About J. Flowers Health Institute: Home of Expert Clinical Rehabilitation Counselors

As a nurse, David has extensive interactions with patients at J. Flowers Health Institute, from nursing intake and admissions to medical assessment, case management, and patient advocacy.

Those close, individualized connections at J. Flowers—where there is a collaborative emphasis on addressing complex health issues—align perfectly with his own philosophy of patient-centered care.

Throughout his nursing career, David has been dedicated to addressing substance abuse and addiction as well as providing healthcare for aging adults. During his work in correctional facilities, he developed a deep appreciation for inmates struggling with mental health and addiction issues.

“I discovered a deep-seated passion for assisting individuals grappling with complex co-occurring conditions,” he said. “My experience reinforced my commitment to providing comprehensive support and effective treatment strategies for those affected by these intertwined challenges.”

Outside of work, David enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter and watching his daughter’s gymnastics classes. He also likes visiting the beach and catching an Astros game.

Practicing medicine for more than 25 years as a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist, Dr. Karmel founded her private practice, Karmel Women’s Care, in 1995 in Houston.

Nicknamed “the global gynecologist” (a reference to treating the whole person, not just the symptoms), Dr. Karmel incorporates physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of patients in her treatment and diagnosis.

A graduate of Duke University with a degree in comparative literature, she received her medical degree from Chicago Medical School. She completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Baylor College of Medicine.

Before medical school, she volunteered at a medical clinic in India, and during medical school, she gained experience in both inner-city medicine and private-sector medicine. These experiences left her with a deep understanding of the needs of the human condition.

Currently, she serves as a gynecological consultant for the Triangle Area Network Clinics, providing healthcare to the underserved in Beaumont and Orange, Texas. In her private practice, Dr. Karmel treats women from adolescence through menopause and post-menopause.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, discovering new restaurants, listening to music, and taking violin lessons.

A registered dietitian nutritionist and certified diabetes care and education specialist, Schlachter is dedicated to promoting health and wellness through thorough nutrition care. He specializes in medically and psychologically complex nutrition conditions, including diabetes, malnutrition, substance abuse disorder, fibromyalgia, IBS, and eating disorders.

Schlachter’s interest in nutrition had its foundation in his early career as a chef in New York City. Understanding the healing power of food led him to seek credentials as a registered dietitian. He later earned his master’s degree in nutrition from Texas Woman’s University and became a certified diabetes care and education specialist.

As the founder of Houston Family Nutrition (nutrition counseling and services), Schlachter has created a judgment-free space where clients can explore and understand their relationship with food, body, and mind. His practice includes inpatient, outpatient, and critical care at Houston VA Medical Center, the Medical Clinic of Houston, and The Menninger Clinic.

A spokesperson for the Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation, Schlachter is well-grounded in media and a leading expert in his field.

In his free time, he enjoys road trips and adventures with his family.

A founding partner in River Oaks Doctors Group, a concierge medical practice, Dr. Davis has two decades of experience as a board-certified endocrinologist.

A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in biochemistry, Dr. Davis earned her medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. She completed her internal medicine residency at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, and a fellowship in endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism at UT Health Medical School Houston.

She continues to work on quality improvement projects for UT Health and Memorial Hermann Hospital System and serves as volunteer faculty at Baylor College of Medicine and UT Health Medical School.

Dr. Davis’s medical interests include general endocrinology, diabetes management, thyroid dysfunction, nodular thyroid disease, thyroid cancer, polycystic ovary syndrome, and endocrine dysfunction in pregnancy.

Away from work, she is married, a mother of two, and has served as an advisor for Dress for Success Houston’s health initiative.

An experienced physician and surgeon, Dr. Goldfarb specializes in complex robotic and endoscopic procedures treating men’s and women’s urologic issues. Employing minimally invasive approaches, Dr. Goldfarb is highly trained in urologic oncologic conditions (kidney, prostate, and bladder cancer) with a special focus on men’s health, including low testosterone, male infertility, vasectomies, and erectile dysfunction.

