Melinda Morris, LCSW

Kyla Burkey, LICSW, began her career in Outreach, supporting the Adult Mental Health population with substance use, housing, and medication management. She earned her MSW from Westfield State University and has served as a Case Manager, Assistant Program Manager, and Outpatient Clinician. Kyla has facilitated support groups for individuals 55+ and Adult Children of Alcoholics, with extensive expertise in Trauma-Focused Therapy and Crisis Management.

Kyla values a positive, respectful working relationship that fosters trust and consistency in personal growth. She uses a Person-Centered approach, meeting each individual where they are and tailoring therapy to their unique qualities. Kyla creates a safe, confidential space and focuses on building resiliency and confidence while validating experiences, challenging stuck thinking, and exploring overlooked aspects of the self that impact current struggles.

Kyla begins by understanding a client’s history, concerns, and goals, collaborating to identify attainable objectives. She ensures scheduling is clear to support consistency and offers flexible session structures based on client needs. Kyla guides clients in developing symptom management skills while fostering personal insight and growth throughout the therapeutic process.

Tikita Ficklin, LPC, has over 10 years of experience practicing in outpatient and inpatient settings, utilizing modalities such as CBT and Solution-Focused Therapy. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences/Human Services and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, both from Mercer University, and is completing a Doctorate in Marriage & Family Therapy from North Central University, expected in 2026.

Tikita values open and honest communication and partners with clients to set clear treatment goals that support their personal growth. She creates a warm, supportive environment where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Tikita begins by thoroughly understanding each client’s history, concerns, and goals during the initial session to foster a trusting relationship. She then develops individualized treatment plans that align with clients’ objectives, guiding them toward their best possible self.

Jessica Brusgul is a LMHC with over nine years of experience working with individuals with a wide range of mental health challenges. She attended Oswego State and completed her undergraduate degree as an older, non-traditional student. She then pursued graduate school at SUNY Oswego, which she completed in 2016. During this time, Jessica has gained a great deal of experience with clients from various backgrounds who are faced with numerous life challenges. This includes anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and those in need of anger management. Jessica has also worked with those faced with substance abuse related problems, life transitions, career counseling, and parenting education. Her approach is to get to know her clients, their presenting concerns, and some history as well. Through these conversations, Jessica helps her clients feel comfortable in a non-judgmental setting and express themselves freely. Jessica also incorporates a sense of humor, when appropriate, as well as assisting people in identifying their inner strengths and skills. Jessica believes that everyone can overcome their obstacles and make positive changes for themselves. She incorporates such modalities as encouraging clients to maintain a journal and share entries during session, exercise regularly, and begin their journey towards overall wellness. Jessica has found that an eclectic approach, depending upon the needs of the individual, and the client's adherence to this between sessions, can be highly beneficial.

Michelle Lake, EdD, LMHC, LCPC, has over 17 years of experience providing therapy in outpatient settings, including telehealth, university counseling centers, and mental health clinics. She works with children ages eight and older, adults, and the elderly. Michelle earned her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Florida International University and later completed a doctorate in Organizational Learning and Leadership with a specialization in Human Resources. She also holds a graduate certificate in Industrial Organizational Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

Michelle is dedicated to creating a warm, supportive environment where patients feel heard, respected, and empowered to make meaningful changes in their lives. She values open communication and collaboration, working closely with patients to establish clear treatment goals that reflect their individual needs and strengths.

In the initial session, Michelle takes time to gain a thorough understanding of each patient’s history, concerns, and goals. From there, she develops individualized treatment plans tailored to align with the patient’s unique needs and objectives. Her approach ensures that therapy is both structured and flexible, helping patients move toward positive and lasting outcomes.

Connika Green is an LCSW whose passion for helping others was inspired by her upbringing in Memphis, Tennessee. Her parents founded a nonprofit organization to support individuals recovering from substance use and assist those experiencing homelessness. Watching their dedication to service instilled in her a lifelong commitment to helping others. After high school, Connika joined the U.S. Air Force, where she served as a combat veteran during a tour in Afghanistan. Her military experience helped her develop teamwork, discipline, and cultural competence through working with individuals from diverse backgrounds. She also completed an internship on a military installation and worked for a year at the Veterans Affairs hospital, combining her personal and professional understanding of the unique challenges faced by service members and veterans. Connika earned her bachelor's degree in Social Science from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and her master's degree in Social Work from Salisbury University in Maryland. Connika has extensive experience as a therapist in community mental health agencies, a school mental health counselor, and in teletherapy. She specializes in treating mood disorders, anxiety, depression, and substance use issues. She provides a warm, nonjudgmental, and supportive environment where clients feel safe to explore challenges and build resilience. Connika is passionate about helping individuals achieve their goals and create meaningful, lasting change.

Irene Rodriguez, LPC, has over six years of experience as a therapist in outpatient settings and has also worked as a high school counselor. She has supported adults from diverse backgrounds and is bilingual in English and Spanish. Irene earned her Master’s in Education with a counseling certification from the University of Texas at El Paso and completed her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Walden University, including internships at Texas Tech University Health Science Center and Ben Archer Clinic.

Irene values open communication and clarity, ensuring clients know what to expect in each session. She creates a welcoming, safe, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel seen and heard. She uses an eclectic approach, drawing from CBT, mindfulness, and psychodynamic techniques, tailoring interventions to each client’s unique needs.

In the initial session, Irene discusses the client’s background, concerns, and goals. She collaborates with clients to develop and adjust treatment plans, blending their personal insights with her clinical expertise. Her approach emphasizes partnership, practical tools, and ongoing support to help clients achieve meaningful growth.