Meet Our Professionals

Melinda M. Sowka, LMHC, MCAP

Florida Qualified Supervisor

My name is Melinda Sowka and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Florida. I earned my degree in Psychology at Binghamton University in New York and my masters’ degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Webster University in Ocala, Florida. I have been serving the needs of at-risk youth and adult populations for over 15 years in various capacities, first as a computer instructor and later in job searching and career counseling prior to working in the mental health field. I have always had a passion for helping others since I was a little girl and the reasons have only increased as I have grown.

I am more familiarly known as Mindy or ‘Miss Mindy’ depending on your age and to me, therapy is the development of a give and take relationship. One of the reasons I help others is because others have helped me, and we may have that experience together as well.

I often use analogies to create a story for illustrative purposes when describing the therapeutic process, to the sea or water, building, navigation, planting, landscaping, sailing or dancing, because it fits! Stories make sense to people, more so than the clinical speak. If you’re curious about that we can do that too—whatever works! After all, this is your story.

So then… where have you been, and where do you wish to go from here?

Sarah Abed

Sarah is a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern and believes that life can be ridiculous, but it doesn’t have to suck.

Do you frequently ask yourself questions like “What the heck is wrong with me”, “Why does my child do this”, or “Why does nothing I do work”? Well, you can ask Sarah instead, who is invested in helping you find the answer. Sarah’s goal as a therapist is to help people make lasting changes in their lives by increasing their understanding of the “why” and applying their knowledge to make practical changes.

Sarah is especially passionate about working with parents who experience anxiety, frustration, and confusion with the intricacies of parenthood (and the unknowable-ness of their children). Sarah is experienced in working with children and teens and enjoys helping them engage in age-appropriate independence, communication, and emotion management. She is also interested in helping people of all ages and experiences navigate the difficulties that go along with the tomfoolery that life can throw at them.

Sarah utilizes an eclectic style, pulling from CBT, DBT, Adlerian Play Therapy, and various systemic theories. Sarah’s clients would describe her as accepting, direct, receptive to feedback, and hilarious (and they’d be right).

Jamiqua Rivera

Welcome!!

My name is Jamiqua Rivera. I am a Registered Clinical Social Work Intern ( RCSWI). I have worked in the Social Work/ Mental Health field for about 6 years. I love working with kids, adults, and families. I also love helping individuals become the best version of themselves!

However, let’s give yourself praise for making it this far! You might be debating about this decision or thinking to yourself if “ this is the right time.” I can assure you that “THIS IS THE RIGHT TIME!” I believe that therapy is a team effort that allows the therapist and the client to work together to identify the underlying problem. Therapy is a safe place for individuals to analyze communication, hurt, pain, trauma, and irrational thoughts, without being judged!!! Through therapeutic interventions, we will examine and review ways to better yourself and become a better version of yourself. I am here to listen, educate, and provide feedback.

Throughout this journey to recovery, I will challenge you! I will NOT pressure you, but I will challenge you so that way you can see your TRUE potential that hides beneath your sorrow. I mostly utilize motivational interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy( CBT), Solution Focus Brief Therapy(SFBT), and psychoeducation, but I also implement more therapy.

In conclusion, my credentials might reveal minimum years in the field, but my history reveals an experienced professional. I am a Social Worker at heart who is an expert in Understanding, Communication, and Patience. I am here to inform you that the decision you make today is a decision that WILL NOT disappoint you! Most importantly, I am here for YOU!

Antrecia Russell

Antrecia is a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern who believes that EVERYTHING is figureoutable. She has the heart to walk through the murkiest and toughest part of life’s journey with those she works with and is dedicated to being there and serving as a guide through those shuffling through their issues of life.

She specializes in providing a safe, non-judgmental, space for her clients to speak those things they may never speak out loud to anyone else. She believes that no one should suffer in silence. “I believe we have to say some things out loud, in the presence of someone who is trained to handle it, so we can face it and heal.”

