Welcome to our practice! Here at TBAC, we pride ourselves in providing superior service to our clients. All of our Psychologists and Counselors have extensive training and experience. TBAC goes through a careful selection process of our providers and are all hand selected by Dr. Diaz. Unlike many other practices, even our Registered Interns are highly experienced and skilled, holding a combined 40 years of experience alone. Likewise, our Psychologists and Counselors have combined 50 years of experience between them. Our staff regularly consults one another on treatment so you can rest assured, regardless of which provider you see at one of our offices, you have a team of professionals behind them that give guidance and care about you and your case. Though our providers range in personality and approach, they all are highly trained and skilled to treat the following:
- OCD, GAD, Panic Attacks, Social Anxiety
- Trauma, PTSD, Abuse, Childhood Issues
- Depression, Grief, Mood and Personality Disorders
- Trichotillimania and Excoriation Disorder
- ASD
- Alcohol and Drug Addiction
- Children, Teens, Adults, Couples and Families
Dr. Charisse Diaz PsyD LMHC Qualified Supervisor
Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Charisse Diaz has 17 years of experience in the mental health field. She is also a qualified supervisor through the Florida Department of Health where she provides guidance and training for new counselors entering the field. With a warm and friendly style, she has treated a wide variety of issues and disorders and welcomes patients with any issue to work with her. Dr. Diaz specifically specializes in the treatment of anxiety related disorders including generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, trichotillomania, and excoriation disorder. Dr. Diaz primarily relies on behavioral activation, mindfulness-based interventions, cognitive behavioral therapy, and habit reversal training. She tailors her treatment individually to each patient.
In addition to her specialty in anxiety treatment, Dr. Diaz works closely with local pediatricians and has a special interest in working with children utilizing behavioral modification, parenting skills training, and play therapy techniques.
Dr. Diaz is a huge advocate in recognizing that mental health is brain health. Part of the issue surrounding the mental health is that it is a sign of weakness. On the contrary, our brains are amazing organs, but just as prone to diseases and disorders as any other part of the body. Dr. Diaz educates patients on brain health to assist them with a better sense of understanding.
Emanuel “Manny” Diaz MA, LMHC, ADC-C
Chief Operations Officer
Manny has several years of experience working with children and adults with a variety of issues and disorders. His knowledge of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and trauma is extensive. He enjoys working with all ages and customizes a treatment approach that will assist you in feeling your best. Manny has a welcoming and strength-based approach that helps patients feel comfortable and at ease, making your time at therapy open and productive. He is also direct, when necessary, which motivates you to address issues you may not be initially aware of at your first intake session. Manny strongly relies on cognitive behavioral therapy, behavioral modification, dialectical behavior therapy, and exposure and response prevention in his treatment methods.
Manny is also a Certified Attention Deficit Consultant Specialist by the American Institute of Healthcare Professionals. Due to his expertise in this area, he can provide assessment, diagnosis, education, and guidance for you or your child who may be struggling with symptoms of ADHD.
Dr. Carmen R. Ugalde, PhD, LMHC
Licensed Clinician
Dr. Carmen R. Ugalde has extensive experience in the mental health field successfully working with children, adolescents, and parents in various settings, including private practice and school counseling. Her areas of expertise include parenting, emotional and behavioral disorders, adjustment disorders, stress-related issues, anxiety, and depression among many others. She is committed to helping her clients become their best selves through a highly personalized, collaborative, and strength-based approach. Her treatment modalities rely on cognitive behavioral therapy, rational emotive therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, integrative and holistic practices, as well as play and art therapy.
Dr. Ugalde is extremely knowledgeable and comfortable working with young children and is a native Spanish speaker and has frequently worked with youth and parents from diverse backgrounds.
Dr. Sarah Sheffield-Marchand, LMHC, CRC, TTS
Licensed Clinician
Dr. Sheffield earned a Doctorate in Behavioral and Community Sciences and Masters in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from the University of South Florida. She holds certifications in substance use, vocational rehabilitation, tobacco cessation, and translational research for adolescent behavioral health. Dr. Sheffield has successfully worked in child investigations, court diversion, and residential substance abuse settings. Sarah’s specializations include substance use, eating disorders, child welfare, and life transitions.
Dr. Sheffield believes we find the best way to survive or cope given our life circumstances. However, maladaptive coping can cause distress and impact our functioning – loss of relationships, low grades, or poor job reviews. Sarah explores client goals to formulate practical approaches to healing. She uses an existential, motivational, and non-judgmental therapy orientation to help clients consider personal values, find meaning, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and improve functioning.
Elizabeth Lewerke LMHC
Licensed Clinician
Elizabeth earned a Master’s of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from Mid America Nazarene University and a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from Liberty University with a minor in Faith Based Counseling and is certified in Trauma Informed Care. She has over 10 years experience in the mental health field, working with children of all ages as well as adults.
