Meet Our Team
Tamara McKenzie
Tamara is a Lead Therapist with Mara’s Lighthouse. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 8 years of dedicated experience supporting adolescents and adults on their journeys toward mental well-being. Her academic path began at Florida State University, where she earned a degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice, initially envisioning a career as an attorney. However, her desire to make a direct impact on people’s lives led her to the mental health field, and she went on to earn a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Webster University.
Driven by a passion for advocacy, Tamara is committed to empowering her clients and her community. She brings a person-centered approach to her work, emphasizing each individual’s unique needs and goals. Her holistic practice model addresses the mental, physical, and spiritual dimensions of well-being, helping clients achieve a more profound sense of fulfillment and balance in their lives.
Tamara integrates evidence-based interventions, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and psychoeducation to provide tailored and effective support. She has extensive experience working with individuals facing challenges related to anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and life transitions.
Creating a safe, nonjudgmental space for healing is central to Tamara’s approach. She firmly believes that each client possesses the resilience and capability to navigate life’s challenges and is dedicated to helping them cultivate confidence from within.
Tai-Isha Watson-Jack
Tai-Isha Watson-Jack is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 16 years of experience in the social work field. Tai-Isha’s educational background includes an Associate degree in Human Services Mental Health from the City University of New York’s - LaGuardia Community College, a Bachelor’s Degree in Social work from the City University of New York’s – York College and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Fordham University in New York.
Tai-Isha is passionate about mental health and utilizes client centered and strength base approach. Tai-Isha focuses on creating a supportive and nurturing environment where her clients can explore, heal, and grow. She uses a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychoeducation, and Solution Focused therapy techniques as well as a trauma informed perspective. Tai-Isha has extensive experience working with children and families within the child welfare system (foster care, adoption, independent living), teenagers, young adults, school social work, adult women who have experienced the criminal justice system, and providing therapy to young adult women who have experienced trauma, anxiety, and depression. She is honored and grateful to pursue her passion in the important human services field of social work and strives to help her client become the best and healthiest versions of themselves.
Louna Cajuste
Louna is a Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern, fluent in English and Haitian-Creole. She has over 10 years of experience in the field of social work with children and families. In 2011, she began her journey working with survivors and their families connected to sexual abuse and human trafficking through investigating cases of abuse and neglect that included families affected by substance abuse, physical abuse, and abandonment. During her contacts with survivors to overcome crisis situations, Louna advocated heavily for the safety, permanency, and well-being of survivors from her contacts with local law enforcement, judicial officiants, and community partners. After her work with survivors, her journey continued with the provision Federal and State assessments for youth and families utilizing a Strength-Based Perspective.
Louna’s college education journey began in 2005 at Florida State College at Jacksonville where she acquired an Associate in Arts, followed by a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice in 2011 from the University of North Florida. In 2020, Louna earned her Master of Social Work from Walden University as she continued her pursuit of helping others.
Louna’s primary objective is to assist clients in meeting their goals from a Problem-solving and Solution-focused model. She believes in a Strength-Based Approach to empower clients while creating a safe space for clients to be themselves despite challenges. Louna’s continued goal is to maintain providing quality treatment from a culturally sensitive lens to each client she engages.
Sabrina Carson
Sabrina is a Registered Clinical Social Work Intern with over 8 years of experience in the social work field. She is an Army veteran, having served in the military from 1991-1997. Sabrina graduated with a Master of Social Work from Florida State University in 2022. Sabrina has certification(s) in Youth Mental Health First Aid, Elementary K-6th, and as a Nurturing Parent Facilitator.
Sabrina has over 15 years of experience as an elementary school inclusion teacher and School Social Worker with Duval County Public Schools. As a Nurturing Parenting Facilitator, she helps parents increase self-awareness, discipline with dignity and develop age-appropriate expectations for children. It’s her passion for helping others that has directed her career path.
In 2015, she began working with children and families impacted by substance misuse, domestic violence, sexual abuse, and neglect. It was through her experience of working with students, children, and families that she developed a passion for helping others and the importance of mental wellness. Sabrina aims to help clients discover their strengths, and develop healthy lifestyles, by focusing on their socio-emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. Sabrina is excited about providing a warm, safe space in which clients feel supported throughout the process of growth and change.
Arrianna Coleman
Arrianna is a Registered Clinical Social Work Intern who specializes in working with adults, couples, and teens. She is currently an Active-duty Army Officer, having served in the military since 2010. Arrianna received a Bachelor of Liberal Studies-Psychology from Lincoln University, Jefferson City, MO in 2010. She went on to receive her Master of Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University, San Antonio, TX in 2016.
In 2009, Arrianna began her social work journey working with adults and adolescents who suffered from substance abuse. When her military career would allow, Arrianna took the opportunity to further her passion for social work by providing counseling services to Soldiers suffering trauma disorders related to abuse and combat service. During her graduate program, she had the chance to work with families and couples of babies admitted on the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at All Children’s Hospital, St. Petersburg, FL. This is where her passion to work with individuals and couples grew.
