Our Team - Alamo Heights Counseling

Cheryl L. “Cherie” Shulter, M.A. LPC-S

Founder and Director of Alamo Heights counseling Cherie Shulter specializes in unique interventions including EMDR, hypnosis, and hypnoanalysis. Cherie believes that the causes of difficult emotions and problematic behaviors are rooted in early trauma and utilizes a combination of modalities to address both the present and the past to achieve healing of the whole person. Specializing in dissociative disorders, Cherie assists clients in exploring their internal world and many facets of self. She works primarily with adults between the ages of 18 and 35 who suffered significant abuse during childhood and any adults who have tried a variety of other therapies without success. She earned her master’s degree from UTSA in 2006 and founded AHC in 2010-2011. She was trained in EMDR by the EMDR Institute and in medical hypnoanalysis by the American Academy of Medical Hypnoanalysts, of which she is a member, Associate Board Member, and clinical resident level II.

Cherie accepts all major health insurance, Medicaid, EAPs, and Tricare. As an LPC, she is currently unable to accept Medicare but will be beginning January 1, 2024.
Cherie schedules clients between the hours of 8 AM and 4 PM Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
She is licensed in Texas and Pennsylvania and provides services both in person and via telehealth.
Cherie expects to be accepting new EMDR and hypnoanalysis clients in the spring of 2023.

**Some services Cherie provides are not covered by health insurance. See our services page for more information on what is and is not covered.**

Norma Arshad, LPC

Norma is a licensed professional counselor who practices in both clinical and educational settings. She has over fifteen years of experience providing youth and families with academic and social support using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Play Therapy. She works primarily with adolescents and their families, helping them to improve their communication skills, coping skills, and relationships. She meets her clients were they are and challenges them to reach their full potential. Norma provides youth and their families the tools necessary for success in both school and life. Her counseling is trauma-informed, emphasizing how trauma affects the growing mind. She earned her masters degree in counseling from UTSA in 2002. Her past experience includes the Center for Healthcare Services and Communities and Schools.

Norma accepts most major health insurance, Medicaid, and EAPs. As an LPC, she is currently unable to accept Medicare but will be beginning January 1, 2024.
Norma schedules clients primarily weekday evenings.
She is licensed in Texas and provides services both in person and via telehealth.
As of January 2023, Norma is not currently accepting new clients.

Rhonda Barnard, LPC

Rhonda is a licensed professional counselor with several years of experience helping at-risk youth and families overcome challenges and achieve their goals. She received her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Georgia Southern University and is a member of the American Counseling Association. She has worked with youth and families from diverse backgrounds and with various concerns including depression, anxiety, stress, relationship issues, grief and loss, self-esteem, and career transitions. She uses a person-centered approach and with empathy, works to create a safe and supportive environment for her clients to explore their thoughts and feelings. Rhonda uses a strengths-based approach to counseling, building on each young person’s existing strengths and skills to help them reach their full potential. She employs evidence-based interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing to help her clients recognize and process through their thoughts and emotions. She tailors her approach to each client’s unique needs and goals to help them achieve positive change and personal growth. In addition to her counseling work, Rhonda also works for a non-profit as an advocate for at-risk youth. She is passionate about helping young people overcome adversity and live successful lives. In Rhonda’s spare time, she is a wife and boy mom. She enjoys traveling and trying new things.

While Rhonda will be accepting all major health insurance, Medicaid, and EAPs, as the newest member of our team, she is currently in a limited number of panels. She is currently able to see Aetna EAP clients and those who are referred by 90 Degree Benefits. She is also accepting private pay and sliding scale clients. As an LPC, she is currently unable to accept Medicare but will be beginning January 1, 2024.
Rhonda is available evenings and weekends beginning April 1, 2023.
Rhonda is licensed in Texas and provides services both in person and via telehealth.
As of April 2023 Rhonda is currently accepting new clients.

***Rhonda is CANS certified. Pending approval by Superior, she will be providing assessments to children and adolescents in Foster Care.***

Lauri Berkman, LPC-S

Lauri embraces an innovative and enthusiastic approach to provide her clients with challenging exercises designed to elicit new patterns of thinking and to aid and support clients in taking action and moving forward. As a practitioner of Rogerian therapy, Lauri uses her skills and experience to provide a facilitative and empathetic environment for clients to grow and develop their own solutions. She provides clients with unconditional positive regard while still holding them accountable for their choices and actions. She says, “When people are supported in this way, they can really focus on their needs without fearing judgement or criticism.” Lauri’s education and professional experience working on issues of both the mind and the body (she has been trained as a massage therapist) give her a holistic approach to counseling that meets clients needs on many different levels. Lauri is always willing to meet clients “where they are” emotionally to help them on the road to a more fulfilling life.