With compassion and knowledge, he has created a comfortable environment where patients feel at ease discussing intimate, sensitive issues.

Dr. Goldfarb earned a bachelor’s degree in cell and molecular biology from Tulane University and completed medical school and his urology residency at Baylor College of Medicine. Dedicated to helping future physicians develop their skills, he holds teaching positions as assistant professor of clinical urology at Houston Methodist Hospital (affiliated with Weill Cornell Medical College) and clinical instructor of urology at the Scott Department of Urology at Baylor College of Medicine.

In 2020, Dr. Goldfarb received the Outstanding Voluntary Faculty of the Year teaching award from Baylor College of Medicine Department of Urology.

Outside of work, he spends most of his time with his three sons (hoping at least one will become a urologist) and enjoys a good game of tennis or pickleball.

A board-certified dermatologist with expertise in cosmetic procedures, Dr. Papasakelariou helps patients emphasize their inherent beauty by creating personalized treatment plans with an emphasis on a natural aesthetic.

With a passion for both general and cosmetic dermatology, she assists patients with a variety of skin concerns, including acne, aging skin, skin cancer, and psoriasis. She also addresses present and future cosmetic concerns with a conservative approach to neuromodulators such as Botox and Dysport, as well as injectables like Juvederm, Voluma, Vobella, Vollure, Restylane, and Sculptra.

Dr. Papasakelariou is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin and holds a master’s degree in virology and gene therapy from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. She completed medical school and her dermatology residency at The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

Dr. Papasakelariou is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, Houston Dermatological Society, Texas Dermatological Society, and Women in Dermatology. As the founder of Houston Premier Dermatology, she is known for her caring nature and kind interaction with patients.

Fluent in Greek and Spanish, Dr. Papasakelariou enjoys spending her free time with her husband and three children.

With more than three decades of experience, Dr. Galati is an established leader in the field of liver disease and liver transplantation. With an undergraduate degree from Syracuse University and a Doctor of Medicine degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine in the Caribbean, Dr. Galati performed his residency in internal medicine at the State University of New York Health Science Center – Brooklyn.

From there, he performed his fellowship training in gastroenterology, hepatology, and transplant hepatology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, renowned for its liver program. He moved to Houston in 1994, joining the faculty at the University of Texas Medical School – Houston, where he became the Medical Director of Transplant Hepatology.

He was later named Medical Director at St. Luke’s Texas Liver Institute at St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital. In 2001, Dr. Galati formed his current practice, Liver Specialists of Texas, one of the country’s largest private liver services. In 2007, he was appointed Medical Director for the Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation at Houston Methodist Hospital.

A board-certified neurologist and a Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology, Dr. Gilmer brings more than 20 years of comprehensive, compassionate care to J. Flowers, where his goal is to carefully listen to and fully understand patient problems and treat conservatively and effectively.

After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin, Dr. Gilmer completed his medical training at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston. Dr. Gilmer is extremely active in the medical community,  as he was the past president of the Harris County Medical Society, past president of the Houston Academy of Medicine, and past president of both Harris County and Texas Neurological Societies. He is also a founding member of the Greater Houston Health Information Exchange and is a founding board member of BrainPAC, the advocacy arm of the American Academy of Neurology.

Additionally, Dr. Gilmer has served as former chair of the TMA Interspecialty Committee, TMA Council on Science and Public Health, TMA Council on Constitution and Bylaws, and TMA Council on Member Services. He currently represents Harris County as a delegate to the Texas Medical Association House of Delegates and represents Texas as a delegate to the American Medical Association House of Delegates.

Raised in Houston but born in New Orleans, Dr. Gilmer is proud of his Cajun heritage and enjoys cooking, wine, and travel.

Board-certified in anesthesiology and pain medicine, Dr. Thomas has been in practice in Houston since 1991, specializing in acute pain management, chronic pain, and back and neck pain.

