Our Team
Your Mind Deserves the Best Care. We’re Here to Help You Thrive.
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Johanna Torres-Santiago, MD
PSYCHIATRIST
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Oscar Melendez, PsyD
PSYCHOLOGIST
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Nicole Velez Agosto, PhD
PSYCHOLOGIST
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Selmo Cristo, PhD
PSYCHOLOGIST
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Pearl Cano, PsyD
PSYCHOLOGIST
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Amelida Ramirez, MSN, APRN
MENTAL HEALTH NURSE PRACTITIONER
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Samia Diaz
CERTIFIED IN TMS THERAPY
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Maria C. Montenegro, PhD
PSYCHOLOGIST
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Luis Romero, PhD
Psychologist
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Ms. Esthela Flores
Certified Nursing Assistant
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Ms. Alda Costa/Administrative Manager
Alda Sofia Costa brings strong administrative leadership and deeply patient-centered approach to her role as office manager at Our Psyche, Inc. She holds a master’s degree in health science in administration and has a diverse professional background spanning social work, education, and hospital-based patient care.
Alda ensures that clinic operations run smoothly while maintaining a welcoming compassionate, and organized environment. She is committed to fostering transparency, clear communication, and efficiency, allowing both patients and staff to feel supported and respected.
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Ms. Karen Castillo/Billing Specialist
Karen Castillo is a dedicated Billing Specialist with over seven years of experience in healthcare billing, including five years specializing in mental health services and two years in dental billing.
She joined Our Psyche, Inc. in 2025 and brings strong attention to detail, consistency, and a thorough understanding of billing processes that support both providers and clients.
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Ms. Andrea Jaramillo/Front-Desk Assistant
Andrea Jaramillo is a Front Desk Associate at Our Psyche, where she supports daily operations with professionalism, efficiency, and a strong commitment to patient-centered care.
Andrea is highly tech-savvy and brings strong computer proficiency, medical terminology knowledge, and bilingual Spanish skills to her role. She is known for her excellent communication, active listening, and exceptional customer service, allowing her to create a welcoming and organized experience for patients and families.
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Manuel Verastegui/Virtual Assistant
Member of The American Medical Association | Diplomate of The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology | Member of The American Psychiatric Association | Member of The American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law
Johanna Torres-Santiago, MD
Dr. Torres-Santiago brings over a decade of expertise and compassion to her work in mental health care. A Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in Adult Psychiatry, Dr. Torres-Santiago is dedicated to providing innovative, patient-centered treatment that transforms lives.
She earned her medical degree from the Universidad Iberoamericana School of Medicine in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, in 2010. She then pursued specialized training in Psychiatry at the University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, where she honed her skills in diagnosing and treating complex mental health conditions.
Dr. Torres-Santiago is also an expert in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), a cutting-edge treatment for depression and other mental health conditions. She completed a prestigious Visiting Fellowship in TMS at Duke University in North Carolina, equipping her with advanced knowledge and techniques to deliver exceptional care in this field.
"Since the inception of my journey in 2017, I have been privileged to serve this community with unwavering dedication. My extensive and well-rounded training has equipped me with the skills to navigate the complexities of the medical landscape. As a proud member of the Texas Medical Board, I bring forth a commitment to excellence, fostering connections with a diverse adult population. It is my profound pleasure to contribute to the well-being of this community, a responsibility I undertake with utmost care and expertise."
Oscar Melendez, PsyD
Provisionally Licensed Psychologist, supervised by Nicole Velez, PhD
Dr. Melendez is a skilled and dedicated professional who has devoted his career to working with diverse. As a Hispanic individual from a low-income background, he brings a unique perspective and understanding to his work.
With advanced psychoanalytic training, Dr. Melendez offers profound insight into the human psyche, helping clients navigate life’s complexities with clarity and confidence. He is an affirming therapist who creates a safe, inclusive space for clients of all backgrounds, fostering trust and connection to support meaningful healing and growth.
"As a clinician, I believe in the power of connection and understanding. I aim to create a Mind-Bridge-Center Practice, where we level up the gaps created by cultural and language differences to foster improved mental well-being. Our mission is to provide a safe and inclusive space for individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds to connect mentally and emotionally, facilitating better communication and promoting psychiatric/psychological support for all Our participants."
Nicole Velez Agosto, PhD
Dr. Nicole Velez Agosto is our Psychology Lead and a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Her passion lies in empowering her patients to take control of their story and move towards a better quality of life.
She is an integrative psychotherapist who blends narrative, psychodynamic, health psychology, and cognitive behavioral approaches. This blend helps the patient understand themselves better, providing skills and guidance
“My goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where you feel heard and understood. I work with adolescents, adults, older adults, families, and couples, addressing a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and personality disorders. Additionally, I provide mental health interventions for health-related concerns such as insomnia, chronic pain, and mild to moderate substance use issues."
