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PEACE THERAPY, LLC.
Meet the Peace Therapy Team:
Jeff Lapham
LMHC, TF-CBT, MH12821,
Reunification Therapy Specialist
CEO/Sole Proprietor
Jeff Lapham earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Special Education from Florida State University in 1989, with an emphasis in behavioral disorders. He taught children with severe emotional handicaps in the Florida public schools for 15-years before he attended Florida Gulf Coast University where he obtained a second master’s degree in mental health counseling in 2011.
He has worked with youth with behavioral issues while they were incarcerated, adults with severe and persistent mental illnesses, and adults involved with the legal system. Mr. Lapham received special training and certification in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy and has been working with youth that have experienced traumatic events since then.
Mr. Lapham also has the honor of having his name placed on the wall of tolerance at the civil rights memorial center in Montgomery, Alabama among other civil rights’ activists such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, Robert F. Kennedy, etc.
Cristiane Fernandes is a bilingual Psychotherapist and LCSW who speaks Portuguese, Spanish and English. She has worked in the mental health field for over five years with a wide range of clients in various settings and is certified in advanced trauma informed therapy.
Her approach to treatment is a combination of mindfulness , wellness, health guidance, cognitive therapy, and solution focus to offer a holistic approach of treatment to assist individuals achieve their full potential in life. Among various other therapy modalities that Cristiane incorporates, she is well-versed with Critical Incident Stress Debrief (CISD), Positive Psychology, Motivational Interviewing, Strength-Based, Solution Focused Brief (SFBT), Behavior Modification, and Cognitive Behavioral (CBT).
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Mariset Amat is a caring and dedicated mental health professional passionate about helping children and families reach their full potential. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Psychology with a specialization in Child and Adolescent Development. Currently, she is pursuing a second Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to deepen her expertise in behavioral science and evidence-based practices.
With over six years of hands-on experience as a Registered Behavior Technician, Mariset has supported children and adolescents with autism, ADHD, anxiety, and behavioral challenges across home, school, and clinic settings. Her therapeutic style blends structured behavioral strategies with creativity, empathy, and cultural awareness. Bilingual in English and Spanish, Mariset believes in building strong partnerships with families to foster growth, confidence, and emotional well-being in every child she serves.
Kelle is a passionate counselor dedicated to bringing joy and relief to children and their families by helping them to heal and live their best possible life. She is an honors society graduate of Northwestern University’s mental health counseling master’s program, with an emphasis on children and adolescents. Kelle is an integrated therapist, trained in a wide variety of therapeutic techniques, such as psychodynamic, ACT, CBT, DBT, play therapy, trauma counseling and of course, TF-CBT. Kelle interned at the Collier County Children’s Advocacy Center and saw clients of all ages at Cornerstone Consultants. She is serious when needed but definitely has a silly side and always tries to make counseling fun and interesting!
With a background in brand management at companies such as Campbell Soup and Procter & Gamble and after overcoming numerous personal challenges, Kelle experienced a profound shift in her life and aspirations. In addition, watching the devastating effects of the pandemic on the children in her life, and healing from her own tumultuous childhood, inspired her to change careers later in life and help improve the mental health of young people.
Mr. Barry is a late life learner, returning to school at 45 years old. He earned his Bachelors in Behavioral Science from Ashford University, and his Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Ashford University. He has a certification in trauma therapy, as well as training in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
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Mr. Barry specializes in human development and the effects of trauma, stress, and toxic stress on human development and primal developmental phases. He has devoted extensive time to understanding the adoption of pathological behaviors as a coping device, in order to help the individual understand their behaviors and facilitate effective change. Mr. Barry works from a solution focused ideology and strives to help young and old to grasp a better understanding of the choice module, how we all make choices, and how to effectively improve our choices.
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Mr. Barry has experience working with addiction, severe mental illness, severe and persistent mental illness, and has spent the last 5 years working with children and families throughout the Fort Myers/Cape Coral area. His experience in life, and the application of clinical modalities to purposeful application is a unique style which has helped many individuals critically analyze their position in life and make healthy effective change.
Jameson graduated from Walden University with a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Hodges University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Psychology and a minor in Addiction Counseling. With over 10 years of experience as a substance abuse counselor, he has worked with both adults and adolescents, providing compassionate and evidence-based support through various stages of healing and recovery.Jameson became a counselor because he has always been passionate about helping people navigate life's challenges and discover their strengths. Through his personal experiences, he learned the importance of having someone who listens without judgment and provides support during difficult times.
