MEET THE TEAM
Whatever you are struggling with, our therapists are here to help you reach your goals, find peace and balance in your mind, and create lasting changes.
We are a group of down-to-earth, open, and smart counselors that want to collaborate with you to become the happiest version of yourself. We believe in your ability to make lasting changes, with the company of a compassionate therapeutic relationship- where we teach, counsel, heal, and support you. Life can get us knotted up and we want to help you to untangle that knot and start feeling like your ideal self again...or for the very first time; by finally addressing the trauma, sadness, anxiety, lack of motivation, poor relationships, poor coping skills, lack of balance and calm, and other issues that hold you back.
From our first appointment, you can gain a sense of hope and relief that the feelings you have been experiencing really can be managed, life can be what you wish, and you can feel and do better for yourself! If you have had an uncomfortable experience with therapy in the past or you are intimidated by the thought of it, fear no more! We will guide you.
It is our priority to create a comfortable space for you. It doesn't matter how near or far from success we might be or seem to others, anyone can feel far from how they wish could feel. It is easy and stress-free to make an appointment with us. Message, email, or text for easy scheduling or consultation.
Embrace the future with us.
DR. AMBER AHERN, MS, LMHC, PHD
Owner/Operator
Licensed Psychotherapist
My name is Dr. Amber Ahern, PhD, MS, LMHC. I am the owner and operator of The Therapy Hub. I have loved creating a space for change for our clients in Palm Beach County and beyond. I am proud of our therapists and the progress of the people who they have served. We offer in person counseling in South Florida and virtual counseling through the entire state of Florida.
As a licensed therapist, I have worked in the field for over 12 years with a variety of client types and have lots of education that I have put to practice. I am specially trained and experienced in various trauma therapies, the Gottman Method couples counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and Exposure and Response Prevention (EARP) for the treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and phobias. I love treating the things that my patients don’t feel they can recover from and showing them that they can live a comfortable, and anxiety-reduced life. I am also certified by EAGALA for the practice of equine-assisted psychotherapy and also operate Stetson Counseling & Wellness, LLC.
I have enjoyed helping those who thought they would never be free from the emotional and mental consequences of traumatic events or childhoods, grief and loss, unhealthy relationships, and obsessive thinking. No matter how exhausted people may feel from their daily anxiety, compulsions, irrational fears, rocky relationships, traumatic stress, and unhappy relationships...therapy can still work. Your ideal version of yourself, your high achieving self, or your ideal relationship is still possible. I help people to untangle, breath, and take control of their mental health and, in turn, their overall health. I provide support every step of the way. I help my clients gain peace from and overcome anxiety and panic, OCD and phobia, and severe trauma. I also love helping couples leave those hopeless feelings behind and start their relationship anew. Many of my clients show a version of themselves to the world that they may not necessarily feel inside. I want to know my clients deeply and I want to hear it all. I believe that there is nothing more healing than a special, allied, judgement-free therapeutic relationship where you can leave every worry and every secret. I can offer not only my expertise and education, but my compassionate support.
In addition to my clinical work, I provide professional trainings, consulting services, and provides clinical supervision services to provisionally licensed therapists in Florida. I am also the Founder and Director of the non-profit organization, the South Florida Link Coalition, which address the cycle of violence between people and animals in South Florida. I have wide-ranging experience working within the criminal justice system, mostly with victims of crime, and has a research background in animal and human health and the animal-human bond.
Let me know how I can help!
KELLY DAMBRA, MA, LMHC
Licensed Psychotherapist
Kelly Dambra is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Kelly completed her undergraduate studies in psychology and a minor in criminal justice from Nova Southeastern University. Kelly then attended the University of Central Florida and received her Masters degree in Clinical Psychology.
Kelly has worked as a trauma therapist for the last 6 years and has extensive experience in treating complex trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, self-esteem and OCD. In addition, she currently runs a Teen Coping Skills group for girls which focuses on those who are struggling with feelings of anxiety, depression, parent &/or peer relationship issues or self-esteem.
Kelly’s therapy approach is based forming a collaborative relationship with each client and working together to make lasting changes. Therapy is tailored to the client and their specific needs. Kelly believes in creating a comfortable, non-judgmental environment where clients can build insight and address current challenge. She is trained in both Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and EMDR.
ELIN NORDEGREN, MS, LMHC
Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern
Bio coming soon.
MARISA HUFF, MS, LMHC
Licensed Psychotherapist
Marisa Huff studied Psychology at Florida State University and obtained her Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University.
