Dr. Jeremiah Stokes, Ed.D., LMHC, NCC
Dr. Stokes, a fifth generation Floridian, began his educational journey and training to become a mental health professional at the University of Central Florida. He has been providing mental health services within our community for the last 15 years. Dr. Stokes has facilitated psychotherapy and a range of other clinical services at hospitals, agencies, rehabilitation facilities and private practices. Currently, Dr. Stokes is the owner and Clinical Director of Stokes Counseling and Consulting, where he provides mental health services to children, teens, adults, couples and families.
In addition to general psychotherapeutic services, Dr. Stokes facilitates mental health services related to high conflict divorce, co-parenting dynamics and child custody disputes. He provides these highly specialized forensic mental health services to help assist parents and children with navigating these complex family issues.
In addition to providing clinical services, Dr. Stokes also has a passion for higher education. Currently, he is a supporting faculty member in the counseling program at Rollins College in Winter Park, FL. However, he has held various academic appointments as a counseling professor, and has taught at The University of Central Florida, Lindsey Wilson College and Concordia University.
Dr. Stokes also has written and published academic journal articles, textbooks and a mental health education curriculum. including:
-Stokes, J. & Suprina, J. (2015). Academic Residencies. In C. Sheperis (Eds.), Online Counselor Education: A Guide for Students.
-Stokes, J., & Hunter, Q. (2020). Counselor educators’ integration of wellness with doctoral students within CACREP accredited programs. Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision.
-Stokes, J. & Hunter, Q. (2021). An ecologically informed model of counseling supervision. Southern Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Newsletter.
-Stokes, J. & Ddungu, G. (2021). Fostering resilience following the pandemic: the utilization of a
wellness-based counseling approach for adolescents returning to school. The Association for
Child and Adolescent Counseling
-Stokes, J. & Jackson, A. (2024). Multicultural Outcome Counseling Research. In S. B. Dermer & J. R. Abdullah (Eds.), The Sage Encyclopedia of Multicultural Counseling, Social Justice, and Advocacy.
-Hunter, Q., & Stokes, J. (2024). Biopsychosocial approach. In S. B. Dermer & J. R. Abdullah (Eds.), The Sage Encyclopedia of Multicultural Counseling, Social Justice, and Advocacy.
-Karge, B.D., Stokes, J., & Bratton, K.S. (in press). Resilient minds- Christ-centered mental health curriculum. Concordia Publishing House. https://teachthefaith.cph.org/...
Stella Bourassa, LMHC, CAP, CRSS
Stella has been a counselor in the addictions and mental health community since 2008. She has a heart for anyone suffering and desires to help clients empower themselves to live a more authentic lifestyle. She has a Bachelor’s of Science in Addiction Studies, and a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling. She is a Certified Addictions Professional with the state of Florida and is a licensed mental health counselor in the state of Florida. Stella has over 17 years of experience enjoys working with all adult populations; however has an affinity for women, those in the LGBTQ+ community, trauma-related issues, sex workers, and dynamics associated with spirituality, the elderly and helping people find purpose and meaning. Stella provides a framework of counseling where she and her clients collaboratively create treatment goals and work together closely to establish different pathways to help achieve healing and success. Within this process, Stella helps to provide clients with the necessary encouragement, compassion and structure, all of which aid in supporting her clients throughout their therapeutic journey.
Stella’s primary ethical approaches are first do no harm and secondly, do unto others as I would have them do unto me. Clients are treated with respect, honoring their autonomy, establishing trust through confidentiality and a non-judgmental attitude, rigorous honesty and radical acceptance. I adhere to an integrative approach which includes developmental, person-centered, existential and psychodynamic models and ethical practices regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, affectional orientation, socioeconomic status or religious/spiritual practices.