Elizabeth’s past counseling experience includes: Counseling inmates; diagnosis of co-occurring disorders; substance abuse/addiction; trauma; self-esteem; grief/loss; depression; anxiety; mood disorders; personality disorders; marital and family issues and working with at risk youth aged infancy to 17. Her strengths specific to counseling: Empathic; encouraging; extraordinary active listening skills; a myriad of life experiences thus enabling her to relate to a diversity of circumstances and people.
She is eclectic in her approach incorporating Mindfulness Based interventions; Motivational Interviewing; CBT; Narrative Therapy and adheres to the Adlerian theory of beliefs. She aspires to utilize her skills and strengths through reaching adults and youth who are seeking help, in the Tampa Bay area.
In addition, Elizabeth is Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) trained. ART is an advanced modality that utilizes bilateral stimulation through eye movements to heal trauma.
Kada Stull, MEd, EDs, LMHC
Licensed Clinician
Kada enjoys working with kids, teenagers, adults and providing parents with support and validation through the ups and downs of parenting. Kada graduated with her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from The University of Florida and she is in the process of becoming a Registered Play Therapist.
Kada takes a trauma-informed approach and uses attachment-based theory in her practice. She also utilizes CBT, Person-Centered and Mindfulness Based Interventions. She loves using Play Therapy Techniques as play is a child’s primary form of communication and processing. Kada has experience in working with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Reactive Attachment Disorder, ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Self Esteem, Adjustment Disorder and all the changes that life can throw at us from time to time. Kada believes we have everything we need inside us already to heal and grow, but sometimes we just need help tapping into those strengths. Kada aims to provide a safe environment to do just that.
William “Patrick” Smith LCSW
Licensed Clinician
Patrick has more than eight years of experience in the mental health and addictions field, having worked in many different settings with diverse populations. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Work with a minor in Psychology and a Master of Social Work from Salisbury University. Patrick is a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Army, where he served multiple combat deployments. His areas of clinical expertise include: co-occurring disorders, trauma, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, male sexual trauma, depression, anxiety, substance abuse/addictions, anger management, crisis intervention, grief/loss, couples and family therapy.
Patrick’s counseling approach is solution focused and utilizes various therapies such as: Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Dialectic Behavioral (DBT), Strength-Based, Person-Centered, Rational Emotive Behavioral (REBT), Psychodynamic, Trauma Informed, and Acceptance Centered (ACT). Patrick is certified in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) which is one of the most effective psychotherapy tools to eliminate anxiety, depression, and trauma for immediate and lasting change.
Patrick strives to provide a compassionate and understanding environment for individuals to explore their concerns and find solutions. He works collaboratively with each individual while establishing a trusting relationship to assist in motivating them to grow and seek their true potential. Patrick’s motivation lies in having the ability to support, plan, coordinate, and implement evidence-based practices to bring significant improvement to the success of his clients, their families, and communities in which he serves.
Holly Gardner, LMHC
Licensed Clinician
Holly brings a unique 15 years of experience in the mental health field, including working on an inpatient psychiatric unit, and most recently running an Adult Trauma Recovery Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient program.
Holly specializes in treating post traumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, eating disorders, mood disorders, and relationship difficulties. With such an array of diagnoses she treats, Holly is aware of and utilizes various approaches that best fit an individual’s needs. The various treatment approaches that she uses include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Schema Therapy, Prolonged Exposure Therapy, and Exposure and Response Prevention. She also includes the use of art and music to help individuals communicate and process through difficult times.
Holly will be providing small groups for Dialectal Behavior Therapy/Schema Therapy and Trauma, which will be for adults only.
Holly is a Massachusetts native, living in the sunshine state for the past 6 years. While not working Holly can be seen on the rugby field and competing in local triathlons.
Lauren Roberts, LMHC
Licensed Clinician
Lauren enjoys working with adults, couples, and children ages two and older, along with providing parental support through a love and logic approach. Lauren received her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is a Doctoral student in the Counselor Education and Supervision program at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Lauren works with a variety of issues including attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), reactive attachment disorder (RAD), adjustment disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, anxiety, self-esteem, depression, and couples counseling. Additionally, Lauren has experience with grief counseling having led support groups for children who experienced the significant death of a loved one and co-facilitated a support group for adults who experienced a death from suicide.
Lauren’s approach is trauma informed. She utilizes skills and techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Person-Centered therapy using a strength-based approach along with Mindfulness-Based Interventions. When working with children and teens, she utilizes play therapy skills and techniques into her sessions. Lauren wants to provide a safe environment for all ages to explore their past, who they are today, and where they want to be tomorrow.
