Hello, my name is Natalie Espinoza, and I am a Master’s Level Graduate Intern who is currently
pursuing a Master’s degree in Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling at Lamar University in
Beaumont, Texas. I am a QMHP-CS, and I hold a degree in English with a minor in women’s
studies from Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. Before entering the counseling
field, I was a middle school teacher committed to helping students achieve academic success
while supporting their social and emotional well-being. Throughout my teaching career, I have
built strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues by creating a safe, inclusive, and
supportive learning environment where every student feels valued and encouraged to reach their
full potential.
Working with adolescents has strengthened my ability to recognize the unique challenges
students face during the middle school years. I have experience supporting students with
academic planning, behavior management, conflict resolution, and social-emotional development while
collaborating with parents, administrators, and multidisciplinary teams to address
individual student needs. My classroom experience has reinforced the importance of empathy,
active listening, and effective communication. I hope to use these skills to reach clients of
varying ages in a new capacity.

My goal is to provide a safe space where clients feel comfortable expressing their own stories.

My clinical approach is influenced by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution-
Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT).

As an intern, my site supervisor is Ana Valenzuela-Feliz, LPC-S, NCC, LCDC, CTRP-C, and I
expect to graduate with a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in the Summer of 2027.