Meet Our Therapists

THéODORE HALLS

Graduate Level Intern Therapist, He/Him

I believe that healing begins with understanding ourselves, our relationships, and the systems that shape our lives. As a Graduate Intern at Talk Therapy Austin, I am committed to helping individuals, couples, and families make sense of their experiences, navigate challenges, and build lives rich with meaning and connection.

I specialize in working with individuals facing substance use disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder, as well as families navigating transitions throughout the family life cycle. I also provide narrative therapy for neurodivergent individuals, helping clients reframe their stories to honor their unique perspectives while fostering self-acceptance and empowerment. My clinical work is guided by the belief that when individuals feel genuinely understood—both by themselves and those around them—they gain the clarity and confidence needed to move toward meaningful change.

I am earning my Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Abilene Christian University, and my approach to therapy is deeply rooted in systems thinking. I recognize that our struggles don’t exist in isolation—they are influenced by the relationships, reinforcers, and narratives that define our world. I aim to help clients uncover these patterns and reshape their stories to empower growth, strengthen relationships, and cultivate a more profound sense of fulfillment.

Outside of therapy, I find meaning in life’s simple joys—cooking a great meal, traveling to new places, getting lost in a book, or playing guitar with friends. My wife and I welcomed our first child in December 2024, and we love building our life together in the Hill Country of Austin. 

I offer in-person and telehealth sessions at a rate of $25 per session. I can be reached at theodore@talktherapyustin.com. 

ERIN PANG

Graduate Level Intern Therapist, He/Him

My approach to therapy centers on creating a safe and comforting space where clients feel truly seen and heard. I believe that everyone’s experiences are unique- often shaped by circumstances and relationships that others may never fully understand. My goal is to provide a supportive environment where we can work together, exploring new perspectives and strategies to manage life’s challenges.

Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply looking for a space to feel understood, I am here to meet you with empathy, curiosity, and a deep respect for your journey.

I’m especially drawn to systemic therapy, which looks beyond the individual to understand how our environment, relationships, and past experiences shape who we are today. I believe that therapy is not about “fixing” someone, but about walking alongside them as they uncover their strengths, develop insight, and move toward healing and growth.

When working with children, I enjoy incorporating creativity and play into sessions to help children express themselves in ways that feel natural and safe. When working with couples, I aim to foster a space where both partners feel supported, allowing them to reconnect, resolve conflicts, and move forward with greater clarity and compassion.

I am currently in my final year of the Marriage and Family Therapy Master’s program at Abilene Christian University and hold a B.S. in Psychology from Arizona State University. As a graduate-level intern therapist, I am passionate about working with children, individuals navigating anxiety and depression, and couples seeking to strengthen their connection and communication.

When I’m not in the therapy room, I enjoy staying active through sports like pickleball and golf—and I love exploring new places through travel whenever I can.

I offer in-person and telehealth sessions at a rate of $25 per session. I am supervised by Angela Funke, MA, LMFTS and can be reached at erin@talktherapyustin.com. 

JORDAN GARCIA 

Graduate Level Intern Therapist, She/Her

Welcome to therapy! Whether you are learning for the first time to allow yourself to feel emotions, or emotions have seemed to take over, I want to help you find the balance that is right for your life. I accept you for who you are, and I don’t judge you for your story. And, I can’t wait to help you feel the same way!

I am passionate about working with individuals who identify as geeks, including things such as DnD, comic books, anime, gaming, etc., and those who feel like an outsider or misunderstood. You are seen, and not alone on your journey. I also specialize in anxiety, both general and social, life transitions, emotional intelligence, LGBTQIA+, and relationship issues. I believe that we are all shaped by relationships, society, and the circumstances of our own lives, and this makes each person different.

My approach to therapy is person-centered and comes from the belief that by talking through experiences and issues together, we can find the way forward. I work to create a safe, inclusive, and non-judgmental space that allows for growth and discovery, and facilitates you in finding solutions. I also incorporate behavioral therapy to provide a guide for change and organizing thoughts that are moving too fast to hold onto. These work together to help build self-esteem and the confidence that you will be able to work through any problem that may come your way. I work with a multicultural lens and work to incorporate your culture, background, and interests to help you feel more comfortable and empowered in your therapeutic experience. It is important to remember that it may take time; we will continue to work to make it easier.  You are in charge of your therapy and growth, and I will be there every step.

