Clinical Team
Dean Fitch, LMFT, LCDC
Director of Counseling Services
Dean has a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy, as well as, a license in chemical dependency. He has worked in private practice, residential treatment, family programs and Intensive Outpatient over the years.
Dean approaches the disease of addiction and recovery from a “family systems” prospective. He believes in meaningful and ongoing support for individuals and family members is critical for lasting recovery.
“It is rewarding to work in a team of caring, highly trained, and devoted individuals focused on the common goal of providing outstanding client-care. It is a privilege to be part of Starlite’s life changing mission and witness amazing people grow in their recovery journeys first hand.”
Melissa Robbins, MS, LCDC
Adult Therapist
Melissa has 12 years of experience in the Fire/EMS field as a firefighter and medic. She has worked in the addictions field since 1996. She obtained her Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice and her Master’s in Human Services with a Specialization in Counseling as well as her LCDC. She has particular insights to police officers, firefighters and medics and their common struggles. She has extensive experience with criminal behavior and is well-versed in inmate culture and prison gangs. She also has experience in working with clients who struggle with Opiate Addiction, PTSD, chronic pain and those who have undergone gastric bypass. She has education in Native American culture and addiction. She has recently received intense training on addiction and bipolar as well as addiction and schizophrenia. Opiate addicts and inmates are her favorite population to work with.
Robert Hornbeck, LCDC
Adult Counselor
Robert has worked in the chemical dependency field since 2000. He has developed an interest in working with end of life issues, retirement issues, trauma and grief. Robert enjoys using the cognitive behavioral approach combined with brief and motivational interviewing therapy approaches. Robert’s overall approach is Rogerian or person centered.
Nina Nicolaides MA, LPC
Adult Therapist
Nina has a background in the Army Reserve and Vocational Nursing. She studied at the University of Texas at San Antonio where she obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Master’s degree in Counseling. Nina has worked in various settings such as private practice, in-home counseling and residential and partial hospitalization. She uses a client centered approach that begins with empathy and unconditional positive regard and clarification.
Rollie Rollins BA, LCDC
Adolescent Counselor
Rollie received a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Texas Tech University and is currently working on a Master of Social Work degree at the University of Texas at San Antonio. He is a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor and has worked in the substance abuse/addiction treatment field since 1992. He has worked in all Levels of Care including Inpatient, Intensive Outpatient, Supportive Outpatient, Detox, Partial Hospitalization, and Residential. “I love my job because my life was changed by a counselor working at a treatment center and I want to give back what I was so generously given.”
Kathy DeBoise, MPH, LCDC
Adult Therapist
Kathy has been a counselor since 1992. She received a Master in Public Health from the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston and a Bachelor’s in Behavioral Science from the University of Houston Clearlake. She completed a three year program in Spiritual Direction at the Cenacle in Houston, receiving a certificate as a spiritual Companion. Basically, this entails listening skills to assist a person on their spiritual path. She has led retreats, which include much meditation time, based on Centering Prayer. She is also a certified Anger resolution therapist, and has assisted in anger management classes in the past. Kathy has studied extensively on the importance of nutrition in assisting with treatment of addiction. She works with both men and women regarding body image, primarily with the eating disorder of bulimia. “I can’t keep it unless I give it away”.
Christine Rose MA, LPC-I
Adult Therapist
Christine holds a Bachelor’s degree in Geology and a Master’s degree in Counseling from Eastern New Mexico University. She is currently a licensed secondary science teacher in the State of New Mexico and a Licensed Professional Counselor Intern in the State of Texas. Christine most enjoys working with clients individually and in small groups. She also has special interests in working with women, families, and with clients regarding relationship and codependency issues. Her counseling style is person centered: meeting the client where they are with empathy and compassion and assisting them to find their core beliefs and personal truths. “Working at Starlite allows me the joy of witnessing clients make the transformation from desperation to gratitude in mind, body and spirit.”
Deborah Demerson BA, LCDC
Adult Intensive Outpatient Counselor
Deborah loves working with adolescent s and young adults. She obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Addiction Counseling and is currently working on her Master’s in Addiction Counseling. She has an interest in Reality Therapy and is well versed on criminal behavior and inmate culture. “I love my job because I‘ve been where my clients have been and had someone help me. I want to offer a hand to any and every one that needs it. The most rewarding part of my job is when past clients call to let me know they are still sober.”
Regina Olson
Alumni Coordinator
Regina has been with Starlite since January 2008. She started as a Chemical Dependency Technician then moved into the Counselor Assistant position. Most recently she was promoted to Alumni Coordinator and is working on completing her degree in Business Administration. Her responsibilities are many, but most importantly, she helps keep Alumni connected to recovery and each other.
“I came to work at Starlite because I wanted to be a part of what saved my life. I’m an Alumni of Starlite and believe if you have a great sober support group, and do the work, you can make it through anything. “
Clarence Stewart
Activities Director/Training Director
Clarence has a degree from Schreiner University and is a Certified Personal Trainer. He supervises activities and is the Staff Training Instructor. Clarence is a former professional athlete; he personally works with clients to develop a plan to work toward achieving their fitness goals.
“I feel rewarded every time someone says ‘you’ve helped me’. My only objective is to be a helping tool in any phase of our clients’ life”
