Meet The Team Behind Texas Care

These are the hearts and minds that bring compassionate care to your local community

Executive Team

Mathew Akpomie, PhD, MSc

Financial Operations Manager

Mathew Akpomie, PhD, MSc

Financial Operations Manager

Matthew Akpomie, PhD, MSc, is an accomplished business leader with more than 15 years of progressive experience in finance, accounting, audit, banking and human resources. Known for his strong analytical mindset and unwavering commitment to operational excellence, Akpomie has built a distinguished career guiding organizations through growth, transformation, and compliance‑driven initiatives. A results‑driven and collaborative leader, Matthew Akpomie is recognized for bringing clarity to complex operational challenges, fostering strong stakeholder relationships, and driving measurable improvements across multi‑site environments.

Matthew currently serves as the Finance Manager at TCC Now, where he oversees operational performance and the strategic development of franchise locations across the network. In this role, he leads cross‑functional initiatives focused on process optimization, financial integrity, and organizational alignment—ensuring franchisees receive high‑quality support, clear operational guidance, and timely issue resolution.

With deep expertise in financial management, regulatory compliance, internal controls, and people operations, Akpomie has successfully designed and implemented frameworks that strengthen organizational governance, enhance accountability, and improve long‑term business sustainability. His background also includes delivering comprehensive audit programs, streamlining HR processes, and supporting leadership teams through data‑driven decision‑making.

Akpomie holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Finance & Banking from the University of Port Harcourt, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Corporate Finance from the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt and a Master’s degree in Corporate Finance from the University of Leicester. His academic training provided advanced research and analytical capabilities that continue to shape his professional approach.

Lizbeth Llanas

Executive Coordinator

Lizbeth Llanas

Executive Coordinator

Lizbeth “Lizzy” Llanas is a healthcare operations leader with experience in behavioral health, provider credentialing, and clinic development. As Executive Coordinator at Texas Care, she works across leadership, clinical, and administrative teams to support clinic operations, strengthen processes, and help expand access to community-based mental health services. Lizzy brings a practical, people-centered approach to her work. With a background that spans healthcare administration and franchise operations, she is known for connecting the details of daily operations with the larger goal: helping teams deliver reliable care to the communities they serve.

LaToya Sampson, MSL, MBA

Human Resources

LaToya Sampson, MSL, MBA

Human Resources

LaToya operates as Human Resources & Payroll Specialist for TCC Now, LLC, where she provides strategic leadership and oversight of all HR operations to ensure regulatory compliance, operational accuracy, and a positive employee experience across the organization. Her areas of responsibility include payroll administration, regulatory compliance, full-cycle recruitment, onboarding and offboarding, employee relations, and overall operational oversight.

She is dedicated to developing efficient systems, upholding state and federal compliance standards, and supporting executive leadership and staff through structured, performance-focused HR initiatives. With a strong attention to detail and a people-centered approach, LaToya plays a critical role in advancing organizational efficiency while cultivating a professional, compliant, and supportive workplace culture.

LaToya earned both a Master of Science in Leadership (MSL) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Belhaven University in Jackson, MS. She brings more than 20 years of progressive experience in Billing, Human Resources, Credentialing, and Management. Her depth of expertise enables her to integrate strategic planning with practical, results-driven execution.

The Clinical Team

Yesenia Rios, LPC-S, NCC

Clinical Supervisor

Yesenia Rios, LPC-S, NCC

Clinical Supervisor

Yesenia Y. Rios, LPC-S, NCC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor–Supervisor and Nationally Certified Counselor with more than 20 years of experience in behavioral health. She has dedicated her career to serving individuals, families, and communities, especially those navigating complex systems of care. As Clinical Director, she oversees our Mental Health Rehabilitative Services and Targeted Case Management programs, making sure the care our clients receive is not only compliant, but meaningful and accessible to those who need it most. Yesenia’s work is guided by a simple but powerful belief: quality care should be both compassionate and accountable. Her experience spans crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, clinical supervision, and program development, with a strong focus on improving outcomes for underserved populations. Having served in both clinical and leadership roles, Yesenia knows firsthand the challenges providers face. She bridges the gap between clinical practice and real-world implementation, supporting frontline staff and bringing a practical, solutions-focused approach to documentation, compliance, and service delivery—without losing sight of the human side of care. Yesenia is also a Ph.D. candidate in Health Psychology, where she is extending her work into research and system-level improvement to advance equitable behavioral health services. Outside of work, Yesenia treasures time with her family and loves to recharge with a good movie.