He earned his medical degree from the McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, where he also completed his residency in anesthesia and a fellowship in pain medicine. During his residency, Dr. Thomas was named Outstanding Anesthesia Resident in Pain Medicine and Outstanding Consultant by TIRR Memorial Hermann.

He currently enjoys hospital privileges at Texas Medical Center, St. Luke’s, Sugar Land Methodist Hospital, and Memorial Hermann Hospitals. In private pain practice since 1996, Dr. Thomas has developed individualized pain management plans for patients suffering from chronic pain, treating patients of all ages.

Outside of his practice, he enjoys spending time with his family.

Maggie Chapman received her Master of Social Work and Bachelor of Social Work from The University of Texas at Austin. Before joining the J. Flowers team, Maggie worked as the director of the chronic pain program in a co-occurring treatment center in Houston. Maggie has committed to working with those experiencing mental health difficulties related to mood disorders, substance use disorders, chronic pain, and intimate partner violence.

Maggie is a skills-based therapist who teaches her clients real-life strategies that can be used outside of therapy to better the lives of those she works with. She utilizes a multidimensional approach to the complex needs of her clients, incorporating the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of their lives. Her primary goal in treatment is to assist others in realizing that each person can heal from within and believes that everyone is capable of healing and living life in their true selves.

Maggie shares a passion for the opportunity to help individuals in any capacity. She finds joy and pride in others’ success and appreciates the opportunity to empower individuals to take control of their wellness journey. Maggie believes positive change occurs when individuals experience compassion, community, curiosity, and understanding from supportive and authentic relationships. She is passionate about working with clients to clarify what they care most deeply about and collaborating on moving toward a life full of meaning, purpose, and abundance.

When Maggie isn’t in the office, you can find her at the dog park with her four-legged babies, traveling, or spending time with family and loved ones!

The Institute’s focus on prioritizing client needs with every interaction resonates with Selina, whose own philosophy of individualized wellbeing on a personal level is at the forefront of her work. As a counselor and therapist, Selina believes in a comprehensive approach (coupled with patient empowerment) as the best road to effective wellness.

She brings a wealth of clinical experience to the table as well as her own deeply rooted commitment to reducing the stigma associated with mental health. A cultural understanding of minority cultures and diverse perspectives also factors into her commitment to care. As part of her own active lifestyle outside the workplace, Selina enjoys running, kickboxing and CrossFit. Staying fit helps relieve stress and clears the mind, she says.

After a decade in private practice, Dr. Frogel joins the J. Flowers Health Institute as a therapist, helping guide clients through their treatment journeys with special emphasis on interpersonal process therapy.

A licensed psychologist, Dr. Frogel earned her Ph.D. in counseling psychology from the Bouve College of Health Sciences at Northeastern University in Boston. Her master’s degree in general theoretical psychology came from Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey.

Dr. Frogel was drawn to J. Flowers Health for its focus on comprehensive evaluation that considers all aspects of treatment. “This holistic and collaborative focus aligns with my belief that effective treatment requires looking at the whole person – mentally, emotionally and physically,” she said.

To that, she adds her own professional and personal nuances to her therapy: a sensitivity in working with individuals from diverse cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds, especially her work with Orthodox Jewish clients. (Dr. Frogel is fluent in Hebrew and offers therapy in both English and Hebrew.)

The Institute’s collaborative environment is one in which Dr. Frogel thrives: “It allows me to integrate my expertise with that of other professionals, ensuring that clients receive the best possible care tailored to their needs.”

When she’s not practicing, Dr. Frogel enjoys spending time with her family as well as activities such as home improvement projects, television and movies, stand-up comedy, and being active in her Jewish community.

Dr. Todd Corelli received his PhD in Clinical Psychology from Brigham Young University and completed a residency at Michigan State University Medical School. He has extensive experience working with people of all age ranges in psychological assessment. For the past 25 years, Dr. Corelli has worked across the country and internationally as an independent consultant for referring professionals. Dr. Corelli administers psychological and psychoeducational evaluations to clarify the client’s psychological functioning, learning profile, and any learning difficulties. These test results assess a wide range of potential problems, including ADHD, executive functioning, other learning disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, autism spectrum disorder, personality disorders, trauma, addiction, and many other diagnostic issues.

