Meet our Counselors

 

Meet our staff

Get to know our wonderful team of professional helpers.

 
 
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Alicia Pfahler, LMHC

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

I predominantly see children, adolescents, and families and women. I work with a wide range of childhood issues and family issues as well as specialize in trauma care and attachment issues within foster care and adoption. I also specialize with women’s issues that include depression, anxiety, life transitions, parenting, abuse/trauma recovery, and overall integration of physical, emotional, social, cognitive, and spiritual wholeness.

Unfortunately, Alicia is currently not accepting new clients. If you have any concerns please contact our office.

 

Ben Mills, LMHC

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

I specialize in treating trauma and abuse recovery, depression, anxiety, grief, anger management, and sexual addictions, including pornography. I also specialize in working with both married and non-married couples. I offer a dynamic approach to counseling and utilize an Integrative model. I employ several theories in the counseling process including Object Relations Theory, Existential Theory, Gestalt Therapy, Attachment Theory, Relational Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy.

 
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alvis duncan, LMHC

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

I’ve always been interested in emotional, physical, and spiritual health.  I believe that all are important components of total wellness. Prior to counseling, I worked in the health and fitness industry of New York City. Often, clients felt stuck and overwhelmed in their quest for physical health. I loved when I was able to help someone putting in tremendous effort but not getting the results they wanted. For the last few years I’ve trained extensively in spiritual wellness at St. Andrew’s Church in Gainesville. Whether working for a gym or church, my joy comes from helping people become unstuck and finding both growth and abundant life.

I work with adults, children, families, and college students. I also treat substance abuse. I counsel more from an approach than a particular theory. I use the Interpersonal Process Approach as my conceptual framework as it is integrative and flexible, allowing me to collaborate creatively with each client. From there, I weave together Attachment Theory, Cognitive Behavioral Theory, and Family Systems Theory.

 

Joanne hinds, lcsw

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with the State of Florida. I received my Bachelor of Science in Family, Youth, and Community Sciences from the University of Florida in 2014, and then went on to obtain my Master of Social Work degree from Florida State University in 2017. I have a passion for youth, especially those who have been regarded as “at-risk” because I too, was labeled that way. With God’s direction and resiliency, I have been able to defy the odds, and I work with children, adolescents, teens, and young adults to help them do the same. I rely heavily on my faith to navigate healing from the past.

In my free time, I enjoy working out, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends.

 
 

Kanika inglett, ma

Registered Mental Health Counselor

My purpose in counseling is captured by Proverbs 20:5.

As a counselor, I see myself as someone who creates a safe space for people to explore their thoughts and emotions so they can heal from past wounds, learn to be kind to self, and flourish while they pursue a wholesome and authentic life.

I have worked with adolescents, adults, families, and couples on a variety of issues, including stress and anxiety, relationship dynamics, parent-child /couple conflicts, trauma, attachment issues, and rebuilding self-confidence. I also provide premarital counseling. Although the foundation of my counseling approach is the attachment model, I also borrow from other evidence-based treatment methods including IFS, CBT, ACT and narrative therapy. I believe that everyone is unique, and sessions cater to the presenting needs.

A little about me: I was born and raised in India and began my career researching and teaching science at UF. Working with people from different ages and diverse cultures in a stressful environment taught me that culture (family or societal), phase of life, personal faith and attachment styles all play a big role in how we respond to hard things in life. This can get tough sometimes. A desire to work with people as they navigate through hard things took me back to school to get a degree in clinical mental health counseling from Liberty University.

 

Virginia rivera, msw

Registered Clinical Social Worker

I relocated to Florida from New York. I am bilingual and provide clinical therapy to children, teens, adults, and families. I received my Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work in New York from Fordham University and acquired my credentials as a Licensed Minister while living in New York. I have experience providing counseling to married couples, families, children, youth, and adults. I have worked with youth and adults struggling with substance abuse, children who have migrated to the United States, and persons dealing with anxiety, depression, grief/loss, and trauma of various forms. My modalities include but are not limited to Play Therapy, Art Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Exposure Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-focused Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. I love teaching my clients the importance of mindfulness and self-care. 

I believe my faith is an integral part of my passion to assist all persons of all ages, race, gender, beliefs, ethnicity, and backgrounds to experience the freedom that comes from healing.   

