Our Team

Mental health professionals with specialized training.

Meet our team serving Tampa Bay & St. Petersburg

Dr. Mary Perleoni, Ph.D., LMHC

Dr. Mary Perleoni is the Founder of IBWHC, and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and National Certified Counselor practicing in Florida.

  • Mary is dedicated to making a difference in people’s lives through her specialized therapeutic work with trauma and marriage counseling. She is trained in Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and in Gottman marriage therapy, among other therapeutic approaches.

  • Mary earned a Master in Mental Health Counseling degree from the University of Saint Joseph and a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of Central Florida.

    In pursuing her doctorate, she saw gaps in the research literature surrounding trauma-informed care and sought to fill them. She published articles on trauma and completed her dissertation outlining an experimental study providing trauma-informed therapy to children in poverty. In addition, she supervised master's students in applying this trauma-informed therapy.

  • Mary’s experience also includes working in an agency specializing in trauma, a community health center specializing in borderline personality disorder, and a private practice serving diverse populations.

    Mary has served as a professor, teaching master’s students that are gaining their degrees in Marriage and Family, Mental Health, and School Counseling in New York City and Florida. She has supervised several counselors-in-training using a developmental approach in both clinical and school settings.

    Mary is a lifelong learner who is constantly seeking further education and training so that she can be the best counselor and educator possible.

Kaitlyn Shelp, MA, LMHC, Clinical Supervisor

Kaitlyn is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida and the Clinical Supervisor at It Begins Within.

  • Kaitlyn has a passion for working with trauma of all varieties, particularly those individuals and couples trying to find healing after disclosure of infidelity. Her unique combination of experience and training allow her to tailor a treatment approach for clients that is systematic while producing relief and lasting change. Her office is a safe space for your pain, fear, vulnerability, celebrations, and success.

  • Kaitlyn graduated from the University of Central Florida with a master’s degree in Counselor Education with a focus on Clinical Mental Health.

    Kaitlyn has complete formal training for the following treatment modalities: Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), Systematic Affair Recovery Therapy (SART), and Gottman Method.

  • Kaitlyn has worked with ages 11+ in family, group, and individual settings at the inpatient, residential, and outpatient level of care and with a wide range of diagnoses and populations. She is currently only accepting couples and individuals who are seeking to heal after disclosure of infidelity. Kaitlyn utilizes Accelerated Resolutions Therapy (ART) and is one of two people in the state of Florida trained to use Systematic Affair Recovery Therapy (SART). She also uses Gottman Method and Gottman research to inform her treatment recommendations after crisis stabilization has occurred. You will find Kaitlyn's approach to be trauma-informed, strength-based, and directive.

Megan Smith, MA, LCSW

Megan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Florida.

  • Megan is passionate about helping individuals get the healing that each person deserves through the therapeutic process.

    As a therapist, Megan has worked in a variety of counseling settings including outpatient care, inpatient crisis stabilization, and residential treatment. She has worked with various populations from adolescents to severe and persistent mental illness to veterans of the U.S. military, with ages ranging from adolescent to geriatric. The breadth of her experience allows her to support individuals from a holistic approach.

    Megan is trained in multiple modalities including EMDR, CBT and CPT.

  • Megan completed her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Central Florida in Orlando, FL.

  • Megan is experienced in treating trauma and PTSD, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, self-esteem issues, and various other concerns.

    She has specialized training in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which are two of the gold-standard evidence-based treatments for trauma and PTSD. She is also trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression (CBT-D) and Motivational Interviewing (MI).

    She incorporates many principles of Mindfulness into her practice to help clients gain better insight and understanding of themselves, which she believes to be a core component of the healing process.

Melissa Zentner, MS, LMHC

Melissa is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida.

  • Melissa has over ten years of clinical practice working with children, adolescences, and adults. Melissa provides detailed clinical services to better understand and enhance your emotional, behavioral, and cognitive functioning. Melissa focuses on the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, impulse disorders, and depressive disorders. Melissa has an integrative theoretical orientation, utilizing evidence-based models such as person-centered therapy, humanistic, & cognitive behavioral therapy. These treatment approaches are focused on symptom reduction, are goal oriented, and based on techniques that have been scientifically proven to be both effective and time-limited.

  • Melissa earned a Master degree in Counselor Education with a focus in Clinical Mental Health from the East Carolina University in Greenville, NC. Melissa is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) through North Carolina Child Treatment Program (NC CTP). Melissa has also completed extensive training in the Neurosequential Model to Therapeutics from The Child Trauma Academy in Houston, TX. In addition, Melissa has extensive training in couple and marriage counseling. Specifically, Melissa specializes in sex therapy and infidelity when working with couples.

