Our Counselors
Nadia Jimenez, PhD, LCSW
Founder and CEO of The Miranda Healing Group/ Counsel NJ LLC
Nadia Jimenez PhD, LCSW has over a decade experience with Clinical Mental Health and Special Education Laws/Practices, including evaluations and IEP’s. Nadia’s true passion in the field surrounds inner healing with EMDR. Dr. Nadia works with all different types of traumas, whether an accident, emotional/mental/physical/ sexual abuse, military/police traumas, infidelity, divorce, loss and more. Nadia also enjoys working around trauma based behaviors caused by childhood / young adulthood experiences. Dr. Nadia’s work history also involves a variety of clinical settings such as her own private practice, outpatient psychiatric centers, psychosocial rehabilitation centers, and home-based therapy visits. She also has extensive Foster Care and Adoption experience.
Mariama Sameth, LMFT
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a certified Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Certified in the state of Florida. I have 11 years of experience working with children, individuals, and couples. I work with individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, Self-Esteem and other chronic mental heal conditions. I am a trained systemic therapist who sees individuals as part of a system. Your current issues may have a lot to do with your past. Trauma, stress, and conflicts don’t happen in a vacuum, they happen within the framework of systems. Looking deeper at that system helps to foster understanding context and patterns, which is crucial in gaining insight.
For over a decade I worked with children, families and individuals using evidenced based therapeutic models that use family systems to effect lasting behavioral changes. Behavior change requires patience and persistence only a skilled clinician employs to bring about incremental changes that can add up to meaningful positive changes.
Is not easy dealing with all other pressures of life and mental health issues at the same time. It requires having a network around you that understands your challenges and can step in to help. Your struggles cannot be insurmountable if you choose the right clinician to help you navigate this emotionally challenging road. Call my office for help!
Allison Fugnitti, LCSW
Allison received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Monmouth University. During her graduate program she gained experience working with geriatrics, adults, and adolescents. She got exposure to both short term rehabilitation as well as long term care centers while assisting the geriatric population. She also gained clinical experience working with survivors in a domestic and sexual violence center. Allison worked with individual clients and their loved ones as well as facilitating group therapy. Allison has experience working with clients with PTSD related to their trauma and has also worked in an acute care hospital as a case manager advocating for the community and ensuring that safe discharge planning needs were met with each individual patient. Allison works with areas such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, self-care, self-esteem, women’s issues and general mental health. Allison’s approach with her clients is caring, compassionate and dedicated, her methods of therapy include CBT, Client-Centered, Psychoanalysis, Psychoeducation and Solution-focused.
Allison has experience working with young children and teens from ages 5 to 17 years old. She has worked with children in the foster care system who have a complex trauma history of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. Allison provided therapeutic services to children and teens utilizing play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy. Allison has supported these individuals to learn emotional regulation skills and effective coping skills to help manage their symptoms. Allison has helped these individuals overcome issues like anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, stress, grief and loss, and suicidal tendencies. She has also helped these individuals navigate everyday challenges through conflict-resolution skills and how to maintain interpersonal relationships.
Stacie Weirda, RMHC-I
Stacie received her Master’s Degree in professional counseling from Grand Canyon University. During her graduate program Stacie gained experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. Stacie has a wide variety of experience working with clients with anxiety, depression, substance/ alcohol use, self-esteem and more. Different modalities Stacie likes to use in treatment may include play and art therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and psychodynamic therapy. Stacie strongly believes in providing a client centered approach to her sessions. She believes her clients to be the experts in their lives and she sees herself as a guide along the way.
Anahi Melendez Mendoza RMHC-I
Anahi C. Melendez Mendoza strongly believes that mental health is of upmost importance to the individual’s overall well-being. She appreciates working with an array of clients inclusive of clients with complex, comorbid, and/or accompanied with a physiological diagnosis. To her treatment should be client-centered and multidimensional, whenever possible guided by the client’s own insights when appropriately expressed. Her approach emphasizes individualized care, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to draw from a diverse range of evidence-based interventions—including but not limited to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), TF-CBT for kids and Teens, TF-CBT for Adults, Mindfulness, Person-Centered Therapy, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Narrative Therapy, and Feedback-Informed Therapy (FIT), among others. This flexibility fosters stronger therapeutic relationships between her and her clients, improved treatment outcomes, and a more responsive therapeutic process.