Diana Bates, LPC, MSc

Clinical Supervisor

Diana Bates, LPC, MSc

Clinical Supervisor

Diana Bates is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a Master of Science in Professional Counseling and a Master of Science in Psychology with an emphasis in Forensic Psychology. Her diverse educational background provides her with a comprehensive understanding of human behavior, mental health, counseling, psychological development, and the intersection of mental health and the legal system. She believes in empowering clients to recognize their strengths, develop effective tools for managing challenges, and make positive changes in their lives. Raised in the rural Midwest Diana has been a Texan for her entire adult life and enjoys horses and competing with her Labrador Retrievers.

Jerry Clark

Clinical Operations Admin

Jerry Clark

Clinical Operations Admin

Jerry is a Behavioral Health Administrative Support Specialist who plays an integral role in supporting the operational functions of behavioral health services. He assists with client records management, documentation processing, communication coordination, and overall workflow support to help ensure efficient, accurate, and compliant service delivery.

Jerry is recognized for his professionalism, strong attention to detail, and commitment to supporting both administrative and clinical teams. His dedication contributes to a seamless operational environment that allows providers to focus on delivering high-quality care.

Justin Lopez

Clinical Operations Specialist

Justin Lopez

Clinical Operations Specialist

Justin Lopez is a behavioral health professional, military veteran, and advocate dedicated to prevention, trauma-informed care, and community support. He currently serves as the Clinical Support Specialist for Texas Care Center, where he provides clinical support, staff guidance, and program development assistance across multiple service locations. Prior to this role, he served as the QMHP Lead for the Katy clinic, where he played a key role in establishing and expanding behavioral health services within the community. Justin holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services from Wayland Baptist University with an emphasis in Violence Prevention and Advocacy, and his professional focus includes behavioral health services, prevention education, leadership development, and mentorship of mental health professionals. Justin retired from the U.S. Army Infantry as a Sergeant First Class, after a distinguished career in Combat and Garrison leadership, serving in roles such as Infantry Platoon Sergeant, Operations Manager, and Military Science Instructor at Texas A&M University. In recognition of his leadership and service, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal. He also specialized in victim advocacy, serving as a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator and supporting Sexual Assault Prevention and Response programs for service members and their families. After retiring from the military, Justin continued his advocacy work with the Brazos Valley Sexual Assault Resource Center and later served as a Department of Defense Civilian in Alaska and Mississippi before returning to Texas in 2021 to join Texas Care Center. Following a serious accident in 2023 that required him to relearn how to walk, he returned to the field with determination, helping build the Katy clinic before transitioning into his current corporate clinical support role.

The Admin Team

Jessica Lopez

Admin Operations Specialist

Jessica Lopez

Admin Operations Specialist

Jessica Lopez is the Administrative Operations Specialist at TCC Now, where she supports the development, training, and operational consistency of administrative teams across the organization’s growing network of clinics. With more than 15 years of experience in property management specializing in start-up operations, Jessica has a strong background in operations and marketing. Her experience working onsite helping lead one of TCC Now’s top-performing clinics provides valuable insight into the day-to-day realities of clinic operations.

Jessica is known for building clear systems and efficient workflows that help teams stay organized and clinics run smoothly as they grow. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling with her family, has been married to her high school sweetheart for over 20 years, and is a proud mom of three (plus one very spoiled Maine Coon cat).

Ilyana Morgan

Administrative Assistant

Ilyana is the Administrative Assistant for Texas Care Now. Ilyana is responsible for the day-to-day administrative duties associated with the flagship clinic including maintaining client records, walking parents through the intake process, scheduling client appointments, and regular eligibility checks for all clients.

Ilyana Morgan

Administrative Assistant

Marisol Pereira

Administrative Assistant

Marisol serves as the Front Office Administrator, supporting the delivery of quality mental health services to individuals and families.

Marisol Pereira

Administrative Assistant

Marisol serves as the Front Office Administrator, supporting the delivery of quality mental health services to individuals and families. She oversees daily front office operations, fosters a welcoming and professional environment, and supports both clinical and administrative teams through effective coordination and communication.

She plays a key role in maintaining compliance, protecting confidential information, and ensuring efficient workflows. She is committed to creating a positive first impression while supporting TCC Now’s mission to provide compassionate, accessible, and high-quality care to the communities it serves.

Gabbie Joseph

Billing & Claims Specialist

Gabriella is a certified Medical Biller and Coder with over four years of experience in medical billing and revenue cycle management.

Gabbie Joseph

Billing & Claims Specialist

Gabriella is a certified Medical Biller and Coder with over four years of experience in medical billing and revenue cycle management. She has a proven track record in insurance claims processing, payment reconciliation, and payer communications, with a particular expertise in resolving complex billing issues and reprocessing claims to ensure accurate and timely reimbursement.