Todd has been married for 34 years and he and Valerie are the parents of four children, ages 18-31. Todd loves to travel, read, play golf and spend time with his family. He is 6’9” tall, played basketball in college, and is also in the Guinness Book of World Records for a basketball feat that has yet to be broken.

Nikki Garza, a licensed clinical social worker, has a deep-seated passion for helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of mental health.
In 2004, Nikki earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, followed by her Master’s of Social Work (2006), both of which laid the foundation for her rewarding career in the field.

For 12 years, Nikki served as a Clinical Director at a prominent residential treatment center, where her expertise in clinical social work flourished. During this time, she touched countless lives, guiding individuals through the challenging terrain of mental health with compassion and skill.
Her dedication and leadership qualities soon propelled her to the role of Executive Director at another prominent treatment center, where she continued to make an impact for an additional 9 years. Under her guidance, the center thrived and became a beacon of hope for those seeking effective treatment for mental illness.

One of Nikki’s most notable achievements is the co-creation and development of the Integrated Attachment Model, a groundbreaking approach to therapy that addresses attachment-related issues comprehensively. Nikki’s dedication to her field extends beyond her clinical practice. She has traveled extensively across the country, sharing her expertise by training other mental health professionals on the Integrated Attachment Model.

In addition to her specialized training in the Integrated Attachment Model, Nikki is a certified practitioner in several therapeutic modalities, including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), and CBT (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy). She has undergone extensive training in the treatment of anxiety, depression, attachment problems, and trauma, further solidifying her reputation as a comprehensive mental health expert.

Nikki’s life’s work is dedicated to healing and providing the best possible treatment for mental health issues. Her passion, expertise, and innovative contributions have made a lasting impact on the field of clinical social work, leaving an indelible mark on the lives she touches.

Kevin earned his Bachelor’s degrees in Human Development and Family Studies and Sociology. He went on to earn his Master’s degree in marriage and family therapy at the University of Nebraska. He has been engaged in working with individuals, families, and couples for more than 20 years.

His work has taken him across the country to serve families by providing in-home intensive experiences to establish secure family environments for adolescents returning from wilderness or residential treatment.
He has also worked in residential treatment centers that serve adolescents and young adults. He was the executive clinical director at one of those facilities for nearly a decade.
It was during this time that Kevin realized the need for a new modality of therapy that addressed behaviors from an attachment perspective. This was when he began to build the Integrated Attachment Model as a way to help serve individuals and families who have received multiple years of therapy with the common modalities and were still in need of treatment.

Kevin has been trained in a variety of treatment modalities, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Functional Family Therapy (FFT), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT), and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), as well as several others.

Kevin is passionate about family work and the continued application of the Integrated Attachment Model that he and Nikki have developed over the past 10 years. One of his greatest joys in his professional life is the creation and sharing of the Integrated Attachment Model. Kevin and Nikki have presented at different conferences across the country and to numerous parent groups over the years.

Kevin has been happily married for nearly 30 years, has been blessed with 5 children, a son-in-law, and a beautiful granddaughter.

A Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, Andrea has distinguished her career in mental health by supporting individuals in trauma, career transition, and burnout with her unique blend of compassionate care and clinical expertise.

Her counseling journey began after a tenure at Rice University, where her work with counseling staff supporting students in crisis sparked an interest in mental health. That led to pursuing a master’s degree in counseling from the University of Houston. Her clinical training at The Women’s Home, a residential program for homeless women, was marked by her commitment to community outreach and empowering those facing significant life challenges.

She continued her mental health career at The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD as a clinical team leader, followed by a position as an interventionist for the Crisis Intervention Response Team, a partnership between Harris County deputies and the Houston Police Department in emergency mental health assessment.

