Meet Leslie

Hello! My name is Leslie, and I am so glad you're here.  Apart from the years I spent away from Ocala, I have lived in Ocala, Fl, since I was a young child.  I moved here from Puerto Rico as my father's career took us here. 

I started out going to college to become an elementary school teacher. While living in California, I landed a job working as a teacher's aide.  At one point, I was assigned to work one on one with a first grader due to some challenges he was facing in the learning environment.  What I realized working with him was that I was far more interested in helping him work through his thoughts and feelings rather than his academics.  This experience led to me switching my carer focus to psychology and counseling.

I graduated with my Master's Degree in Science in Psychology and Counseling through the University of West Alabama in 2008.  I started my counseling career at a community mental center, formerly known as The Centers, where I worked with children and adults.  It was through this experience that I narrowed in on working with teenagers and adults on a myriad of issues.  I really loved helping 

In 2014, I earned my license in mental health counseling  through the state of Florida.  Soon after, I started working at The Refuge, A Healing Place, where I had the honor of working with individuals that struggled with trauma, addiction and other mental health issues. While working at The Refuge, I was trained in Equine Assisted Therapy through E.A.G.A.L.A. and Natural Lifemanship, E.M.D.R. (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), A.R.T. (Accelerated Resolution Therapy), and Breathwork Level I through Carol Lampman's Integral Breath Therapy.  I also completed three modules of Judy Crane's Spirit to Spirit Trauma training. In addition to these specific interventions, I also have experience and training in C.B.T. (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), D.B.T. (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), Ego State Interventions, and Motivational Interviewing.

In addition to my experience and training, I am also guided by my heart and intuition.  I take into account a person's history and experiences, and partner with them in developing a treatment approach that will help them achieve their therapeutic goals. It is always my hope to provide a safe and nurturing environment for healing and growth.