Our Team
Meet the Team
Rise is more than just a counseling practice; it is how each of us lives out our passion in life. We’re here to help people rise above life’s challenges, led by a shared commitment to compassion and care, both in the counseling room and in everyday life.
Stephanie Sammons, LMHC, MCAP, CCTP
Hi, I’m Stephanie! I founded Rise Counseling because I truly love helping others rise above life’s challenges. My promise to each person who comes through our door is to treat you and everyone as people, not just clients. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), a Master-Level Certified Addiction Professional (MCAP), and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) with over 25 years of experience. 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. My professional affiliations include the American Counseling Association and the Florida Certification Board, among others. I am also certified by Psychology Today.
Bjorn James, RMHC-I, RBT, MS
Salutations, my name is Bjorn “BJ” James. I currently work as a graduate Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern (RMHC-I) and Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). I recently graduated from Nova Southeastern University, earning my master’s degree in counseling with dual concentrations in Applied Behavior Analysis and Clinical Mental Health Counseling. My professional affiliations include the American Counseling Association. Although I am profoundly connected to my Caribbean heritage and culture, I enjoy learning from different populations and cultures. I currently reside in Port Saint Lucie, FL, with my beautiful bride, two daughters, and two dogs. As part of my self-care regimen, I enjoy playing basketball, traveling, exploring fine cuisines, spending quality time with my family, collecting vinyl records, and playing my favorite board game, “chess.”
Damien Gregorian, RMHC-I, MS
Hello! My name is Damien, and I have achieved my bachelor's degree in human services from Indian River State College, followed by my master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Nova Southeastern University. I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Existential Therapy. I have trained in martial arts for roughly 20 years and have taught for 12 years to children, adults, the elderly, and those with physical and cognitive disabilities. Alongside my academic journey, martial arts have taught me what the mind and body are capable of navigating and overcoming in the face of the tragedies and trauma life may bring. I enjoy spending as much time as I can in nature, especially hiking. Traveling across the country and the world brings me immense joy, especially when I have the opportunity to experience and learn from other cultures.
Rachel Fuller, LMHC, MA
Hello, my name is Rachel. I bring a unique blend of experience in both education and counseling to my work with adults, children, and families. For five years, I served as a first-grade teacher, where I developed a deep understanding of children’s developmental, academic, and emotional needs. Following that, I transitioned into the counseling field. My professional experience includes working closely with children in foster care and adoption, helping them navigate transitions, attachment, and identity. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and integrate play therapy techniques when working with children. Outside the therapy room, I enjoy swimming in my pool, lounging at the beach, and traveling abroad!
Omali Gutierrez, BA
Hello! 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.