Counseling

Jennifer Grant, LCSW-S, DCSW, CAAP: Personal Counselor & Counseling Internship Program Supervisor

Jennifer Grant is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Supervisor, Diplomate of Clinical Social Work and Certified Animal Assisted Counselor whose work is rooted in healing, compassion, and social justice. A native Texan, Jennifer earned both her Bachelor and Master of Social Work degrees from Texas State University in San Marcos, with a concentration in Direct Practice. Since 2003, she has devoted her career to guiding individuals through trauma, adversity, and personal growth. Jennifer joined the SAC community in October of 2022. As a seasoned trauma clinician, Jennifer has worked in acute care settings, in both inpatient and outpatient hospital settings, on crisis response teams, and in post-disaster recovery efforts- including providing support for survivors of mass violence in Uvalde and Sutherland Springs. She has also served veterans, active-duty military members, and first responders. Her training includes EMDR, TF-CBT, CPT, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Sand Tray Therapy modalities. Jennifer is a Certified Neuropsychotherapist and Certified Trauma and Resilience Practitioner.

Dr. Tilly: Certified Animal Assisted Counseling Partner

Dr. Tilly is a gentle and soulful American Mastiff who serves as an Animal Assisted Counseling partner alongside Jennifer Grant, LCSW-S, at the Student Advocacy Center at San Antonio College. Dr. Tilly earned her undergraduate Canine Good Citizen training August of 2024 and became certified through Texas State University Animal Assisted Counseling Program shortly thereafter. With her calm presence, expressive eyes, and steady heart, Dr. Tilly offers unconditional love, comfort, and support to students facing emotional challenges, stress, and life transitions.

Tilly’s story is one of profound resilience. She is a double rescue, originally abandoned, malnourished, and in poor health, she was found wandering the streets, a shadow of the magnificent companion she was meant to be. Her first family lost faith in her and ultimately relinquished her to kind strangers, who then connected her with her true forever home. That home was with her adoptive mom, therapist Jenn Grant, who saw in Tilly not just a dog in need, but a partner in healing. Now thriving, Dr. Tilly brings her own journey of survival and transformation into every session she attends. Her quiet strength and affectionate nature have become a source of hope for students who are working through trauma, grief, anxiety, and self-doubt. Tilly reminds them that healing is possible and that even the most wounded among us can find belonging and purpose. Whether she’s lying beside a student during a difficult conversation, greeting them with a soft nuzzle of encouragement, or simply offering her warm presence in the room, Dr. Tilly plays a vital role in fostering a safe, welcoming environment. She is not just a therapy dog, she is a living example of resilience, the power of second chances, and the healing bond between animals and humans.

Dr. Tucker: Certified Animal Assisted Counseling Partner

Dr. Tucker Grant, a spirited Cardigan Welsh Corgi with a heart full of purpose, serves as a Certified Animal Assisted Counseling Partner at San Antonio College’s Student Advocacy Center. Born on October 22, 2020, Dr. Tucker has always shown an extraordinary sensitivity to human emotion and an innate desire to bring comfort to others. From the moment he was a puppy, it was clear he was destined to make a difference.

His journey into therapeutic service began with earning his Canine Good Citizen certification in January 2023. That same year, he was admitted to the prestigious Texas State University Animal Assisted Counseling Program. Alongside his partner and mom, Jennifer Grant, LCSW-S, Dr. Tucker completed 120 hours of rigorous training. In July 2023, he proudly completed his evaluations and earned his Dogtorate, a milestone that marked the beginning of a meaningful mission to bring healing and hope to others Since joining the San Antonio College community in August 2023, Dr. Tucker has become a beacon of comfort, empathy, and resilience. With gentle cuddles, soulful eyes, and an intuitive heart, he offers students a safe space to breathe, to feel, and to heal. He is especially gifted in supporting those struggling with anxiety and depression, using his quiet strength and unconditional love to remind each student of their worth. Dr. Tucker clearly believes every person deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued. His presence inspires students to keep going, even on their hardest days. Through his unwavering loyalty and kindness, he shows that healing comes in many forms- and sometimes, it has four paws and a fluffy wiggling bottom.

Michelle Morales, MA, LPC-S

Michelle Morales is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor (LPC-S) with over twenty years of experience in Counseling Psychology. Raised on the Southwest side of San Antonio, Michelle has dedicated her career to supporting individuals through trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, and various mood disorders. She is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT) and trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). With a strengths-based therapeutic approach, Michelle empowers her clients to reach their personal goals and enhance their overall quality of life. Currently, Michelle serves as a Personal Counselor at San Antonio College, where she provides bilingual, short-term, solution-focused counseling to students. Her broad skill set includes crisis intervention, treatment planning, and conducting immigration evaluations. Michelle holds a Master of Arts in Counseling from Webster University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Our Lady of the Lake University. In addition to her counseling expertise, she is an accomplished presenter, event organizer, and adept in web and social media. A passionate advocate for underserved populations, Michelle is committed to giving back to her community through volunteering. In her personal time, she enjoys tending to her cacti and succulents garden and cherishing her role as a dedicated Tia to her nieces and nephews, maintaining strong ties with her family.

