ANA ARELLANO (she/her)

LPC, LCDC   Founder & Board President

Ana Arellano, LPC, LCDC, is a Texas licensed mental health counselor, trauma specialist, advocate for the arts and an active team member of the Texas Counseling Association.  Her community leadership is featured in Voyage Magazine’s “Local Businesses and Creatives You Should Know". She owns and operates Red Apple Therapy, PLLC, a group practice of seven mental health clinicians providing in person and remotely for Texas Residents.  Her practice specializes in treating trauma using EMDR, DBT, and cognitive-based Mindfulness Meditation. She is ranked among “Best Therapists in Austin, TX” by OnlineTherapy.com.

NICOLE LAPPIN (she/her)

Executive Board Member

Nicole is a healthcare executive with over a decade of combined experience in clinical mental healthcare, healthcare business development, implementation, operations, and strategy. Her personal and professional passion lies in the study of human connection, and helping others to

maximize life satisfaction at home and in the workplace.

Nicole received her clinical training at the Center on Halsted in Chicago, IL – the Midwest’s most comprehensive LGBTQ community center. In addition, she has training and experience in substance use treatment counseling, trauma informed care, and corrections rehabilitation

therapy. Nicole is passionate about health equity, supportive of Austin’s entertainment community, and is excited to utilize her clinical experience and knowledge of the healthcare system to better serve creatives in the industry.

DANIEL "BEHRYN" HATCHER (they/them)

Executive Board Member

Daniel "Behryn" Hatcher (they/them) is the District Administrator for Austin City Council District 1, where they advance policies rooted in equity, housing justice, public health, and inclusive civic engagement.

With eight years in the recovery field prior to City Hall, Daniel brings lived experience and frontline knowledge to their ongoing work in drug user advocacy and harm reduction, pushing for compassion and access over stigma and criminalization. They are also an early and ardent supporter of Mobilize Recovery, helping to build a national movement for recovery-ready communities. They hold state credentials as a peer specialist across mental health and substance use domains and is also a credentialed Peer Support Supervisor.

A fierce advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community, Daniel works to dismantle homophobia, transphobia, heterosexism, and non-consentual mono-normative cultural practices. Daniel performs as drag artist Sapphyre Monroe-Fillups, using art as a tool for awareness and fundraising.



Their work—whether in policy, advocacy, or performance—is guided by five principles: Unconditional Love, Limitless Compassion, Courageous Kindness, Selfless Service, and Absolute Integrity.

DEBORAH ESPINOSA (she/her)

Executive Board Member

Deborah Espinosa is an Austin based aerial performer and personal trainer at UT.  She has been in the nightlife entertainment industry performing for over 8 years and she is a proud member of the lgbtq community.  Deborah loves to share her passion for the aerial arts by teaching others, she currently coaches at Lache Movement Co. and Batcity.  Artists hold a special place in her heart, she wants to help other fellow performers find resources to help navigate and grow themselves and their careers in a demanding industry.

Evan J. Rae (he/him)

Treasurer

Evan J. Rae is a native of South Texas and a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin. He worked as a CPA in public practice with two of the Big 4 international accounting firms before entering the federal government, where he served primarily in the Department of Justice, but also for a time in the US Department of Health and Human Services. Upon retirement from government employment, he served as a Lieutenant in the Law Enforcement Division of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Office of Inspector General, and since 2019 has owned and operated a CPA firm, Evan J. Rae, CPA, and a Consulting and Private Investigations firm, Aegis ATX / 007 Intel.

During his tenure with the Department of Justice, Evan served, on a temporary basis, in Puerto Rico, Panama, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Spain, and in the Iraq Theatre of Operations. He has been quoted by name in USA Today and U.S. News and World Report on fraud matters, appeared in Newsweek magazine, and has had a case featured on the television series’ The FBI Files (Discovery Channel), Forensic Files (TLC), and others.

