Dr. Stefanie D. Meyer-Goodwin (she/they), PhD, LMHC, LMFT, NCC, CCMHC, ACS
is the Clinical Director of The Meaningful Life Center. Stefanie is licensed in the state of Florida as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Earning doctorate in counselor education and supervision from Capella University and a master of arts in mental health counseling with a certificate in family and relationship counseling from Rollins College, Stefanie is experienced in working with children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples in developing the meaningful life they deserve. Stefanie has received additional training in the clinical use of Mindfulness Meditation, Clinical Hypnosis, EMDR, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Prolonged Exposure, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention and is a national Approved Clinical Supervisor and state qualified supervisor for interns in mental health counseling and marriage and family therapy. Stefanie is also currently completing the requirements to be considered a Sex Therapist in the state of Florida and is prepared to support individuals in addressing their sexual health and wellness concerns. Stefanie’s primary clinical and research interests include: polyamory, BDSM/kink dynamics, trauma and dissociation, chronic health and chronic pain conditions, blended family concerns, and relationship enhancement.
Prior to starting The Meaningful Life Center, Stefanie has worked in non-profit organizations within the Central Florida community. During her time in the non-profit sector Stefanie had the privilege of working within programs serving: homeless veterans, LGBTQ youth, children and teens in the DCF and DJJ systems, community based mental health, preventative mental health, substance abuse services, and providing community and school-based services to families throughout Orange and Seminole County. During these experiences, Stefanie developed skills in working with individuals from all walks of life and strives to provide services that incorporate the cultural needs and values of her clients. Currently, Stefanie continues her advocacy work by serving as President of the board for Mental Health Counselors of Central Florida (MHCCF).
Before becoming a mental health professional, Stefanie served in the U.S. Army, is a Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and worked as a martial arts instructor for children with disabilities. A published author and professional presenter, Stefanie is passionate about helping individuals to live their lives more meaningfully by breaking free from the pain of trauma and illness. Outside of her working hours, Stefanie serves as an Adjunct Professor at Rollins College and enjoys spending time with her family, reading, playing piano, singing, writing, meditating, playing “geeky” games, enjoying all things Marvel comics, and volunteering in her community.
Chance Morgan (they/them/theirs), MSW, LCSW
is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Lead Therapist at The Meaningful Life Center. They earned their Master of Social Work degree from the University of Central Florida and received clinical supervision in the community while obtaining licensure. They recognize that we all have strengths and challenges that can propel us forward and hold us back; seeking help is an integral component of finding stability, healing and self-actualization. Chance is eager to help you crystalize your goals and chart a course for growth. They are committed to helping people overcome and/or create healthier relationships with their anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction and other concerns. Additional clinical areas of focus include, but are not limited to, LGBTQIA+ issues, relationship enhancement, phase-of-life changes, grief/loss, polyamory and BDSM/kink.
Prior to joining The Meaningful Life Center, Chance served in non-profit organizations throughout the Central Florida area. They have over ten years of experience providing therapeutic interventions in various settings including: community based mental health and substance abuse, crisis stabilization, assessments/diagnostic services, residential and inpatient hospitalization, and hospice care. These roles afforded Chance the opportunity to cultivate skills working with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds, personal identities, age ranges and levels of care.
Outside of clinical practice, Chance enjoys exploring nature, playing games of all kinds, spending time with family and friends, reading, seeing live music and experiencing art in many forms. They have a thoughtful and curious approach to life that opens them to the boundless nature of existence and what they can learn from others.
Katia Arruda (she/her/hers), MS, LMHC, CCTP
is a Licensed Mental Health Therapist and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional at The Meaningful Life Center and has earned a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University. Katia is tri-lingual (English/Portuguese/Spanish) and has a background working with children, adolescents, and adults. Katia builds collaborative relationships with her clients and empowers them to explore their values, goals, increase self-awareness, pursue their passions, and strengthen their relationships. Drawing from a diverse background, Katia integrates various therapeutic approaches like acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive processing therapy (CPT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and mindfulness-based techniques. Katia’s areas of focus include anxiety, depression, grief/loss, identity development, relationship concerns, and trauma.