Elizabeth Hinckley
Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern
Elizabeth Hinckley is a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern who has been working in the mental health field for several years in a variety of settings, including inpatient mental health, substance use treatment, community mental health and outpatient counseling. Elizabeth obtained her Master of Arts degree in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from the University of South Florida in 2019 after earning a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from Florida Gulf Coast University. Elizabeth’s collaborative and strength based approach assists clients in self navigation and exploration. She also utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) techniques to help clients manage difficult emotions, and to gain understanding of triggers to these feelings. Elizabeth also incorporates a trauma informed lens in her practice.
Elizabeth enjoys working with adolescents and adults living with depression or who are navigating feelings of hopelessness and guilt that sometimes come up throughout our lives. Elizabeth also has extensive experience working with individuals experiencing anxiety and excessive worry that create difficulties for people in their daily living. Elizabeth has experience supporting individuals who have experienced trauma (survivors of crime, abuse, assault and natural disasters) , and creates a safe, supportive space for clients to process, explore, and integrate difficult memories and experiences. Elizabeth is competent and affirming in providing therapy to members of the LGBTQIA+ population, and is affirming of all gender expressions and sexual identities.
Omodele Cordero, MA
Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern
Omodele Cordero is a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern who has been working in the mental health field for several years. She earned her Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology at the Chicago School Professional Psychology. She has extensive experience working in the welfare system where she cultivated the love and skills in working with children, adolescents, and adults struggling with a variety of mental health issues and substance abuse. Omodele is a strong advocate for those who have daily struggles. She works very hard with her clients to relieve symptoms and gain the ability to live a happy and fulfilling life. Omodele is kind and compassionate but also direct when necessary. She believes it is important that her patients hear the truth, even though it may be difficult to hear because this is how someone can really grow to their full potential. Omodele is EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) trained and uses this approach to treat patients with PTSD, Anxiety, Depression and Emotional Distress.
Lianna Malawski, MA
Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern
Lianna is a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern who specializes in working with adults, young adults and adolescents. Lianna obtained her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialty in Sport Psychology from Boston University in 2022 after earning a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology minoring in Exercise Science and Sports Performance and Coaching from Appalachian State University.
She is a strong social justice advocate and is passionate about working with the local BIPOC community. As a former Division II athlete and with prior experience working with DI and DIII universities, she also provides services for athletes looking to improve their performance skill set and add to their mental skills toolbox. Lianna is trained in various evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Interventions and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) and has experience working with depression, anxiety, trauma, chronic pain management, substance use, and neurodivergent individuals. Lianna’s approach toward therapy is to create a safe and brave space for those who are currently struggling. She takes a client-centered approach where she believes the client is the expert on their experience and is there as a supportive guide to help uncover those strong emotional feelings. By creating a validating and encouraging counseling space Lianna ultimately wishes for clients to find their power and improve their well-being. Lianna is affirming in providing therapy to the members of the LGBTQIA+ population and is affirming of all gender expressions and sexual identities.
Lianna enjoys traveling, being around family and friends and is a big foodie!
Laura Huerta, AS
Administrative Assistant
Laura will likely be one of your initial contacts when you reach out to our practice. Laura is warm, friendly and kind. She treats every potential client with care and respect. She will listen to your concerns and match you with the perfect Clinician for you. Laura will then guide you through the paperwork process and will contact you with insurance verification information so that you know all costs associated with treatment upfront. With a degree and background in Business Administration, Laura is attentive to details, making sure that your intake process is as smooth and comfortable as possible.
Joanie Mione
Administrative Assistant
Joanie brings 20+ years experience working in the administrative field in New York and Florida. She will assist you on the phone and in the office to ensure you have a positive experience, whether you are a potential or current client with our practice. Joanie knows the importance of our clients feeling comfortable with our clinicians and strives to make your visit with us a pleasant one. She will address your concerns and keep in touch with you during your intake and scheduling process. Most importantly, Joanie has a deep compassion for people, assuring everyone is treated with courtesy and dignity.
Jose Diaz
Billing Manager
Jose has many years of experience working with insurance companies and account management. Jose is here to guide you through the process of verifying your insurance and understanding costs associated with your treatment. Jose is caring and pays great attention to detail. He will ensure that the financial aspects of your treatment are well understood and claims are filed with your insurance company in an efficient manner.
Marley
Animal Assisted Therapy Dog in Training
Marley is a purebred Goldendoodle who is currently in training to provide Animal Assisted Therapy to those who choose to benefit from her during their sessions. Marley comes from champion bloodlines and has older siblings who serve in many helping capacities, working with First Responders and in hospital settings. As Marley is currently in training, her ability to fully interact is a bit limited as she works towards full certification. We hope that Marley brings our patients peace and joy in sessions for those who are comfortable with this. Please note that having Marley in your sessions is completely optional.