Evan has served on a number of Boards and Commissions, including the City of Austin Community Development Commission and the Boards of The Carver Museum, Austin Choral Union, and others. Evan lives in Austin and speaks Spanish.

Martin Martinez (he/him)

Executive Board Member

Martín Martinez is a dynamic leader, ecosystem builder, and master of live experience. With 20 years of award-winning production behind him, he’s the creative and operational force behind some of Texas' most iconic startup gatherings. As the Founding & Executive Director of Founder Institute Texas, Martín has grown a founder community across Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio, launching over 160 startups and helping raise more than $35M in early-stage capital.

Martín is also the Co-Executive Producer of FounderX, a global startup summit that has drawn attendees from over 41 countries—and helped position Texas as a new hub for international innovation. His event production chops run deep, from corporate activations with Google and Facebook to high-impact campaigns with Fortune 500s and mission-driven organizations.

A compelling public speaker and seasoned emcee, Martín has hosted over 700 events and conferences, known for his ability to bring clarity, fire, and connection to any stage. Whether he's raising millions in sponsorships, programming a global summit, or producing The Sunday Sanctuary at SXSW, he builds experiences that feel like both a celebration and a call to action.



Martín’s lived at the intersection of storytelling, strategy, and soul his entire career—and he brings that fusion to every room he steps into.

Emily “E” Sladek (e, em, eirs/any)

Executive Board Member

Emily “E” Sladek, MPA, is an innovative and mission-driven community organizer with over a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership, community-based research, evidence-based program design, disability advocacy, and higher education partnerships. As a disabled person, E has often experienced both employment and healthcare insecurity and knows the life-saving power of low-income and accessible mental healthcare. Recently, as a Partner in Policymaking through the Texas Council for Development Disabilities, E designed the public arts project, Crip Monologues: Stories towards bodymind literacy, to actualize disabled voices through education and public storytelling. Em joy routines are working with animals, open-water swimming, and connecting with people.

Jazmyn Conston (she/her)

Executive Board Member

Jazmyn made the conscious and purposeful decision to take this journey called life into the mental health and counseling field as a professional, advocate, supporter, and life-long learner.

As a licensed counselor, he is empathetic, knowledgable, and willing to partner with others to move towards their desired state of mental being and functioning. Jazmyn is has experience working with those who struggle with anxiety, depression, life transitions, stress, burnout, body image, identity, relationships, substance abuse and addiction, trauma, and more. She utilizes an integrative approach, incorporating different interventions that work with each individual person, including EMDR, CBT, DBT, Narrative Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Person-centered Therapy, and Mindfulness.

In addition to being a mental heath counselor, she is an executive director of HR and Operations, providing servant leadership, administrative needs, organization, and direction. She is also a student, soon to graduate with a Ph.D in Counselor Education and Supervision. 

Aaron Barba (They/Them)

Secretary

Aaron is an Indigenous two-spirit nonprofit leader, small business advisor, studio owner, and life-long advocate born to the Samala Chumash tribe of the Santa Ynez Valley.

With over a decade’s worth of experience as an advocate for the rights and needs of the communities they have served, Aaron has cultivated a strong career in standing up for those who are in need. Now they serve as the Executive Director & Founder of Love is Human. A 501(c)(3) that serves the Greater Central Texas Area through various programs that support the arts, culture, social justice, and advocacy efforts for community members and nonprofit/small business leaders alike. They have assisted thousands of performers, creatives, students, community members, business owners, and nonprofit leaders with anything from talent acquisitions to event management by utilizing their trauma-informed holistic case management style and their expertise in various industries. A journey that brought them to their husband-to-be and the beginning of Love Riot Studios, their audio/visual production studio.

Inspired by the elders of their tribe and their grandfather from the famous Chilean-folk band named Los De Las Condes, Aaron has made it their career to serve to reignite the hearts and minds of those in need through their knowledge and the arts. In the Samala Chumash tribe and under the guidance of their grandfather, they were taught how sacred the arts, the land, and the people are. As a result, they gained as many skills as they could while maintaining their status as a performer and a creative. Two things that revolutionized the way they look at the world and solidified their passions as an advocate of the community.

