Stefanie D. Meyer-Goodwin, MA, LMHC, LMFT, NCC, CCMHC, ACS is the owner and 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 a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling and 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, and is a national Approved Clinical Supervisor, and state qualified supervisor for interns in mental health counseling and marriage and family therapy. Professional development is a lifelong pursuit for Stefanie, and she is currently working towards her doctorate degree in Counselor Education and Supervision. 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-Elect on 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.
Stefanie can be reached directly at 407-534-0186 Ext 300 or by email at stefanie@themeaningfullifecenter.com
Sandra Maria Johnson, MA, LMHC is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Program Director at The Meaningful Life Center. Sandra earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Additionally, she holds a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. Sandra is passionate about helping people discover their strengths and experience personal growth as they face life’s challenges. She has received additional training in the clinical use of Mindfulness Meditation, Clinical Hypnosis, EMDR, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Prolonged Exposure.
Before joining The Meaningful Life Center, Sandra gained her clinical experience working with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and childhood sexual abuse. These experiences have developed Sandra’s skills in working with trauma.
Sandra’s nonclinical experience includes writing and editing on various subjects ranging from nutrition and wellness to unconscious bias. In her free time, Sandra enjoys making art, writing poetry, and spending time with loved ones.
Sandra can be reached directly at 407-534-0186 Ext 500 or by email at sandra@themeaningfullifecenter.com
William C. Jarvis, MA, LMHC, NCC is the Clinical Manager of The Meaningful Life Center. Will earned his Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from Rollins College. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and National Certified Counselor, Will is experienced in working with individuals and families is developing tools to author their own life stories. Will is a demonstrated leader and mentor in the counseling community and is a state qualified supervisor for intern in Mental Health Counseling. Will has advanced training in mindfulness meditation, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Prolonged Exposure.
Prior to joining The Meaningful Life Center, Will has served in leadership and supervisory roles in non-profit organizations throughout Central Florida. He has had the privilege of working in diverse settings including: inpatient hospitalization, crisis stabilization, community based mental health, substance abuse services, and assessment/diagnostic services. These experiences afforded Will the opportunity to hone skills in working with individuals and families from diverse cultural backgrounds and various levels of treatment needs.
Will comes from a family devoted to the helping profession and values empowering others to take ownership of their lives. Outside of his role at The Meaningful Life Center Will develops himself through his creative passions. He holds a love for theater, debate, science fiction, and community engagement. During his personal time, Will can often be found reading at a coffee shop, writing, running, and spending quality time with his family.
Will can be reached directly at 407-534-0186 Ext 400 or by email at william@themeaningfullifecenter.com
Jessica N. Johnson, MS, LMHC, CCTP is the Program Manager at The Meaningful Life Center. Jessica earned her Masters of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. As a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, Jessica has experience helping clients gain insight into the complexities of how trauma integrates into daily functioning, as well as grief and loss. She provides a sacred and safe space for healing. Jessica has additional training in Clinical Hypnosis, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
Julie’s work with individual adults and adolescents is informed by evidence-based clinical practices including CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy). She is certified in clinical hypnosis and trained in EMDR. Julie also frequently offers mindfulness exercises and other stress management techniques to help clients find a renewed sense of safety and stability as they progress through their therapy.
Prior to joining The Meaningful Life Center, Julie provided counseling in both community non-profit agencies and private practice. She has provided services in women’s and men’s residential treatment centers for alcohol and substance use disorders. She has also served youth (11-18) and their families through home-based care. In private practice, Julie saw adult and adolescent clients with a range of issues including anxiety, workplace stress, anger, grief, relational problems, impulsive behaviors, and childhood trauma.
Before becoming a mental health counselor, Julie acquired more than 10 years of experience as a teacher in college, high school, and adult education classrooms. She also has experience as a high school career advisor, an academic advisor, and as a higher education IT business analyst. Julie is currently a member of and legislative chair for the Mental Health Counselors of Central Florida (MHCCF) and serves as a member of the Government Relations Committee for the Florida Mental Health Counselors Association (FMHCA). For relaxation, Julie enjoys reading fiction, sharing time with family and friends, and the occasional Netflix binge.
Julie can be reached directly at (407) 534-0186, Ext 700 or by email at julie@themeaningfullifecenter.com
Nur Has, MA, NCC is a registered mental health counselor intern at the Meaningful Life Center. With a BA in Counseling Psychology from Bogazici University in Istanbul/Turkey and an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Central Florida, Nur passionately supports clients to reclaim their own life with authenticity, vitality and clarity. She is committed to assisting you in building the thriving life you have always desired through her dedication to bringing quality to blocks or life-limiting patterns of behavior that get in your way. We often view our life by conflict or chaos. Nur will not only help you heal your wounds, more importantly, she will help you listen to your own unconscious wisdom. You already have the answers; you simply need to be asked the right questions. It is a courageous act to reach out and seek therapy, and Nur is intimately aware of the pain one must be in to take this next step on their healing journey.
