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What Parents ❤️ About AWA

95% of parents and teens recommend AWA

4.9

35 Google reviews

Our program’s positive impact and strong outcomes are the driving force behind our work. Seeing families thriving and witnessing the transformation of the teens fills us with a sense of purpose.

Families emphasize the practical value of our teen mental health programs, noting their effectiveness in teaching essential skills for maintaining teen mental health. They acknowledge how families are fully involved in treatment and appreciate the genuine care provided by our dedicated team. 

This is truly a life changing program. So much knowledge, experience and kindness. From beginning to end and in between. This place was there for us through the most difficult time. They have a perfect combination of individual sessions and group sessions that really works. They have the knowledge and the heart to get to these teenagers. They know how to talk to them and to the parents. Most importantly they care. They really do care for each and everyone that enrolls in the program and their families. 

Kareen McQueen

AWA has been critical in the progress of my loved one. He graduated from the program with the tools and confidence to continue a path of sobriety and mental health. Their ability to capture the interest of teenagers FIRST by building a community of their peers was instrumental in the progress of my family member and my family overall. Their clinical approach is research-based and consistent. But most significant is a personal touch and human connection that is genuine and authentic. They really care about these kids, and it shows in the outcomes. 

Veronica Lesmes

AWA is an excellent, caring, and supportive center for anyone searching for help with their adolescent. In the intensive outpatient program, my daughter learned invaluable life tools to cope with a very difficult time in her life with depression and anxiety. I am so appreciative of all the kindness and care they showed my daughter. You saved us and helped us grow as a family. The group and individual therapy are amazing and so helpful in dealing with so many obstacles. I will never forget what they did for us. 

Nancy Arocho

My daughter started the program because of mental disorders. The therapists worked with her in a very individualized way, and made her feel understood and at ease, and as a result she became comfortable also in group therapy. From struggling to stay alive, my daughter is now enjoying her life and is so thankful to the program and her therapists for teaching her how to cope with her psychiatric illness.

As a parent, I am so thankful to the program for including us parents through group therapy, family sessions and group family sessions: I, as a parent, learned how to create the healthiest environment to promote and support my daughter’s recovery 🙂 

Maggie

The staff here is excellent – very experienced in working with teens and very responsive to parents. I think it’s a productive approach to therapy that involves both the parents and the kids and allows the kids to share with their peers in a safe place. It focuses on the roots of issues rather than just the symptoms. 

K Anderson

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We are so grateful to have found the Adolescent Wellness Academy. The entire staff was incredibly helpful, professional, and welcoming since our first phone call. All the therapists made her feel heard and understood. She graduated the program and has maintained the skills and strategies she learned there. While our daughter was able to get the help she so badly needed, the parent groups were a lifeline for my husband and me during our family’s crisis. 

Lauren Weissberg

From the time of the intake, the team was very supportive. Through the program, all the therapists have been very helpful. I appreciate the individualized support my daughter has received. One of my favorite parts of the programs is how they integrate parents into the process. Every week there is an optional but highly encouraged parent meeting, where we get support and discuss how to address issues from a caregiver perspective. These groups are empowering to parents. 

Gisselle Hernandez

I don’t have enough words of how thankful my family is with the center for helping us with my son. We were struggling with my adolescent with anxiety, depression, gaming addiction, and trouble coping at school. The team is so professional, they really understand this age, but most of all they provide the tools and follow up for a successful recovery. My son is back on track, and mostly of all he is happy. 

Mayra Zapata

Everyone was extremely helpful, and they made sure my son felt comfortable and safe. He loved going to therapy and really felt like they were helping him. I took my son in for depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Let me just tell you, I gave AWA a kid I didn’t recognize, a sad and anxious kid, a lost boy, and they gave me back my healthy, happy and clean son. He and I owe so much to this place. The amazing team of counselors and therapist and psychiatrist allowed for his quick recovery. 

Meiling Suarez

Can’t thank them enough for what they have done with my son. The staff really cares and it shows by their dedication of helping each client with tools to get them in a better place mentally. My son went in for anxiety and depression and by the end of it he was confident and excited about his future. He was given tools and resources to continue to get better. I don’t know what would have happened if I didn’t find this place. Best decision I made for my son. 

Elga Monteiro

Discover how our judgment-free, evidence-based care can support your teen mental health and your family

Request a call back and our admissions team will get in touch with you to answer all your questions.

We will support you in finding the right treatment for your teen – even if it is not ours.

We are here to help 24/7.