"My background as an academic fuels my passion for social justice and multiculturalism. I have extensive experience working with clients from diverse backgrounds, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQ+, and Spanish-speaking clients. I am committed to creating an inclusive space where everyone feels valued and respected. When you work with me, you can expect a compassionate and collaborative approach. I am here to support you in understanding your experiences, developing new skills, and achieving your goals. "
Selmo Cristo, PhD
Provisionally Licensed Psychologist, supervised by Nicole Velez, PhD
Dr. Cristo is a passionate therapist who strives to bring his best therapeutical skills to help clients overcome mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and chronic stress. Dr. Cristo’s long training in clinical psychology includes I.Q., and Achievement tests, clinical assessments, personality tests, psychotherapy using Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Humanistic Psychology. In addition, Dr. Cristo underwent broad and intensive training, being able to provide counseling for individuals with a history of substance abuse and young adults diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as well as the concurrent issues pertaining to senior individuals.
“In the past 18 years, I have served the local Hispanic community as a substitute teacher, translator, higher education instructor, and most recently as a therapist, and I am no stranger to individuals’ social, and cultural complexities. These experiences shaped my holistic approach in therapy which considers individuals as a whole (social, cultural, and spiritual) with a full potential for self-transformation. I firmly believe that empathy and effective communication open doors, encourage and restore. Providing relief to patients suffering from any mental health illness in a safe, patient-centered setting under strict ethical guidelines became my motto.”
Amelida Ramirez, MSN, APRN
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
With over 15 years of experience in inpatient psychiatric care, Amelida Ramirez is a dedicated and compassionate psychiatric nurse who has worked with individuals facing various mental health challenges. Throughout her career, she has developed expertise in providing personalized, empathetic care to patients in both crisis and recovery stages. Her deep understanding of mental health conditions, combined with her commitment to patient advocacy, allows her to foster a therapeutic environment that promotes healing and stability.
Samia Diaz
Meet Samia Diaz, a radiant Puerto Rican professional with a Bachelor's degree in Radiology and a Doctoral degree in Medicine. Certified in TMS therapy, she blends her expertise with a deep cultural understanding, offering bilingual care that resonates with diverse communities. For the past six years, Samia has called the Valley home, where her warm and charming demeanor shines through in her practice. As a devoted healthcare professional, Samia embodies humility and compassion in her every interaction. Join her on a journey towards holistic wellness and genuine connection.
Pearl Cano, PsyD
Provisionally Licensed Psychologist.
Helping you feel seen, heard, and understood — every step of the way.
Dr. Cano is a compassionate, bilingual psychologist dedicated to supporting you through life’s challenging moments and significant transitions. Based at Our Psyche, Inc. in Edinburg, TX, Dr. Cano offers therapy in person and via telehealth, making mental health care more accessible than ever.
With a strong foundation in evidence-based and culturally responsive approaches, Dr. Cano specializes in working with individuals across the lifespan facing challenges like anxiety, depression, attention difficulties, autism spectrum conditions, learning and intellectual disabilities, behavioral struggles, and the complex emotions of major life changes.
Dr. Cano creates a safe, judgment-free space where you can explore what’s on your mind, build resilience, and grow into the best version of yourself — no matter your background or story. Dr. Cano is especially passionate about breaking the stigma around mental health in Hispanic and other underserved communities, helping clients feel empowered and supported in their healing journey.
Maria C. Montenegro, PhD
Dr. Montenegro specializes in autism screening, cognitive assessments, and adaptive skills testing for individuals across the lifespan.
Dr. Montenegro employs evidence-based tools, such as the ADOS-2, one of the gold standards for observational assessment of autism spectrum disorder, alongside comprehensive cognitive batteries and adaptive skills and executive function inventories to deliver precise diagnostic insights and tailored recommendations.
Dr. Montenegro employs a neuroaffirmative and social model of disability, highlighting clients' and families' strengths alongside areas for growth.
Dr. Montenegro completed her APA-accredited internship at the National Psychology Training Consortium, with a focused training at the Burrell Autism Center in Springfield, Missouri. She is also certified in the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) and Peers for Young Adults.
Luis Romero, PhD
Provisionally Licensed Psychologist, supervised by Nicole Velez, PhD
Dr. Romero is a bilingual (Spanish and English) clinician. His passion is to provide the coping skills you need to thrive in life. He has worked with a diverse population in areas of traumatic brain injury, neurocognitive disorders, depression, anxiety, relationship issues (romantic and/or family), and LGBTQ+ themes. He is an integrative clinician who blends person-centered, cognitive behavioral (CBT), and psychodynamic approach. He has experience providing individual, couples and group counseling.
Dr. Romero completed an APA-accredited Ph.D. program in Counseling Psychology from Indiana State University and an APA-accredited internship at Florida State University Counseling Center. He completed a two-year Clinical Neuropsychology Fellowship at the Institute for Clinical Neuroscience in Dallas, Texas. He has experience with neuropsychological assessments as well as intellectual and academic achievement assessments.
Dr. Romero is originally from the Rio Grande Valley. He graduated from P.SJ.A. North High School. In his spare time, he enjoys long walks with Bella (a mini schnauzer), outdoor activities, listening to music, dancing and spending time with family and friends.
Ms. Esthela Flores
Ms. Esthela Flores is a Compassionate Certified Nursing Assistant with over 10 years of experience in the healthcare field. At Our Psyche, Inc., she supports patient care by managing vital signs and assisting in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) treatment as a Technical Trainee.
Esthela brings a unique blend of medical expertise, empathy, and dedication to every patient encounter. She is highly skilled in the use of various medical equipment and is known for her excellent problem-solving abilities and patient-centered approach to care.