Paul Mathis, LPC

Pronouns: he/him

Everyone deserves a place to be fully seen and heard. My goal as a therapist is to create that space for you. I work with individuals and families as they learn coping strategies for anxiety and depression, communication and conflict management skills, and healthy habits to overcome addictions. I also utilize trauma informed care to work with clients as they show resilience in reclaiming their stories.

When I made the decision to pursue a career as an LPC, my primary desire was to work with people from underserved and marginalized communities. My previous experience has allowed me to work with unemployed/underemployed individuals to find gainful and long-term employment, to help the homeless population in my local community find access to housing, to mentor and educate adolescent refugees from Central African Nations as their families resettled, and to counsel those in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction.

Additionally, I have been grateful to have become involved with the local LGBTQ+ community. As the parent of 3 adult children who all identify as queer, being an ally has been an important part of my life and career. My wife, who is also a part of the community, and I are raising two young children to be vocal supporters and allies. One of our greatest joys is working with the local drag community in helping to host shows. Professionally, I have had the privilege of working with individuals and families as they learn to cope with issues that arise from simply being who they are created to be.

I believe everyone has a voice. I want to help you find yours.

Mary Landers, LCSW-S

I am a person centered therapist who strives to empower my clients to be their best selves. I have worked as a social worker for nine years in various environments providing my clients individualized services. I use my therapeutic relationship, mostly focused in cognitive behavioral practices and psychodynamic theory to provide in-depth assessment and assist clients in creating their treatment plan. I seek to provide both crisis intervention and ongoing support for my clients as they put in the work to lead more self actualized existences.

Patricia “Patsy” Dolan Bouressa, LCSW-S

Patricia “Patsy” Dolan Bouressa is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Supervisor with over 20 years of experience as a counselor, including over 9 years’s experience working specifically with individuals in the music industry and their partners and other gig workers. Throughout her career, she’s worked extensively with clients facing the unique challenges of career transitions, depression, anxiety, substance use disorder, and trauma.

Understanding the pressures and demands of the music industry and gig work, Patsy provides a safe and compassionate space for clients to process their experiences, build resilience, and develop healthier coping strategies. Her expertise allows her clients to address the specific stressors related to working in the music industry and doing other gig work, including unpredictable work, low wages, extended periods of time away from loved ones, work-life balance struggles, and the emotional complexities that come with navigating a career in the music industry.

Patsy has her own private practice serving these populations, harmonycounselingsupport.com, and also provides support to clients of Amber Health and The Roadie Clinic in addition to working with Night Owl’s clients.

John Tristan Salinas, LPC

Hi, I’m John Tristan Salinas. I’ve been working in the mental health field for over 10 years, and I’ve had the privilege of supporting people through all kinds of life challenges such as stress, anxiety, relationship struggles, big life transitions, and everything in between. I believe we’re all on our own individual journey, and there’s no “one right way” to grow or heal. 

My goal is simple: to help people move toward the life they want and feel more like themselves along the way. I care a lot about self-care, balance, and learning how to treat ourselves with the same compassion we give to others. In working with clients, I focus on creating a space that feels safe, inclusive, and free of judgment, where people can be real and talk about what’s actually going on. I am also a strong ally to the LGBTQIA+ community and am committed to affirming and respectful care for people of all identities and orientations.

Outside of therapy, I love gardening! There is something grounding about watching things grow. I also share my home with my two kids, my wife, three dogs, a cat, and a sulcata tortoise, so life is usually a little chaotic in the best way.

Adelle "Addy" Light, MS, LPC

Pain, trauma, and fear all steal our sense of safety and leave us feeling guarded and disconnected. For years, I could only connect with others through dark humor and commiserating over shared strife. Overtime, I learned how to set the jokes aside and let myself be vulnerable enough to genuinely connect. Life is too heavy to do alone, so I want to help you find your balance between laughing it all off and letting others help carry the weight. 

