Find the provider that best suits your needs
Our team
Kate Lombardo, Owner, Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Kate graduated in 2016 from Palm Beach Atlantic University with her Master’s in Counselor Education with an emphasis in mental health counseling. She is a licensed mental health counselor and the owner of Transformative Counseling and Wellness. She has worked with those from many walks of life and is passionate about providing a safe environment for every person to share their story, believing that this space is sacred. Kate sees patients from all backgrounds, belief systems, and orientations and believes we all have the power to choose how we want to live. She is a certified trauma therapist who uses modalities including Internal Family Systems, Accelerated Resolution Therapy, and DBT-informed therapy. Kate’s approach is integrative, with an approach that involves including all parts of your story, so that not only will you find wholeness, but also transformation.
Having firefighters in her family has inspired Kate to work with first responders, including firefighters/EMS, 9-11 operators, and law enforcement. She completed a Clinician Awareness Training both through the Florida Firefighter Health and Safety Collaborative as well as the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Finally, as a mom of a child with Type 1 Diabetes, Kate offers a unique counseling perspective to individuals and families as they work on navigating the ever-changing terrain of Type 1. At home, Kate has been married for 12 years and is a mom to a 9 and 7 year old who she cherishes being with. She lives a simple life with her family where she places a large emphasis on being present and doing her own mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical work so she can be fully present with her clients.
Stephanie Gutierrez, Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Stephanie Gutierrez is a graduate of Palm Beach Atlantic University, with her Master’s Degree in Counselor Education – Mental Health. She received her undergraduate degree in Religious and Cultural Studies from the University of Central Florida. As a First-Generation American she understands the challenges that come with assimilating into a new culture. She enjoys working with individuals from a variety of cultural backgrounds to partner with them and their communities for a holistic healing experience. With a counseling style that is considered active and engaging, Stephanie strives to create a safe space in counseling for people to process their pain. She enters each session with a compassionate and empathetic spirit as therapy becomes the method used for healing. Stephanie’s areas of expertise include individuals struggling with anxiety and depression, adolescents/teens, LGBTQA+, couples in traditional and non-traditional relationships, co-dependency/attachment concerns, and personal growth. Stephanie is a trained EMDR (Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapist which qualifies her to help clients process through trauma and ongoing stressors they face in day to day life. Stephanie has additional training/certifications in Trauma Competency, Adoption Competency and LGBTQA+ Competency.
*In network with Aetna, Oscar, and United Healthcare
To find out more about working with Stephanie please visit her website at www.counselingwithsteph.com.
Brianna Kegelman, Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Brianna Kegelman, M.A., LMHC, (she/her) is a first generation graduate from University of Central Florida, from where she achieved her Undergraduate Degree in Psychology with a Minor in Exceptional Education, and her Master’s Degree in Counselor Education- Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Brianna has experience working with many different individuals and families of differing cultural backgrounds. She has provided counseling services in clinics for adults and college students, elementary schools and a residential facility for adolescents. Brianna works primarily with individuals, children, adolescents, families, college students and the LGBTQ+ community. She has experience and enjoys working with issues such as anxiety, relational issues, self esteem, depression, mood disorders, autism spectrum disorder, gender and sexuality issues, grief, trauma, schizophrenia and individuals adjusting to college.Alongside her counseling experience, Brianna is not new to the field of mental health. She has been in the mental health field for 11 years working with the not-for-profit National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Brianna has been a volunteer for NAMI and Zebra Coalition for many years, while also running support groups and teams. She has a love for advocacy and breaking down the stigma behind mental illness, and enjoys bringing this accepting spirit into her counseling style in order to create an open and safe place for individuals to come to. Brianna brings into the counseling space a dynamic and eclectic style that focuses on each individual client being unique in their own way. Brianna consistently aims and believes to make the counseling space an accepting and safe place that provides compassion and honesty. Brianna believes in focusing on Progress rather than Perfection. She helps facilitate self growth and awareness through the client while utilizing a variety of therapy techniques and approaches. Her goal is to make therapy just a little less scary for individuals. Looking into services can be very overwhelming, whether it is your first time or you're familiar with the process. You may think, is this really for me? Do I really need this? She is here to tell you that you are not alone in this journey. Brianna believes therapy is for anyone and everyone, whether you are going through a crisis or not, just having someone unbiased to talk to can help. You have to find the right fit and she hopes she can be that for you, but if not would love to provide you with other resources. “Mental Health is something everyone has, and it deserves to be talked about openly and in a non-judgmental space.”
