Meet Our Founder
Meet Our Clinicians
Our Clinicians
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Lauren Butler LCSW-QS CSW
Book with LaurenThis Licensed Clinical Social Worker provides compassionate, client-centered therapy designed to empower individuals, couples, and families to create meaningful change and lasting healing. With over 15 years of experience, she helps clients navigate life’s challenges by identifying patterns, gaining insight, and developing tools for growth. Offering therapy exclusively through secure telehealth sessions, she specializes in anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, self-esteem, family conflict, and women’s issues. Her approach is collaborative and grounded in trust, respect, and understanding—meeting each client where they are and helping them move forward at their own pace. Licensed Independent Clinician - Available online only | Contact: 888-77-EDIFY
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Sylvia Hooks LMHC CTTP CSAM
Schedule with SylviaSylvia Hooks, LMHC CTTP CSAM is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida with over 10 years of experience working with individuals and families across diverse and complex systems, including child welfare, probation, and corrections. She specializes in supporting clients struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, anger management, and substance use.
Sylvia is passionate about helping clients identify and break through emotional “stuck points” that impact their thoughts, behaviors, and relationships. Her approach integrates practical strategies with empathy, empowering clients to build resilience, gain clarity, and move forward with confidence. She provides virtual therapy services for individuals, families, and groups, offering a collaborative and supportive space for growth and healing.
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Dr. Genesis Ettienne LMHC, PHD
Schedule Free Consultation w/ Dr. Genesis
Dr. Genesis Ettienne, LMHC, is a compassionate mental health clinician dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges with confidence, resilience, and hope. She provides a supportive, judgment-free environment where clients feel empowered to explore personal growth, strengthen emotional well-being, and develop practical strategies for lasting change. Dr. Ettienne is committed to delivering culturally responsive, evidence-based care while partnering with each client on their journey toward healing and a more fulfilling life. -
Melanie Vohs RMHCI
Book with MelanieMelanie Vohs is a Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Intern with over seven years of experience supporting adults and teens navigate mental health challenges, substance use, emotional dysregulation, and life transitions. She has worked extensively in psychosocial rehabilitation and high-acuity behavioral health settings, helping clients build emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, communication skills, and greater independence in daily living.
Her clinical approach is collaborative and grounded in authenticity, integrating Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. She is especially skilled in supporting emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and crisis stabilization, drawing on her background in psychosocial rehabilitation and behavioral health care. Available online only | Contact: 888-77-EDIFY
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Dr. Azhany Haynes LCSW MSW LCPC
Schedule with Dr. AzhanyDr. Azhany Haynes is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Life Purpose Coach with extensive experience supporting individuals, teens, and families through trauma, stress, and major life transitions.
Trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), she provides both virtual and in-person counseling to help clients heal, grow, and thrive.
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Dr. Fran Johson, PMHNP-BC DNP
Schedule with Dr. FranDr. Fran Johnson, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC is a Doctorate-prepared Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of experience in behavioral health and clinical care. She specializes in treating a wide range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, trauma, and substance use.
Fran provides both medication management and individual therapy, using evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Her approach is warm, solution-oriented, and culturally responsive, with a strong focus on helping clients regulate emotions, improve thought patterns, and achieve lasting change.
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Dr. Jason-Anthony Prendergast LMHC, NCC, LCPC-AV
Book with Dr. JasonDr. Jason Anthony Prendergast, LMHC, NCC, LCPC-ACFounder & President | Edify Counseling GroupDr. Jason Anthony Prendergast is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), National Certified Counselor (NCC), and Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor – Advanced Certified (LCPC-AC). He holds a Doctorate in Pastoral Psychology, a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health, and an MBA in Business Leadership from Liberty University.A respected clinician, author, and speaker, Dr. Prendergast is a professional member of the National Christian Counselors Association (NCCA), American Counseling Association (ACA), Association of Black Psychologists of South Florida (ABPsy), and the Christian Mental Health Professionals of Broward (CMHPB).He has been featured on TLC’s 90 Day Fiancé: The Last Resort, ESPN’s Long Live Seven: The Bryce Gowdy Story, and the national Just Heal Bro Tour. Recognized by the Florida Panthers Hockey organization for leadership and excellence in mental health, Dr. Prendergast is committed to helping individuals, couples, and families heal and grow while breaking the stigma surrounding mental health
Meet our Team Members
Our Staff
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Dr. Jason-Anthony Prendergast LMHC, NCC, LCPC-AV
Contact Dr. JasonDr. Jason Anthony Prendergast is the President & Founder of Edify Counseling Group and Edify University.
