpg)
Gayle Rice, LPC
and Cooper
Hope Hospice
New Braunfels, TX
![Kaylynn & Rigby](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/655016/w/2000/RncNRJcBuwAg/AAC%202023%20-%20Kaylynn_Rigby.jpg)
Kaylynn Schrandt, MSW, LCSW
and Rigby
Hays CISD
Buda, TX
![Mistie, Cooper, & Henry](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/655018/w/2000/PHn1HAQFPWvz/AAC%202023%20-%20Mistie_Cooper-Henry.jpg)
Mistie Seawell, PsyD
and Cooper and Henry
Story to Heart - Narrative Therapy Solutions
San Antonio, TX
![Jordan & LuLu](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/655014/w/2000/RQczvKlQG-oN/AAC%202023%20-%20Jordan_LuLu.jpg)
Jordan Ward, MEd, LPC Associate
and LuLu
Hope Counseling Center
Amarillo, TX
2022 AAC Academy Practitioners
![Amy & Stanley](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/646086/w/2000/pgvtryonaFFU/2022-Amy_Stanley.jpg)
Amy Blasingame, MEd, LPC
and Stanley
School Counselor, Dallas, TX
![Diana & Sadie](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/101771/w/2000/9b9-Qv1WS5vD/2022-Diana_Sadie.jpg)
Diana Chavez, LCSW
and Sadie
School Social Worker
Austin, TX
![Cindy & Luci](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/657372/w/2000/BVgjmHDLfj5j/2023-cert-cindy-luci.jpg)
Cindy Hammonds, MA, LPC-S, RPT-S
and Luci
Therapist, Spring, TX
![Tiana & Luna](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/101780/w/2000/TlyfiQPFLDg0/2022-Tiana_Luna.jpg)
Tiana Rapp, PsyD
and Luna
Psychologist, Acton, ME
![Crystal & Benito](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/101782/w/2000/QQFYBArX0nVQ/2022-Crystal_Benito2.jpg)
Crystal Reese, MEd
and Benito
School Counselor, Manor ISD
Manor, TX
![Heidi & Denali](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/657377/w/2000/f5qi_s-Fut_L/2023-cert-heidi-denali.jpg)
Heidi Schilling, PsyD
and Denali
Psychologist, Austin, TX
![Heather & Ahsoka](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/101768/w/2000/FlkrzxzSfbWB/2022-Heather_Ahsoka.jpg)
Heather Trupia
and Ahsoka
School Counselor, Hays ISD, Buda, TX
![Kristen & Hank](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/101781/w/2000/8GkUKhqgfWsD/2022-Kristen_Hank.jpg)
Kristen Turpin, MED, LMSW
and Hank
School Counselor, Manor ISD, Manor, TX
2021 AAC Academy Practitioners
![Maggie Dou & Dorothy](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/101627/w/2000/_PZzRorQwko5/2021-Maggie-Dorothy.jpg)
Maggie Dou, PhD, LPC
and Dorothy
Therapist, Calming Storms Counseling, PLLC
San Antonio, TX
![Nicole Harris & Goliath](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/101632/w/2000/ILIPdh4KzWaW/2021-Nicole-Goliath.jpg)
Nicole Harris, MS, LPC Associate
and Goliath
Therapist, Midland Rape Crisis and Children's Advocacy Center
Big Spring, TX
![Cynthia Hodges & Texas Red](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/101628/w/2000/RQKvxs_lSVmg/2021-Cynthia-TexasRed.jpg)
Cynthia Hodges, MEd, LPC
and Texas Red
Peace Alcove, PLLC
Kempner, TX
![Alileah Hoke & Gracie](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/657366/w/2000/tRNZMG711zxj/2022-cert-ali-gracie.jpg)
Alileah Hoke, MA, LPC
and Gracie
Counselor, Pflugerville Counseling Center
Pflugerville, TX
![Kristina Kern & George](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/101629/w/2000/97PJswdZKCvU/2021-Kristina-George-h.jpg)
Kristina Kern, MEd, LPC
and George
School Counselor, Austin I.S.D.