Today, in her private practice, Andrea specializes in clients struggling with depression, anxiety, and trauma. Her therapeutic philosophy is grounded in a commitment to a healing process based on the transformative power of therapy. She is committed to inspiring and uplifting those she serves while guiding them to a more balanced, meaningful life.

The founder and owner of The Wellness Doc Integrative Medicine, a Houston chiropractic and regenerative medicine practice, McClerkin is dedicated to high-quality healthcare for maintaining healthy, active lifestyles.

“Our goal is to help you live your best life, free from pain and discomfort,” McClerkin said. “We strive to create a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs and goals.”

Treatments at her practice include chiropractic care (physical therapy, massage therapy), hyperbaric oxygen therapy, joint injections, ozone therapy, spinal decompression, facial aesthetics, peptide therapy, weight loss, and IV hydration.

After receiving her master’s and bachelor’s degrees in nursing from The University of Texas at Arlington, McClerkin earned a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from Michigan State University as well as a doctorate in chiropractic medicine from Texas Chiropractic College.

With a holistic approach to healthcare, McClerkin’s practice is dedicated to treating the whole person, not just their symptoms.

Carter is a distinguished alumna of the University of Houston, where she earned her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Psychology, complemented by a minor in Business Administration. During her academic journey, Carter’s profound interest in comprehending the complexities of human behavior led her to work as a Research Coordinator for both an anxiety and health research laboratory and a substance use treatment clinic. In these roles, she actively contributed to studying, assessing, preventing, and treating anxiety-substance use disorders, while also championing positive health behavior changes. Her involvement in these research endeavors equipped her with invaluable insights into the intricate interplay between mental health and overall well-being.

Carter’s unwavering drive for innovation and entrepreneurship led her to pursue a Corporate Entrepreneurship Certificate from the esteemed Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship. This credential endowed her with the skills and principles of a corporate entrepreneur, empowering her to identify and cultivate opportunities within organizations. Carter’s diverse educational background, coupled with her hands-on experience, has sculpted her into a well-rounded individual, uniquely poised to make a positive impact in both the realm of psychology and the business domain.

At J. Flowers Health Institute, we are elated to welcome Carter as a cherished member of our world-class team of experts. Her exceptional academic accomplishments and her unwavering commitment to creating meaningful impacts align seamlessly with our core values. Carter’s fusion of psychological acumen, business proficiency, and empathetic nature perfectly embodies our holistic approach to well-being. Her fervor for fostering growth, coupled with her tireless dedication and exceptional interpersonal skills, makes her an indispensable asset in our mission to catalyze positive transformations in the lives of those we serve.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Carter embraces enriching hobbies that bring her immense joy and fulfillment. Her steadfast companions, a pair of golden retrievers, join her in agility events, showcasing their intelligence and athleticism. Carter also treasures quality time with her family, cherishing moments of togetherness that exemplify her commitment to fostering meaningful connections.

Carter’s genuine care and understanding create a nurturing and supportive environment, enabling individuals and families to overcome challenges and achieve personal growth. Her presence amplifies the spirit of wellness and compassion that defines J. Flowers Health Institute, and we are truly honored to have her as an integral part of our esteemed team.

As J. Flowers Health Institute’s new executive assistant, Madden is charged with providing administrative support to the company’s core executive team while facilitating a host of logistical responsibilities in day-to-day operations throughout a growing staff and increased business expansion. He comes to his post with experience in both business and healthcare realms. With a degree in elementary education and administration from Eastern Illinois University, Madden has worked in the real estate industry by overseeing business development, as well as the dental field, which gave him an inside look into how healthcare operations work.

He values creating efficiency and organization for the executive team, as well as ensuring that J. Flowers’ mission of delivering exceptional patient care is fulfilled. “I am passionate about supporting an environment where hope and healing thrive, and I take pride in playing a role in transforming lives through our comprehensive and holistic approach to care,” Madden said. He was drawn to J. Flowers for the successful, tailored wellness treatments that each patient receives from a vast team of top-of-their-field healthcare professionals – an experience he calls “seamless.” His mission is to maintain and improve on those outcomes that have made J. Flowers an industry leader.

