Meet Our Team - LifeSpring Behavioral Health

Medical Providers

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

Dr. Hilary Butella is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with a secondary certification in family practice. She provides individualized psychiatric medication management while incorporating aspects of physical wellbeing, lifestyle choices, emotional health and spirituality. She strives to promote health and wellness in a compassionate, empathetic setting. She is passionate about her faith and is inspired to help her patients grow stronger in theirs.

Dr. Butella received her Doctorate 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. She received Bachelor of Science degrees from Texas A&M University and Texas Woman’s University. Dr. Butella also serves as an Assistant Professor, Clinical, at University of Texas Cizik School of Nursing in the Texas Medical Center. She and her husband live in the Klein area with their two daughters.

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 achieve their highest potential and maximize their impact on those around them.

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 children.

Kathryn T. Rutland, M.D., MPH, FASAM

Dr. Rutland uses an integrative approach to the treatment of addiction and aims to offer her clients excellence in care for chemical dependency and related problems. She is a fierce advocate for clients with dependency problems and is dedicated to helping clients and families find hope and healing, meeting people wherever they are in the process of change.

Understanding that addictive disorders have many causes, Dr. Rutland will explore the elements leading up to your symptoms and help you find a way forward. She creates a safe, reliable, and nurturing environment through which healing can occur.

During your consultation, you can explore the possible bio-psycho-social contributions to your symptoms and establish a comprehensive treatment plan that is specialized to your needs. Your visit may include psychiatric medications and/or psychotherapy, discussions regarding matters of lifestyle such as stress management & mindfulness, harm-reduction, relapse prevention, or 12- step support. Dr. Rutland may collaborate with trusted practitioners in complementary disciplines when necessary.

Dr. Rutland is board certified in Addiction Medicine and Family Medicine, completed medical school at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and residency at the University of Louisville. She also has a master’s degree in public health from the University of Kentucky, and a BS in Sociology where she graduated magna cum laude. She completed her training in addiction medicine in Houston, Texas under some of the best-known psychiatrists and addictionologists in the state.

J. Michael Smith, DHSc, MPAS, PA-C, CAQ-Psychiatry

Dr. J. Michael Smith is a board-certified Physician Assistant with a Certificate of Added Qualification in Psychiatry. He believes that God is the ultimate healer, and that integrating faith and psychiatric medicine provides hope and support to people in need, utilizing best evidence-based practices. He believes in educating patients regarding lifestyle choices to promote mental, emotional, and spiritual health, and utilizes best practices to treat the spectrum of psychiatric conditions, with compassion and a genuine love for his patients.

Dr. Smith obtained his PA training at the University of Texas Medical Branch and a Master’s of PA Studies from the University of Nebraska. He completed his Doctor of Health Science at NOVA-Southeastern University. He has been a psychiatric PA with 38 years psychiatric clinical experience in private practice, the U.S. Navy and the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center. He retired from the Navy at the rank of Captain, Medical Service Corps and is an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran.

He worked for 25 years at the VA in Mental Health, with a special interest and experience in sleep disorders, PTSD, neuromodulation, and academic psychiatry. He teaches as clinical faculty for Baylor College of Medicine, UTMB, and Hardin-Simmons University, and has lectured at state and national conferences. Dr. Smith created and served as Program Director for the VA/Baylor PA Psychiatry Residency for five years, where he has trained over a dozen PAs in the specialty of psychiatry. He and his wife have three adult children and live in Sugar Land.

Christian counseling

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 six wonderful grandchildren.

Kathryn G. Wainscott, MCMHC, LPC

Kathryn Wainscott's primary clinical interests lie in helping to develop the coping skills of adolescents and adults during major transitional periods in their lives, such as college and career counseling, pre- and post-marital counseling, infidelity recovery, and early adulthood and family dynamic changes. Additionally, she has experience with mental health disorders varying from ADHD/ADD, the autism spectrum, personality disorders, bipolar disorder, depression, OCD, and anxiety. Kathryn earned both her bachelor's degree in medical and health studies and her master's degree in clinical and mental health counseling from The University of Oklahoma. (Boomer Sooner!)

Her warm and open demeanor naturally cultivates immediate personal connection with others. She has the genuine gift of empathizing with clients, allowing them to express and explore some of their most intimate and profound life experiences. Her holistic approach to intake and treatment differentiates her from a mere psychological approach to diagnosis, assessment, and evaluation. She believes biological, social, socioeconomic, and other non-cognitive factors are an essential part of diagnosis and treatment planning while striving to achieve optimal results for a client. She is a stern advocate for a multidisciplinary team approach to evaluation and treatment; and regularly consult with her fellow mental health professionals, as well as teachers, doctors, and members of her clients’ emotional infrastructure to provide the highest possible level of care. Kathryn was baptized, confirmed, married in, and is a member of The Woodlands United Methodist Church, and offers Christian counseling services for those who wish to integrate their faith into the therapeutic process, but is knowledgeable and open to offering counseling services to all cultures, religions, and spiritualities.

Kathryn is a native of The Woodlands, Texas, graduated from The Woodlands College Park High School in 2013, and is thrilled in returning to Greater Houston area, with her husband, where they are surrounded by their friends and family. Kathryn is an avid Sooners fan, enjoys sipping a good cup of coffee on a cold morning, and is happiest spending time 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-S

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 experience working with adults and married couples while contracting with a private practice facility.

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 is trained in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), EMDR, Motivational Interviewing, Family Systems, Solution focused, and an approved facilitator with Prepare/Enrich (premarital/marriage counseling).

Chad utilizes a person-centered approach, CBT, DBT, EMDR, solution focused, and motivational interviewing in working with individuals. 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.

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 masters 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.”

Brandy Hussey, MA, LPC-Associate

Brandy Hussey received her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from The King’s University. She is dedicated to providing a safe and understanding space where you can work together on your journey. Most importantly, she is here to remind you that you are not alone, you have a voice and deserve to be heard.

She tailors her approach to meet the unique needs of each individual client, integrating evidence-based practices to promote healing and growth. Brandy is also a Prepare/Enrich facilitator for premarital/ marriage counseling.

Her personal experience in counseling and the church has helped inspire her desire and passion for helping others. She works with teens, adults, and couples on various issues. She hopes to create a safe place for her clients to feel honored and respected so they can learn to navigate their unique circumstances.

Brandy also serves as an adjunct professor in the Marriage and Family Therapy program at The King’s University. She loves coffee, baseball, and supporting her family in all they do. She enjoys reading and the occasional true crime podcast. After spending time in Alaska and Indiana, she and her family live in the Klein area.

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