  • Melissa has previous experience in various levels of care that include In-Home Services, Child Day Treatment, and school-based outpatient therapy. Melissa has extensive training in trauma informed assessments, which have been used in court reports, CPS investigations, adoption or foster care, and custody cases. Melissa has extensive knowledge working with families to overcome generational trauma, including childhood traumatic grief. Melissa has experience conducting group therapy, focused on emotional and self-regulation in children. In addition, Melissa is an accredited pre-marital provider with Hillsborough County, Florida. Melissa provides counseling to support in the challenges elite athletes face in sports, training, and competition. Lastly, Melissa provides clinical supervision to graduate students whom are completing their practicum or internship.

Lauren Buroker, M.Ed/Ed.S, LMFT

Lauren is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Florida.

  • Lauren's speciality is helping clients discover and make use of their strengths to address the things in their lives that are causing them distress. Lauren has significant experience helping clients through a variety of transitional periods, including relational changes, and life changes with college students and young adults. Lauren can help you successfully navigate new areas of your life and support you in getting the help you deserve.

  • Lauren graduated from the University of Florida with a master's degree and education specialist degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. She has also obtained her master's of Business Administration from the University of South Florida.

  • Lauren has worked with all ages in both couples/family and individual settings, with a wide range of diagnoses and populations. Much of her experience comes from working with those who experience anxiety and mood disorders as well as family/relationship struggles. Lauren works with individuals who have experienced trauma that are currently experiencing anxious and depressive symptoms. She also has experience working with adolescents who are struggling with self-harm and suicidal ideation and their families. Lauren offers marital/couples therapy to assist in improving communication between partners and reestablishing trust within the relationship. For couples, family and individual therapy, Lauren incorporates parts of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) while engaging in a strengths-based and family-systems focused approach.

Angela Holmes-Cruz, MS, RMHCI

Angela is a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern in the state of Florida.

  • Angela places an emphasis on meeting clients where they are at any point in their lives. She recognizes that therapy can be difficult work and tailors her approach to each client’s individual experience. She will work alongside you in order to make you feel safe, understood, and heard so that you are able to heal from old wounds and grow to your full potential.

  • Angela obtained her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Troy University. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and her Bachelor of Arts in Criminology with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of Florida.

  • Angela’s training and experience working in various inpatient and outpatient mental health treatment facilities has allowed her to work with a diverse population of individuals with a wide range of diagnoses. Angela is an EMDR Trained Clinician and has worked with clients who have experienced trauma. She also has experience treating individuals who are struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, and addiction. Additionally, she has experience conducting DBT group therapy focused on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.

Lauren Pankuch, MA, LMHC

Lauren is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida.

  • Lauren believes that the client, counselor relationship is essential to the therapeutic process and she promotes a non-judgmental counseling space, so you can feel free and safe to show up exactly as you are. Lauren works with children, adolescents, parents, and individuals.

    Lauren has a pronounced passion for working with children and that has only grown with her development in the field. She is a client-centered therapist with a strength based, trauma informed, and eclectic approach, meeting individuals where they are at and pulling from which ever modalities would best serve them.

  • Lauren obtained her Master of Arts in Counselor Education from the University of Central Florida. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Criminology from Florida State University.

  • Lauren’s training and experience working in various mental health treatment facilities has allowed her to work extensively with children and adolescents. Lauren is formally trained in Play Therapy and Child Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT) from the University of Central Florida and is working towards credentialing as a Registered Play Therapist (RPT). She utilizes play therapy and art therapy techniques to tap into the client’s inner world and promote emotional growth and healing.

    Lauren has training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) from the Medical University of South Carolina and works with clients who have experienced various types of trauma. She has experience working with Foster Youth and their families, youth experiencing behavioral issues, addictions, suicidal ideation, neurodivergence, LGBTQIA+ and more. Lauren utilizes an approach informed by Polyvagal theory with a focus on stress response awareness and nervous system regulation.

Paris McDonald, LMHC

Paris is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida.

  • Paris, a U.S. Army Veteran, brings a unique blend of military insight and specialized training to counseling. With a background on serving first responders, military personnel, veterans, and their families, she understands the critical importance of resilience, a sense of community, and the necessity of therapeutic intervention for holistic healing.

    Her approach is customized and empathetic, ensuring each session is tailored to the client's individual goals, fostering improvement in their overall quality of life. Paris utilizes a collaborative therapy model, nurturing growth and change while recognizing the uniqueness of each therapeutic journey. Her goal is to empower clients, helping them tap into their internal strengths for profound personal development.