These experiences inspired him to pursue counseling as a career, allowing him to help others build resilience, improve their well-being, and achieve personal growth. Jameson finds great fulfillment in creating a safe and supportive environment where individuals can explore their concerns and work toward positive change.I specialize in treating trauma, grief, anxiety and emotional regulation, depression, relationship challenges, church hurt, adolescent issues, and substance abuse. I also offer sports mental health counseling to help athletes strengthen their mental resilience, manage performance anxiety, and enhance focus both on and off the field. My approach is rooted in creating safe, inclusive, and affirming spaces for individuals of all gender identities, sexual orientations, races, cultures, and belief systems. I am passionate about helping clients build resilience, develop healthy coping strategies, and reconnect with their strengths as they navigate life’s challenges.
Elianet Guerra is passionate about helping children and families improve their emotional and behavioral wellbeing. She holds a Master's Degree in Psychology of Science, a Bachelor's Degree in Veterinary Medicine, and currently works as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT).
Through her experience working with children with autism, ADHD, developmental delays, and behavioral challenges, she has developed a strong passion for providing compassionate and individualized care. She truly enjoys building meaningful connections with the children and families she works with while helping create positive changes in their daily lives.
Her approach is based on empathy, patience, understanding, and creating a safe environment where every child feels supported and encouraged to grow with confidence. She strongly believes in the importance of teamwork and effective communication with families to help each child reach their full potential.
Being fluent in both English and Spanish allows her to connect with and support families from diverse backgrounds. Her goal is to continue making a positive and lasting impact through care, dedication, and genuine compassion.
Danielle Fous recently earned her graduate degree in the Marriage and Family Therapy program at National University. Over the last 13 years, Danielle has worked as a Special Needs Educator and a Behavioral Therapist specializing in children with Autism and family dynamics locally in Fort Myers, FL. She has developed a deep understanding and compassion for families, parents, and how challenging incorporating new techniques and routines can be within the system. Danielle believes everyone should have a safe and healing place to work through life's difficulties. Danielle tries to help bring families and couples closer together through therapeutic work to build fulfilling relationships. She follows a systemic approach to therapy and believes that to understand people and their challenges, it is important to understand the systems and relationships they are a part of. She believes that the therapeutic relationship should be comprised of authenticity, collaboration, and one that feels safe and supportive. She focuses on client's strength and resiliency. Striving to help clients find tools to cope with life's stresses, she pulls from EFT, existential, narrative, and solution focused approaches.
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Melanie Rinck earned her Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Trauma and Resilience from Concordia University in 2019. She has eight years of experience teaching elementary school, where she developed a keen understanding of the impacts of trauma on young minds. Currently, Melanie is completing her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with Capella University, further honing her expertise in trauma and resilience.
Melanie is dedicated to helping individuals heal and thrive. She employs a variety of therapeutic approaches to address the psychological and physical effects of trauma. Her methods include Expressive Art Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-based interventions, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Play Therapy.
Through her compassionate and evidence-based approach, Melanie aims to provide her clients with the tools they need to understand their emotions, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and lead fulfilling lives. She believes in the power of therapy to transform lives and is committed to supporting her clients every step of the way.
Rick De Leon earned his master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a bachelor's degree in Sociology from Florida Gulf Coast University. Additionally, he holds certifications in Relationship and Family counseling, and he is recognized as a Level 2 Gottman Couples Therapist. He has experience working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families.
Rick's therapeutic methodology is anchored in recognizing the innate potential within each person for healing and transformation. Through the cultivation of mindfulness and the nurturing of a connection to one's inner self, he aids clients in navigating life's challenges with empathy, resilience, and discernment.
By drawing from a blend of psychological frameworks, Rick ensures a culturally sensitive and tailored approach to meet your specific needs and goals. He fosters a secure and encouraging environment for introspection and personal development. Rick is dedicated to walking alongside you on your journey towards self awareness, fulfillment, and inner peace.
Geovana Arriera Alvarez is a dedicated mental health professional with both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Psychology. She has over five years of experience working as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for children and adolescents with autism and developmental disabilities.
Her strong academic background in psychology, paired with her practical experience, allows her to integrate theory with evidence-based interventions to promote meaningful outcomes. Fluent in both Spanish and English, she is committed to empowering families through education, skill-building, and compassionate, individualized care.
