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    Our Wellness Team

    Dr. Carlos Garcia

    I am the owner and lead therapist at Tampa Counseling and Wellness. I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Coach, and Speaker. I provide counseling and coaching to individuals looking to positively transform their lives. My areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, grief, and post-traumatic stress, as well as issues around faith and spirituality. I also work with individuals who struggle with motivation and self-confidence. I specialize in working with veterans, police officers, firefighter and other first responders. As a business owner and entrepreneur, I also work with executives and business owners looking to take their performance and leadership to the next level. I also specialize in working with college and professional athletes. I help my clients get unchained from the past, overcome mental blocks, and find the confidence they need to live more fulfilling, successful, and empowered lives.

    I received my doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University and completed my residency at Rutgers University. I also served in the armed forces as a United States Marine and as a firefighter and paramedic prior to receiving my doctorate degree. I am not about a “quick fix,” but instead focus on helping you uncover the unconscious drives and fears that have been holding you back. My goal is not just to alleviate your symptoms, but to guide you toward deep personal growth. I believe there is no greater joy than becoming the person you have always wanted to become.

    I have spent over 25 years working on myself and believe that the best coaches, counselors, and therapists are those that have done their own “self-work.” My journey has been challenging but it has also helped me to grow in ways that deepen my understanding of what it means to overcome challenges and thrive in life. I’m driven by a deep passion to help others find themselves and create lives of impact and profound change. 

    Dr. Ashton Peltz

    By taking a compassionate and warm approach, I help my clients heal from the past and make meaningful change in the present. My priority is to create a safe environment where you feel free to be yourself. Within this safe space I work to build authentic, honest relationships with my clients. Through building a trusting relationship, my hope is that you feel comfortable to explore your emotions and unpack painful experiences in a judgment free zone. I am passionate about working with teens and adults who struggle with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, life transitions, self-esteem, and trauma.

    I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, and I received my doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University. Additionally, I am trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). I also specialize in psychological evaluations for adults.

    Through working together, I help my clients understand their story, gain freedom from their past, and move toward a more fulfilling life. I believe that you are the expert on yourself, and I am here to listen, help foster personal growth, and alleviate suffering.

    Kristina Martinez, LMHC

    Thank you for the giving me the opportunity to tell you about myself and the services I can provide. I am in this field out of my sincere desire to be with people as they go through life’s many challenges and heartaches. Working together you will feel more understood, fully accepted and less alone in your life. I provide a welcoming, non-judgmental and safe environment so we can explore what is troubling you. I understand that making changes can be difficult and overwhelming, so together we will examine the obstacles you are facing.

    My areas of specialization are women’s issues, self-esteem, anxieties connected to identity and life purpose, personal growth and relationship issues. For couples, I have received advanced training in Emotionally-Focused Therapy, an evidence-based approach to helping couples understand their negative patterns of interaction, experience greater emotional connection and satisfying intimacy.

    I focus on empowering people to define for themselves what they want out of life while supporting them in taking the steps towards creating that life. I believe it is essential to address the core of one’s issues, rather than focusing on suppressing symptoms. A nurturing environment where you can truly be seen and be heard, offers an opportunity to develop and practice new ways of experiencing emotions, communicating with others, building confidence and coping with life’s adversities. All of you is welcome here.

    Casmin Dollard, MS

    I’m Casmin, a registered mental health counseling intern in the state of Florida. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences from the University of South Florida and a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Troy University.

    I love working with individuals to remove blocks that are keeping them from living the life they imagined. I’m well-versed in various mental health struggles such as anxiety, depression, trauma, etc., and enjoy using a holistic approach focusing on self-care. I’m also a certified yoga and mindfulness meditation instructor.

    There is no one size fits all approach to therapy. Your story and collection of struggles are unique to you. You don’t have to go through life’s challenges alone or carry the burden to figure it all out on your own. I’ll be here for you when you’re ready.

    Dallas Trese, MA

    I am a therapist who regularly talks during session, frequently providing feedback & perspective to help guide you in developing your own opinion and reflections for your life. I will never know you better than you know yourself, however I can help you navigate a more nurturing and compassionate way to better understand yourself, and those around you. I am passionate & trained in the mind-body connection by utilizing techniques such as EMDR, brain-spotting, & meditative yoga practices.

    In our sessions together we will incorporate all parts of you. Your emotional needs, beliefs (mental), physical symptoms of struggles (body), and spiritual aspects (questions about existence and future) will be addressed in our sessions together. If desired we can discuss utilizing a mind-body therapy to integrate the physical body in treatment as well.

    My overall training has provided me the opportunity to work with all types of individuals who are struggling and desiring to grow in various areas. However, I am particularly passionate about working with trauma survivors, adolescents, college students, young adults, and female entrepreneurs. Let me pour you a cup of coffee or tea, and let’s talk.

    Nonata Calcines, MS

    Come in, sit, and breathe with me and let us explore together:

    Whether you are struggling with a person, or a situation, or an idea. Or you are experiencing strong feelings such as anger, loneliness, loss, fear, or uncertainty. I am here for you.

    I focus on self-acceptance, self- regulation, and self-compassion. Accompanied with a unique drive to help individuals, couples, families, and groups to find the best version of their life-story. I bring a myriad of integrative, safe therapeutic alliances which include knowledge of trauma focus, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), polyvagal theory trauma (body and mind system regulation), and an overall holistic wellness approach.

