Guy Bender brings over 14 years of experience to his counseling practice, personalized outpatient services, and consulting role. Guy began his career as a trauma specialist serving as a Program Counselor at a premier treatment center in Arizona. Through the experience, Guy learned that many mental health diagnoses, including anxiety, depression, addiction, and substance abuse, are often rooted in physical and emotional trauma. Guy continues to focus his professional training on trauma modalities, including EMDR, Brainspotting, Internal Family Systems, and Neurofeedback. Guy has advanced training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and became a certified EMDR therapist because of the effectiveness of this therapeutic approach. Guy has participated in clinical focus training with Richard Schwartz, the founder of Internal Family Systems, and Somatic Therapy training with Peter Levine, the originator of Somatic Experiencing. Guy is a trained Neurofeedback practitioner and is passionate about understanding neuroscience, the brain-body connection, and how it plays an integral part in mental and emotional wellness.

Guy also served as Director of Operations and Clinical Director and was fundamental in designing and implementing the Outpatient program at Heights Treatment in Houston, TX. From this rich therapeutic experience, Guy learned to blend evidence-based practices and integrative therapies so that his clients experience cutting-edge therapeutic interventions that increase the likelihood of better treatment outcomes. He brings this comprehensive expertise to his practice and customized outpatient services.

Shannon is a licensed clinical social worker and is licensed in Chemical dependency counseling. Shannon also holds a certification as a clinical social worker supervisor.

Shannon has over 30 years of experience in the mental health field, working in various settings, including research, detox, residential, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and private practice. Shannon has specialized training in trauma-informed yoga, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). She also uses strengths-based, client-centered, relational, systems theory, Motivational Interviewing (MI) Harm reduction, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Choices Theory. Shannon is versed in various recovery programs, including SMART, Refuge, and 12-step.

Shannon brings a rich diversity of working with adolescents, adults, couples, and families to her therapy practice. Shannon has a high aptitude for cultural sensitivity and has expertise working with HIV, GLBTQI, and other religious or secular backgrounds and various alternative community circles.

Jeffrey earned his M.A. in Psychology at the University of Houston in 2003 and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S). He received his certification from the International Institute of Trauma and Addiction Professionals (IITAP) and is a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT). Jeffrey is also affiliated with the Houston Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (HAMFT).

Jeffrey facilitates individual and group therapy sessions and plays a role in the treatment planning process, encouraging clients throughout each step on their path toward recovery. He served as a clinical team member and a sex addiction consultant for Luna Recovery. Jeffrey has also served as a recovery therapist at The Council on Recovery and as a primary therapist at Heights Treatment Center.

His own healing inspires Jeffrey. He enjoys working with people whose stories remind him of his own. He loves how small and close-knit the recovery community feels, even in a large city like Houston. In his free time, Jeffrey enjoys spending time outdoors. His hobbies include motorcycle riding, kickboxing, golf, and training for his next marathon.

Vanessa is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Nationally Certified Counselor. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Foods from the University of Houston and a Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Houston - Clear Lake. Her clinical experience includes individual therapy, group therapy, and neurofeedback in residential, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient settings. Vanessa utilizes Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Solution-Focused therapy to help clients struggling with challenges such as trauma, self-esteem, PTSD, disordered eating, substance abuse, grief, depression, anxiety, and boundary issues.

Vanessa practices from a multicultural perspective in which she emphasizes the client's personal values and culture within the counseling process. She holds space for clients to process and explore solutions for the issues they are experiencing in each season of their lives. Vanessa believes it takes courage to prioritize mental health, so it is important to her that clients feel safe, heard, and understood. She strives to empower individuals to be vulnerable and open so they can find freedom in their mental health and live life more abundantly.

Sarah McGinnis is a Licensed Professional Counselor - Associate in the state of Texas and holds a Master of Science from the University of Houston.

Sarah specializes in Narrative Therapy, a treatment modality based on the premise that life can be viewed as a story with an ending not yet written. Thus, there is room for rewriting and new interpretations of one’s own story. She is also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and focuses on supporting and facilitating the healing process of physical, sexual, and relational traumas.

Sarah is known for her warm, caring nature that creates an atmosphere of unconditional acceptance which is tempered by her ability to challenge her clients for optimal growth. Sarah believes that psychological healing involves a spiritual connection to something greater than oneself.

Darryan is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate at Connect Clinical Services. She completed her Master's Degree at King’s University located in Southlake, Texas. She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Texas A&M University, where she became enthralled by curiosity about the human experience. Darryan is a Neurofeedback technician and has specialized training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). She has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in professional settings, including early childhood education, before and after-school programming, youth ministry, and business management. Darryan loves supporting individuals on their wellness journey, deepening their understanding of self, identifying maladaptive coping strategies, and helping equip them with tools for healthy processing, practical communication, and goal achievement.

Briana received her Bachelors of Science in Child Development and Family Living from Stephen F. Austin State University and her Masters in Clinical Social Work from the University of Houston. She works with a myriad of issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, bipolar disorder and stress. Briana has a general interest in working with individuals with trauma and does EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). She uses a client centered approach to help clients reach their own goals and aspirations for their lives. Briana’s ultimate goal is for clients to feel empowered and equipped with the skills they need to navigate life’s challenges, and live fulfilling lives.

Stephanie Bender brings over 14 years of experience as a case manager in various professional settings to her role as Directors of Neurofeedback and Practice Manager.

Stephanie is a neuroscience student and became interested in integrative therapeutic solutions, neuroplasticity, and how the brain can be retrained through Neurofeedback to optimize well-being and improve performance with various conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, trauma, and other mental health concerns.

Stephanie has completed Certification training as a Neurofeedback specialist. She has been instrumental in integrating Neurofeedback into the continuum of care for a partial hospitalization program, intensive outpatient programs, and private practice settings.

Our Team

Our Team

Our Team

Our Team

Our Team

Our Team

Guy Bender

CEO / Clinical Director

Licensed Professional Counselor

Shannon Tantillo

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Jeffrey P. Rice

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor

Certified Sex Addiction Therapist

Vanessa Green

Licensed Professional Counselor

Sarah McGinnis

Licensed Professional Counselor Associate

Supervisor Stephanie Frey LPC-S

Darryan King

Licensed Professional Counselor -Associate

Supervisor Cassie Reid Ph.D LPC-S

Briana Dergent

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Stephanie Bender

Alec Noack

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