Our Professional Counselors
Deborah Gonzalez, Anger Management Counselor, Certified Parent Instructor, Relationship Coach, Master Life Coach, LLC
Life Coaching
Life Coaching is a profession that is different from consulting, mentoring, advice, therapy, or counseling. The coaching process addresses specific personal projects, business successes, general conditions and transitions in the client's personal life, relationships or profession by examining what is going on right now, discovering what your obstacles or challenges might be, choosing a great course of action to make your life be what you want it to be.
Dr. Janice Downey, MD
Psychiatrist
Janice began her career as an ensign in the United States Naval Nurse Corps.
After that, she pursued medical school, followed by psychiatric residency at KU Medical School.
She opened her own psychiatric practice and saw adolescents and adults with a variety of problems, including anxiety, depression, addiction, ADHD,
and became an expert with medication treatment, and individual, and group therapy.
Aurelio Ayuso, MSW, LCSW, CAP, ICADC
Aurelio specializes in the treatment of addiction, trauma, and abandonment using strength based strategies deeply rooted in solution focused, and mindfulness therapies. Aurelio is committed to the mental health and wellbeing of his clients and has been working with those that suffer from depression, anxiety, trauma, and addiction as well as couples and families for over 10 years.
Fluent in Spanish.
Lisette Perez, MS, LMHC
Lisette’s therapeutic approach to counseling is client centered, and she believes every client has the ability to improve their quality of life. She also provides individualized client centered therapy incorporating an eclectic style and incorporating cognitive behavioral therapies, solution focused and Gestalt therapy among others. She focuses on each client’s ability to reach self-actualization. Her specialties include pervasive mental illness, autism, child/parent relationship, teens, adults and more! She is also fluent in Spanish.
Cindy Wilks-Vásquez, MSW, Registered Social Worker
Cindy Wilks-Vásquez, MSW, Registered Social Worker
Cindy Wilks-Vásquez partners with people to help them find their inner strengths and resilience in order to overcome life’s challenges and live a fulfilling life. She uses an integrative and strengths-based approach, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Compassion-focused Therapy.
Fluent in Spanish and French.
Alan Romano, Registered Clinical Social Worker, SWI
Alan obtained a Master’s degree in Social Work from Florida Atlantic University in May of 2020 and is currently a Registered Clinical Social Worker. Alan’s experience includes working with adults living with substance use disorders, low self-esteem, unresolved trauma, depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Alan is a firm believer in the concept that everyone has the ability to heal themselves from within.
Christy Mares, RMHCI
I'm Christy, a Registered Mental Health Intern with five+ years counseling experience. I am deeply passionate about helping people foster more satisfying relationships, heal from past wounds, and find practical and meaningful ways to live with more joy and freedom. To me, therapy is a place of profound listening, curiosity, attunement and courage. It is a place to learn and unlearn, to hold on and to let go. Individuals, couples and families come to me to work on relational issues, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, neglect and abuse, gender identity, fertility issues, miscarriage and
infant loss, seasonal affective disorder, COVID-19 emotional recovery, divorce, infidelity and difficulty in life transitions.
Erika Melecio, LMHC, MCAP
Erika specializes in the treatment of addiction, as well as several mental health disorders ranging from depression and anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, to PTSD, personality disorders, as well as psychotic disorders. Erika utilizes a number of modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness amongst others. Erika has been in practice for close to a decade and has earned her license in Mental Health Counseling, as well as being a Master’s Certified Addiction Professional. Erika has worked with many individuals including couples counseling and family therapy. Erika is also a fluent Spanish speaker.
Cherith Bounds, MSW, RCSWI
With a Master’s Degree in Social Work, a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, and experience as a certified Exceptional Student Education teacher, I am passionate about helping all individuals facing a variety of social and emotional challenges. I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and adults using a strength-based collaborative approach. If you are struggling with trauma, stress, depression, anxiety, social struggles, college and career challenges, LGBTQ+ related struggles, grief, loss, divorce, addiction, I can help you discover solutions and successful coping skills for a positive future.
Suzanne Sunkel, MA, NCC, EMDR therapist, Registered Mental Health Counselor, RMHCI.**
Do you ever feel stuck in a cycle of anxiety, depression, substance use, or reliving past traumas? We will walk together through your counseling journey by applying techniques and strategies which support your goals. Discovering patterns which no longer serve you can clear the way for the release of painful thoughts, memories, and habits. I enjoy collaborating with new and existing clients who seek a better understanding of themselves and the world around them. Let's navigate life's detours together. Our office serves Vero Beach and surrounding areas.
I utilize EMDR, cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, nutritional influences, and Christian integration with clients. I collaborate with clients who are motivated to strategically shift through attitudes, behaviors, and feelings which increase stress.
I look forward to working together in a safe, confidential environment. Your goals and well-being are my primary focus.
