Melissa Dionne, MSW

LCSW and Principal Owner

I earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Psychology (Psi Chi honor society) and minor in Marketing from Old Dominion University (1991). I obtained a Master’s in Clinical Social Work from Norfolk State University in 1995.

Throughout my career I have been extensively trained in Child Centered Play Therapy; training programs to include Garry Landreth and Eliana Gil, additionally, I completed a graduate certification in Counseling for Child Centered Play Therapy from the University of North Carolina, Charlotte in June 2016. Clinical focus has been to treat survivors of trauma (sexual abuse and physical abuse), families going through divorce and children and teens dealing with the every day stresses of life. I’ve been licensed as a Clinical Social Worker in 3 states, VA, NC and currently in FL.

I earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Psychology (Psi Chi honor society) and minor in Marketing from Old Dominion University (1991). I obtained a Master’s in Clinical Social Work from Norfolk State University in 1995.

Throughout my career I have been extensively trained in Child Centered Play Therapy; training programs to include Garry Landreth and Eliana Gil, additionally, I completed a graduate certification in Counseling for Child Centered Play Therapy from the University of North Carolina, Charlotte in June 2016. Clinical focus has been to treat survivors of trauma (sexual abuse and physical abuse), families going through divorce and children and teens dealing with the every day stresses of life. I’ve been licensed as a Clinical Social Worker in 3 states, VA, NC and currently in FL.

My professional growth is centered on research, evidence based therapies and interventions: Gottman Couples Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.

In addition to my private practice; I am certified as a guardian ad litem for the 7^thDistrict courts. I have completed the FL Supreme Court Mediation Training Program and the Parenting Coordinator Program.

I have teenage girls, 2 dogs and reside in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. I enjoy traveling, yoga, tennis, great food and spending time with family and friends.

Certified In

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I’ve completed specialized trainings in:

Child Centered Play Therapy (CCPT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Group Therapy, psycho-educational for victims of sexual abuse and social skills groups for children/adolescents
DBT skills, Level 1 certified
Family Therapy, System Approach
Marital Therapy, Active Listening Approach and Gottman Level 1 and 2
Filial Therapy
Crisis and Conflict Resolultion
Trained in Sexual and Physical Abuse Indicators and Treatment
FL Supreme Court Mediation training and Parenting Coordinator Program
Infidelity
Divorce
Certified to provide Clinical Supervision, MSW students

Racheal Melo

MSW, RCSWI

I earned my Master’s of Clinical Social Work at Florida State University where I also completed my undergraduate degree in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences. I am an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning, a Certified Animal Assisted Interventions Specialist, a Pet Partners Handler, and have a canine therapy partner in-training,Tucker!

I am passionate about utilizing evidenced-based practices to help others recognize and build on their strengths to overcome difficult hurdles, find balance, express uncomfortable emotions, and better understand themselves. My approach utilizes nature, animals, and creative expression in conjunction with holistic, cognitive, dialectical, and experiential therapies. With an integrative, client-centered, and strength-based approach we will work together to create a plan that allows you to live in alignment with your core values. I am passionate about working with adolescents, young adults, working professionals, and parents.

I am trained in and continue my exploration and education in CAMS, a widely successful, evidenced-based Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality used at VA clinics nationwide.

I am a Florida native and a military spouse of 11 years.

Together, we have a 10-year-old son and a small zoo! I love learning, exploring new places, listening to a plethora of audiobooks, and being creative!

I earned my Master’s of Clinical Social Work at Florida State University where I also completed my undergraduate degree in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences. I am an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning, a Certified Animal Assisted Interventions Specialist, a Pet Partners Handler, and have a canine therapy partner in-training, Tucker!

I am passionate about utilizing evidenced-based practices to help others recognize and build on their strengths to overcome difficult hurdles, find balance, express uncomfortable emotions, and better understand themselves. My approach utilizes nature, animals, and creative expression in conjunction with holistic, cognitive, attachment, experiential therapies. With an integrative, client-centered, and strength-based approach we will work together to create a plan that allows you to live in alignment with your core values.

I am trained in and continue my exploration and education in CAMS, a widely successful, evidenced-based Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality used at VA clinics nationwide I am incredibly passionate about working side-by-side with individuals through understanding and managing their personal drivers of suicidal ideation.

I love supporting military and their families as a command ombudsman and military spouse of ten years. Together, we have a 9-year-old son and a small zoo! I enjoy exploring new places, listening to a plethora of audiobooks, and being creative!

Additional Trainings / Specialties

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Law Enforcement Competency Training
Treatment of Anxiety
Creative Interventions
Experiential Therapy
Group Therapy
Animal-Assisted Interventions
Equine-Assisted Learning and Therapy

Professional Memberships

National Association of Social Work (NASW)
PATH International
Association of Animal Assisted Intervention Professionals

Rebecca Downey

Counseling and Play Therapy Intern

I have a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from George Mason University. I’m a graduate student at Jacksonville University, working on a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a graduate certificate in Play Therapy. I will complete EMDR training in early September 2023. I work with adults, adolescents, and children.

I use a blend of theoretical orientations to include Person-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Adlerian, Motivational Interviewing, and Relational Cultural Theory. For clients under 12, we will meet in the playroom with a child-centered approach.

I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. I bring my warm, caring personality, training, and an open mind, and together we will create a plan tailored to you. Together we will unpack it, explore it, learn skills to increase your peace and stability, while considering the story you tell yourself about what has happened.

I’m the mom of a teenage daughter, tween son, and two rescue pups. I enjoy curling up with a good book, all things baking, and can often be found at the beach.

I have a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from George Mason University. I’m a graduate student at Jacksonville University, working on a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a graduate certificate in Play Therapy. I will complete EMDR training in early September 2023. I work with adults, adolescents, and children.

I use a blend of theoretical orientations to include Person-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Adlerian, Motivational Interviewing, and Relational Cultural Theory. For clients under 12, we will meet in the playroom with a child-centered approach.

I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. I bring my warm, caring personality, training, and an open mind, and together we will create a plan tailored to you. Together we will unpack it, explore it, learn skills to increase your peace and stability, while considering the story you tell yourself about what has happened.

I’m the mom of a teenage daughter, tween son, and two rescue pups. I enjoy curling up with a good book, all things baking, and can often be found at the beach.

Special Areas of Interest

Lyme Disease and Co-infections
PANDAS/PANS

Professional Affiliations

American Mental Health Counselors Association
American Counseling Association
Association for Play Therapy
Chi Sigma Iota
Florida Mental Health Counselors Association

Jen Stemack

Office Manager

Jen has made Atlantic Beach her home for over the last 20 years. After graduating from the University of North Florida in 2001, she has managed several local businesses and served as the recreational assistant at the City of Atlantic Beach Recreation and Special Events. She is a proud mom of her son Teagan who is a junior at Fletcher High School. Jen is an avid pickle ball player and is passionate about sharing the fastest growing sport with her family, friends and the community. In her spare time, Jen enjoys cooking, traveling, music and photography. She is loyal and genuinely enjoys helping those with whom she is around. Fittingly she has found the perfect home at JAX BCH Counseling, and is excited to enrich the lives of others in a positive healthy environment.

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- Tony Robbins, Author, and Life Coach

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