Antonio’s story is one rooted in a small-town upbringing and a heartfelt desire to make a positive impact on people’s lives. Born and raised in the town of Arcadia, LA, he embarked on a transformative journey that eventually led him to the dynamic heart of Houston, Texas.
Antonio relocated in search of professional growth and a chance to contribute to a cause he’s deeply passionate about: mental health. Growing up in a tight-knit community, he couldn’t help but notice the pervasive misconceptions and stigmas surrounding mental well-being. It was this early awareness that ignited the spark within him, propelling him toward a career dedicated to supporting those in need.
Antonio’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Louisiana at Monroe, laying the foundation for his commitment to understanding the complexities of the human mind. Building upon this, he earned his Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), equipping him with the knowledge and skills to make a lasting difference in the lives of others.
With over five years of hands-on experience in the field, Antonio’s journey has been nothing short of impactful. His mission began as an intern at the Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home in Ruston, LA, where he learned the invaluable art of connecting with young minds in need of support and guidance. As he ventured further, Antonio took on roles as a psychiatric clinician and program manager at Integrated Psychotherapeutic Services in Dallas, TX. Here, he provided intensive care to clients and collaborated closely with three Dallas County mental health and drug courts, ensuring that individuals received the tailored support they deserved. Most recently, Antonio served as a mental and behavioral coordinator at the Dallas Independent School District, where he focused his expertise on helping teenagers and families navigate the challenges of major life transitions. His work spanned a wide spectrum, from addressing behavioral issues to managing mental health diagnoses, substance use concerns, and providing families with the education and support needed to foster a healthy environment.
Antonio’s expertise extends across several critical areas, including faith-based issues, depression, anxiety, anger management, substance use issues, life transitions, couples counseling, support for the LGBTQ+ community, and trauma recovery.
Beyond his professional commitments, Antonio finds solace and inspiration in the simple joys of life. He’s an avid cook, delighting in the creation of culinary delights. Traveling is another passion, and he dreams of exploring the captivating cities of London, Paris, and Rome in the near future. He also enjoys immersing himself in the world of documentaries and diving into the enchanting universe of the Harry Potter film franchise.
Antonio is a dedicated partner on your journey to mental well-being. With him, you’ll discover not only professional expertise but also a compassionate soul who understands, encourages, and offers hope. His ultimate goal is to empower you to embrace life’s challenges and triumph over adversity. While also creating equitable systems of engagement for client and individuals of all walks of life.