Her education includes graduating with honors and receiving two Presidential Scholarships from Albizu University where she earned both her Bachelors and Master’s of Science degree in Psychology. Her performance across her field experience course work where became acquainted with clients for the first time received outstanding evaluations, with the supervisor highlighting the following strengths: Strong communication skills, civility, and emotional intelligence; and a consistent willingness to embrace new challenges. In alignment with her commitment to civic engagement and public service, she completed her internship hours at a non-profit organization funded by The Children’s Trust, Miami FL. This organization works directly with individuals and families referred by the Miami-Dade County Family Courts, offering vital mental health services to underserved communities. She brings over 15 years of diverse professional experience in quality assurance, with a proven track record across the healthcare industry inclusive of providing high-level support with confidentiality, professionalism, and advocates for client autonomy.
Victoria Sanchez RMHC-I MS. CAS
Victoria holds a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Advanced Behavior Analysis from Nova Southeastern University. Specializing in a Behavior Analysis approach, she applies principles of behavioral psychology to structured treatment plans while aiming to enhance the mental and physical well being of all her patients. With experience in addressing a spectrum of disorders including autism, addiction, eating disorders, traumatic brain injuries, and congenital birth defects, Victoria has honed her skills in navigating diverse client needs and interpersonal challenges.
Her counseling style is person-centered—focusing on empowering clients to enact enduring, positive change. Through a holistic and cognitive behavioral approach, Victoria collaborates with individuals to identify and transform unproductive thoughts and behaviors, fostering improved quality of life. Published in the International Journal of Special Education and recognized as an expert contributor in lifestyle magazines, Victoria merges compassion, humor, and evidence-based practices to guide clients towards healthier, fulfilling lives. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Russian, Victoria offers counseling services in multiple languages to cater to a diverse clientele.
Brianna Favitta- Life coach, RCSW-I
Meet Brianna, a compassionate life coach/ LCSW- I dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey to healing and growth. With a Bachelor’s degree from FAU and a Master’s from USF, Brianna specializes in working with anxiety, depression, trauma (such as childhood abuse, domestic violence, and accidents), schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. Her expertise spans a diverse range of trauma, drawing from her experience in the child welfare system, crisis intervention with adults, and nurturing foster care teens. Brianna fosters a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel safe to explore their challenges and discover their strengths.
Maggie Perkal RCSW-I
Maggie Perkal is a dedicated and compassionate mental health professional who brings warmth, empathy, and expertise to her work as a Registered Clinical Social Work Intern. A postgraduate of Fordham University with a Master’s in Social Work, Maggie is deeply committed to supporting individuals who are navigating life challenges including, anxiety, depression, life transitions, chronic illness, and self-esteem obstacles.
Maggie strives to create a safe and nonjudgmental space where clients feel comfortable, understood, and empowered. Her warm and approachable personality helps clients feel at ease from the moment they begin their therapeutic journey with her.
Drawing on an integrative approach, Maggie tailors her therapeutic methods to each client’s unique needs. She incorporates techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), strengths-based therapy, and psychodynamic approaches, providing a flexible and holistic framework for healing and growth.
Maggie’s passion lies in helping individuals build resilience, discover their strengths, and manage life’s challenges with confidence. Her goal is to foster meaningful connections and create lasting change, ensuring every client feels supported and heard.
Dominique Lerouge, RCSWI
Dominique is a warm, collaborative, and compassionate therapist who believes healing begins with human connection. She works with children, adolescents, young adults, and families navigating life’s challenges, including anxiety, depression, psychosis, grief, trauma, life transitions, and relationship struggles. Dominique has a particular passion for supporting those impacted by trauma, interpersonal relationships, and complex family dynamics.
With both clinical training and lived experience, Dominique approaches her work through a culturally sensitive, strengths-based lens. She is dedicated to helping clients feel seen, heard, and empowered to create meaningful change. Her therapeutic style integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Family Systems Theory, Motivational Interviewing, and Trauma-Informed Care, tailoring sessions to meet each client’s unique needs and goals.
Dominique’s goal is to create a safe, affirming space where clients can explore their experiences, build resilience, and move toward a more connected and fulfilled life.
Jahasmyna Sosa- RCSW-I
Jahasmyna Sosa, graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Master’s in Clinical Social Work. She is a Registered Clinical Social Work Intern (RCSWI) in Florida, working in Tamarac, FL, and virtually throughout the state. She is passionate about working with teens, young adults, and older adults.
Jahasmyna’s clinical approach utilizes a humanistic, person-centered approach while incorporating narrative, mindfulness, Solution-Focused Approaches, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques. She also incorporates an empowerment based approach and creates a safe environment for her clients to express themselves and feel validated. Jahasmyna enjoys using these modalities to help reinforce clients’ strengths through a strength-based approach. Her therapeutic style is warm and down-to-earth.
Jahasmyna’s clinical training experience includes working with clients with complex trauma, domestic violence, sexual abuse, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and family and relational issues.
