Our Team

  • Terrance Orton, LCSW -Clinical Director (He/Him)

    I have a passion for working with people from all walks of life. Oftentimes we may feel alone or like our problems are so great they cannot be overcome. Other times people feel a lot of shame about reaching out for help and see it as a sign of weakness or failure. I can assure you that you are not alone in your suffering or with your specific problems. Change, connection, and relief from mental and emotional suffering is possible. It is important to remember that we humans are social creatures and that reaching out for connection and support is built into who we are, not a sign of weakness.

    As a Mental Health Therapist, I love hearing about and gaining understanding of others. With that understanding we can work together to implement skills, different perspectives, and a number of clinical interventions to encourage change in your life. I have been trained in many therapy modalities including EMDR, and use it as my primary intervention.

    I'm certain that I'd like to meet you and try to understand what you're dealing with. Hopefully we get to meet!

  • Valerie Orton, LMFT -Clinical Director (She/Her)

    Life can be overwhelming and challenging. We can try to plan all aspects in our lives, but are often faced with many unexpected stressors. You are not alone if you experience feeling stressed or overwhelmed with what may seem like everyday life. Maybe you are looking for help to manage your emotions or your child is currently struggling with their own emotions. Maybe you are seeking help to create or strengthen relationships with family and friends. It can be difficult to reach out and ask for help, but you are taking the first crucial step in making changes to have the life you deserve.

    I have a deep passion for working with kids, teens, adults, couples, and families. My goal is to empower them to be the best versions of themselves. I use empirically supported modalities of treatment such as, Cognitive Behavioral, EMDR, Experiential Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy.

    I believe everyone deserves to have the life they envision and I am here to help provide help and support in making those changes. You do not have to be alone on this journey.

  • Preston Surrage, LCMHC- Therapist (He/Him)

    In the journey into adult life, there are inherent pressures associated with child development, including anxiety and the struggles with self-image. I entered the mental health field because I can empathize with these pressures and wanted to help others experiencing similar difficulties. I enjoyed being a support system to family and peers; also feeling that a key component to an effective support system is guidance to discover solutions, I translated that passion into my adult life.

    Life can be difficult. Learning to navigate all the stresses and hardships can be daunting. I use Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as a clinical orientation when working with clients, where they learn positive coping strategies and skills to gain fulfillment in life, taking control of their future.

  • Xitlali Loza, CSW-Therapist (She/Her)

    I am so glad you are here. I know the bravery and courage it takes to come and face the painful parts of yourself. Allow me to be your ally on your healing journey by providing a safe and supportive space where you are seen, heard, and valued. I enjoy working with adolescents and adults from diverse backgrounds, in areas such as anxiety, depression, behavior management, and trauma. I am known to have a gentle, client-led, supportive, and collaborative approach.

    When I am not meeting with clients, you may find me gardening, hiking, meeting new people (yes, I actually enjoy doing this), at neighbors' houses laughing until my belly hurts, or enjoying time spent with my children. Aside from my children, my favorite being is my Cocker-Spaniel mix dog, Billy. He keeps me company, humble, and occasionally worried, just enough to keep me on my toes.

    Hablo español.

  • Melinda Watson, CSW, CFLE- Therapist (She/Her)

    My mission is to empower clients to reclaim their sense of agency, rebuild trust, and navigate life's challenges with courage and resilience to create lasting healing and transformation. I aim to provide compassionate, trauma-informed therapy that fosters resilience, restores hope, and promotes holistic well-being in a safe and nurturing space where young individuals feel heard, validated, and empowered to navigate their healing journey successfully.

    My professional focus lies in trauma recovery and mindfulness interventions for children and teens. I recognize that trauma can manifest in various forms, from adverse childhood experiences to acute crises, and I am dedicated to providing a safe, nurturing environment for young individuals to explore their emotions, process their experiences, and develop healthy coping strategies. I can support your child or teen with their anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma or PTSD, adoption or family separations, behavioral or developmental disorders, self-esteem or identity issues, grief or loss, peer relationships or bullying, and family conflicts.

    If you or your child are seeking support on the journey toward healing and growth, I invite you to reach out. Together, we can embark on a path toward resilience, hope, and empowerment.

  • Alyssa Gardner, MSWi-Therapist (She/Her)

    My journey towards this profession has been shaped by my own experiences of self-growth and healing. I am determined to help others on their own path to personal growth. I strive to create a safe and supportive environment for all. I have a strong passion for mindfulness and the benefits it can provide mentally, emotionally, and physically. I enjoy doing meditations, reiki, sound baths and breathwork and spending time with my two dogs and three cats. 

  • Korine LaFortune, Office Manager (She/Her)

    I’m here to help outside of your sessions, from scheduling to billing; I want to make taking the step to get help more manageable.