Melinda Morris, LCSW

Diamond Junior received her bachelor’s degree in arts & psychology 2007 & two master’s degrees in science, one in Community Mental Health Counseling and the second one in School Counseling Education, in 2011 and 2018. Diamond Junior now has her License in Mental Health Counseling, her Credentialed Alcoholic & Substance Abuse Counseling Certification-Trainee, and her Permanent Certification in School Counseling. Diamond is also currently in doctoral school for her School Psychology degree. Diamond is a former Alcohol and Substance Abuse Preventive Worker & Treatment and Therapeutic Foster Care Family Specialist. Diamond is now currently, an on-line therapist and has her own Mental Health Counseling Private Practice in Buffalo. Diamond's treatment styles & modalities include Trauma-Informed Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Grief Therapy.

When working with Diamond, a new patient should know that she is very down to earth and professionally direct. Diamond practices individualism and treat each patient as their own person. Diamond develops treatment plans with the patient, that tailors to each of their individual needs. Diamond is also the co-founder of an All-girls mentoring & educational program called, "Unique Sisters. Unique Sister was started in 2014 and is owned by my mother, Rhodesia Jackson.

Diamond's typical process when working with patients is to first establish a therapeutic rapport by asking open-ended questions. Diamond asks questions such as, "Have you been in therapy before, including as a  child or teen (if the patient is over 18)"? This helps Diamond starting point to build a trusting & individualized relationship with the patient. Diamond's next question would be, "Why did you first enter therapy & we're you diagnosed with any mental health disorders"? Diamond continues to go on and ask if the client is or has been on psychotropic medications and what brings them back to therapy. Diamond gathers all of this information during the first two session and then ask the patient if any skills were built during their therapy journey & if they still utilize the skills. Finally, Diamond would administer the ACE Questionnaire to assess for childhood trauma, if the patient is over 18 years of age.

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Michael Greenwald is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who earned his Master’s degree in clinical social work from the University of Chicago. He has experience in a variety of clinical settings, including primary care centers, college campuses, and long-term care facilities for adults with serious mental illness.

Michael specializes in solution-focused therapy, offering practical techniques to help patients manage challenges in the present moment. While he primarily draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), he tailors each session to meet the unique needs of the patient. He brings compassion, creativity, and a sense of humor to every session.

Michael approaches therapy as a collaborative process, guiding patients toward goals aligned with their personal values. He helps reinforce strengths while motivating meaningful change. After understanding a patient’s history and reasons for seeking therapy, he works with them to develop clear, actionable goals to support growth and a more fulfilling life.

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.

Mekayla Davila is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) who has been in practice for 6 years. She has experience working with many diverse populations and mental health conditions. Mekayla attended graduate school at Teachers College Columbia University where she received an M.A. and M.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling. Her education and experience span both psychology and criminal justice fields as she has always been interested in their intersectionality. In previous roles, Mekayla has worked mostly with children, adolescents, and adults of minority populations, with focuses on treating anxiety, depression, trauma, and other stressor-related disorders. Mekayla strongly believes that every therapeutic interaction is unique, so she uses an eclectic approach, with foundations in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy, to tailor treatment to the specific needs of each individual. Mekayla puts emphasis on the therapeutic relationship and finds it important to provide a safe and comforting environment for all.

Helen Fitzpatrick, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals and families through life’s challenges. She earned her Master’s in Social Work from Loyola University–Chicago and has worked in diverse settings, including crisis centers, hospitals, senior services, and the VA. Helen has extensive experience with adults and children with disabilities, caregivers, and veterans, as well as those managing trauma, medical recovery, or ongoing health issues.

Helen believes that therapy should be a collaborative and supportive process. She takes time to truly listen and understand her clients’ experiences, helping them identify goals that feel meaningful and attainable. Helen creates a space where clients can speak freely—especially when it feels difficult to open up to family or friends—and she brings compassion, patience, and understanding to every session.

Helen begins by exploring what her clients would like to focus on and works together with them to develop realistic and personalized goals. She values open communication and mutual respect, adjusting her approach to meet each person’s unique needs and pace. Her process emphasizes healing, empowerment, and helping clients build confidence as they move toward greater emotional well-being.

LeeAnne Poloronis, LMHC, has extensive experience in private practice serving children, adolescents, and adults. She has also contributed as a school counselor and mental health coordinator in a PK-8 setting, supporting students, families, and staff across educational and mental health needs. Additionally, she has experience as a classroom teacher, mentor teacher, and professional development leader, nurturing youth and staff growth.

LeeAnne creates a warm, trusting, and non-judgmental space where clients feel safe to be vulnerable. She works collaboratively to set goals and co-create treatment plans that are client-centered and sustainable. Open-minded and compassionate, she supports and affirms clients while providing guidance and challenges to help them achieve measurable progress.

LeeAnne begins by making clients comfortable, reviewing informed consent, and exploring current needs alongside historical experiences. She co-creates treatment plans with clients and, when appropriate, other care team members, focusing on measurable goals rooted in evidence-based practices. Using modalities such as DBT, CBT, IFS, Play Therapy, and Sandtray Therapy, she addresses conditions including trauma, ADHD, anxiety, and adjustment disorders, combining warmth, accountability, and holistic care to support lasting change.