Lauri accepts all major health insurance, Medicaid, and EAPs. As an LPC, she is currently unable to accept Medicare but will be beginning January 1, 2024.
Lauri schedules clients Tuesday through Friday beginning at noon and into the evening and on Saturday mid-day.
She is licensed in Texas and provides services both in person and via telehealth.
As of January 2023 Lauri is currently accepting new clients.

**Lauri is fluent in ASL and is able to provide services to San Antonio’s Deaf community without the use of an interpreter. Lauri is always accepting new Deaf clients.**

Nicole Bowker, M.S.Ed, LPC, NCC

Nicole specializes in trauma informed counseling for adolescents and adults. Tailoring her therapy to the unique needs of her client, Nicole provides a collaborative, holistic approach to help clients achieve their desired goals. She believes in the power of stepping outside of one’s comfort zone and considers starting the therapeutic journey a first step in a new direction. She works primarily with clients suffering from depression, anxiety, trauma, stress, and other issues interfering with daily life. Nicole is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a best-practice treatment modality for individuals with PTSD. Nicole also utilizes CBT, DBT, and trauma informed methods to best serve her clients and their needs.

Nicole accepts all major health insurance, Medicaid, and EAPs. As an LPC, she is currently unable to accept Medicare but will be beginning January 1, 2024.
Nicole schedules clients between the hours of 8 AM and 5 PM Monday through Friday.
She is licensed in Texas and Illinois and provides services both in person and via telehealth.
As of January 2023, Nicole is currently accepting new adult clients.

***Nicole is CANS certified to provide assessments to children and adolescents in Foster Care.***

Marcia Castañón, LPC, CCST-T

Marcia is a Certified Clinical Sandtray Therapist and counselor with nearly a decade of experience working in non-profits, educational, and juvenile justice settings. She combines therapeutic approaches based on client’s individual needs, using approaches including Sandtray, Client Centered Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness. She says “I have a passion for working with children and teens and I have worked with individuals and families with a wide range of concerns and experiences including life changes, grief and loss, family conflict, and HIV/AIDS.” Marcia’s specialized training also includes DBT, Theraplay, Solution-Focused play therapy. Marcia earned her masters degree in counseling from Webster University in 2009. A former educator, Marcia has extensive experience in addition to her clinical work, including work with Communities In Schools, Juvenile Probation, Crisis Intervention, School Counseling & Guidance, and the Center for Healthcare Services.

Marcia accepts most major health insurance, Medicaid, and EAPs. As an LPC, she is currently unable to accept Medicare but will be beginning January 1, 2024.
Marcia schedules clients weekday evenings beginning at 5:30 PM and on Saturday mornings.
She is licensed in Texas and provides services both in person and via telehealth.
As of January 2023, Marcia is not accepting new clients.

Elihennette Gonzalez Flores, LMFT

Elihennette, known around the office as “Eli” is enthusiastic about empowering her clients with increased self-confidence and growth. She has over ten years providing services to military personnel and their families having worked for the Department of Veteran Affairs and for the Department of the Army before coming to Alamo Heights Counseling. Eli is an Iraq War veteran who served in the US Army for eight years. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Maryland in 2012 before going on to complete her master’s degree in Psychology in 2015. Eli received her MS in Psychology with a focus on Family, Couple, and Individual Psychotherapy from Our Lady of the Lake University and is currently a site supervisor for practicum students and interns from her alma mater, where she also received a Psychological Services for Spanish Speaking Populations Certificate. Although Eli is particularly passionate about working with couples, she also treats individuals of all ages, and families with children.

Eli accepts most major health insurance, Medicaid, EAPs, and Tricare. As an LMFT, she is currently unable to accept Medicare but will be beginning January 1, 2024.
Eli schedules clients Monday through Friday between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM with extended hours to 5:00 PM on select days.
She is licensed in Texas and provides services both in person and via telehealth.
As of January 2023, Eli is accepting new couples and new individual adult clients.