Austin, TX
![Renee Kinsey & Hank](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/101624/w/2000/sTAKZ4RPbB3r/2021-Renee-Hank.jpg)
Renee Kinsey
and Hank
New Braunfels, TX
![Teri Mills-Manuel & Clover](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/657370/w/2000/PX7M4luvZrFA/2022-cert-teri-clover.jpg)
Teri Mills-Manuel, MED, LPC-S, RPT-S™
and Clover
Play Therapist, Teri Mills-Manuel Counseling, PLLC
McKinney, TX
![Joanna Subias & Luci](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/101631/w/2000/olVgIhJ3MQfm/2021-Joanna-Luci.jpg)
Joanna Subias, MEd
and Luci
School Counselor, Houston I.S.D.
Houston, TX
![Crystal Perez-Morales & Neo](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/101630/w/2000/olY8xQFAKNuE/2021-Crystal-Neo.jpg)
Crystal Perez-Morales, MSW, LCSW-S
and Neo
Clinical Therapist, San Marcos Treatment Center
San Marcos, TX
![Krista Schultze & Snickerdoodle](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/101626/w/2000/IVLagT1AOgKw/2021-Krista-Snickerdoodle.jpg)
Krista Schultze, MS, MEd
and Snickerdoodle
School Counselor, New Braunfels I.S.D.
New Braunfels, TX
![Melissa Trevathan-Minnis](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/101633/w/2000/MCCIGv-pLeLk/2021-Melissa-Torty.jpg)
Melissa Trevathan-Minnis
and Torty
Therapist, Private Practice
Austin, TX
2020 AAC Academy Practitioners
![Jalen Evans & Loyal](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/101474/w/2000/DhwLY8KYOeWa/2020-Jalen-Loyal.jpg)
Jalen Evans, MS, LPC
and Loyal Robinson
Doctoral Student, Texas A&M University Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi, TX
![Diana Gibson & Sketch](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/101475/w/2000/MGARsyYjFeE0/2020-Diana-Sketch.jpg)
Diana Gibson, MAAT, MEd, LPC-AT, ATR-BC
and Sketch
Art Therapist, Creative Clarity Art Therapy
Burleson, TX
![Kate Halinski & Moose](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/101471/w/2000/PaiksLvOrxh7/2020-Kate-Moose.jpg)
Kate Halinski, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S™
and Moose
Private Practice, Kate Halinski PhD
Boerne, TX
![Katherine Miner & Willow](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/101470/w/2000/0HUcGe_iscml/2020-Katherine-Willow.jpg)
Katherine Miner, MSW, LMSW
and Willow (Calvera not pictured)
Counselor, Fort Bend County Women's Center
Houston, TX
![Adrianne Ortiz & Star](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/101476/w/2000/SGreHNqURxqT/2020-Adrianne-Star.jpg)
Adrianne Ortiz, MS, LPC, RPT™
and Starlette
Counselor, West Texas Guidance and Counseling
San Angelo, TX
![Marisa Ridley & Nimah](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/101472/w/2000/D_IDo8DYnxxZ/2020-Marisa-Nimah.jpg)
Marisa Ridley, MSW, LCSW
and Nimah
Social Worker
Ft. Worth, TX
![Liz Stein & Rusty](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/101469/w/2000/l-bsf-JItMrD/2020-Liz-Rusty.jpg)
Elizabeth Stein< MA, LPC Associate
and Rusty
Intern, Williamson County Juvenile Services
Georgetown, TX
![Jennifer Morgan & Jetta](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/101473/w/2000/exqUDoIb_lyZ/2020-Jennifer-Jetta.jpg)
Jennifer Morgan, MS, LPC, ACAS
and Jetta
Private Practice, Morgan Counseling
Houston, TX
2019 AAC Academy Practitioners
![Amanda Arriola & Cleo](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/101478/w/2000/Dz9rwPjbhaHe/2019-Amanda-Cleo.jpg)
