Jiles Walker, MA

Jiles Walker, holds a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Argosy University. As a therapist, he uses an eclectic therapeutic approach which focuses on helping clients make better choices so they can live a quality life complete with well-connected relationships.

Jiles is able to quickly build rapport with his clients by meeting them where they are which is beneficial in helping them meet their goals. He accepts the responsibility of helping clients find healthier ways to fulfill their needs. This is accomplished by evaluating maladaptive behaviors, making plans for change, and working towards healthy goals.

Jiles is passionate about helping couples, individuals, and families experience successes and build on perceived failures. We all experience rough days, and it is healthy to acknowledge anger, frustration, and hurt. When working with Jiles, clients learn to make peace with the past while learning coping skills designed to meet their needs and enhance overall functioning.

 Jiles is experienced in working with pre-adolescent through older adults. He is experienced and skilled in teaching communication and coping skills to improve self-esteem, self-worth, relationships, and conflict resolution. 

Jiles is a registered mental health intern working towards licensure in the state of Florida His specialties include: Addiction/Substance Use, Anger Management, Anxiety/Depression, Codependency, Self Esteem, Sexual Identity, Stress management, Impulse Control Disorders, Mood Disorders and Thinking Disorders.

Jiles can be contacted at: [email protected].

Niki Lopez, MA

Niki Lopez, holds a master’s degree in Human Services from Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Her pursuit towards helping people professionally began after her husband died unexpectedly and she attended equine assisted grief therapy. The almost 2 years she spent with her grief therapist ignited a passion to help others through their grief. After opening a private practice in Oregon, Niki expanded her client base to include clients from all walks of life. She has a therapy horse named ‘Big Red’ she uses with some of her clients and enjoys that modality very much.

Niki provides a warm and welcoming environment in therapy where she is able to build rapport and foster relationships with her clients. It is important for Niki to help clients feel safe in therapy and she accomplishes this by listening and being genuinely concerned for their well-being. She helps clients identify their struggles and their underlying causes and together they make a plan and set goals to effect growth and change.

Niki has experience with clients from pre-adolescent through older adults. She enjoys couples therapy and helping clients learn new ways of communicating more effectively to improve their relationships. Niki offers pre-marital sessions as well where engaged couples learn the skills, they will need to navigate a happy and healthy life together.

Niki specializes in couples, trauma, depression, anxiety, life changes and transitions, conflict resolution, codependency, life coaching, equine assisted therapy, she utilizes CBT, person centered therapy, talk therapy, equine assisted therapy, play and art therapies, and solutions focused counseling techniques among others. 

In her free time Niki enjoys spending time with family and friends, riding Big Red, SCUBA diving, kayaking, and enjoying the Florida sunshine.

Niki can be contacted at: [email protected].

Andrea Anderson, LMHC

Andrea Anderson is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) in the state of Florida. She is a combat veteran, serving 12 years. During deployment, she became interested in working in psychology after seeing how the reintegration, both after deployment and after service, had adverse effects on service members and their family members.

Andrea can be contacted at: [email protected].

Brittany Ellis, MA, RMHC

Life can throw us unexpected curveballs—whether it’s a major life transition, grief, anxiety, depression, or ongoing family conflict. Navigating these stressors can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. My goal is to help you find peace and clarity on life, providing the tools and support you need to thrive.

The top issues I heal alongside my clients are anxiety, overthinking, work/life balance and burnout, relationships, parenthood and postpartum, self-worth, esteem and confidence, trauma and healing childhood wounds, loneliness and self-isolation, and spiritual misalignment. 

I am passionate about working with millennials as I understand the unique pressures and challenges that come with navigating life in today’s world, and I create a safe, compassionate space where you can be your authentic self.

My therapy practice integrates holistic techniques, combining somatic interventions, mind-body healing, and a soul-centered approach to help you heal from the inside out. Through a combination of talk therapy and body-centered techniques, we’ll explore your past, present, and future to uncover the root causes of your symptoms, while empowering you with the tools you need to manage and overcome them.

I believe in collaboration, so I don’t “fix” you; I work with you. Your story matters, and I honor it with cultural compassion and real talk (minus the therapy jargon). Whether it’s through CBT, DBT, EFT, tapping, or thought field therapy, I’ll tailor our approach to you through a trauma informed lens and provide techniques and skills to master life outside of therapy.

Brittany can be contacted at: [email protected]

Kayla Moran, MSW

Kayla Moran, holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Central Florida. She has worked with many different populations across the Tampa Bay Area. Through her passion for mental health, she focused her practice on adolescents through her role at Tampa Housing Authority and as a behavioral therapist for children diagnosed with autism. Through these experiences, she gained a passion for treating young adults and helping guide them towards a positive future. 

Kayla specializes in treating clients dealing with anxiety, anger management, behavioral concerns, childhood trauma, depression, self-esteem, stress and more. She has conducted individual therapy with children, incorporated family sessions and facilitated group sessions.

She values the importance of understanding the client’s background to help aid in their care and find a healthier solution. Kayla believes in the importance of the strengths-based technique and implementing mindfulness in everyday life.

Mindfulness is important in grounding oneself and helping alleviate those stressors a client may face. She strives to help the community develop a positive way of coping and achieving their goals and continues to impower the youth. 

Kayla can be contacted at: [email protected]. 

Liz Montero, MSW, RCSWI

Liz can be contacted at: [email protected]. 

Candise Taylor, MSW, RCSWI

Candise can be contacted at: [email protected]. 

Natisha Johnson, MSW, RCSWI

With a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Florida State University, Natisha Johnson is passionate about empowering individuals to break through barriers and build a life filled with positivity and self-worth. Having worked extensively with youth, adolescents, and families, she brings a deep understanding of how to help clients overcome challenging behaviors and thrive in today’s world.

Natisha is committed to helping clients discover their potential, breaking the stigma of feeling “not good enough.” As a generational chain breaker herself, she knows firsthand the dedication it takes to be the first to pave the way for a future filled with love, positivity, and success. Her goal is to equip clients with the skills needed to cultivate that same foundation in their own lives.

Specializing in treating depression, anxiety, anger management, trauma, emotional regulation, self-esteem issues, and other mood disorders, Natisha offers both individual and family therapy. She creates a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can feel heard and supported, offering a compassionate and understanding ear.

Natisha believes in empowering her clients, helping them find the strength to overcome life’s challenges and move forward with confidence. If you’re ready to take the next step towards a healthier, more fulfilling life, Natisha is here to guide you on that journey.

Natisha can be contacted at: [email protected]. 

Shelby Womble, BA

Shelby studied at Florida Atlantic University, where she received her Bachelor’s degree in History. She is a passionate mental health advocate, committed to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and empowering individuals to prioritize their well-being. At First Choice Counseling, she is our office scheduler.

With over a decade of experience in customer service, Shelby assists clients with scheduling appointments and other inquiries they may have with exceptional care. Clients are always greeted by her deeply compassionate & positive attitude whether in person or over the phone.

She is detail-oriented and maintains a professional & empathetic approach to clients’ needs. She handles client intake, scheduling appointments & answering questions about eligibility and benefits. 

Shelby can be contacted at: [email protected]. 

Doris Kearns

Doris Kearns, is the Office Manager for First Choice Counseling & Wellness Center, LLC. She has over 45 years of dedicated client service experience in both the public and private sector. She is extremely passionate about helping individuals who are struggling with mental health get the help they need. 

She is often the first person to welcome you to First Choice Counseling & Wellness Center either in person or by phone. She happily assists clients with scheduling appointments, answering questions about billing, or just offering general support along the way.

Doris can be contacted at: [email protected].