In addition to providing therapy services, Dr. Jason leads the overall vision, development, and expansion of Edify Counseling Group, focusing on building a compassionate, effective, and growth-oriented organization that prioritizes both clinical excellence and genuine human connection. He is also the founder of Edify University, an NCCA Certified Academic Institution focused on education, temperament training, leadership development, and professional growth.He is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor, National Certified Counselor, Certified Temperament Therapist, and Ordained Minister dedicated to helping individuals, couples, families, and communities experience emotional healing, personal growth, and transformational change. Contact Dr. Jason at 888-77-EDIFY or email at edify@edifycounseling.com
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Jodyne St. Louis
Schedule with EdifyJodyne St. Louis serves as the Client Care & Intern Support Coordinator for Edify Counseling Group, where she helps support client onboarding, scheduling coordination, intern communication, and overall client care operations within the practice.
Passionate about helping others and creating positive client experiences, Jodyne assists with new client follow-up, appointment coordination, reactivating inactive clients, and helping ensure clients feel welcomed and supported throughout the onboarding process. She also works closely with interns by helping support communication, organization, workflow coordination, and intake opportunities as they grow within the Edify system.
Known for her professionalism, responsiveness, and compassionate approach, Jodyne plays an important role in helping maintain the structure, communication, and supportive environment that Edify Counseling Group strives to provide for both clients and clinicians. Contact Jodyne at 888-77-EDIFY or email her at jodyne@edifycounseling.com
Edify Counseling Group (888) 77- EDIFY
Meet Our Clinical Interns
Our Interns
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Eduardo Castellanos, Clinical Intern
Schedule with EduardoEduardo Castellanos is a Clinical Intern pursuing his Master of Science in Professional Counseling Psychology at Florida International University. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Central Florida, where he was recognized on the Dean's List. Eduardo brings several years of behavioral health experience, providing psychosocial rehabilitation and supporting individuals living with severe and persistent mental illness. He is passionate about creating a safe, supportive environment where clients feel heard, empowered, and encouraged as they work toward healing and personal growth.
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Kristen Morrison
Schedule with KristenKristen Morrison is a Master of Social Work intern from Barry University who is passionate about supporting individuals, adolescents, and families through compassionate and trauma-informed care. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and is currently pursuing her goal of becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
Kristen has experience in crisis intervention, client advocacy, psychoeducation, and community support services. Her background includes working with adolescents, survivors of domestic violence, and individuals navigating emotional and behavioral challenges. She is committed to creating a safe, supportive, and empowering environment where clients feel heard, valued, and encouraged throughout their healing journey.
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Jenise Gato - Clinical Intern
Jenise Gato is a Clinical Intern pursuing her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University. She is passionate about helping individuals navigate life's challenges with compassion, empathy, and evidence-based care. Jenise is dedicated to creating a safe, supportive environment where clients feel heard, valued, and empowered to build resilience, strengthen relationships, and achieve meaningful personal growth. She enjoys working with adolescents, adults, and families while supporting clients through anxiety, life transitions, relationship concerns, and emotional wellness.
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Jodyne St. Louis
Schedule with JodyneClinical Intern & Graduate Student
Jodyne is a graduate-level Professional Counseling Intern who is passionate about supporting individuals as they navigate emotional well-being, personal growth, and life transitions. She has a particular interest in working with young adults, helping them manage challenges related to mental health, identity development, relationships, and academic or career-related stress.
Jodyne’s counseling approach is collaborative and grounded in authenticity, empathy, and respect. She is committed to creating a safe, nonjudgmental, and supportive environment where clients feel seen, heard, and valued. Her goal is to empower clients to explore their experiences, strengthen self-awareness, and develop meaningful, effective coping skills that support lasting growth.
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Akeyla Virgin, Clinical Intern
Schedule with AkeylaAkeyla Virgin is a Clinical Intern currently pursuing her Master of Social Work at Liberty University. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Psychology from the University of Florida, where she was recognized on the Dean's List. Akeyla brings experience in family services, case management, psychosocial assessments, crisis intervention, and connecting individuals with essential community resources. She is passionate about empowering children, individuals, and families through compassionate, culturally responsive care while helping clients build resilience, overcome challenges, and achieve lasting personal growth.
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Vanessa Wasserman - Clinical Intern
Vanessa Wasserman is a Clinical Intern dedicated to providing compassionate, client-centered care to individuals seeking growth, healing, and emotional wellness. In addition to her clinical training, she serves as a Clinical Interpreter at a university, where she helps bridge communication barriers and advocates for accessible, culturally responsive services. Vanessa is passionate about creating a safe and supportive environment where adolescents, adults, and families feel heard, understood, and empowered to navigate life's challenges with confidence and resilience.
Become a Licensed Clinical Counselor
Edify University is where education, transformation, and purpose meet. As a certified academic institution, we equip future counselors, coaches, and leaders with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to serve with excellence. O
ur programs blend clinical insight, temperament theory, and real-world application to prepare students for meaningful, impactful work in the lives of others.
For more info, click the link below or email admissions@edifyuniversity.com