Meet The Team

Jonas Grela

Jonas Grela is the Director of Operations for Mended Soul Counseling. Jonas earned his B.S. in Psychology from Boise State University. Prior to joining Mended Soul, Jonas was a successful restaurant manager for the over ten years, achieving Diamond Club status with his most recent restaurant. He has also served in roles where he was responsible for sales and marketing in the Food and Beverage Industry.

Jonas is passionate about helping people and giving back to his community. He volunteers as a coach for two local youth soccer teams as well as with a local dog rescue. He is also committed to helping to increase social equity for those disadvantaged in the community.

Jonas lives in Frisco with his wife and three children. In his free time, he enjoys playing soccer, watching basketball, and spending time with his family.

Emily Brown

Emily Brown is a Licensed Professional Counselor who loves to work with adults struggling with identity issues, anxiety, depression, life transitions and others looking for growth in their lives. My non-judging and calm presence are referred to as unconditional positive regard, where I provide a safe environment to unpack issues in a manner that brings about true change. I focus on existential, and person-centered modalities to enable progress towards a healthier mental state. I strive to help each person become as genuine as possible. Progress can be made towards becoming more authentic by identifying obstacles blocking you from getting back to your "mission" and your purpose in life. It's only by identifying this goal that we derive more happiness and meaning. I have a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and counseling from University of North Texas and a Master's degree in Counseling from Texas Woman's University. She is EMDR Trained.

Hannah Kearns

Hannah Kearns is an Licensed Professional Counselor. She is NCC certified. Hannah graduated with her bachelor's degree in Integrative Studies, focusing on the fields of Counseling, Psychology, and Speech-Language Pathology, and her master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from UNT.

She loves to work with teenagers, adults, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and those struggling to find their purpose in life.
Hannah highly values the therapeutic relationship and works to understand how her clients perceive their lives. She likes working collaboratively with her clients to help them live authentic lives. She specializes in addiction, LGBTQIA+, and typical teenage issues that your adolescent might be facing.

Ashley Gonzalez

Clinical Mental Health Graduate Level Intern
Supervised by Lindsey Grela, Licensed Professional Counselor - Supervisor, #73967

Ashley Gonzalez is a dedicated Clinical Mental Health Graduate Level Intern currently pursuing her master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Texas A&M University - Kingsville. She has a deep passion for supporting individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, family challenges, and stress. Ashley believes in creating a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard and empowered to navigate life's challenges. She takes a holistic and client-centered approach, integrating evidence-based techniques to help individuals develop coping strategies, build resilience, and foster personal growth.

Ashley is committed to helping clients strive to be their best selves by providing the support and tools they need to achieve emotional well-being. She understands that everyone's journey is unique and tailors her approach to meet each client's specific needs. Whether addressing life transitions, relationship dynamics, or everyday stressors, Ashley aims to guide clients toward greater self-awareness, healing, and overall mental wellness.

In her free time, Ashley enjoys spending quality time with her husband, son, daughter, and their playful mini Goldendoodle. She loves creating meaningful moments with her family and believes in the importance of balancing work, self-care, and personal connections. She looks forward to making a positive impact and helping clients take steps toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Charles "Chuck" Rogers

EMDR Trained

Chuck Rogers is a Licensed Professional Counselor - Associate supervised by Lindsey Grela, Licensed Professional Counselor - Supervisor, #73967. Chuck is EMDR Trained. Chuck graduated from Northeastern Illinois University with a Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling and has worked for various Federal agencies including the Veterans Health Administration, the Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration, and the US Forest Service. He currently serves as the National Career Counseling Coordinator for the US Forest Service's Job Corps vocational training and education program.

Chuck's counseling scope of practice includes Depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Career Development/Executive Coaching, Addiction & Dependency, Anger Management, General & Performance Anxiety (stage fright), Bi-Polar Disorder, and Relationship Repair. Chuck's primary mission is to evoke personal growth, adaptation, and emotional development using cognitive-behavioral therapy, including motivational interviewing, and skills training.