Gabriella is recognized for her meticulous attention to detail, strong follow-through, and collaborative approach, working closely with providers and insurance representatives to streamline workflows and maintain compliance. She is committed to promoting efficiency, accuracy, and financial integrity, supporting both her organization and clients in achieving optimal outcomes.

Desiree Stringfellow

Credentialling Specialist

Desiree Stringfellow

Credentialling Specialist

With over 10 years of experience in behavioral and mental health services, Desiree serves as a dedicated Credentialing Specialist, helping providers navigate credentialing, insurance enrollment, and billing processes with confidence and clarity. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from the University of North Texas and is AAPC-certified in medical billing and coding.

Desiree is passionate about supporting providers and clinicians by streamlining administrative processes, ensuring compliance, and reducing barriers to reimbursement so they can focus on delivering quality care and strengthening the community.

Heather Morales

Franchise Liason

Heather Morales

Franchise Liason

Heather is the Franchise Liaison for TCC Now, LLC, where she leads franchise onboarding, operational support, and compliance coordination across the organization’s behavioral health network. As the primary point of contact for both potential and existing franchisees, she ensures every clinic is equipped, informed, and aligned with corporate and state regulatory standards.

In her role, Heather manages the full lifecycle of franchise onboarding, including background checks, OIG/SAM exclusion screenings, identification and business document collection, and the execution of all contracts through DocuSign. She oversees the preparation and verification of Franchise Disclosure Documents, Franchise Agreements, and state-required filings, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance at every step.

Heather also conducts virtual and in‑person clinic walkthroughs and issues the Pre‑Opening Checklist to guide franchisees through operational readiness. She develops and maintains corporate and clinic email systems, creates standardized communication templates, and supports franchisees with clear, consistent documentation throughout their operations.

In addition to her operational responsibilities, Heather manages the intake and coordination of client complaints related to franchise clinics, ensuring each concern is documented, communicated, and resolved in alignment with corporate expectations and regulatory requirements.

Known for her professionalism, empathy, and commitment to operational excellence, Heather strengthens franchise relationships and supports the successful launch and ongoing performance of clinics across the TCC Now network.

The Marketing Team

Greg McGregor

Regional Marketing Coordinator

Greg McGregor

Regional Marketing Coordinator

Gregory is an Air Force veteran who was born and raised in the Houston area. After completing his military service, Greg furthered his education at Lone Star College–North Harris and Texas State University. During this time, his passion for serving others continued to grow.

Greg has dedicated much of his career to supporting individuals with special needs and their families. He has served in various roles, including Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Residential Care Supervisor at a residential care facility. These experiences strengthened his commitment to advocacy, care coordination, and community support.

Greg’s professional journey ultimately led him to TCC Now, where he began serving as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP). In his current role, Greg focuses on building meaningful community partnerships, connecting individuals and families to essential resources, and fostering positive, sustainable change throughout the community.

Zachary McWilliams

Marketing Manager

Zachary McWilliams

Marketing Manager

Zachary is a dedicated professional with a background in technology sales and digital marketing. Currently serving as the Marketing Manager, he is passionate about connecting local communities with care through outreach and developing strategic partnerships.

With over 25 years of experience spanning roles as an owner, manager, and marketing director, Zachary has a proven track record in driving sales production and project management. His professional history includes tenures at AT&T Business Integrated Solutions and as a Principal Consultant at Sage Point Solutions.

In addition to his outreach work, Zachary is a tech enthusiast with a strong interest in data and automation. Beyond his professional life, he is an avid supporter of Houston sports, a live music fan, and a home cook who enjoys exploring locations and communities across Texas.

Daden Lopez

Marketing Support Specialist

Daden is a Digital Marketing Support Specialist with a strong focus on supporting the team across multiple digital platforms and initiatives.

Daden Lopez

Marketing Support Specialist

Daden is a Digital Marketing Support Specialist with a strong focus on supporting the team across multiple digital platforms and initiatives. In this role, Daden manages and enhances the organization’s social media presence, maintains and updates the CRM system, and assists with website updates to ensure a seamless and user-friendly experience.

Daden also develops and coordinates a variety of digital and print marketing materials, including flyers, business cards, and the monthly newsletter, helping to maintain consistent branding and effective communication across all channels. Known for a collaborative approach, Daden works closely with team members to bring creative ideas to life while improving digital processes and overall efficiency.

Fun fact: Daden’s favorite color is purple.

Our Team

Meet The Team Behind Texas Care

Executive Team

The Clinical Team

The Admin Team

The Marketing Team