Arrianna believes in using strength-based cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), Emotion focused therapy (EFT), solution-focused therapy, and other person-centered therapy techniques to promote happiness, resilience, and build stronger relationships. Her continued goal is to provide quality treatment from a trauma-informed, culturally sensitive lens to each client she encounters.
Wanda Williams
Wanda Williams is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern. She discovered the
importance of mental health as an educator with Duval County Public Schools. She
received her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. While in graduate school she interned at Mara’s Lighthouse Counseling Center where she gained valuable clinical experience and her love for mental health continued to flourish. She enjoys working with students, and volunteering with community-based organizations.
For the past 20 years she has mentored young children and teenagers and enjoys working with these age groups. Her areas of expertise include adolescence struggling with anxiety, depression, thoughts of suicide and family conflict. She utilizes strength-based cognitive behavioral therapy, and psychoeducation. Her goal is to empower her clients to feel safe to share their feelings, experiences and learn strategies to resolve conflicts, facilitate behavioral change, and improve the client’s ability to both establish and maintain healthy relationships.
Lanitra Ferguson
Lanitra is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern with experience working with adolescents, young adults, adults, and families. Lanitra began her career by partnering with different organizations on college campuses to foster inclusion-centric communities. This included targeting systematic barriers within residential, social, and mental health environments. Her passion for embracing the voices and recognizing the needs of the individual led her to further her career in mental health. Lanitra has achieved a Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Jacksonville University. She also received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies at Clemson University.
Lanitra believes in a well-rounded therapeutic approach utilizing person-centered while integrating different therapeutic techniques that best fit your needs. These other therapeutic techniques include strength-based, trauma-informed, solution-focused, motivational interviewing, dialectical behavior, and expressive arts. Lanitra is experienced in working with individuals seeking to better understand themselves in the following areas: addiction, anxiety, depression, family/relational conflict, gender/sexuality, self-identity, stress, trauma, and violence/abuse.
In your therapeutic journey with Lanitra, her goal is to provide you with a brave space to challenge distressing thoughts, develop changes in behavior, identify the impacts and core beliefs connected to stress and trauma, explore ways to cultivate healthy relationships, and reconnect with lost sense of self. Lanitra strives to empower you to take the driver’s seat toward healing, as she supports you as the GPS, while you both navigate together at your pace.
Xarria Taylor
Xarria is a Registered Clinical Social Work Intern dedicated to providing compassionate and effective therapy to individuals and families. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work from Florida A&M University and her Master of Social Work from Florida State University, where she developed a strong foundation in clinical practice and a commitment to supporting emotional well-being.
With specialized training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Xarria helps clients process trauma and emotional distress through evidence-based therapeutic techniques. She is also currently undergoing training in Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), a treatment model designed to support families and children in overcoming relational and emotional challenges.
Xarria has experience working with clients facing a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, family and relational conflict, self-identity issues,stress, and grief. She takes a client-centered approach, creating a safe, empathetic space where individuals can explore their emotions, develop coping skills, and work toward healing.
Whether working with individuals, teens, or families, Xarria is passionate about empowering clients to navigate life’s challenges and improve their mental and emotional health. She is dedicated to helping clients build resilience and live more fulfilling lives through a supportive, non-judgmental therapeutic relationship.
Ashley Martin
Ashley is a Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern with 7 years of experience working with children and adolescents. She attended the University of North Florida and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and History. She started teaching in Duval County Public Schools, and she was inspired to pursue her Master of Social Work from the University of North Florida to better serve her students.
Ashley has always enjoyed working with children and their families. She believes that every person has an internal resilience that strengthens as they grow, develop, and experience the challenges they face. She utilizes Psychoeducation, Solution Focused Brief- Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral, and Dialectical behavioral-based interventions as well as art and play-based activities to engage and meet clients where they are.
Ashley is experienced in working with individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, anger, LGBTQIA+ gender-affirming care, ASD, intellectual and learning disabilities, and school-related concerns. Her goal is to promote a safe and nonjudgmental space for healing and growth.
Remember, there is something in you that the world needs, your story matters, you matter, and there is hope in healing.
Cheryl Doxey
Cheryl is a Registered Social Worker Intern, with 5 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. She attended Saint Leo University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Clinical Social Work, graduating in 2020. During this time, she worked in a mental health hospital. Then moved on to working with veterans and first responders experiencing multiple mental health challenges, most notably trauma, substance abuse, and legal issues. Through this experience, Cheryl worked with the court system and advocated for better treatment options for veterans and first responders in the community setting.
Cheryl is passionate about mental health and uses a person-centered and strengths-based perspective to help her clients feel empowered and confident in reaching their goals. She utilizes a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychoeducation, and Solution-Focused techniques from a culturally sensitive and trauma-informed perspective. Cheryl is experienced in working with individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, grief & loss, behavioral disorders, life transitions, stress, domestic abuse & violence, trauma and children with IEP and 504 plans.
