WHO WE ARE
At AIM, we believe in the power of one’s capacity to create change.
AIM offers a team of interdisciplinary providers that demonstrates the ability to meet your mental health needs with specialized treatment.
A treatment prescriptive will be developed to connect the client with in-house specialized resources and trusted referral sources to meet your and your family’s needs. The AIM Team collaborates when clinically needed to utilize the various expertise in order to assist in the client’s timely movement towards their goals. We aim for our clients to have an exceptional experience and nothing less.
A treatment prescriptive will be developed to connect the client with in-house specialized resources and trusted referral sources to meet your and your family’s needs. The AIM Team collaborates when clinically needed to utilize the various expertise in order to assist in the client’s timely movement towards their goals. We aim for our clients to have an exceptional experience and nothing less.
The AIM team provides evidence based treatment and measurable outcomes along with psychoeducation, advocacy, consultation for mental health related circumstances. We focus the core of the matter in order for the client to understand and recognize how to change behavior pattens to create improved outcomes.We are all are wired differently. The universal goal is to optimize our strengths and manage our deficits.
OUR COUNSELORS
Amie Thomas, LMHC, CTS
From my experience, I continue to observe that mental health is the foundation of health. It has been a privilege to work with and learn from clients since 2005 in various settings.
My strength-based approach allows individuals, couples, and families to experience a safe environment in which to increase knowledge and awareness regarding emotions. Psychoeducation is key at Aim Counseling. Knowledge is power and a means ny which to learn how to be more in control of the abstract experience of emotions.
Amie Thomas
LMHC, CTS
From my experience, I continue to observe that mental health is the foundation of health. It has been a privilege to work with and learn from clients since 2005 in various settings.
My strength-based approach allows individuals, couples, and families to experience a safe environment in which to increase knowledge and awareness regarding emotions. Psychoeducation is key at Aim Counseling. Knowledge is power and a means ny which to learn how to be more in control of the abstract experience of emotions.
As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Trauma and Loss Specialist, I am experienced working with children, teens, and adults to assist in rebuilding balance. Based upon my clinical experience, I believe that expressive arts can make a significant impact on increasing self-understanding and finding your voice.
I graduated in 2000 from Radford University in Southwest Virginia with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology. I continued my education at Florida Gulf Coast University and earned a Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling in 2005. During my Masters-level education, my internship was completed at Southwest Florida Addiction Services. Starting in 2005, I began working with children, teens, and their families in the residential and outpatient non-profit setting addressing issues such as ungovernable behaviors, parent-child conflict, peer relationship problems, self-destructive behaviors, trauma and abuse, grief and loss, and mood disorders. I also gained extensive experience working with adults who struggle with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma and loss, childhood abuse, relationship challenges, and overall adjustment problems to everyday life stressors.
In 2009, I became licensed as a Mental Health Counselor in the State of Florida. During my time working in the non-profit agency setting, I was promoted from a therapist position up to the Assistant Clinical Director. In 2010, I became a Certified Trauma and Loss Specialist (CTS) for children, adolescents, adults, and parents from the National Institute of Trauma and Loss. This training was extremely helpful in understanding how trauma impacts a person’s overall ability to function. The training also increased my skills in providing effective treatment to overcome the imprint of trauma and loss. In 2012 and 2013, I presented “Creativity in Counseling” at the Krimes Against Kids Conference in Orlando, Florida. The presentation explained how trauma impacts the brain and how the expressive arts can tap into the trauma memory in order to regulate emotions, challenge inaccurate beliefs, and process the trauma history to promote posttraumatic growth. I am also a trained Qualified Supervisor for up and coming therapists in their Post-Masters internship requirements to become licensed in the State of Florida.
Through my experiences working in this profession, I have witnessed clients demonstrate their commitment to overcoming challenges and embracing change step by step. It is an honor to have the opportunity to support those in their transformation.
At the Aim Counseling group, my associates are trained and supervised to provide quality and effective mental health care.
James Phillips, LMHC
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida receiving my Masters degree in 2009, and becoming fully licensed in the state of Florida in 2014. My career in Counseling spans over 20 years with experience as a front line clinician with varied populations, and as an administrator of nation wide organizations. In the course of my career I have been fortunate enough to have experience in many populations of clients including Children in Foster Care, Active duty Military, Families in crisis, acutely mentally ill and long term substance abuse treatment.
