Marquia Caldwell, LPC

Throughout our lives we collect scars due to tough experiences or traumas. With memories of physical and emotional traumas, mental health problems like depression and anxiety, the loneliness and rejection is what you fear most. I work with people who struggle to find a sense normalcy in their lives. My hope is for you to understand that it’s okay to struggle, and it’s okay to have support and guidance. My job is to help you find yourself and create an identity that allows you to overcome traumas and move forward in life. Life is a journey for us all, but I am here to help you navigate it.

Marquia is available to have sessions on the following days:

• Monday 8am-8pm (in office/person),
• Tuesday 12pm-5pm (virtual),
• Wednesday 12pm (virtual).

Melissa Guerra, LPC-associate, Supervised by Stephanie Motes, LPC-S

I am a firm believer of using my counseling services to inspire those who I reach to heal, grow, and be renewed (John 4:4-26). My goal is to help you identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts in order to connect the mind, soul, and body to be one.

I am also a Spanish speaker and a certified rehabilitation counselor with a focus in disabilities! Asking for help is the first and most important step, and I am here to walk side by side with you in order to guide you to the new life that awaits you.

Soy creyente de la conexión entre el cuerpo, espíritu, y alma, y mi misión es ayudarte a encontrarte a ti mismo en unión. Tengo experiencia trabajando con niños(as), adolescentes, adultos, parejas, y familias al igual que con discapacidades. Estoy aquí para ayudarte a caminar hacia tu nueva vida para que encuentres paz y armonia.

Melissa is available to have sessions on the following days:

• Monday: 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm virtual
• Tuesday: 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm in person
• Wednesday: 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm in person
• Thursday: 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm in person
• Friday: 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm in person/virtual
• Saturday: 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm in person

Jacqueline Pelayo, Support Staff

As a mom of four, I know how to manage people in very efficient ways. I understand that when you reach out to a counseling office, you want to hear from an actual person, not a robot. I do my best to help get you on the path towards breaking free from what’s holding you down. When you call our office, I will help by listening first, then setting you up with the counselor that will best fit your needs. When things get tough, you need help now- not in a month. I pledge to do my best to get you the help you need, when you need it- whether that’s with us or not. 

Stephanie Sanchez, LCSW

I help teens and adults talk through important stuff about problems and conflicts with work and school. If you’re tired of having to prove yourself to people at school and work and don’t want to do it anymore, I can help. You need someone to be in your corner, who is on your side to support and care for you, but to challenge you also. I’m here. In counseling, we look at the problems you have, and connect the thoughts and feelings to find solutions that actually help.

I have experience working with kids, teens, and families who have tough relationship dynamics because of trauma, grief, and relationship issues. You may be struggling through a difficult time of your life, but you don’t have to go through it alone. I’ll be here to help you let your guard down and not just move forward on life but to help you feel successful with work and/or school. I’m here to support your journey to a happier, healthier you. I AM ALSO EMDR TRAINED!! Read more about EMDR HERE.

Stephanie is available to have sessions on the following days:

• Wednesday 5pm to 8pm (in office/person or virtual).
• Friday noon to 5pm (in office/person or virtual).
• Saturday 9am to 2pm (in office/person or virtual).

Jennifer Stoute, Executive Administrative Assistant 

I love helping others in any way possible, whether creating a more efficient environment or finding a relatable way of serving others. It takes a team to make something great work to the best of its ability. Being a part of a work family who has the same desires and goal of serving others, through listening, educating, guidance, and truth is a blessing. I pray that being led by The Light, “La Luz,” you can find the hope, truth, faith, and encouragement that is truly needed to grow and flourish. You, too, can be the light you were made to be. “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined.” (Isaiah 9:2, ESV)

Sarah Almendariz Rivera, LPC-S and Owner

We help people work through tough stuff in their lives. By the time you come to us in counseling, you’ve likely tried it all and are wondering “What else am I supposed to do? Where do I even start?”

If you’re feeling worried, frustrated, stressed or overwhelmed, you’ve come to the right place. In counseling, we focus on changing you rather than others. Here at La Luz Counseling we specialize in treating those affected by trauma and tough moments in their life like sexual abuse. childhood trauma, and anxiety. We teach you strategies to control the thoughts you’re thinking and work through situations and moments holding you back. Nothing fancy here, no magic or special potion. Just people brought together through divine intervention. 

While I am not taking on any new clients, I have personally hand selected all of the people on the counseling team. I trust them fully to carry on the mission and vision of La Luz Counseling which looks to inspire and encourage people to change. 

If you’re looking for more information on LPC Supervision, click here.

If you’re looking more for what I do outside of La Luz Counseling, check it out here (The Counselors Mentor– Sarah’s other business) and here (Sarah’s LinkedIn page).

The mission of La Luz Counseling is to inspire transformation, encourage boldness, confront limitations and create contagious change.

La Luz has a 3-fold meaning for us:

1.) La Luz is Spanish for “the light.” Light is defined as “radiant energy; something that make things visible or affords illumination”

• As counselors, we are serving as the guiding light for clients who seek guidance towards change.
• Together, we illuminate certain areas in your life you may be holding in the dark or be unaware of.
• Yes, we do have Spanish speaking counselors on our team.

2). God is light. We believe in Jesus here. In John 8:12 Jesus says “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Because God is in us, we are also light. “[We] Are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14)

3). Maria de La Luz– After the beloved Maria De La Luz Sanchez Almendariz, Maternal Grandmother of the practice owner. She was radiant to all those around her, kind, Jesus- loving, humble and strong. Continuing her legacy in Jesus’ Name. #firstgen