Meet our therapists

Melissa knows first-hand how powerful the counseling experience can be. Melissa committed herself to the hard work of deep interpersonal counseling and has a passion to help others build a life of hope, joy, and resiliency.

As an undergraduate, she studied at Toccoa Falls College in the mountains of North Georgia.  She finished her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and began working in the Crisis Stabilization Unit. Melissa assisted with the opening of a psychiatric hospital, advocating for the needs of the patient. She has served in Jerusalem and Africa and strives to be inclusive of everyone as an individual of significant value. Melissa focuses on building a strong rapport with her patients, highlighting their strengths, teaching mindfulness, boundaries, emotional regulation strategies, and often writing trauma narratives. She utilizes Solution Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

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Kara Burdelski is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has been working as an experienced psychotherapist for over the last twelve years. She has worked with variety of different demographics in various different settings such as health care settings, community mental health, and even mobile therapy. Kara attended undergraduate school in Springfield, MO and obtained her graduate degree, a Masters of Science in Counseling Psychology, from Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA. Over the last six years, she has worked predominately with adults with serious and persistent mental illness (SPMI) in a health care setting with patients who have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS as well as other variety of chronic conditions. Kara has experience in working with individuals who have disorders like depression, anxiety, psychosis, PTSD, bipolar, trauma, chronic medical issues, grief, and substance abuse disorders. She allows her clients to direct the type of treatment they need since every human is an expert of their own experience.  The style of treatment Kara uses is tailored to meet the needs of each individual client with compassion, respect, and is to value the entire person. Kara utilizes unconditional positive regard with each individual she works with.

Kara specializes in working with minorities, and the LGBTQAI+ community and has considerable experience serving individuals who face chronic pain and disabling health conditions. She also practices in a harm reduction approach.  Kara engages in a respectful position towards people using substance including alcohol and can assist with strategies for reduction including abstinence-based recovery.  She believes in an all-inclusive approach that utilizes mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused, behavioral activation techniques, and acceptance and commitment therapy.  Kara is committed to provide you with a space to grow, learn self-acceptance, and focus on your commitment to yourself.

America Calderon is a bilingual, National Certified Counselor (NCC), Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of New York with experience providing services for children, adolescents, and adults. America specializes in the treatment of anxiety, depression, trauma, adjustment disorders, life transitions, stress management, and other comorbid disorders. She holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Central Florida and a MSEd. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from St. John’s University in New York.

America provides patients with a genuine, nonjudgemental, and supportive environment to help empower them and recognize their potential. She utilizes various treatment modalities which include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, and Relational-Cultural Therapy techniques. She practices from a person-centered and multicultural approach to build a meaningful, therapeutic relationship.

Prior to becoming licensed as a psychotherapist, America was an educator in the state of Florida and New York with over 5 years of experience in the field. She is passionate about providing psychoeducation as it increases our insight into various mental health issues.

Lisa Carroll is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 24 years treating everything from adjustment disorders to Depressive Disorders, Anxiety disorders and trauma, is eager to help others suffering from mental health issues or just adjusting to a new circumstances. She has an eclectic approach to care and treatment based on strengths and person-centered care utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, solution focused approaches, Rogerian theory, mindfulness, dialectal behavior therapy, narrative therapy, psychodynamic theory, cognitive processing therapy and many others. She is more eclectic in her approach because people are different and need a style that fits their individual needs. She is always seeking feedback to better improve clinical outcomes from her clients. She does what is necessary and required to make this the best treatment anyone can get. She wants everyone she treats to reach their full potential.

Lisa was trained as an undergraduate in psychology at the University of Alabama graduating in 1991. She received her MSW in 1997 from the University of Alabama. She became licensed clinically in 2000. She has extensive experience and training in a variety of modalities and therapeutic interventions.

Ana Castro, LMHC received a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Queens College, City University of New York. She completed training at F.E.G.S and has worked in community mental health and outpatient hospital-based settings.