His personal goals at J. Flowers are simple: “To be a part of the long-term impact here and create a career that allows me to continually learn and understand the mental healthcare field.” Outside of the workplace, Madden is an animal lover and especially loves horses and the three pups he cares for. He enjoys outdoor activities, volleyball, cooking, and poolside time.

I was first introduced to yoga as a young teenager. Asana and meditation became an essential component of my daily practice, which later led me to the deeper studies of yoga and Eastern philosophy. In 2001, I studied in Los Angeles with Bikram Choudhury and returned to Houston to teach full-time. Since my initial teacher training, I have completed 1000+ hours of yoga training, enabling me to teach Hatha, Vinyasa, and Kids yoga, as well as the Bishnu Gosh lineage. Yoga allows me to peel away layers of the self, create space within the body & mind, and ultimately, drop the center of consciousness from the mind into the heart.

Lizzy Metriyakool holds a Master’s Degree in Public Affairs from the University of Texas at Austin and began her career in public policy management. In 2016, she began teaching yoga and functional movement classes in the Houston area, but it was not until she sustained a serious back injury from a car accident a few years later that she fully transitioned her career and dedicated herself to the field of healing and performance optimization.

Lizzy is a 500-hour registered yoga instructor, certified personal trainer, and certified golf fitness trainer. Her diverse experiences and trainings empower individuals to improve their mobility goals, develop new movement patterns, and enhance their overall health. Her Restorative Movement sessions at JFHI emphasize building balance, range of motion, posture, and strength, improving breath awareness and Vo2 max, and cultivating a brain-body connection to calm the nervous system.

Beata Lundeen has spent 40 years in the field of professional addiction treatment services as a nurse, interventionist, and business development specialist. After experiencing her own spiritual transformation through years of one-to-one professional Spiritual Direction, Beata graduated from Stillpoint, an accredited school of Spiritual Direction. She now guides others in the process of spiritual growth, intentional practices, and personal discernment of life decisions. Beata has helped many, many individuals discover the power of love, contentedness, appreciation, and spirituality in their lives.

Pat is a certified Spiritual Director for over 20 years and was trained at the Cenacle Retreat House in Houston where she was involved in the supervision of spiritual directors in training for many years. She is a certified Success: Full Living Instructor, a workshop that teaches how to use the ‘Life Mechanism’ to live a more meaningful and engaged life.

Pat’s training and personal experience combine to offer a practical and straightforward approach to recognizing and achieving one’s goals in life. Her dynamic and engaging presentation style has made her a favorite of many that have attended her sessions over the years. She has extensive experience both in the U.S. and overseas in facilitating and training various youth and adult groups including planning teams, meditation and support groups.

Pat lives in Katy, Texas with her husband, Dick, and enjoys her family of six adult children and nine grandchildren.

Jean brings indispensable emotions of empathy and compassion to his role as client liaison. In getting clients to and from their appointments, Jean is a crucial bridge between the clinical team and the people seeking the help of J. Flowers. He also puts his heart into it: “I love seeing the progress made by our clients, which feels like magic.” He likens client recoveries to seeing a withered flower blossom again.

A native of the Central African country of Cameroon, Jean is fluent in both French and English. He comes to J. Flowers from previous work in hospitality as a residential concierge in a luxury living development. In his free time, Jean appreciates sports, including basketball and soccer. He also enjoys meeting new people and learning from them. “I love adding value in other people’s lives,” he said. “I believe we are here for each other, and we exist for others.”

Marc is the author of “How to Do an Intervention; A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents” which he published in 2020. Marc has also contributed to mental health initiatives as a Board of Directors member for Active Minds, supporting mental health for college students across more than 600 campuses, and CrisisLink, the crisis and suicide prevention hotline for the Washington, D.C. area.