Laura Cunningham, LCSW

Meredith McMillan is a Licensed Mental Health Therapist with 9 years of experience working in mental health. She specializes in working with individuals who experienced trauma and toxic stress, as well as those with addiction issues, relationship challenges, and adjustment disorders. Ms. McMillan's therapy practice focuses on providing person-centered encouragement and support. She utilizes a trauma-focused cognitive behavioral approach to help you to develop your understanding of yourself and your challenges and enable you to utilize your strengths to facilitate your healing. She received a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology from Palm Beach Atlantic University in Orlando, Florida, and established herself as a therapist working in community mental health in the Lakeland, Florida area. She spent several years working at Tri-County Human Services providing co-occurring outpatient substance abuse therapy. Later, she shifted to providing services to children through Tri-County's B-Net program and Children's Home Society. She went on to become the Clinical Supervisor at the Children's Home Society providing care to children and adolescents impacted by trauma and the child welfare system. Before joining Talkiatry, she also served as the clinical supervisor and therapist at The Mary Welsh Foundation, providing care to individuals of all ages and specializing in trauma and family issues. Ms. McMillan has worked with individuals dealing with a variety of mental health issues throughout her years of experience as a therapist. She has worked with people of all ages and has experience working with families and couples. She has had additional training to serve individuals dealing with addictions and with processing trauma. She has had extensive experience working with individuals dealing with mood disorders and anxiety, as well as relationship and parenting issues.

Tara Merchant is a person-centered, nonjudgmental, relationship-based LMHC (licensed mental health counselor) who recognizes the intrinsic value of all people and holds positive regard for all her clients. Tara views counseling as a collaborative effort that provides psychoeducation and coping skills for the obstacles with which clients may be struggling, and clients provide insights as experts on themselves. She believes that all thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected and have valid underlying factors. Tara seeks to help clients connect the dots, from both past and present, to have a greater understanding of themselves and their environments. She also fosters a safe space for clients to identify and embrace their feelings toward emotional catharsis. Tara received her Bachelor's Degree from Purchase College, State University of NY, and her Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Long Island University. She has an eclectic style that utilizes Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and psychodynamic modality. Tara aims to uphold cultural humility for ongoing learning and awareness that supports racial and social equity. She is experienced in working with relationship issues, anxiety, depression, and child development. Tara is a big proponent of self-care and encourages you to find whatever it is that fills your cup. She, for example, loves to watch TV and sing in her spare time.

Sunny Bowers is a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC) based in Ohio. She holds an undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from Kent State University, complemented by a graduate degree in a Master of Arts in Education with a focus in Clinical Counseling from Malone University.‍With a rich professional background spanning over 10 years, Sunny has dedicated her expertise to working with diverse populations, including adults, first responders, and teenagers. Her scope of practice covers all phases of addiction, trauma, and mood disorders with a particular emphasis on addressing issues related to depression, anxiety, adjustment concerns, and relational difficulties.‍Sunny's therapeutic approach places a strong emphasis on the value of the therapeutic relationship. Recognizing the pivotal role of comfort and trust in the therapeutic process, she believes that lasting change is built on authentic exploration. Sunny employs several different therapeutic approaches, tailoring her methods to individual needs. Grounded in the development of insight and awareness, her overarching goal is to support empowerment and personal freedom for her clients.‍Sunny is enthusiastic about the prospect of working collaboratively with individuals seeking positive change and personal growth. If you're looking for a therapist who values authenticity and is dedicated to supporting your journey towards lasting change.

Andrea Hamilton, LMHC, MBA is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 20 years of experience providing compassionate and effective therapeutic care to individuals, families, and groups. Throughout her career, she has worked across diverse settings, including educational institutions, foster care systems, group homes, government agencies, and healthcare organizations. This extensive background has equipped her to address a wide range of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and life transitions.

She holds a Master of Education and an MBA from Florida Atlantic University, along with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice. She is CFARS Certified, and a Qualified Supervisor in the State of Florida. Her commitment to professional growth is evident in her numerous certifications and specialized training in ethics, trauma processing, domestic violence, and online counseling.

In addition to her clinical expertise, Andrea Hamilton has served as an adjunct professor and leader in clinical operations, further demonstrating her dedication. She is committed to delivering accessible, high-quality care tailored to the unique needs of her clients.

Angelique Umutesi is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience in outpatient mental health, school-based settings, and crisis intervention. She earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Texas at San Antonio and is completing her Doctor of Social Work at the University of Kentucky, focusing on Military Behavioral Health. She is a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist with additional training in grief, global mental health, and refugee trauma.

Therapy with Angelique is relational, grounded, and collaborative. She offers a space where clients feel safe, seen, and supported—free from pressure to have it all figured out. She values transparency and cultural humility, bringing warmth, curiosity, and gentle honesty to each session. Whether facing trauma, loss, identity shifts, or faith questions, Angelique walks with clients as they reclaim their voice and story.

Angelique begins by building a strong foundation—exploring your history, goals, and values. She collaborates with clients to create personalized treatment plans, drawing from IFS, ACT, and narrative therapy through a trauma-informed lens. Integrating spiritual and cultural frameworks when relevant, she ensures therapy stays connected, meaningful, and sustainable throughout the journey.

Kathleen Francois, LCSW, brings a rich background in outpatient, community mental health, crisis intervention, and behavioral health settings. She holds a degree in psychology and a master’s degree in clinical social work and addiction, allowing her to support individuals through a wide range of challenges with expertise and compassion.

Kathleen values authenticity, deep connection, and creating a safe space where people feel truly seen and supported. She approaches care with warmth, curiosity, and compassion, fostering a collaborative environment where clients feel empowered to explore and grow.

Kathleen’s approach is rooted in trauma-focused care and holistic wellness, honoring the mind-body connection and the influence of social wellbeing. She integrates evidence-based practices with a holistic lens to promote lasting healing, balance, and personal growth.