Ana has 7 years of experience working with individuals as well as with children and families treating anxiety, depression, family and relationship issues, and other mental health issues. Ana uses methods from psychoanalysis, CBT, DBT along with light supportive therapy in order to provide a person-centered approach. She began by working at New York Psychotherapy and Counseling Center working with individuals as well as children and families in a high-risk area, providing family therapy, psychodynamic and behavioral therapy as well as assisting with coordination of care with outside agencies. Ana has worked at St. Joseph’s Outpatient
Behavioral Health Clinic treating patients with various psychiatric illnesses. She has also worked at St. Vincent’s- Westchester Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinic providing intake, diagnosis, and individual therapy to a population ranging from adolescent to late adulthood. Ana continues to work towards expanding her knowledge of evidence-based approaches in order to provide the best outcomes.

Dr. Brandi Cihlar is a Licensed Professional Counselor in 6 states and the District of Columbia, who has been in the mental health field for 18 years. Brandi has worked in community mental health, substance abuse treatment, as well as psychiatry practices performing psychotherapy. Brandi attended graduate school in Cincinnati, OH, and attended The George Washington University for her PhD.  Brandi believes that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Brandi uses a multitude of approaches to help you find the answers to your questions.  Working with Brandi means you will gain cognitive and behavioral techniques to regain power in your life and address the mental health concerns that you face.  Brandi uses an eclectic approach and interventions learned through many years of treating individuals of all backgrounds.

Lisa is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Pennsylvania.  She attended Connecticut College for her undergraduate work and College of St. Joseph for graduate school.  She has worked in the mental health field for 18 years, in a variety of settings including homes, communities, schools, and offices.  During that time, she has worked as a case manager, one-on-one supporter, family therapist, and outpatient therapist.  Lisa's clients have included people from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds.  She particularly enjoys working with families, adolescents and young adults, and with the LGBTQIA+ population.

Lisa's primary treatment philosophy is that people are doing the best they can with what they know.  With supportive listening, care, and education, people can grow and reach their goals.  She draws on her knowledge of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and mindfulness to deliver personalized care for each client.  Lisa is also experienced in working with trauma, and is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy.

Leah E. Clary is a Licensed Professional counselor at Talkiatry. She has years of experience working with individuals of all ages from childhood to older adults.

Leah E. Clary utilizes an eclectic counseling style. She understands that each and every person is unique and has individual needs, and is willing to adapt to what would benefit the individual. Leah believes that coordinating with all providers is important to achieving successful therapeutic experiences for the length of the engagement.

After receiving her master's degree from Liberty University, Leah participated in an internship in Philadelphia working with first responders for crisis debriefing. While participating in this program, Leah also actively worked as an older adult protective services investigator within the city limits. In order to achieve her goal of becoming an LPC, Leah began working with families in a community-based program focusing on relational components. In this program, Leah worked with therapists of different backgrounds, building on her knowledge of communication techniques and team-based therapy, and even training new team members as needed.

Throughout her professional career, Leah has worked with individuals with various diagnosed and undiagnosed conditions and adapted to their individual needs. Her passion is to assist the underserved demographic of individuals working through infertility issues and processing the idea of adoption.

Whitney Cohen obtained her undergraduate degree from Monmouth University where she studied Psychology and Health Studies. Whitney earned her Master's degree in Clinical Social Work from New York University, where she gained a solid foundation in evidence-based practices and therapeutic techniques. She is also a licensed clinical supervisor which has allowed her to train and mentor other aspiring social workers in the field as well as nurse practitioners and other mental health professionals.

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Whitney has worked in a variety of settings, including education, correctional facilities, substance abuse/outpatient programs and private practice. Her diverse experiences have equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities that individuals face daily. Whitney has worked with clients of all ages, from children, adolescents, adults, elderly and has a special passion for working with couples and families.  She specializes in treating a variety of mental health issues, including anxiety, ADHD, stress, family/relational problems, trauma and school avoidance.

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In her practice, Whitney utilizes a scope of therapeutic approaches, CBT, DBT, and Motivational Interviewing. These evidence-based techniques allow her to tailor interventions to meet the unique needs of each client, helping them achieve their goals and overcome obstacles.