Amanda Arriola, MA, LPC, RPT™
and Cleo
School Counselor, New Braunfels ISD
Hill Country Heart Counseling
New Braunfels, TX
![Cindy Brackmeyer & Charley](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/101479/w/2000/30G7lZri_Ht3/2019-Cindy-Charley-3.jpg)
Cindy Brackmeyer, MEd, LPC, RPT™
and Charley
Counseling of Austin
Austin, TX
![Kaitlyn Coffey & Stout](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/101488/w/2000/6qt9SMgOL08J/2019-Kaitlyn-Stout-2.jpg)
Kaitlyn Coffey, MA, LPC
and Stout
Mental Health Psychotherapist, Menninger Clinic
Houston, TX
![Emily Ellis & SUlly](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/101486/w/2000/k0ghHYdivY6p/2019-Emily-Sully-2.jpg)
Emily Ellis, MA, LPC, LMFT, RPT™
and Sullivan ("Sully")
Private Practice: Ellis Group Counseling
Harker Heights, TX
![Kimber-Lea Raef & Fyrenz](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/101485/w/2000/kvKow-aliq-o/2019-Kimber-Lea-Fyrenz.jpg)
Kimber-Lea Raef, MA, LPC, RPT™
and Fyrenz
Private Practice
San Marcos, TX
![Kimberly Scott & Mr. Pricklepants](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/101484/w/2000/MUmJkwZqUHMc/2019-Kim-MrPricklepants.jpg)
Kimberly Scott, MA
and Mr. Pricklepants
School Counselor, New Braunfels ISD
New Braunfels, TX
![Hilda Statz-Baida & Pierre](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/101480/w/2000/SQqGYqVujeTd/2019-Hilda-Pierre-vert.jpg)
Hilda Statz-Baida, MA, LPC
and Pierre
Therapist, Crisis Center of Comal County
New Braunfels, TX
![Lori Washburn & Loki](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/101481/w/2000/dJKc8gUd06rJ/2019-Lori-Loki-vert.jpg)
Lori Washburn, MS
and Loki
School Counselor, Pottsboro ISD
Pottsboro, TX
2018 AAC Academy Practitioners
![Jenny Jacobs & Oreo](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/101498/w/2000/zexfBMz8o2pS/2018-Jenny-Oreo.jpg)
Jenny Jacobs, MS, LPC
and Oreo
Private Practice, Therapy for Families
The Woodlands, TX
![Wanda Montemayor & Chango](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/101499/w/2000/h1qoV7geE2FX/2018-Wanda-Chango.jpg)
Wanda Montemayor, MA, LPC-S, RPT-S™, ATCS
School Counselor, Austin ISD
and Private Practice: Community Art Therapy
Austin, TX
![Judy Pfeifer & Manny](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/101494/w/2000/eToTX1J54tpV/2018-Judy-Manny.jpg)
Judy Pfeifer, MS, LPC-S, RPT™
and Manny
Website: Lifetime Christian Counselors, LLC
San Antonio, TX
![Morgan Rupe & Rio](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/101500/w/2000/fZVtjCMeI27H/2018-Morgan-Rio.jpg)
Morgan Rupe, MA, LPC
and Rio
Website: Morgan Rupe, LPC
Austin, TX
![Holly Sadler & Stella](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/101496/w/2000/NH0jgRlSkyBS/2018-Holly-Stella.jpg)
Holly Sadler, MEd, LCSW
and Stella
School Counselor
![Leah Walter & Junior](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/101497/w/2000/XuJJ7PyYE8q_/2018-Leah-Junior.jpg)
Leah Walter, MA, LPC, LMFT Associate
and Junior
Georgetown, TX
Supervised by Kelly McCabe, LPC-S, LMFT-S
2017 AAC Academy Practitioners
![Kris Allison & Sansa](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/101492/w/2000/eGNvWWxDT2DL/2017-Kris-Sansa-vertical.jpg)
Kris Allison, MSW, LCSW-S, RPT-S™
and Sansa
Owner & Therapist, Allison and Associates
