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Therapist Staff at the Council on Recovery in Houston, TX

We have the knowledge, experience, and compassion to help you

The Council's Center for Recovering Families employs a highly skilled and experienced therapist staff. They will help you and your family with problems related to alcoholism, substance abuse, other addictions, and co-occurring mental health disorders. The personalized treatment plans they use are comprised of powerful and proven therapeutic techniques that create healing through self-discovery, recovery, and support.

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Cheryl Kalinec, LCSW-S

Therapist, Clinical Director
Education: University of the Pacific & Arizona State University
Areas of specialization: Addiction & Recovery, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT); Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT); Children’s Therapy, Family Systems

Cheryl oversees The Council’s therapists and fellows at the Center for Recovering Families. She has clinical experience and extensive training in Addiction & Recovery, Family Systems, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Children’s Therapy. Originally from Southern California, Cheryl worked for as the Mental Health Program Manager for a children’s counseling center prior to relocating to Houston in 2008. She worked for Cenpatico for two years before joining The Council on Recovery in 2010. In her free time, Cheryl enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.

Rachel Evans

Rachel Evans, LCSW

Family Therapist Education: University of Houston & Greenville University
Areas of specialization: Addiction and Recovery, Adult Therapy, Couples Therapy, Family Systems, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Rachel is the Family Therapist for The Center for Recovering Families. Along with earning a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Houston, Rachel completed an internship and clinical fellowship with The Council on Recovery. Rachel also held a Master’s level internship with Child Advocates of Fort Bend. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from Greenville University. In her free time, Rachel enjoys live music of all kinds and visiting the beach as much as possible.

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Camila Gonzalez Freire, LMSW

Education: University of Houston, University of Houston-Downtown
Areas of specialization: Addiction and Recovery

Camila Gonzalez Freire, LMSW, was the Mary Bell Clinical Behavioral Health Fellow for the Center for Recovering Families at the Council on Recovery. Previously, she also interned at Memorial Hermann - TMC as a medical social worker where she provided clinical interventions and emotional support in ongoing consultations with patients. She holds a master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Houston and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Houston-Downtown. Outside of work, Camila enjoys spending time with her loved ones, attending concerts, and going on walks with her dog.

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Sarah Myint, LMSW

Therapist Education: University of Houston & Auburn University
Areas of specialization: Addiction and Recovery, Adolescents and Young Adults, Animal Assisted Therapy

Sarah is a Therapist at the Center for Recovering Families. She works with adults and adolescents who face challenges with addiction and negative mental health. Assisting in Sarah’s work is community service dog, Emmy. Previously, Sarah has worked in schools counseling middle and high school students. She holds a Masters degree from the Graduate College of Social Work at the University of Houston and a Bachelors degree in Global Studies from Auburn University. She spends her free time reading, trying new restaurants, and going to concerts.

Emmy, Community Service Dog

Sarah Emmy DSC09580Education: Canine Assistants
Area of specialization: Animal Assisted Therapy

Emmy is a Community Service Dog partnered with Sarah Myint. She trained for over two years at Canine Assistants in how to provide comfort, companionship, and support to those struggling with negative mental health. When not working, Emmy loves playing with her turtle plushy, splashing in puddles, and eating peanut butter. Click here to read more about Emmy and Sarah.

Nina Tahija

Nina Tahija, LCSW, LCDC, TCTSY-F

Primary Treatment Therapist Education: University of Houston
Areas of specialization: Addiction & Recovery, Internal Family Systems, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Nina Tahija, LCSW, LCDC, TCTSY-F is the Primary Treatment Therapist for the Center for Recovering Families at The Council on Recovery. Previously, she served as the Center’s Mary Bell Behavioral Health Clinical Fellow and as a Clinical Social Work Intern for Baylor Psychiatry Clinic. She holds a master’s degree in social work and is published in the Journal of Teaching in Social Work for her work on “Teaching and Learning During and After COVID-19: Lessons Learned from the Social Work Classroom.” She is also a Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga Facilitator (TCTSY-F). In her free time, Nina enjoys reading books and connecting with nature.

To make an appointment for a clinical assessment, or if you have any questions, call 713-914-0556 or contact us online.