Our Staff
Our highly trained clinical staff offers background experience, expertise and training in treating abuse, trauma and PTSD related symptoms. All therapists on staff are trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and many are trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). In addition to in person therapy all our therapists offer virtual sessions.
Mandarin Providers
Nichole DeMoya, MA, LMHC-QS, CATP
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Specialties
Developmental trauma
Single-incident traumas
Childhood abuse
Nichole is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Qualified Supervisor and Certified Child & Adolescent Trauma Professional. Nikki has been in the field of mental health for children, teens, young adults, and their families for almost a decade. Before earning her Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Liberty University, Nikki mentored and coached youth of all ages in the non-profit and religious sectors. Nikki currently works as the Clinical Director for River’s Edge Counseling. She specializes in the treatment of developmental trauma, single-incident traumas, and childhood abuse. Nikki has also worked as a contracted Sexual Abuse Treatment Program therapist with the University of Florida’s Child Protection Team, providing specialized treatment and expertise in childhood sexual abuse and advocacy. She is trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
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When she is not working directly with clients, Nikki is a passionate trainer, educator and speaker, providing educational and empowering workshops/conferences. She provides weekly individual and group supervision to master’s level clinicians pursuing licensure in Florida. She has provided training and conference presentations for various organizations including Nova Southeastern University, Jacksonville University, the Florida Mental Health Counselors Association annual conference, YoungLife Leadership conference and various local churches and religious organizations in the Jacksonville area.
Nikki is also the handler for Smokey, the therapy dog in-training at our Mandarin location.
Smokey
Therapy Dog In-Training
A lovable companion rescued from the streets of Savannah, Smokey joined our team in August 2019 alongside his handler, Nichole DeMoya. He has a natural ability to sense the needs of our clients and continues to be trained with the goal of ultimately being certified as a therapy dog.
Melissa Taylor, LMFT
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Specialties
Marriage & Family Therapy
Emotionally Focused Therapy
Trauma-Focused CBT
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Play Therapy
Melissa received her Master’s in Family Therapy (MFT) from the Mercer University School of Medicine in 2014 and began working with child welfare agencies shortly afterward. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who utilizes Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) concepts into how she approaches each individual and family. She is trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and has worked alongside Child Welfare in some capacity for 6+ years. This includes assisting children and families with the trauma of child removal, reunification, or transitioning to a new forever home. She has received training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and she appreciate the utilization of Mindfulness for individuals, relationships, and especially within the experience of trauma.
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Relationships are a foundation for our functioning. They can either increase or decrease our ability to thrive and progress through life. Managing relationships with challenged experiences from the past creates increased challenges in day-to-day life. If you are having difficulties responding to the relationships in your life or your interpersonal struggles are negatively impacting relationships, there is help.
Melissa obtained her Play Therapy Certificate from Capella University in 2019 and joined the team at River’s Edge Counseling in the Fall of 2021. She is an outstanding, energetic therapist who seeks to meet the individual and systemic needs of each person, couple, or family from an Attachment and Family Systems approach.
Janel Falvey, LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Specialties
Trauma-Focused CBT
Grief & Loss
EMDR
Janel joined the River’s Edge team as a Florida transplant, and has more than 16 years of experience in working with clients struggling with anxiety, mood disorders, grief and trauma. She is trained in EMDR and Trauma-Focused CBT. Her gentle smile and natural warmth helps clients develop the rapport needed to safely broach difficult memories.
Taylor Giacobbe, MSW
Registered Clinical Social Worker intern
Specialties
Trauma-Focused CBT
Christian-Based Counseling
Taylor is a Registered Clinical Social Work Intern with the state of Florida. Prior to receiving her Master’s of Social Work from Florida State University in 2022, Taylor has had experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities, and worked as a children’s minister within a local church. Taylor began her clinical experience as an intern during graduate school with River’s Edge and has since gained experience in the school setting, working with children K-12th grade, prior to joining the River’s Edge team. Taylor is passionate about creating a safe and compassionate environment for clients to openly explore their needs and challenges. Taylor enjoys working with all age groups, especially children, teens, and young adults. Taylor is trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and can provide counseling from a Christian perspective for those who are interested.
