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Our team at Mandala Family Wellness embraces a wholistic approach to assessment, evaluation and developmentally appropriate therapies in Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

Our team embraces a wholistic approach to ensuring we meet each client’s needs with our highly skilled team of licensed psychologists, pediatrician/psychiatrists, board-certified behavior analysts, licensed mental health counselors, registered behavior technicians, speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists, certified teachers, education specialists/tutors, and certified yoga and recreational therapy instructors. Make an appointment today to meet with our team!

Leadership Staff

Katherine Falwell, Ph.D., BCBA-D

Katherine Falwell, Ph.D. 

Clinical Psychologist

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Erica Whitehouse

Clinic Manager, Certified First Play Therapist

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Jennifer Roach

Jennifer Roach

Director of Human Resources

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Mental Health Staff

Meghan Ambrose, M.S, LSP

School Psychologist

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Steve Capista, M.S., LMHC

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

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Erin_Tyson

Erin Tyson, M.Ed., RMHCI

Counseling Intern

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Veronica Powers, M.A., LMHC

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

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Rehabilitative Medicine

Melissa Osbon

Melissa Osbon

Program Director

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Operations

Jessica McGowan

Administrative and Billing Specialist

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Sophia Bryant

Billing Supervisor

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Sierra Sternberg

Client Care Coordinator

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Garrett Moore

IT Technician

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Behavioral Health Staff & Senior Clinical Staff

Ali Naturale, M.S., BCBA

Staff

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Vicky Holland

Training & Development Coordinator

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Amber Smith, M.A., BCBA

Staff

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Alex Hahn

Alex Hahn, M.S., BCBA

Staff

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Allie Robertson, BCBA

 

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Developmental Specialists

Anjelica O’Shea, RBT

 

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Cassandra Larson, RBT

 

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Dario DiRenzo, RBT

 

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Elizabeth Binef

Elizabeth Binef, RBT

 

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Madelyn Shaw, RBT

 

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Sarah Cunningham, RBT

 

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Stephanie Gandero, RBT

 

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Thyra Morton, RBT

 

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Founder / CEO

Katie Falwell, Ph.D., BCBA-D

Dr. Falwell received her bachelor’s and masters’ degrees from the University of North Carolina, her doctorate in clinical psychology from Fielding Graduate University, and a postgraduate degree in applied behavior analysis from George Mason University. She completed her predoctoral internship at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Kennedy Krieger Institute. Dr. Falwell then completed her postdoctoral residency at the University of Florida and later joined the university faculty in 2006. Her focus shifted to the greater pediatric needs of the North Florida community in 2008. Dr. Falwell’s mission is to improve the lives of the families with whom she works. Truly embracing the notion that “It Takes a Village to Raise a Child” she seeks to work with all members of the village who might be involved in supporting members of a family. She utilizes a variety of techniques to improve functioning and strengthen family relations. Treatment modalities, such as cognitive behavior therapy, systems therapy, and solution-focused therapy, are used to help clients cope with a variety of challenges. She also works with couples seeking to strengthen their relationships, recognizing that a couple is the foundation of the family unit. Dr. Falwell’s clinical interests includes child and adolescent development, parenting, family therapy, and educational advocacy. Her professional work includes teaching psychology at the undergraduate, masters and doctoral levels. Dr. Falwell is an approved therapist in the Gottman Network and has completed Level 1 in The Gottman Couples Counseling Method. She is a qualified supervisor in the State of Florida for mental health counseling interns. Dr. Falwell spends her free time enjoying all that coastal living offers with her husband and three young children. 

Clinic Manager, Certified First Play Therapist

Erica Whitehouse

Erica has over two decades of experience in the health and wellness field. She attended college in Michigan and studied special education, then received her license in massage therapy, specializing in 12 different techniques. Integrating the two, Erica conducted research on the effects of massage therapy in clients with special needs. Erica is a Registered Behavior Technician and has extensive experience providing therapy to children with behavioral and neurological disorders. She brings a unique professional background including job coaching, tutoring, mentoring, family therapy, and behavior analysis. Erica is a Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) instructor and conducts staff and parent training on crisis management. She also teaches classes on stress reduction, meditation, and farm-to-table cooking. Erica is a Certified First Play Therapist, which enhances child and infant mental health through respectful and caring touch in parent-child relationships. In her free time, Erica loves spending time with her husband, relaxing at the beach, trying new restaurants, and traveling.

