STAFF
oUR
TEAM
Jessica Sullivan
Charles Von Presley
Iris Curry
Matthew Duhaime
Amanda Merkel
Ashley Chermak
Monica Davis
Meredith Malak
STAFF
JESSICA SULLIVAN
I have extensive experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings working with addiction, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, behavioral modification, anxiety, panic, OCD, PTSD, LGBTQIA+ issues, depression, women’s issues, and couples and family counseling. I am the president of the board of directors for the Postpartum Society of Florida.
The first step in therapy is for me to learn all about you and what has brought you to a point in your life where you are seeking help. I will ask you to tell me all about yourself, your life, and your current situation. I will work hard to listen for patterns and make connections between your past and your current situation. Through this process I will be able to develop a comprehensive treatment plan and have a good understanding of what therapeutic modality would work best for you. We will work together from that point forward collaboratively and establish a strong and mutually trusting therapeutic relationship.
My primary goal is to provide you with relief and improvement in functioning and well-being. I will work closely with you while we help to move you to a more positive and functional situation. We will work together collaboratively to relieve your distress and establish a strong and mutually trusting therapeutic relationship. The most important part of the experience will be to instill and foster hope, to help you see positive change, and to make sure that you feel supported.
- PSY.D, LP
- BA, CBHT
STAFF
CHARLES VON PRESLEY
Charles Von Presley graduated from the University of Iowa in 2004 with a double major in Psychology and Religious Studies. He attended the Florida School of Professional Psychology for 3 years working toward his doctorate in Psychology. He spent four years helping run a community mental health center, working with a wide range of clientele with an accordingly wide range of mental health issues. More recently, Charles has been traveling and intentionally broadening his exposure to child and young adult populations. Likewise, Charles has over 10 years teaching experience in various fields in both academic and business contexts. Addiction, young adult issues and relationships are all strength areas, with a preference toward CBT and Existential/Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
STAFF
IRIS CURRY
Iris Curry is a seasoned professional with a profound commitment to the field of mental health. Her educational journey commenced with the attainment of a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Florida A&M University in 1994. Building upon this foundation, she earned a Master’s Degree in Counseling Education from the University of South Florida in 2000. In 2009, Iris achieved licensure as a Mental Health Counselor, solidifying her dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of others.
With an impressive career spanning over two decades, Iris has dedicated herself to helping individuals navigate through crises, transitions, relationship challenges, and the pursuit of more fulfilling lives. Her expertise encompasses both inpatient and outpatient settings, providing a holistic understanding of mental health dynamics.
Iris is a perpetual learner, consistently engaging in continuing education courses to stay abreast of the latest developments in the field. This commitment reflects her ongoing efforts to enhance her skills and offer the most effective and relevant support to her clients.
Driven by a genuine passion for assisting others, Iris Curry stands as a beacon of compassion and expertise in the realm of mental health, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those she serves.
- LMHC
- LMHC
STAFF
Matthew Duhaime
Hi there, before discussing my experience and skillset, I want to commend you for taking the leap and jumping into therapy! My first and foremost goal is creating an environment where clients feel comfortable and safe to discuss the issues they are experiencing or ongoing difficulties from past situations. In my work, I believe every individual is unique and that they should be treated as such. I strive to get to know you, the challenges, and find a path together for healing, growth, and understanding.
Some of the specialty groups that I love to work with include the LGBTQ+, neurodivergent, those with history of trauma, and those struggling with addiction. That said, I also have years of experience working with those struggling with depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions and believe in working with people to help them find their own peace and stabilization by teaching various tools and providing a safe and open space.
A little about me, I have been a therapist for eight years, working primarily in the non-profit behavioral health sector working with individuals suffering from addiction, mental health, and co-occurring difficulties. I have worked in various settings from inpatient, residential, to multiple outpatient levels of care through the years. Through all those experiences, I have learned various tools and skills that I love to share with clients that they can use on their own wellness journeys!
I am specially trained in Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) for trauma and various other mental health conditions. I also pull upon Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing techniques in my daily practice with clients. Thanks for taking the time to read my blurb and I hope to be able to begin working with you on your healing journey!
STAFF
Amanda Merkel
Amanda is a dedicated Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with a passion for helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and achieve personal growth. With over a decade of experience in the field, Amanda has developed a comprehensive understanding of various therapeutic techniques and approaches, tailored to meet the unique needs of each client.
