Jerry DeSobe, Ph.D., LPC, our Founding Director for more than 23 years, is a Licensed Psychologist and ordained United Methodist minister with graduate degrees from Northwestern and Yale universities. A published author on psychological evaluations, he has extensive experience in psychological testing for adults, adolescents and children. In addition to serving on the adjunct faculty of a number of theological seminaries, he has also taught at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Washington University in St. Louis and Houston Baptist University. A frequent speaker, Dr. Desobe leads continuing education programs around the country. He is the past president of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC) and the Samaritan Institute National Advisory Board.

Athena Patelis, Ph.D, is a Licensed Psychologist, Director of Psychological Services at the Krist Samaritan Center, and she completed her internship at University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB). Dr. Patelis has extensive experience with the diagnosis of ADD and ADHD, helping many families and children both in the Center and at UTMB with comprehensive treatment plans and family counseling for related issues. Additionally, she provides both objective and projective psychological testing for adults and children to identify learning disabilities, developmental delays, cognitive delays and psychological issues that may be impacting intellectual functioning.

Holly Teitsma, Ph.D, is a Licensed Psychologist with significant experience in counseling troubled adolescents. She received her doctorate from Arizona State University in counseling psychology and provides psychological assessments and psychotherapy for emotional/behavioral issues, among other psychological disorders. Dr. Teitsma uses a holistic approach when counseling youth and their families, providing them with communication techniques and comprehensive treatment plans.

Jack Teitsma, Psy.D., M. Div., the Director of Clinical Services, has worked more than 18 years with high-risk children, adolescents and young adults. A Licensed Psychologist, Dr. Teitsma has extensive experience in counseling youth and their families in a variety of life-situations including clinical depression, substance abuse and other disorders. After earning a Master of Divinity from Western Theological Seminary, he obtained his Doctorate of Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology, and conducted his dissertation, focusing on adolescents, at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.

Margaret Tadlock, MA, LPA, is a Licensed Psychological Associate with a Master of Arts in clinical psychology from Southern Illinois University. Ms. Tadlock has more than 20 years experience in psychological and clinical behavior testing for children, youth and adults, enabling her to provide clear diagnoses and accompanying counseling for individuals in a variety of life-situations.

Orion Mosko, Ph.D, is a Licensed Psychologist with a doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Texas. In his work with individuals, children and families, Dr. Mosko gained extensive experience with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, evaluation and intervention for brain-based behavioral impairments, and the implementation of assessment information to guide problem-oriented treatment recommendations. Dr. Mosko completed a post-doctoral fellowship in clinical psychology at the Baylor College of Medicine Menninger Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Menninger Child & Family program. Additionally, he also completed a post-doctoral fellowship in clinical psychology at Scott & White Clinic Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences.

William July, MS, Ph.D., LPC Intern, is a Provisionally Licensed Psychologist. He is an expert in counseling economically disadvantaged individuals, a published author on marriage issues, and a frequent speaker for mental health-related issues. Prior to earning a Ph.D. in clinical psychology, Dr. July served with the Houston Police Department.