Gigi Shami, M.A., Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
Gigi Shami is a graduate of Rollins College with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. With over five years working in the mental health field, she has a passion for helping others and being an advocate in the community. Gigi's goal is to empower each client by working collaboratively to understand their past and rewrite their narrative to create new patterns of behavior that are in line with the client's needs. Working with all age groups, Gigi takes on an integrative approach to counseling which incorporates a multicultural outlook and psychodynamic and narrative principles amongst other theories. She is well versed in a variety of issues such as anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, depression, grief, adjustment, anger issues, self-esteem, transitions, and many other issues that clients may face. Gigi specializes in couples counseling and working with young adults.
Gigi is a Florida native who enjoys spending time with her friends, family, and her beloved miniature schnauzer, Lola and her sassy rescue cat, Lemon. She loves thrift shopping, cooking, traveling, exercising, and watching reality television. Her favorite part of being a therapist is getting to be a part of her clients' journey's as they heal, grow, and learn how to provide themselves with self-compassion.
Rachel Everett, Ph.D., Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
Dr. Rachel Everett has a Masters in Mental Health Counseling and a Ph.D. in Philosophy. She provides a warm and compassionate environment for individuals, couples, and families (all shapes and sizes) experiencing loss, stress, illness, and mental health challenges. Her multicultural- humanistic approach allows her to tailor to the individual strengths, needs, and experiences of her clients of all ages. She specializes in mood disorders, end-of-life, grief, meaning and identity, chronic illness, and trauma. Rachel approaches counseling for children, teens, and adults in a creative and collaborative way, drawing from her experience and research in several fields of study. For her work with children and caregivers, Rachel is integrative in her use of child-centered play therapy and encourages caregiver collaboration and consultation.
Rachel is passionate in her role as an advocate for her clients and seeks to help individuals from various populations. In her personal life, she enjoys spending time with her spouse and daughter, being out in nature, and painting.
Elizabeth (Lizzy) Ariza, MA, ASDCS, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
Lizzy holds a Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Bachelors of Music in vocal performance. With a background in the arts, she values creativity in the counseling room, meeting clients where they are, and joining with them to support their specific therapeutic goals. She is a Certified Autism Disorder Clinical Specialist and specializes in working clients with ADHD. She has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. Lizzy has trained as a Marriage and Family Therapist and values the engagement and collaboration of caretakers in supporting child and adolescent clients. First and foremost she values creating safety within the therapeutic environment and relationship. Lizzy is LGBTQ+ affirming and an advocate of the Neurodiversity Movement.
Magen Vallillo, MA, MSW, Registered Social Work Intern
My therapeutic approach is a bit different in that I believe we were all born with the tools we need to heal ourselves in our own unique ways. I understand my job as a therapist to be someone who helps another person find those tools within themselves and in doing recognize their strengths, their worth, and their ability to make meaning. The population of clients that I typically work with are single adults, couples, and adolescents. The latter hold a special place in my heart as I can remember my own teen years so vividly and therefore have a tremendous amount of compassion for what they are going through. Whether adults or adolescents, together we will cultivate a safe and sacred space where hope and healing can occur. I offer a holistic approach to counseling in that while engaging clients with a mixture of psychodynamic theory and cognitive therapy, I also like to employ mindfulness techniques and open the door for spiritual engagement. I have seen, first-hand, the transformative healing that faith can usher into people’s lives. Conversely, I have also seen how faith communities and belief systems have wounded and damaged people, especially as it pertains to gender, race, and sexuality. My practice is a safe harbor welcoming people to come rest, and begin their healing journeys. It is an honor to be a part of someone’s lightbulb moment when they are able to change their perspective and begin to understand the meaning behind something painful, and their capacity to transcend something hurtful into something that emboldens and strengthens their perception of self and the world around them. Our experiences, especially the hard ones, do shape us, but they do not have to define us. We have the ability to move past them and learn how to carry on even though. You are worthy of a beautiful life.