Tamara Galloway (she/her/hers), MSW
is a Registered Clinical Social Work Intern at The Meaningful Life Center. She earned a Masters in Social Work and certificate in Marriage and Family Counseling, both from the University of Central Florida. Tamara has a client-centered approach and works to create a space for her clients to feel comfortable being their authentic selves. She is empathetic and takes a realist approach, helping clients get through some of life’s many challenges. She is experienced in supporting clients experiencing grief, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and managing daily stressors. Areas of interest include helping clients who identify as part of the LGBTQI+ community, as well as those in ethically non-monogamous relationships. This includes persons who identify as Polyamorous and/or are part of the Kink/BDSM community.
Kalie Sumple (she/her/hers), MA
is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern at The Meaningful Life Center. She has earned a Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Stetson University and obtained her undergraduate degree in forensic psychology from Southern New Hampshire University. Kalie has a background in working with adolescents and adults. Her areas of interest are ADHD, trauma, anxiety, depression, and identity development. As your therapist, Kalie will create a safe space where she will support you while using techniques such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to improve, change, and manage aspects of your life.
Tara Melvin (she/her/hers), MS
is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern at The Meaningful Life Center, LLC and has earned a Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. She obtained her undergraduate degree in Sociology from Rowan University. Tara desires to utilize a holistic approach to help, empower and teach clients to have an enriched life. She also utilizes an integrative approach with clients which can include pulling techniques from DBT, Narrative, CPT, ACT, CBT, Humanistic, Attachment Styles, Career Counseling, Bibliotherapeutic approaches to help clients with their life journey and meet their needs.
She has experience working with clients in processing trauma typically through the use of Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) when appropriate. She also has experience in working with clients who are a part of the LGBTQ+, kink, and poly communities. She provides individual services for ages 16 through adult, as well as couple’s counseling. Tara enjoys spending her time reading (sometimes collecting more books to add to her personal library) and due to her natural curiosity, she enjoys learning. Feel free to reach out to Tara (via email or text the phone number provided below) if you are interested in scheduling a free 10-15 minute consultation phone call before starting the process to coordinate your first intake session. Please note that services are conducted via telehealth only.
Katie Adams (she/her/hers), MA, LHMC, NCC
is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a National Certified Counselor. She is also a Lead Therapist and Outreach Coordinator at The Meaningful Life Center. Katie’s passionate about helping people experiencing dissociation and other difficult symptoms to reclaim their lives from trauma, and is committed to creating a safe and empowering environment where you can get to know all parts of yourself, process difficult experiences, heal, and take your next steps toward a fulfilling life.
Katie is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) including the Progressive Approach for dissociation and other methods for healing from trauma. She draws from several evidence-based approaches like parts work, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, exposure therapies, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and more to provide services tailored to your needs.
Katie earned her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a certificate in Family and Relationship Therapy from Rollins College. Before becoming a counselor, her prior experience included journalism, leadership roles in nonprofit communications, and international work with people from diverse backgrounds and cultural contexts.
Andrew Boyle (he/him/his), MA
is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern at The Meaningful Life Center Graduating from Rollins College, Andrew deeply values the therapeutic relationship and thinks of therapy as “two humans working towards a mutually agreed upon goal.” He is empathetic and aims to empower clients to see the best versions of themselves. Andrew’s therapeutic approach comprises REBT, multicultural, existential, DBT, and strength-based therapy. His areas of interest include but are not limited to trauma and adolescents of color. In his free time, Andrew enjoys training in Brazilian Jujitsu, playing challenging video games, and watching puppy videos on Reddit.
Shawna Skoczynski (she/her/hers), MA
is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern and Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Intern. She holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a certificate in Family and Relationship Therapy from Rollins College. Shawna earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Slippery Rock University in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania.
