Clinical Director, Qualified Supervisor, Psychotherapist

Caren Phillippi, LMHC, QS

Caren Phillippi joined our team in 2020 to help meet the growing needs for our clients and brings with her 15+ years of experience as a therapist and supervisor for other counselors. Her special interest in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy brought her to Harmony Harbor at just the right time.

Caren previously worked for over ten years at a non-profit agency, gaining vast experience in crisis intervention and an understanding of how to help high-risk and high-need client populations. Caren became highly skilled in cognitive behavioral therapy and solution-focused interventions and most enjoyed working with clients seeking treatment for mood and anxiety disorders and personality disorders. During that time, she also supervised other counselors, helping them gain the tools they needed to be effective therapists.

Caren began doing yoga in 2010 and immediately was drawn to the healing power of Mindfulness. She has specialized training in mindfulness stress reduction and incorporates this practice into psychotherapy when appropriate. Caren has always felt connected to helping clients find “whole person” wellness, exploring all the areas of self that contribute to well-being. Caren has seen firsthand how effective Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills can be in helping clients attain well-being. She became trained in DBT through Behavioral Tech® so that she could help more clients gain these skills. Caren also recognizes the role that clearing trauma plays in wellness and is certified in Accelerated Resolution Therapy. Caren will soon be trained in Brainspotting as an additional way to address trauma. Caren continues to feel most effective when working with clients seeking treatment for mood, anxiety and personality disorders but also enjoys helping clients who are in transitional times in their life.

Caren believes that feeling connected and understood is vital for healing and growth. She quickly identifies her clients’ strengths and builds on them; valuing the importance of a therapeutic relationship built on mutual respect, genuineness, humor, and connection. Caren prides herself on being able to get to the root of what brings people to therapy, always considering a holistic approach. If you’re working with Caren, you can be sure she will help you identify where growth is needed and will encourage you stretch yourself while maintaining a balance of acceptance and validation.

Outside of the therapy office, Caren enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. Growing up in Maryland, Caren has embraced the warm Florida weather, spending weekends outside on the water or hiking at one of the many beautiful parks in the area. Caren seeks her own wellness balance by reading non-fiction, exercise classes, meditation, and shopping clothing sales (the last one is harder to admit).

• Education: University of South Florida (2008) Masters Degree in Counselor Education
• License: Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) #MH10605 since 2011; Supervisor in the State of Florida for Registered Mental Health Counseling Interns
• Specialized Training: Foundations Trained in DBT; Trained in ART; yoga and mindfulness practitioner.

Psychotherapist

Kathleen Moye, LMHC, Registered Drama Therapist

Kathleen Moye is a Florida-native and former professional actor who experienced therapeutic benefits of the arts well before training to be a creative clinician. She brings two decades of experience using theater and creative arts to support mental health, self-expression, and well-being, serving with Harmony Harbor Counseling & Wellness (HHCW) since 2021. Here, she leads DBT groups and provides a variety of options for those seeking individual and family therapy.

As writer Diane Ackerman framed it, “Play is our brain’s favorite way of learning.” Kathleen encourages individuals, couples, and families to tap into this innate sense of playfulness and inner wisdom, and to carry these senses through to live more freely in their everyday lives. Her relational approach to therapy, openness, and compassionate sense of humor helps her clients feel at ease.

Kathleen’s clients get the opportunity to share what’s on their mind and their struggles, examine their stories for patterns or stuck places, and imagine and enact strategies that can change their future for the better. With HHCW, Kathleen also applies drama therapy techniques to make DBT skills more accessible to kinesthetic learners with hands-on, interactive, and experiential opportunities to practice skills.

As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (MH#21675), Kathleen currently specializes in:

• Partnering with parents, co-parents, and blended families to improve relationships and address behavior challenges in their households
• Using art to improve clarity in communication and insight with couples
• Supporting adjustment for teens and adults coping with life changes, personal development, identity, self esteem, and trauma
• Teaching and coaching clients to apply new skills for living with persistent mental health challenges such as ADHD, Autism, anxiety, depression, anger management, and personality disorders.

As innovation and research emerge, Kathleen pursues continuing education in the use of the arts in healthcare, body-based psychological healing, complex trauma treatment, DBT-C for young families, and the needs and issues impacting neurodiverse teens and adults.

