Christ-Centered Counseling

For new appointments, please call the church office: 407-884-7223
Our “Hope Starts Here” Ministries exists to meet the mental wellness needs of our church and broader community. We offer Christ-centered counseling for individuals and families Monday-Friday at our Apopka campus. We provide compassionate care and strive to support individuals dealing with a diverse range of mental health challenges.
 
Our ministry extends a helping hand to those burdened by anxiety, depression, OCD, self-esteem issues, eating disorders, addiction, relationship problems, trauma, and more. By integrating faith-based principles into evidence-based counseling techniques, we strive to foster healing and restoration. We are committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment.
 
We are eager to embark on this journey of hope, empowering individuals to find strength, resilience, and renewed purpose in their lives.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis that may result in imminent harm or danger, call 911, go to the nearest hospital emergency room, or contact the National Suicide Hotline 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)

Annette Rios
RMHCI, IMH27393

Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
Annette obtained her BS degree in Psychology at the University of Central Florida, and her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling at Rollins College.

Annette is a dedicated Registered Mental Health Counselor with a strong background in treating diverse mental health challenges. Annette has experience working in residential, outpatient, and private practice settings, providing empathetic care to individuals, couples and adolescents.

She worked at La Amistad supporting individuals in a residential facility for co-occurring substance use and mental health diagnosis. At the Hope Center, Annette worked with adolescents, addressing their unique emotional and behavioral needs. Additionally, her experience in private practice includes treating clients with depression, anxiety, suicidal- ideation and relationship challenges, including couples counseling.

Annette has experience with adults, young adults, adolescents, and couples. She also worked in a school setting as a school counselor with middle school students.

Annette’s counseling theories are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), Emotional Focused Therapy (EFT), The Gottman Method level 1 and Holistic approaches.

Annette believes in establishing a safe judgement-free space so clients can feel comfortable and explore their emotions, experiences and find the answers they are looking for within themselves.

She enjoys traveling, yoga, theme parks, and spending time with her husband and adult children.

Brittaney Basak
ISW20495

Registered Mental Health Clinical Social Worker Intern
Brittaney obtained her B.S. in Psychology through Liberty University and her Masters Social Work from Florida State University. Brittaney has worked with individuals and families from all walks of life helping them to reach their goals.

She believes people absolutely can have an abundant life full of joy and peace! She is honored to be a part of your journey to abundant life. The bravest thing a person can do is to seek help from others. We all need help at times, life is full of trauma, stress, and obstacles. It is her goal to collaborate with clients making sure to prioritize their dignity and strengths to help them accomplish their goals.

You can find healing physically, spiritually, and emotionally. You do not have to live overwhelmed, burned out, or stuck. She wants you to understand your story, your goals, and help you find the skills that will benefit you most.

She works with clients adapting to their individual needs utilizing a strengths-based approach and treating clients as the experts on themselves. Empathetic listening and compassion are at the forefront of every interaction. She uses cognitive behavioral therapy, client-centered therapy, art therapy, play therapy, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused therapy in sessions.

Dustin York
IMH27025

Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
Dustin is a registered mental health counselor intern who earned a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Liberty University.

After serving over a decade in the Marine Corps, roughly fifteen years in both private and government real estate, and raising two children, he felt called to become a mental health counselor. His motivation stems from the urgent mental health challenges facing the United States and the world. He is dedicated to addressing the shortage of mental health professionals to help meet this growing need.

With a background in economics and statistics, Dustin combines his life experience and analytical skills to create a personalized therapeutic experience that is grounded in scientifically proven interventions and supported by current, objective peer reviewed research.

He enjoys supporting individuals and families through a variety of challenges. Most of us have not been provided with an instruction manual for navigating relationship struggles, negative thoughts, anxiety, feelings of isolation, child behavior issues, or the struggles of single parenting. If you feel stuck or need a partner to help you find your way forward, Dustin would welcome an opportunity to work with you on your unique path.

Heidi Marie Westmoreland
IMH26309

Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
Everyone needs someone to truly listen, with empathy, compassion, and without judgment. Life can be difficult and confusing, and having the right support can make all the difference. As a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, it is my privilege to walk alongside you on your journey toward healing, wholeness, and hope.

I have over 24 years of experience in full-time ministry and have a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by those serving in church or ministry roles. I’m also a wife and an adoptive mom, and I draw from my own personal experiences in singleness, marriage, parenting, and loss to help others feel seen and understood.

My clinical interests include adoption-related issues, emotional neglect, trauma, anxiety, depression, anger, self-esteem struggles, parenting challenges, and relationship dynamics. I also have experience supporting individuals through spiritual concerns and faith-based questions. I earned my Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Reformed Theological Seminary, which further shaped my holistic approach to care, integrating clinical wisdom with spiritual insight when desired.

I believe that healing begins in a safe space where you feel heard, valued, and supported. It would be an honor to partner with you in this season of your life.

William “Shands” Carter
LMHC MH23399

Licensed Mental Health Counselor
William Shands Carter is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with extensive experience in helping individuals and families navigate a variety of challenges, including adolescent development, ADHD, men’s issues, developmental delays, divorce, relationship dynamics, and a wide range of mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, and stress management. Recognizing that each client brings a unique perspective and set of experiences, Shands offers a warm, collaborative, and client-centered approach to therapy.

With expertise in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Psychodynamic approaches, Behaviorism, and Reality Therapy, Shands tailors treatment to suit each client’s individual needs. By drawing on these varied approaches, Shands effectively supports clients in enhancing self-awareness, developing healthier coping skills, improving work-life balance, and achieving peak performance in both personal and professional areas.

In addition to supporting clients through difficult life transitions, Shands is committed to providing a validating and goal-oriented space where clients feel empowered to take meaningful steps toward change and personal growth.