Brittney is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of New York.  She attended SUNY Buffalo where she obtained a Bachelors in Psychology and a Masters in Education with a Certificate of Advanced Study in School Counseling and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Mental Health Counseling.  Brittney started her career as a School Counselor before making the full time transition to Mental Health Counselor.

Brittney is an empathetic and open-minded clinician, striving to meet her clients where they are, build trust, and maintain a safe, non-judgmental environment. She is experienced and passionate about working with teens and adults with various forms of trauma.  Additionally, Brittney utilizes SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) for families impacted by anxiety and OCD.

understanding of the impact these experiences have on their lives; ultimately finding the resolutions and outcomes they hope for. While EMDR therapy is her primary treatment approach for individuals, or SPACE for families, she also utilizes ACT, Parts Work, Motivational Interviewing, CBT, and others.

Jill Collum, LCSW, got her MSW from the University of South Florida and has eight years as a community-based therapist. She has provided crisis response to children and families, social and emotional learning skills to students in a school-based environment, and support to elders in transitional life stages. Her specialties include trauma, coping skills, self-esteem, family systems, mindfulness, and LGBTQI+ identities. Jill is passionate about human rights and social justice and believes that mental health is a crucial element of both.

Maria Conklin, a licensed professional counselor, graduated with a master’s degree in counseling from Seton Hall University in 2006. With 15 years of experience in community mental health, Maria now specializes in Telehealth, offering compassionate care for anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and grief. Drawing from her background as a registered nurse, she addresses both mental and physical issues, integrating CBT and DBT into her supportive psychotherapy practice. Maria is also NCC certified, ensuring quality care for her clients.

Taylor Cortez is a licensed professional counselor with extensive experience in treating diverse populations and diagnoses. She earned her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of West Georgia. Taylor has served as a primary therapist and assessor at Willowbrooke at Tanner inpatient facility, a primary therapist at the University of West Georgia Counseling Center, and as a primary virtual therapist at Connected Minds in Atlanta, Georgia.

Using a warm and humanistic approach, Taylor creates a safe and empathetic space for clients to explore and process difficult emotions and traumas. She employs an interdisciplinary theoretical approach, customizing therapeutic interventions to meet the unique needs and preferences of each client. Taylor is dedicated to providing unwavering support to clients as they navigate life's challenges.

Taylor is trained in various therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed approaches. She specializes in working with clients diagnosed with ADHD, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and body dysmorphia.

Committed to offering the best counseling experience possible, Taylor helps her clients heal from past experiences and flourish in the present. She approaches each client with compassion, empathy, and a commitment to their overall well-being and growth.

Shannon Curry has been providing mental health therapy since 2016.  She received  her degrees from Plattsburgh State University.  Shannon has worked in a variety of settings from mental health clinics, substance use and addictions clinics, along with providing treatment in correctional facilities. Shannon helped to establish a Medication Assisted Treatment Program for a New York State County Jail.  She also has experience in treating people with issues with gambling.

Shannon uses an eclectic approach in treatment to provide client centered care.  The most common therapeutic styles she uses are DBT, CBT, solution focused, narrative therapy, feminist therapy, and person centered therapy.  Her primary clinical focus has been in treating adults with more serious and persistent mental illness and issues of addiction.

Shannon believes in a holistic approach to therapy and supports people in identifying the more complex factors that contribute to distressing symptoms while focusing on the resiliency human beings possess. Shannon is passionate about helping people advocate and empower themselves and provides a safe place to approach any area of concern. She has the ability to provide a non judgmental space to allow anyone to feel comfortable with disclosing any issues or concerns.

Dr. LaConyer Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Alcohol & Other Drug Counselor. She possess a Masters Degree in Community Counseling and a Doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision. Dr. Davis is multiculturally competent and utilizes an Integrated theoretical approach to therapy.