I greatly enjoy spending time with my husband, my 4 adult children, my grandchildren, and family and friends. I enjoy nature, the ocean, traveling via cruises, reading, serving in my local church, and taking time for my own self-care regularly. 

 
 

Ruth Ann Green

Registered Mental Health Counselor

I am an intern pursuing my Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Liberty University. I have completed all my coursework and am seeing clients for three semesters before completing the program. I graduated from the University of Florida with my bachelors in 2018. My practice is guided by play therapy, trauma-informed cognitive behavioral therapy, and attachment theory because of their strong evidentiary backing in helping children, and treating depression, anxiety, and trauma in adults.

I know what it is like to see a counselor and to go from mental and emotional distress to peace. It is an honor to walk alongside my clients in their unique journeys, collaborating with them to create goals toward building wellness.

I have experience in college ministry and working with kids and teens. I am a wife and a mother. I love meeting new people, experiencing new cultures, and reading about the latest psychological research. I strive to show the kindness, grace, and patience of my Lord Jesus with all whom I have the pleasure to meet, and to incorporate faith into the counseling process when requested.

Ruth Ann is not currently accepting clients.

 

Kelli CUNNINGHAM

Office Manager

I am an undergraduate student at the University of Florida studying sociology. Upon graduation, I am looking to become community activist and therapist like my wonderful coworkers! In my free time I like to play pick-up basketball and beach volleyball.

 

Megan Butz

Office Manager

I graduated from the University of Florida in May with a degree in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology and a minor in Spanish. I’m currently exploring potential careers, particularly in the fields of mental health counseling and college ministry. In my free time I love playing soccer, going to the gym, and spending time with my friends!

 
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Christy Hall, LMHC

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

I offer counseling for Individuals, Couples/Marriages, and College/Graduate Students who are experiencing anxiety, depression, divorce and affair recovery, self-worth, or burnout. I also offer grief counseling for all ages.

 

Tonneika buchanan, LMHC

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

I received my Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling and Guidance from Webster University. I have experience with at-risk youth and young adults who battle addiction and self-esteem issues. I counsel children, adolescents, adults, and families struggling with anxiety, depression, grief/loss, identity issues, and trauma. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness Techniques, Motivational Interviewing, Play Therapy, and Trauma Informed Care.

My interest in becoming a mental health counselor began while working in child welfare. As a Family Care Counselor, I collaborated with school administrators, counselors, and psychiatrists to help each child grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

I enjoy spending time with family and friends, and I like to travel. In my spare time, I provide necessities such as toiletries, blankets, and sweaters to those less fortunate in my community. 

 

Tracey Konopka, Lmhc

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

I believe that being a counselor is a calling and that we all can benefit from therapy when we are seen, supported, and validated. I view therapy as a collaborative process where clients are supported as they work through life’s challenges.

I received my Master’s degree from the Counselor Education Program at the University of Florida. I have over ten years of experience and training working with adolescents and teens struggling with anxiety, depression, peer/relational issues, divorce adjustment, and grief. In addition, I have counseled women in all stages of life, including grief issues, anxiety, depression, life transitions, work/life balance, caregiver issues, and spiritual growth. I have an integrative approach to counseling and I utilize different theoretical approaches of counseling depending on the individual.

I have been married for 22 years and I have twin teenagers. I enjoy finding time to “be still”, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

 
 
 

Erin Green, MA

Registered Mental Health Counselor

I graduated from the University of Florida in 2020 with my Bachelors in Psychology and from  Liberty University in 2023 with my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I am currently pursuing licensure in Florida.

My heart is for those who are hurting. It is an honor to walk with my clients through their valley and lead them toward healing and hope. I believe that each person has a story worthy of being told and heard. I work with children, adolescents, college students, and adults through struggles such as grief, anxiety, transitional seasons, stress, family dynamics, depression, self-worth, overall wholeness, and faith. My approach includes elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Attachment Theory, Narrative Therapy, and Internal Family Systems Therapy. In addition to these, I am a Certified Grief Informed Professional. It is a joy to integrate my personal Christian faith into sessions with clients who request it. 

Outside of the office, I enjoy spending time with my husband and my golden retriever, going on nature trails, reading, baking, and spending time with my church community.

