Cisco Gonzales,
Phd, LPC, NCC

Owner | Counselor in Chalmette & Metairie Locations | Virtual Counseling in Texas

Born and raised in St. Bernard Parish, Dr. Cisco Gonzales has experienced many tragedies, natural disasters, and other adversities to help him recognize the value of mental health. Upon graduation from a local Private Catholic High School, he majored in Psychology at Louisiana State University and earned his Masters Degree at the University of New Orleans in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. While completing his academic studies, Cisco returned to his alma mater to teach until it was time for practicum & internship, which he completed in the field of substance use. After graduation, he was hired on at his internship site as a counselor. Shortly after, Cisco returned to the field of education as a School Counselor while working towards his licensure at a local private practice. Exposure to these fields equipped Cisco with the tools to serve the ages of 10 and older dealing with an array of issues. In 2023, after achieving full licensure, Cisco decided to establish his very own private practice. Cisco credits his father for his business mindedness and his mother for his ability to show and recognize the importance of emotions especially as a male! In addition to Private Practice, Cisco will begin his PhD journey in Fall 2023.

Christian Ramirez,
MA, LPC

Contracted Counselor in Chalmette

Christian Ramirez is a local licensed professional counselor, who was born and raised in St. Bernard Parish. She is no stranger to childhood tragedy and trauma, which inspired her desire to work in the mental health field. Christian graduated from Chalmette High School and later attended the University of New Orleans where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. During her time at Chalmette High and the University of New Orleans, Christian learned Spanish as a second language. She later attended the University of Holy Cross where she received her Master’s of Arts in Marriage, Family and Couples Counseling. While working on her Master’s degree, she completed her year-long internship as a school counselor at Phyllis Wheatley Charter School where she offered counseling in both English and Spanish. After graduation, she returned to school in the fall to obtain certification to be a school counselor, and she was hired as a middle school counselor at St. Bernard Middle School where she still currently works. As a result of working in schools for over five years, Christian has gained much experience working with preteens and teens. Christian will be receiving her license this fall and looks forward to starting her journey in private practice at Neutral Ground Counseling, LLC. Christian credits her parents for instilling in her the motivation and passion to help others as well as the traits of empathy and kindness.

Natasha Ballard,
MA, LPC

Contracted Counselor in Chalmette

Natasha began teaching in St. Bernard Parish in August 2010; which is where she found a love for teaching, but also saw a greater need within her students, leading her to pursue a degree in school counseling. She is a graduate of Xavier University with a Masters in School Counseling, and has been serving as a middle school counselor in St. Bernard Parish since August of 2017 where she met the requirements to become a Licensed Professional Counselor in Louisiana. Natasha believes a helper has a good mix of teaching and counseling. As a counselor, it is her intention to help individuals learn to cope or manage in order to be successful in their everyday lives. Natasha utilizes Cognitive Behavior Therapy, as well as Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy to help clients to identify their triggers, process their emotions, and understand the connection between the two in a safe environment.

Angelle Bourgeois, MSW, LCSW

Contracted Counselor in metarie

Angelle Bourgeois was born and raised in New Orleans. Throughout her high school and college experience, she felt a calling to help people. She was always drawn to those who had a different background or experience than she did and always looked for ways to help. Angelle attended Louisiana State University for her undergraduate degree in sociology with a concentration in criminology. It was during this time that Angelle took her first social work class and fell in love with the field. She went on to graduate with her masters of social work at her Alma mater, Louisiana State University.  After finishing her education, she moved back to New Orleans and began working as a family therapist. During the pandemic, Angelle went to work at Children’s Hospital on their Behavioral Health Unit. These two experiences have equipped Angelle with the ability to help those ages 7 and older dealing with a variety of different issues and life changes. 

Mallory
Schulinkamp,
PLPC

Contracted Counselor in metarie

Mallory Schulinkamp is a dedicated Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC) with deep roots in St. Bernard Parish. Her personal experiences with life’s challenges have taught her the importance of a strong support system in the healing process. After graduating from Chalmette High School, Mallory earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychological Science from Xavier University of Louisiana in May 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic was at its peak. She then took a year off before pursuing her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Loyola University of Louisiana. During her internship, she gained valuable experience working with children, adolescents, and young adults. Mallory is passionate about helping young people navigate the adversities they encounter throughout life. She is committed to supporting not only her clients but also their parents and family members during the therapeutic process. Specializing in trauma, she is trained in EMDR therapy for adults and plans to become a Registered Play Therapist as she completes her licensure hours. With a strong ability to create a safe, empathetic, and open environment, Mallory is excited to embark on her counseling career and make a positive impact in the lives of those she serves.

ashley figarola,
LPC

Contracted Counselor in metarie

Ashley Figarola is a native of Baton Rouge, where she obtained an undergraduate degree in psychology from Louisiana State University. Once she graduated, she cared for her grandmother and great aunt which inspired her to help older adults with the aging process. She went on to graduate with a masters of mental health counseling at Southeastern Louisiana University.  Ashley then worked as a Social Work Associate at Christwood Retirement Community serving older adults and their families. She helped them navigate the challenges of aging as well as dementia. She then moved to New Orleans as a clinical mental health therapist. Ashley advanced her clinical experience at Community Care Hospital in Uptown New Orleans, River Place Behavioral Hospital in Laplace and Beacon IOP in Lutcher.  She is committed to serving her local community and helping her clients navigate mental health challenges to live fulfilling lives.

Kacie Hoerner

Intern in Metairie

Kacie is a counseling intern from Divine Mercy University. She is dedicated to offering counseling services to children, teens, and adults that will foster growth and healing. Kacie utilizes a person-centered approach and collaborates with clients to develop and implement therapeutic goals that lead to flourishing. Prior to entering the counseling field, Kacie worked in education for 12 years, working as both an early childhood educator and middle school teacher. She also worked as an administrator, focusing on student activities and religious education. She holds a master’s degree in Religious Education from Loyola University New Orleans and a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Louisiana State University. Because of her experience in education, Kacie has a broad understanding of the complexity of issues facing school aged children and adolescents, and she hopes to walk alongside both students and their parents to achieve best outcomes. She also has a special interest in working with individuals suffering from anxiety and depression due to grief, infertility, and postpartum challenges. She is looking forward to growing in the counseling profession through her work at Neutral Ground.