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Dr. Jean-Marie Kokou-Abi (He/Him/His)

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/FOUNDER

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Dr. Kokou-Abi is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. He obtained a master’s degree and a doctorate in nursing practice from the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. His doctoral project addressed polypharmacy of anxiety medications at an inpatient psychiatric hospital. Dr. Kokou-Abi uses a compassionate approach to his psychiatric practice and has an extensive experience with patients with mood and thought disorders, and anxiety. His other research interests include substance abuse treatment, stigma reduction regarding psychiatric care, and improving access to mental health care for the underserved. 


Beside his clinical practice, Dr. Kokou-Abi is a clinical assistant professor in the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program at The University of Texas at Houston's Cizik School of Nursing.


Dr. Kokou-Abi enjoys spending time with his family, playing tennis, and watching The Office to unwind.

Dr. Jo Vendl (She/Her/Hers)

CLINICAL DIRECTOR
Licensed Psychologist

Dr. Jo Vendl is a licensed clinical psychologist with a specialization in child and family therapy. Dr. Vendl’s primary focus and clinical expertise is in supporting trauma recovery for those who have experienced abuse, neglect, family or relationship violence, combat trauma, and other life threatening events. She practices with a relational, mindfulness based, and collaborative approach to the treatment of psychological distress. She also provides psychological evaluations for children, adolescents, and adults seeking clarity for attention problems, behavioral and emotional concerns, and personality/relationship concerns.


Dr. Vendl earned her masters and doctoral degrees at the University of Denver Graduate School of Professional Psychology, where she studied international disaster psychology and child and family therapy. She gained important experience in the treatment of trauma while working in Sarajevo, Bosnia, and with refugees, asylum seekers, and survivors of human trafficking in Denver, CO.

Dr. Vendl also has an extensive experience providing psychological testing to active duty military personnel and veterans. 

Dr. Vendl enjoys the outdoors and spending time with her family. 

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Dr. Mohammad Javed (He/Him/His)

MEDICAL DIRECTOR

Psychiatrist

Dr. Javed is a board-certified general adult and geriatric psychiatrist who completed his training from The University of Texas at San Antonio. Dr. Javed has over 5 years of experience working with patients in acute and crisis setting. He served as medical director at the Center for Health Care Services, a community mental health and substance abuse clinic in San Antonio, TX. 


In addition to his various clinical positions, Dr. Javed works as a mentor and preceptor to nurse practitioner students. Presently his focus is on providing quality mental health in the outpatient setting.


Dr. Javed enjoys spending time with his family, hiking, and he is an amateur woodworker in his free time.

Alexandra Gill (She/Her/Hers)

LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER

Alex is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). She holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Wyoming. Alex also holds a master's degree in social work, and she is currently working towards her doctorate in clinical psychology. She has more than 5 years of clinical experience with a variety of populations. She has worked with individuals struggling with substance use, trauma, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and more. Alex is currently trained in EMDR, CBT and DBT modalities. She possesses skills needed for de-escalation in crisis situations. She works from a person-centered approach and provides a safe and supportive environment to work towards her client's identified goals. Alex is highly successful in building an exceptional rapport with individuals on all levels.


Alex enjoys spending time with her dog, reading, and traveling.

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Vincent Flores (He/Him/His)

PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH NURSE PRACTITIONER

Vincent is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and graduate of The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.

Before joining the Baobab Psychiatric Services team, Vincent served clients as a nurse practitioner in private practice in the Houston area. He most recently worked in a community health setting providing his exceptional care to a mostly underserved population.

 

A steadfast advocate for improving access to quality health care, his practice is informed by a commitment to culturally competent care and a holistic approach to supporting his clients’ overall wellness. 

His areas of interest include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and psychotic disorders.

Outside the office, Vincent enjoys hiking, video games, nature documentaries, and spending time with his two mischievous cats, Ellie and Gordo.

Katherine Rediske (She/Her/Hers)

LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR

Katie is a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 8 years of experience. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Hollins University and a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from the University of Texas at Tyler.
 

With a person-centered approach, Katie believes in meeting clients where they are in their journey. Her style is nonjudgmental, straightforward, and focused on helping individuals and couples navigate life transitions, relationship concerns, and alternative relationships. She has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by clients from diverse backgrounds and has successfully supported individuals dealing with trauma, adjustment, emotional regulation, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, grief and loss, gender identity, and interpersonal conflicts.
 

Katie is particularly passionate about working with couples and individuals experiencing life transitions, relationship concerns, and alternative relationships. She provides a supportive and collaborative environment for clients to explore their concerns and find effective solutions. She understands the unique dynamics of alternative relationships and offers a safe space for individuals navigating those complexities.
 

In her free time, Katie cherishes moments with her fiancé and pets. She loves exploring new restaurants, playing video games, tending to her house plants, and finding inspiration in the joys of life. She believes in the importance of balancing work and personal interests to maintain well-being and brings this holistic approach into her counseling practice.

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Petronia Tete (She/Her/Hers)

OFFICE MANAGER

She graduated from the Texas A&M University Central Texas with a Bachelor's degree in business administration. 


Petronia has superb interpersonal communication skills, and she has a well rounded and empathetic personality. She is very organized and her future goal include pursuing an MBA.


Petronia loves to travel. She also enjoys spending time with her loved one, and relaxing with a good Kdrama.

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Meet the Team

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