Happy Healthy Minds Counseling

Leighann Avery, LMHC - Owner & Counselor * Leighann currently has a waitlist for afternoon/evening appointments. Uses Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) in session Leighann Avery founded Happy Healthy Minds Counseling in 2018 after years of envisioning a private practice dedicated to accessible, compassionate mental health care. As demand for counseling services increased—particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic—Leighann expanded the practice to include a team of skilled clinicians in order to better serve the community. She is deeply grateful to be able to support both clients and clinicians while increasing access to quality mental health services. Leighann specializes in working with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, and difficulty coping with life stressors. She is passionate about partnering with clients throughout their therapeutic journey and supporting meaningful, lasting change. Her clinical approach is grounded in evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). Through CBT, Leighann helps clients identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns in order to improve emotional well-being. She values ACT for its focus on helping clients align their behaviors with personal values and move toward a more fulfilling life. Leighann is also trained in ART and appreciates its effectiveness in addressing concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and relationship issues. ART utilizes eye movements while the client focuses on a problem, allowing the brain to form new connections and access internal strengths and problem-solving abilities. Leighann earned her Bachelor’s degree in Criminology from the University of South Florida and her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Saint Leo University. Her professional background includes work as a School Counselor with Hillsborough County Public Schools, as well as serving as a counselor and director within several mental health agencies throughout the Tampa Bay area. Leighann is known for providing a warm, supportive, and welcoming environment where clients feel safe sharing their experiences. She believes that even small improvements can create meaningful change and considers it a privilege to walk alongside clients as they work toward greater healing and well-being. Specialty: Children, Teens & Adults Mandy Hines, LMHC, MCAP *Mandy currently has a wait list. Mandy is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Qualified Supervisor, Master's Level Certified Addiction Practitioner, and Certified Victim Service Practitioner. Mandy has over 16 years' experience providing individual, couples, family, and group counseling in a variety of settings with individuals of all ages and backgrounds. While Mandy's expertise is in trauma and complicated grief, she has much experience working in behavioral health crisis, family reunification, severe and persistent mental illness, and addictions. Mandy's approach is holistic, person centered, and strength based. Mandy is trained in an array of evidence-based practices including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and is Certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy; and often utilizes Motivational Interviewing and Solution Focused Therapy. It is Mandy's passion to embark on a journey of wellness with her clients, by hearing their story and finding meaning and purpose of their life circumstances while providing a safe and non-judgmental environment. Mandy believes every person has the capability to live their absolute best and feels privileged at the opportunity to assist her clients with identifying and expanding on strengths while improving coping skills and communication with others. Mandy graduated with a double bachelor's in psychology and criminology from The Florida State University, and a master's degree in vocational Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from the University of South Florida. Mandy serves as a consult and trainer on topics including compassion fatigue, post trauma reactions, relationship violence, and suicide awareness/prevention. She also serves as a first responder to traumatic and emotionally disturbing crimes and natural disasters through the Florida Crisis Response Team. Michele Messina, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern and Licensed School Psychologist *Michele currently has a waitlist at this time. Michele has joined the practice as a Registered Intern. She will be seeing clients for Individual, couples and family therapy. She will be seeing clients at a separate location - across the road from our office at 2325 Ulmerton Rd. Michele is dedicated to providing compassionate support for individuals, couples, and children navigating emotional, social, or adjustment challenges. Whether rooted in depression, anxiety, OCD, or complex trauma, I offer a diverse range of therapeutic interventions tailored to the unique needs of each client. Collaboratively, we develop and monitor treatment plans to ensure they align with your specific goals and preferences. Treatment modalities include CBT, DBT, EMDR, ACT, and play therapy. Whether you are seeking support for yourself, as a couple, or your children, my commitment is to establish a safe environment where you are treated with respect as a valued partner in your journey toward increased wellness. Explore my approach to see if it fits your unique needs. Let's navigate the path to positive change and personal growth together. DiAna Valentino, Mental Health Counseling School Intern My strengths are in collaborating with clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and self-esteem issues. I am known to be a compassionate listener, who is authentic, open-minded, and accepting of people of all cultures, races, and backgrounds. I possess a great deal of natural empathy, making my clients feel safe and genuinely cared for in a nonjudgemental, welcoming environment. I am also a medical professional with many years of experience working with patients that require care, compassion, and attention through their medical struggles. Through that journey, I decided to return to school to complete my degree in Mental Health Counseling to be able to work on a more personal and individual platform with others, believing that all health stems from mental health. For many years I have volunteered with terminally ill, abused, and abandoned children. My mission in life is to help humanity, one person at a time, personally and professionally. I am passionate about guiding my clients to achieve and live a healthier and higher quality of life and am honored to take this journey with them. Specialty: Adults & Children Sharisa Masterson, Marriage and Family Therapy School Intern Sharisa believes that therapy is meant to support and help individuals, couples, families, and groups navigate complex relationships and develop skills to have a fulfilling life. With a systems approach we will collaborate in a safe environment to find the right resources to help you to achieve the desire outcome from therapy. Together we will identify personal/system strengths to cope with obstacles in your life. Sharisa as a mother, wife, daughter, and friend feels that relationships are vital. Through her undergraduate study she developed a love for helping others enhance and change the current path of their relationships. Her graduate program provided her new insight on the importance of systems and their effect on the individual in a multifaceted way. Living in many locations for Sharisa’s husband military service has provided her with a new outlook on many individuals experiences and desire to find out what has brought people to where they are now. Her love for fast vehicles especially motorcycles has taught her skills on the importance of developing unique and individualized approach to new obstacles. Specialty: Children, Adults, Families & Couples Isaiah Millstein, MFT Student Intern Isaiah is currently earning his Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Capella University, a COAMFTE-accredited program with a strong emphasis on systemic and relational therapy. He is passionate about supporting individuals, couples, and families in navigating the complexities of their emotional and relational lives. Naturally empathetic and a skilled listener, Isaiah brings warmth, presence, and a coaching mindset into his work. He believes that individuals are the experts of their own lives and possess the inner strength to create the future they desire. As a therapist, he sees his role as a collaborative guide, helping clients clarify their goals, tap into their resilience, and move forward with intention. Isaiah’s clinical approach draws from Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), empowering clients to recognize their strengths and make practical, meaningful changes. He is dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive, and affirming space for all clients, including those who identify as LGBTQ+, as well as individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and lived experiences. Isaiah feels honored to walk alongside clients on their journey of healing and growth, offering support that is both compassionate and goal-oriented. Carol Sterner, Office Manager Carol joined our team in February 2021. She manages our billing, insurance, scheduling, and will usually be the one answering your phone calls. Email: contact@happyhealthymindscounseling.com