Xenia Hykoski, M.A., Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
Xenia Hykoski is a graduate of Rollins College with a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Over ten years of experience working with children and four of those years in a private school setting, she has developed a passion for working with children and adolescents in the mental health field. Xenia utilizes play therapy techniques and skills in helping children overcome anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, trauma, life adjustments, separation/divorce, behavioral issues, and problems managing feelings; She believes in cultivating a strong therapeutic relationship with children and caregivers through compassionate empathy, skillful listening, and collaboration. Xenia has the heart to help facilitate self-growth and self-discovery as her clients develop autonomy. When working with her clients, Xenia looks forward to creating a safe and warm environment while providing the necessary skills and tools that they can apply to their own lives.
As Xenia works towards becoming a registered play therapist, Xenia applies an integrative approach that allows her to work effectively with each client and their specific needs. Her philosophy of counseling is that she believes the therapist should empower clients to create meaning and purpose in their life and to be mindful of their unique life circumstances to help her clients overcome the struggles they are faced with. Her upbeat, encouraging demeanor and educative heart will help your child receive support, feel seen, and build resiliency to tackle future challenges. Outside of the office, Xenia loves to spend time with her family and friends. She likes to spend time coaching cheerleading on the weekends and outside rollerblading.
Kathryn (Katie) DeAscanis, M.A., Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
Katie believes that relationships are at the core of our human experience. Whether with our partners, families, friends, colleagues, and even ourselves, the quality of our relationships and the trust and safety within them have dramatic consequences for our wellbeing. It is through our relationships, with self and others, that we experience the pangs of loss, the ache of loneliness, the warmth of a supportive touch, and the joy of love and connection. When working with her clients, Katie takes an integrative approach to counseling combining psychodynamic, emotion focused, existential and trauma-informed principles and practices to assist her clients in strengthening their relationships with themselves and others, and building a secure base from which they can grow their most meaningful lives.
Katie especially enjoys working with couples in distress, and with individual adults experiencing the effects of disconnection, depression, anxiety, trauma, histories of abuse and/or neglect, and the stressors associated with identities located on the downside of power in our culture (racial, ethnic, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic, etc.).
Katie received both her bachelor’s degree and master’s in business administration from the University of Florida and her master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Rollins College. She has specialized training in Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), a highly researched, data-backed approach to couples therapy with unmatched long-term outcomes.
She found her way to the counseling profession after a successful career in sales and marketing. After benefiting immensely from her own experiences as a client, she felt a tug to pursue a career where she could support others on their journey towards growth and wellbeing as she had been supported. When not in her office, Katie loves teaching (and practicing) yoga, baking, kayaking on central Florida’s many beautiful rivers and lakes, and hosting dinner and game nights with friends and family.
Jessica Richardson, MS, NCC, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
Jessica earned her Bachelor’s degree in English from Jacksonville University and worked as a classroom teacher before returning to school to pursue a Master’s degree in School Counseling. After graduating from Stetson University’s CACREP-accredited counseling program, Jessica traveled to the Alaskan Bush to work as a school counselor with grade levels Pre-K through 12 before returning to Central Florida. Jessica has since worked in middle and high schools providing counseling and academic interventions to her students and their families. She is also a Certified Parent Coach.
Jessica is a dedicated counselor with a passion for supporting individuals across the lifespan. With a diverse background in counseling and extensive experience, she specializes in working with children, adolescents, and adults to help them navigate life's challenges and achieve their mental health goals.
Yesenia Costa, M.A., Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Intern
Yesenia holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of South Florida, and a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Counseling from Messiah University. With over ten years of working with children, adults and families in both a private practice setting and in the community, her true passion lies in working with the perspective of the entire family system. She utilizes an eclectic approach that allows her to tailor to each client’s issues to include but not limited to trauma, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, substance abuse tapering, self-esteem and life transitions.
Yesenia believes that starting therapy is one of the bravest things you can do. She is a true testament to the journey of breaking her own dysfunctional family cycles. She strongly encourages you to join her and do the same. Her philosophy is that everyone has the potential to control their learned behaviors and thought processes, so therefore you can change your own results. Start becoming the best version of yourself today!
