Meet The Team
Brooklyn Hancock LMHC- QS
Registered Play Therapist- Supervisor TM
EMDR Certified Therapist
License Number: MH18423
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida with 7 years of experience. I graduated from the University of Florida with my bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Family, Youth, and Community Science. I continued my education at the University of Central Florida where I earned my Masters Degree in Counselor Education: Mental Health Track.
I am a Registered Play Therapist as well a EMDR Certified. Primarily, I have worked in the school system and have subsequently become certified as a school counselor as well. Being in the schools, I have had a wide variety of experience with various issues and populations. Additionally, since the pandemic, I have gained experience working with adults via telehealth. My strengths are working with parents on parenting strategies, relationship building, communication, anxiety, depression, trauma, attachment related concerns, and self-esteem/self-worth. My counseling style is typically soft but direct, as well as incorporating cognitive behavioral approaches. I use my background in play therapy to aid in using expressive methods in session. I believe that sometimes the most growth comes from processing the things we create rather than say. However, counseling is never a one size fits all, and I take the time to collaborate with my clients on what works best for them. My personality is warm and accepting. I focus on building a positive and trusting relationship first and foremost.
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Insurances Accepted: United Health Care, Oxford, Oscar, UMR, Aetna, Cigna
Private Pay: $130/hr.
Hours: Daytime and limited nights Monday-Thursday
Populations Seen: children ages 3+, adolescents, teens, and adults
Email: counseling@thrivingvinescc.com
Owner/Therapist
Therapist
Sarah Atherton LMHC, EMDR Trained
License Number: MH8140
Today's world can be challenging and stressful, with many emotional demands. Reaching out for assistance takes great courage and reading this means you're thinking of taking that first step. Having worked with children, adolescents, and families in community mental health and school settings for the past 20 years, it would be my honor to assist you on your journey of self-discovery and growth.
I have experience with all age groups and use a variety of modalities including Client-Centered, play therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral therapy, DBT-informed, and Interpersonal Neurobiology. My highest priority is to provide a safe space free of judgment to allow clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Reaching out for help can be the first step on your journey. When you feel you're ready, contact me with any questions. I'm available for evening and weekend appointments.
Insurances Accepted: Aetna, UHC, Oxford, Oscar
Private Pay: Sarah accepts private pay through her own private practice
Hours: Tuesday-Thursdays Morning-Evening
Populations Seen: Children 7+, adolescents, teens, and adults
Phone: 407-449-2830
Email: sarah.atherton@thrivingvinescc.com
Therapist
Julia Young LMHC, Registered Play Therapist, EMDR Trained
License Number: MH19508
Julia Young is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Registered Play Therapist, and Certified Child Life Specialist. She has over 10 years of experience working with children and their families in therapeutic settings, including a pediatric hospital, a child advocacy center, and private practice. Julia's style is warm, affirming, and informed by evidence-based interventions, including EMDR. She is well-versed in supporting clients through traumatic experiences and has extensive experience in working with individuals with chronic health conditions, grief, loss, behavioral challenges, and family transitions
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Insurances Accepted: United Health Care, Oxford, Oscar, UMR, Aetna
Private Pay: Accepted through Julia's Private Practice here
Hours: N/A
Populations Seen: Children 3+, adolescents, teens, families, and adults
Phone: (407) 449-2856
Therapist Intern
Nikki Conomos, Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Intern
EMDR Trained
License Number: IMT3847
If you found your way to our site, I would first like to say that I am proud of you! Taking the first step in your healing journey for your child, yourself, or for your family, is a major milestone. My philosophy and purpose is to help my clients have a more peaceful, relaxed, and joyful mindset while navigating life. I received my Master’s degree from Stetson University in Marriage and Family Therapy with Advanced Studies in Clinical Mental Health. I work with children, adolescents, individuals, young couples, and families. I have good experience in working with varying family dynamics from differing backgrounds.
I love building rapport starting from the first encounter with my clients. I have a warm, nurturing, and even humorous and relatable approach. The therapeutic relationship is so crucial in creating a safe, comfortable, environment where you can be vulnerable in sharing with me. My specialty is working on helping my clients to improve self-esteem, anxiety, depression, relational issues, boundary setting, and overall, recognizing the importance of self-worth and taking your power back. I use evidence-based techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. With my families and couples, I also use Emotionally Focused Therapy, as well as techniques from The Gottman Method and Prepare/Enrich, to help improve negative interaction cycles, communication, and attachment-based issues. I am excited to get to know you and to navigate this adventure together!
Insurances Accepted: Aetna
Private Pay: $130/hr
Hours: Monday-Friday from 9 am to 7 pm
Populations Seen: Children 8+, adolescents, teens, adults, families, and young couples
Make an appointment: 407-906-6167
Email: nikki@thrivingvinescc.com
Therapist
Stefanie Yockey LMHC
License Number: MH17131
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My name is Stefanie and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who works with children, individuals, couples, and families. I use a systematic focus, specializing in trauma. My mission is to provide trauma informed therapeutic services that respect the client’s unique attributes and experiences. I hope to deliver an effective, yet relational approach that promotes overall wellness. I am very passionate about working with my client’s strengths and working in a way that fosters your right to be self-determined.
