Christine Hernandez

Student Intern

Christine Hernandez

Hello, my name is Christine Hernandez. It is such an honor to fulfill my calling in life to collaborate with you towards emotional healing and growth! My passion has always been to empower people towards wholeness and healing. Outside of the clinical setting, I have over ten years of experience working with women who have experienced trauma, childhood abuse, burnout, anxiety, shame, and broken attachments.

Using reparenting inner child strategies, cognitive reframing, and inner healing work, I have seen lives and relationships transformed. Another passion of mine is to work with individuals who have experienced church hurt and/or religious trauma. I am currently pursuing a certification in religious trauma to further my understanding of adverse religious experiences. What you will discover while joining me in your journey is a highly empathic and authentic person who, like you, knows what it's like to be on the other side of the session. It's a privilege to be a support system in your time of need.

Naomi Florez, MSW, RCSWI

Masters of Social Work, Registered Clinical Social Work Intern

Naomi Florez, MSW, RCSWI

Hello, my name is Naomi Florez. I am a therapist & group facilitator here at Meridian Counseling Center. I am a registered clinical social work intern. In August 2021, I graduated with a master’s degree in Social Work focusing on Advanced Clinical Practice from Saint Leo University. I also obtained my bachelor’s degree from Saint Leo University in December of 2019 in Social Work with a minor in Psychology. I am a member of Phi Alpha National Social Work Honor Society and Omega Nu Lambda Honor Society. I have been a guest speaker at Saint Leo University for the social work undergraduate program. I enjoy giving back to the community and have volunteered with many organizations and companies in the area. My volunteer experience includes the Dade City Little League, Heritage Pines Nursing Home, Metropolitan Ministries, and Pasco County Schools. When I have free time, I love traveling, exercising, and enjoying time with my family.  

My goal as a therapist is to guide and work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. My method includes empowering individuals to make positive changes in their lives using interventions that easily integrate into their daily routine and resources they already possess to make change possible and maintainable. Currently, the modalities I use include Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. When facilitating therapy sessions or groups, they include psychoeducation, mindfulness, coping techniques, and yoga practice. I currently have certifications in mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and teaching kids ages 2 to 17 years old yoga.

 My style is direct and collaborative. When we work together, it is teamwork-driven as I help guide you to overcome the barriers in your life. The intention is to expand on your strengths to live a purposeful & happy life. I cannot wait to hear from you so we can start your journey to cognitive wellness together! I genuinely believe we rise by lifting others!

Bonnie Rogers

Masters of Social Work, Certified Child Welfare Case Manager., Registered Clinical Social Work Intern

Hello, my name is Bonnie, and I am a registered clinical social work intern. I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in social work advanced standing from The University of South Florida and my master’s in social work advanced standing from The University of Kentucky. I am passionate about working with children and families, I am certified in Advanced Family Systems Trauma and a State Board Certified Child Welfare Case Manager. I have extensive training in trust-based relational intervention (TBRI), human trafficking screening, domestic violence, and trauma-informed care. Additionally, I have training in managing aggressive behavior and de-escalation. 

I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. Self-care is important to me, so I make sure I take time to do things I love such as food prepping. I find it so relaxing! One of my favorite things to eat when dining out is Indian cuisine because of the amazing spices. I also enjoy volunteering in my community. 

My philosophy is to work in partnership with individuals to facilitate their healing and improve their quality of life. My methods of therapy are Evidence-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Individual Trauma Therapy, Art Therapy, Play Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. Focusing solely on the needs and goals of the client. Children and families are worthy of a safe space where they can express themselves.

I look forward to helping you meet your goals. 

Mia Perez

Masters of Social Work, Registered Clinical Social Work Intern

Hello, my name is Mia, and I am a registered clinical social work intern. I graduated with my master's in social work-advanced clinical practice, from Saint Leo University in 2023. I also completed my bachelor’s degree in clinical/counseling psychology with an art minor. I began my career working at Saint Leo in their Accessibility Services department, supporting and coaching students with disabilities. I worked with students who had diagnoses such as anxiety, autism, and ADHD. I also led the Autism Connect program which provides individualized mentorship and advocacy for students with autism. Additionally, I have experience with clients with chronic illnesses. In my free time, I enjoy watching movies, playing tennis, and spending time with family and friends. I am also a painter and musician and believe that art and creative expression can be healing, and even a part of our sessions if requested.

My approach to therapy is client-centered and will depend on the client’s needs and goals. Some of the modalities that I use are cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and solution-focused therapy. Together we can look at the problems you are experiencing in a new way and give you tools to work through them. It is also very important to me to connect with my clients and create a safe space for them. I look forward to accompanying you on your healing journey!

Amanda Slozer

Administrative Assistant to CEO of Meridian Counseling Center

Amanda Slozer, Administrative Assistant to CEO

Hello! My name is Amanda and I am a Tampa Bay area native. I am currently completing my master's degree in social work at Saint Leo University. I am passionate about social work and creating positive changes within the community and in the lives of individuals. Outside of work, I enjoy reading and spending time with friends.

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Garry Gilbert

IT Manager at Meridian Counseling Center

Garry Gilbert, IT Manager

Hello! I’m grateful for your interest in Meridian Counseling Center. I hope you find what you are looking for in us, our mission is a simple one, All are welcome, and it is ok to not be ok, just don’t give up. Welcome, and I hope to see you again soon.

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Christine Conte

Insurance Management at Meridian Counseling Center

Christine Conte, Insurance Management

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Emily Gilbert, LCSW, CCTP, MCAP

Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, Master’s level Certified Addictions Professional, Owner and Clinician of Meridian Counseling Center

EMILY GILBERT, LCSW, CCTP, MCAP

Hello! I am so glad you stopped by our site! My name is Emily Gilbert. I hope you find what you are looking for to help move forward in your journey towards hope, joy, and quality of life. My approach to therapy is collaborative, meaning we walk through the process together and at your pace. Life can be hard sometimes, but we don’t have to go through it alone. We will focus on developing existing strengths and the capacity to live a meaningful joyful life.

A little about me, I have a husband of 22 years and 3 adult children. We enjoy playing and watching sports and going to the movies or just having movie nights on the couch at home. We are also locals of the beautiful Dade City area.  I’m so excited for this opportunity to provide support in my hometown. Please continue exploring the website and feel free to hit the “contact us” button below with any questions. I look forward to getting to know you and experiencing this journey together.

Featured in the Dade City Wire and Voyage Tampa.

Se Habla Española

Alyssa Roberts, PsyD.

Forensic Psychologist - Psychometrist

ALYSSA ROBERTS, PSYD.

Born and raised in Dade City, Fl. I graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelors degree in Art Education then completed a Masters degree in Art Therapy. I then moved to California where I completed another Masters degree in Forensic Psychology and then a Doctorate degree also in Forensic Psychology.
My heart brought me back to my hometown to be close to my family. It is here that I met and married the love of my life. I enjoy being on the water, fishing, being with family and friends, and loving ALL animals to a fault!