Christina Walker, MA, CCMC, Registered Marriage & Family Therapist Intern
Christina graduated from Rollins College with both her B.A. in Psychology and her M.A. in Mental Health Counseling with specialized training in Marriage & Family Therapy, and is a Certified Clinical Military Counselor. She has worked for 18 years in the mental health field in a variety of settings and roles including private-practice, program development, law-enforcement, inpatient facilities, community health, and advocacy. She has experience working with special populations such as survivors of human trafficking, juvenile justice, military, adoption and those with complex clinical mental health concerns.
Christina believe’s in a holistic approach which considers the whole person—mind, body, and soul, and utilizes evidence-based interventions within neuroscience & trauma-informed frameworks. She prioritizes safety, trust, collaboration, and empowerment and is committed to creating a safe and inclusive space for individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and walks of life; is LGBTQI2+ affirming and neurodiversity inclusive. She is known for fostering a therapeutic space where the individual’s unique story is respected, celebrated, and honored.
Christina specializes in working with adolescents, adults, and parents on issues such as PTSD, Childhood Trauma, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Parenting, Substance Use, and women’s issues including Postpartum Depression/Infertility/new motherhood.
Adrianna Moller, BA, Office Administrator (She/Her)
Adrianna is the office administrator for Stokes Counseling and Consulting and personal assistant to Dr. Jeremiah Stokes. Adrianna is a current student working towards a Master’s degree in Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy and beginning her career in mental health care. So far, she has received her Bachelor’s in Clinical Psychology with a certificate in Gender Studies from the University of Central Florida. Her clinical areas of interest include depression, anxiety, couples, LGBTQ+, adults, and adolescents. Adrianna is excited to help our clients find the care suited to their needs and to answer any questions. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, dog and bearded dragon.
"Not everything that weighs you down is yours to carry" - Juansen Dizon
Tiffany Morris, Office Billing Specialist
Tiffany is the Billing Specialist for Stokes Counseling and Consulting. Tiffany has a background in Office Administration and Management with a great amount of experience, as well as passion for Medical Billing specific to Behavioral Health.
In Tiffany's free time she enjoys traveling with her family, enjoying the outdoors and making the most of memories through experiences.
Angela Perry, Ed.S., Licensed School Psychologist
Angela has served the Central Florida community as an educator and school psychologist for over 20 years. She is a licensed and nationally certified school psychologist with specialization in learning disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity, executive functioning, anxiety, and giftedness. Angela provides counseling and evaluation services for children and adolescents to address psychological, emotional, behavioral, and social challenges. Angela utilizes play-based therapy to assist her young clients gain insight and develop new skills to handle their own personal challenges. Angela’s goal is to provide a safe environment where a child can grow and learn skills such as self-regulation, assertive communication, and problem solving while building self-esteem and confidence. Angela also has extensive experience administering and interpreting intellectual, academic, and behavioral assessments.
For leisure, Angela spends time with her family, friends, and pets. Angela ;enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and biking, and she volunteers at her church and her daughter’s school.
Ashely Jones, M.S., BCBA
Ashley Jones is a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) who works with our families to address behavioral problems in children using a caregiver coaching model. She believes that most, if not all, of the behavior problems exhibited in children can be fixed through a team approach, which includes intensive training of all caregivers involved in the child’s life. In her role, she has been lovingly compared to the “Supernanny” TV show. Ashley received her undergraduate training at the University of Florida, her graduate degree from the University of Maryland Baltimore County, and clinical training from the Kennedy Krieger Institute. While working in the field since 2010, she has gained experience in clinic, inpatient hospital, in-home, in-school, and most recently telehealth. Ashley has worked with children ranging in age from 18 months to 22 years old and with a range of diagnoses including ASD, ADHD, ODD, or no diagnosis to name a few. In her spare time, she loves to travel with her husband and three young children, but Charlie, their Golden Retriever pup, has to stay home.