When not in session or training, Kathleen is a sunset-chasing, nature-crawling, TV-watching, art-making bonus parent to a delightfully active kiddo within a blended family that she loves and learns from. One day, she’ll have a dog again who will take her on walks and outdo her in yoga poses.

Kathleen received her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Drama Therapy from Lesley University in Massachusetts in 2020 and is a Registered Drama Therapist (RDT #811). She has completed Basic Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART®) and Foundations Training in DBT by Behavioral Tech.

Psychotherapist

Jenny Sandate, LCSW

Jenny Sandate, joined Harmony Harbor Counseling & Wellness (HHCW) in 2022. A native Floridian, she is a graduate of the University of South Florida. She began her career in community-based care, where she realized her passion for, and strength in, uplifting people to achieve their goals. 

As a newly Licensed Clinical Social Worker seeking to provide lasting change, Jenny began specializing in treatments to help individuals resolve trauma and obtain effective skills in navigating life's daily pressures. Since joining HHCW, Jenny has completed training in Accelerated Resolution Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and has plans for additional training in 2023 to further develop her expertise.  Jenny is currently part of the team that facilitates DBT skills training for both adults and adolescents. 

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (SW20923), Jenny currently specializes in: 

• Psychotherapy to gain insight into ineffective patterns of thoughts and behaviors.
• Supporting families to improve relationships and behavioral concerns.
• Trauma resolution with Accelerated Resolution therapy.
• Teaching and coaching clients to apply new skills for living with persistent mental health challenges such as autism, anxiety, depression, anger management, and personality disorders.

Jenny’s quick smile, warmth, and enthusiasm are contagious. Her fervor for personal and professional development spills over in her presence with others demonstrating wisdom beyond her years. Jenny engages in continuing education for treatment of various mental health conditions with DBT and mind-body therapies. She continues to develop her own practice of mindfulness and yoga for brain-body balance.

Providing a safe and welcoming space for all people is paramount to her therapeutic approach. Jenny values diversity and inclusion, believing all individuals deserve the opportunity to thrive. She is fluent in Spanish and welcomes the opportunity to serve those in need of a Spanish speaking therapist. Se habla Español! Jenny believes each individual already has the strengths necessary to find their peace and resolution and believes in a collaborative approach to uncover and hone those strengths. 

• Education: University of South Florida- Master’s of Social Work (2020)
• License: Registered Clinical Social Worker, #ISW15291; Supervised by Sarah Coker, LCSW
• Specialties, Trainings, Certifications: Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), Emotional Pain Intervention (EPI), Foundations Training in DBT scheduled for May 2023

Psychotherapist

Michaela Cook, LCSW

Michaela Cook is excited to be part of a supportive team of therapists at Harmony Harbor Counseling & Wellness (HHCW) where she provides a fresh perspective. Michaela recognizes the strength it takes to open up and be vulnerable, and so it is no surprise clients find relief when in her presence. She has a calming and empathetic nature that tends to put others at ease right away.

Michaela’s niche is in helping those who have suffered traumatic experiences, struggle with anxiety, depression, mood instability, or interpersonal conflict, and also for those who want to learn the tools to deal with life’s challenges and feel more fulfilled. She welcomes individuals with LGBTQIA+ concerns and provides an environment where they feel supported in their identity.

Michaela reminds us that we don’t have to consider ourselves an artist to be creative! She encourages clients to utilize their creative abilities for coping with life’s challenges and includes humor as a key part of healing.

Michaela is currently a Registered Social Work Intern, #ISW15287, who received her Master’s in Social Work from the University of South Florida in 2020 and is close to completing her requirements for state licensure. She has received training in DBT Therapy and is certified in ART therapy for trauma resolution. Michaela has over 6 years of experience in the mental health field and provides psychotherapy for both adults and children.

Through the cultivation of a caring and supportive environment, Michaela nurtures positive growth and change. Ultimately, creating a nonjudgmental space for clients to authentically be themselves and heal is her primary goal.

• Education: University of South Florida- Master’s of Social Work (2020)
• License: Registered Clinical Social Worker, #ISW15287; Supervised by Sarah Coker, LCSW

Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern

Shelby Kurtz, RMHCI

Shelby’s gentle nature and compassionate disposition tend to put those she meets at ease. Ultimately, creating safety and trust drives her therapeutic approach with her clients. She began her professional experience in a community-based organization where she served children and families and discovered her passion for assisting individuals in their pursuit to live more freely and joyfully.