Dr. Davis specializes in empowering individuals to adequately handle life situations, reduce stress, experience growth, change behavior, and make well-informed decisions. Last, as a licensed clinician Dr. Davis is equipped to work with people who are experiencing any mental health disorder presented in the DSM v (I.e., Depression, Trauma, Psychosis, Substance use Disorder, Personality Disorders and more).

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Mekayla Davila is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) who has been in practice for 6 years. She has experience working with many diverse populations and mental health conditions. Mekayla attended graduate school at Teachers College Columbia University where she received an M.A. and M.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling. Her education and experience span both psychology and criminal justice fields as she has always been interested in their intersectionality.

In previous roles, Mekayla has worked mostly with children, adolescents, and adults of minority populations, with focuses on treating anxiety, depression, trauma, and other stressor-related disorders. Mekayla strongly believes that every therapeutic interaction is unique, so she uses an eclectic approach, with foundations in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy, to tailor treatment to the specific needs of each individual. Mekayla puts emphasis on the therapeutic relationship and finds importance in providing a safe and comforting environment for all.

KaShunda “Shun” Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas.  She received her Master of Science in Counseling at Amberton University and postgraduate studies in Professional Counseling and Development at Lamar University.  Shun has worked in various settings in the mental health field including community-based counseling centers, private practice, and large group practices providing counseling services to adults, couples, and adolescents.  Her professional experience has focused on mood disorders (depression, bipolar disorder, persistent affective disorder), anxiety, trauma, personality disorders, self-esteem and confidence, gender identity and LGBTQIA+ concerns; relationship concerns, and life transitions.

Shun’s integrative therapeutic style provides an emotionally safe space that supports self-exploration, empowerment, and authenticity.  Specializing in cognitive behavior therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, trauma-focused therapy, narrative therapy, and mindfulness; she tailors her approach to meet the unique needs of each individual.

She is dedicated and passionate about assisting individuals to work through barriers to create the lives and relationships that they desire and to develop a sense of personal strength and self-acceptance. She celebrates and welcomes the diversity of all clients and strives to create an affirming, inclusive, and non-judgmental space to explore individual needs and therapeutic goals.

Dr. Leslie Davis became a psychotherapist because she believes that mental health shapes and influences various aspects of life. Mental health is considered vital! She has been a Doctor of Social Work since 2021 and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 2019, with experience supporting children, adolescents, young adults, and adults with concerns such as trauma, substance abuse, intimate partner violence, depression, anxiety, PTSD, mood disorders, marital issues, and more. She has extensive experience in various settings including inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), school settings, community-based settings, and emergency departments.

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Dr. Leslie Davis does not see her role as a therapist as needing to “save the world” or “empower” clients. Instead, she believes in working alongside clients to help them identify tools within themselves and community resources to successfully achieve their goals. The types of therapy offered includes, but are not limited to, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Culturally Sensitive Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Multicultural Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy.
Alongside the use of evidenced-based practices and culturally informed care, Dr. Leslie Davis has developed a proven approach for helping clients (a) identify the root cause of their challenges and (b) create a tailored plan that leads to measurable progress.

Catherine is a graduate from the City University of New York (CUNY) Brooklyn College where she received her Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor experienced in working with adults that struggle with an array of different issues for the past 7 years both in outpatient and private practice settings. Coupled with her empathic and non judgmental attitude, she uses a person-centered approach when working with clients. She strives to meet the clients where they are at. Catherine has a passion for helping others reach their full potential, rebuild ther confidence, and gain a better insight into themselves through using psychodynamic and CBT interventions. She promotes and encourages "progress over perfection."

Tami is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a Master’s Degree in the state of NY.  She has been a therapist for about 8 years and attended graduate school at night while raising two amazing children.  It is important for Tami to disclose this so that you know you are never too old to chase your dreams.  She loves helping people and making a difference in people’s lives. She uses various tools to help. If one tool isn’t right, we search for others, never giving up! Tami is solution focused but uses all different kinds of approaches when helping clients.  She likes to figure out which methods work best as there isn’t a one size fits all way.  She is a dedicated therapist with real world experience as well as clinical experience.  Clients can expect to have great tools and coping mechanisms moving forward.  Clients will know what steps need to be taken on their journey and will feel confident in knowing that they have Tami's support and commitment.