    I attended undergraduate school at Keiser University of Tampa and received my bachelor’s degree of Arts in Psychology Concentration courses. I have achieved my Master of Science in Counseling and Psychology with a focus in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Troy University. Currently, I am a registered mental health counselor intern with the State of Florida. I am an active member of the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA), the American Counseling Association (ACA), the Suncoast Mental Health Counselors Association (SMHCA) and the Psychotherapy Networkers.

    Come, let us meet. Would you be open to travel the path to healing, and connect with your powerful and beautiful self?

    Dr. Sherese Stewart

    Growth can be painful, but not impossible. I am Sherese Stewart, and I am a Post-Doctoral Fellow. I am a graduate of Florida School of Professional Psychology at National Louis University, where I earned my doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology. My background is in child/adolescent psychology, and I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and adults who experience depression, anxiety, and trauma. Taking care of your mental health can be difficult with so many life demands and challenges. My aim is to guide clients to healing by utilizing Cognitive Behavioral skills to tackle intrusive thoughts and unhealthy behaviors. I also specialize in psychological testing to assess for Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, learning disabilities, mood disorders, and personality testing.

    My therapeutic approach is to move at the pace of the client, while also facilitating an environment where growth can take place and you can become your best self. I truly enjoy building relationships with clients during the therapeutic process and collectively implementing ways to grow together. I believe that the therapeutic relationship can be the most powerful tool in therapy, and here you will learn skills that will help you be the best that you can be.

    Myra Pierce

    My name is Myra and I am a master’s degree licensed mental health counseling student intern at Tampa Counseling and Wellness. I graduated from the University of South Florida with a bachelor’s degree in public health and a minor in environmental and occupational safety. I am currently enrolled in a masters of science program and will graduate in May 2024.

    I have worked with individuals with disabilities and psychiatric conditions in multiple allied health fields for 13 years. My passion is improving quality of life for my clients on their terms. My current therapeutic approach is based on a holistic person-first biopsychosocial model. Consideration is made for factors such as biology, psychology, and environmental factors that impact our general wellbeing. My goal at Tampa Counseling and Wellness is to devote my practice to creating positive change and to help others find their power so they can live life authentically.

    Maki B.Uechi-Brooker M.Ed

    Growth and progress are not a linear process. I certainly can attest to that as someone who has done the work herself. I know firsthand that change is always possible! The only requirement is to be honest, open-minded, and willing with yourself and to allow others to guide, encourage, and push you to do the work. It isn’t easy. But I am here to pay it forward for the help I’ve received.

    Because of this personal experience, I am deeply passionate and motivated towards helping people understand the holistic nature of health and well-being. I’ve worked as a personal trainer and fitness instructor for 38+ years and I’ve also worked as a health and well-being coach for 12+ years. I earned my BS in Kinesiology from The University of Illinois at Chicago and an MA in Education from North Park University. I am a certified Exercise Physiologist with the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and Health and Well-being Coach with WellCoaches Corporation. Additionally, I am certified in Exercise is Medicine with ACSM and currently working on getting certified in Lifestyle Medicine. As an adjunct professor of the Department of Exercise and Sport at North Park University, I taught the next generation of fitness and allied-health professionals and physical educators for seven years.

    As your coach, I will guide and support you to improve your health, fitness, and well-being. My objective is helping you create time and attention on life-giving, health-promoting activities that matter most to you. A lifestyle that aligns with your values and gives purpose and meaning. My coaching relationships are collaborative and client-centered. We work together to identify ways you can thrive in your life by developing healthy, sustainable habits. I understand that no two people are the same and each day brings with it new or recurring challenges and obstacles. I will meet you where you are with compassion and help you to adjust your goals and priorities that foster growth and confidence.

    For more information, please visit my website at:

    https://www.naaucoaching.com/

    Dr. Rodwan Mahfouz M.D.

    I am a physician and psychiatrist with experience practicing medicine in New York , Michigan and Florida. I founded Triumph Psychiatry in 2022 so I may better cater and care for patients, and to accommodate their needs remotely.

    I specialize in medication management, ADHD, anxiety, depression and PTSD, and offer a comprehensive approach to psychiatry. Our mental and physical health are intertwined, and I take into consideration physical health and lifestyle to design individualized treatment for your specific needs. I have worked closely with active and retired military for nearly a decade and specialize in working with veterans and their families.

    My medical training, extensive experience and diverse background inform my holistic approach to psychiatry and behavioral therapy. As new discoveries of the human mind and psyche develop, I am committed to growth, knowledge and the pursuit of excellence, delivering the highest quality and most up-to-date healthcare to his patients.

    For more information, please visit my website at: https://triumphpsychiatry.com/

    Jillian Ciotoli

    Hi! My name is Jillian Ciotoli and I am the Administrative Assistant at Tampa Counseling and Wellness. I care deeply about the mental health and well-being of others. I am passionate about prioritizing self-care and the healing of one’s inner child. I got my Bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida in Psychology-Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience and I will soon be pursuing a Master’s degree to eventually obtain licensure and become a therapist myself. I love working with kids and families, and even minored in Family, Youth, and Community Sciences. I’m also a huge animal lover and very crafty and creative. I’m honored to serve the needs of our clients and the Tampa Bay community. We are here for all of your mental health and wellness needs.

    Reach out to us today!

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