Meet Ms. Bree Gamueda, a compassionate and dedicated graduate counseling intern at St. Mary's University! Bree believes everyone deserves support when navigating life's challenges, regardless of their background or profession. Her unique perspective is shaped by her experience as a former competitive athlete, including playing volleyball at both the junior college and Division 1 levels. This background gives her a deep understanding of the pressures athletes face, both on and off the field. Having personally navigated the external pressures and expectations of competitive sports, Bree is passionate about helping others—athletes and non-athletes alike—address their mental, emotional, and social well-being.

While Bree specializes in supporting athletes, drawing on her own experiences, her counseling services are available to anyone struggling with stress, anxiety, or other hardships. She is committed to holistic well-being and approaches each client with empathy, respect, and a genuine desire to empower them. Bree focuses on building resilience, stress management, and fostering a healthy mindset. As a graduate intern, she provides practical tools and support to help individuals thrive and live fulfilling lives.

Introducing Carolina Valdes, a kind and empathic graduate-level counseling student pursuing her master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at St. Mary’s University. Carolina’s drive to help others led her to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a minor in Psychology, along with a Pre-Health certification from the University of Texas at Austin. Although she was originally pursuing becoming a physician, Carolina realized that her passion is in mental health and empowering others to overcome life’s challenges and live joyful lives.

Carolina is bilingual and proficient in English and Spanish. She was born in Cuba and immigrated to Chile, where she spent most of her childhood. Through the challenges of immigration that her family faced, Carolina developed a unique perspective on the role that life experiences, trauma, and relationship dynamics play in an individual’s development. While completing her undergraduate degree, she worked full-time for many years with families and children. From her experience living in three countries, she developed an open-minded, multicultural lens through which she sees the world.

With a client-centered approach, Carolina offers individual counseling services to adults and children, as well as couples and family counseling. Book her today if you are ready to embark on a tailored, self-discovery experience that will empower you to overcome any obstacles that come your way and improve your quality of life.

Introducing Denise Dibildox, a passionate and dedicated Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate intern whose multicultural and life-rich background uniquely equips her to support clients on their journeys toward holistic well-being.

Originally from Mexico, Denise is bilingual (fluent in both English and Spanish), allowing her to connect deeply with diverse populations and bridge cultural nuances with empathy. Her experience extends beyond academics: as a former health coach, she understands the transformative power of wellness, lifestyle, and human connection.
Drawing from the enriching experience of raising a daughter and sustaining a 23-year marriage, Denise deeply appreciates the ways that life transitions, resilience, and relationships contribute to mental health. She integrates this lived wisdom into her work, encouraging clients to nurture their inner strengths and cultivate balance.

Denise’s approach is grounded in compassion, collaboration, and mindfulness. She weaves holistic practices, mindful living, and wellness strategies into her counseling, guiding clients toward self-discovery and empowering them to achieve their full potential.

Introducing Natalie Castillo, a compassionate master’s level counselor from St. Mary’s University. Originally beginning her academic career in accounting, Natalie discovered her true passion while working for the state of Texas, assisting individuals with their financial and benefit needs. This experience ignited Natalie’s desire to better help others, leading her to complete a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Media and Technology.

Natalie believes in the power of resilience and growth. She can help you unlock your potential and achieve your goals, providing personalized support every step of the way. Embark on your EPC journey to success with Natalie by your side. As a devoted mother, fur mom to Great Danes, and proud veteran wife, Natalie brings a wealth of life experience to her practice as a student intern at EPC.