Leading with Heart

March is National Social Work Month — and it's the perfect time to spotlight one of our own! Meet Michelle Hoevker, PCHAS Regional Director for the Southern Region. She oversees The Counseling Center at PCHAS in Cypress, Texas, along with prevention programs for children and families across Houston and Corpus Christi, Texas, and Baton Rouge and New Orleans, Louisiana.

From Psychology to Purpose

Michelle started her journey at UT Austin, earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts with a major in psychology. But it was her master's in social work from the University of Houston that changed everything. The core values of service and justice clicked in a deep way — and she never looked back.

After graduate school, a friend helped her land a case manager role at Homes of St. Mark, working in adoption and foster care. "Little did I know that this field would become my personal and professional passion," she says. When Homes of St. Mark merged with Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services (PCHAS) in 2010, Michelle stayed on. She later took a step into juvenile probation, working as a mental health clinician for two specialty courts serving victims of domestic sex trafficking, as well as Houston gang members.

The work was meaningful, but the pull back to foster care and adoption never went away. When a position opened at PCHAS, she returned — and never left. She has now spent more than 23 years with the agency, earning her clinical license, becoming a board-approved supervisor, and climbing to her current role as Southern Regional Director. Along the way, an incredible mentor guided and challenged her every step.

Social Work Shapes How She Leads

Michelle oversees a wide range of programs — from The Counseling Center at PCHAS in Cypress to prevention programs in Houston and Corpus Christi, Texas, and Baton Rouge and New Orleans, Louisiana. Her social work roots shape how she leads each one.

"My background has helped me lead with compassion and integrity," she says. She focuses on the importance of human relationships — and how a person's upbringing, experiences, and inner strength all play a role in their ability to heal. "While I may supervise multiple programs, I believe it all comes down to having a supportive relationship with our clients, helping them voice what they'd like to see change, and our ability to serve as a catalyst to that change."

Meeting Every Person Where They Are

The Counseling Center at PCHAS serves children, adults, couples, and families through in-person and virtual counseling — and Michelle's team knows that no two people are the same. They start by asking thoughtful questions to understand each person's needs and help them set goals they actually want to reach.

"We listen in a non-judgmental way and explain our role in their therapeutic journey," she says. The team welcomes everyone — not just those facing major mental health challenges, but anyone dealing with everyday stress, grief, or life transitions.

You Don't Have to Be Broken to Ask for Help

If there's one thing Michelle wants people to know, it's this: seeking help is not a sign of weakness.

"Therapy allows trained, empathetic professionals to help individuals and families see the potential they have to make real improvements in their lives," she says. "We also serve as a sounding board for those who just need to vent, cry, and release pain in a safe and nurturing environment."

For anyone hesitant to take that first step, Michelle offers simple advice: read the therapist profiles on our website. See that they are real people with varied interests and experiences. Then, book a session and see for yourself. Most people who reach out keep coming back — and they're glad they did.

We all need help sometimes. Stress, anxiety, and parenting struggles don’t just go away, and it feels exhausting to be stuck. You shouldn’t have to live like that.

We understand how hard it can be, so we created a safe space to help you figure out how to move forward. Our counselors know how to help, and our time together is about you, no matter what you need to talk about.

Schedule an appointment or call (833) 208-3201 for a free consultation so you can stop feeling stuck and live the life you know is possible.