Counseling Staff
Counseling
Breanna Spriggs, LPC-S
Clinical Director
Ms. Breanna graduated from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology in 2007 and her Master of Science degree in Counselor Education in 2009. Breanna has spent her time in the field of counseling working with many people of all ages and backgrounds, in many different settings. Her passion is for empowering marriages and families, promoting active healing for individuals, and supporting children in healthy emotional and behavioral growth and development. She is trained in PCIT (Parent/Child Interaction Therapy), YPT (Youth PTSD Treatment) & EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).
Breanna loves to spend her time with her husband, their son, and their puppy! They love to do everything from playing video games to playing baseball and running outside. She is also active in the faith community and ministry, in which she enjoys playing music. Overall, she loves using her God-given gifts to encourage and uplift others in whatever way possible.
Patrick Bowman, LPC-S, BCPCC
Clinician
Patrick Bowman is a Licensed Professional Counselor – Supervisor, and Board Certified Professional Christian Counselor. He offers individual, couple, and family counseling as well as pastoral and spiritual guidance. Patrick received his Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Xavier University and a Masters in Applied Psychology from the University of Southwestern Louisiana. He is a graduate of the Harding University School of Biblical Studies program and completed additional graduate courses at the Harding Graduate School of Religion. Patrick has also completed graduate coursework at Cornell University in the area of Human Development and Family Studies.
With over 30 years of counseling, Patrick has worked both as an inpatient and outpatient counselor at several psychiatric and substance abuse facilities. He also served 13 years in a ministerial capacity at a local church and 9 years of marriage counseling for Bienvenu Counseling Services.
Currently, Patrick is employed as an Instructor of psychology at the University of Louisiana. He has proudly served as a group facilitator for the Nurturing Fathers Best Dads Program at The Family Tree Information, Education, & Counseling Center since 2008, and conducts individual and marriage counseling at The Family Tree.
Patrick and his wife, Priscilla, have been married 40 years and have 3 adult children, and 7 grandchildren.
Aureyon N. Conner, M.Ed., PLPC
Clinician
Aureyon N. Conner is a passionate mental health professional who earned her Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Louisiana State University in May 2023. Specializing in areas such as depression, anxiety, self-esteem, interpersonal conflict, career and academic concerns, and life transitions, Aureyon uses a holistic approach to therapy. She primarily utilizes Person-Centered Therapy but also integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Mindfulness to tailor treatment to each client’s unique needs.
Aureyon is committed to breaking down stigmas surrounding mental health, offering a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can be their most authentic selves. She finds great fulfillment in empowering clients and believes the therapeutic relationship is key to a successful healing journey.
In her free time, Aureyon enjoys cooking, online shopping, and binge-watching medical dramas and reality TV.
Mia Freeman, LPC
(She, Her, Hers)
Clinician
“I believe therapy should embrace change within a positive atmosphere. Though therapy can feel daunting, my aim is to provide you with a safe space to navigate discomfort and foster growth.”
Mia, our newest clinician from New Iberia, Louisiana, completed both her undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Graduating with a degree in Psychology in 2019, she furthered her studies to earn a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2022.
With experience in both public and private school settings, Mia has developed a passion for working with adolescents, teens, and children. She incorporates creative methods such as play therapy and creative arts therapy to enhance the therapeutic journey. Throughout her graduate career starting in 2021, Mia has worked with clients across various age groups and gained experience in addiction counseling through community rehabilitation facilities.
In her free time, Mia enjoys indulging in reading, watching reality TV, and being a devoted dog mom to Sammy.
Scott LeBleu, LPC
Clinician
Scott LeBleu is a Licensed Professional Counselor with The Family Tree. He is also the Choices Program Manager. He graduated from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2004 and a Master of Science in Counselor Education with a concentration in Community Counseling in 2007. He has experience working with at-risk youth in the Lafayette Parish School System grades Pre-K through 12th, working with adolescents, adults, and couples in a private practice setting, providing community-based mental health services, and working with adults dealing with issues involving acute and chronic mental illness and substance use in an inpatient setting.
Scott is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, TF-CBT, but takes an eclectic approach to treatment drawing on approaches including but not limited to solutions-focused brief therapy, rational emotive behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, emotionally focused couples therapy, and psychoanalysis. Scott enjoys working with adults, couples, and children ages 10+. Scott’s primary interests include grief/adjusting to loss, depression, anxiety, life transitions, and couples.
