Meet Our Team

Our mission is to create meaningful, positive change through personalized counseling and holistic wellness practices.

Saarah-Nicolas

Dr. Saarah Nicolas

Dr. Carlos Garcia

Dr. Carlos Garcia

a woman sitting on a couch

Dr. Ashton Peltz

Dr. Sherese Stewart

Camila Lasso, MA

Camila Lasso, MA

Mitchell Carr, MA

Mitchell Carr, MA

Makayla Sullivan, MA

Makayla Sullivan, MA

Jillian Ciotoli

Visit Our Office

Feel free to stop by our location during operating hours if you’d like in-person assistance.

Saarah-Nicolas

Dr. Saarah Nicolas

I’m Dr. Saarah Nicolas, a licensed psychologist with over 10 years of experience helping people heal from trauma. Using evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, I support clients in overcoming PTSD, anxiety, depression, OCD, and other trauma-related challenges.

Trauma can deeply affect our sense of self, relationships, and daily life—but you don’t have to face it alone. Together, we’ll explore your experiences and develop tools to help you move forward with balance and confidence.

As a biracial Black Jamaican woman, I integrate cultural responsiveness into therapy to ensure clients feel seen and understood. I have extensive experience working with Veterans, women, male sexual trauma survivors, LGBTQ+, and BIPOC individuals. I earned my Ph.D. from the University of Southern Mississippi and began my career in the Veterans Affairs system, specializing in complex trauma.

Having overcome my own traumas with the support of therapy, I know firsthand the power of healing. My goal is to provide a compassionate, authentic, and safe space where you can reclaim your life and thrive.

Dr. Carlos Garcia

Dr. Carlos Garcia

For over a decade, Dr. Carlos Garcia has helped individuals and leaders break free from limiting patterns, rebuild confidence, and unlock their true potential. His work goes beyond symptom management, uncovering the deeper fears and beliefs that keep people stuck, and guiding them toward lasting transformation.

Dr. Garcia specializes in executive coaching and performance healing, supporting high-achieving professionals in overcoming internal barriers, reconnecting with purpose, and stepping into greater clarity, resilience, and confidence. He also treats anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma, and brings a unique understanding of how faith and spirituality intersect with mental health.

Before becoming a psychologist, Dr. Garcia served as a U.S. Marine, firefighter, and paramedic—experiences that shaped his perspective on resilience and grounded leadership. He earned his doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University and completed his residency at Rutgers University.

With more than 25 years of personal growth and self-development, Dr. Garcia believes true healing begins within. His compassionate, supportive approach creates a safe space for clients to heal, grow, and thrive—both personally and professionally.

a woman sitting on a couch

Dr. Ashton Peltz

I take a compassionate, client-centered approach to help people heal from the past and make meaningful changes in the present. My goal is to create a safe, authentic, and nonjudgmental space where you feel free to be yourself, explore your emotions, and work through painful experiences. I am especially passionate about supporting teens and adults navigating depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, life transitions, self-esteem, and trauma.

I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University and specialized training in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). I also provide psychological evaluations for adults.

Together, we will work to better understand your story, build resilience, and move toward a more fulfilling life. I believe you are the expert on yourself, and I am here to listen, support your growth, and help you find relief and healing.

Dr. Sherese Stewart

Growth can be challenging, but never impossible. I’m Sherese Stewart, a Post-Doctoral Fellow with a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Florida School of Professional Psychology at National Louis University. I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and adults experiencing depression, anxiety, and trauma. I also conduct psychological testing for Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, learning disabilities, mood disorders, and personality concerns.

My goal is to create a supportive, collaborative environment where clients feel safe to grow at their own pace. Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I help individuals manage intrusive thoughts and unhelpful behaviors while building skills for long-term change. I believe the therapeutic relationship itself is one of the most powerful tools for healing—and I value the trust and connection that allow growth to unfold.

Camila Lasso, MA

Camila Lasso, MA

I’m Camila Lasso, a counselor-in-training at Tampa Counseling and Wellness. I am pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Marital, Couples, and Family Therapy at Barry University. My background includes a degree in Clinical Psychology from Universidad de Las Américas in Quito, Ecuador, and a Master’s in Third Generation Psychological Therapies from the International University of Valencia, Spain.

 I have experience working with young, middle, and older adults in hospitals, foundations, and private psychology centers.

I believe therapy should be personalized—each individual is unique and deserves care that meets their specific needs.

 My goal is to help clients better understand their emotions, challenges, and strengths, while creating a safe, supportive space free of judgment. Together, we’ll explore the best ways to navigate difficulties, build coping skills, and find new perspectives that support growth and healing.

Mitchell Carr, MA

Mitchell Carr

I am passionate about creating a safe and nurturing space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences without judgment. I believe meaningful change happens when we feel truly seen, heard, and supported. With a background in Human Communication from the University of Central Florida and advanced training in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Walden University, I approach therapy with curiosity, compassion, and deep respect for each client’s unique story.

In our sessions, I strive to cultivate a warm, collaborative environment where you feel understood. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, life transitions, or personal growth, we will work together to uncover patterns, build awareness, and foster meaningful change. My integrative approach addresses the deeper emotional and relational dynamics that may be influencing your well-being.

If you’re ready to begin your journey of healing and growth, I’m here to walk alongside you every step of the way.

Makayla Sullivan, MA

Makayla Sullivan, MA

I am a recent graduate of the University of South Florida with a Master’s in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling. My work is rooted in a Psychodynamic approach, helping clients identify and process unresolved past experiences that may still be shaping their present. I believe that while our past does not define us, it influences how we see ourselves—and therapy can give us the power to reshape our lives with greater understanding, healing, and self-acceptance.

In our sessions, I aim to create a safe, individualized experience tailored to your needs. I integrate a variety of therapeutic frameworks to support symptom reduction and collaborate with clients to build practical toolboxes of coping skills. Whether we begin with immediate challenges or deeper past experiences, I will meet you where you are most comfortable.

I have experience across diverse settings, including inpatient hospitals, the Clearwater Public Defender’s Office, and the University of Tampa counseling center. I believe every person deserves to feel seen, heard, and understood. My goal is to walk alongside you on the journey from simply surviving to truly thriving.

Jillian Ciotoli
(Marriage and Family Therapy Candidate)

Are you a parent at your wits’ end, a child struggling with big emotions, or a family stuck in unhealthy patterns? Or perhaps you’re an adult navigating grief, burnout, or relationship shifts and wondering, “Why does life feel so heavy?” You’re not alone—and therapy can help.

I’m Jillian Ciotoli, a Master’s-level therapist completing my training in Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of South Florida. With over a decade of experience supporting children from infancy through college-age, I specialize in child, adolescent, and family therapy. My background in Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience and Family, Youth, and Community Sciences helps me understand both the emotional and developmental factors that shape lasting change.

I use play therapy to help children process emotions, while working closely with parents to strengthen attachment and communication. With families, I draw from Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and systems approaches to rebuild trust and connection. I also work with adults navigating life transitions, offering a warm, nonjudgmental space to regain clarity and balance.

My goal is to help you or your family feel heard, empowered, and equipped to thrive—not just survive.