Tara Pavone, LMHC

Michelle E. Vásquez has been a Licensed Professional Counselor for over 27 years. She has been specializing in grief work since 2012. Many of her clients are living with the loss of loved ones or experiencing other types of non-death loss, such as divorce, job loss, and other significant life changes. Her primary goal is to truly listen to your experience and help you work through it, creating a plan of action together. It is your therapy, and your active involvement is crucial. When dealing with grief, you may still be in pain and need to talk about it long after others want you to stop talking. This is when therapy can be helpful. Your grief journey is at your pace. Michelle uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy, along with other approaches that help you address loss and trauma in unique ways to begin to write your healing story. She has also worked with domestic violence survivors and child abuse survivors. Michelle works with clients both in English and Spanish and has experience with immigrant populations from many countries. Michelle graduated from Our Lady of the Lake University in 1993. She is currently studying Internal Family Systems Therapy to help her provide you with new ways to address the challenges that bring you to therapy.

Nisha Saintelus Deratus, LPC, is a proud HBCU graduate of Prairie View A&M University with a Master’s in Counseling and over eight years of experience in the mental health field. She has provided care in inpatient psychiatric hospitals, partial and intensive outpatient programs, community mental health, and private telehealth practice. Nisha supports clients facing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, bipolar disorder, life transitions, anger management, and relationship challenges.

Nisha offers a warm, approachable, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel seen and supported. She believes in a collaborative approach to therapy, working alongside clients to identify the root of their struggles and develop a personalized plan for growth and healing. Her personable nature and tailored care help clients feel comfortable and empowered throughout the process.

In the first session, Nisha reviews teletherapy expectations and confidentiality, and conducts a psychosocial assessment to better understand your background and goals. Together, you’ll explore current challenges, create a vision for your future, and build a practical plan. Using CBT and ACT, she helps you develop tools and insights to apply between sessions for continued progress.

Jessica Mars is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has worked in clinical practice for over 10 years. Jessica received her undergraduate degree in Social Work at Colorado State University-Pueblo and her master's degree in social work from Newman University. Along with her clinical work, Jessica teaches undergraduate and graduate students of Social Work at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, because she values being able to work in her local communities to educate and teach. She identifies as a lifelong learner and incorporates that into her treatment approaches. ‍Jessica has primarily focused her clinical practices working with individuals who have experienced intimate partner violence, sexual assault, trauma from medical or physical health problems, substance use, and other forms of trauma. Her approach is culturally aware, trauma informed, and client centered, and she will work closely with her clients to ensure that the treatment approach and plan is thoughtful and matches what the client may need. ‍Jessica has extended training in EMDR, TF-CBT, CBT, DBT, narrative therapy, motivational interviewing, developmental trauma, suicidality, and trauma informed care. Jessica will encourage you to increase your awareness of thoughts, feelings and behaviors in the present and to increase your personal sense of freedom and well-being. Jessica hopes to work with you to empower you and help you recognize your own strengths, with compassion for both yourself and for others.

Kayla is a dedicated therapist with a robust educational background and extensive experience in the field of psychology. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Florida International University and completed a Master of Science at Nova Southeastern University. During her internship at Aventura Hospital and Medical Center, Kayla worked within inpatient psychiatric units, gaining valuable experience in crisis management and acute psychiatric care. Kayla has a particular interest in helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. She brings empathy, understanding, and a client-centered approach to her practice, ensuring that each individual feels heard and supported on their journey to mental wellness. Outside of their professional life, Kayla enjoys spending quality time with family and her two dogs. Whether hiking or relaxing by the beach, she cherishes these moments of connection and tranquility.

Whitney Cline, LPC, has worked with diverse populations ranging from adolescents to individuals serving sentences in correctional settings. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Montana in Missoula and her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Regis University. Whitney also lived abroad in South America for several years, serving as a supervisor for English teachers at a university in Quito, Ecuador.

Whitney values open communication and honesty in therapy and works collaboratively with clients to understand their needs and goals. She believes humor can be a powerful tool in navigating life’s challenges and incorporates it thoughtfully to foster connection and catharsis during sessions.

In the initial session, Whitney focuses on understanding the client, their family system, concerns, and objectives. She then helps develop a personalized treatment plan with measurable milestones to track progress, ensuring therapy is both goal-oriented and reflective of the client’s journey.

Dr. Jana McLain is a dedicated mental health professional with over 16 years of experience in education and more than a decade in private practice. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) and a National Certified Counselor (NCC), specializing in individual, group, couples, and crisis counseling, as well as clinical supervision and program development.

Throughout her career, Dr. McLain has held various leadership roles across school districts and clinical settings, demonstrating a strong commitment to mental health advocacy, counselor mentorship, and behavioral intervention. Her extensive background includes serving as a Student Support Counselor, Crisis and Behavior Intervention Counselor, and Adjunct Professor of Counseling, equipping future professionals with essential skills for client care and goal achievement.

Dr. McLain earned her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and a Master’s in Counseling from Sam Houston State University, along with a Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Houston. She is known for her expertise in DSM-5 diagnostics, psychoeducation, and multidisciplinary collaboration to support diverse populations across age groups.

If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply need a safe place to work through life’s transitions, I am here to walk with you on your journey toward healing and growth. Reach out today to begin the process of reclaiming your peace and wellness.

Dr. McLain believes in a holistic approach that takes into account both the mental and emotional aspects of wellbeing, helping you find lasting strategies for improving your overall quality of life. She operates from a person centered approach to guide you on your healing journey.

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