Director of Human Resources

Jennifer Roach

Jennifer is a Colorado native who moved to the Jacksonville area in 2016. Prior to becoming the Director of Administration, she gained over 15 years of experience in various operational and human resource roles, predominantly in the restaurant and food industry. Her passion and focus are to create an efficient and desirable working environment. Jennifer is the proud mother of two daughters. Outside of work, Jennifer devotes a lot of her free time to serving in the kids’ ministry at Celebration Church.

M.S. ,NASP

Meghan Ambrose

Meghan Ambrose, M.S., is a dedicated and experienced Licensed School Psychologist specializing in providing comprehensive psychological services to exceptional children and their families. With a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and a Master’s degree in School Psychology from National University in San Diego, California, Meghan brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her practice.

Meghan is a Licensed School Psychologist in the State of Florida through the Florida Department of Health and holds a School Psychologist Professional Educator Certificate with the Florida Department of Education. Furthermore, she is certified as a School Psychologist in California and New York.

Having amassed over ten years of experience working in school districts, Meghan is well-versed in delivering a wide range of psychological services, including assessment and evaluation, prevention, and intervention. Her areas of expertise include advanced psychological assessments encompassing intelligence, memory, personality, behavior, achievement, learning disabilities, and gifted abilities. She is skilled in administering, interpreting, and writing reports for these assessments.

At Mandala Family Wellness, Meghan offers a menu of services tailored to meet the unique needs of children, adolescents, and their families. These services include psychoeducational assessments, individual counseling and therapy, parent consultation and support, and school collaboration and advocacy. Meghan’s compassionate approach, combined with her expertise, allows her to provide emotional and behavioral support, anxiety and stress management, depression and mood regulation, coping skills development, social skills training, and self-esteem building.

Experience compassionate and expert psychological services with Meghan Ambrose, a licensed school psychologist dedicated to supporting the well-being and growth of exceptional children and their families.

LMHC

Steve Capista

Steve received his Bachelor’s in Psychology from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA and a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University in South Florida. Previously, Steve worked for the Oakland Unified School District as an Intervention Specialist, where he helped develop programs aimed at mitigating the effects of poverty, violence, and other trauma for families and school-aged children. He also worked at Wediko Children’s Services, as a Lead Staff for groups of adolescents learning to cope with mental health diagnoses. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor at Mandala, Steve helps children and families navigate emotional and behavioral challenges, develop confident parenting, and improve overall family function. He also works with adults, utilizing techniques and strategies grounded in developing healthy relationships, empowerment, and the cultivation of positive self-image.

Counseling Intern

Erin Tyson, M.Ed, NCC

Erin earned her Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of North Florida and her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health from the College of William & Mary. She is a National Board Certified Counselor and has a Bachelor’s degree in English Education from Florida State University. Her professional experience includes over a decade as a middle and high school educator and mentor for new teachers. Erin has also worked extensively with veterans and military families through adventure-based counseling. Erin believes in a holistic approach to mental health and has a passion for working with adolescents and adults to increase overall wellbeing.

M.A., RMHCI, NCC

Veronica Powers

Veronica Powers received a bachelor’s degree in Religion and a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP) from Liberty University. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida and is certified by the National Board of Certified Counselors. Veronica has a passion for working with children and families who have experienced significant trauma. She utilizes a variety of techniques and an integrative approach to improve functioning and strengthen family relations. Treatment modalities, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, emotion-focused therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy, are used to help clients cope with a variety of challenges. Her clinical interests include child and adolescent development, trauma-informed care, parent-child interaction therapy, and equine-assisted therapy. Additionally, Veronica holds the registered behavior technician certification and has experience providing therapy to children with behavioral and neurological disorders. Veronica is also currently a post-graduate student at the University of Denver and is working on the Equine-Assisted Mental Health Practitioner certificate.

Program Director

Melissa Osbon, OTR/L

Melissa received her degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Louisiana, Monroe. She began her career in Inpatient Rehabilitation at St. Vincent’s Rehabilitation Hospital in Sherwood, Arkansas, where she specialized in brain injuries and joined the hospital’s Multidisciplinary Acquired Brain Injury Program.  In 1998, she became a traveling Occupational Therapist and discovered her passion for working with pediatric population.  Melissa has practiced in several diverse settings across the country that includes home-based therapy, early intervention, school therapy, and outpatient rehabilitation therapy.  She has extensive training and experience in areas of sensory integration, neurodevelopment, autism, visual motor, and handwriting skills.  With over two decades in pediatric therapy, she has found that evidence based sensory integrative strategies improve the clients’ positive interaction in the world around them, create a mind and body ready for learning, and assist with achievement of gross motor and fine motor milestones. She loves working with children assisting parents and teachers with development of client specific sensory diets to improve sleep quality, picky eating, and overall ability to self-regulate and participate in family and school activities. In her spare time, Melissa enjoys spending time with her husband and two dogs, reading, gardening, and traveling.