I take an existential, person-cenetered approach and believe change comes with understanding, acceptance, and authenticity. I believe meaning and purpose are something to be discovered and created, and are best found through connection and exploration with others. 

I have a strong understanding of neurodivergence and how different brains process things differently. I have experience helping to navigate mood disorders, anxiety, and self-harm. I am also a proud member of the LGBTQI+ community and bring my own personal experience and insight to the table when working with queer clients. 

Change is possible, and it is never too early or too late to start growing. 

Beatriz Annette Ceja, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker | DBT Certified | Poet | Community Leader

Beatriz Annette Ceja (known fondly as Mrs. Beaor Miss B) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and DBT-certified therapist with over a decade of experience in the social service field. With three years of dedicated clinical practice, she specializes in helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, ADHD, non-epileptic seizures, and major life transitions. Her therapeutic approach empowers individuals to manage impulsivity, isolation, and the complexities of parenting, breakups, and loss.

Beyond the therapy room, Beatriz is a formidable voice in the arts and a pillar of the Laredo community. A self-described "Chingona poeta from the barrio," she has been a member of the Laredo BorderSlam community since its inception 14 years ago. Her leadership includes serving two terms as President and her current role as Treasurer.

A decorated performance poet, Beatriz was the 2013 Laredo BorderSlam Champion and a finalist in the 2013 and 2017 Texas Grand Slams. She has represented Laredo on five different BorderSlam teams, channeling her professional experiences and personal reflections on work, love, and resilience into heart-wrenching, transformative poetry. Whether acting as a therapist, dating advisor, or community leader, Beatriz remains committed to helping others find their voice and healthier ways to cope with life's challenges.

Amanda Pumphrey, LCSW

Amanda Pumphrey is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). She earned her BA in Psychology, with minors in Human Development & Family Science and Social Work, at the University of Arkansas. She then earned her Master of Social Work at the University of South Carolina. Amanda specializes in working with LGBTQIA+ folks and is certified in LGBTQ-Affirmative CBT through the Yale Mental Health Initiative. She has over 8 years of experience in hospitals and outpatient care, supporting clients across the lifespan navigative medical, emotional, and life stressors. During her time in the outpatient setting, Amanda worked with trans and gender-diverse teens and their families to receive affirming medical care. Amanda offers a warm, collaborative space where clients can feel seen, supported, and empowered. In her free time, Amanda loves to cook, try new restaurants, and read. She is working towards a Pilates Teacher Certification and hopes to become a Trauma-Sensitive Yoga instructor.

Daniel Lightell Jr., LCSW

As a native of New Orleans, I have always understood and appreciated the place musicians, service industry workers and artists play in enriching our lives. It is my belief that a community that does not support these individuals is a community that risks losing its identity and way of

life.

As a former inner city community health therapist , I have had the opportunity to serve clients formerly of the New Orleans Musicians Clinic, as well as dancers, servers and other staff of the city's various clubs, restaurants and venues. These clients represented a wide array of personalities, sexual and gender orientations and backgrounds which has helped me understand and appreciate the unique challenges and perspectives of those who work in these industries.

As a therapist, I seek to understand the uniqueness of each client and help that client build on their innate strength. I see my role as a teammate focused on helping my clients solve their most challenging problems and develop effective ways of managing their lives. It is my hope

that my contributions will help build and sustain a community we all can thrive in.

Caitlin Cano

Marketing Director

Caitlin Cano is an Austin-based marketing director with years of experience in the entertainment industry, serving promoters and venues firsthand. She has also worked in the mental health music advocacy space as a Marketing and Development Director for nonprofit organizations supporting musicians and industry professionals. Caitlin’s passion centers on creating easier access to mental health resources, a challenge she has seen firsthand in Austin’s creative communities. She found alignment with Night Owl through its mission to make mental health care accessible, affordable, and stigma-free.