Our Qualified Counselors Are Here to Guide Your Healing

Meet the Therapists Who Specialize in Various Life Challenges

A man and a woman are holding a check for $ 2,000.
Lisa Benitez – LMHC- Clinical Director

Lisa Benitez – LMHC- Clinical Director


I am a legal expert in the courtroom, specializing in the family court system. Bringing knowledge to help the family with traumatic & life-changing events, I practice child-parent psychotherapy to facilitate healing due to relational disruptions. I have expertise in working with trauma, depression/anxiety, grief, chronic pain, and collaborative family law.

I am a qualified supervisor for mental health counselor interns and a trained Circle of Security parenting curriculum facilitator. I have over twenty years of experience as a teacher for community professionals regarding social dilemmas and child/family issues.

Kristi Miller – LMHC

Kristi Miller – LMHC


I have completed training for EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and received training in utilizing play therapy and sand tray techniques. I have experience working with clients from a variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds, as well as clients from the LGBTQ+ community and faith-based backgrounds.

I am a qualified supervisor for registered mental health counselor interns through the Florida Department of Health. I look forward to the opportunity to walk with you on your journey. I provide contract services through the Presbyterian Counseling Center, and we have other counselors on staff with various specialties and availabilities.

Michelle Prokto – LMHC

Michelle Prokto – LMHC


The goal of my practice is to help restore balance in your life. I offer therapy to families, individual adults, children, and teens. I am not a Christian counselor, nor affiliated with any religion, but I always welcome a client's spiritual/religious beliefs in sessions.


I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Qualified Supervisor, National Certified Counselor (NCC), member of the Florida Counseling Association, Chi Sigma Iota, American Mental Health Counselors Association, and American Counseling Association. I was educated at a CACREP institution with the most rigorous standards. I am an LGBTQ+ ally and offer a safe space.

Richard Fay – LCSW

Richard Fay – LCSW


As a board approved Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Florida (SW 8489) since 2006 I have provided clinical services in a number of settings. Initially as a Medical Foster Care Social Worker, a collaboration between the FL Department of Health and the Department of Children and Families. While in Massachusetts I provided Early Intervention Services (infants, young children and their caregivers) under the direction of the Developmental Medicine Program at Children's Hospital Boston and again I provided services with a similar population through the State of Florida’s Department of Health’s Early Steps program. During my employment and independent contract with the Early Steps system of care I began advanced training in the area of infant and early childhood mental health with Dr. Connie Lillas on the NeuroRelational Framework for Interdisciplinary practice in infant and early childhood menta health. As an independent contractor I participated in Florida State University's Center for Prevention and Early Intervention Policy's, Harris Institute, an 18-month seminar, facilitated by Dr. Joy Osofsky of Louisiana State University and Drs. Herb Quay & Anne Hogan of FSU. I am a licensed clinician by Circle of Security international to offer the Circle of Security Parenting program as well as a rostered Child Parent Psychotherapist the UCSF's Child Trauma Research Program. I am engaged in ongoing studies related to the science of attachment through the Family Relations Institute. Dr. Patricia Crittenden's Dynamic Maturation Model of Attachment and Adaptation with training in the use of the Adult Attachment Interview, the Infant-Toddler Care INDEX with Frustration and Repair. Additional training in attachment/relationship assessments include the Child Attachment and Play Assessment through Attachment Courses Direct (Portsmouth, England) and through the Cambridge Centre for Attachment (Cambridge, United Kingdom) the Meaning of the Child Interview. The most recent community/system level activity I participated in was the development of an Early Childhood Court in Florida's Seventh Circuit. The program focused on infants and toddlers in the dependency system collaborating with the caregivers (biological/foster/adoptive/kin} involved with the child with the goal of establishing permanency for the child with the child's developmental needs in mind.

Blessing Pereira – LMHC

Blessing Pereira – LMHC


As a licensed mental health clinician, I see myself as a guide in the counseling relationship to help clients navigate life challenges. I aim to create a culturally sensitive, safe, non-judgmental space that allows for collaboration and exploration of strengths and the development of new skills to promote self-growth.



I have over 13 years of clinical experience working with diverse populations to treat depression, anxiety, grief, substance abuse, trauma, chronic health challenges (for patient and caregiver), adjustment to disability, and psychotic disorders. In addition, I provide career guidance through the use of vocational assessment tools and individual counseling.

Roberta (Bobbi) Cavin – LMHC

Roberta (Bobbi) Cavin – LMHC


I am a licensed mental health counselor with a certificate in art therapy and a certified health coach. I work with clients of all ages from preteens through adulthood. I assist individuals to work on coping skills that can help you work through anxiety, stress, depression, self-esteem, and self-worth. I enjoy working with preteens to help them on their journey through self-discovery and peer and/or family relationships. I offer a safe space where you can talk freely about your thoughts, feelings, or ideas without being judged or mocked.

Lisa Johnson – LCSW

Lisa Johnson – LCSW


There is a wide variety of specific reasons why someone seeks counseling or therapy. Whatever your situation, please know that you are not alone. My goal is to empower you through reflective listening, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, and other interventions so you can self-advocate and harness your strengths to find healthy and lasting solutions that work for you.



I provide culturally competent individual, couple, & family therapies in a safe, affirming & judgment-free environment. Topics addressed in my practice include but are not limited to anxiety, depression, trauma, LGBTQIA+ issues, mood & behavioral disruptions, stress, anger management, cultural, racial & gender identities, & marital or familial disharmony.

Amanda Tietjen – RMFTI

Amanda Tietjen – RMFTI


Professional counseling is really a journey through self-discovery.