James Phillips
LMHC
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida receiving my Masters degree in 2009, and becoming fully licensed in the state of Florida in 2014. My career in Counseling spans over 20 years with experience as a front line clinician with varied populations, and as an administrator of nation wide organizations. In the course of my career I have been fortunate enough to have experience in many populations of clients including Children in Foster Care, Active duty Military, Families in crisis, acutely mentally ill and long term substance abuse treatment. My administrative experience ranges from acute hospital setting to relaxed outpatient clinics.
The focus of my recent professional career has been expanding telehealth programs and beginning a men’s mental health program at Aim Counseling group. It is a pleasure being part of this dynamic team as we continue to grow and serve this community.
Lisa Longo
MA, RMHCI
I graduated from Seton Hall University in New Jersey, where I obtained both my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master of Education in Counseling. I have worked in the field of Mental Health and Human Services for over twenty years. During this time, I’ve had the opportunity to interact with individuals in various places along life’s journey. I have had the privilege of working with culturally, economically, and ethnically diverse individuals. I am currently a Registered Mental Health Intern in the State of Florida.
In my personal and professional life, I have witnessed or experienced situations that often are not anticipated or expected. When we experience the death of a loved one, illness, caregiver exhaustion, or the loss of a job, depression or anxiety can creep in and may begin to affect our day to day lives. I have learned that during those times, it’s often helpful to have support to be able to get through these times.
I specialize in working with adults and children affected by trauma or those who are struggling with anxiety and mood disorders such as Bipolar and Depression. As a practical, interactive, solution-focused counselor, my approach is to provide support with insight and feedback to assist you with your current concerns while also addressing persistent issues of the past. We will work TOGETHER, building upon your strengths and achieving your goals. Therapy can be emotionally demanding but can also be life-transforming. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your journey.
Rose Balyeat
LMHC, Director of Administration and Quality Assurance
For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a counselor. This desire to help others led me to my undergraduate studies at Indiana University where I received a bachelor’s degree in public health, majoring in Human Development and Family Studies and double minoring in Counseling and Psychology.
After my undergraduate studies, I spent almost two years working with adults and youth in an inpatient behavioral health hospital in my hometown of Fort Wayne, Indiana. While there I worked with doctors and nurses to aid in the treatment of patients struggling with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, personality disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and more.
In May of 2020, I received my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I was also fortunate to be able to continue working for AIM by stepping into the role of Therapist and Director of Administration and Quality Assurance. At AIM, I have been able to hone my skills under the direct supervision of Amie Thomas, LMHC, CTS. In this role I have been able to work with a variety of clients, ranging from ages 8 to 75 with varying issues such as anxiety, depression, adjustment, and general life struggles. I have also been privileged to participate in intensive trainings related to Trauma and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as well as Gottman Level 1 Couples work. This knowledge base helps give me a background to be able to pull from multiple different modalities and theories to tailor my approach to meet client’s specific needs.
I believe that all people are doing the best that they can with the circumstances they have been given. My goal is to provide you with a warm and welcoming environment that allows you to feel safe. From there, we can work to identify your goals and work to make them your reality.
Patrice Fernandez
MPH
My name is Patrice Fernandez and I am a Miami native that is so excited to now call Naples home. In 2013 I received my Bachelor’s Degree from Florida Atlantic University. In 2015, I earned my Master’s Degree in Public Health with a concentration in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention from Florida International University. I have worked in the Public Health field for over 5 years. Throughout my career I have had the opportunity to work as a Wellness Coordinator, educating employees on how to live healthier lives mentally, physically, emotionally, financially, and socially.
As a Disease Investigation Specialist and Epidemiologist with the Florida Department of Health in Broward County, I was able to immerse myself in Public Health, educating and serving individuals of the community on disease prevention and what to do if exposed.
I have now been given the opportunity to transition into the role of Sexual Health Coordinator with the AIM Counseling group. My goal is to positively impact my community through different preventative education efforts. There is a lot of misinformation about sexual health, and I believe through sharing accurate information with individuals, and families especially adolescents about such a sensitive subject; it creates an opportunity for open communication leading to informed decisions about healthier choices.
