Helping Children Feel Understood, Supported, and Confident
At Elevate PD & Therapy Corp in Fernandina Beach, Florida, I specialize in helping children build emotional awareness, resilience, and confidence. Whether your child is struggling with anxiety, behavioral challenges, ADHD, school stress, or big emotions they don’t yet have words for, therapy can help them learn healthy ways to understand and express their feelings.
Before becoming a therapist, I worked as a special education teacher and later as a school social worker, supporting students of all abilities and their families. That experience gave me a deep understanding of how emotions, learning, and behavior connect — and how school, home, and friendships can all impact a child’s well-being.
In my office (and sometimes on the floor, with games, art supplies, or fidget toys), kids find a space where they can laugh, talk, and learn new skills in a way that feels safe and natural.
Why Kids Come to Therapy
Children often express what they’re feeling through behavior — not words. Therapy can help when you notice things like:
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Frequent anxiety, worry, or emotional meltdowns
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Anger, irritability, or defiance
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Difficulty focusing or staying organized
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Struggles with friendships or social cues
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Withdrawal, sadness, or loss of confidence
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School avoidance or frequent nurse visits
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Adjusting to divorce, loss, or major life changes
Therapy provides a structured but playful space for kids to work through these challenges and develop the emotional tools they’ll carry for life.
My Approach
Therapy with me is interactive, compassionate, and developmentally informed. I blend play therapy, cognitive behavioral strategies (CBT), mindfulness, and social-emotional learning to meet each child where they are.
My background in education means I understand how to collaborate effectively with parents, teachers, and school teams to ensure that progress in therapy translates to success in the classroom and at home. I also help parents understand what’s happening behind their child’s behaviors and how to respond in ways that promote connection rather than conflict.
We’ll work together to help your child:
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Learn to identify and express emotions
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Develop coping and problem-solving skills
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Improve focus and self-control
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Build self-esteem and social confidence
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Strengthen family communication and routines
Every session is customized to your child’s needs, interests, and learning style — because no two kids (or families) are alike.
What to Expect
Therapy with children looks different from therapy with adults — and that’s a good thing. We use creative activities, movement, stories, and age-appropriate conversation to help your child feel comfortable opening up.
You’ll stay involved in the process, too. I provide regular parent check-ins, guidance on strategies to use at home, and collaboration with teachers or support staff when needed. The goal is to create a circle of support that helps your child thrive in every environment.
Sessions are available in person at my Fernandina Beach office and online throughout Florida for older children and parents who prefer the flexibility of telehealth.
When to Reach Out
You don’t need to wait until things feel “bad enough.” Many families start therapy when they notice early signs of stress, anxiety, or changes in behavior. If your child is struggling to manage emotions, navigate friendships, or succeed in school, therapy can help them gain the tools to feel more secure and capable — and help you feel more supported as a parent.
Getting Started
If you’ve been watching your child struggle and wondering how to help, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Let’s talk about what’s been happening and how we can support your child together.
📍 Elevate PD & Therapy Corp
Fernandina Beach, FL
Serving children and families across Florida via telehealth