 

Alton darling, MA

Registered Mental Health Counselor

I was born and raised here in Gainesville, Florida and have mentored young people in a variety of counseling, coaching, and teaching roles in our local community throughout my entire professional working career. I received my bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Social Science from the University of South Florida in 2007, master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from Webster University in 2015, and an education specialist degree (Ed.S.) in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Florida in 2024. In addition to partnering with Restoring Hope as a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, I work full-time as a Counseling Specialist in the Counseling & Wellness Center at Santa Fe College. 

I have some prior experience working with couples and families, but I primarily see older high schoolers, college/graduate students, and adult males. Within those therapeutic relationships, I specialize in treating issues concerning anxiety, depression, self-worth, setting healthy boundaries, life & career transitions, and executive coaching. Although I am most comfortable utilizing strategies related to Solution-Focused Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, and Strengths-Based Therapy, I also believe in utilizing a customized and collaborative approach that works best for each person. As a believer in Christ and the transformative power He brings to our lives, it is an honor and privilege to incorporate elements of faith into counseling sessions, at the request of my clients. 

 When I am not counseling, I love spending quality time with family and friends, mentoring aspiring Christian student-athletes, volunteering through my fraternal organizations at charitable events within the Gainesville community, and always enjoying a good laugh. 

Alton is not currently accepting new clients.

 

Tommy Arcentales

Registered Marriage and Family Therapist

I was born and raised in Fort Myers, Florida until moving to Tampa to attend the University of South Florida. There I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a minor in Applied Behavior Analysis. I then went on to receive my Master’s in Marriage & Family Therapy and graduated in 2023. I have experience working with individuals of all ages. This includes those diagnosed with severe mental health and substance use disorders, couples experiencing relational difficulties, and families. I am currently a Registered Marriage & Family Therapy Intern pursuing my license. 

My approach to counseling is both solution-focused and values-based. Life is complicated and I believe that each problem requires a unique resolution. My goal is to help clients align their behaviors and thoughts with their values and beliefs. As a Christian myself, I seek to care for and love others well and I am willing and able to integrate one’s faith into the therapeutic process if desired. I believe in utilizing a collaborative approach with clients while also encouraging them to engage in the therapeutic process outside of our weekly sessions. I have experience using a number of evidence-based methods including Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Systemic Therapy, and elements of the Gottman Method. 

Personally, I enjoy running, playing tennis, golf, sand volleyball, and board games, and traveling to see family and friends. 

 

Tovah VArgas, MA

Registered Mental Health Counselor

I am a dedicated mental health counselor with a passion for helping individuals navigate life’s challenges. My journey to becoming a counselor stem from my own experiences overcoming difficult times, which inspired me to pursue a career supporting others. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, equipping me with the knowledge and skills to assist individuals across diverse backgrounds. Over the years, I’ve worked as a Guardian Ad-Litem volunteer and in community mental health, providing care for both children and adults. My areas of focus include anxiety, depression, ADHD, addiction, and life transitions, allowing me to offer well-rounded and compassionate care.

My approach to counseling is rooted in empathy, collaboration, and evidence-based techniques. I aim to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore their emotions, build coping skills, and work toward their goals. Drawing from modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness, and creative therapies, I tailor treatment to each client’s unique needs. Whether you’re seeking growth, healing, or clarity, I am committed to supporting you every step of the way.

In my free time, I like to spend time with my family and friends. Activities I enjoy include hiking, camping, cooking, gardening, going to the beach, or exploring somewhere new.

 

Katherine Napoleon

Intern

Hi! I am an intern pursuing my Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Regent University. I received my Bachelor in 2022 from the University of Florida.  I have completed coursework in a variety of areas and am now going to be seeing clients for the next two semesters as an intern. I am so deeply passionate about pulling out the inner strengths that individuals already carry within themselves. Thus, my counseling style is to truly know an individual and through the use of solution-focused interventions and cognitive-behavioral therapy help them discover the tools they need to succeed. While I have a focused passion for working with children and teenagers I enjoy working with individuals of all ages and backgrounds. 

I have many years of experience working in youth ministry with adolescents and their families and am so energized when working with them. The hope and healing I have found in Jesus and the restorative work He has done in my life have been an anchor and constant reminder that He is the one who restores our souls. I desire to show each individual I encounter in this profession and in this life the love of God and the hope that abounds. 

In my free time, I love going to the beach relaxing with friends, and swimming. Whether it is playing a game of Catan or watching a movie altogether I am purposeful in letting my community be people that refill me as we all do life together! I am bilingual and love getting to explore my Cuban and Puerto Rican heritage through food, music, and cultural events!