Individual Counseling
Individual Counseling Services are available to veterans and veteran family members (spouses, life partners, parents, children, siblings, etc.) ages 18 and above.
Meet Our Counselors:
Malinda LaVelle (she/her) Clinical Supervisor
Malinda is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and Registered Dance/Movement Therapist (R-DMT). She is a STAR Behavioral Health Provider and holds a Master’s degree in Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling from Antioch University New England. Malinda has experience providing a wide variety of mental health services in non-profit community health centers in rural and urban New Mexico. She brings a strengths-based, trauma-informed, person-centered approach to her work with clients, integrating training in Motivational Interviewing (MI), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP), as well as concepts taken from Internal Family Systems, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Dr. Steven Porges’ Polyvagal Theory. Her extensive background as a dance artist, as well as her training as a Dance/Movement Therapist, provides Malinda with unique skills to integrate body-based, creative approaches in her work with clients. She is passionate about working with Veterans and is committed to providing affirming, holistic treatment by centering clients' identities, cultural values, and beliefs in therapy.
Maria Birrell (she/her) | Mental Health Counselor
Maria, LMSW, began working for Paws and Stripes in 2024 after receiving her degree in Social Work from the University of Edinburgh. Maria specializes in person-centered and trauma-informed counseling and creates an inclusive space where clients from diverse backgrounds feel understood and respected. With a commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment, Maria tailors therapeutic approaches to meet the unique needs of each client. She is experienced in utilizing a variety of counseling modalities and techniques to help individuals navigate challenges, foster resilience, and achieve personal growth. Maria is dedicated to empowering clients through empathetic, evidence-based care that moors each person's strengths and experiences.
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Curtis Hutchinaon (he/him) | Mental Health Counselor
Curtis Hutchinson (he/him) received his Master’s in Social Work from New Mexico Highlands University in August 2024. He is a Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW) in the state of New Mexico. Curtis has experience working with diverse groups including adults and children with developmental delays in the New Mexico Family Infant and Toddler program and helping people obtain Developmental Disabilities Waivers. He currently has the privilege of working with military-connected personnel at Paws and Stripes, providing individual counseling and facilitating skill building groups and workshops. Curtis has a professional focus on substance misuse treatment and is receiving his LSAA certification (Licensed Substance Abuse Associate) from Santa Fe Community College in May 2025. Curtis is passionate about supporting veterans and their family members to address substance misuse and co-occuring disorders. He uses a person centered and strength-based approach honoring clients’ identities and self-determination.
Thank you for your interest in our programs. We are currently at capacity for our canine programs as well as our individual therapy services. We have temporarily disabled our application for services while we expand our team and offerings. Please check back often as we hope to re-open the application for services by September 1.