  • Paris's graduated with a Master’s degree in Applied Clinical Psychology from the University of South Carolina, Aiken.

  • In therapy, Paris is experienced in treating complex trauma, anxiety, depression, suicide prevention, anger, grief, and personality disorders. Her client base spans across various demographics, including children, adolescents, adults, and couples. Paris is adept at guiding clients through challenges like interpersonal relationship dynamics, identity exploration, self-esteem issues, and navigating significant life changes. In her work with couples, she focuses on fostering meaningful connections, addressing key issues such as infidelity, trust, intimacy, and communication.

    Her therapeutic techniques are comprehensive and evidence-based, incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) for adolescents, among others.

Antoinette Watson, APRN, PMHNP-BC

Antoinette is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in the state of Florida.

  • Antoinette’s goal is to establish an environment where patients are able to have timely access to medication management in an effort to help patients persevere with ease.

    She makes her best effort to find the potential in each patient and formulate a treatment plan that is individualized to their needs. At present, she is offering the traditional outpatient setting as well as incorporating the use of technology to provide convenient psychiatric services to patients while they remain in the comfort of their own home.

    Antoinette is here to help you transition into mental readiness.

  • Antoinette holds a Master’s degree in Nursing from Vanderbilt University, as well as post-masters Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from the University of Miami.

  • With nearly 14 years of experience, Anotinette is a dual certified Nurse Practitioner in Acute Care and Psych with an affinity for teaching.

Dr. Caroline Perjessy, Ph.D., LMHC

Dr. Caroline Perjessy is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida.

  • Dr. Perjessy is a humanistic and trauma-informed practitioner with a PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision. Dr. Perjessy has years of experience working with a variety of clients and teaching master students that want to be therapists. She specializes in working with couples using a Gottman method approach, is trained in DBT with adolescent females and women's issues. Caroline comes from a holistic wellness perspective, emphasizing both individual and couples strengths and inherent capabilities. Having been licensed as a professional counselor for over 15 years, Caroline has extensive clinical experience in outpatient, crisis residential, and private practice settings, working with a vast array of clients.

  • Caroline obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Masters Degree in Higher Education from Youngstown State University.

    Caroline holds a PhD in Counselor Education and Human Development from Kent State University.

  • As a 1st generation American, Caroline supports clients who come from marginalized backgrounds and those who identify with minority identities. A lifelong learner and advocate for mental health needs, Caroline supports her clients in the ways they most need support. Caroline has been a counselor educator for many years, teaching counseling at the graduate level in the states of Ohio, Georgia, Florida, and Canada. In addition, she has written articles and books on areas related to mental health and has extensively presented on topics related to suicide/self-injury, pedagogy, clinical supervision, DBT/trauma, etc. She is also a Qualified Supervisor in the State of Florida, available to supervise registered interns.

Emma Groskind, MS, LCSW

Emma is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Florida.

  • Emma is a trauma-informed and strengths-based clinician who is passionate about creating a safe and non-judgmental environment for individuals to heal. She has experience working with individuals who have suffered from a wide variety of traumatic experiences, depression, and anxiety. She utilizes evidence-based therapeutic approaches in helping individuals and families find relief from the impacts of trauma and distress. 

    Emma believes that a therapeutic relationship based in authenticity and compassion is crucial in promoting a positive experience in therapy. She is dedicated to working with individuals in identifying strengths to overcome difficult life experiences and promote positive mental health.  

    Emma integrates a variety of treatment modalities when working with clients and tailors her therapeutic approach to meet the needs of the individuals she works with. She is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT).

  • Emma graduated from the University of Louisville with a Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) and a specialization in mental health.

  • Emma has experience in treating mental health concerns related to trauma, grief, depression, and anxiety in children, adolescents, and adults.  She has worked in a wide variety of mental health settings including residential, outpatient, and community settings. Emma developed a passion for helping individuals heal from significant trauma and difficult childhood experiences during her work as a therapist for children in therapeutic foster care. She gained experience working with adults as they navigate issues related to life transitions, self-esteem, identity, and interpersonal relationships during her work as a therapist at a university counseling center. 

    She also has experience working with adolescents with severe behavioral and emotional concerns in a residential treatment setting.

    Emma has experience treating trauma utilizing Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and is a certified Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist. She has experience implementing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in addressing a wide variety of clinical concerns, including Anxiety Disorders and Depressive Disorders.

Kelly Morrissey, MA, LMFT, LMHC

Kelly is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist & Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida.

