Counseling Staff
Katherine Lewis, LMFT
CLINICAL DIRECTOR
Katherine is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Florida. Katherine obtained both her B.S. Degree in Psychology and her M.S. Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Nova Southeastern University. She is also certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).Over the past 5 years Katherine has been working with a diverse population of clients.
She began her work with families and couples, working with many issues such as substance abuse, divorce, infidelity, trauma, and grief/loss.
She then began working closely with children and families new to the Autism Diagnosis which aligned closely with her previous experience as an ESE PreK Teacher.
Recently she has worked in treatment settings, both residential and outpatient, and here she grew her passion for working with individuals and families affected by severe substance abuse and mental health issues.
Katherine has extensive experience working with addiction, depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, anger, trauma, and young adults diagnosed with schizophrenia. She uses a relational approach, facilitating clients in focusing on the relationships they have with their issues to empower them to not feel that they are their issues. Katherine uses evidenced based therapeutic interventions from modalities such as but not limited to, Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Strategic and Systemic Family Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy.Katherine believes that addressing substance abuse and mental health issues through therapy gives the client an opportunity to realize their full potential. Therapy provides the client a safe space to explore their actions, free of judgement or bias, which in turn allows them to discover healthier ways to interact with the world around them.
Adam Hurlburt, LMFT
ASST. CLINICAL DIRECTOR
Adam Hurlburt is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Florida. He obtained his B.A. degree in Psychology with a minor in Fine Art from the University of Vermont. He obtained his M.S. degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Nova Southeastern University. Adam was born and raised in a small town in Vermont and has lived in Southern Florida for 4 years. He has a background in cooking working as a chef for 10 years before transitioning to therapy. Adam has experience working with the adolescent population, adults, and couples. His therapeutic stance puts the client in the driver seat in their recover while building goals and objectives collaboratively with client. Adam describes himself as easy going, down to earth, and as having a good sense of humor. He enjoys spending time with his family, watching moves, and cooking.
Adam’s favorite inspirational quotes are from a greatest panda movie of all time. A movie called Kung Fu Panda.
“One often meets his destiny on the road he takes to avoid it.” Grand Master Oogway
“Your mind is like this water, my friend. When it is agitated, it becomes difficult to see. But if you allow it to settle, the answer becomes clear.”
“There is a saying: Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present.” Grand Master Oogway
Dr. Anna Binder M.D.
PSYCHIATRIST
I am a board certified psychiatrist and an esteemed Diplomat of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and a Fellow of American Psychiatric Association. I am fully trained in Adult, Child and Adolescent, Geriatric, Emergency and Addiction Psychiatry. I received my general and adult psychiatry training at University of Maryland/ Sheppard Pratt and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry training from Johns Hopkins Medical Institution.I was selected as a Top Psychiatrist in Stamford, CT by the International Association of Health Care Professionals (IAHCP) and spotlighted in the publication The Leading Physicians of the World 2014 Edition.I am a Recipient of Roger Coleman Memorial Award Service to Patients for exemplary devotion to patients and commitment to quality care as evidenced by volunteer efforts in the Sandy Hook tragedy by Connecticut Psychiatric Society.I have an extensive experience in Emergency Psychiatry providing crisis services and in treating a broad range of psychiatric and behavior disorders, including depression, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Schizophrenia, substance abuse, Autism, Asperger's disorder, developmental disorders and more.I offer a thoughtful, comprehensive assessment to discuss and weigh out the role that medications could play to support your process of change. My goal is to provide the expert psychiatric care that will allow you to perform at your personal and professional best.I offer an array of psychiatric services including medication management, individual therapy, family therapy, behavior planning for children and adolescents, and advocacy for children in need of specialized academic services. My practice specializes in the medication management of adults and children with mood, anxiety and attention disorders. I have special expertise in treating individuals who also have medical illnesses or who are pregnant/post-par-tum and in need of medication support as a component of their care. I work with individuals, couples, and families to address their relationship or career issues.
Christopher Valls, LMHC CLINICAL SUPERVISOR
Chris is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. He received his Masters Degree from Nova Southeastern University and has been working in the mental health field for the last 7 years. Chris began working in family therapy and then transitioned to working with the addiction and mental health populations. Chris specializes in working with addiction, but also has extensive experience with depression, anxiety, self-worth, relational issues, as well as gender issues and with the LGBTQ community. Chris uses a genuine, client centered approach, while utilizing motivational interviewing, CBT, and solution focused interventions, among others. Client growth and empowerment are core parts of his therapeutic approach, all while being a supportive, but challenging partner throughout the therapeutic journey.
