About Us
Safe Haven Refuge is a faith-based nonprofit organization in Friendswood, Texas, dedicated to creating a place of hope, healing, and restoration for individuals, families, and communities. Rooted in compassion and guided by biblical principles, we believe lasting transformation happens when emotional wellness and spiritual growth come together.
Meet the Team
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Dr. Angela K. Waggoner, LPC-S (TX, LA, VA, FL), LCDC, NCC, CSC
Founder/Owner/NBCC Approved Clinical Supervisor
Dr. Waggoner has been in private practice for over 10 years. She has three years of experience as a certified school counselor. In addition, she is the Online Department Chair at Houston Christian University, where she focuses on training future counselors.
Dr. Waggoner desires to help her clients reach their goals. She is client-centered and utilizes a Cognitive Behavioral approach. She describes herself as eclectic, as she also uses Narrative Therapy, EMDR, and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy.
Dr. Waggoner specializes in working with clients who have experienced pre-marital, marriage, divorce mediation, coparenting, crisis, trauma, complex trauma, PTSD, and suicidal ideations. Dr. Waggoner also specializes in supervising graduate students, LPC-As, and LPC-Rs.
Dr. Waggoner provides both in-office and virtual appointments for ages 10+.
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Christina Garcia, LPC
Executive Director, LPC-Texas
Christina’s area of specialty is working with adolescents and adults with ADHD. I also offer parenting classes and sessions to address needs for the home in working with your children with ADHD or ASD.
Christina also uses EMDR to help clients work through trauma in a more intense and targeted way than traditional therapy.
Finally, Christina offers training addressing ADHD, parenting, and classroom management skills for the community.
Christina provides both in-office and virtual appointments for all ages.
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Dr. Debbie Parker, LPC (VA,TX, CO, FL, SC, OH), DFBC/DFN
Executive Director, LPC-R - Virginia
Debbie’s expertise is working with clients with trauma responses and how trauma impacts the brain, body, and behaviors.
Debbie enjoys working with PTSD, complex PTSD, bipolar, borderline, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and anxiety.
Debbie’s favorite approaches: CBT, DBT, trauma-focused CBT (TFCBT), mindfulness-based stress reduction, and motivational interviewing.
Debbie’s sessions are held virtually. She works with 18+.
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Alexandra Golfis, LPC-A
Supervised by Angela Waggoner, LPC-S (TX, LA, VA, FL), LCDC, NCC, CSC
Alex is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate who works with adolescents and adults seeking therapy that slows things down and prioritizes emotional safety. She supports clients navigating anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, and life transitions using a trauma-informed, attachment-focused approach.
Alex has a special interest in working with complex trauma, chronic stress, grief, self-esteem, and patterns shaped by family or relational experiences. Her work integrates insight with nervous-system regulation and practical coping strategies, creating space for clients to heal at a pace that feels supportive, honest, and sustainable.
Alex offers in-office and virtual appointments.
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Carmen Waggoner, LPC-A
Supervisor: Kellie Hill
School behavior specialist with 11 years working in education
Specializes in working with children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral challenges, ADHD and autism.
Integrates psychoeducation, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Informed CBT and Strength Therapy.
Carmen provides in-office and virtual appointments with any age. Her speciality are ages 5 - 25.
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Carrie Curry, LPC-A
Supervisor: Dr. Angela Waggoner
My name is Carrie, and I graduated with my Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Stephen F. Austin State University in 2024 and am provisionally licensed by the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Committee. I interned at the Andrews Center, where I worked with adults suffering from depressive disorders, schizoaffective disorder, and bipolar disorder. I also worked with children and adolescents suffering from mental illnesses through AOC outreach. I have both personal and professional experience working with trauma, ADHD, PTSD, self-harm, depression, anxiety, panic disorders, phobias, suicidal thoughts, and cognitive distortions. With these experiences, I can use empathy and authenticity to create an accepting and understanding environment. I enjoy helping others, and I know that you are the expert in your life. I understand that while I may not be able to take away your hardships, I can walk with you so that you are not alone. Mental health recovery can be a long journey, but there is no reason why it cannot get better. I am here for you to remind you it will get better, and I will help you however I can, whatever that looks like. I strive to create a safe and supportive environment where you can grow, be heard, and develop into who you can potentially be. I aim to help my clients explore their emotions, build resilience, and develop healthy coping strategies. My approaches may be described as person-centered, as I know "one size fits all" is not applicable in therapy. I use evidence-based interventions based on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical-behavioral therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and strive to be holistic, as mental health impacts every aspect of life. I would be honored to help my clients and look forward to doing my best by them.
