Our Staff
Deborah Brooks, LMHC, CT-R
Executive Director & Therapist
Deborah Brooks has dedicated her 17-year professional career to serving individuals suffering from grief and loss. Over her years of working primarily with families dealing with the after effects of a death, Deborah recognized her calling and commitment to connect with others by providing support and help in healing to people that have been through traumatic life events. She believes “every human has the power to change” and Deborah brings great passion and experience to her role with The Life Center. A Master’s level educated and fully licensed mental health clinician, Deborah is also a credentialed Thanatologist, dedicated to understanding how death and loss impacts individuals and their communities, with the desire to better serve them. She is also trained in ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy) which is a brief trauma therapy used to assist with symptoms of PTS.
Kimberly Pacheco, LMHC
Therapist
Kimberly Pacheco has served in the therapeutic field for over 10 years. She has provided counseling and crisis intervention services to children, teens and adults impacted by traumatic exposures including physical, sexual, and emotional violence. In addition she has provided services in the corporate setting providing Critical Incident Responses trainings and supportive counseling for several large organizations around the country. Kimberly believes in the resiliency that lies within every human spirit providing a safe environment where clients can feel supported, respected, and free from judgment in order to explore their lives in potentially new ways. Kimberly is certified in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART); she uses an integrative therapeutic approach consisting of play therapy techniques, cognitive restructuring and empowerment model while maintaining a trauma informed approach.
Lynette Mills, M.A., LMHC, BCBA, NBCC
Therapist
Lynette Mills is a master’s level licensed mental health therapist with over 25 years of experience. For the past ten years, she has been working in the field of grief and loss, facilitating groups for adult caregivers, and support groups for adults who have lost a loved one through suicide. She also has experience facilitating grief and loss groups in K-12 schools for children who have had a death in their family/inner circle. Lynette has extensive experience working with many populations in a variety of settings, including women in homeless and domestic violence shelters, children and families in crisis in residential programs, individuals having physical and cognitive disabilities, and children and adolescents (and their adult caretakers) who were experiencing behavior and relational problems in home and/or at school. In addition to being a licensed mental health therapist, she is also a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst, with experience and advanced training in the field of Behavior Analysis. Lynette is a National Board-Certified Counselor and is certified by the American Red Cross in Fundamentals of Disaster Mental Health and Psychological First Aid. She has over 700 hours of continuing education in a variety of clinical, cognitive behavioral, and therapeutic approaches. Lynette believes that every person has the power to be intentional in making desired changes in their lives. She knows that a trusting relationship is crucial to the therapy process and crafts her therapeutic approach according to each person’s individual needs, characteristics, preferences, and skillsets.
Phaniola Joseph
Administrative Assistant
Phaniola Joseph is a third-year student at the University of South Florida (USF), majoring in Biomedical Sciences with plans to attend medical school after graduation. She is deeply passionate about helping others and is especially committed to making a meaningful impact across diverse communities through healthcare. Phaniola consistently seeks opportunities to grow both personally and academically, and she is known for her strong work ethic and compassionate nature. Her goal is to become a physician who actively advocates for equitable access to quality healthcare. She looks forward to continuing her journey in medicine and hopes to inspire others along the way.
Sabrina Kehrer is a student intern from the University of South Florida's Rehabilitation and Clinical Mental Health Counseling Masters of Arts (M.A.) program. Sabrina completed her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Psychology with a certificate in Conflict and Dispute Resolution at Florida International University. Previously, Sabrina worked as a clinic/research coordinator for the Mental Health Interventions and Novel Therapeutics (MINT) Program at FIU, a research clinic working with children and adolescents with anxiety.
Sabrina is passionate about supporting clients through a person-centered and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) approach. She strives to create a safe, collaborative space where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered. By integrating DBT skills with a strong therapeutic alliance, Sabrina aims to help individuals navigate challenges, build emotional resilience, and move toward building a life worth living.
Sabrina is passionate about supporting clients through a person-centered and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) approach. She strives to create a safe, collaborative space where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered. By integrating DBT skills with a strong therapeutic alliance, Sabrina aims to help individuals navigate challenges, build emotional resilience, and move toward building a life worth living.
Riley Ferrell is a graduate student at the University of South Florida, pursuing a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Sciences from Auburn University. Riley is passionate about supporting people as they navigate grief, loss, trauma, and life’s challenges. Her previous work as a volunteer with Rape Counselors of East Alabama reflects her dedication to walking alongside people in moments of vulnerability and resilience.
She approaches therapy through a systemic lens, taking into account the relational and environmental factors that shape each person’s experience. Guided by a person-centered and attachment-based perspective, Riley values meaningful connection and is committed to helping clients of all backgrounds strengthen both their relationships and personal well-being.