Shawna is dedicated to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all individuals she encounters. Her professional background spans working with children, adolescents, and adults. Shawna’s primary focus is on child and adolescent therapy, and she is deeply passionate about supporting clients through challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief/loss, relationship issues, phase-of-life transitions, ADHD, daily stress management, and overall well-being.
In her therapeutic practice, Shawna integrates various approaches including person-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), narrative therapy, strength-based therapy, and the Gottman Method for couples therapy. She is also trained in trauma processing therapies such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure (PE).
Alexandra White-Pulido (she/her/hers)
is a Latinx Registered Counseling Intern, who provides a person-centered approach to therapy, and ensures that each client feels seen, heard, and validated regardless of background or identity. She offers therapy to clients of any age, as well as to couples and families. Alexandra specializes in creating therapeutic spaces in which clients can navigate complex personal, relational, or societal challenges. These may encompass, but are not limited to, grappling with issues such as identity exploration, trauma recovery, discrimination/stigma, relationship dynamics, or managing everyday stressors.
She utilizes a range of evidence-based practices such as mindfulness, DBT, PE, CPT, EMDR, and ACT. These tools are tailored to meet the unique needs of each client, whether they are dealing with trauma, seeking to improve their relationships, or looking to navigate everyday challenges.
I offer a compassionate, non-judgmental environment where clients can find balance of mind, body, and spirit. I offer you a safe space where you can embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, knowing that you will be met with acceptance and support every step of the way.
Sophia Moenssens (she/her/hers), MA
is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern and graduate of Rollins College. She enjoys assisting children, adolescents, and adults to work to their strengths to achieve their goals. Sophia uses a trauma-informed lens to her care, while integrating tools such as mindfulness, creative expression, and integrating the client’s areas of interest to create a personalized path to healing. Sophia believes in everyone’s ability to flourish, while recognizing the external and internal systems of oppression creating difficulties. Sophia is a strong advocate for her clients’ needs by integrating their mind, body, and environmental needs into the care she provides. Areas of interest include depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD-related symptoms, ADHD, ODD, LGBTQIA+ identity development, and concerns with school.
Alex Gray (he/him/his), MA
is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern at The Meaningful Life Center. He received a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Central Florida. During his graduate studies, Alex gained experience working with patients and caregivers at the Orlando Health Cancer Support Community. His growing areas of interest include grief and loss, trauma, depression, and anxiety. Alex’s therapeutic approach incorporates mindfulness practices, strength-based therapy, and narrative therapy to explore strategies that instill confidence in his clients as they navigate and reclaim their life stories. He received EMDR training through Connect EMDR and has experience providing DBT in both individual and group modalities.
Alex was born in the Orlando area and has experience living in several other states including Colorado, North Carolina, Massachusetts, and Texas before returning home to Florida. In his free time, Alex enjoys designing and sending postcards, cooking, and playing his banjo.
Yaileen Villegas (she/her/hers)
is a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern at The Meaningful Life Center. She holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University and received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Puerto Rico. Yaileen is bilingual (Spanish and English) and adopts an integrative, client-centered approach to therapy, drawing on various modalities, including Person-Centered Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Expressive Arts Therapy. Her clinical areas of focus include anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and self-confidence, identity development, phase of life changes, ADHD, stress management, career exploration, relationship concerns and Mindfulness. Dedicated to ongoing professional growth, Yaileen is pursuing further specialization in expressive arts therapy through the Expressive Arts Florida Institute, with the goal of becoming a Registered Expressive Arts Therapist (REAT) with the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (IEATA). Her ongoing training enhances her ability to provide a creative and holistic approach to healing. Yaileen is committed to helping clients navigate their mental health challenges with empathy, insight, and personalized care, empowering them to live meaningful and fulfilling lives.
