J. Michael Blackston
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Michael has a passion to help others pursue wholeness in life. Through his relational yet practical approach, he specializes in trauma and abuse recovery, relationship issues, and gender and sexuality issues including working with men dealing with sexual integrity issues. He has been trained in EMDR, an evidence-based therapy for treating trauma. Michael is a Qualified Supervisor for those seeking licensure as mental health counselors in Florida.
Michael graduated with his Master’s degree in Counseling at Reformed Theological Seminary. He has also completed an Advanced Counseling Certificate under Dan Allender where he was trained in utilizing trauma-focused narrative therapy with survivors of abuse. He speaks frequently with his wife Rachel on issues related to story, sexuality and marriage. He enjoys lightsaber jousting with his daughters, long-distance running, and playing the piano.
Heather Vaughn
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Heather believes that healing starts with establishing a safe place to explore buried emotions and hidden thoughts where honesty and vulnerability open the door to growth and change. Heather helps her clients discover and name their dignity as they excavate the true self behind their defenses and coping styles. She is motivated by the concept of neuroplasticity, the belief that our brains can actually change and grow through the therapeutic process. Heather is trained in EMDR, an evidence-based therapy used to treat trauma. Heather enjoys working with couples and has completed the Level 3 Practicum Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy. She also enjoys working with adoptive families as a TBRI Practitioner. She specializes in working with clients who struggle with trauma, abuse, depression, anxiety, ministry burnout, transition and parenting. She enjoys working with couples, individuals, families, and children. Heather is also available for individual or couple intensives.
Heather brings 20 years of experience in overseas missions and church ministry to the counseling room. She earned her Master’s degree in Counseling from Reformed Theological Seminary. Heather understands the joys and struggles of marriage and parenting. She delights in her husband of over 25 years and together they have four amazing children. She loves playing games with her family, walking her dogs, admiring spectacular Florida sunsets, and feeling the sand beneath her feet.
Meli Smith
Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern
Meli is deeply passionate about the work of counseling because she herself has experienced transformative change through the counseling process. She sees bravery in each client who steps into her office and desires to create a safe space for a person to be known. Meli believes change is possible for every client who has the desire, hope, and determination to take steps towards growth and healing. Meli has a particular passion for working with children and families. Meli lived overseas and grew up in a family where she was both a missionary kid (MK) third culture kid (TCK). In addition to children and families, Meli enjoys working with adults and couples. She considers it a privilege to walk alongside any person whether they are dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, marital issues, family conflict or a variety of other hardships.
Prior to pursuing her degree in counseling Meli was a teacher at several local elementary schools, and also worked alongside Christian ministries in the area by supporting, preparing, and debriefing children and families for their life overseas. Meli graduated from the University of Central Florida with a B.S. in Early Childhood Education and from Reformed Theological Seminary with her M.A in Counseling. Outside of the counseling room Meli enjoys adventuring around Orlando with her husband and toddler, attending UCF football games (Go Knights!) and reading a good book with a cozy blanket.