  • Kelly honors the unique differences of each individual and provides a tailored treatment experience developed around their personal goals and needs. Kelly trusts in the healing power of a supportive and non-judgmental therapeutic relationship where you have the opportunity to express yourself freely and gain meaningful insight along the way. As a lifelong learner, she has pursued ongoing training in an evidence-based modern modality called Lifespan Integration Therapy which is rooted in neuroscience, offers gentle and rapid healing, and is widely applicable for a variety of presenting issues. 

    She is passionate about helping individuals, couples and families develop healthy coping strategies, improve communication patterns, process trauma, and enhance connection with self and others. Her thoughtful, candid, collaborative, client-centered approach focuses on leveraging strengths and supporting the healing journey as new perspectives are explored and new behaviors are practiced.

  • Kelly obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and a Master of Arts Degree in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from the University of South Florida. She also completed a Graduate Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy at USF. 

    Kelly is one of two trained therapists in Florida who is providing Lifespan Integration Therapy.

  • Kelly has over 14 years of experience working with a large variety of populations providing counseling services for individuals, couples, groups and families in Residential, PHP, IOP and OP settings. Her work in behavioral health began with directing the family program for a treatment center specializing in impaired professionals and young adults with addiction/mental health challenges. Kelly assisted families with shifting codependent and enabling behaviors allowing them to refocus on their own self care and promote healthier relational dynamics. She supported professionals and their loved ones as an Employee Assistance Program Counselor, helping individuals navigate burnout, communication issues, relationships challenges, self-esteem building, life transitions and perfectionism. 

    Kelly's training in Lifespan Integration offers individuals a pathway to healing that engages the entire body-mind and tends to be more effective than traditional talk therapies. She is a Qualified Supervisor in Florida, supporting Registered Interns in their pursuit of licensure in Mental Health Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy.

Jordan Talbot, MA, LMFT

Jordan is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Florida.

  • Jordan Talbot licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  Jordan specializes in working with couples and relationships. He assists couples in overcoming a variety of issues within their relationship such as communication, conflict resolution, lack of connection and intimacy. Jordan is passionate about helping couples build trust after infidelity with a solution-focused approach.

    Jordan is also certified in EMDR and has worked a lot with individuals who have faced significant trauma in their lives. Jordan is extremely passionate about helping couples and individuals and looks forward to helping you heal and achieve the results you are looking for.

  • Jordan obtained his Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Touro University.

  • Jordan is extensively trained in both couples work and trauma informed care.  He specializes in supporting and guiding couples with infidelity and communication issues.  Jordan has experience and is trained in several different modalities that he uses with couples and individuals, including CBT, IFS, Solution Focused Therapy, and Strategic Therapy. He is also a certified EMDR practitioner.

Nicole Segovia, BS

Nicole is an Intern in the state of Florida.

  • Nicole is dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey to improved well-being. She is passionate about creating a compassionate and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts and emotions. Nicole approaches counseling with empathy and a commitment to understanding each person's unique experiences. She will work collaboratively with clients to navigate life's challenges, foster healing from past experiences, and empower clients to achieve their personal growth goals. Nicole utilizes a humanistic and person centered approach to therapy. Nicole focuses on working with young adults, adults, couples, and parent work. Nicole specializes in anxiety, depression, PTSD or traumatic events, prenatal/postpartum mental health, and the IVF process.

  • Nicole obtained her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Crime Scene Investigation from Florida State University. She is currently pursuing her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Adams State University.

  • Nicole’s experience spans working with adults and couples in various counseling settings. Nicole’s training has equipped her with a strong foundation in providing empathetic and effective support across different life challenges. She is dedicated to providing a supportive and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their issues and work towards their personal goals. Her approach is rooted in active listening and a commitment to understanding what is unique about client’s past experiences, aiming to foster growth and awareness throughout the therapeutic journey together. Nicole is trained in cognitive behavioral therapy,  trauma informed interventions to foster resiliency, and perinatal mental health approaches.

Kate Fens, MBA

Kate is our compassionate Client Care Coordinator.

  • Kate is our Client Care Coordinator, it is her goal to provide the best service to clients, assisting them in maintaining their sense of well-being and comfort working with IBWHC. She will respond to any questions you may have about our services.

  • Kate holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Pre-Law from Shippensburg University, with a Master’s in Business Administration from George Mason. This combination allows her to assist Dr. Perleoni in managing the initial communication and follow-up with clients of IBWHC.

  • Kate has worked in assisting therapists for over 6 years and has been involved with the Mental Health field for over 15 years, working in the background to ensure the practice continues to run smoothly.

Our Locations

Tampa Bay

 

550 N Reo Street, Suite 150 & 215 Tampa, FL 33609

St. Petersburg

 

12425 28th St, Suite 100 St. Petersburg, FL 33716

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