Mental Health Therapists
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Jessica Adkins, MSW
Mental Health TherapistJessica Adkins, MSWJessica earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in psychology from the University of Buffalo in 2018. She went on to achieve her master's degree in 2021 from Fordham University. Jessica continues to develop professionally through ongoing training and is currently pursuing her professional licensure as an Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Prior to joining the team at The Florida Center, Jessica worked as a counselor with infants, mothers, and young families in diverse communities. She has a special interest in working with LGBTQIA+ children and families and is extensively trained in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). She is passionate about facilitating strong families and helping parents and caregivers learn to move through challenges with their children to help them reach their full potential. In her personal life, Jessica enjoys spending time with loved ones, traveling, yoga, and outdoor activities such as kayaking and hiking to re-center and stay mindful.
Mental Health Therapist -
Jeanie DeLa, LMHC
Outpatient Mental Health Supervisor and Healthy Families Mental Health CounselorJeanie DeLa, LMHCJeanie received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. She earned her master's degree from Texas A&M University in 1984, where she majored in counseling. Jeanie has worked with a variety of populations since completing her degrees including; those suffering substance abuse addiction, eating disorders and traumatic brain injuries. However, she found her calling when she began working with pregnant women and families with newborns and young children. She received the Healthy Start Mission Award in 2013 for her work with pregnant and nursing mothers and received a Teaming Up for Change Award from the Florida Department of Children and Families the following year. Jeanie is also expertly trained in the following areas: childbirth education, lactation counseling, Fussy Baby Network, Love's Cradle relationship enhancement facilitation, Circle of Security parenting, Traumatic Incident Reduction therapy and Group Peer Support (GPS). Jeanie serves as a trainer and facilitator for the Mothers and Babies post-partum depression prevention program. She is a mother of three and juggles school and sports with personal hobbies.
Outpatient Mental Health Supervisor and Healthy Families Mental Health Counselor -
Stephanie Essex, LMHC
Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation SupervisorStephanie Essex, LMHCStephanie earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in psychology from the University of South Florida in 2012. She went on to achieve her master's degree in clinical mental health counseling from Argosy University in 2018. Stephanie is currently a certified parent educator for the Circle of Security parenting program and has been working with children for over four years. Previously, she worked for Kids and Families Matter where she provided supervised visitation services to children and families in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Stephanie enjoys being active and exploring nature. She finds that frequent bike rides, hikes, and nature walks improve her state of mind and help her feel more relaxed at work and home.
Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Supervisor -
Alexis Hampilos, MSW
Mental Health TherapistAlexis Hampilos, MSWAlexis earned her Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from the University of Central Florida in 2017. She then obtained her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from the University of South Florida in 2020. Alexis has experience working with young children and their families and has experience in Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) and Circle of Security (COS) intervention. Alexis is passionate about young children and is ambitious about enhancing child-parent relationships. In her free time, Alexis enjoys spending time at the beach and exercising. She also enjoys incorporating meditation and journaling into her everyday life.
Mental Health Therapist