Originally from La Verne, California, Chuck spent his teenage years in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. At the age of 18, he enlisted in the US Army and served as an Infantryman during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Upon his return, Chuck spent several years in Chicago and eventually established his home in DFW where he has been living since 2018. Chuck enjoys spending time with his family, exercising, and reading the latest science fiction novels.

Alexis Nowakowski

LPC-Associate

Alexis "Ally" Nowakowski is a Licensed Professional Counselor - Associate supervised by Lindsey Grela, Licensed Professional Counselor - Supervisor, #73967. She received her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Bellevue University. Ally has experience working with children and adolescents with autism and has done volunteer work for a domestic violence crisis center and an equine therapy center. Ally is committed to providing a welcoming, non-judgmental presence that promotes healing and comfort. She is passionate about creating a supportive environment for clients of all ages to explore their thoughts and feelings, develop coping strategies, and achieve their personal goals. She incorporates evidence-based techniques within cognitive-behavioral and person-centered modalities to help clients overcome challenges on their journey towards mental wellness.

In her free time, Ally enjoys traveling, going to concerts, playing guitar, painting, and spending time with family.

Rocky Nguyen

Rocky Nguyen is a Licensed Professional Counselor - Associate with a Master's of Science from East Texas A&M University in Counseling and is a National Certified Counselor supervised by both Lindsey Grela LPC-S, #73967, President/CEO and by Candace Chuyou-Campbell Ph.D., LPC-S, RPT-S, Foundational Theraplay Practitioner. He is currently pursuing his doctoral degree in Counselor Education and Supervision at East Texas A&M University.

Rocky leads his counseling sessions with Object Relations and Attachment Theory while simultaneously integrating Cognitive Behavioral, Gestalt, Analytical, and Relational Cultural Therapy. He believes that an individual's current behavioral, cognitive, and communication patterns are influenced by their relationships and childhood experiences. Rocky emphasizes the emotional vulnerability, comfortability, and nonjudgmental aspect of the therapeutic alliance as well as the safety provided during the counseling session. He believes that doing so will allow the individual to grow and become their most authentic self.

From a young age, he has always been a good listener for those around him and challenged the current standard for societal and cultural norms. He realized his passion for psychology and helping other people achieve their most authentic self upon pursuing his undergraduate degree. Rocky has experience in working with anxiety, depression, life transitions, neurodivergence, truancy, trauma, grief, interpersonal relationship struggles, self-worth, coping skills, and communication skills. He has experience in working with children, adolescents, and adults, but has passion in working with teens.

In his spare time, Rocky enjoys working out, playing tennis, pickleball, and bowling. He also enjoys spending quality time with his family and friends and creating new and memorable life experiences.

Sierra Gray

EMDR Trained

Marriage and Family Therapy Graduate Level Intern Supervised by Kelsey Cruz, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist - Supervisor #203225 and Lindsey Grela, Licensed Professional Counselor - Supervisor #73967. Sierra is EMDR Trained.

Sierra Gray is a passionate Marriage and Family Therapy graduate level intern pursuing her Master of Marriage and Family Therapy degree through Abilene Christian University. With an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Tarleton State University, she has spent much of her career understanding the intricacies of human behavior and relationships. Sierra has a heart for working with clients seeking a warm, welcoming environment as they journey through life's most difficult moments. Through her calm and compassionate presence, she seeks to create a collaborative, non-judgmental space where individuals can explore their authentic selves.

In addition, Sierra recognizes the complex, resilient nature of the human spirit and uses this perspective to tailor her treatments to everyone's unique story. Whether you are navigating relationships, a new stage of life, or simply seeking to foster personal growth, Sierra is committed to empowering her clients as they journey toward healing and change. Her approach is rooted in her personal faith and her own experiences surrounding chronic illness and mental health. She utilizes holistic, collaborative approaches backed by evidence-based techniques that equip clients with practical, meaningful tools that promote change.