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Note we are not a crisis hotline, in case of emergency, please call 911 
We accept most insurance but do not take Medicaid at this time.

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Kimberly Geller

Kimberly Geller - Primary Therapist (Davie)

Kimberly is a compassionate and dedicated therapist with a Master’s degree in Social Work from Florida International University. Kimberly creates a nurturing and secure environment where clients can freely explore their emotions and embark on their journey toward healing and growth. Kimberly specializes in client-centered approaches that helps tailor her therapeutic methods to meet unique needs and goals. By fostering a collaborative therapeutic relationship, she empowers clients to develop effective coping skills and achieve meaningful progress in their mental health journey. Kimberly ensures that each person she works with feels understood and valued throughout their therapeutic process.

Zainub Fatta - Therapist (Davie)

Zainub holds a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Nova Southeastern University and has extensive experience treating a wide range of mental health issues in adults, teens, and children. She specializes in treating diverse mental health struggles such as anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, social anxiety, anger management, etc. She also has a lot of experience treating addiction and substance abuse problems within various treatment centers. Zainub views mental health from a systemic perspective, emphasizing the significance of how one’s environment and childhood impacts them, which is why she also specializes in family therapy and couples therapy, when it comes to achieving holistic well-being. Passionate about empowering individuals to find their voice, she considers it a privilege to listen to their vulnerable stories and provide the support they need. Her therapeutic approach focuses on uplifting clients by building their confidence and challenging them to break old, negative patterns of thinking and behavior.

Allyson Timmons - Assistant Clinical Director (Davie)
Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Allyson Timmons is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and the Assistant Clinical Director of our Davie location.  She is Florida born and raised, and has her bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s degree in Counselor Education with a focus in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Florida International University. She has been working in the mental health field for over fifteen years in various capacities. She is a Qualified Supervisor in the State of Florida and enjoys helping clients and supervisees alike. Allyson works with adolescents and adults that struggle with mental health issues, substance abuse, and co-occurring disorders. Treatment modalities and evidence-based techniques Allyson utilizes eclectic approaches and tailors treatment plans to clients based on their needs. She takes a more direct, supportive, honest, and solution-focused approach. Some of these modalities include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness Techniques, and Humanistic approaches. Allyson empowers her clients to make change for themselves.

Krystine Garay

Krystine Garay – Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Krystine Garay is a licensed mental health counselor, marriage family therapist, and certified telehealth practitioner. Raised in Miami, Florida, and a member of the Hispanic community, she provides services in both English and Spanish. With five years of experience, she has worked with children, adolescents, and adults, focusing on domestic violence, substance abuse, family conflicts, co-occurring disorders, and mental health issues.
Krystine holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Florida International University and a master’s degree with dual specializations in mental health and marriage and family counseling from Barry University. She is pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology with a concentration in health psychology from Carlos Albizu University.
Her clinical experience includes rotations at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, where she assisted children with co-occurring disorders using mindfulness exercises, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and dialectical-behavioral techniques.
Krystine believes in the power of personal growth and progress, and she is dedicated to fostering positive change in her clients’ lives.

Alyssa Mencucci – Therapist (Miami)

Alyssa is a dedicated master’s level clinician specializing in providing compassionate
therapy for adolescents and children facing severe mental health challenges. With a
deep understanding of the developmental stages and psychological needs of
adolescents and children, Alyssa offers expertise in addressing trauma-related issues,
guiding individuals through the complexities of grief, managing anxiety and depression,
navigating personality disorders, and supporting those dealing with PTSD. Alyssa uses
evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, DBT, play therapy,
and trauma-focused interventions to create a safe and nurturing environment for
healing. Alyssa believes in a client-centered approach, tailoring therapy to meet the
unique needs and circumstances of each individual. She creates a safe and nurturing
environment where adolescents and children can explore their emotions, develop
coping skills, and embark on a journey of healing and growth.

Dr. Jacqueline Pablos – Clinical Director

Vulnerability and connection are at the heart of Dr. Pablos’ therapeutic approach. As the
Clinical Director for Adolescent Wellness Academy, she aims to create a safe space for
clients to embrace their emotions and express their needs in healthier ways. Dr. Pablos
specializes in treating depression, anxiety, body image issues, bullying, eating
disorders, and self-harm behaviors using techniques like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and
ACT.
With extensive training in hospitals and counseling centers, Dr. Pablos has a strong
background in helping teens and adults with co-occurring mental and physical health
disorders. She holds a Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology, with specialized training
at institutions like Florida International University, Jackson Memorial Hospital,
Clementine Monte Nido, and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.