I have experience working with trauma, including treating clients and supervision other clinicians. I have training in Trauma Focused- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Child-Parent Psychotherapy. However, I am also very passionate about working with children and adults experiencing anxiety and other mental health needs.
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Insurances Accepted: UHC, Aetna, Oxford, Oscar
Private Pay: $130/hr
Hours: Saturdays and Sundays
Populations Seen: infants, toddlers, children, adolescents, teens, adults, families
Make an appointment: 407-906-6167
Email: stefanie@thrivingvinescc.com
M.A. Registered Intern
Kelly Kisida
Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern
National Certified Counselor (NCC)
License Number: IMH27040
Qualified Supervisor: Brooklyn Hancock LMHC-QS MH18423
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Kelly is deeply passionate about supporting the emotional well-being of those who walk through her doors, with a special focus on children, adolescents, and their families. She strives to create a space where individuals can connect, explore, and grow, helping them navigate the unique pieces of their world that shape who they are becoming. Kelly holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Education Sciences from the University of Florida and recently earned a master’s in Mental Health Counseling, along with a Play Therapy certificate, from the University of Central Florida.
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In her counseling approach, Kelly integrates creativity and fun, using play therapy techniques that reflect both her and her client’s unique personalities. She encourages individuals to tap into their imagination, fostering deeper insights and emotional growth in a present-focused, interactive way. Kelly views children as inherently resilient, creative, and capable, and she believes everyone carries that spark of childlike spirit. One of her key goals is to break down the stigma surrounding mental health while empowering clients to approach life’s challenges with perseverance and confidence. Kelly is excited to walk alongside you in your journey of healing and personal growth, helping you to unlock your fullest potential!
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Insurances Accepted: Aetna
Private Pay: $130/hr
Hours: Monday-Thursday
Populations Seen: children, adolescents, teens, adults
Make an appointment: 407-906-6167
Email: kelly@thrivingvinescc.com
Therapist
Meredith Snelson LMHC-QS
Registered Play Therapist Supervisor ™
License Number: MH 8643
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I come along side children, families, and individuals seeking support with emotional, behavioral, or developmental challenges. They may struggle with anxiety, trauma, social difficulties, or behavioral issues. I offer my clients a safe, non-judgmental space to express themselves and explore their emotions. The goal is to build coping skills, enhance self-regulation, improve social-emotional development, and foster resilience. Together, we work toward healing, personal growth, and creating lasting positive change in their lives.
I specialize in play therapy, with certifications in Sandtray Therapy and AutPlay Therapy. I offer creative, hands-on approaches to help children and families navigate emotional and behavioral challenges. Through play, clients develop coping skills, emotional regulation, and resilience, fostering lasting change.
I understand how challenging it can be to navigate emotional and behavioral struggles. You don’t have to face it alone. I’m here to offer a safe, supportive space where you and your child can heal, grow, and thrive. Together, we’ll build the skills needed for lasting change. Reach out today – I’m here to help.
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Insurances Accepted: Cigna, Oxford, Oscar, United Health Care, UMR, Aetna
Private Pay: $130/hr
Hours: Monday and Tuesdays afternoons and evenings (7:00pm bi-weekly Tuesdays open)
Populations Seen: children ages 3+, adolescents, and teens
Make an appointment: 407-906-6167
Email: meredith@thrivingvinescc.com
Therapist Intern
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​​​Rona Weiss
Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern, EMDR Trained
National Certified Counselor (NCC)
License Number: IMH25954
Qualified Supervisor: Brooklyn Hancock LMHC-QS MH18423 and Rebecca Stone MH13264
Life does not come with a roadmap, and sometimes we can feel stuck or lost, no matter how hard we try! Especially for families navigating life with ADHD, Autism, giftedness, or twice-exceptionality, it can feel like the different spaces we spend time in are not always set up for us, and that’s often because they are not! It can be hard to figure out a path forward and can feel like we are spinning our wheels but getting nowhere. Parenting is not one size fits all, and it can be helpful to have a few extra tools in your parenting toolbox that are customized to each child.
I specialize in working with individuals of all ages, and their families, who are neurodivergent. I provide a neuro-affirming, strength-based, and holistic approach to help guide you towards helpful strategies, support, and resources in each of the environments in your life. As a counselor with lived experience in these areas, I offer a safe and supportive space with someone who “gets it”.
When working with parents and children, I utilize child-centered or Adlerian play therapy, and collaborate with parents to customize an approach that is personalized to their family, while recognizing that parents’ own impact can be powerful as agents for change. For children, it is important to recognize that play is their natural language. I find joy in connecting with each child and providing a warm presence that makes them feel special while helping them learn and grow through the world of play.
I hold a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Rollins College, an MBA from Rollins College, and a BA from SUNY Binghamton. I’m also currently working towards my Registered Play Therapist credential. In my spare time, I enjoy being in nature during all seasons, especially winter skiing, spending time with family, coffee with friends, tennis, pickleball, anything artsy, and travel!
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Insurances Accepted: Aetna, Step-Up (for reimbursement)
Private Pay: $130/hr
Hours: Tuesday – Thursday mornings and afternoons
Populations Seen: Children ages 3+, adolescents, teens, and adults
Make an appointment: 407-906-6167
Request a 15 min free consult with Rona: 407-588-9636
Email: rona@thrivingvinescc.com