Outside of the office, you will find me baking, reading, eating delicious food, running around with my dog Opal, traveling, and playing DnD, Magic: The Gathering, or board games with friends.

I am a graduate student at Lamar University and working towards my master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and I have a B.F.A in Technical Theatrical Design. My undergraduate degree has given me the ability to work well under high-pressure circumstances, as well as use storytelling and creative methods to help with expression.

I am under supervision by Angela Funke, MA, LMFT-S, and offer in-person and telehealth sessions. Appointments can be made by contacting me at jordan@talktherapyaustin.com.

CHLOE SCOGIN 

Graduate Level Intern Therapist, She/Her

I believe that self-care is so important. Self-care can be physical, mental, emotional, and social. It's important to find what activities fill your cup and make you feel your best. For me self-care is making time to read, going on nature walks, reading my bible before bed, and spending time with my family. When was the last time you made time for you?

I have always been intrigued by the brain and human behavior as well as having a passion for helping others, thus pursuing a career in Mental Health. Leaning into my curiosity, I enrolled at Lamar University, where I am currently working towards my master’s degree in Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy. Before starting that program, I earned a bachelor’s degree in Family Studies at Lamar University.

Throughout my studies Cognitive Behavior Therapy has stood out to me the most. CBT focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. I understand that not everyone has the power to change their circumstances, but they can change the way they think and react. I believe that therapy is collaborative and requires effort from both the client and therapist. I want to work together to change those unhelpful thoughts and behaviors.  Education is also very important to me; I want to equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to thrive.

I offer in-office, walk and talk, and telehealth sessions at a rate of $25 per session. I am supervised by Angela Funke, MA, LMFTS. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a session, please contact me at chloe@talktherapyaustin.com

ASHLEY FONTENOT 

Graduate Level Intern Therapist, She/Her

Hi everyone, my name is Ashley. I am a graduate student at Capella University studying Marriage and Family Therapy. I am currently in the process of becoming Gottman Certified and my work with couples is influenced by the Gottman Method. My work with individuals is very collaborative and narrative based. I enjoy hearing people’s personal narrative and seeing how stories shift over time and how stories have affected people and their day to day lives. While I work with all couples, families and individuals alike, I have a particular interest in working with the queer community. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community myself, I believe people should be not just tolerated for their identities, but celebrated. I aim to create a safe space for all of my clients and create a space where each person I interact with can be celebrated. I also aim to create a safe space where clients can share their stresses, concerns, wins and their personal narratives.

Before I decided to pursue a career as a therapist, I worked in childcare. I worked as a daycare provider, a nanny and as a preschool teacher. My previous work with children has not only brought me confidence in working with children and families, but these opportunities have also strengthened my patience, creative thinking, and empathy. All of these skills I apply to my work as a therapist when working with couples, families and individuals.

When I am not working with clients, I can be found pursuing one of my many hobbies. These hobbies include scrapbooking, playing board/video games, attending concerts, walking around Zilker, and spending time with my two cats Curtis and Winston.

I offer in-person and telehealth sessions at a rate of $25 per session under the supervision of Angela Funke LMFT - S. I can be contacted through email: ashley@talktherapyaustin.com ashley@talktherapyaustin.com

Let’s connect!

CYDNI SMITH

Graduate Level Intern Therapist, She/Her

Cydni is a Marriage and Family Therapy intern who brings warmth, multicultural insight, and a systemic lens to her work with individuals, couples, and families. Raised in a military family, Cydni grew up living in Germany, Peru, Brazil, and across the U.S., which instilled in her a deep sensitivity to cultural nuance, transition, and resilience. By the age of 18, she had visited over 18 countries—an experience that shaped her passion for understanding the human experience across borders, generations, and identities.

Cydni holds a B.A. in Psychology from Huston-Tillotson University, where she graduated with honors and led community-based research focused on the needs of children with incarcerated caregivers. Her early experiences volunteering through U.S. Embassies abroad, combined with her undergraduate advocacy and research, continue to inform her commitment to equity, service, and family healing.

