Meet Our Psychiatrists & Therapists | LifeSpring Behavioral Health

Medical Providers

Peter A. Johnson, M.D.

Dr. Johnson is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who inspires and empowers motivated individuals to achieve life transformation. His passion is helping established and emerging leaders reach their highest potential and maximize their impact on those around them. He offers executive coaching through Prodéo Coaching.com.

Dr. Johnson graduated magna cum laude from Bowdoin College and was awarded departmental honors in neuroscience. He received his M.D. from Baylor College of Medicine, where he then completed his residency training. He served as chief resident at The Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center and at The Menninger Clinic. He and his wife live in The Woodlands with their two teens.

Hilary Butella, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C, IFMCP-M

Dr. Hilary Butella is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with additional certification in Family Practice. She offers individualized psychiatric medication management that thoughtfully integrates physical wellbeing, lifestyle factors, emotional health, and spirituality. Her approach is rooted in compassion and empathy, with a strong emphasis on promoting holistic health and long-term wellness. Deeply inspired by her faith, Dr. Butella is committed to helping patients find strength and healing—mind, body, and spirit.

Dr. Butella received her Doctor of Nursing Practice and Post-Master’s Certification in the Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Program from Vanderbilt University. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner, from the University of Houston, and earned Bachelor of Science degrees from Texas A&M University and Texas Woman’s University.

As a Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner through the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM), Dr. Butella is uniquely trained to identify and address the root causes of illness through a systems-oriented, patient-centered approach. This certification reflects her commitment to practicing evidence-based, integrative care that supports each individual’s full health potential.

In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Butella serves as Casual Faculty, at the University of Texas Cizik School of Nursing in the Texas Medical Center. She lives in the Klein area with her husband and two daughters.

Amber Pyles, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, PMH-C

Dr. Amber Pyles is a doctorally prepared board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, holding an additional certification in perinatal mental health. She believes in a holistic and evidence-based approach to treatment, integrating medication management with psychotherapy to create personalized care plans that address each patients’ unique needs. She is dedicated to empowering individuals through education and support as they navigate their
journey toward mental wellness. With a keen interest in the mental health challenges women face at various life stages, Dr. Pyles specializes in providing support during pregnancy, postpartum, and the transition to motherhood.

Dr. Pyles received her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas at Tyler. Dr. Pyles is a perinatal mental health specialist who received her certification and specialized training from Postpartum Support International. She also volunteers with the organization to promote awareness, prevention, and treatment of mental health issues related to childbirth. She and her husband live in Magnolia with their daughter.

Quinn Walkley, PMHNP-BC

Quinn Walkley is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. He provides a holistic approach incorporating medication management as well as a mind-body approach. He believes that by combining mental, physical, faith, and spiritual well being each patient can achieve their full potential. Mental health is often an overlooked piece of people’s health and Quinn is passionate about empowering people so that they can live their best life.

Quinn received his Bachelors of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas at Arlington and his Masters of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. He also holds a Bachelors in Business Administration from the University of Cincinnati. He served as an emergency medicine, cardiac catheterization laboratory, and endoscopy nurse before obtaining his masters degree. He and his wife live in The Woodlands with their two dogs.

Idalia Viard, PMHNP-BC

Idalia Viard is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She is a dedicated clinician committed to making a positive impact in the lives of individuals facing mental health challenges. Idalia strives to provide comprehensive care that honors the unique experiences and needs of each individual. By incorporating supportive therapy, medication management, and holistic modalities, Idalia provides a safe space to help clients restore balance and empowers them on their journey to a healthier, happier life.

Idalia received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Spelman College and her Masters of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas Health and Science Center at Houston. She served as a psychiatric nurse working in various settings such as travel nursing, psychiatric emergency room, and crisis stabilization unit before obtaining her master’s degree. Fun fact, Idalia played varsity lacrosse in high school and led her team to two city championships. She is now part of a post-collegiate leisure Lacrosse team in Houston. She and her fiancé live in downtown Houston with their baby boy.

Therapists

Tammy E. Nix, MA, LPC-S, LCDC

Tammy Nix is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor who has worked in her field for over 10 years. She has a wide range of experience working with kids to adults in all transitions of life. She has extensive clinical experience in mental health hospitals, addiction treatment facilities, nonprofit organizations and outpatient practices. Tammy’s diverse background allows her to help address many topics such as stress, depression, anxiety, addiction, grief, trauma, mood disorders, mental health issues and marriage and family counseling. She has a humanistic style that integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and faith based principles to help people achieve their healthiest life possible. She has lived in the Houston area most of her life. She has 5 children and her family has cared for many children in foster care.

