About Us

Stefanie D. Meyer-Goodwin (she/they), 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, 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. Professional development is a lifelong pursuit for Stefanie, and she is currently working towards her doctorate degree in Counselor Education and Supervision. 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.

Stefanie can be reached directly at 407-534-0186 Ext 300 or by email at stefanie@themeaningfullifecenter.com

Sandra Maria Johnson (she/her/hers), 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, Prolonged Exposure, and Exposure and Response Prevention.

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, enjoying nature, and spending time with loved ones.

Sandra can be reached directly at 407-534-0186 Ext 500 or by email at sandra@themeaningfullifecenter.com

Jessica N. Johnson (she/her/hers), 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).

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, Cognitive Processing 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 (she/her/hers), MA, LMHC, NCC is a licensed mental health counselor with over sixteen years of experience in the mental health field. 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

Michelle Ilugbusi (she/her/hers), MA, is a registered mental health counselor intern at the Meaningful Life Center. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from the University of Central Florida and continued her education at Rollins College, pursuing a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an additional certification in college and university counseling. Michelle believes that we all have an innate desire to live as our most authentic selves but that the roadblocks of life can sometimes prevent us from attaining that goal. In order to navigate the roadblocks, Michelle approaches the therapeutic relationship in a collaborative manner, being mindful of the many intersecting identities you hold. Her work with clients is founded in humanistic, multicultural and feminist perspectives, implementing aspects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and mindfulness.

Prior to joining the Meaning Life Center, Michelle worked in higher education as a non-clinical case manager for college students experiencing a plethora of personal and academic issues. She has created and presented workshops and webinars on the topics of intersectionality, anti-racism, and healing from racial trauma. Michelle gained her clinical experience working in a college counseling center and meeting the mental health needs of traditional and non-traditional students through individual and group therapy, as well as crisis intervention. Her areas of focus include depression, anxiety, grief, OCD, racial stress/trauma, identity development, religious abuse/trauma, adult children of immigrants, and college students of all ages, especially those who identify as first generation.

In her personal time, Michelle is an avid reader and enjoys exploring town for new boba and tea shops. She finds that she best connects with herself through nature and goes kayaking, hiking and to the beach as much as possible.

Michelle can be reached directly at 407-534-0186 Ext 501 or by email at michelle@themeaningfullifecenter.com

Jorge Alberto Valladares (he/him/his) is a registered mental health counselor intern at The Meaningful Life Center. Jorge is a dedicated clinician and educator, working part-time with clients as therapist, and serving students full-time as a professor of psychology at Valencia College. He holds an Associate in Arts degree from Valencia College, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Organizational Behavior from Rollins College, a Master of Science degree in General Psychology from Nova Southeastern University, and a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Rollins College. He is a nationally certified counselor (NCC) with the Board of Nationally Certified Counselors.

His graduate fieldwork focused on providing individual and group counseling to patients with psychiatric and medical needs at a baker act receiving facility in a hospital setting. Jorge is fully bilingual in English and Spanish, and has extensive experience working with adult learners in a college setting providing instruction, academic advising, and career counseling. In counseling, Jorge works with clients on academic and career issues; mental health issues around stress, anxiety, depression, and phase-of-life transition issues; parenting, peer relationships, and couples counseling, among other client needs. Jorge’s primary interests in counseling include serving clients from low-income communities of color; clients experiencing issues of acculturation, and clients who benefit from a multicultural and social justice counseling approach. Jorge uses a variety of treatment approaches and is trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

Beyond his educational and professional experiences, Jorge identifies most strongly with heritage as the son of immigrants from Honduras, his childhood in Brooklyn, NY, and his present roles as a husband, father, brother, and uncle. He is a guitar player of 25-years, and more recently, a bass player focused on Blues, Soul, Afro-Caribbean and Latin styles of music.

Jorge can be reached directly at 407-534-0186 Ext 601 or by email at jorge@themeaningfullifecenter.com

Brandon Rothenberg (he/him/his), MA is a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern at the Meaningful Life Center. Brandon has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Central Florida and a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling, with a specialization in Child and Adolescent Counseling, from Northwestern University. Brandon is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Clinical Sexology and a Certification in Sex Therapy from Modern Sex Therapy Institutes. Brandon is a member of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists.

Brandon has experience working with children, adolescents, young adults and families related to anxiety, depression, ADHD and anger management.  Being trained in DBT, Brandon believes in practicing mindfulness and developing coping strategies to assist clients in increasing self awareness, life satisfaction, and pursuing passions. He has received post-graduate training in the treatment of sexual abuse, sexual dysfunction, sexual performance, sexual health as well as gender, sexual orientation, sexual identity and LGBTQ+ specific issues. Prior to joining the Meaningful Life Center, Brandon provided counseling in community mental health organizations in the Central Florida area. His areas of expertise in the sexual health field include sexual desire discrepancies in couples, sexually impulsive and compulsive behaviors and survivors of sexual abuse.

Before becoming a mental health professional Brandon worked as a youth mentor within the foster care and adoption systems. Brandon is dedicated to the communities he serves and strives to bring quality care and compassion to people from many different walks of life. Outside of the counseling room, Brandon enjoys spending time with friends, family and pets. Brandon is invigorated by being outdoors and his hobbies include cycling, hiking, kayaking and gardening.