Kimberly

Kimberly Carlesi – Therapist (Miami)

Kimberly, a dedicated therapist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health
Counseling from Florida International University, specializes in supporting individuals
with eating disorders, trauma, and substance abuse. She creates a safe, nurturing
environment for her clients’ healing journeys, drawing from diverse therapeutic
modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. With a
focus on trust and collaboration, Kimberly empowers clients through personalized
interventions, fostering self-awareness and resilience.

Melanie Medrano – Therapist

Melanie has a profound commitment to guiding individuals on their paths to self-discovery and healing. Equipped with a diverse skill set, Melanie has received specialized training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Motivational Interviewing. 

At the heart of Melanie’s therapeutic approach is a desire to provide clients with a safe, nurturing space where they can empower themselves with the tools necessary to navigate life’s complexities. Melanie finds joy in witnessing clients emerge from challenging circumstances, stepping into the light from what once felt like a dark place.  

Cristina Arango – Clinical Supervisor

Text coming 

Benjamin Ziegler LMFT – Therapist

With a heart for guiding families through challenges and fostering connections, Benjamin is committed to creating a therapeutic space where each family member feels heard, understood, and supported. His genuine enthusiasm for helping families thrive is a driving force in his approach.

Benjamin is highly qualified professional with a Master’s Degree and credentials as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). He also has a certification in narrative therapy, where he skillfully utilizes storytelling to empower individuals and families on their mental health journey, guiding them to reshape their narratives and discover fresh perspectives.  

Celanie Chenet – Therapist

Celanie is a mental health professional with a Master’s Degree and licensure as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). Celanie is dedicated to providing supportive care through various modalities and has a robust background in trauma-informed care, Living in Balance, and Protective Action Response.

Celanie’s primary modalities include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), with a specialization in Trauma Focused-CBT (TF-CBT), Interpersonal Therapy, and Brief Solution-focused therapy (BSF). With a commitment to helping individuals navigate challenges and achieve positive outcomes, Celanie brings a wealth of expertise and a caring approach to the therapeutic process.   

Michael Panzeca – Program Manager

With over 40 years of dedicated experience in the field of mental health and addiction, Michael has established himself as a pivotal figure in the development of transformative treatment programs. His expertise has been instrumental in shaping various nationally recognized treatment centers across the United States. Michael’s visionary approach also led to the creation of the Adolescent Wellness Academy, a pioneering initiative aimed at enhancing the mental well-being of young people.Michael’s unique blend of professionalism and creativity sets him apart in his field. Drawing from his side profession as a stand-up comedian, he infuses humor and originality into program design, making therapeutic processes more engaging and effective. His ability to connect with parents and teens on a deeper level—balancing candor with compassion—has made him a sought-after counselor and mentor.Certified by the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium as an Addiction Counselor, Michael’s credentials are further bolstered by his training in Gestalt Therapy from The Cincinnati Gestalt Institute. His extensive training and hands-on experience equip him with the skills to address complex mental health and addiction issues, providing holistic and empathetic support to his clients.Michael is particularly passionate about working with families, helping parents and teens navigate the challenges of addiction and mental health with a blend of honesty, humor, and heartfelt understanding. His approach not only facilitates healing but also empowers individuals to thrive in their personal journeys.

Dr. Carlos Satulovsky – Medical Director

Dr. Carlos Satulovsky is a board-certified psychiatrist and has over 30 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Facultad De Ciencias Medicas/Universidad Nacional. He is affiliated with medical facilities North Shore Medical Center.  

Jenn Jacoby LMHC – Clinical Director

Jenn is a highly qualified mental health professional with a Master’s Degree and credentials as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). Jenn is not only a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) but also holds certification in Child and Family Studies.

Jenn’s extensive training includes being a Certified Trainer by DJJ for Trauma Responsive and Caring Environment, expertise in Aggression Replacement Training (ART), Impact of Crime, Thinking for a Change, Living in Balance, Cannabis Youth Treatment, Coping with Stress: A CBT Program for Teens with Trauma, Adolescents Coping with Depression, Motivational Interviewing, Protective Action Response, and being a Certified Peer Reviewer for Monitoring and Quality Improvement (MQI).

 In terms of modalities, Jenn is proficient in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Solution-focused therapy, Strength-based therapy, Narrative therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. With Jenn’s diverse skill set and commitment to professional development, she brings a comprehensive and compassionate approach to mental health counseling.