Meet the Therapists

Daniel J. Jurek , M.Min., M.A. is a Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Professional Counselor and Director of the Pax Renewal Center in Lafayette, LA. The Center provides professional counseling, spiritual direction, educational and formational programs. Special emphasis is placed on working with couples, adults, adolescents and their families.

Dan is the host of “Broken Heated”, a radio call-in show on Radio Maria, USA, airing Wednesdays from 2:00 pm (CST). The web cast is at www.radiomaria.us.

A Lay Franciscan (S.F.O.), Dan is married to his wife Jane. They have 4 children (7-20 years of age). Dan also spent 15 years in Catholic High School Ministry and Education, two years in Catholic Campus Ministry and two years as Associate Dean of Students and Director of Student Personnel at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

He earned a Master of Arts degree in Marriage and Family Counseling from Our Lady of Holy Cross College in New Orleans. He also earned a Masters degree in Christian Ministry and Renewal from the University of Steubenville in Ohio. His Bachelor Degree is in Theology, also from the University of Steubenville. He also holds certifications in Spiritual Direction and Counseling Supervision.

Melissa LeFort is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC) practicing general counseling with individuals, couples, and families. Areas of specialty include adolescents, phase of life issues for women, and couples counseling. Self-exploration is encouraged in the therapeutic process in order to develop improved problem-solving and personal resilience.

Melissa is married to her husband, Zach, and they have one daughter, Claire. Melissa is a Tennessee native but spent many years in Indiana, where she went to college and graduate school. She earned her Bachelors degree in Psychology at the University of Evansville and her Master's degree in Counseling Psychology at Ball State University, where she double majored in mental health counseling and school counseling. Melissa currently is also certified as a school counselor in Louisiana and often communicates with school systems, per parental request, in order to provide more comprehensive care for children and adolescents.

Bio for Roy Petitfils coming soon.