Alexandra Starmer, LMHC

Ernest Smith, LPC, specializes in supporting adolescents, young adults, adults, and older adults as they navigate grief, anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. With a compassionate and client-centered approach, he creates a safe, nonjudgmental space for individuals to explore their experiences and build the skills necessary for healing, growth, and resilience.

Ernest draws from a range of evidence-based modalities—including solution-focused therapy, person-centered therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). He tailors each session to meet the unique needs of his clients, whether helping adolescents manage emotional regulation and identity development or supporting older adults in coping with grief and life changes.

Ernest provides trauma-informed care and recovery-focused strategies that foster emotional safety, self-awareness, and long-term well-being. His goal is to walk alongside each person with empathy, understanding, and practical tools that promote lasting change and inner strength.

Waded Baquerizo-Mahuad is an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) in the state of Pennsylvania. She received her Master's (M.A.) in Mental Health Counseling from Kutztown University in 2016. She is also a Clinical Psychologist in her home country of Ecuador. She has provided mental and behavioral services to children and their families as a therapeutic staff support and mobile therapist, providing in-home services and services in the community. She has worked in Community Mental Health and Private Practice where she has gained experience treating various Mental health diagnoses that include PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, OCD, Grief, Adjustment Disorders, etc. As an experienced bilingual counselor, she utilizes an eclectic approach in her practice, taking into consideration the stage and uniqueness of her client's psychological, emotional, and social needs. Some of her approaches in therapy are the person-centered approach, cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic approach, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused approach. She integrates Sensory Motor techniques as well as Mindfulness and Grounding techniques. In her practice, she also applies a Strength-Based Modality and Trauma-informed Focus. She also implements Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) interventions.

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Before graduating from the NYU Silver School of Social Work, Dana worked in international human rights and educational settings. She has over 15 years of experience as a clinical social worker and previously worked with formerly homeless adults in supportive housing as a social worker, supervisor, and assistant program director.

Dana views therapy as a meaningful act of self-investment - an opportunity to approach oneself with curiosity, courage, and compassion. She strives to create a warm, validating, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed space where clients feel seen and supported.

Her approach is collaborative, relational, and evidence-based, integrating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), psychodynamic, and cognitive-behavioral techniques. Dana helps clients cultivate emotional flexibility, resilience, and self-awareness while clarifying their values and taking meaningful action in alignment with what matters most to them.

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Julia Ficachi, is a New York City–based Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works with adolescents and adults from a relational perspective. She is fluent in Spanish and German and has experience in both outpatient and inpatient settings. Julia integrates a range of approaches, including EFT tapping and guided visualization, and has facilitated spirituality-focused groups for adults living with chronic and persistent mental illness. When working with couples, she draws from her training in the Gottman Method.

Julia’s work is grounded in authenticity, warmth, and deep respect for the client experience. She prioritizes empathy and compassion and is intentional about creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel seen and understood. Julia believes that a strong therapeutic relationship is essential for healing and meaningful change.

Julia meets clients exactly where they are, taking time to understand their deepest fears, strengths, and hopes. She collaborates with clients to establish treatment goals and incorporates exploration of family history and cultural influences as part of the therapeutic process.

Katherine Strasburger, LCSW, grew up in Colorado and moved to Waco in 2013 to attend Baylor University, where she later earned her MSW. She has extensive experience supporting children and adolescents ages 4–19, as well as their caregivers, across juvenile detention, PK–12 schools, and homeless outreach. She is completing full EMDR training and holds ADHD certification. Kat enjoys integrating nutrition-focused psychoeducation and creative expression through play and art-based strategies. She is also training her dog, Odin, for Therapy Dog certification.

Kat recognizes the stigma surrounding mental health and views seeking therapy as an act of resilience. She creates a safe, comfortable, and nonjudgmental space where clients can be themselves. She values autonomy, supports increased self-awareness, and genuinely celebrates each client’s progress and healing.

Kat begins by building rapport and gaining a thorough understanding of each client’s history, concerns, and goals. She collaborates with clients to create individualized treatment plans that reflect their needs and priorities. She feels honored to walk alongside clients as they grow, heal, and build skills for lasting well-being.

Emily Romeo, LPC holds a license as a professional counselor in the state of Pennsylvania. She has over 15 years of experience working with a broad range of individuals at varying levels of care and clinical severity. Emily is board-certified in clinical mental health counseling by the National Board for Certified Counselors. Emily approaches therapy in an integrative, client-centered manner. She implements a variety of therapeutic techniques to include mindfulness, dialectical behavioral, acceptance and commitment concepts, psychoeducation, and trauma-informed care. She values the therapeutic relationship and strives to provide a safe, accepting atmosphere to ensure her clients feel heard, validated, and empowered. Emily received her master's degree from Messiah College and her undergraduate work was completed at the Pennsylvania State University. Emily has provided clinical care to a variety of individuals ranging from those struggling with complex trauma and substance use disorders to children/adolescents/adults dealing with anxiety, depression, mood instability and adjustment difficulties related to life changes. She has expertise in a variety of counseling settings including outpatient, partial hospitalization, residential, and in-home. She utilizes multiple treatment modalities which include individual, group, and couples/family therapy. An area of interest for Emily includes working with young adults struggling with co-occurring disorders. As the clinical coordinator of Silvermist Recovery, a premier residential treatment facility, she has been able to expand her clinical skills. Her philosophy is based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a transdiagnostic model that allows her to provide high quality care to her patients.