Clinically, Cydni is passionate about supporting children and families seeking intergenerational healing, as well as young adults and college-age individuals navigating major life transitions. She draws from Structural, Narrative, and Transgenerational therapies to help clients understand how roles, stories, and generational patterns impact their relationships. She believes healing happens when individuals and families are empowered to rewrite the stories that no longer serve them and reestablish healthy, connected ways of being together.

Cydni also honors the role that faith and spirituality can play in the healing process. For clients who desire it, she welcomes the integration of faith-based values, prayer, or spiritual reflection as part of the therapeutic journey—always at the client’s pace and preference.

Cydni is especially invested in supporting military families, first-generation clients, and individuals navigating cultural adjustment or relational stressors. She approaches therapy with empathy, collaboration, and curiosity, always holding space for both self-discovery and meaningful change.

Cydni is under the supervision of Angela Funke, MA, LMFT-S, and offers both in-person and virtual sessions. cydni@talktherapyaustin.com

EDWARD BAPTISTE

Graduate Level Intern Therapist, He/Him

My name is Edward Baptiste, and I am a graduate student pursuing a degree in Mental Health Counseling with a focus on trauma. With 30 years of teaching experience, I bring a wealth of knowledge from working with diverse groups, including partnering with parents and guardians to build healthy relationships both at school and at home. Additionally, I have a background in helping individuals and families in need, offering support and guidance through challenging times.

My therapeutic approach is rooted in person-centered, narrative therapy, empowering individuals to take control of their stories and healing processes. I am eager to work with a multi-generational client population, offering support across various life stages. My goal is to create a safe, compassionate space for clients to explore their inner strengths and foster meaningful change.

You can reach me at edward@talktherapyaustin.com

VANIA NERI

Graduate Level Intern Therapist, She/Her

My name is Vania, and I’m so happy you’re here! 

As your therapist, I aim to create a warm, safe, and therapeutic space where you feel seen and heard. I believe that we all can heal from deep-rooted trauma, and I want to support you in your healing. Together, we can work on breaking generational cycles, soothing over wounds, and starting to look towards the future. 

I take an eclectic approach to therapy as I believe therapy is not a one-size-fits-all all. However, I draw from a humanistic approach and incorporate person-centered, Gestalt, and existential components into therapy. While I work with all individuals, I hold a great interest in working with BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ folks. As a first-generation queer Latina, I know it can be daunting to start your healing journey, and my goal is to empower you on your journey. 

I’m currently working on my M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and hold a B.S. in Behavioral Neuroscience with a minor in Social Welfare from St. Edward’s University.   

Outside of the office, I enjoy staying active through yoga and pilates, exploring coffee shops, and spending time with friends and loved ones. 

I offer bilingual, Spanish and English, in-person and telehealth sessions at a rate of $25 per session. I am supervised by Angela Funke, MA, LMFTS and can be reached at vania@talktherapyaustin.com

I look forward to working together and nurturing your growth!

ANNIE DAHM

Graduate Level Intern Therapist, She/Her

I believe we all have the ability to heal from within — sometimes we just need a little help tuning in and finding the clarity we already carry. 

I offer a warm, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard, respected, and deeply understood. My approach to therapy is integrative and client-centered, with a focus on building a genuine therapeutic relationship that fosters trust, openness, and meaningful self-exploration. 

I work collaboratively with clients to help them become more mindful of their thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations — exploring how these experiences combine to shape their perception of themselves and the world around them. By increasing self-awareness and developing practical tools for emotional regulation and connection, clients can begin to show up in their lives with greater intention, confidence, and clarity. I draw from a range of evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Narrative Therapy (NT),  Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and mindfulness practices.

I specialize in supporting individuals and families navigating the perinatal period, as well as teens facing emotional, behavioral, or identity-related challenges. If you're ready to take the next step, I'm here to walk alongside you and support you as you move forward, one step at a time.

I am supervised by Angela Funke, MA, LMFTS. You can reach me at annie@talktherapyaustin.com