OFFICE (361) 946-2256
Saving Hope Counseling, PLLC
Professional Counseling Services
Gabriela V. Cantu, MS, LPC-S
Licensed Professional Counselor - Supervisor
Owner of Saving Hope Counseling, PLLC
Gabriela V. Cantu, MS, LPC-S, received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology/Sociology in 2008 and a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Counseling in 2011 from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. She has over eighteen years’ experience providing counseling to families, children, couples, and adults. She is recognized as a Licensed Professional Counselor - Supervisor by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors. She offers weekly or as needed counseling to individuals in the Corpus Christi and the South Texas area.
"Since a young age, I have been passionate about becoming a counselor. I find deep fulfillment in working with couples and families, helping them navigate difficult life situations and create meaningful, lasting change. My husband, Jose Cantu, is a Certified Life Coach who collaborates with me in supporting couples through their journeys toward healthier, more balanced lives. Together, we are committed to providing guidance that fosters clarity, establishes boundaries, and empowers confident decision-making. In 2019, I founded Saving Hope Counseling to extend this mission to a broader community. We are dedicated to offering compassionate support and professional guidance to anyone seeking growth and healing. As a wife, mother and Supervisor, I am grateful to be living my lifelong dream of serving others in this deep and meaningful way.
I believe that everyone is worthy of loving the life they live, so I focus on mindfulness as well as staying active to encourage decent change. It is important to work together to see these changes impact your life in a way that produces resolution and purpose. I feel that discouragement can often lead to a downward spiral that can be hard to maneuver. It is so important to overcome unhelpful patterns of thinking and behavior, so you can feel and be better. My therapeutic approaches are Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Adlerian Therapy.”
Jose M. Cantu, CPC
Certified Professional Life Coach
Jose M. Cantu, CPC, is the founder of Cantu Life Coaching, LLC, in which he established in 2022 after his completion of the Certified Professional Life Coaching certification through Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. He is deeply committed to helping individuals cultivate a meaningful sense of happiness, purpose, and motivation in their lives.
His practice is rooted in delivering high-quality, professional, and compassionate support within a calm and welcoming environment. Jose utilizes a highly personalized approach, thoughtfully tailoring each session to align with the unique needs and goals of every client.
Through a collaborative process, he partners with individuals to clarify their aspirations and develop actionable pathways toward achieving them. Known for his empathetic and attentive presence, Jose creates a safe and supportive space where clients can openly explore challenges, gain insight, and build self-awareness. With an emphasis on mindfulness and present-focused growth, he guides clients in identifying and overcoming barriers that may be limiting their success and personal development.
Andrea Mendoza, Ph.D., LPC, NCC, EMDR-Trained
Licensed Professional Counselor
Andrea Mendoza is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a recent graduate of the Ph.D. in Counselor Education program at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. In 2023, she received her Master of Science in Professional Counseling with a specialization in Marriage and Family Counseling from Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. Andrea is also a National Certified Counselor and an EMDR-trained clinician currently pursuing EMDR certification.
Andrea’s clinical specialties include working with children, adolescents, couples, adults, and individuals from marginalized and underserved communities. She offers play-based services for children and integrates a variety of therapeutic modalities to meet the unique mental health needs of adolescents, couples, and adults. Her clinical approach is trauma-informed, relational, integrative, and creative, rooted in the belief that therapy is not “one size fits all.”
Andrea believes each client deserves a counseling experience tailored to their individual needs and goals. She views therapy as a collaborative process that fosters healing, self-awareness, emotional connection, and growth within a safe therapeutic environment. Through her work, she helps clients build more authentic relationships with themselves and others while developing the skills, tools, and confidence needed to navigate life’s challenges. Andrea is currently accepting new clients for in-person sessions.
Teri Lynn Hodges, MS, LPC, CCATP, CTMH
Licensed Professional Counselor
Teri Lynn Hodges, MS, LPC, CCATP, CTMH has over twelve years’ experience providing counseling to individuals in need. She has experience with sexual assault/domestic violence victims, individuals with mental health backgrounds as well as individuals looking to find their passion and live out their dream. She can help maneuver through life struggles to accomplish long-term and short-term goals. She is a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional and a Certified Clinical Tele Mental Health Specialist. She is certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Experiential Training, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Couples and Building Self Esteem in Youth! She offers weekly or as needed counseling to individuals in the Corpus Christi and South Texas area. She is currently offering Tele Mental Health sessions.