Administrative & Billing Specialist

Jessica McGowan, M.S., BCBA

Jessica received her Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of North Florida followed by her Master of Education in Foundations in Behavior Analysis from the University of Cincinnati. She has worked in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis for over 15 years, receiving her BCaBA certification in 2015 followed by her BCBA certification in 2019. In her spare time, you can find Jessica spending time with her family, baking, or lost in a book.

Billing Supervisor

Sophia Bryant, B.S.

Sophia has her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Florida State University and has been a medical biller for over 18 years. She grew up in O’Brien, FL, a small town in central Florida. She currently relocated to O’Brien, FL for the peace and quiet of country living. She resides with her son and 2 dogs. As an avid football fan, Sophia is passionate about both watching and attending football games with her family. Fishing, hunting, and reading are other favorite pastimes for her. Additionally, she serves as the church secretary where her father is the Pastor.

Client Care Coordinator

Sierra Sternberg, B.S.

Sierra graduated from Coastal Carolina University in 2010 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology and a Minor is Health Promotion. While in college, she began an internship which introduced her to field of Applied Behavioral Analysis and since then has been a practicing RBT. She has over a decade of experience working directly with children and their families in the home, community, school, and clinical setting. Sierra is currently actively perusing a certificate in Business Administration. In Sierra’s spare time, she enjoys spending time traveling and enjoying the outdoors with her family.

IT Technician

Garrett Moore, B.S.

Garrett earned his Bachelor in Science, concentration in Information Technology at the University of North Florida. Since going to the University of North Florida, his interest in technology has grown and would like to continue his education and experience with certificates. At Collage Day School, he applies his expertise to diagnose, analyze, and repair computers. He also replaces hardware and builds workstations to meet staff specifications. In his free time, Garrett enjoys being around family and friends, playing with his dogs, and working on new computer projects.

M.S., BCBA

Ali Naturale

Ali Naturale received her bachelor’s from University of North Florida in Psychology with a concentration of Child Psychology. After obtaining her bachelor’s she moved to California for more experience with children with developmental delays. In California, Ali found a passion for Applied Behavior Analysis and started her journey to becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She received her master’s degree from Purdue Global University in Psychology with a concentration of Applied Behavior Analysis. After receiving her master’s, Ali obtained her BCBA certification. Ali moved back to Florida to be closer to family. Since then, she has been working as an Analyst with individuals ranging from two years old to adults. Ali specializes in functional communication, parent training, training individuals becoming BCBAs, and functionally equivalent replacement behaviors. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children.  

Training and Development Coordinator

Vicky Holland, M.A., BCBA

Vicky received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in Clinical Psychology and Criminology from Florida State University, where she was inducted into Alpha Phi Sigma, an academic honor society. Vicky obtained her Master’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in Abnormal Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and is a qualified supervisor for BACB candidates. Vicky began working with individuals with special needs and phobias through swim lessons. Her professional experience includes coaching physical fitness in low-income elementary and middle schools, teaching swim lessons to all ages, and providing behavioral therapy services for pediatric clients. Vicky’s specialties in the field of ABA include: early intervention, parent training, teaching skill acquisition of replacement behaviors, and maladaptive behavior reduction. Vicky currently provides ABA services in the clinic, home, community, and school settings to children and their families. In her free time, Vicky loves spending time with her family and having fun outdoors.

M.A., BCBA

Amber Smith

Amber holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of North Florida and a Master of Arts degree from Florida Institute of Technology focusing on Behavior Analysis. Amber discovered the field of Applied Behavior Analysis through her experience in caregiving for children in natural environments where she fell in love with the field. She has been a Registered Behavioral Technician for several years where she has worked with a multitude of children ranging from 3 to 13 years of age. During this time, she has worked with children with varying ranges of communication needs. Amber currently works with children in the clinic, home and natural settings promoting independence in hygiene, play, social and life skills. During her free time Amber enjoys the outdoors traveling and exploring the terrain through 4×4 activities as well as photography.

