Monica Lake, PsyD, NCSP
Licensed Psychologist
My Word: Discover
Hi There!
I'm Monica Lake, a licensed psychologist and owner of Dr. Lake & Associates. I am driven to help others and have made this my life mission. I have Master's degrees in Counseling and in Education Psychology & Methodology, and a Doctorate in School Psychology, but I am a lifelong learner. My dedication and commitment to psychology have resulted in several honors awards. Today, you can find me on various listservs, reading and listening to scholarly materials, and teaching graduate classes to mental health counseling students. I also have postgraduate training in Gottman Method and a neuroscience certificate for clinical practice related to trauma, anxiety, and stress disorders.
I am a testing psychologist who provides comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations for children and adults experiencing an array of challenges. In particular, I specialize in the assessment of educational and learning problems, Autism, and giftedness (including 2e). My work at Johns Hopkins University - Center for Talented Youth inspired my dissertation on gifted learners. I own an extensive testing library and give back to the community by assisting in research aimed at improving our field's diagnostic tools.
I am also a counseling psychologist. I believe therapy is helpful for most people and I work on helping my clients become the best version of themselves. Because my relationship with clients is important to the therapeutic work we do, my approach is collaborative, supportive, and non-judgmental. I utilize Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies (CBT), including Dialectic Behavioral Therapy practices (DBT Informed), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Exposure Response Prevention (ERP). These forms of treatment have shown to be highly effective, as they work on helping youth and adults gain perspective, change behavior, and improve mood. These practices teach a variety of skills for clients to use for the rest of their lives.
The pursuit of psychological services brings life-lasting changes. I am truly committed to helping and improving mental well-being because there has been nothing that has made me feel more alive.
Dr. Lake enjoys traveling, going to the beach, gardening, photography, and spending time with her husband, 3 daughters, and the many animals that live with her family.
Michelle Morton, MA
Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern
My WorD:Thrive
Breakthroughs begin here!
Hi,
My name is Michelle Morton, I’m a Florida native and a Clinical Mental Health Therapist. I work with teens and adults. I also enjoy helping families improve their relationships. I’m a trauma-informed specialist! In my work I utilize motivational interviewing, narrative therapy, solution focus, and cognitive behavioral therapies to help people with a range of emotional challenges. And I do all this with a person-centered approach taught by Carl Rodgers, which emphasizes the client’s need and power for self-growth. As a clinical therapist, my focus is to help identify what is causing you concerns and to guide you through strategies for a good life. Everyone is on their own unique journey. My process is individualized to empower you to find strength, insight, and healing.
We are all here to be the best we can be. But our inner critic can take over and isolate us at times. You are not alone in these experiences; most people have them. Having been in the helping field for over 8 years has taught me many insights into these problematic mental processes and I have successfully helped people to achieve inner peace. I hope that you will take the journey and allow me to be a part of it.
In addition to being a therapist, I am an advocate, writer, speaker, motivator, and professional poet. I have a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University. I’ve worked schools, jail system and nonprofit setting.
Michelle enjoys actively advocating in her community, writing poetry, spending time with family and friends. When not at work, she may be found reading or writing.
Dr. Shey Cunha, PhD
Licensed School Psychologist
My Word: Inspire
Hello!
I am Dr. Sheytophia Cunha. You can call me Dr. Shey.
There are thousands of reasons why helping children and their families is the best job in the world! Nothing beats the feeling of making a positive, lasting difference that betters one's life...and the world. As a developmental and educational expert, I view difficulties as an unique opportunity to improve ourselves. My goal is to to help parents and their children learn to recognize these opportunities and find new ways to better manage challenges.
Before I became a school psychologist, I was an Exceptional Student Education (ESE) teacher for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. I developed first hand expertise in effective teaching strategies, behavior techniques, and coping skills. Today, I teach graduate students pursuing a special education degree about these assessment methods and instructional differentiation with a variety of learners. These experiences complement my work as a school psychologist providing services in educational and clinical environments. I truly enjoy helping children with learning, emotional, and social needs strategize for success.
I am committed to helping learners of all ages reach their fullest potential in the classroom and in life. My therapeutic approach is informed by evidence-based literature supporting the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapies (CBT) with children and adolescents, though play and art are used when there is developmentally appropriate indications. My young clients partner with me in their therapeutic journey and are empowered for transforming their lives. I use their previous successes to inspire changes.
Dr. Shey enjoys spending time with her husband and four children, reading, listening to music, and road trips.
Lacey Prine, EdS, NCSP
Licensed School Psychologist
My WorD: Amaze
Hi!
I'm Lacey Prine, a licensed school psychologist. I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and young adults. I am a testing expert since 2011.
I provide comprehensive psychological and educational evaluations with a particular focus on learning challenges. As a helper and diagnostician, I work to get to the root of the problem and find solutions that specifically target needed areas. But I am also a believer in utilizing individual strengths to help compensate those areas of need. I'm passionate about my work and pride myself in the way I'm able to connect with my young clients. Although testing can have some strict procedures, you may find me drawing or playing with clients in order to ease them into the process and make them feel comfortable. I'm laid back and flexible. My goal is simple: to get an accurate picture of how someone is functioning.
I have a Master's and an Educational Specialist degrees in School Psychology from Georgia Southern University. I've worked in various public school settings in FL and out of state. Hence, I understand well ways to navigate the school system when a child is struggling.
Lacey enjoys salsa dancing, traveling, snorkeling, fitness, going to the beach, and her cats.
Andre Pires
Office Manager
My WorD:REACH
Hi!
I'm Andre Pires. I'm a virtual office manager.
I help oversee many administrative tasks, including scheduling and client care coordination. I may reach out to you directly or just help create organizational structure so that your services go as smoothly as possible.
Andre enjoys fishing, gaming, reading, and traveling.