Hello, I am a registered intern for the state of Florida working toward licensure. As a marriage and family therapist, I do not just see the individual; I see the family as a system. And everyone plays a part in that system. It is believed that when we have an issue in our life, there is a disruption of this system. As a marriage and family therapist, I take many different approaches, guiding me in my work with others. Helping me to explore the client’s views and assumptions. With the goal of increasing awareness and facilitating change in the client/family’s life.

Manon Stonecypher – RMFTI

Manon Stonecypher – RMFTI


My passion lies in supporting others as part of a comprehensive system that involves working with individuals of all ages and diverse backgrounds.  I believe in the power of connection, empathy, and understanding in fostering growth and healing. My goal is to create a safe space where clients can explore their emotions and experiences without judgment. My background as an elementary school teacher, helps me bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to my practice thanks to my understanding of child development and family needs. By recognizing the importance of interpersonal relationships and the impact they have on our mental well-being, I strive to empower individuals to develop healthier connections and strengthen emotional resilience. Working within this systemic approach allows me to address not only individual challenges but also the broader context in which they occur. I apply various trainings such as prepare/enrich, Gottman level 1, Sand Tray, and I am working to become a registered play therapist.

Ellie Berger-Student Intern

Ellie Berger, Student Intern (on leave & awaiting registration)


Hello, I’m a third year graduate student interning with the Presbyterian Counseling center under the supervision of Richard Fey. I’m passionate about supporting individuals through difficult seasons in their life. I’m devoted to providing a safe space for individuals to discuss their unique experiences, develop coping skills, and develop goals that are meaningful to them. I’m most interested in working with young adults, LGBTQ+ individuals, anxiety, and PTSD. When I’m not in the office I’m often found on the beach reading a good book, doing arts and crafts, or spending time with my dogs. I look forward to walking with you through your healing journey!

Dr. Christi Kush, PsyD with supervision

Dr. Christi Kush, PsyD with supervision

Tresa Buquicchio – RMHCI

Tresa Buquicchio, RMHCI

My approach centers on creating a compassionate, affirming space where you can safely explore life’s complexities and connect with your authentic self. I believe in the power of collaboration within the therapeutic relationship—I’m not only a guide, but a partner in the process. Together, we’ll look beneath the surface to understand the patterns, beliefs, and values that shape your experiences, cultivating greater self-awareness and growth along the way. My hope is to help you find clarity, meaning, and a stronger sense of empowerment.


My work primarily focuses on teens, young adults, and families, supporting them as they navigate life transitions, communication challenges, anxiety, depression, self-esteem concerns, and relationship challenges. I also have a special interest in working with older adults, and I find it meaningful to support them as they navigate life changes, loss, and evolving experiences of identity and independence.

Trinidee Mercado, Student Intern

Trinidee Mercado, RMHCI

Hello, I am a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern dedicated to creating a warm, safe, and supportive space for healing. I welcome individuals of all ages and am committed to providing inclusive, affirming care to people from all backgrounds and identities. My work is rooted in a strengths‑based and trauma‑informed approach, meaning I honor your lived experiences and empower you to move toward healing in ways that feel authentic to you. I specialize in helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, PTSD, and the effects of trauma; and I work collaboratively to help you build coping skills, deepen self‑understanding, and reconnect with your inner resilience. I also have training in Trauma‑Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF‑CBT) and integrate a variety of approaches depending on your individual needs; whether that’s CBT, DBT, psychodynamic exploration, art‑based work, solution‑focused strategies, or a blend of these approaches.

Ourania Kyrka

Ourania Kyrka (on leave & awaiting registration)


Ourania Kyrka, M.S. (Candidate) studied psychology and completed her psychotherapy training in Greece, with a strong foundation in psychodynamic and group psychotherapy. She is currently in her final semester of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master’s program at Stetson University in the United States and is completing her clinical internship at the Presbyterian Counseling Center under supervision.


Ourania has extensive international experience in community mental health, group-analytic settings, and psychosocial support services. Her clinical approach is grounded in psychodynamic theory, with attention to relational patterns, group processes, and cultural context. She works with diverse populations and values reflective, relational, and ethically grounded care.

John David “JD” Townsend

John David “JD” Townsend, LCSW & Qualified Supervisor


As a licensed clinical social worker, I offer humanistic and empowerment-based therapy. With degrees from Boston and New York City and advanced training in individual and family therapies I have practiced in this area for over 30 years.


Seeking therapeutic support can be challenging and even daunting. I am here to walk beside you, believe and honor your story, and assist you in moving through pain and finding acceptance.


I enjoy working with teens, adults, and seniors; with individuals, couples, families and groups dealing with complex concerns. I have had the privilege of learning from people in recovery and their families.


Therapy is a place to gain understanding and acceptance for many interwoven issues: losses, fears, and challenges. Compounding traumas of racism, ableism, phobias, , and various forms of discrimination can deepen our wounds. As a blind clinician, I can often understand your issues with a special understanding. Working with survivors of abuse, abandonment, loss, and seemingly insurmountable setbacks have brought me to a deep appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit. 


A favorite quote:

“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly–but rarely admit to the changes it has gone through to achieve such beauty.” Maya Angelou

Ourania Kyrka

Lauren Amaral , Student Intern


Hello! I'm a Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate student at Stetson

University, currently completing my practicum as a student intern. I am

most interested in working with individuals experiencing anxiety and mood

disorders, grief, emerging adulthood, and working with children and

adolescents. I am passionate about creating a safe space for others while

collaborating on goals and overcoming challenges that they may experience. When



I'm not studying or in session, you'll likely find me spending time with

friends, relaxing at the park, reading a good book, or playing video games.

I look forward to my journey as a developing counselor and collaborating

with other professionals in the field.

Availability Varies by Location and Therapist

Please Call the Main Office for Scheduling

386-258-1618

Find the right therapist for you—call (386) 258-1618 to get started.