**Eli is a native speaker of Spanish and able to provide Spanish-only services for those who prefer their sessions exclusively in Spanish **

Charles “Charlie” Jackson, LPC

Charlie is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master of Arts in Mental Health from St. Mary’s University and over a decade of clinical experience working with adults from all walks of life. He as worked extensively with military personnel, officers and enlisted alike, and is a veteran himself. He sees himself as a partner to clients, helping to identify struggles that interfere with an individual from growing into the person he or she wishes to be. He tailors his interventions specifically to the client’s needs, having experience working with individuals facing a variety of conditions including depression, anxiety, mania, trouble with interpersonal relationships, and workplace stress. He says “Your daily and routine functioning should be calm, peaceful, and beneficial to your mental and physical health. I can help.”

At AHC, Charlie is currently accepting Aetna Better Health (medicaid) Aetna EAP, BCBS, Cigna (both insurance and EAP) Traditional Medicaid through TMHP, Health Advocates, Interface EAP, Magellan, Molina, 90 Degree Benefits, United Healthcare, and most Tricare plans. As the newest LPC to join AHC, he is being added to all our insurance panels, so please call if your plan is not listed and you would like to schedule with Charles. He also accepts self-pay and sliding scale clients. As an LPC, Charlie is currently unable to accept Medicare but will be beginning January 1, 2024.
Charlie schedules in person clients at AHC on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays between 10 AM and 5 PM (last client begins at 5 PM). He also has openings for virtual clients at 8 AM Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
He is licensed in Texas as LPC and provides services both in person and via telehealth.
Charles is currently accepting new clients at AHC.

**As of March 2023, Charlie has immediate availability**

Daisy Nieto, LCSW-S

Daisy is a licensed clinical social worker who practices in both clinical and educational settings. Although she focuses primarily on adolescents and their families at this time, she has experience working with those experiencing homelessness, members of the elder community, teen parents, and those living with chronic medical conditions. Her past experience includes working in schools in community health clinics, in hospitals, and in private practice. Her specialty areas include grief and loss, homelessness and foster care, crisis response, parent education and psychoeducation, and trauma counseling. Daisy utilizes an eclectic approach including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy play therapy, crisis intervention, and academic/occupational counseling. Daisy received her BSW and MSW from Our Lady of the Lake University in 2007 and 2008, respectively. Although Daisy works with clients from all backgrounds and belief systems, she is able to provide counseling from a spiritual perspective to Christian couples and individuals.

Daisy accepts most major health insurance, Medicaid, and EAPs. As an LCSW, she is able to accept most forms of Medicare.
Daisy schedules clients primarily weekday evenings and Saturdays.
She is licensed in Texas and provides services both in person and via telehealth.
As of January 2023, Daisy is not accepting new clients.

**Although Daisy does not provide services exclusively in Spanish, she speaks Spanish conversationally and works extensively with bilingual populations**

Dafne Oropeza, LMFT Associate, under the supervision of Bianca Vincent, LMFT-S

Dafne is a Marriage and Family Therapist Associate. She has a Master of Science in Psychology from Our Lady of the Lake University with an emphasis on Spanish-speaking populations. Therapeutically, Dafne has worked with individuals, families and groups. Dafne utilizes a collaborative approach with various techniques, making sure to meet each client where they are so that they can find their happiest, healthiest self. She strives to provide a safe and accepting environment for clients to facilitate their own growth and healing. She is LGBTQIA+-friendly and happily works with individuals, families, and those in relationships.

As an LPC Associate, Dafne is not yet able to accept Medicaid and most health insurance; she is able to accept Cigna/Evernorth and some EAPs. She is also accepting private pay and sliding scale clients.
Dafne is available to telehealth clients in the early evenings.
She is licensed in Texas as an LMFT Associate and provides services primarily via telehealth. All services performed by Dafne are under the supervision of her LMFT Supervisor, Bianca Vincent, LMFT-S.
As of January 2023, Dafne is currently accepting new telehealth adult clients .

**Dafne is currently accepting new private pay, sliding scale, and Cigna clients**
**Dafne is bilingual and provides services in Spanish as well as English**

Heather Perez, LPC

Heather has experience treating mental health crisis and substance use disorders. She specializes in assisting adults with symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma, and related issues. She practices a person-centered approach to address the needs of the individual and to assist them in identifying manageable and achievable steps to reach their goals. She also utilizes solutioned focused interventions, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to address the impact thoughts can have on emotions. Heather has nine years of experience, including working with first responders, military members, and their families.

