About Us
Johanna Torres, MS, LPC-Supervisor
Owner & Clinical Director
Hi! I'm so glad you're here. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and the founder and owner of Padre Island Counseling.
I have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from St. Edward’s University in Austin, TX and a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Neuropsychology from The University of Texas at Tyler in Tyler, Texas. I've completed training in LGBTQ+ affirming therapy, trauma therapy, and Chicanx/Latinx affirming therapy. I am also an EMDR-trained clinician.
I specialize in anxiety, generational/childhood trauma, perfectionism, strained relationships with family, and toxic relationships. My clients tend to be high achievers, first-gen and have experienced childhood traumas or attachment wounds from their child-parent relationship. They've read all the self-help books, listened to all the self-help podcasts and still aren't sure where to start.
Interpersonally, I am a health enthusiast, a dog- and cat-lover and a frequent beach-day initiator. I love running, reading, yoga, playing in the ocean and spending quality time with my pets. I believe in the importance of a balanced life and maintain equilibrium by eating Blue Bell ice cream and binge-watching my favorite Netflix shows.
Yamilet Molina, MS, LPC Associate
(Supervised by Johanna Torres, MS, LPC-S)
Counselor Associate
Hello! I am Yamilet Molina and am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate. I am passionate about the health and well-being of others and use individualized approaches to help individuals achieve mind and body wellness.
I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Stephen F Austin State University and a Master’s degree in Counseling with an emphasis in Addiction Counseling from Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi. I have worked with individuals and groups in inpatient, outpatient, and community settings.
I enjoy working with individuals who are ready to take on the task of creating the life they want. I specialize in working with adults, athletes, and former athletes who struggle with anxiety, depression, body image distress, over-exercise, low self-esteem, eating disorders, sports performance issues, and sports retirement. I am also an ACE-certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor to help individuals enhance their overall wellness.
In my spare time, I enjoy running, walking my dog, finding new coffee shops, and rewatching shows that I have seen way too many times (mostly Friends and Grey’s Anatomy).
Vanessa Straub, M.Ed., LPC Associate
(Supervised by Johanna Torres, MS, LPC-S)
Counselor Associate
Hello! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate from South Texas. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences & Disorders with a minor in Psychology from Texas A&M University in Kingsville and a Master’s degree in Counseling from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
I work with clients who are struggling with anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship issues, grief, parenthood and strained family relationships. I believe that you have the strength and the tools to achieve your goals and break free from the pain that is holding you back.
I also specialize in working with new moms and utilize my therapeutic skills to create a safe space for all the changes that new moms experience. I am currently working towards a Perinatal Mental Health Certification. I have also served on the board of Breastfeeding Coalitions local to the communities I've lived in. My professional goals are to increase awareness and advocacy for the well being of women during pregnancy and postpartum.
While I’m not practicing therapy, I truly enjoy basking in life’s simple pleasures. I enjoy spending time outdoors, swimming, taking long walks, reading and exploring new restaurants and coffee shops around me!
Meghan Garcia, M. Ed., LPC Associate
(Supervised by Johanna Torres, MS, LPC-S)
Counselor Associate I
Hello and welcome! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate who focuses on wellness for the mind, body, and spirit. I have a Bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in fine art, and a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. I've completed training in LGBTQ+ affirming therapy, therapeutic dreamwork, and introductory expressive art techniques. I am also a trauma-informed RYT 200 hr yoga instructor to help individuals safely connect to their bodies.
We carry the stories of our past within our bodies, and I believe its important not only to consider how your earliest relationships currently effect you, but to also provide a safe space to model healthy relationships, explore dreams/nightmares and help understand them, and share practical skills to relieve anxiety and emotional overwhelm.
I specialize in anxiety, attachment trauma, codependency, depression, perfectionism, sexual trauma, religious trauma, and lgbtqia+ issues and support. My clients have often repeatedly tried talk therapy with a focus on trying to "think" their way out of anxiety and depression. They are often sensitive and empathic individuals who have experienced trauma, and have a difficult time feeling at ease mentally and physically.
Outside of my role as a therapist, I'm your typical millennial elder emo who loves rock concerts, horror movies, oat milk lattes, and thrifting. I feel my happiest when I'm able to spend time at the beach, practicing yoga with my dog, and singing way too loudly in the car with my partner.
Maribel Martinez, MS, LPC Associate
(Supervised by Johanna Torres, MS, LPC-S)
Counselor Associate I
Hello, I’m thrilled to introduce myself as a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate at Padre Island Counseling. I bring with me a Bachelor of Science from the University of Texas Pan American, as well as a Master of Science in Clinical Rehabilitative Counseling from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
My dedication to the health and well-being of others has fueled my passion for counseling. I believe in utilizing individualized approaches to assist clients in achieving holistic mind and body wellness. Your unique experiences and needs will be at the forefront of our sessions as we explore various therapeutic modalities tailored specifically to you.
My primary goal is to empower you with the tools and skills needed to thrive in all aspects of your life. I’m committed to ensuring that our sessions resonate with you and provide the support you require. In my downtime, I cherish spending time with my loved ones and adorable pets. I find joy in reading, exercising, and indulging in my favorite TV shows.
I’m truly excited to be a part of your journey towards personal growth and healing. Let’s work together to achieve your goals and creative changes in your life.
Paige Gonzalez
Graduate Student Counselor
Hi there! My name is Paige Gonzalez. I am currently a graduate student at Texas A&M – Corpus Christi. I am working towards obtaining a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology to become a Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA). I have a passion for advocacy and provide trauma-informed and person-centered counseling.
My interests include working with families, couples and individuals to create a healthy and trusting dynamic within a home. I specialize in helping individuals mend attachments within their families to create a trusting and supportive environment.
Personally, I am a mother to my children (two toddlers!), a wife, and dog mom to two Siberian Huskies. We enjoy exploring the outdoors, being crafty, and visiting our family every chance we get.
