Hannah Brost
LMHC
Whether you are here for healing, exploration, or growth, everyone deserves a safe, nonjudgmental space dedicated to their needs. I am passionate about helping people better understand themselves so that they are able to move forward toward their personal goals. I work with clients dealing with trauma, anxiety, PTSD, depression, low self-esteem or self-worth, life transitions, mood disorders, and many more.
I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), I am certified in Trauma-Focused CBT, and have received additional specialized training in other trauma-informed modalities. My background involves working with adults, at-risk youth, and survivors of sexual human trafficking.
I use an integrative faith based approach that includes person centered and trauma informed foundations to tailor treatment to each unique individual. I acknowledge that you are the expert of your own life and am honored to come alongside you on your healing journey. Please reach out t
Heidy Castaneda
RMHCI, RMFTI
I have been privileged to work with adults, adolescents, couples, and families, both in English and in Spanish. I currently hold dual licensure as a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern and Registered Marriage and Family Therapy Intern. In my spare time, I enjoy barbell strength training, singing with my husband, and spending quality time with family and friends.
I believe in the potential individuals have to work through their problems, achieve their chosen goals, and develop characteristics they would like to improve upon.
Some of the integrative and foundational therapeutic approaches I use are Humanistic-Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Existential, Gestalt, Mindfulness-based Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment, and Solution-Focused. In my work with couples, I am also Gottman Level 1 Certified. Therapeutic methods and interventions are tailored to each individual client, couple, and family to meet their unique needs. My hope is to always colla
Emily Duarte
LMHC
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor offering faith based counseling with the history of working with children and adults. I am passionate about helping others excel and offer a non-judgmental care based on ethical practices to assist with improving daily functioning. I believe in using empathetic understanding with clients through Solution Focus Brief Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and coaching clients to be all they desire. Whether the concern is Mood disorder, coping skills, anxiety or self-esteem we will work together to better your life.
Matthew Evans-Spates
RMHCI
From an early age, Matt developed a passion for connecting with others and helping them grow and learn from their own experiences. He grew up in and outside of the United States in an active military family, learning many different cultures and ways of life and appreciating the human experience. With frequent transitions, Matt saw a need for compassionate professionals to be able to listen and develop specific plans to enable people on their journeys.
Matt attended Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Bible and Theology with a Youth Ministry emphasis. After working with children in several youth ministry internships and other professional settings, he decided to pursue a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Central Florida. There, he was able to study and develop exceptional skills and techniques in counseling. Matt has worked extensively with adults, teens and children individually, works with couples and famili
Dustin Fitch
LMHC
Becoming a counselor was my calling. I was blessed with an opportunity to pursue my Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Palm Beach Atlantic University and enjoy continuing to listen and work alongside those in need. When not working I enjoy spending time with my wife and two daughters. I enjoy listening to music of all types, reading, and being outdoors.
I take an eclectic approach to therapy as every client is unique and therefore has unique goals and needs. I use a client-centered approach as a foundation, allowing my client and I the ability to form a strong, therapeutic relationship. My aim is then to discover and use the most effective treatment for each client. This allows me to incorporate various theoretical orientations such as CBT, Adlerian, Gestalt or Existential (just to name a few) based on the unique needs of the client. Just as every client is unique, every session will be tailored to their immediate needs as well as building on the progress achieved.
I want
LaMaras James
RMHCI
I have always had a passion for helping others and was given the natural gift of listening and providing solution focused feedback. This natural ability began to transform into a tangible vision for a career when I took a psychology course my senior year in high school. The course inspired me and I became so intrigued with the brain and human behavior I decided to pursue psychology as a major at the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University.
Once in college I was given great advice by an advisor. He told me to choose a profession where, even if I would not be paid, I would still want to show up and work. I chose to pursue a degree in counseling. I completed my practicum, gaining experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings, where I gained the confidence and skills necessary to turn my passion into effectively helping those in need.
I was born and raised in Orlando, FL. I am the father of 3 beautiful children and am passionate about giving back to my community thro
Tracy Kristoff
LMFT
I am a late bloomer! Counseling became my second career, but it was always my first passion. Growing up, I was the friend people turned to for support and advice during difficult times. In my early thirties, the director of Covenant House Florida, where I worked as a Pastoral Minister, recognized these skills, and encouraged me to go back to school for my master’s degree in counseling. Then I eventually moved to California with my soon-to-be husband where I attended Fresno Pacific University and graduated with my Master of Arts in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling.
I am a Certified Trauma Specialist who helps clients heal from a variety of traumatic events which include war veterans, victims of abuse, and those suffering from grief and loss. I work with couples and families healing hurts and building attachment and trust. I also work with clients who experience anxiety and depression. I am trained in EMDR, Brainspotting, Dream Work, Psycho Drama, Creative Expressive Ar
Darren Lowe
LMHC
My road to becoming a counselor was long and winding. I was born and raised in Central Florida, attending UCF after high school, then earning a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Rollins College while working in health care administration.
It was my personal life journey of healing that led me to become a counselor. Experiencing the healing process firsthand changed my life and solidified a deep longing to help others heal as well. I found that it was only when I dove into the deep end of my own painful experiences that I was able to find restoration.
When I’m not working, I am usually spending time with my wife and our three children. I also enjoy golf, listening to music and podcasts, coaching little league, attending UCF football games, and doing home improvement projects.
Jessica Taylor
RMHCI
I am originally from Northern California; where I received my Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Minor is Psychology from Sonoma State University. Like many people, the dream of working for Disney brought me to Florida and I have been here for 11 years. Over the years, my dream and life goals changed. I felt a strong calling to become a Counselor. I have a passion to see people overcome what once felt impossible and live the life they desire. This led me to Asbury Theological Seminary where I completed my Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling.
I have continued to pursue education within the field. I am certified in Premarital Counseling and actively pursuing Florida state licensure in Mental Health Counseling, anticipating being an LMHC before the end of 2023! When I am not working, you will find me spending time with my daughter and family, volunteering at Church, or studying. I consider myself a forever student because I love to always be engaged in learning something