Stephanie Byer, LMHC
THERAPIST
Stephanie Byer is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida and received her Masters of Arts degree in mental health counseling from the University of Central Florida.Stephanie takes a holistic approach, aiming to treat the client as a whole. Her specialties include eating disorders, addictions, self-esteem, sibling abuse, and anxiety disorders. Her prior experiences include working with adolescents and adults at the residential and outpatient levels of care as well as children within an elementary school. She identifies as a body positive clinician as well as committed to Health at Every Size (HAES).In session, she utilize therapeutic approaches including CBT, ACT, IFS, and expressive arts. She additionally has training in utilizing play therapy for children. She believes that people have the potential to accomplish amazing things through self-acceptance and reconnecting with parts of themselves that feel frightening, negative, or shameful.
Lorraine Gibbings, LMHC THERAPIST
Lorraine Gibbings is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. Lorraine received her M.S in Counseling with a concentration in Mental Health Counseling at Nova Southeastern University and is a proud Shark Alumni, Gooo Sharks! Lorraine has been working with a diverse population of clients for over the past 4 years, in which she has worked with young children with Autistic needs, Eating Disorders, Anxiety, Depression, Psychosis, Substance Abuse, and Grief and Loss. Lorraine believes in providing a collaborative setting for her clients in hopes it will facilitate change, by encouraging clients to achieve their overall goals. Lorraine also takes into account multicultural diversities which may/can affect a person’s overall mental health, acknowledging and normalizing other cultural diversities in the mental health field will motivate and promote positive outcomes. In sessions, Lorraine utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Solution Focused Therapy to help individuals overcome their mental health needs. Lorraine believes that if a clinician can uplift and provide a safe and friendly environment for their clients this will create positive self-regard and be a catalyst to creating a healthy Mind Body and Soul.
Tammy Gipps, LMHC
THERAPIST
Tammy Gipps is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of Florida and is also a Licensed Supervisor. She has 23 years of experience in the mental health field. She is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University with a Bachelors in Science and a graduate of Nova Southeastern University with a Masters in Mental Health Counseling. She has experience working with children and families. Tammy has worked with children with developmental disabilities, especially Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families. Her approach is to work with the family as a whole to move toward positive change. She has experience working with depression, anxiety, relational issues and grief. She has experience in private practice and working with the school system. Tammy works with families to establish resources in the community. Tammy uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused Therapy. She helps to guide her clients in changing their thoughts and find healthy solutions to their problems. She uses mindfulness and breathing techniques to help with stress and anxiety. She creates a safe and comfortable environment where clients can share so they can work towards change and develop new coping skills.
Alicia McCray, LMFT
THERAPIST
Alicia is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Florida. Born and raised in South Carolina, Alicia received her B.S. Degree in Psychology from Winthrop University in 2015. Alicia relocated to South Florida in 2016 to attend Nova Southeastern University where she received her M.S. Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. Currently, Alicia is a PhD candidate in the Family Therapy program at Nova Southeastern University. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, Alicia has a passion for working with a diverse population of clients. Alicia’s extensive training throughout her educational and professional journey qualifies her as a reliable therapist for individual, couple, and family counseling. Her specialty is in working with children and adolescents/teens as she finds joy in assisting them as they navigate through the self-discovery stages of life. Alicia believes that a different therapy must be constructed for each client because each has a unique story. As a clinician, Alicia practices from a collaborative approach of therapeutic models to best meet the individual needs of each client, with specializations in Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Narrative, Cognitive Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness techniques. Alicia believes that by working together therapeutically, we can build a relationship that will help you challenge yourself, improve your sense of identity and self-esteem, and face the obstacles in your life head-on. Through therapy, you will come to know yourself more deeply, opening new possibilities for change and growth. Alicia’s goal as a clinician is to embark on a new journey of change with each of her clients where they set the destination.