JoAnn Griffin, Licensed Mental Health Counselor
JoAnn Griffin received her Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education and received a credential as a "Child Development Expert." She received her Bachelor's Degree in Family and Consumer Science and is a "Certified Family Life Educator." She completed her Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling and is currently a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Based on her clinical experience, she believes there is no "One size fits all" solution to human struggles. She tailors her treatment based on the current needs of the client. She has completed internships at the Sanford Child Advocacy Center and Faith Professional Counseling center in Orlando. She has extensive experience with children, adolescents and adults. Based on these experiences, JoAnn is prepared to work with all age groups with individual or relationship issues. She is trained in providing Gottman Therapy, which is a highly structured and evidenced based couples therapy. "I believe every individual has the capacity to overcome struggles. Sometimes people need a caring person, a listening ear, and compassionate guidance with life's issues. I will strive to help each person with whom I work, keeping his or her best interests at heart." JoAnn has been married for 36 years and has 3 adult children and 4 grandchildren.
Dr. Laura Casey, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Dr. Laura Casey a Board Certified Mental-Health Nurse Practitioner and a Certified Integrative Mental-Health provider based in Florida. She graduated with her Doctorate of nursing practice degree in 2016 from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. She works primarily with adults, with an expertise in treating depression, anxiety, and OCD. Additionally, she has professional and personal experience working with and caring for neurodivergent individuals. She has been working in the field of psychiatry for 11 years. Laura offers a patient-centered, holistic approach to psychiatry, taking into account the person’s mind, body, soul, and community. She utilizes evidence-based approaches in her practice, using traditional psychiatric medications, as well as non-pharmacological or complementary treatment modalities. Laura offers a safe, non-judgmental place for patients to be themselves and receive the support they need.
Stacy Perin, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Stacy is an LCSW with both a BSW and MSW from the University of Central Florida and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Florida. She takes a trauma-informed, holistic, integrative approach that draws from using a variety of evidence-based treatment models. Her methods emphasize person-centered care and are adapted to best suit the individual needs of her clients. Stacy has extensive experience working with children and adults from a variety of backgrounds and she has a passion for empowering individuals through therapy. She believes that everyone can benefit from therapy, and that mental health is an essential component to overall health. Areas of her work with clients include anxiety, depression, coaching, partner/marriage and family relationship issues, autism, and school-based challenges. The mind-body connection is a focus in her work with individuals who are navigating various mental health related issues and life transitions. Included in her toolbox of modalities used, Stacy will often partner with her therapy dog, Adrian to help clients unlock feelings that may otherwise feel inaccessible.
Prior to returning to her home state of Florida, Stacy was a member of the Governor’s Council on Behavioral Health Prevention Advisory Committee (PAC) in Rhode Island. She has run therapeutic school programs in Rhode Island for students with complex mental health needs and students in recovery. She has also conducted numerous training courses and webinars for educators in New England on topics that included Self-Care, Stress Management, the Societal Impact of the Covid Pandemic, and Behavior Management. Most recently, Stacy created a therapeutic counseling program for underserved children and families in Central Florida.
Stacy is married and has a blended family that includes two children and two stepchildren. She enjoys weight training, yoga, cooking, and training her two therapy dogs. Making sure that she “practices what she preaches” with her own self-care is a means for Stacy to provide the best possible care for her clients.
Adrian, Stacy’s Therapy Dog
Alejandro Rojas-Ochoa, Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Alejandro obtained a master’s degree in education with a concentration in clinical mental health counseling from Florida International University and has been a practicing therapist for almost a decade. His experience as a therapist has focused on the treatment of anxiety, depression and addiction in a wide variety of settings such as addiction treatment facilities for the homeless and HIV positive, inpatient and outpatient mental health clinics, psychiatric hospitals, and specialized programs focused on the LGBTQ+ community. Most of his work centers around questions of meaning and purpose, and how to make the best out of our lives by understanding the past and how it shapes our present and future. His intention is to meet each person where they’re at in life and walk with them as they create a new path forward. Alejandro is uniquely qualified to meet Spanish-speaking clients where they are in their journeys. As a bilingual counselor, he works with those who need a Spanish-speaking provider.