Maybe we can put this at the end:
ROSALIND FRAZER-GREGORY, MSW, Registered Intern, SWI, CPLC
Are you feeling worried or depressed? Are you living a double life? Are you tired of pretending to have it all together and then fall apart when you are alone? Do you need a safe, judgment free zone to address these issues and be free at last?
Focused on depression, anxiety and inner-healing Rosalind helps women, men, young adults and couples break free from their troublesome experiences and live healed and restored in their present lives. I specialize in: depression and anxiety, stress management, behavior activation, loneliness, life coaching, racism issues, relationship issues, marginalization issues, spirituality, peer relationships, women’s issues, co-parenting issues, coping skills and medical issues.
Rosalind earned her MSW from Virginia Commonwealth University and worked as a Child Protective Services Worker for many years. She also worked in a partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient and inpatient settings providing individual, family and group therapy to adults and adolescents.
Group counseling is also available.
Gwendolyn Mcleod, MS, CAMS, CDVS
Being a faith based relationship coach, I’m also a certified Anger Management Specialist and Domestic Violence Specialist. I deliver sessions filled with hope, motivation and determination to help my clients push through adversity and empower them to live successful, abundant lives.
If you or a family member are experiencing, emotional, behavioral or relationship issues and are looking for a keep it real coach approach you have come to the right place. If you are interested in career consultation, training or other support services, my areas of expertise include:
Elizabeth is an MSW, Registered Social Worker, SWI
focusing on addiction, depression and anxiety. Elizabeth’s practice is rooted in empathy and understanding. She believes in empowering clients to reclaim their best selves through mindfulness therapy and addiction recovery coaching. She is devoted to her clients’ holistic wellbeing.
Raymond Stephens, LCSW
Raymond is a native of Chicago, Illinois. He has worked in the field of mental health and addictions for the past 5 years. Upon the completion of his Graduate Program in Social Work at Florida Atlantic University, Raymond began working as a clinical therapist with children from ages 3-18 and their families who have suffered from a myriad of issues including abuse both sexual and physical, neglect, anxiety, depression, and substance use.
Leanne Arthur-Simmans, Registered Clinical Social Worker, MSW, LCSW
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I have experience working with client’s who struggle with a wide variety of mental health disorders, as well as trauma and addiction related issues. Many of my clients have benefited from the development of new healthy coping skills as it relates to self-esteem, anxiety, and anger management issues.
I use a client focused, individualized treatment approach to not only address symptoms, but the underlying root causes that contribute to difficulties leading a happy and fulfilling life. I am truly passionate about helping you achieve your goals through our individual therapy sessions!
Aida Santana, Addiction Coach/Therapist, Intimacy Specialist
Aida has her masters in mental health, and a specialization in sexology. She provides services with a concentration in treating relapse prevention for adults. She coaches clients to celebrate and embrace sobriety. Aida helps adults navigate through issues of self-esteem, depression, anxiety, emotion deregulation, PTSD, behavioral issues, and intimacy issues related to trauma or disorders.
Dr. Susan Young, PhD Natural Medicine
Doctor of Naturopathy
Iridologist
Holistic Health Practitioner
Master Herbalist
Nutritional Consultant
Clinical Aromatherapist
Alma Ortiz, Life Coach/Motivational Advisor
Alma Ortiz earned a BS in Special Education from City College of New York. Alma’s work experiences include: Certified ESE teacher, Mental Health Case Manager, Transition Facilitator, Behavior Assistant, and Resource Specialist, at various school districts and agencies throughout the years, within the United States.
Alma is fluent in English and Spanish.
Erika Orriss MS, LMHC
I deal with all areas of Mental Health from Depression, Anxiety, Situational Crisis and Addiction to more serious Mental Health disorders. I do have an additional Certificate in Substance Abuse Treatment. My primary goal is to aide each individual in achieving their unique therapeutic goals, ultimately living the life they desire. I also deal with relationship issues including codependency, divorce, and marital and family issues. I have a unique interest in treating individuals with Chronic Illness and Chronic Pain, as the emotional component of the physical conditions many times overlooked or completely unheard.
Located in Hazlet, New Jersey
Danielle Parascondola, CAM
There are times in our lives where we experience anger and stress. Sometimes that anger will create a loss of self, family, friends, our jobs and even our health.
As a Certified Anger Management counselor, I want to help you identify those problems and explore ways you can express your anger with healthy behaviors. My experience also comes as a Crisis Counselor, helping people move from a hot to a cool place safely.
Ann "Anita" Kelly, MS, LMHC
Anita works in the downtown Orlando office and in the Hiawassee (Metrowest/Dr.Phillips) Orlando office. She facilitates weekend workshops at the Vero Beach office.
Ann "Anita" M. Kelly, is licensed with the State of Florida as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor # MH12491, She works with adolescent and adults in an individual, couples, family and group setting.