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Freddy Chacon, Resident in Counselor
I provide a consultative approach in which I help you analyze and process life and mental struggles. I offer specific scientific-driven tools for your conditions and support you throughout the exploration and implementation of those. As a Licensed Resident in Counseling in Virginia (VA# 0704015627), I work under the supervision and guidance of Dr. Angela K. Waggoner, LPC-S, NCC (VA # 0701007809). I am a career changer with diverse global business management experience working at some of the largest corporations. I am also a bilingual Spanish-English speaker. I believe in the power of therapy to methodically reflect upon life events, alleviate mental and emotional hurdles, and plan for a healthy and bright future. I enjoy working out, cooking, traveling, and pretty much anything that has coconut!
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James Frost, LPC-Associate
Supervised by Dr. Angela Wagonner, LPC-S
Most men and teen boys were never taught how to deal with what they’re feeling—they were taught to push through it, shut it down, or figure it out on their own.
I work with men and teen boys who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to handle stress, anger, anxiety, or pressure. I also work with parents who are trying to reach a son who has shut down, started acting out, or just isn’t himself lately.
In my experience, most people aren’t “broken”—they just haven’t been given the tools to understand and manage what’s going on inside.
My approach is real, straightforward, and practical. I create a space where you can talk openly without judgment or pressure, while learning skills that actually work in everyday life. Using evidence-based approaches like CBT and DBT, I help clients build emotional awareness, improve communication, and respond to life with more control and confidence.
For men, that means no longer carrying everything alone.
For teen boys, it means finally having a place where they can open up.
For parents, it means hope—and a path forward. -
Leah Walker, LPC-A
Supervisor: Chari Westcott
My greatest calling in life is to help young people overcome their obstacles. I have been working with teens and young adults for over 15 years. I am a certified mental health coach and certified youth mental health coach. I specialize in helping teenagers and young adults work through mental health challenges, such as anxiety, anger, and self-esteem, and address practical ways to cope with and manage situations.
Leah provides in-office and virtual appointments with ages 12-35.
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Oraleyda Rivas, Bilingual LPC-A
Supervised by Dr. Angela Waggoner
(Bilingual: English/ Español)
Oraleyda Rivas is a dedicated counselor and behavior specialist with over eighteen years of experience in education. Consistently implementing best practices through a trauma-informed care approach, she specializes in supporting students, adolescents, and families by fostering healthy mindsets and practical coping strategies. She is committed to providing a positive and supportive counseling experience where clients feel understood and valued. Her drive is to empower individuals to overcome challenges such as stress, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and trauma, equipping them to meet their personal goals.
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Alexandra Mendez, Grad Student Intern
Alexandra is a graduate counseling intern from the University of Houston–Clear Lake, working under the supervision of Christina Garcia, LPC.
She provides in-office and virtual appointments for clients of all ages, with a special focus on children, teens, and young adults.
Alexandra is passionate about building genuine connections with her clients and creating a supportive, collaborative environment where growth can take place. She is interested in working with individuals navigating anxiety, stress, and life transitions, while also having experience supporting children on the autism spectrum.
Her approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered practices, and Strength-Based strategies, along with psychoeducation, to empower clients and promote resilience.
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Melissa Nix, Grad Student Intern
My name is Melissa Nix, and I am currently a counselor-in-training at the Safe Haven Counseling Center, working under the guidance of Christina Garcia.
I possess a profound belief in the inherent capacity of each individual to grow, heal, and thrive, acknowledging that we all require support at various stages throughout our lives.
I hold in high regard the significance of the therapeutic relationship, coupled with my unwavering faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is through this connection that transformative change may be facilitated within a secure, trusting, and supportive environment. My therapeutic approach is both integrated and customized to meet the distinctive needs of each client. I perceive therapy as a collaborative journey wherein we jointly identify strengths, investigate underlying issues, and devise effective strategies for coping and resilience.
Whether one is seeking short-term support or long-term therapy, my objective is to establish a safe and nonjudgmental environment in which individuals can explore their feelings and thoughts, enhance their self-awareness, and cultivate the tools necessary for a more fulfilling and balanced life. I am genuinely enthusiastic about the opportunity to collaborate with you and to support your journey.
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Sarah Pool, Life Coach, QMHP
ADHD group therapy
Guiding children and teens to build their socialization skills and develop strong relationships with their peers
Specializing in special needs children and teens in a group therapy session
Helping children and teens who suffer from anxiety and panic attacks
Fun Facts
I love true crime stories and documentaries
Long distance running/200 mile finisher
Spending time at the beach
Reading books on psychology
Spending time with family and friends
Sarah provides in-office and virtual appointments with all ages.