She received her Bachelor’s degree from Southeastern University in Psychology and went on to receive her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. She is now working on her Doctorate degree in Developmental Psychology. She’s known since she was 11 years old that helping others in the area of mental health is what she wanted to do with her life. “If I can help one person find the path to healing and mental health, I have fulfilled my purpose.”

Alexus Bosquet

Welcome! I am Alexus Bosquet, a Social Work Intern, a dedicated and compassionate therapist with a comprehensive background in mental health support. I earned my Bachelor’s degree from Florida A&M University and went on to complete my Master’s in Social Work at Saint Leo University. With this solid educational foundation, I have been privileged to work extensively with individuals navigating severe mental health disorders, substance abuse challenges, and the complexities of domestic and sexual violence.

My journey in the field of therapy has provided me with valuable experience working with adolescents and adults alike, helping them to find stability, healing, and growth. I believe in a holistic and empathetic approach to therapy, tailoring my methods to fit the unique needs of each person I work with. My goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings, develop coping strategies, and work toward meaningful change.

I am committed to ongoing learning and staying current with best practices in mental health and therapeutic techniques. My approach is both client-centered and evidence-based, ensuring that the strategies we use are grounded in research and aligned with your personal goals.

If you’re seeking a supportive, non-judgmental space to work through your challenges, I am here to help. Let’s work together to navigate your path to healing and personal growth.

Xavier Kelly

Xavier is a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern who is dedicated to empowering his clients to reach their personal goals and improve their overall well-being.

He specializes in cognitive-behavioral therapy, existential therapy, and mindfulness techniques to help individuals manage anxiety, depression, and other forms of stress. He holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from the University of Central Florida and is committed to providing holistic and evidence-based therapy in a supportive environment.

With experience providing services in child sleep testing, corrections, substance abuse, and hospital settings, Xavier is happy to work with clients of any age with any problem. Whether it be stress as a result of a medical diagnosis, relationship struggles, behavioral issues, or everyday stress, Xavier will be there to help you through it.

Erica Helligar

Erica Helligar is a Registered Clinical Social Work Intern with over 10 years of experience in the Social Work field, including roles in the Department of Children and Families, community facilitation, and healthcare.

Erica has worked with individuals across all stages of life, from children, and adolescents to seniors. Erica believes that you are the expert of your own life and partners with you to achieve your desired goals, understanding that everyone can use a helping hand at times. With a passion for the arts, especially dance, Erica has incorporated creative approaches into her work with clients, fostering personal growth and meaningful engagement.

Erica firmly believes that it’s okay to have a good cry sometimes—moving through life’s challenges and pain, rather than avoiding them, can open the door to new and greater opportunities.

Sierra Hacker

Sierra is our Office Administrator and has experience in the field of medical reception and billing. She is always warm and receptive and can help guide you to the right therapist. Having a family of her own, Sierra easily identifies with family and relationship challenges and can recognize opportunities for growth in the most difficult of situations. She is always willing to listen and is available to help. If you are interested in scheduling an appointment, have a question about your bill, or just want to find out more about the therapy process, give her a call!

Rose Serrano

Rose also comes to us with a lot of experience in the medical field, having been previously employed by United Health Care for more than a decade. She has worked with adults, children and adolescents for many years and has a passion for helping people live their best life. Rose is a supportive staff member who is bilingual in English and Spanish and is able to match client to therapist with panache! She has lots of other skills that come in handy and is ready to hear your story and get you into our practice with ease.

Daisy May

My name is Daisy May. I am a rescue AND an emotional support therapy dog. Miss Mindy helps me with my challenges (laser treatment for arthritis) which is why I have goggles on in my picture, so I help her at the office with people who have challenges, too. I love to help people at the office sometimes! It’s called coh-rigu… col-re-gura… co-regu-lation. I help people get through the tough stuff!

Come and meet me! If you’d prefer to not have me here, I’m OK with that, too. I’m happy to stay home with my brother Loki instead.