Melinda M. Sowka, LMHC, MCAPFlorida Qualified Supervisor

My name is Melinda Sowka and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Florida. I earned my degree
in Psychology at Binghamton University in New York and my masters’ degree in Clinical Mental Health
Counseling at Webster University in Ocala, Florida. I have been serving the needs of at-risk youth and adult
populations for over 15 years in various capacities, first as a computer instructor and later in job
searching and career counseling prior to working in the mental health field. I have always had a passion for
helping others since I was a little girl and the reasons have only increased as I have grown.

I am more familiarly known as Mindy or ‘Miss Mindy’ depending on your age and to me, therapy is the
development of a give and take relationship. One of the reasons I help others is because others have helped
me, and we may have that experience together as well.

I often use analogies to create a story for illustrative purposes when describing the therapeutic process,
to the sea or water, building, navigation, planting, landscaping, sailing or dancing, because it fits!
Stories make sense to people, more so than the clinical speak. If you’re curious about that we can do that
too—whatever works! After all, this is your story.

So then… where have you been, and where do you wish to go from here?

Antrecia RussellPsychotherapist

Antrecia is a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern who believes that EVERYTHING is figureoutable. She
has the heart to walk through the murkiest and toughest part of life’s journey with those she works with and
is dedicated to being there and serving as a guide through those shuffling through their issues of life.

She specializes in providing a safe, non-judgmental, space for her clients to speak those things they may
never speak out loud to anyone else. She believes that no one should suffer in silence. “I believe we have
to say some things out loud, in the presence of someone who is trained to handle it, so we can face it and
heal.”

She received her Bachelor’s degree from Southeastern University in Psychology and went on to receive her
Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. She is now working on her
Doctorate degree in Developmental Psychology. She’s known since she was 11 years old that helping others in
the area of mental health is what she wanted to do with her life. “If I can help one person find the path to
healing and mental health, I have fulfilled my purpose.”

Xavier KellyPsychotherapist

Xavier is a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern who is dedicated to empowering his clients to reach
their personal goals and improve their overall well-being.

He specializes in cognitive-behavioral therapy, existential therapy, and mindfulness techniques to help
individuals manage anxiety, depression, and other forms of stress. He holds a Master of Arts in Clinical
Psychology from the University of Central Florida and is committed to providing holistic and evidence-based
therapy in a supportive environment.

With experience providing services in child sleep testing, corrections, substance abuse, and hospital
settings, Xavier is happy to work with clients of any age with any problem. Whether it be stress as a result
of a medical diagnosis, relationship struggles, behavioral issues, or everyday stress, Xavier will be there
to help you through it.

Erika Del Moral PerezPsychotherapist

Erika is a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern who believes in the importance of mind-body-spirit
connection. She knows the challenges and stigma around mental health can make it difficult to seek out help,
and works hard to make sure therapy is a safe and comfortable space for all of her clients. She believes
therapy is a collaborative process and is always learning and adapting to help clients get what they want
out of the therapeutic space.

Erika is passionate about working with clients in marginalized populations, such as the LGBTQ+ community,
and has vast experience in working with issues like anxiety, stress, identity challenges, and PTSD. Erika
utilizes an eclectic approach that pulls from modalities such as ACT, DBT, mindfulness techniques, and is
IFS-informed.

Erika believes community and social connections are important and vital to us as humans, and hopes to foster
that sense of connection with all of her clients through a cultural and trauma-informed lens.

Mia ReusOffice Administrator

Mia Reus is the welcoming face and voice of our front office, currently serving as Receptionist and
preparing to grow herself in this industry. She works closely with all areas of the practice and specializes
in customer service, organization, and ensuring every client feels comfortable and supported from the very
moment they reach out.

As a proud mom of three amazing kids, Mia brings warmth, empathy, and a natural ability to connect with
people into everything she does. She truly views this office as a second family and is passionate about
being part of a team that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of others every day.

Nirvani KhanOffice Assistant

Nirvani brings dedicated customer service and administrative experience from a variety of settings,
including medical offices, the hospitality industry, as well as in the mental health field. She graduated
from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree. Nirvani lives by the quote, ” “No
one cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.” – Theodore Roosevelt

Nirvani greets each and every client with empathy as they enter the doors at Sowka. She feels honored to
help you schedule your very first appointment in your healing journey, and to support you with any questions
you may have about the intake process.