Amanda earned her Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Capella University in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 2012. Her academic background, coupled with extensive hands-on experience, has equipped her with the skills necessary to address a wide range of mental health concerns.
Amanda specializes in treating depression, anxiety, mood disorders, anger management, eating disorders, low-self esteem, and a variety of other issues. Throughout her career, she has honed her expertise in these areas, helping clients find relief, develop coping strategies, and achieve greater emotional well-being.
Amanda utilizes a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. She believes in tailoring her approach to the unique needs and preferences of each client, fostering a collaborative and empowering therapeutic relationship.
- Psy.D.
STAFF
ASHLEY CHERMAK
Dr. Ashley Chermak is a distinguished and certified School Psychologist and Post-Doctoral Resident, having received her comprehensive training at Alfred University—an esteemed private institution in upstate New York accredited by both the American Psychological Association (APA) and the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). Her academic journey commenced with a Bachelor’s degree in Clinical & Child Psychology in 2016, followed by a Master’s degree in School Psychology in 2018 and a Certificate of Advanced Study in School Psychology in 2020. Dr. Chermak proudly graduated with her Doctor of Psychology in 2023 from Alfred University.
Boasting multiple years of hands-on experience, Dr. Chermak has dedicated her expertise to working with children, adolescents, and families in various capacities. She has made impactful contributions in both public schools, catering to children aged 3-21, and a community mental health clinic, where she engaged with clients aged 3-23 and their families.
Dr. Chermak specializes in child, adolescent, and family counseling, employing a versatile multimethod approach to tailor each session according to individual needs. Her expansive scope covers emotional, behavioral, academic, and motivational challenges faced by children and adolescents, as well as the intricate dynamics of whole family functioning. Notably, she has successfully assisted clients dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD, learning disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, trauma, divorce, family functioning, and academic motivation and study skills.
Her overarching goal is to guide clients and families in identifying and processing specific areas of difficulty, fostering a collaborative team approach. Dr. Chermak is dedicated to developing, teaching, and practicing skills and strategies that can be implemented and reviewed in sessions, allowing for a nuanced understanding of what works best. For her, true success is evident when clients or families can independently function well and apply learned strategies without significant guidance from the counselor.
- LMHC
STAFF
Monica is an experienced licensed mental health therapist with over 8 years of dedicated practice. Holds an Associate’s degree in social work, a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development, and a Master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. Specializes in guiding both children and adults through crisis intervention and comprehensive assessments. Monica employs evidence-based techniques, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and faith-based approaches, fostering holistic healing.
Monica’s unwavering commitment to mental health and community outreach drives her passion. Her therapeutic approach is marked by an unwavering empathy, active listening, and the creation of a secure, judgment-free environment for her clients. She places a strong emphasis on collaborative goal-setting, empowering clients to play an active role in their healing journey.
Whether working with children or adults, Monica’s approach is grounded in compassion and professionalism. Her profound dedication to facilitating growth and well-being is evident in every session. In essence, clients partnering with Monica can expect a supportive and effective therapeutic journey that results in improved mental health, personal growth, enriched relationships, and enhanced coping skills for life’s challenges.
- Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
STAFF
Meredith Malak
Meredith is a seasoned professional with an impressive 15-year tenure in the field of psychology. She acquired Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling. Her unwavering dedication lies in offering compassionate counseling to adults and families as they navigate the intricate terrain of life’s challenges. Her mission is clear: to provide unwavering support to individuals on their path toward healing, self-discovery, and personal growth.
With a diverse set of skills, Meredith specializes in assisting individuals grappling with an array of mental health challenges. She is a certified practitioner of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) through rigorous training. Meredith’s expertise in EMDR empowers her to effectively guide clients through the healing process, addressing issues such as trauma, depression, anxiety, panic, and phobias. EMDR is a potent tool on the journey towards recovery and profound transformation.
In her counseling sessions, Meredith crafts a secure and judgment-free environment, allowing you to openly explore your thoughts and emotions. Together, you and Meredith will embark on a collaborative journey, one that prioritizes your unique needs and aspirations. Her client-centered approach ensures that your preferences and goals are at the forefront of the therapeutic process.
Meredith’s commitment to her clients’ well-being, combined with her extensive experience and EMDR proficiency, makes her a beacon of hope for those seeking profound change and healing. Expect an empathetic and transformative therapeutic experience under Meredith’s guidance.