Sierra loves to work with clients navigating a variety of concerns including, but not limited to, anxiety, stress, self-esteem, life transitions, relationship dynamics, and living with chronic illness. In addition, she has experience working with teens, young adults, and families of children with special needs.

In her free time, Sierra enjoys grabbing coffee with friends, reading, exploring new hobbies, volunteering at her church, and snuggling with her two cats.

Erika Denio

Erika Denio is a dedicated and compassionate Clinical Mental Health Graduate Level Intern supervised by Lindsey Grela, LPC-S. She holds her Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience with a concentration in Psychology and is currently pursuing her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University. She is experienced in providing neurofeedback and biofeedback services to clients of all ages with a wide variety of mental health concerns.

With a deep understanding of the brain-body connection, Erika adopts a holistic, neuro-informed approach, integrating the latest research on brain functioning with therapeutic practice to assist clients in gaining insight necessary for growth and healing. She is also committed to providing client-centered and culturally competent care, tailoring therapy to meet the specific needs and experiences of individuals from diverse backgrounds. She recognizes that creating a safe and non-judgmental space empowers clients to explore their emotions, beliefs, and behaviors while respecting their autonomy and individual context.

Outside of her professional life, Erika enjoys caring for her houseplants, playing with her two German Shepherds, and spending quality time with her family and friends. She is a strong advocate for maintaining work-life balance, prioritizing self-care, and nurturing meaningful relationships. She looks forward to supporting clients by facilitating their journey to a life of fulfillment, growth, and purpose.

Chandrika Watts

Chandrika is supervised by Lindsey Grela, LPC-S, #73967

Chandrika Watts is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate with a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Abilene Christian University, earned in 2021. She brings over two years of counseling experience from her work with Capital Area Counseling, where she supported clients navigating a wide range of emotional and relational challenges.

Chandrika has experience working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, PTSD, infidelity, suicidal ideation, eating disorders, and communication difficulties. She is especially attuned to clients who feel overwhelmed by emotions that seem beyond their control, and she collaborates with them to identify root causes, develop effective coping strategies, and build meaningful social connections.

Her therapeutic style is flexible and individualized, drawing from Collaborative, Narrative, Solution-Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Chandrika is passionate about helping clients recognize their strengths, gain new perspectives on complex situations, and feel more empowered in their thoughts and lives. She places strong emphasis on building a solid therapeutic alliance, believing that a safe, supportive relationship is essential for genuine growth.

Chandrika chose mental health as her profession to be someone people could turn to without fear of judgment or rejection. She challenges the belief that people must have everything figured out all the time and works alongside her clients to build practical tools for navigating life's challenges. Her goal is to help clients find hope, healing, and meaningful connection as they move forward.

She is the proud mother of two young adults and the devoted caretaker of three cats, each with a distinct personality she enjoys observing. Outside of her professional life, Chandrika enjoys reading and writing, watching documentaries, and attending concerts. A passionate music lover, her tastes span genres and decades-from Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, and Madonna to Whitney Houston, Pink, and Kendrick Lamar-as well as contemporary gospel artists such as Elevation Worship, Maverick City, Lauren Daigle, and Matthew West.

Shelby Webb

Shelby Webb is a Masters Practicum Student supervised by Lindsey Grela, LPC-S. She is pursuing a Master's degree in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling at Southern Arkansas University and is passionate about walking alongside individuals on their journey toward healing and growth. Shelby approaches counseling with compassion, empathy, and a desire to create a safe, supportive space for clients to explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences.

Her areas of interest include anxiety, life transitions, relationship challenges, and self-esteem. She values multicultural understanding and strives to honor each client's unique background, culture, and worldview. Shelby believes in empowering clients through respect for their autonomy and the belief that each person is the expert of their own life.

In her free time, Shelby enjoys spending time with her husband and their two corgis, reading, cooking, and baking.