Mel Gomez-Erickson (they/them/theirs), MA
is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. They are also a Lead Therapist and the Training and Development Coordinator at The Meaningful Life Center. Their counseling experience includes treating individuals, couples, and groups in residential, outpatient, and school-based settings. Prior to working as a counselor, Mel spent over 10 years working in the education system, at the elementary, middle, high school, and undergraduate levels, and they also have a Master’s degree in Experimental Psychology.
Mel believes that everyone can benefit from therapy in some way, and that therapy is not a ‘one size fits all’ field. Mel incorporates their knowledge of psychology, education strategies, and popular culture to enhance the therapeutic process by providing clients the space to explore their presenting concerns through a lens that is easily understood and relatable. They have additional training in multiple treatment modalities, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Mel’s areas of clinical focus include: anxiety, depression, trauma, stress management, family/relationship issues, and phase of life changes. They specialize in working with teens and adults, particularly those from populations who are often stigmatized and ostracized, including the LGBTQ+, kink, BDSM, and consensual non-monogamy communities.
In addition to working with clients, Mel is passionate about educating and training counselors and other mental health professionals. They have spoken at several conferences and conducted webinars and CEU courses. They have also had articles published in the Florida Mental Health Counselor Association’s In Sessions Magazine and The Board Game Academics Victory Points Magazine.
Neetu Persad-Tapia (she/her/hers)
is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at The Meaningful Life Center, with a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy. She works in a collaborative manner, to build a safe space for you to address your concerns and achieve the balance you seek. Neetu has a background working with children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples, but also has experiences with individuals and couples in the LGBTQIA+ community. Taking a Solution-Focused approach, Neetu allows you to identify new paths of moving forward, which feels organic and attainable, as well as incorporates other therapeutic treatments, such as Narrative, Emotion-Focused, Dialectical Behavioral, and Cognitive Behavioral. Neetu's areas of interest include anxiety, depression, grief/loss, low self-esteem/confidence, identity development, and couples/marriage therapy.
Audrey Meacham (she/her/hers), MSW
is a Registered Clinical Social Work Intern at the Meaningful Life Center. Audrey graduated from the University of Kansas with both her undergraduate degree in psychology and her Master of Social Work. She works with adults and adolescents using an eclectic approach of Dialectical Behavior Therapy, EMDR, Solutions-Focused Therapy and Cognitive Behavior Therapy. She is an EMDRIA Approved EMDR Therapist. Audrey is an authentic and passionate therapist with interests in helping clients to explore their patterns, values, goals and build their ideal life.
Audrey’s areas of specialization include borderline personality disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, mood and dissociative disorders. She also has clinical interest in helping LGBTQIA+ populations. She has previously worked in both group practice and school social work settings. In her free time, Audrey enjoys visiting the beach, local theme parks and spending time with friends and family.
Jessalyn Perez
serves as a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern (RMHCI) and a Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Intern (RMFTI) at The Meaningful Life Center. She completed her Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling along with a graduate certificate specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy at Rollins College. Her prior education includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a focus on Clinical Psychology, earned from the University of Central Florida. Jessalyn has experience working with adults, couples, and families. Jessalyn is also Gottman Level 1 trained and trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Recognizing the value of an integrative approach, she understands the importance of fostering self-awareness to enhance overall life quality. Jessalyn’s areas of interest include families, relationship counseling, identity development, sex counseling, trauma, DBT, and anxiety.
Christopher Ortiz
is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern at The Meaningful Life Center. He has earned a Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Stetson University. He received his undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Central Florida. Chris has experience working with kids, adults, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. Chris is passionate about mental health advocacy and support. He firmly believes that every individual deserves a safe and empathetic space to navigate life’s challenges. Chris views therapy as a collaborative journey, and is enthusiastic about integrating various therapeutic techniques to meet the diverse needs of his clients. From cognitive-behavioral interventions to mindfulness practices, he is excited to draw from an eclectic toolkit to empower individuals on their paths towards healing and personal growth. Chris’s areas of interests are working with the LQBTQIA+ community, sex therapy, Kink/BDSM community, and ethically non-monogamous relationships.