M.A., RBT

Alex Hahn

Alex received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and her Master’s Degree in Criminology/Criminal Justice from the University of North Florida, and is currently seeking her Board Certification in Behavior Analysis through the University of West Florida. Over the past three years, Alex has worked with pediatric clients aged 2-13 with varying diagnosis including autism, ODD, and AHDH. Alex’s passion is working with learners who communicate in different ways, such as vocal language, American Sign Language, and Augmented communication devices. Alex currently provides ABA services to clients in the clinic, school, and home setting. In her free time, Alex loves being active and spending time outdoors.

BCBA

Allie Robertson

Allie received Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Family and Child Sciences from Florida State University in 2021. She is currently completing her Master’s in Behavior Analysis at Florida Institute of Technology and pursuing her BCBA certification. During college, Allie worked with elementary-age children with special needs and fell in love with the field. Following undergrad, she became a registered behavior technician in the clinic setting and soon found herself working at Mandala in the school setting. Outside of work and school, Allie enjoys walks on the beach with her dog Sadie and spending time outdoors.

 

RBT

Anjelica O'Shea

Anjelica received her Bachelor’s in Fine Arts degree from Savannah Collage of Art and Design with a concentration of Illustration. Anjelica is in coursework for her Master’s in Education with a concentration on Foundation of Behavioral Analysis, as she pursues her Board Certification in Behavior Analysis. She started working with Special Needs children and families as a Special Needs Yoga instructor. Her professional experiences include illustration, drawing, yoga instruction, and providing behavioral therapy services. Anjelica currently provides ABA services in the clinic, community and school settings to children and their families. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter and son watching movies and going to the beach.

RBT

Cassandra Larson

Cassie received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in At-Risk Youth from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Cassie moved to Florida, from Wisconsin, to get her Master’s degree in Special Education with a concentration in Applied Behavioral Analysis, from the University of North Florida. She is currently an RBT and has been since 2019. Cassie began working with individuals with disabilities in high school by volunteering in the Special Education classrooms. Before she moved to Florida her professional experiences included working as a camp counselor for children and adults with disabilities, a CNA for adults with sever and profound disabilities, in home care adults with disabilities, and as a high school Special Education teacher helping juniors and seniors in find  jobs in the community. In her free time, Cassie enjoys crafting, tending to her plants, lifting weights, and going to the beach. She loves ice cream and spending time with family and her dog, Dewey.

RBT

Dario DiRenzo

Dario received his bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Criminology from Flagler College. He became an RBT after learning about ABA from a close friend and quickly became passionate about the field. He is now on track to begin a graduate program in ABA in the Fall of 2023 at Ball State. Dario began working in a clinic setting to start his career. He had then transitioned to working in home and the community to learn the different dynamics of field. Dario found his way to continue to work in school and clinic settings through Mandala Family Wellness. In his free time, Dario loves to play ice hockey and go camping.

RBT

Elizabeth Binef

Bio Coming Soon!

RBT

Madelyn Shaw

Madelyn received her Bachelors degree in Psychology from the University of North Florida. Madelyn currently has her Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT) certification. Madelyn is currently working towards her Masters degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis at Florida Institute of Technology. She is passionate about working with clients in early intervention settings and brining in-clinic therapy into the home and community.  In her free time, Madelyn enjoys taking her dogs on walks and shopping.

RBT

Sarah Cunningham

Sarah studied Musical Theatre with a Minor in Dance at East Tennessee State University from 2013-2016. She received her ABA training through Relias Academy in 2019 and obtained her certification as a Registered Behavioral Technician in April of 2020. Before entering into the ABA world, Sarah taught Classical Ballet at Trinity Arts Center and was a Photographer for Chevrolet in East Tennessee. Sarah has been a RBT with Mandala since May of 2020 and started teaching the Dance Enrichment classes at Collage Day School in March of 2022. She enjoys cooking, playing music, and finding sharks teeth on the beach in her down time.

RBT

Stephanie Gandero

Stephanie is a Massachusetts native who moved to Florida a few years ago. In 2014, Stephanie graduated from Southern New Hampshire University with a Bachelor’s degree in psychology. Over the past several years, Stephanie served as a Life Skills teacher, Job coach, and paraprofessionals for students with disabilities where she was introduced to applied behavior analysis. Stephanie is passionate about working with individuals with Autism and continues to pursue furthering her career in the field of ABA.

RBT

Thyra Morton

Thyra received her Bachelor’s degree from Salem State University and attended George Mason University to pursue her Master’s in special education. She has worked in the education field since 2013, providing a myriad of services to a diverse population of children and families. Thyra leads with a passion for improving the quality of educational environments, and she demonstrates a strong commitment to the learning experiences of students of all types. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking with her husband, trying new foods, traveling, and going to the beach with her two dogs.