Franchesca Meyers, LMFT
THERAPIST
Franchesca is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Florida. After receiving her B.A. Degree in Psychology from Florida Atlantic University, Franchesca went on to obtain her M.S. Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. Currently, Franchesca is a PhD candidate in the Family Therapy program at Nova Southeastern University.Franchesca’s training throughout her educational and professional journey has granted her the opportunity to work with diverse populations through various issues such as mental health diagnosis, grief/loss, trauma, depression, anxiety and self-esteem issues.The passion that Franchesca holds for the therapy and the mental health field is the understanding and realization that many situations in life attribute to the self-worth one holds. These circumstances have the ability to stain an individual’s personality, character and life if not addressed in the correct manner. Franchesca’s hope is that both, children and adults, realize that their situation does not define who they are, but that they have power based off of how they define their situation.Malcom Forbe stated, “Too many people undervalue what/who they are and overvalue what/who they’re not.” As a Marriage and Family Therapist, Franchesca believes that everyone has a life experience unique to them and being able to recognize and build on their strengths helps for a navigation through challenges. Through utilization of collaborative and a person-centered approach, Franchesca’s work with clients is geared to finding that insight from within while increasing self-esteem in order to challenge negative thoughts that hinders one from personal growth.
Elizabeth Santilli, M.S.
THERAPIST
Elizabeth is a Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Intern in the state of Florida. Elizabeth received her B.S. Degree in Psychology at FAU and received a Graduate Certificate for Contemporary Theory in Couple and Family Systems followed by a M.S. Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Capella University. Elizabeth has been trained in positive parenting and DBT interventions. Elizabeth prefers a collaboration approach with the goal in mind of building a strong therapeutic foundation with clients and providing support in successfully completing the intended goals. Her specialties include working with family systems, adolescents, depression, self-esteem, and addiction. Her prior experience include working with adolescents and adults from a variety of populations. Elizabeth utilizes therapeutic approaches including SFT, DBT, and strength based approaches in order to effectively build clients self esteem and assist within a time of mental health necessities. Elizabeth believes all clients have the ability within themselves to achieve perceived goals and as their therapist she is able to provide a safe environment, skills, and guidance to assist in the therapeutic collaboration process.
Courtney Burch, M.S.
THERAPIST
Courtney Burch is a Registered Marriage and Family Therapy Intern in the state of Florida. She attended University of North Florida where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Diversity in Relationships. She then attended Nova Southeastern University, where she earned a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. Courtney’s clinical experience has included working with adolescents in schools, through social and emotional group learning, individual therapy, and risk and situational assessments. Courtney’s continued clinical experience has been through substance abuse treatment centers, which focused on a plethora of human issues ranging from coping skills, grief and loss, finding identity and basic everyday skills, like goal setting and planning. Courtney focuses on collaborative therapy, where the client is the expert of their reality, while she focuses on strength building with her client through reframing negative experiences or beliefs into a more hero-based life experience. Courtney’s approach to therapy is systems based, allowing for multiple layers to be processed and healing to be a more holistic experience. Courtney prefers working with the modalities Narrative Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Emotional Focused Therapy, and Experiential therapy.
Melissa Sonthonax, LMHC
THERAPIST
Melissa Sonthonax is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of Florida. She has six years of experience in the mental health and substance use field. She also has experience working with individuals who specifically struggle with general anxiety, social anxiety, depression, low self esteem, relationship issues and addictions. I work adults, couples and families. Melissa's approach towards therapy is to work with each individual to develop a sense of strength to work through their individual issues and see that they can develop a sense of happiness. She also works with individuals to create healthy goals in order to best help each person adapt to daily life.Each individual can expect to be provided with a comfortable environment where they can share their thoughts/views about their circumstances and be guided, with the help of therapeutic practices, to work through their circumstances.
Allison McMillam, M.S. THERAPIST
Allison is a Registered Marriage and Family Therapy Intern in the state of Florida. She obtained her B.A. in Human Development & Family Studies at Michigan State University. Allison also earned her M.S. in Couple and Family Therapy at Nova Southeastern University. She is currently continuing her education to obtain her Ph.D. In Couple and Family Therapy. Allison is passionate about working with teens and adolescents struggling with the many challenges of navigating school, friendships and family. Allison has 10+ years of experience working with children, adolescents and teens in various settings such as schools, respite homes and daycares. Prior to this, Allison worked in the psychiatric unit of Broward hospital where she provided therapy to individuals in crisis. She also has experience working with individuals and couples in private practice. In her free time, Allison likes to listen to music, watch harry potter and spend time with friends and family.