Shae Ball, M.Ed, LPC-Associate, MFT- Associate
Licensed Professional Counselor - Associate
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist - Associate
Shae-Lynn is an LPC-Associate and LMFT-Associate who provides therapy services under the supervision of Gabriela V. Cantu, MS, LPC-S and Dr. Staats, PhD, LMFT-S. With a background in psychology from her Associate of Arts (2019) and Bachelor of Arts (2021) degree, Shae is equipped to understand how the mind, behaviors, and emotions connect to one another in a way that allows her to create a tailored treatment plan to fit your therapeutic needs. In 2024, she earned her Masters of Education in Counseling & Development with a specialization in Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy from Lamar University.
Populations that Shae-Lynn is especially drawn to working with include adolescents, culturally diverse individuals, emerging adults, LGBTQIA+ individuals, maternal mental health, Neurodiverse individuals, clients navigating non-traditional relationships, and anyone navigating body image issues, anxiety, depression, struggles with people-pleasing/boundaries, work/life balance, intimacy problems, and life transitions. Shae recognizes the importance of utilizing various therapeutic approaches and techniques, flexibly adapting her methods session-by-session depending on what issues are being explored. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Relational-Cultural Theory, Narrative Therapy, Gottman’s Theory, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy are some of the approaches Shae likes to use to discover the underlying cause of your struggles before working towards creating strong coping skills and meaningful changes in your life. Shae-Lynn's goal is to maintain a safe and non-judgmental space to empower clients to be their most authentic self and develop the tools needed to navigate life's challenges independently.
"Healing is not linear. Healing happens in layers."
When Shae is not in the therapy chair, you'll find her reading, playing video games, trying out new hobbies, and playing with her two sweet kittens. She meets with clients both in-person as well as virtually, and she's currently accepting new clients. Call the office today to inquire about rates, insurance coverage, and scheduling opportunities.
Samantha Martinez, MS, LPC-Associate
Licensed Professional Counselor - Associate
Samantha Martinez is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (supervised by Gabriela V. Cantu, MS, LPC-S). Since 2017, she has passionately dedicated herself to the mental health field, working with individuals facing challenges such as autism, anxiety, depression, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). She enjoys working with a diverse range of clients, including adolescents, teens, adults, and couples. She earned her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University in 2025 and has since utilized therapeutic approaches like Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy. She is committed to meeting clients where they are at in their journey by using a person-centered approach. Her focus is to prioritize the client and their unique experiences, ensuring you have a safe and welcoming space to explore your thoughts and emotions. She looks forward to assisting you to navigate your path and work towards your goals. She is now accepting new clients for in-person and telehealth sessions.
Gabriela Reyes - Student Intern
Student Counselor-In-Training
Supervised By Gabriela V. Cantu, MS, LPC-S
Gabriela Reyes is currently a counselor in training who will be working under Gabriela V. Cantu, MS, LPC-S. Gabriela graduated in 2023 with her bachelor's in psychology and is actively working on her master's in professional counseling at Texas A&M University Corpus Christi. She is passionate in creating a safe therapeutic space for her clients from all backgrounds. Gabriela plans to utilize the different resources and tools available to her in order to create a positive impact for her clients. She is looking forward to working on what works best for you and your mental health.
Sarah Morrison- Student Intern
Student Counselor-In-Training
Supervised By Gabriela V. Cantu, MS, LPC-S
Sarah Morrison has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and has spent years in the accounting field. Having felt a nudge to pursue a career in mental health, Sarah entered the Master of Education in Mental Health Counseling program at Texas A&M Corpus Christi. She is passionate about creating trusting therapeutic relationships and believes that trust is the key to walking with clients as they navigate their mental health challenges. She looks forward to sharing her knowledge and experience to help clients meet their goals.