Kayla DiPaulo, MA, CCTS-I, ASDCS
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
Specialties
Trauma-Focused CBT
Autism Diagnosis & Related Mental Health
Anxiety
Kayla received her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Capella University in 2022 and began working at a community-based mental health agency immediately following, and in a middle school setting. Kayla has earned designations as a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist for individuals (CCTS-I), an Autism-Informed Professional, and an Anxiety-Informed Professional. Kayla has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, anxiety, depression and other clinical diagnoses. In her spare time, Kayla enjoys spending time with her Golden Retriever, Gracie, being outdoors, and playing travel softball.
Hayleigh Haid, MS
Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern
Specialties
Trauma-Focused CBT
Play Therapy
Hayleigh obtained her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Marriage & Family Therapy at Jacksonville University. Additionally, she completed a Graduate Certificate in Child-Centered Play Therapy. Hayleigh joined River's Edge in August of 2023 as a graduate intern and has demonstrated passion for working with our clients. She has a naturally soothing presence and enjoys working with both children and adults. Hayleigh is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 1, and Play Therapy. She sees therapy as a shared experience where clients are never alone in their mental health journey. She strives to integrate principles of trauma-informed care to ensure that her approach honors each client’s pace, resilience, and strengths. Together with her clients, she hopes to navigate the path to healing, focusing on building trust, developing safety, exploring challenges, uncovering strengths, and fostering pathways to growth.
Wendy Fortune, MS
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
Specialties
Trauma-Focused CBT
Play Therapy
Wendy obtained her Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Jacksonville University. She also holds a Graduate Certificate in Child-Centered Play Therapy, enhancing her expertise in working with children and families. Since joining River's Edge Counseling as a graduate student intern in August 2023, Wendy’s joyful and kind demeanor has consistently helped clients of all ages feel comfortable and connected during the process of their therapeutic healing journey. Wendy utilizes a Strengths-Based and Person-Centered therapeutic approach through a trauma-informed systemic lens to facilitate growth and empowerment within the individuals and families she serves. Through implementation of an integrative style of therapeutic interventions ranging from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Humanistic and Attachment Focused concepts, Wendy aims facilitate a safe and supportive presence to clients facing various life stressors, have endured traumatic experiences and/or are experiencing stressful life transitions. In addition, she is trained to implement Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) as well. Wendy provides an authentic and empathetic presence to promote healing and personal growth to all of the clients and families she has the honor to work alongside.
Alyssa Labat, MSW, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Specialties
Children & Young Adults
Trauma-Focused CBT
Christian-Based Counseling upon request
Alyssa earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Southeastern University in 2020 and has experience working in schools as an on-site therapist along with working with children/adolescents in private practice. Alyssa specializes in working with children and young adults who are facing various life stressors and traumatic events, such as parental divorce, military families, grief/loss, and sexual/physical abuse. She typically utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy along with Solution Focused Therapy and TF-CBT informed interventions, and seeks to use a strengths-based, Person-Centered therapeutic approach. Alyssa has experience in working with a wide range of concerns, from depression to anxiety to suicidal ideation/self harm to trauma to grief to anger management, among others. She is passionate about working with the clients she serves and believes in the power of building a close therapeutic relationship in order to produce change. Alyssa can provide Christian-based counseling if requested.
Madelyn Rosenau, MSW
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
Specialties
Trauma-Focused CBT
Madelyn received her Bachelor’s in psychology and Master’s in social work from Samford University, graduating in 2023. Madelyn has worked with clients from a variety of backgrounds and cultures, including asylum-seeking clients and refugee children. Prior to joining River’s Edge, Madelyn worked with children and families in her role on the Community Action Team (CAT) working to stabilize children who were at-risk of out-of-home placement through hands-on, trauma-informed interventions with the goal of decreasing psychiatric hospitalizations, improving youth and family functioning, and increasing overall health and well-being. Madelyn specializes in trauma work with children, teens and young adults and has experience with a wide range of diagnoses such as: PTSD, anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar, DMDD, ODD etc. Madelyn is eager to accompany each client on their journey towards healing. She believes that every client already has the ability to heal within them and that her job as the therapist is to set the conditions necessary for healing, so that in turn, they can uncover the strengths that already exist within themselves. In her free time, you can find Madelyn at a concert or at the beach. Madelyn is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and can provide counseling from a Christian perspective for those who are interested.
Call to schedule your appointment
For first time patients we ask that you call the office to make an appointment. Our Care Coordinator is waiting to match you to one of our clinicians. We offer two convenient locations and all our therapists offer a telehealth option.