Brandon can be reached directly at 407-534-0186 Ext 701 or by email at brandon@themeaningfullifecenter.com

Shannon Barna (she/her/hers), MFT is a Registered Marriage and Family Therapy Intern at The Meaningful Life Center. Shannon earned her Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Southern Connecticut State University. Shannon takes a systemic approach in her work with clients, remembering that every person has connections with other people which plays a large role in the therapeutic process. She is committed to listening and understanding your story and collaborating with you to adopt new skills and tools to help you grow as a valued person. 

Prior to joining The Meaningful Life Center, Shannon completed a 9 month long internship at a residential substance abuse treatment facility. She worked very closely with many individuals in recovery and collaborated intensely with colleagues. Shannon hosted group therapies with focuses on mindfulness, emotions, recovery skills and interpersonal relationship skills. Her participation at this internship has given her experience in working with individuals on all areas of the recovery spectrum; from just beginning, to maintaining years of sobriety. Shannon also has experience working with couples and families during her practicum training during Graduate School. She facilitated a safe, comfortable space for couples to work through disagreements and learn new skills to strengthen relationships. She listened and understood parents and children navigating the worlds of school life and home life as a family. Shannon is driven by being able to facilitate change and growth in her clients. Shannon has completed training in DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) and is ready to share her knowledge with individuals looking for a DBT approach to therapy.

Outside of therapy, Shannon enjoys caring for her 2 cats, in addition to playing games and spending quality time with friends and family. She enjoys skiing, video games, and jigsaw puzzles.

Shannon can be reached directly at 407-534-0186 ext. 801 or by email at shannon@themeaningfullifecenter.com.

Alyssia Keys (she/her/hers), B.A. is a student mental health counselor intern at The Meaningful Life Center. She earned an Associates degree in Liberal Arts from the University of South Florida in 2010 and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of South Florida in 2012. She is currently working towards her Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Webster University, where she is also a member of the international honor society in psychology, Psi Chi. Alyssia is passionate about helping individuals recognize their strengths and ability to take on and cope with the obstacles of life. Alyssia is trained in Prolonged Exposure Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

Prior to joining The Meaningful Life Center, Alyssia worked in the mental health field providing various services, such as case management, assessment, and counseling. While working for nonprofit organizations, she had the honor of providing services related to individuals of all ages who experienced difficulties with being Baker Acted, trauma and crisis, substance abuse, child welfare, and incarceration. Her clinical areas of focus include, but are not limited to anxiety, depression, stress management, LGBT issues, self-confidence, relationship related concerns, polyamory, BDSM/kink, and trauma.

Outside of her professional and educational spheres, Alyssia appreciates novels, various fandoms, camping, road trips, and other adventures. She also enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and three cats.

Alyssia can be reached directly at 407-534-0186 Ext 401 or by email at alyssia@themeaningfullifecenter.com

Bradley Bemis (he/him/his), BS is a student-intern working toward the completion of his master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.  He is also a military veteran, former technology professional, and has spent over six years working with people to overcome psychological suffering in a wisdom-oriented psychospiritual context.  Bradley is a passionate advocate for mindfulness and heartfulness approaches to psychological wellness and healing; with a deep interest in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and various body-based somatic experiencing techniques.  His primary areas of clinical focus include trauma, loss, grief, stress, anxiety, depression, self-worth, self-care, addiction treatment, veterans’ issues, and palliative/hospice services.

Prior to joining The Meaningful Life Center, Bradley spent eight years in the United States Air Force, including two years in the special operations community; and then another 22 years working as an information technology and cybersecurity professional in the civilian sector.  In 2014 he went through a profound transformational shift in conscious perception, devoted himself to service work, and began offering personalized, experientially-based instruction in contemplative wisdom and self-discovery.  In 2017 he engaged in 9-months of training as an Inner Presence Coach and, in 2018, entered the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Walden University.  He has completed all of his coursework while maintaining a 4.0 GPA and receiving ‘exemplary’ clinical skills evaluations.  He also finished a 10-week counseling practicum experience in a private-practice setting that emphasized holistic and integrative therapeutic methods.  Upon completion of his master’s degree, Bradley plans to continue his education by enrolling in the Integral and Transpersonal Psychology Ph.D. program at the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS), specializing in Consciousness Studies and Contemplative Neuroscience.

Outside of his clinical work, Bradley enjoys meditating, writing, and teaching, working with the homeless, and providing volunteer services for those in hospice care.

Bradley can be reached directly at 407-534-0186 ext. 901 or by email at bradley@themeaningfullifecenter.com.

Sarai Denney (she/her/hers) is the Office Manager for The Meaningful Life Center. She has many years of experience as an administrator and in customer service. Sarai earned 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 three cats, 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 sarai@themeaningfullifecenter.com

Michael Mezyk (he/him/his) is the Administrative Assistant for The Meaningful Life Center. He has experience in various fields including graphics arts and the automotive industry. His main goal is to create an environment in which each client feels understood and cared for.

In his free time Michael enjoys working on cars and going to car shows, and spending time with family and friends.

Michael can be reached directly at 407-534-0186 Ext 200 or by email at michael@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)

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