Hannah Dvoracek

Hannah Dvoracek is supervised by Kenzie Brewer, LCSW-S, #59950 and Lindsey Grela, LPC-S, #73967

Hannah is a Licensed Master Social Worker, supervised by Stephanie Books, Licensed Clinical Social Worker Supervisor. Following her BA in Psychology, Sociology, and Anthropology from Stephen F. Austin State University, Hannah pursued an MA in Social Work from Columbia University. Her passion for social work and counseling lies in this truth - everyone has a story to tell. Hannah believes in creating a safe, brave, and inclusive space for her clients to explore their stories. She has experience working in women's shelters, intensive outpatient centers, and group therapy. Through her experience, Hannah's expertise includes Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Acute Stress Disorder, Adjustment Disorder, Grief, Anxiety, Depression, and Self-Esteem.

Hannah works with clients of all ages in addressing their issues, with particular passion for adolescents, young adults, and adults. Hannah values the therapeutic relationship, and utilizes a holistic and client-centered approach with other modalities including ACT, CBT, and trauma-informed therapy to guide clients in coming about true change. With her warm and accepting personality, Hannah is dedicated to walking alongside clients to help them achieve their goals.

Outside of work, Hannah loves to read (anything fantasy!), junk-journal, spend time with her cat, and discover new music.

Kayla Gignac

EMDR Trained

Please update Kayla's Bio to:

Kayla is an EMDR-trained Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in Texas, supervised by Lindsey Grela, LPC-S. She earned her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Grand Canyon University and also holds a Master of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Texas Tech University.

Kayla brings a diverse background in mental health care, including experience in crisis intervention and response, forensic psychology and corrections, therapeutic group facilitation, and inpatient, residential, and partial hospitalization treatment settings. Through these experiences, she has supported children, adolescents, adults, couples, and groups facing a wide range of concerns, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, eating disorders, trauma, and experiences of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Kayla is committed to providing culturally responsive, trauma-informed care to diverse populations.

Kayla is passionate about supporting individuals navigating anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, and life transitions. She integrates evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and internal family systems (IFS) into her work. She also has a particular interest in working with individuals living with chronic illness, informed by both personal and professional experience. Her approach is person-centered, collaborative, and strengths-based, incorporating mindfulness and trauma-informed practices to help clients feel supported while working toward meaningful change.

Kayla is deeply committed to advocacy and equitable access to mental health care, especially for underserved populations, individuals living with serious mental illness, and victims of crime. She strives to create a supportive environment where clients feel understood, empowered, and able to move toward healing.

Jennifer Ingoldby

Jennifer Ingoldby is a practicum student pursuing her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of the Cumberlands. She is supervised by Lindsey Grela, LPC-S. With over 15 years of experience in healthcare as an occupational therapy assistant practitioner, she brings a deep understanding of the physical, emotional, and psychological complexities that accompany medical trauma, chronic illness, and terminal diagnoses.

Her personal journey through medical trauma has shaped her passion for supporting others navigating similar experiences. Jennifer is especially committed to creating a therapeutic space that honors each client's story, offering either a gentle, compassionate presence or a more direct, structured approach-depending on individual needs and preferences.
Jennifer's clinical interests include medical trauma, grief and loss, chronic illness, and end-of-life support. She integrates her healthcare background with evidence-based counseling strategies to foster resilience, quality of life, and emotional healing.

In her free time, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her husband playing mini golf, watching movies, and traveling. She also enjoys time with her three pups and loves a friendly competition with game nights and knitting with friends.

Lilly Hoskinson

Lillian "Lilly" Hoskinson is a Licensed Professional Counselor - Associate supervised by Lindsey Grela, Licensed Professional Counselor - Supervisor, #73967. Lilly graduated with her bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in counseling associate studies from the University of North Texas and her master's in counseling and development form Texas Woman's University. Lilly completed her graduate level internship at a domestic violence agency and values trauma informed practices. Lilly loves working with children and adolescents, utilizing both child centered play therapy and activity therapy. Lilly has a passion for working with children with chronic illness and chronic pain, helping them and their families navigate life after a diagnosis.