Andi Kephart, LCSW-S, RPT

Andi Kephart is Licensed Clinical Social Worker Supervisor and Registered Play Therapist from Georgia (Go Bulldogs!). She has been practicing for 12 years. Holding a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from Texas State University, Andi has developed a comprehensive skill set that equips her to deliver exceptional support to individuals and families. Andi actively champions the rights of marginalized individuals, fostering inclusive environments where authenticity is celebrated. Her empathetic approach has established her as a trusted ally, ensuring that all clients feel seen and valued. In her therapeutic practice, Andi employs innovative techniques, particularly play therapy, to create engaging and transformative experiences. She believes that therapy should empower individuals on their paths to self-discovery and healing, consistently inspiring her students to overcome challenges and realize their potential. She is trained in CBT, Sandtray, and EMDR. Beyond her professional endeavors, Andi enjoys a fulfilling personal life with her husband and their three spirited dogs. She possesses a unique collection of flamingos, reflecting her vibrant personality. Her eclectic interests extend to her love of boy bands and dancing to 80s music, which serve as joyful outlets and a reminder to embrace life's lighter moments.

What to Expect

We are grateful that students desire to improve their mental and emotional health and Counseling Services are here to provide support. All Counseling Services begin with a call to the Student Advocacy Helpline or walking in to the Student Advocacy Center. After preliminary paperwork is completed, an initial intake assessment is scheduled. The initial intake assessment is a semi-structured interview process that allows us to learn about our students needs across several domains such as housing, food, academics and mental health.

Upon the completion of the initial intake assessment, if a student desires, a counseling appointment will be scheduled. Counseling appointments are 50 minutes long and typically are scheduled on a bi-weekly basis. Together, the counselor and the student will work to identify a goal for counseling and will use various therapeutic techniques and orientations to achieve the identified therapy goal.

Please keep in mind that the Initial Intake Assessment and Counseling sessions will be provided in-person at the Advocacy Center or via Zoom only. The SAC Advocacy Center does not provide counseling services over the phone.

Scope of Practice

We aspire to provide services that can adequately meet clients' needs while maintaining our ability to accept new clients as they arrive each week, and do so ethically and competently. In doing so, we offer goal-focused counseling at no cost to our clients. Beyond an initial intake assessment, we typically provide counseling sessions with the frequency varying depending on student demand for services, which varies throughout the year.

We strive to always be available to any student experiencing a mental health crisis.

In an effort to provide ethical and equitable mental health services to our students, we provide mental health community referral assistance for students who desire ongoing weekly counseling or who need specialized, long-term, open-ended counseling, or mental health diagnosing. Referral assistance includes helping a student identify a provider who accepts the student's insurance or has cost effective rates.

We welcome all students to meet with a counselor for an initial intake assessment to discuss whether their needs fit within our scope of services; however, below we have listed some general guidelines.

Common concerns that may be addressed in goal-focused brief counseling may include:

• Mild to moderate anxiety and depression
• Adjustment and developmental concern
• Self-esteem concerns
• Concerns related to the transition into—or out of—college
• Identity development related to various dimensions of identity (sexual, racial/ethnic, religious, gender, etc.)
• Academic stress and motivation
• Supportive assistance after trauma
• Interpersonal Relationship issues
• Assistance with accessing resources on- or off-campus

Concerns that warrant counseling on a long-term or ongoing basis and are commonly addressed through a referral to an off-campus provider may include:

• Long-standing or severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, or mood disorders
• Active eating disorders
• Active psychosis, hallucinations, or delusions
• Active alcohol or substance abuse disorders
• Psychological testing, including testing for ADHD
• Requests for letters of support for registered disabilities or ESAs (emotional support animals)
• Counseling assistance for court and/or legal requirements

In an effort to ensure we are providing the best level of care and support for our students, it is imperative that students attend their scheduled sessions. We will send reminder messages 24 hours in advance of the session.

If for some reason a student cannot attend, they should reach out to their counselor via email or call the Student Advocacy Helpline to cancel or reschedule. Canceled or rescheduled appointments should be completed before 24 hours of the appointment. If appointments are canceled or rescheduled within 24 hours, that will be considered a late cancel. After 2 consecutive late cancel/reschedule or no shows (student simply did not show up for the appointment), the student will be provided with mental health referrals to locate a community provider that will be able to better accommodate their schedule. The student will be able to resume scheduling counseling appointments intheir next registered semester.

The Counseling Services staff understands the important role faculty and staff play in the general well-being of students. We are pleased to provide several services in support of creating the best possible environment for our students:

• Consultation -  Counseling Services is happy to provide consultation to faculty and staff on a variety of emotional and behavioral issues affecting students.
• Outreach Services - We can arrange to visit your class and present on a variety of topics: counseling services overview, sexual assault awareness, healthy relationships, stress in college, guided relaxation, internet safety, and more.
• Trainings/Workshops - Counseling Services provides trainings on Handing Difficult Behaviors in the Classroom, Veterans Transitioning to the Classroom, and other topics directly to faculty and staff. Please consider a training for your next department or division meeting.

San Antonio College is committed to a healthy and safe learning environment for all students.

• Students who are currently enrolled or have been enrolled within the last academic semester are eligible for counseling services.
• Counseling services are available for employees through the Employee Assistance Program.

Some Topics are:

• School/Work/Home Balance
• Time Management
• Test Taking Anxiety
• Generalized Anxiety
• Eating Issues
• Depression
• Stress Management
• Relationship Issues

Groups vary by semester. Please see a counselor to discuss. Some groups have been focused on:

• Stress Management
• Grief/Loss
• Veteran’s
• LGBTQ

Nothing! It is a free service.

• For individual counseling, come by or call to schedule an appointment.
• For group counseling, make an appointment to discuss joining a group with a counselor.

Visit: Student Advocacy Center 
Call: 210-486-1111
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Thursday 8:00 am-7:00 pm (Last appointment time 6:00 pm)
Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (Last appointment time 4:00 pm)
1st Saturday of the Month 9:00 am- 1:00 pm

• You will need to complete paperwork before your first visit. 
• Individual Sessions usually are 50 minutes.
• Group Sessions are usually 1.5 hours.
• 24 hour notice is requested to cancel or reschedule appointments.