Her goal is to provide a supportive environment of unconditional positive regard by helping to enrich the lives of her clients and empower them to live their best life.
Bernadette Taggert
Bernadette is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, with 7 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. She attended Saint Leo University, earning a both her Bachelor’s and Master of Social Work. During this time, she worked in dependency with the Community Action Team serving children with mental health and behavioral concerns. Bernadette also worked with veterans and first responders experiencing multiple mental health challenges, most notably trauma, substance abuse, and legal issues. Through this experience, Bernadette worked with the court system and advocated for better treatment options for veterans and first responders in the community setting.
Bernadette is passionate about mental health and uses a Person-Centered and Strengths-Based Perspectives to help her clients feel empowered and confident in reaching their goals. She utilizes a combination of Dialectal Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychoeducation, and Brief Solution-Focused techniques from a culturally sensitive and trauma-informed perspective. Bernadette is experienced in working with individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, behavioral disorders, life transitions, stress, domestic abuse & violence, trauma and children with IEP and 504 plans.
Her goal is to provide a supportive environment of unconditional positive regard while helping to enrich the lives of her clients and empower them to reach their hopes and dreams.
Tonya Andrews
Tonya Andrews is a Registered Social worker Intern with over 20 years of dedicated service in the field of social work.Tonya's educational background includes an Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education from Southwestern Michigan College in 1999, a Bachelor's degree in Family and Consumer Sciences from Western Michigan University in 2004, and a Master of Social Work from Capella University in 2024.
Tonya is passionate about mental health and utilizes Person-Centered and Strengths-Based Perspectives to help her clients feel empowered and confident in reaching their goals. She uses a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychoeducation, and Brief Solution-Focused techniques from a culturally sensitive and trauma-informed perspective. Tonya has experience working with individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, behavioral disorders, life transitions, stress, domestic abuse & violence, trauma, LGBTQIA+, and school-related concerns.
Tonya aims to provide a supportive environment of unconditional positive regard while helping enrich her clients' lives and empower them to reach their hopes and dreams. She creates a safe space where clients feel empowered to explore their experiences and heal from trauma. She strives to foster a therapeutic alliance built on trust and collaboration where clients feel heard, valued, and understood. Together, we can create a path promoting healing, empowerment, and renewed well-being.
Kelly Charest
Kelly Charest is a Registered Mental Health Intern. She received her Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. She was born and raised here in Jacksonville and is invested in serving those in her community. She works primarily with children, teenagers, young adults who are struggling with depression, anxiety, life-stage transitions, relationships, self-esteem, and goal-setting. She uses evidence-based treatment to provide coping skills to help you rediscover the spark within yourself.
She believes that genuine change arises from self-awareness and acceptance. To foster this, she integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Child-Centered Play Therapy to encourage you to embrace who you are and cultivate self-love. She is committed to creating a transformative experience within the therapy room, knowing that true change happens through these connections.
Logan Brickhouse
Logan Brickhouse is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern based in Miami, bringing a fresh and dynamic perspective to therapy. She specializes in two key areas: inner child work and couples therapy, offering a holistic approach to personal healing for adults.
In inner child work, Logan helps clients explore unresolved emotions and patterns from early life that often manifest as anxiety, self-doubt, or challenges in relationships. By addressing these deeper layers, she empowers clients to release old wounds, build confidence, and develop healthier emotional connections.
Certified in the Gottman Method, Logan also works with couples to strengthen relationships, improve communication, and navigate complex challenges. Her goal is to help couples rebuild trust and create stronger emotional bonds.
Logan integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based techniques, using grounding, meditation, and mindfulness practices to foster clarity and growth.
Passionate about supporting clients through life transitions, Logan creates a warm, engaging atmosphere that encourages personal growth and emotional resilience.
Outside of therapy, you’ll find Logan chasing sunrises, practicing yoga, or hunting down the best park for her puppy!
Falicia Sawyer
Falicia is a dedicated Registered Mental Health Intern with a robust foundation in the mental health field, having started her journey in 1997. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Human Services in 2011 and her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling in 2013 at Springfield College in Wilmington, DE. Through her education, Falicia developed a deep understanding of the importance of resilience and personal growth, emphasizing the need to overcome life’s challenges to become the best version of ourselves.
Throughout her career, Falicia has worked with a diverse populations, including children, adolescents, and adults. She is deeply passionate about helping others navigate their challenges and is committed to providing a safe, empathetic, and non-judgmental environment for all her clients. Falicia believes that fostering a warm and welcoming atmosphere is essential for clients to feel empowered in their therapeutic journey and to pursue their individual goals.
Falicia has extensive experience addressing a wide range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, trauma, and anger management. Her compassionate approach, coupled with her professional expertise, enables her to effectively support clients as they work towards healing and personal growth.