offers a warm and affirming space where clients can heal, grow, and reconnect with their most authentic selves. Her approach is trauma-informed, person-centered, and deeply collaborative. She specializes in helping individuals and couples navigate trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, identity, self-worth, and relationships. Using evidence-based practices such as EMDR, DBT, Parts Work/IFS, and Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Brandye supports clients in navigating life’s most challenging moments while rediscovering their inner resilience. She welcomes and affirms all identities, including LGBTQIA+, poly, and kink communities. Brandye's work is rooted in the belief that healing is not only possible—it’s a birthright. Whether you’re seeking closure, clarity, confidence, or connection, She is here to walk alongside you as you step into your most meaningful life.
Cayman Geraldino (He/They)
is a graduate student intern at The Meaningful Life Center, currently completing their final year in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate program at Rollins College. Cayman’s journey began with a deep-seated passion to learn the stories of others while providing meaningful support. After completing his undergraduate degree in psychology at Rollins College, he provided compassionate ABA care and services to children on the spectrum. With a passion for social justice and advocacy work, he has advocated for and worked with the LGBTQIA+ community at spaces such as The Hope CommUnity Center in Apopka, Fl. His dedication to multicultural competence shapes his approach in therapy, so that he can provide sensitive and inclusive care in accordance with the client’s unique background. Some of his preferred approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. These modalities allow him to offer versatile and effective strategies that align with the unique needs and goals of the client.
Passionate about the healing and empowering forces that can be experienced through therapy, Cayman is excited to get the opportunity to work with you and support you in your therapeutic journey. He strives to create a safe and empowering environment where individuals can explore their challenges, process their experiences, and build upon their strengths.
Erika Franklin (she/her/hers)
is a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern at The Meaningful Life Center. She received her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. Her prior education includes a Bachelors of Science in Psychology. Her prior experience working in acute care settings helped Erika recognize the growing need for Mental Health care in underserved communities. Erika is experienced in working in residential settings with adults whose lived experiences range from trauma, substance use, depression and anxiety. Erika’s growing areas of interest include trauma, grief, sex counseling, and working with those in the LGBTQ+ community. Erika’s therapeutic approach is client centered which incorporates existential, psychodynamic, strength based and mindfulness strategies. She understands the importance of finding a meaningful life and empowering clients to identify their strengths and values. Erika was born in Orlando, Florida and enjoys spending time with her dog, playing video games, and cooking.
Erika Franklin (she/her/hers)
is a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern at The Meaningful Life Center. She received her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. Her prior education includes a Bachelors of Science in Psychology. Her prior experience working in acute care settings helped Erika recognize the growing need for Mental Health care in underserved communities. Erika is experienced in working in residential settings with adults whose lived experiences range from trauma, substance use, depression and anxiety. Erika’s growing areas of interest include trauma, grief, sex counseling, and working with those in the LGBTQ+ community. Erika’s therapeutic approach is client centered which incorporates existential, psychodynamic, strength based and mindfulness strategies. She understands the importance of finding a meaningful life and empowering clients to identify their strengths and values. Erika was born in Orlando, Florida and enjoys spending time with her dog, playing video games, and cooking.
Caroline Holt
is a Registered Clinical Social Work Intern at The Meaningful Life Center. She earned a Master of Social Work and her Bachelor of Science in Clinical Psychology with a minor in Sociology from the University of Central Florida. Caroline is passionate about creating a safe, LGBTQ+ friendly space for individuals (ages 15+) and couples facing anxiety, depression, trauma/ PTSD, domestic abuse, and relationship challenges. Caroline’s primary therapeutic approach is client-centered, incorporating cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, and trauma-focused techniques to best assist her clients. Caroline offers a supportive and non-judgmental environment to ensure her clients can explore their experiences and build resilience. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing with her dogs, and collecting vinyl records.