Nur has several areas of healing expertise, including but not limited to adults and teens with depression, anxiety, low self-worth and self-criticism, moving through grief and loss and adults and teens navigating all different types of relationships –especially the one with themselves. She has received additional training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Level 1 Gottman Method Couples Therapy Clinical Training, Advanced-level Addiction Treatment, Adlerian Play therapy, Child-Parent Relationship Therapy, and Intensive Self-Compassion Training.
For fun, Nur loves to have outdoor adventures, spend time with her family, read and engage in small acts of kindness such as volunteering at various organizations.
Nur can be reached directly at 407-534-0186 Ext 900 or by email at nur@themeaningfullifecenter.com
Susel de la Cruz, MA, NCC is a mental health counselor with over sixteen years of experience in the mental health field. She is currently a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern (IMH17162). Susel has a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Rollins College, with an additional certification in College Counseling. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Central Florida after immigrating from Cuba. She is passionate about Mindfulness and helping others achieve a state of being in which their behaviors and relationships are aligned with their values.
Susel has experience supporting client in addressing concerns related to substance use, disordered eating, trauma, and multicultural challenges. Susel is certified in case management and Eating Disorder Intuitive Therapy and has received additional training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy. As a bilingual therapist, Susel is skilled in providing counseling services in both English and Spanish.
Susel can be reached directly at 407-534-0186 Ext 600 or by email at susel@themeaningfullifecenter.com
Luisairis (Iris) Soto, MA, LMHC, CCTP is a licensed mental health counselor and certified clinical trauma professional. Iris earned her Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from Rollins College. She is trained in EMDR and uses a person-centered and humanistic approach within the counseling space. Currently, Iris is pursuing her doctorate degree in Counselor Education and Supervision at Capella University.
During her journey towards becoming a mental health counselor, Iris completed the guardian advocate training and worked alongside individuals who have been baker acted and advocated that they receive appropriate mental health treatment. Iris also completed the Firefighter Culture Clinician Awareness Program Training as she saw there was a need for more culturally competent counselors working with first responders.
Prior to joining The Meaningful Life Center, Iris gained her clinical experience working with clients within inpatient, outpatient and residential settings. She has provided individual and group therapy, and crisis intervention. Iris has experience working with individuals across the spectrum from psychosocial stressors to severe mental health challenges from the ages of 13 and up. Her areas of focus include depression, anxiety, stress management, HIV and AIDS care, LGBTQ+ empowerment and gender-affirmation, substance use, anger management, developmental and attachment trauma.
Iris can be reached directly at 407-534-0186 Ext 301 or by email at iris@themeaningfullifecenter.com
Ben Coberly, MA is a registered mental health counseling intern at The Meaningful Life Center. With a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Ben helps clients identify recurring themes across their lives and draw on strengths to participate more fully in the present and forge a better future. They are particularly passionate about counseling’s ability to give clients a space to be their authentic selves, give voice to their feelings and experiences, and be heard without judgment.
Prior to joining The Meaningful Life Center, Ben gained their clinical experience working with LGBTQIA+ and homeless adolescents and young adults, providing a trans-affirmative and eclectic approach to their care. They have experience working in multiple areas of mental health, including inpatient and outpatient settings, developing their skills in crisis management and working with clients with a variety of presenting problems.
Outside of their clinical practice, Ben is an active musician, playing multiple instruments, DJing, and participating in Central Florida’s diverse music community. They also greatly enjoy exercising, binging video essays, reading philosophy, and spending time with loved ones.
Ben can be reached directly at 407-534-0186 Ext 201 or by email at ben@themeaningfullifecenter.com
Sarai Denney is the administrative assistant for The Meaningful Life Center. She has many years of experience as an admin and in customer service. Sarai will earn her Bachelors of Science in Communication and Conflict from the University of Central Florida in 2020. She is passionate about making your experience at The Meaningful Life Center as comfortable and effortless as possible. Her main priority is for every client to feel welcomed and cared for.
Outside of work Sarai spends her time caring for her two cats and three ducklings, drag-racing at the local race track and spending quality time with friends and family. She is also passionate about art, journaling, and exploring the outdoors.
Sarai can be reached directly at 407-534-0186 Ext 100 or by email at admin@themeaningfullifecenter.com
As a Central Florida organization, we are passionate about improving the lives of members of our community. The Meaningful Life Center values advocacy work and is committed to providing compassionate mental health care to individuals without regard to their sex, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, social class, ability/disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Associations
- American Counseling Association (ACA)
- National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC)
- EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)
- Mental Health Counselors of Central Florida (MHCCF)
- Central Florida Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (CFAMFT)
- American Mental Health Counselor Association (AMHCA)
- Florida Mental Health Counselor Association (FMHCA)
- American Association for Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT)
- NCSF Kink Aware Professional
- The Open List-Poly friendly therapists
ACA Division Membership
- Association for Assessment and Research in Counseling (AARC)
- Association for Creativity in Counseling (ACC)
- Association for Humanistic Counseling (AHC)
- Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development (AMCD)
- Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES)
- Association for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Issues in Counseling (ALGBTIC)
- Counselors for Social Justice (CSJ)
- International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors (IAMFC)