New Braunfels, TX
![Carla Calderas](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/101508/w/2000/VLCeFRvs0hZF/2017-CarlaCalderas.jpg)
Carla Calderas, MA, LPC
Therapist, Calderas Counseling
Houston, TX
![Anne Esquivel & Archie](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/101477/w/2000/TbEr1OZJjhwo/2019-Anne-Archie-1.jpg)
Anne Esquivel, PhD
and Archie
Website: Mind Works
San Antonio, TX
![Karen Lee & Daemon](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/101495/w/2000/b7gkq6YGejr0/2017-Karen-Daemon.jpg)
Karen Lee, MA, LPC
and Daemon
Therapist, Private Practice
San Antonio, TX
![Nicole Lozo & Andy](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/101502/w/2000/kGa47btM6AEQ/2017-Nicole-Andy.jpg)
Nicole Lozo, MEd, LPC, RPT
and Andy
School Counselor, Austin ISD
Texas Taproot Counseling, PLLC
Austin, TX
![Nicole Lozo & Meeko](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/101501/w/2000/jFSiSUiSOSTi/2017-Nicole-Meeko.jpg)
Nicole Lozo, MEd, LPC, RPT
and Meeko
School Counselor, Austin ISD
Texas Taproot Counseling, PLLC
Austin, TX
![Jennifer Smith & Harvey](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/101491/w/2000/YAv-Goe61UF6/2017-Jennifer-Harvey-vertical.jpg)
Jennifer Smith, MA, LPC-S, RPT-S™
and Harvey
Collaborative Care Counselor, Texas State University Counseling Center
San Marcos, TX
![Mary Stone & Wilson](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/101503/w/2000/1j6bKaHe8auq/2017-Mary-Wilson.jpg)
Mary Stone, MA
and Wilson
School-based Counselor
Wimberley, TX
![Kim Sullivan & Gordon](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/101505/w/2000/1SyKYw7i3es_/2017-Kim-Gordon.jpg)
Kim Sullivan, MA, LPC, RPT™
and Gordon
Website: Heart and Soul Counseling
Georgetown, TX
2016 AAC Academy Practitioners
![Nancy Asher & Sofie](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/101514/w/2000/AlZR1uuHWYVP/2016-Nancy-Sofie.jpg)
Nancy Asher, MA, LPC, RPT™
and Sofie
Website: Among the Trees Counseling and Play Therapy
San Antonio, TX
![Amy Hutchinson & Cocoa](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/101510/w/2000/v8Het0LV-VeD/2016-Amy-Cocoa.jpg)
Amy Hutchinson, MA, LPC-S, RPT-S™
and Cocoa
Website: Olive Branch Counseling and Training
Boerne, TX
![Sarah Moreno & Zeus](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/101512/w/2000/ThkO2dWrBNp9/2016-Sarah-Zeus.jpg)
Sarah Moreno, MA
and Zeus
Texas State Graduate
![Jillian Zuboy and Cash](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/101516/w/2000/PnxY0uhZA2Xr/2016-Jillian-Cash.jpg)
Jillian Zuboy, MA, LPC
and Cash
Website: JZ Therapy
Austin, TX
![Kristy Donaldson & Willow](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/101517/w/2000/QD1XmmjVY5sq/2016-Kristy-Willow.jpg)
Kristy Donaldson, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S™
and Willow
Website: Premier Neurofeedback & Counseling Services, PLLC
Waco, TX
![Celeste Johnson & Vera](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/101511/w/2000/S3O5_d7er09W/2016-Celeste-Vera.jpg)
Celeste Johnson, MA, LPC-S, RPT™
and Vera Wang
Private Practice
Conroe, TX
![Melissa Whitsett and Stella](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/101515/w/2000/cI793k_LoRvU/2016-Missy-Stella.jpg)
Melissa Whitsett, MA, LPC
and Stella
School Counselor, Austin ISD
Website: MW Pawsitive Counseling
Austin, TX