Christopher Rossi is a Registered Clinical Social Work Intern who specializes in general depression, trauma, early childhood trauma, men’s self improvement, and substance use; earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Florida Gulf Coast University. Since 2020, Christopher has been a registered practitioner of Trust Based Relational Intervention through Texas Christian University, focusing on healing childhood trauma through caregiver attachment. Christopher’s main therapeutic focus is developing a GENUINE connection with his clients through earned trust.
Christopher has spent the last 7 years developing a program which serves parents and children who use substances within the child welfare system. Christopher was awarded Social Work Student of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers Florida, Undergraduate Student of the year by FGCU, and Innovator of the Year by the Florida Coalition of Children for his work implementing a child-welfare population focused Narcan distribution program within the Southwest Florida area.
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Julie Kruszewski earned a bachelor's degree in Art Therapy and an Art Education teaching certification in 2007 from Mercyhurst University in Pennsylvania. She taught a diverse range of students in public and private schools for 13 years and during that time attended Edinboro University earning a dual master's degree in Mental Health Counseling and Art Therapy in 2022. Julie is a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern (RMHCI) and a Provisional Registered Art Therapist (ATR-P) knowledgable in clinical skills and art therapy theories. She uses a person centered trauma informed approach in combination with cognitive behavioral therapy, art therapy, and mindfulness based therapies driven by the individual needs of the client.
When using art therapy in a session it includes art materials and focus on the art-making process to improve the emotional, psychological, and physical well-being of clients who have experienced trauma. Julie uses art to help children and adolescents express themselves to work through pain, fear, stress, and other emotions connected with physical and emotional trauma. She has an interest in working with youth who have experienced trauma.
Melissa Merida is a compassionate and dedicated mental health professional with a strong commitment to improving the lives of children and families. She holds both a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in Psychology, providing her with a solid foundation in human behavior, emotional development, and evidence-based care.
Currently working as a Registered Behavior Technician, Melissa has three years of hands-on experience supporting children with autism, ADHD, developmental delays, and other behavioral and developmental challenges across structured therapeutic settings. Her approach is rooted in creativity, empathy, and genuine care, allowing her to build meaningful connections with the children she serves while fostering growth, confidence, and positive change.
Fluent in both English and Spanish, Melissa values culturally responsive care and effective communication with families. She is deeply passionate about making a lasting, positive impact and helping children reach their fullest potential.
As a dedicated mental health counselor, I bring over 5 years of experience in providing inclusive and compassionate and evidence-based support to individuals across all age groups. Holding a Master degree in Clinical Counseling from The Logos Christian University., I utilize a blend of play therapy, cognitive-behavioral techniques, psychosocial rehabilitation and family-focused interventions tailored to meet the unique needs of each client.
My approach is deeply rooted in creating a safe, nurturing environment where clients can thrive and navigate the complexities of their developmental stages. Whether addressing anxiety, behavioral challenges, or emotional regulation, I am committed to fostering resilience and promoting mental well-being.
Jessica Ducles is a compassionate professional with a bachelor’s degree in criminology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling at Keiser University.
Jessica specializes in supporting children, adolescents, and adults who are survivors of trauma. As a New York native with a background in law, Jessica brings a unique perspective to her work. Having personally experienced trauma, she deeply understands the importance of the therapeutic process. Her passion lies in empowering individuals to heal and thrive by providing empathetic and personalized care.
Jessica is particularly focused on helping those affected by PTSD, sexual assault, and other trauma-related conditions. Jessica’s dedication and expertise make her a trusted guide for clients on their journey toward recovery and resilience.
Abby earned a Bachelor’s degree in Developmental Psychology from the University of St. Francis and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Keiser University. She is also continuing her professional growth through post-graduate certifications in Play Therapy, Multicultural Counseling, and Human Development.
Abby has worked as a Registered Behavior Technician over the past five years, supporting children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, OCD, and other behavioral challenges. She has worked with families in home, school, and clinic settings, which has helped her understand how important it is to meet clients where they are and to collaborate closely with caregivers to support meaningful, lasting progress.
She is also a student member of the Institutional Review Board at Keiser University, where she helps review and monitor research studies to ensure they are conducted ethically. Through this role, she has been involved in research focused on mindfulness and coping skills, which has deepened her appreciation for evidence-based practices while also encouraging her to think creatively about new ways to support clients.
In her counseling work, Abby takes an integrative and eclectic approach and tailors her approach to fit each person’s unique needs, strengths, and goals. Her aim is to create a supportive, collaborative space where clients feel understood, empowered, and equipped with the tools they need to grow and thrive.
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