Katie Feider- Student Intern
Student Counselor-In-Training
Supervised By Gabriela V. Cantu, MS, LPC-S
Katie Feider is a student counselor-in-training, who will be working under the supervision of Gabriela V. Cantu, MS, LPC-S. She had prior clinical experience in working with foster care children at a residential treatment facility experiencing escalated behaviors and teaching effective coping strategies. Katie received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a minor in Business from Texas A&M University-College Station, and is currently working towards a Masters of Science degree in Professional Counseling with a specialization in Marriage and Family Counseling through Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. Katie is passionately called to working with couples, families, and adults and views relationships as an essential component to thriving in daily life. Due to her upbringing in a military family, Katie strives to remain adaptable for clients and work in alignment with their personal values through compassion and openness.
Nancy Le- Student Intern
Student Counselor-In-Training
Supervised By Gabriela V. Cantu, MS, LPC-S
Nancy Le is a student counselor-in-training, who will be working under the supervision of Gabriela V. Cantu, MS, LPC-S. She had prior experience in working with youth on the autism spectrum, and has also had experience in working to advocate for and provide resources to adults who had mental health needs and intellectual disabilities. Nancy received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi, and is currently working towards a Masters of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Colorado Christian University. Nancy is passionate about working with children, adolescents, and young adults, and will apply various theoretical approaches and techniques in order to help meet the needs of each client. She looks forward to collaborating with you, to empower and encourage you in facing the challenges that come your way.
Piper White - Student Intern
Student Counselor-In-Training
Supervised By Gabriela V. Cantu, MS, LPC-S
Piper White is a student counselor-in-training, who will be working under the supervision of Gabriela V. Cantu, MS, LPC-S. She has prior clinical experience in working with individuals of all ages and backgrounds experiencing mental health crises, supporting and advocating for the needs of children in foster care and providing neuropsychological evaluations for those with cognitive-related deficits and differences. Piper received her Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with minors in Psychology and Biology from University of Houston - Downtown, and is currently working towards a Masters of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi.
Piper is passionate about working with clients who identify as Neurodivergent and those who have experienced complex trauma. She takes into consideration social, family and cultural systems, and the impact they have on everyday problems and situations. She believes healing is relational and has a person-centered, trauma-informed approach to her clinical practice. Piper shows up with an authentic warmth that encourages her clients to shine and rise to their fullest, most empowered self. Through creative strategies and collaboration, Piper helps clients recognize their worth by deconstructing shame and embracing their truth.
Jordan Rodgers- Student Intern
Student Counselor-In-Training
Supervised By Gabriela V. Cantu, MS, LPC-S
Jordan Rodgers earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice from Texas State University, followed by a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Forensic Psychology from Capella University. She is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University as she works toward becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor.
Jordan’s passion for counseling is rooted in her deep respect for the resilience of the human spirit and her belief that every person deserves to feel heard, valued, and supported. She has extensive experience working with families in crisis and within the court system, where she has walked alongside clients navigating complex emotional and legal challenges. She also brings significant experience working with children and adolescents through previous employment and community engagement, helping young people feel safe, understood, and empowered.
Jordan approaches the counseling relationship with warmth, authenticity, and compassion. She believes healing begins in a space built on trust, empathy, and genuine care. Guided by strong personal values of integrity, service, and hope, she strives to create a welcoming environment where clients can explore their stories, build resilience, and work toward meaningful change.
Lauren Chippas - Student Intern
Student Counselor-In-Training
Supervised By Gabriela V. Cantu, MS, LPC-S
Lauren Chippas is a current graduate student at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, where she is pursuing a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She earned her undergraduate degree in psychology with a minor in human services from Sam Houston State University in 2024.
During her high school years, Lauren experienced significant anxiety and depression. Through her own counseling journey, she gained valuable tools and support that helped her navigate those challenges. This experience inspired her to pursue a career in the counseling field.
Lauren is passionate about working with children and adolescents, particularly those experiencing anxiety related to school, sports, or everyday life. As a former competitive gymnast for 13 years and a gymnastics coach, she understands the unique pressures young athletes face and brings that perspective into her work.
Her professional experience includes working as a long-term paraprofessional substitute in an adaptive education classroom, where she developed a deep appreciation for and commitment to supporting children with special needs.
She looks forward to the opportunity to work collaboratively with clients and support them in their personal growth.