Lilly is grounded in principles that believe every child and client is doing their best and is striving to feel loved and valued. She focuses on encouragement, her client's strengths, and helping her client's find meaning in their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Outside of counseling, Lilly loves to travel, read, and craft.

Kristen Zimmerman

Kristen Zimmerman is a master's-level practicum student pursuing her degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Liberty University. Supervised by Lindsey Grela, LPC-S (#73967). Her passion for counseling is rooted in both personal and professional experiences with recovery and trauma. She believes in meeting clients with compassion and supporting them as they work toward healing and wholeness.

She holds a bachelor's degree in Pastoral Care and Counseling from Southeastern University and has spent the past five years working with teen recovery groups. Her approach is primarily CBT-informed, focusing on the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. She enjoys helping clients better understand how these patterns develop and learning practical skills that support meaningful and sustainable change.

She is particularly drawn to working with adolescents and young adults, ideally ages 14-30, while also welcoming clients outside of this age range. She values a whole-person approach to counseling and strives to create a safe, supportive environment where individuals feel empowered in their recovery journey.

Outside of counseling, she is married and has one daughter who is in her twenties. She also has two dogs, Kobe and Luna, who are very much part of her family. She does a lot of reading and spending a lot of time in nature, and spending time with her family.

Courtnee Harden

Courtnee Harden is a counseling intern at Mended Soul Counseling, supervised by Lindsey Grela, LPC-S (#73967). She is pursuing her Master's in Mental Health Counseling at Walden University. A native Texan and 22-year military veteran, Courtnee brings a wealth of life experience and dedication to serving others into her counseling practice. Her professional background includes Sexual Assault Victim Advocacy, where she guided survivors from crisis toward empowerment, and she continues to apply those skills in supporting clients through trauma recovery, life transitions, and emotional healing.
As a Counselor, Courtnee's work includes working with individuals, couples, and families to build resilience, strengthen relationships, and foster personal growth. She takes a client-centered and culturally responsive approach, walking alongside clients as they navigate obstacles and discover their strengths. Her work is grounded in empathy, collaboration, and respect for each client's unique story.

Outside of counseling, Courtnee enjoys life with her blended family, her husband and five children, along with traveling, exploring cultural events, and spending quality time with friends and loved ones.

She is also an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Counseling Association, the Golden Key International Honor Society, the Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society International, and SALUTE National Veterans Honor Society.

Kylie Wong

Kylie is supervised by Julia Wesley, LMFT-S, #201593 and Lindsey Grela, LPC-S, #73967

Kylie Wong is a Marriage and Family Therapy graduate-level intern pursuing her Master of Marriage and Family Therapy degree through Abilene Christian University. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from The University of Texas at Dallas, where she developed a strong foundation in understanding human behavior, relationships, and emotional development. Kylie is passionate about supporting individuals, couples, and families as they navigate life transitions, emotional challenges, and relational concerns in a warm and welcoming environment.

Kylie approaches therapy with compassion, curiosity, and collaboration, believing that meaningful healing happens within the context of safe and trusting relationships. Her work is informed by evidence-based practices and guided by her personal faith, which she views as relational rather than prescriptive. Kylie values meeting clients where they are and honoring each person's unique story, values, and goals.

Alongside her graduate training, Kylie has experience working with children and adolescents through her involvement in children's ministry and high school youth ministry at her church. These experiences have strengthened her ability to connect with young people and families while fostering emotional safety, empathy, and trust. She enjoys supporting clients navigating anxiety, stress, self-esteem, life transitions, and relationship dynamics.

In her free time, Kylie enjoys spending time with loved ones, swimming during the warmer months, going on walks, and engaging in creative outlets. She also enjoys remaining active in her church community.