Sunny Bowers, LPC

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.

Kacey Peterson is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with Diagnostic Privilege in New York and Florida, where she also serves as a Telehealth Provider. She is a Nationally Certified Counselor and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology from Florida Atlantic University before completing her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Long Island University.

Kacey has experience supporting individuals in residential, crisis, and outpatient settings, helping those managing anxiety, depression, PTSD, low self-esteem, adjustment issues, and relational challenges. She draws on Cognitive Behavioral, Person-Centered, and Trauma-Informed approaches to ensure care is tailored to each individual’s unique needs and goals.

Kacey’s process centers on creating a safe, supportive, and healing environment where collaboration is key. She works alongside individuals to navigate emotions, explore strengths, and focus on personal goals. With compassion and guidance, Kacey helps her patients uncover resilience, foster growth, and move toward lasting healing and meaningful change.

Do you feel lost, stuck or overwhelmed? Maybe you feel like you are just going through the motions. Ann-Marie helps people over the age of 13 who are experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, and unexpected life changes. She enjoy working with adolescents and adults including members of the LGBTQIA+ community who are motivated to enhance their mental health and be the best versions of themselves.

Together, we will build a therapeutic relationship in a trusting, non judgmental environment. She encourages clients to be involved in their treatment plans and goals to help give them the tools they need to improve their mental health.

Ann-Marie uses different evidence-based treatment modalities to help you be successful in your mental health journey. She uses a personalized treatment approach tailored to your unique needs.

‍

Nadia Ramirez, LCSW, brings extensive experience practicing across residential, school, outpatient, correctional, and telehealth settings. She earned her Master’s degree from the Indiana University School of Social Work and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Indiana, Illinois, and Texas. Her diverse professional background allows her to connect with clients from various walks of life and tailor her support to meet their unique needs.

Nadia works collaboratively with clients to establish realistic and meaningful goals that promote growth and healing. She values a strengths-based approach, empowering clients to build on their existing skills and resilience. By focusing on each individual’s inherent strengths, she fosters a supportive and affirming environment where clients feel understood and encouraged to progress at their own pace.

Nadia begins treatment with a comprehensive intake assessment to understand a client’s history, concerns, and personal goals. She then partners with clients to create individualized treatment plans that reflect their priorities. As needs evolve, she adjusts strategies to ensure care remains relevant, effective, and responsive, always keeping collaboration at the core of the therapeutic process.

Dustin Cooley, LISW-S, earned a Master of Clinical Social Work from Ohio University and obtained independent licensure while working in community mental health. With over a decade of experience, Dustin has supported clients from all walks of life, addressing a wide range of emotional and behavioral concerns. In addition to his clinical work, he has served as a consultant for primary care physicians, providing guidance on integrating mental health support into overall patient care.

Dustin values a person-centered and conversational approach to therapy, focusing on individual growth and meaningful change. He tailors his work to each patient’s goals, ensuring that therapy aligns with their unique needs and values. His goal is to create a collaborative environment where patients feel comfortable exploring their challenges and empowered to make positive changes in their lives.

Dustin begins by exploring each patient’s goals and expectations of therapy, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe, authentic space. He collaborates with patients to develop a personalized treatment plan, drawing from various therapeutic approaches to best support their individual needs and objectives. His process is flexible and adaptive, ensuring care that is both effective and deeply personal.

Michelle Kaplan, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals across the lifespan. She works with clients facing depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and family system challenges, drawing on her experience in community and outpatient mental health settings.

Michelle is committed to helping clients navigate challenges and create positive change. She provides a safe, confidential space for exploring thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Using active listening, empathy, support, and cognitive behavioral therapy, she collaborates with clients to identify challenges, develop coping strategies, and promote personal growth.

Michelle begins by discussing a client’s reasons for seeking therapy, reviewing their history, and exploring goals and concerns. Together, they establish a therapeutic rapport and create an individualized treatment plan tailored to the client’s needs, priorities, and desired outcomes.