Scott was born and raised in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and has been living in Lafayette since 2001. He is the proud father of a teenage girl. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his partner, cooking for friends and family, engaging in nature-based activities, going to festivals, and watching his daughter’s musical performances and soccer games.
Lexi Menard, M.S., LPC
(She, Her, Hers)
Clinician
“I approach the therapeutic process with genuine acceptance and empathy, molding myself to your specific needs and learning what it’s like to be you! My hope is that, together, you and I will be able to process life’s struggles and discover strategies that will equip you to face those struggles.”
Lexi has experience combining client-centered therapy with creative interventions, CBT, and ACT for adolescents, teens, and adults. When working with children, she operates from a nondirective play therapy modality, mixing in directives throughout the process. Lexi is also an allied therapist and enjoys working with the LGBTQIA+ community and their families. She is currently working towards a certification in LGBTQIA+ Affirmative Therapy.
Lexi is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Louisiana State University in 2020 and a Master of Science in Counseling from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2022. She has previous experience working with neurodivergence in children and has been practicing counseling since 2021. She has advanced training in both play therapy and group therapy, as well.
In her free time, Lexi enjoys writing, coloring, going on adventures, and spending time with her partner and her puppy, Winnie. Though she is from New Iberia, she has found “home” here in Lafayette.
Patrick Rappold, LPC
(He, Him, His)
Clinician
Patrick Rappold, originally from Harahan, Louisiana, made Lafayette his home in 2015. He pursued both his undergraduate and graduate studies at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2019 and a master’s degree in mental health counseling in 2022.
Patrick brings a wealth of experience working with diverse clients from various backgrounds. His previous role as a counselor in an intensive outpatient program equipped him with valuable skills and insights.
Outside of work, Patrick finds solace in writing, staying active through exercise, immersing himself in music, and cherishing moments with his partner.
Esthela Villarreal, M.S., PLPC
(She, Her, Hers)
Clinician
Esthela Villarreal, originally from Detroit, Michigan, has called Louisiana home since the age of 12. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Science in Counseling from the University of Louisiana at Shreveport (2022).
Esthela is Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor, offering services in both English and Spanish. She is passionate about providing culturally sensitive care to the Hispanic community, recognizing the unique challenges and barriers that many face when seeking mental health support. As a Spanish-speaking therapist, her goal is to create a safe and welcoming space where individuals can freely express themselves and receive the support they need in their native language. Throughout her career, Esthela has worked with a wide range of clients who experience issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship difficulties. Her goal is to empower her patients, helping them heal, grow, and face life’s challenges with greater confidence.
Esthela also serves the role of Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Specialist with Jacob Crouch Suicide Prevention Services and is able to provide evidence-based suicide prevention trainings in English and Spanish.
Outside of work, Esthela treasures time with loved ones, indulges in baking, immerses herself in books, and enjoys sports with her boyfriend.
Esthela Villarreal, M.S., PLPC
(She, Her, Hers)
Clinician
Esthela Villarreal, originaria de Detroit, Michigan, ha llamado a Louisiana su hogar desde los 12 años. Tiene una Licenciatura en Psicología y una Maestría en Consejería por la Universidad de Louisiana en Shreveport (2022).
Esthela es Consejera Profesional con una Licencia Provisional, que ofrece servicios en inglés y en español. Le apasiona brindar atención culturalmente sensible a la comunidad hispana, reconociendo los desafíos y barreras únicos que muchos enfrentan cuando buscan apoyo de salud mental. Como terapeuta de habla hispana, su objetivo es crear un espacio seguro y acogedor donde las personas puedan expresarse libremente y recibir el apoyo que necesitan en su lengua materna. A lo largo de su carrera, Esthela ha trabajado con una amplia gama de clientes que experimentan problemas como ansiedad, depresión, estrés y dificultades en las relaciones. Su objetivo es empoderar a sus pacientes, ayudándolos a sanar, crecer y enfrentar los desafíos de la vida con mayor confianza.
Esthela también se desempeña como Especialista Integral en Prevención del Suicidio en los Servicios de Prevención del Suicidio de Jacob Crouch y puede impartir capacitaciones basadas en evidencia sobre prevención del suicidio en inglés y español.
Fuera del trabajo, Esthela valora el tiempo con sus seres queridos, disfruta de la repostería, se sumerge en la lectura y disfruta de los deportes con su novio.