Tammy earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from the University of Texas at Arlington. She then went on to get her Master of Arts in Counseling from Houston Graduate School of Theology. She has additionally been trained in addiction, trauma focused care and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR).

Life is not always easy. If you are struggling and looking for support, why don’t you take that first step and give her a call. Through a relationship based on trust and respect, in counseling, you can walk through life’s journey together and make positive changes in your life! Tammy understands life is a journey and it does not have to be done alone. Her greatest joy in life is helping others reach their full potential. She is here to support you in achieving the goals you have for your life.

Emily M. Lash, M.A., NCC, LPC

Emily M. Lash, MA, NCC, LPC strives to embolden individuals to meet life’s challenges with insight, courage, and hope through a constructive therapeutic relationship. She is licensed to practice professional counseling in the state of Texas. Emily earned her master’s degree in counseling from Northwestern University and her bachelor’s degree from Baylor University.

Her clinical experience includes working with a diverse clientele of adolescents and adult individuals, couples, and groups in the Charlotte and Washington, D.C. metropolitan areas. She integrates psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and logotherapy to help individuals gain self-understanding, implement helpful thought and behavior patterns, and find opportunities for healing and growth. Her core counseling values are rooted in Biblical teachings.

She and her husband are thrilled to return to the Houston area where they are surrounded by family, friends, and a supportive church community. Emily enjoys leading group fitness classes and spending time in the beautiful mountains of Southwestern Colorado.

Christian counseling

Michael P. Groves, MA, NCC, LPC

Michael Groves is a Licensed Professional Counselor. Michael received a master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Sam Houston State University, a Master of Divinity from Covenant Theological Seminary, and a bachelors from Auburn University. He spent more than 20 years in pastoral ministry in Texas counseling individuals, couples, and families facing many diverse life challenges. He then spent 11 years in the construction industry in Alaska managing his father’s company and performed sales and management for another large construction company. Recently he served as counselor intern for the Good Shepherd Mission in Huntsville working with the homeless and transient dealing with addictions, transition from prison life, and numerous disorders and other life difficulties.

Michael’s goal is to empower individuals, couples, and families to deal with tough and debilitating problems and enable them to experience liberating transformation. He believes this is best accomplished in a safe, non-judgmental, and encouraging relationship between counselor and client. Michael’s approach is both optimistic and direct. He enters the world of his clients probing underlying complications and current obstacles to discover new ways to deal with and overcome incapacitating troubles. Michael deals with depression, anxiety, anger, trauma, grief, marriage and family issues, and life transitions. He strives to aid individuals, couples, and families by diminishing hurt and pain, developing strategies to cope with life’s trials, and increasing a sense of joy, purpose, and meaning in life. Michael is the father of three grown children and eight wonderful grandchildren.

Kathryn G. Wainscott, MCMHC, LPC

Kathryn Wainscott, MCMHC, LPC is an experienced licensed professional counselor working with adolescents (14+) and adults. She has a specialty in ADHD and is passionate about helping clients move beyond temporary coping strategies to uncover and heal the deeper patterns that influence their lives. Kathryn believes true change happens when clients gain insight into why difficulties arise, allowing for growth that is both deep-rooted and lasting.

Her therapeutic style blends warmth and empathy with a direct, goal-oriented approach. Clients often find that Kathryn creates a safe and supportive environment while also challenging them to step outside of unhelpful patterns and face difficult truths. She is eclectic in practice but draws most strongly from parts work (IFS), attachment theory, and family systems, using these frameworks to help clients better understand themselves and strengthen their relationships.

Kathryn has experience supporting clients through a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, OCD, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, and relational struggles such as infidelity and family conflict. She views mental health through a holistic lens, considering biological, relational, social, and spiritual factors, and collaborates with physicians, teachers, and family members when appropriate to provide the most comprehensive care.

Kathryn earned both her bachelor’s degree in medical and health studies and her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from The University of Oklahoma (Boomer Sooner!). A lifelong member of The Woodlands United Methodist Church, she offers Christian counseling to clients who desire to integrate their faith into therapy while remaining open and respectful to individuals of all backgrounds and beliefs.

A native of The Woodlands, Kathryn now lives in the Greater Houston area with her husband, Cody, her two dogs, Winnie and Posie, close to family and lifelong friends. She is a devoted Sooners fan, enjoys a good cup of coffee on chilly mornings, and feels most at peace at her family’s lake house.