With a desire to increase her therapeutic skills and engage in greater learning, both personally and professionally, Shelby is now receiving training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy at Harmony Harbor Counseling & Wellness. She also pursued training in trauma-informed modalities including Child-Parent Psychotherapy and Compassionate Inquiry. While she enjoys working with all ages, she specializes in infants and children. When working with young children, Shelby has found play therapy to be effective in bringing about positive change within a child’s interpersonal world as well as in their external world. Shelby has experienced the power that play brings to building connection and communication with a child and his/her family.

Shelby has lived in Sarasota, Florida for almost 10 years and enjoys going to the beach with her husband and daughter as often as possible. She is currently a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern after graduating from Capella University with a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling in 2019. She is supervised by Dr. Stacy Louk Walker while she is pursuing her LMHC.

Administrative Director

Roxy Carson

Joining Harmony Harbor in 2021 as administrative assistant, Roxy brings a lifetime of business management experience to the practice. Her resourceful, intuitive, and compassionate personality creates a natural balance between the daily business operations and the therapeutic nature of our practice.

Roxy raised her family in the western mountains of Maine and moved to Florida in 2000, shortly after Y2K. Her career in business management has been very versatile, working in a variety of businesses in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors. A lifelong learner, Roxy embraced the opportunity to enroll in DBT Skills Training to enhance her abilities in her work and personal life and she will be the first to tell you she now finds herself working in a more mindful and meaningful way!

In true New England fashion, Roxy approaches each workday with unrivaled efficiency and a solid foundation in client care, which is nicely complimented by her passion for helping others. As our "director of first impressions," she will greet you with a grateful heart and a genuine smile to let you know how glad she is to see you!

Owner & Executive Director

Dr. Stacy Louk Walker, LMHC, QS, NCC, RYT

With 20+ years of experience, “Dr. Stacy” started practicing mindfulness in 2000 and that practice led to her dissertation on mindfulness and spirituality. Through her training in mindfulness, she also discovered Dialectical Behavior Therapy. This approach was personally and professionally transformational. After completing DBT Foundations Training by Behavioral Tech®, Dr. Stacy has trained many therapists in DBT, and is proud to provide the comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy Program at HHCW for individuals and families.

While DBT is the fundamental framework for the practice, trauma is often a root cause for clients seeking psychotherapy. In turn, Dr. Stacy regularly pursues additional training for herself and staff to assist in healing and resolving trauma. She is Master certified in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART®) and trained in Brainspotting, both of which use eye movements and bi-lateral stimulation to help heal from trauma. She is also trained in clinical hypnosis through Rapid Resolution Therapy (RRT®) and brain-based psychotherapy through Emotional Pain Intervention (EPI®). Originally trained as a pastoral counselor in an ecumenical program, she has always been drawn to the well-being of the entire person and developing a sense of wholeness.

In 2022, she completed her 200-hour yoga teacher training and is continuing to pursue this integrative approach to health and wellness. When talk therapy is not enough, trauma-conscious movement has been shown to improve symptoms of depression, anxiety, and feeling disconnected from oneself. Dr. Stacy enjoys offering Mindful Flow Yoga, Restorative Yoga and Yoga Nidra to help those gently heal and find deep rest for the whole-body.

Providing DBT and trauma-conscious care that produces lasting transformation, and assisting other therapists in doing the same, is her life’s work.

• Education: Loyola University of Maryland– Master’s (2000) and Doctorate (2008) in Pastoral Counseling
• License: Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) #MH9651 in Florida since 2008; Originally licensed in Maryland as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in 2002. Qualified Supervisor in the State of Florida for Registered Mental Health Counseling Interns; Nationally Certified Counselor
• Specialized Training: DBT Foundations Training by Behavioral Tech®; Master ART® Practitioner; Level 1 Brainspotting; RRT® Hypnotherapy; 200 hour Yoga Teacher training including special training in Yoga Nidra; Trauma-Informed Yoga; Chair Yoga and more; Mindfulness Practitioner; Emotional Pain Intervention