My belief is that knowledge is power, and my goal is to be able to share that knowledge with you all!
Anne Pascale Elie
MBA, MS, RMHCI
My name is Anne Pascale, but most people call me Anne for short.
From a very young age, I have known that I wanted to work in a helping profession. While I’ve dabbled in various business industries in my professional career, my focus has always been on the human aspect and viewing everything in a wholistic manner.
From my very first job at 17 working with children in Elementary After-Care Programs, to my most recent position as a Digital Solutions Director, I’ve always prioritized the individual and have been fascinated with why we do and feel the way we do.
After a decade of working in international corporate sales and engineering, I returned to school and earned a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. I have worked with a diverse group of clients ranging from ages 10 to 69 experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, mood dysregulation, OCD, ADHD and disordered eating.
My primary interest in therapy is in helping you find and be your true self. I believe that the therapeutic process should be one that reflects the unique nature and potential of every individual. As a certified Yoga and Meditation instructor, I’ve seen how complimentary my formal mental health studies have been in elevating mindful practices through an integration of spiritual and psychological approaches. This means looking at who we really are, the relationships we are in, and what stops us from having the life we want to live. I see therapy as a process of self-discovery; a delicate and exciting journey that should be taken with care and support.
My goal is to support you in accessing and executing your highest potential in becoming the best version of yourself.
Keely LaFrinier
BS, HS-BCP
My name is Keely LaFrinier, and I am the masters level intern at Aim Counseling. I graduated from FSW and Hodges with my undergraduate degrees in Social and Human Services and Psychology.
I started working in the public school system during my undergraduate internship as social and emotional support with the guidance counseling departments. I have always loved helping others and watching other’s grow around me.
I worked for Collier County Public Schools for 2 years as emotional and social support, as well as a guest teacher. When I left the public school system, I started working for an afterschool program in developing and implementing a mental health program for students K-12. During this time, I started graduate school at Nova Southeastern University in the Clinical and Mental Health Program. I am expected to graduate in May of 2022.
I started interning at Aim in May of 2021. I currently work with a variety of clients from kids and teens to adults who are dealing with a variety of challenges like anxiety, depression, adjustment, ADHD, and self-esteem. One of the specialties I have developed while at Aim is addressing and building executive functioning skills. This set of skills are what helps us get things done; like time management, planning, organizing, and attention.
When I was growing up, I had a lot of big feelings and I wasn’t sure on what to do with them, which projected me onto my own healing journey. Through my healing journey, I found my passion and learned that I am a helper. I want to assist people through their journeys and help them find tools to normalize the bumps in the road.
I believe in a cognitive behavioral approach. I use empowerment, education, and assist in identifying strengths. I believe that people are their own expert of their lives. And through this expertise people have the tools within to reach for the stars, but sometimes they just need a little help getting there.
Tonya Sletta
LMHC
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida earning my Master's Degree in 2010.
I previously practiced in Minnesota and was a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in that state from 2012-2019. My family and I relocated to Florida in 2018.
My career in counseling psychology spans over 19 years with experience among a variety of populations and settings. Over the course of my career path, I have gained experience working with adults with severe persistent illness in Adult Foster Care, crisis work in Emergency Room and school settings, youth and family crisis intervention in the community and as well as providing out-patient mental health and substance abuse treatment. I have had the pleasure of supervising and leading other mental health teams both in Minnesota and Florida as well.
My passion is working with teens and adults though individual, family, couples and group therapy work. I also have specialized training in Trauma Focused CBT and DBT treatment. I am excited to join the AIM Counseling team and
Maria Alarcon
Billing Administrator
My name is Maria Alarcon. I am originally from Peru and am bilingual in Spanish and English.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling to new destinations and learning more about nature. I have 10 years experience with Medical Billing and Administration. In 2012, I started my training with Lee Health and had the opportunity to master each part of the revenue cycle process. I am excited to share my passion for helping others and look forward to being a part of the AIM team serving the Southwest Florida community.
First Time Seeking Mental Health Services?
Taking the first step is the hardest part. We want to be a part of your growth, every step of the way. Get in touch with a member of our team today to see how we can help you receive the help you need.
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