America Calderon, LMHC

Michelle is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker/Licensed Independent Social Worker with over 10 years of experience in the mental health field. Michelle has worked in a variety of settings including community mental health, crisis management, outpatient treatment, inpatient treatment, and the private practice setting. Michelle has experience working with patients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma symptoms. Michelle’s passion is working with women who are struggling with managing healthy coping mechanisms in the perinatal/postpartum period.

Michelle has received extensive training from the Postpartum Support International focusing on treating patients struggling with infertility, postpartum anxiety and depression, and pregnancy loss/grief. She utilizes a variety of treatment modalities ranging from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Mindfulness Based Therapy.

Michelle’s approach to therapy is compassionate, collaborative, and warm. She considers it an honor to walk alongside you during this difficult journey. Let’s talk to see how Michelle can best support you.

Sandra is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of New York with extensive experience working in the mental health field. Sandra attended both undergraduate and Graduate school in Queens, New York, studying and obtaining degrees in Psychology and Mental Health Counseling. Sandra has been practicing for over a decade as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor, in diverse settings ranging from community outpatient clinics to academic settings and private practices. She has worked with individuals, families, and groups, with a wide variety of situational, behavioral and emotional mental-health conditions as well as those who have experienced relational and other traumas. Sandra is trauma-trained and working with her delivers a warm and inviting atmosphere, blending different techniques with talk-based therapy to connect to the needs of each person. Sandra's work has recently focused on treatment of anxiety disorders, relationship issues and complex family dynamics, life-transitions and stress management. Sandra helps clients work on chronic maladaptive patterns that keep them feeling unwell or stuck in life situations. Her work leads to symptom relief, emotional stability, goal attainment, and improved relationships.

Cherese Allen is a Licensed Professional Counselor with extensive experience working with adolescents, teens, and adults. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Houston and earned her master's degree from Houston Christian University. Additionally, she completed an internship at a private practice in Texas. Upon obtaining her license, she achieved certifications in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Shame-Informed Therapy, and Eating Disorders.

With years of experience in both education and private practice, Cherese has helped individuals, couples, and families overcome a wide range of mental health challenges. Her expertise includes, but is not limited to, addressing depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, mood disorders, career changes, and major life transitions.

Cherese employs a holistic approach that integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy. She believes that with the right tools, you can conquer many obstacles and reach your desired destination. Cherese looks forward to supporting you on your journey!

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Susan is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas. In 2005, she began working in the mental health field by volunteering as a domestic violence advocate for a local women's shelter. She graduated from Texas State University with a bachelor's degree in psychology and continued her education by obtaining a master's degree in counseling from St. Edwards University. Over the years, Susan has worked with several universities, group practices, and community mental health clinics. Susan received CBT training from the Beck Institute and is also trained in EMDR. She works with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, feelings of shame and guilt, trauma, and emotional abuse.

Susan understands that seeing a new therapist can be intimidating. She wants all of her clients to know that she is a safe space and that your feelings and experiences do matter.

Susan uses a holistic approach when working with clients. She also uses unconditional positive regard. Both therapist and client work together to create treatment goals. Techniques used include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Informed CBT, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Rogerian and EMDR.

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Richard "Rick" States is a Licensed Professional Counselor, with broad and varied professional work experience in behavioral health (inpatient and outpatient, individuals and families, children and adults, direct service and program administration). Rick earned his B.A. in Psychology at Gannon University and his M.A. in Clinical Psychology at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania.

He's earned a Post-Master's Certificate in General Psychology from Northcentral University and has completed many doctorate credits in Psychology. Since 1999, Rick has taught university courses in Psychology, Sociology, and Human Services, most recently at Gannon University and Penn State University.

Rick's greatest area of clinical interest and skill centers around self-regulation or "how we manage" our thoughts, feelings, emotions, behaviors, etc. Rick appreciates the challenges related to anxiety, stress, depression, substance use, and trauma, and he employs various tools to help folks manage (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, humanism, mindfulness/somatic psychology, etc.).

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Ms. Ellen Ortiz is fully licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in multiple states. She has decades of life experience to support her 3 years of full licensure. Ms. Ortiz sees individuals from the perspective of the various environments they interact in and how it impacts them. Ms. Ortiz is enthusiastic about collaborating with clients under the care of one of our psychiatric experts in order to allow for a more complete and personalized approach for each individual's needs.
Ms. Ortiz began her education later in life at Elgin Community College then continued to acquire her bachelor’s degree from Argosy University with honors. Ms. Ortiz forged ahead and completed her Master’s in Family Counseling at the CACREP accredited graduate school, Northeastern Illinois University. Her training included the externship for Emotion Focused Therapy with Dr. Sue Johnson.

Ms. Ortiz incorporates therapy from a Solution Focused perspective including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness and Attachment theory.  Ms.Ortiz has been trained in Crisis Intervention and Trauma Informed therapy. Her life experience and clientele have spanned all life cycles, races, and medical needs as well as honoring all varieties of human beings. She has also supported clients through medical diagnosis and end of life as well as grief.

Ms. Ortiz brings enthusiasm for each client based on the belief that each person has unique purpose, strengths and abilities on which to draw on. The client's abilities paired with tools and support acquired in therapy will lead each of her clients to a life they choose to enhance.