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Betsy Nacim, Ph.D.
Dr. Nacim is fluent in English and Spanish. She received her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Capella University in 2009. She completed a formal program in Neuropsychology through an APA approved post-doctoral program at Fielding University in 2016. She completed two years of post-doctoral supervision under Dr. Arnold Purisch, who is a published forensic neuropsychologist in California.
Dr. Nacim went on to complete an APA approved post-doctoral degree in Psychopharmacology from Alliant University in 2019. She does not intend to use her degree to prescribe medication (also, it is not allowed in Texas). Rather, she uses this knowledge to understand brain functioning at the neurochemical level and the effects of medication on neurocognitive functions. Therefore, Dr. Nacim will always defer to the prescribing provider for all medication decisions.
Prior to becoming a psychologist, Dr. Nacim obtained a master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin).
As a therapist, she believes in a direct approach to being the person who helps people gain agency and insight into their growth and development. She works with adolescents, adults, and couples. Dr. Nacim has extensive training and experience in trauma therapy (including exposure therapy, EMDR, and CPT), CBT, DBT, biofeedback, and hypnosis.
Emily McKenna, M.A., LPA
Emily obtained her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Texas – Pan American in 2011 and became a Licensed Psychological Associate in 2012, earning independent licensure in 2017. Since that time, Emily has provided therapy services and psychological evaluations to children and adults to determine appropriate diagnoses and treatment recommendations.
Emily is a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist, providing autism evaluations for ages 2 through adulthood, as well as autism-competent therapy services for adults with autism who may be struggling with symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma, and other psychological symptoms. Emily is also trained in providing trauma-informed EMDR Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Emily is fully dedicated to providing each of her clients with respect, acceptance, and compassion, and she flexibly adjusts her therapeutic approach to meet each client’s needs. Emily’s goal as a provider is to empower her clients with the tools they need to flourish on their own terms
Karla Auten, LCSW-S
(she/her/ella)
Karla is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, board certified supervisor. She has practiced in Texas since 2010 and has experience working with several populations including: Early Childhood Intervention (0-3), children and families in medical and non-profit settings, combat Veterans, and victims of physical/emotional/sexual abuse.
Karla is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Level 1 certified in Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy. She is trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). She believes that utilizing a multi-system approach ensures that healing occurs at the individual level.
Karla is registered with the Texas Board of Social Work Examiners as a supervisor for master level social workers (LMSW) seeking licensure for independent practice.
"My passion as a bilingual clinician is to provide skilled and collaborative trauma-informed care. As a native El Pasoan, I understand the unique characteristics of living in a border community. I look forward to providing you and your family with competent and culturally sensitive care in a safe, affirming space."
Jorge Marquez, PhD, LP
Dr. Jorge A. Marquez is a licensed clinical psychologist. He received his PhD in Clinical/Community Psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2013.
Dr. Marquez is a native to El Paso and is fluent in both English and Spanish. Besides providing counseling and psychological evaluations at AACC, he is the assistant director of the Counseling and Psychological Services center at UTEP and the Training Director of the El Paso Psychology Internship Consortium where he provides supervision and training to doctoral students and counseling services and clinical assessment to UTEP students. Dr. Marquez also teaches classes for the Department of Counseling, Special Education, and Educational Psychology at UTEP.
Julia Silverman
Julia is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, in both Texas and New Mexico. She also holds a Master Degree in Public Health and a third Master Degree in Business Administration. Yes, she loves school.
She has experience working with several populations including families in medical and non-profit settings, combat Veterans, and victims of physical/emotional/sexual abuse. Julia is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Julia also enjoys working with ADHD and Autism populations.
Gabriel Fontan
Dr. Fontan hold a PhD in forensic psychology from Walden University. He is currently completing his second PhD in Clinical Psychology. He holds a Master of Philosophy in Forensic Psychology in 2020, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Texas at El Paso in 2015. His academic work includes publications in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology and Walden University’s Doctoral Studies collection, as well as research presentations at national conferences.
HGabriel has over a decade of experience working across mental and behavioral health settings. He currently serves as a Care Coordinator at New Mexico Family Services, where he conducts comprehensive assessments, develops individualized care plans, and coordinates behavioral health and community services to support client wellness. His previous experience includes roles as a Behavioral Health Specialist, Registered Behavior Technician, and Mental Health Technician, working extensively with children and adults with developmental and psychological needs.
Dr. Fontan brings a fun and empathetic style with strong dedication to supporting and understanding patients' needs, fostering therapeutic environment that promotes mental wellness.
Vanessa Sifuentes
Vanessa is currently pursuing a PhD in Clinical Psychology at Walden University. She earned her Master of Science in Forensic Psychology from Walden in 2023 and her Bachelor of Science in Social Psychology, with a minor in Social Work, from Park University, graduating Magna Cum Laude.
Her professional background includes healthcare administration, investigations, and program supervision. She previously served as an Inspector in geriatric investigations, as well as a long-standing Program Supervisor at Emergence Health Network, where she managed day habilitation programs, developed individualized care plans, and led multidisciplinary teams to provide quality services to individuals with IDD and dual diagnoses.
Vanessa’s career also reflects her strong clinical foundation, having worked as a Psychiatric Nursing Assistant at El Paso Psychiatric Center, a Supported Employment Specialist with Community Options, and a Vocational Nurse.
Fluent in English and Spanish, Vanessa leverages her bilingual skills to bridge communication gaps and enhance culturally responsive care. She is deeply committed to ethical practice, staff development, and advancing equity in the fields of behavioral health and psychology.
Angelica Cardona
Angie is our office manager… and boss. She is bilingual in English and Spanish. She does everything she can to keep our group organized and functioning smoothly. She runs our schedules, billing, supplies, communications, and practically our lives! Maria received her Medical Billing & Coding degree from Vista College.