Kayleigh Sabo, M.S. THERAPIST
Kayleigh Sabo is a Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Intern in the state of Florida. She attended Nova Southeastern University (NSU) for both her undergraduate and graduate degrees, where she earned a B.S. in Environmental Science with Distinction in Honors and an M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy. Kayleigh is continuing her educational career at NSU to pursue her Ph.D. in Couple and Family Therapy. Her clinical experience includes working with adolescents and adults in individual, family, and group therapy along with working in the school setting with middle and high school students doing situational assessment and strength-based development. Kayleigh has worked with a range of presenting concerns, including family dynamics, substance use, self-improvement, and couples' issues. In addition to her master's degree and clinical work, Kayleigh is a certified RYT-200 yoga instructor and is planning on focusing her future dissertation on the incorporation of yoga in the mental health field. In her therapy, Kayleigh integrates elements of yoga--such as breathing techniques, journaling, and other mindfulness practices--to promote self-exploration, emotional regulation, and personal growth. Kayleigh's experience from both her therapy and yoga background lay her foundational belief that all human beings are connected, deserve kindness, and have the ability to change and grow. These beliefs further come through in her therapeutic orientation, as Kayleigh approaches therapy collaboratively with her clients and believe that they are the experts of their own experience. In combination with a strengths-based and collaborative perspective, Kayleigh integrates viewpoints and techniques from therapeutic modalities that she believes would best work with each client, including Experiential Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and MRI Brief Therapy.
Mert Yildiz, M.S.
THERAPIST
Mert Yildiz is a Registered Marriage and Family Therapy Intern, M.S., MBA in the state of Florida and is on his fifth year as an international student in Ph.D. Marriage and family therapy at Nova Southeastern University. With backgrounds in business, and Information Security, Mert switched careers to pursue his dream of helping people within the scope of mental health. Mert practices within the scope of Narrative Therapy and Collaborative therapy. Mert previously worked with children, adolescents, families, couples, and elderly in conjunction with ChildNET (foster care), judiciary system, and psychiatrists. Mert specializes in men’s issues, immigration issues, diversity, cultural adaptation, computer, video game, and technology dependencies.
Darian Clark, M.S.
THERAPIST
Darian Clark is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern and Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Intern. She obtained her B.S. degree in Psychology with a minor in Coaching Education from James Madison University. She obtained her M.S. degree in Mental Health Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy from Barry University. Darian was born and raised in Ramsey, New Jersey and has lived in Southern Florida for 5 years. Darian has experience working with individuals, couples and families that struggle with eating disorders, substance use disorders, trauma, anxiety, and depression. Darian also has experience working with the LGBTQ+ community. Working through sexuality and gender related issues and have implemented and facilitated LGBTQ+ support groups. Darian uses evidenced based therapeutic interventions from modalities such as but not limited to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Strategic and Systemic Family Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy for trauma.She identifies as a body positive clinician as well as committed to Health at Every Size (HAES). Darian believes in the power of building a positive therapeutic relationship and creating a safe space to empower her client’s resilience and growth.
Julie Vinci, LMFT THERAPIST
Julie is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of Florida. After receiving her B.A. Degree in Psychology, Julie continued her journey and earned a Master of Education degree in School Counseling from Florida Atlantic University. Julie is currently a PhD candidate in the College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Family Therapy Program at Nova Southeastern University. Julie has had the opportunity to work with diverse populations including families, couples, children and adolescents, experiencing anxiety, ADHD, depression, parental divorce, learning disabilities, life transitions, trauma, and infidelity. Julie has presented at various Family Therapy conferences on the specialized topics of disenfranchised grief, mindfulness, therapeutic ethics and intimate partner violence.
Julie’s passion and mission in her life is to connect with families and help them to grow, change and set a path to lead them to where they want to be. Julie uses the Collaborative Therapy Approach informed by the tenets of social constructionist theory. Within the collaborative framework, Julie has experience in utilizing many therapy models including Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Bowen Systems Family Therapy and Mental Research Institute Systemic Therapy.
Julie believes that the first intervention in therapy is to understand the family system and all family members. Julie is open, genuine, appreciative, respectful, inviting, curious and through conversation, cultivates relationships that are reciprocal, collaborative, and supported. Julie believes that change can unfold through the therapeutic relationship, between family members and through new understandings that come about through therapeutic conversations and interventions. Julie accepts her clients as they are without assumptions or judgements and recognizes that seeking therapy reveals courage, vulnerability, and strength.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
Our counseling office is open every day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Our business office is open M-F, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.