Marisa came to us with years of experience helping victims to heal from the symptoms and aftermath that often follow traumatic experiences such as sexual assault, childhood sexual abuse, and/or domestic violence. She confidently treats anxiety, depression, and relationship struggles for individuals and couples (she is Gottman Method certified), in addition to running a support group for teen girls who have been sexually abused. Marisa’s background also includes working with a community-based outreach program where she spent time educating, training, and advocating for violence prevention.
Marisa believes that therapy is not a “one size fits all” and uses an eclectic approach in working with her clients. She truly enjoys getting to know her clients on a deep and personal level to understand what treatment type will fit best for them. Marisa has a passion for helping people and does not shy away from tough subjects. She is definitely not afraid to “go there” with you in a safe environment that is nonjudgmental and empathic. Marisa feels strongly that therapy can be for anyone and that no issue is too small!
CHRISTEL BRYDEGAARD, MS, LMHC
Licensed Psychotherapist
Christel Brydegaard is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Christel completed her undergraduate studies in clinical psychology and a minor in sociology from Florida Atlantic University. Christel proceeded with her graduate studies at Nova Southeastern University and earned a Master’s degree in clinical Mental Health Counseling. Christel’s journey in psychology started with working within Applied Behavior Analysis with children with autism and overall behavioral modification. From there Christel worked as a counselor at a nationwide treatment facility for eating disorders.
Christel also has extensive experience with trauma therapy including children, teens and adults. Christel also worked as a trauma therapist for teens in foster care and has extensive experience in treating complex trauma, anxiety, depression, behavioral/delinquency issues as well as victims of violent crimes.
Christel enjoys working with diverse clientele and is a firm believer in the collaboration between client and therapist. She ensures that therapy is a safe space to explore, discuss and process even the most difficult situations and experiences while adapting therapeutic interventions to fit each client’s own unique experiences and situations. Along with her gained clinical skills, Christel is also a naturally talented cognitive therapist who is meticulous with helping clients to gain better understanding of their own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and with making lasting changes. She also speaks Danish.
ERICA SALMON, LCSW
Licensed Therapist
Bio coming soon.
MELISSA DESTEFANO, MS, MA, LMHC
Licensed Psychotherapist
Melissa DeStefano is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. In 2016, Melissa graduated with undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Sociology from the Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida. Melissa then went on to complete a Masters of Science in Social Research from FSU and a Masters of the Arts in Clinical Psychology from the University of Central Florida.
Melissa uses an integrative therapeutic approach with clients, engaging in primarily Person-Centered work with inclusion of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Emotion-Focused, and ACT to assist clients in meeting their therapeutic goals. Over the last 5 years, Melissa has worked with clients managing anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, and trauma recovery along with assisting clients in building self-compassion, emotional management and improving overall emotional expression.
Melissa believes that through building an authentic relationship with her clients and utilizing vulnerability in the therapeutic space, it becomes easier for clients to do the same in relationships outside of the therapy room. She works to show clients that it is safe to allow space for emotions, and by feeling those emotions, clients will be better able to deal with them and heal from them as well! There is no shame in the therapy game!
NICHOLLE CHADWICK, MS
Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern
Nicholle received her Bachelor’s in Mental Health at Palm Beach Atlantic University. She stayed at PBA and earned a degree in Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Trauma. She is now a registered mental health counseling intern and is working to obtain her license.
Nicholle has worked with many different types of client concerns, from young children to adults, in both the office and community settings. She has worked specifically with clients with stress related disorders, anxiety, depression, loss/grief, and trauma. She has experience holding both women’s empowerment groups and youth support groups.
Nicholle specializes in eye movement desensitization
(EMDR) therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and is certified in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
Nicholle has a passion working with mothers with difficult pregnancies, infant mental health, and those who have had traumatic birth experiences and/or infant loss. She works closely with organizations with the same agenda, including the Teacup Preemie group, the Grahams Foundation and the March of Dimes.
Nicholle believes that each client is an individual with a voice and each therapy session should be empowering. She spends time getting to know each of her clients and bases her therapeutic techniques on their individual needs. She truly believes that therapy is just a way for us to grow better than we were yesterday!
MONICA WACKS, MS
Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern
Monica received her Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Central Florida. She then earned her Masters degree in Mental Health Counseling from Palm Beach Atlantic University. She is now a registered mental health counseling intern and is working to obtain her licensure.
Monica has worked with many different types of client concerns, from young children to adults-even those as young as two! She She helps clients to promote self-awareness, personal growth & development, and healing. She uses solution-focused and mindfulness-based approaches to support clients in breaking self-defeating patterns in their lives. Monica enjoys collaborating with her clients to recognize underlying obstacles to well-being and identify practical actions to move forward.
Monica is also a certified yoga instructor and believes in many different aspect of holistic healing.