Jonathan Edwards is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Prevention Specialist. He has previously served as the Program Director for Hub City Outreach Center and was a Crisis Counselor for Garza County Juvenile Center. He has a passion for helping individuals to take the necessary steps forward in their personnel development. In session, Jonathan likes to create a judgement free zone in order to create a safe environment for clients to share their concerns. The approach that he uses encompasses using the skills that an individual naturally has to develop goals and solutions for their personal growth. Jonathan's approach comes from having years of experience providing drug prevention education for at-risk youth and their families in Lubbock County.

Jonathan has a Masters Degree in Counselor Education of from Texas Tech University. He also has a Bachelor of Arts from Lubbock Christian University. After receiving his Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling at Texas Tech University, Jonathan began working on his doctorate at Texas Tech University in Counselor Education. Jonathan also enjoys working with foster youth at the Texas Girls and Boys Ranch. In addition to his career and academic pursuits, Jonathan serves the community of Lubbock Texas. He is currently the chairmen for the HEARD Coalition, which is an organization that provides drug education and resources for youth and families in Lubbock County.

Avedon is an LPC, who has a vast amount of experience working in the mental health counseling field. Avedon has experience working with people of various backgrounds which she believes is essential in a world of diverse communities with diverse cultures. She has 13 years of experience working with adults learning how to navigate and manage various behavioral health issues. Avedon received an undergraduate degree at Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, GA; and her master’s degree at Hodges University in Ft. Myers, FL. Avedon has been practicing for 8 years as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor; and is a firm believer in the person-centered therapy philosophy in “meeting the client where they are at.” She believes in creating a safe environment for all of her clients in order for them to feel secure in expressing their present conflicts, while at the same time gaining and learning coping skills to improve their overall daily functioning. Avedon’s preferred theoretical approach with her clients is Humanistic. She believes in being a resource of support for her clients while they are navigating through interruptions that have induced disorder in their daily lives. Avedon uses an integrative therapy approach tailored to each individual’s concerns with the basis of CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and a variety of supportive psychotherapy techniques to aid in creating a therapeutic alliance, which leads to the client building skills to help manage emotional distress.

Erin Ellis is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, who has extensive experience working in the mental health field. Erin has worked directly with clients of various demographics, living with a variety of mental health conditions. Erin attended undergraduate school in Rochester, NY and graduate school in Buffalo, NY. Erin has been practicing for 3 years as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor, focusing on anxiety disorders, depressive disorders and mood disorders. Working with Miranda, treatment is tailored to the individual, as there is great effort put into choosing the treatment modality that best fits the individual’s needs. Erin uses an eclectic approach with a foundation in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Personal Centered Therapy.

Nicole Estevez is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of New York and is an out-of-state telehealth provider for the state of Florida. She received her Master of Mental Health Counseling from Alliance Graduate School of Counseling (now Alliance University). Nicole has 9 years of experience providing client-centered individual and family therapy services to a wide variety of clients. Nicole has worked in a variety of settings including an outpatient community clinic, in-home family therapy, treating undocumented minors with trauma history, and telehealth.

Nicole has experience working with clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, grief, post traumatic stress disorder, and other mental health concerns. Over the years in the mental health field, she believes that the best approach to therapy is a collaborative process with the client to assist in achieving their goals. Nicole has experience with modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic, motivational interviewing, and dialectical behavioral therapy.

Karina Eugenio Vargas, LMHC, LPC received a Master of Science in Education and Clinical Mental Health Counseling from St. John’s University of New York. She has completed training at Yale’s Child Study Center specializing in Child and Adult abuse and has worked in community mental health and outpatient based settings.
For the past 5 years, Karina has dedicated her career to trauma-informed care, specifically using CBT. She has experience working with children, adolescents and adults treating anxiety, depression, family and relationship issues and other mental health issues. Karina practices from a Psychodynamic framework and integrates other modalities depending on the needs of each client.