Heather accepts all major health insurance, Medicaid, and most EAPs. As an LPC, she is unable to accept Medicare but will be beginning January 2024.
Heather schedules clients between 7:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
Heather is licensed in Texas and provides services both in person and via telehealth.
As of January 2023, Heather is currently accepting new clients.

Chatoné Strickland, LCSW

Chatoné has over 10 years’ experience working with diverse populations in a variety of settings including inpatient psychiatric hospitals, residential facilities, nursing homes and shelters. She has worked with individuals, children/adolescents, and families. Chatoné’s approach to therapy depends on the client and includes Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy, with the understanding every client is different and benefits from a different style. She is trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy for Post-traumatic Stress disorder. Chatoné says “I enjoy the process of helping people discover a path to a better life. Therapy with me is a collaborative process. We work together to identify strengths and motivations to help you live a life in alignment with your values and dreams. I appreciate that life is both light and dark and our task is to balance coping and finding meaning during difficult times.

Chatone accepts most major health insurance, Medicaid, and EAPs. As an LCSW she is able to accept Medicare.
Chatone schedules clients on Sunday afternoons and Thursday evenings.
She is licensed in Texas and provides services both in person and via telehealth.
As of January 2023, Chatone is accepting new clients who are available on Wednesdays.

Bianca Vincent, LMFT-S, LPC

Bianca’s experience includes working with multicultural and diverse populations across all age groups and in a variety of settings including inpatient treatment facilities, senior facilities, educational settings, and juvenile facilities. She practices from a strength’s based approach with an integrative and holistic counseling style which incorporates various therapeutic methods including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy, depending on client needs. Bianca says “my purpose as a therapist is to assist individuals and families with identifying problems and finding solutions to solve them. Collaboratively, we will strategize to create a personalized plan to overcome obstacles, identify strengths, and develop effective coping skills. It is important for me to provide a safe, non-judgmental environment that allows for personal growth and healing, regardless of what brings you to therapy.”

Bianca accepts all major health insurance, Medicaid, and EAPs. As a dually licensed LMFT/LPC, she is unable to accept Medicare but will be beginning January 2024.
Bianca schedules clients during the week beginning at 5:30 PM and on Saturday mornings.
She is licensed in Texas and provides services both in person and via telehealth
As of January 2023, Bianca is not accepting new clients

*Bianca is currently accepting LMFT Associates for supervision**

Richard Zello, LPC

Rick is a retired USAF Master Sergeant with over thirty years’ experience in the mental health field first as a USAF Mental Health and Addiction Specialist, then as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, and finally as a Licensed Professional Counselor. He holds an MA in Counseling from Webster University (2013) a BS in Occupational Education (1999) and three AAS degrees including Allied Health Care Sciences with Mental Health Specialization (1993). Although Rick has specialized in working with military and law enforcement personnel and their families for many years, he works with all individuals and families coping with PTSD, addiction, and mood disorders, regardless of their background. Rick approaches treatment in a trauma-informed manner and tailors treatment to clients’ individual needs while drawing from a variety of modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and 12-step work. He has worked in a variety of capacities, including in-patient programs and at treatment centers. Originally from rural western Pennsylvania, Rick served in the United States Air Force as an Air Force medic and a team leader at nine different locations worldwide including two deployments in support of the Global War on Terror. He retired in 2008 with 21 years of military service. He is the father of three and has been married for thirty years. He has presented on Chemical Dependency in the military at St. Mary’s University, the San Antonio Vets Council, and local mental health facilities. Rick’s unique and convenient office hours are weekday evenings and Sunday afternoons, which accommodates therapy clients with weekday obligations such as work, school, or childcare.

Rick currently accepts Traditional Medicaid, Aetna Medicaid, Aetna Commercial plans, Aetna EAP, Amerigroup Medicaid, and BCBS PPOs. He is also able to accept Tricare. As an LPC, he is unable to accept Medicare, but will be beginning January 2023. He is approved by the Department of Family and Protective Services to provide services to clients under the Evaluation and Treatment Services Contract. He is pending in many health insurance networks and expects to be in-network with more panels soon.
Rick schedules clients weekday evenings and Sunday afternoons.
He is licensed in Texas and provides services both in person and via telehealth.
As of March 2023, Rick is not accepting new clients.

**Rick is currently unavailable but is expected to return mid-May.**