Nicole Garrett, MA, LPC

Nicole Garrett, M.A., LPC hopes to empower her clients to be all that God intends for them to be. She sees the path to healing and wholeness as a journey and not a destination. Her approach to counseling is a collaborative process between the client and the counselor. Nicole works primarily from a person-centered approach utilizing other models and techniques as they are helpful. She seeks to provide a safe place and a climate of understanding and acceptance for her clients to be able to courageously work through life’s difficulties. Nicole considers it a privilege to come alongside her clients as they seek healing and growth.

Through her work of over ten years leading groups for women struggling after an abortion Nicole first felt called to pursue a career in counseling. She earned her Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling from Dallas Theological Seminary. Her background includes working with teens in a residential treatment center and also working in a church counseling center. She especially has a heart for working with teens and women who have experienced sexual trauma and abuse. Her training includes trauma-informed care, attachment-based therapy, sand tray therapy, internal family systems, Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Additionally, she is a certified RelateStrong facilitator.

She is married and has two kids. She loves nature and enjoys spending time outdoors. In her free time she likes to exercise-walk, lift weights, take group classes and do yoga. She loves the energizing effect that exercise has on her.

Chad Anderson, MA, LPC

Chad Anderson is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor. Chad received a Masters of Art in Marriage and Family Counseling from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has worked with children (ages 7 and above to teens struggling with behavioral and mental health challenges (anxiety, depression, ADHD, and suicidal ideation) in a non-profit setting for 18 years and also had experience working as a teacher, youth minister, and coach. Chad also has extensive experience working with adults and married couples.

Chad’s counseling experience includes working with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, ADHD, oppositional behaviors, parenting challenges for youth and teens, anger, premarital counseling,
relationship issues, life transitions, obsessive compulsive disorder and stress.

Chad utilizes a person-centered approach and is trained in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), EMDR, Motivational Interviewing, Family Systems, Solution-Focused, and is an approved facilitator with Prepare/Enrich premarital/marriage counseling.

Chad also believes including the family system into treatment (parents, caregivers, significant others) when available. Chad also believes in the importance of including spirituality into treatment when desired by the client.

God has given me the responsibility and privilege of coming alongside those who are hurting and assisting them on their journey towards healing and wholeness. If you would like to pursue a meeting I would be honored to participate in your journey towards healing.

Brandy Hussey, MMFT, LPC-Associate

Brandy Hussey is passionate about walking alongside teens (13+) and adults as they navigate life’s challenges with compassion and hope. She believes no one should face struggles alone and is dedicated to creating a safe, welcoming space where every client feels seen, valued, and respected.

Brandy specializes in helping individuals work through anxiety, trauma, grief, life transitions, and women’s issues, including infertility and loss. She is an expert in partnering with clients to process emotions, build resilience, and develop practical tools for lasting growth. Recognizing the essential connection between mental, emotional, and physical health, she collaborates with medical professionals when appropriate to provide a truly comprehensive and holistic approach to care.

As a certified Prepare/Enrich Facilitator, Brandy has a deep passion for working with couples, whether they are preparing for marriage, strengthening their relationship, or navigating challenges together. She provides a supportive and collaborative space where couples can improve communication, rebuild trust, and deepen connection. Blending clinical expertise with empathy, Brandy tailors her approach to meet the unique needs of each couple, helping them cultivate healthier, more resilient relationships.

Brandy earned her Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from McNeese State University and her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from The King’s University. Earlier in her career, she worked as a parole officer, an experience that deepened her understanding of resilience and the challenges people face in difficult circumstances. She also served as an adjunct professor in the Marriage and Family Therapy program at The King’s University. Her personal experiences in counseling and the church inspire her commitment to guiding others toward wholeness and connection.

She loves coffee, baseball, and supporting her family in all they do. She enjoys reading and appreciates a well-told crime story from time to time. After living in both Alaska and Indiana, she and her family now call the Klein area home.

Brandy is currently under the supervision of Christie Farris, LMFT-S, LPC-S

Mark Kakos, LCDC

Mark Kakos is a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. He incorporates a humanistic approach to his counseling along with a strong background in cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing. Mark has been working in the addiction and mental health field for over 28 years now and has had the opportunity to work in a variety of settings that have included inpatient care, outpatient treatment, intensive outpatient level of care and family counseling. He specializes in dual diagnosis care.

Mark obtained his bachelor's degree in psychology from California
University of Pennsylvania and then later his master's degree from Texas Woman's University. Mark also has a background working with teens and adolescents along with adults and families.

Mark and his wife are originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and now reside in the Houston area where they raise their daughter and two dogs. He enjoys volunteering for his daughter’s performing arts activities and loves the natural endorphins weight lifting and physical activities have on mental and physical health. Mark is a strong believer in having healthy self care skills in life and keeping life in perspective through mindfulness and different forms of meditation. Mark believes in the quote “I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.”