In his free time he enjoys the company of a good book, fly fishing the local lakes and ponds around Orlando, and spending time with his wife, friends, and family.
Cara Griffin-Locker, Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Cara received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Central Florida. She then completed her Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling and is currently a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Cara’s approach to therapy is eclectic and she tailors her therapy according to each person she serves. She has worked in private practice, as well as both inpatient and outpatient facilities. Cara’s background is much like her therapy- eclectic. She is a former animal trainer. She has trained Atlantic bottle dolphins, birds, and other marine animals. She is also a certified equine therapist. Cara is currently working to obtain her credentials to become a certified sex therapist. She works with young adults, women, men and couples. She loves to meet her clients where they are in their life, whether that is a mom struggling with balance, those struggling with anxiety, depression, or with couples who are dealing with sexual concerns.
Cara has been married for 12 years and has two daughters, 9 and 10 years old. She also has a mini golden doodle that is a trained service dog. In her free time you will find her with her family and friends, outside, near water or in the mountains. She is an active participant at her daughter’s school and loves animals.
Cara is looking forward to meeting you and helping you find balance!
Nicolle Uribe Hoyos, Registered Social Work Intern
Nicolle is an RCSWI with a Master's in Social Work from the University of South Florida and a passion for making therapy a little less intimidating, and maybe even a bit fun. With experience spanning youth, families, and adults in settings like substance use residentials, prevention programs, inpatient hospitals, and homeless/runaway shelters, she’s open to all—and she’s ready to help you navigate your own story.
Nicolle’s expertise lies in life transitions, stress/burnout, anxiety, depression, and family/relationship dynamics. She brings creativity into the mix, utilizing art and play therapy as powerful tools for self-expression and healing. (Yes, doodling and games are therapeutic!) Especially as 'play' is a form of communication for young children. She’s a firm believer that tapping into your inner child is a major step to unveiling peace and developing compassion for others and yourself.
Her approach is all about collaboration—tailoring each treatment to fit your unique life, culture, and experiences. Nicolle provides a safe, trauma-informed space where you can unpack life’s chaos, build skills, and rewrite your narrative with encouragement along the way.
As a proud member of the Latino community from an immigrant family, Nicolle understands the importance of honoring cultural identities. In her downtime, she’s either painting, hiking, watching movies, or hanging out with her mini-zoo of animals and insects. She’s on a mission to turn her cat into a certified therapy animal because everyone could use a little more purr in their life!
Rowan Reyes, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
Rowan is a Master’s level clinical mental health counseling intern. Receiving his degree in Counselor Education - Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Central Florida, he has expanded his experience working at a variety of mental health settings (ranging from schools to IOP/PHP facilities) with both adolescents and adult populations.
Rowan’s expertise lies in eating disorders, neurodivergence, anxiety, depression, LGBTQ+, and life transitions. Rowan approaches counseling with an integrative style, utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to help guide his clients. Rowan strives to ensure each individual's sessions meet the client where they are at and focus on their own unique goals and needs.
In his free time, Rowan enjoys spending time with his three cats: Shadow, Garfield, and Bean. In addition, he enjoys singing, dancing, painting, and trying new restaurants in Orlando with his friends.
Chantal Dalabona, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
Chantal holds a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Palm Beach Atlantic University. She works with individuals and couples across the lifespan, specializing in trauma recovery, major life transitions, and relationship challenges. Whether addressing post-traumatic stress, grief, or divorce, Chantal’s therapeutic approach is client-centered, strengths-based, and integrative. She draws on a variety of techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), somatic psychotherapy, and expressive arts to help clients navigate their healing journey. Chantal’s focus is on fostering a deeper connection to self through mindfulness, empowerment, and self-discovery.
Chantal’s path to counseling began 24 years ago as a personal trainer and yoga teacher, where she first honed her ability to support individuals through physical and emotional challenges. This foundation led her to explore neuroscience, psychology, and the mind-body connection. A lifelong learner, Chantal is deeply committed to continuing her education, reading extensively and staying informed on the latest therapeutic techniques.
Outside of her clinical work, Chantal cherishes quality time with her family, enjoys playing pickleball, and has a passion for travel - seeking new experiences and cultural insights to enrich her personal and professional life.