Our Team
Our Practitioners are well-versed in trauma-informed care and bring qualities of inclusivity, innovation, thoughtfulness, and compassion.
We prioritize cultural competence and strive to establish meaningful connections with every patient, all in the service of enhancing our support to the San Antonio community.
Melissa Ortiz MA, LPC-s
Founder & CEO
Melissa Ortiz is the founder of Metanoia Counseling, established in January 2020 with the mission to provide accessible mental health services to the San Antonio community.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor in Texas, she brings over 12 years of experience in counseling children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families from diverse backgrounds. Melissa is dedicated to creating a safe and nurturing environment where clients can confront their challenges, uncover their strengths, and embark on a journey toward personal growth, resilience, and transformative healing.
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Melissa holds certifications in EMDR, Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy, Sound Healing, MARI (Mandala Assessment Research Instrument, Yoga and Zumba embodying her belief in holistic healing that integrates the mind, body, and spirit. Her practice is built on the foundation of cultural competence, ensuring that each client’s unique identity and background are respected and honored, particularly in trauma recovery. This approach not only fosters individual healing but also promotes generational wellness.
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Her extensive training includes advanced LENS biofeedback, Sand Tray Therapy, Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Immigration Psychological Evaluations, and Play Therapy. Melissa earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Master of Arts in Counseling and Guidance from Texas A&M University-San Antonio.
Whether mentoring aspiring counselors, collaborating with professionals, or engaging directly with clients, Melissa’s objective is to inspire positive change and empower individuals to lead fulfilling lives through culturally informed, holistic approaches to therapy.
Steven Balarin LPC, LCDC
Professional Counselor
Steven is a seasoned Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) at Metanoia Counseling. He earned a Master of Arts in Counseling and Guidance from Texas A&M University-San Antonio. With over 14 years of experience, particularly in the criminal reentry field, Steven has developed a profound understanding of the complexities involved in personal and psychological growth.
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In his therapeutic practice, Steven specializes in helping individuals escape the emotional confines they perceive themselves to be trapped within. He adeptly employs cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, focusing on fostering a transformative therapeutic alliance through trust and mutual respect. His expertise spans a wide array of issues, including anxiety, depression, substance abuse, behavioral issues, and anger management, enabling him to effectively support children, adolescents, adults, and couples.
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Steven is also trained in LENS biofeedback, a method that complements his clinical work by integrating advanced biofeedback technology. This holistic approach enhances his ability to facilitate significant emotional and behavioral changes, ensuring that each client receives personalized and empathetic care tailored to their unique needs.
Judy Villarreal, LPC
Professional Counselor
Judy Villarreal is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) at Metanoia Counseling, holding a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Texas A&M International University. With over 16 years of experience, Judy specializes in working with children and families, providing support and understanding the intricate impacts of mental health disorders on their lives. Her bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish enhances her ability to communicate effectively with a diverse client base.
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In her practice, Judy adeptly conducts individual counseling sessions and creates comprehensive treatment plans tailored for children, adolescents, and adults. She utilizes a range of therapeutic modalities, including Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Solution-Focused Therapy, to address various issues such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and trauma. Her approach is culturally sensitive, ensuring that all clients feel valued and understood, fostering an environment where they can openly express themselves.
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Dedicated to fostering a nurturing environment that promotes healing and growth, Judy’s efforts significantly contribute to the improvement of her clients’ overall well-being. Her commitment to professional development and empathetic connection with clients establishes her as a valuable asset to the Metanoia team and a trusted resource for individuals navigating life’s challenges.
Monique Nadolny, LPC-Associate
Supervised by Melissa Ortiz, LPC-S
Associate Counselor
Monique is an Associate Counselor at Metanoia Counseling, holding a Master’s degree in Marriage & Family Counseling from Texas A&M University San Antonio. She is dedicated to supporting individuals, couples, and families on their journeys toward healing, growth, and mental well-being.
Monique’s ideal clients may include those managing grief, trauma, or relationship challenges who seek a safe space to be heard and empowered. Utilizing evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Internal Family Systems, she tailors her trauma-informed approach to each client’s unique needs, fostering resilience and meaningful change.
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As a member of the American Counseling Association and the Texas Counseling Association, Monique is committed to creating a safe, culturally sensitive space where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered. Her strengths-based approach combines a variety of techniques for holistic healing. Monique is dedicated to supporting her clients on their path toward growth and well-being.
Maria Sevilla, LPC-Associate
Supervised by Melissa Ortiz, LPC-S
Associate Counselor
Maria Sevilla is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate with a Masters of Science in Counseling and has experiences supporting children, adolescents, and families across clinical, educational, and community settings. She has a strong background working with neurodiverse individuals, including children with dyslexia, learning differences, and autism.
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Maria brings a compassionate, strengths-based approach to her work, drawing from Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, MRI, and Collaborative models. Her clinical experience includes individual, family, and group counseling, psychoeducational interventions, and detailed clinical documentation in both outpatient and community- based settings.
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Holding a certification in Psychological Services for Spanish-Speaking Populations, Maria is bilingual allowing her to provide culturally responsive care in both English and Spanish. She is passionate about creating supportive, inclusive environments where clients feel seen, empowered, and capable of meaningful change.
Jordan Nares
Mental Health Assistant
Jordan Nares is a U.S. Navy veteran with four years of experience working in highly structured, high accountability environments where precision, confidentiality, and professionalism were essential. His background includes operating and maintaining sensitive systems, supporting mission-critical operations, and training personnel while adhering to strict safety and compliance standards. This foundation allows Jordan to bring reliability, focus, and consistency to his role at Metanoia Counseling.
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Throughout his military service, Jordan has developed strong organization and administrative skills, including data management and coordination across multidisciplinary teams. His experience working within systems that require ethical responsibility translates well to the clinical environment.
Jordan supports the practice by contributing to efficient services and a welcoming, well-organized setting for both clients and staff. He values teamwork and accountability and is committed to supporting the mission of providing high quality care. Jordan is currently pushing further education and brings a steady, respectful presence to the team.
Angela Morales
Mental Health Assistant
Angela Morales is a compassionate psychology student at Texas A&M University-San Antonio, where she is pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She is passionate about providing supportive and culturally responsive communication with individuals and families throughout their mental health journeys.
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Angela also works as a Behavior Technician, where she provides one-on-one therapy using evidence-based Applied behavior Analysis (ABA) techniques. In this role, she collaborates with supervising clinicians to support treatment planning and maintains communication with families to promote progress. This background has further strengthened her ability to connect with diverse populations.
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Fluent in both English and Spanish, Angela brings strong interpersonal skills, active listening and organization to her work. She is dedicated to fostering trust, empathy, and growth in every individual.
