Ava enjoys working with teens, young adults, adults, and couples navigating relationship challenges, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, life transitions, and questions surrounding identity, purpose, and personal growth. She has a special interest in supporting teens and young adults as they navigate the unique challenges of adolescence and early adulthood, helping them build confidence, develop healthy relationships, strengthen their sense of self, and create a life that reflects their values. Ava is passionate about helping clients strengthen their support systems, clarify what matters most to them, and develop the resilience to navigate life’s challenges with greater self-awareness. She believes every client brings a unique story into the therapy room and is committed to meeting each person where they are with compassion, curiosity, and authenticity.
Originally from Portland, Maine, Ava earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Philosophy from Skidmore College before relocating to St. Petersburg, Florida. She later graduated with honors from Wake Forest University’s online Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling program.
Before and during graduate school, Ava spent three years as a Facilitator with a St. Petersburg nonprofit organization, teaching Dibble’s Relationship Smarts Plus curriculum in local high schools and community programs throughout Pinellas and Manatee counties. This experience provided a strong foundation in helping teens develop healthy communication skills, recognize unhealthy relationship patterns, build stronger interpersonal relationships, and make informed life decisions. It also gave her valuable experience collaborating with schools, leading discussion-based groups, and providing engaging psychoeducation.
Ava completed her counseling internship with Boley Centers in St. Petersburg, where she worked with adults experiencing depression, anxiety, addiction, grief, complex trauma, and interpersonal challenges while supporting clients in rebuilding stability and independence. She also gained experience in career counseling, art therapy, advocacy, and working alongside clients through difficult life transitions.
Ava takes an interpersonal and person-centered approach to therapy, integrating elements of existential-humanistic and developmental modalities. She also incorporates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), career counseling, and art therapy when appropriate to meet each client’s individual needs. She believes no two people experience life in the same way, and she values ongoing professional development to ensure she continues providing thoughtful, evidence-based, and individualized care. Her goal is for clients to leave therapy feeling empowered, understood, and confident in their ability to move forward.
In her personal time, Ava enjoys reading a range of books, from fiction and sci-fi to psychology and philosophy. She can be found at the beach with her dog Moxie, meditating at home with her cat Cyka, or getting a dirty soda and a sausage-egg-and-cheese from Dunkin—with hash browns, of course. She loves creative writing, crafts, painting, and quality time with loved ones. Ava brings humor, compassion, and care to her work, and aims to provide holistic and focused care for her clients.
“Deep human connection is the purpose and the result of a meaningful life – and it will inspire the most amazing acts of love, generosity, and humanity.” -Melinda Gates
