Our Team

Our Founder

FOUNDER, LEAD COUNSELOR

Stephanie Sammons, LMHC, MCAP, CCTP

Hi, I’m Stephanie! I am a counselor and the founder of Rise Counseling Treasure Coast. Rise is more than just a counseling practice; it’s how I live out my life passion. I truly do love helping others rise above life’s challenges, and I believe it is possible for you to live a fulfilling life!

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My Promise

I am not just a professional counselor…I’m a human being! And I believe that each person is unique and important. My promise to anyone I counsel is that I will treat you like a person, not just a client. 

My Credentials

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), a Master’s-Level Certified Addiction Professional (MCAP), and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) with over 20 years of experience in individual, relationship, family, and group counseling. I hold a Master’s Degree in Counseling with an emphasis on Clinical Mental Health from Messiah College in Pennsylvania, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Liberty University in Virginia. My professional affiliations include the American Counseling Association, the Florida Certification Board, the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium, and the Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society. I am also certified by Psychology Today.

Meet the Team

  • Bonnie Schott (BA, CAP)

    COUNSELOR

    Hi! My name is Bonnie. I received my degree at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and UMass Boston. I have my Certified Addiction Professional (CAP) credential. I have a client centered humanistic approach, focusing on existentialism and mindfulness while keeping careful consideration of cultural concerns and practices. I love working with adults and their families and have over 15 years of experience in the counseling field. If you’re not sure where to start or are worried about being judged or not sure about counseling in general please reach out I would happy to meet with you. I describe myself as a down-to-earth person with a sense of humor. I help support clients as they navigate grief, anxiety, depression, communication, and transitions in life. I like exploring outdoor activities, going to the beach, spending time with family and friends, and snuggling with my dog Tito.

  • Bjorn James (BA, RBT)

    COUNSELOR

    Salutations, my name is Bjorn “BJ” James. I curently work as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), and I am studying at Nova Southeastern University in a dual-concentration Master's program to become a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). I have been working with people diagnosed with developmental disabilities, neurological disorders, and mental health conditions for 15 years. I am profoundly connected to my Caribbean heritage and culture. My parents were born in Jamaica and have always made it a point to teach me about things from back home. I live in Port St. Lucie with my beautiful bride, two daughters and two dogs. I enjoy playing basketball, traveling, eating, time with family, and collecting vinyl records. I also enjoy playing chess and would like to play in a tournament for fun one day!

  • Damien Gregorian (BA, CMHC Intern)

    COUNSELOR

    Hi! My name is Damien. I have achieved my Bachelor's degree in Human Services at Indian River State Collage. I am currently at Nova Southeastern University diligently working towards my Master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. This will pave the way to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). I have a passion for helping others. The therapeutic modalities that I specialize in are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Existential Therapy. I have trained in Martial arts for roughly 20 years of my life. I also enjoy spending time in nature as much as I can. I really enjoy travelling across the country and the world, specifically to experience the culture and food of different countries!

  • Heather McIntosh (MS)

    COUNSELOR

    Hi! My name is Heather, I attended Grand Canyon University and graduated with a Master of Science degree in Professional Counseling. My theoretical orientation is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which I utilize consistently in individual and family therapy. I believe in the healing arts and helping others on their healing journey. Like Bjorn-James, I am very connected to my Jamaican heritage and culture. A fun fact about me is my love for water in the various forms and its therapeutic value. Growing up in Jamaica may have been a major contributing factor to this! People experience me as kind, sincere, and attentive and I hope that is what each and every person I meet with experiences, too.

  • Andrew Garrigan

    DIGITAL SERVICES

  • Omali Gutierrez

    OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

    Hola! My name is Omali! I have a Bachelor's in Psychology and over fifteen years of case management experience. I am married to my high school sweetheart, and we have three children and three grandchildren. I was born in Puerto Rico and love my heritage. I spend half my time living in Florida and the other half in Costa Rica. I love picnics, cookouts, and herbal medicine. I love being a part of a team that really cares about people and their well-being.

Contact us today and begin your journey to rise above life’s challenges!