Our Counselors
Annie Kushner, MS
Registered Marriage & Family Therapist Intern
Our relationships — with others and with ourselves — are at the heart of our well-being. When our relationships are struggling, life can feel overwhelming. I’m passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families strengthen, heal, and enjoy the connections that matter most.
I’m a Registered Marriage & Family Therapist Intern with advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), the gold standard for creating lasting change. Before becoming a therapist, I spent 12 years as an educator working with preteens, teens, and their families — an age group I still love supporting in therapy.
My areas of experience:
- Individual, couples, and family counseling
- Anxiety, depression, stress
- Navigating life transitions (divorce/separation, blending families, etc.)
- Healing after trauma
- Grief work
- Postpartum challenges
- Infidelity in relationships
I strive to create a warm, nonjudgmental space where you can explore what’s getting in the way of closeness, confidence, and peace. Reaching out for support is a brave step, and I’m here to walk with you toward greater health, harmony, and happiness.
Daniela Hat, BA
Marriage & Family Therapist Student Intern
Starting therapy can feel intimidating, especially if you’ve been dealing with a lot by yourself. I’m here to offer you an environment where you don’t have to worry about carrying everything alone. In therapy, my goal is to offer you a place to be heard, be yourself and feel supported to navigate your life experiences.
My passion is working with individuals, couples, and families from a holistic perspective. I believe that therapy is most effective when you feel understood and never judged. Whether you are feeling stuck, emotionally overwhelmed, disconnected in your relationships, or unsure of what you need, I will meet you where you are. We will explore patterns that may be impacting you and work together toward healthier ways of coping, communicating, and connecting.
I’m a licensed Therapist in Colombia and I’m currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of South Florida. I have advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). I have experience working with children, teens, and adults from diverse backgrounds in different settings. I am committed to providing an inclusive and supportive space. It would be an honor to support you in your healing and growth, and to help you move toward the life and relationships you deserve.
Some of the areas I have worked include but are not limited to:
- Anxiety and depression
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Grief/loss
- Fertility-related challenges
- Relationship struggles in couples and families
- Adjustment through life transitions
Alejandra Zuluaga, MSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
I’m glad you’re here. I provide a safe and supportive space for individuals and couples who are ready to heal. Many of my clients have experienced trauma, whether in relationships, childhood, or other parts of their lives, and find themselves struggling with anxiety, depression, people-pleasing, or difficulty setting boundaries.
My therapeutic approach is compassionate, client centered, and rooted in science. Together, we’ll explore how past experiences have shaped you and help you reconnect with yourself and those around you. My goal is for you to learn how to honor your needs and the needs of those you love.
Whether you’re seeking to heal from trauma, strengthen your sense of self, or improve emotional intimacy in your relationship, therapy with me is a collaborative journey where you can grow at your own pace. You deserve to feel seen, supported, and empowered.
Areas of Experience
- Individual counseling for those navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, and boundary challenges
- Couples counseling focused on empathy, communication, and emotional safety
- Healing from trauma and past relational wounds
- Strengthening self-worth, self-trust, and healthy boundaries
- Navigating life transitions and personal growth
Therapeutic Approaches
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Mindfulness-Based Techniques
Holistic therapy
- Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
Riley Arnemann, MS
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Practice Manager

Together we will dive deep into the heart of issues. I will come alongside you with compassion to create the safety and security necessary to explore your biggest challenges in life. I do not approach problems with tips and tricks. Instead, I go beyond superficial attempts at resolution. My number one aim is to walk with you through your experiences to help you face what is at the heart of your struggles and pain. You can expect me to be someone who genuinely cares, listens, and is completely invested in your goals. You will be given a non-judgmental space to be accepted for who you are, allowing space for positive, lasting change.
I enjoy working with people from all backgrounds and beliefs. My areas of experience include:
- Counseling with couples, individuals, children & teens, and families
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
- Faith based counseling
- Relationship issues, infidelity, communication, conflict resolution, parenting, bonding, intimacy, and other life stressors
- Depression
- Anxiety, high levels of stress
- PTSD/trauma
- Personality disorders
- Self improvement
I am excited and look forward to beginning this journey with you!
Wanda Yoder, BA
Marriage & Family Therapist Student Intern

I believe every person carries a story of immense value. My goal is to walk alongside you—whether as an individual, a couple, or a family—to create an environment where you feel safe, known, and genuinely cared for.
My approach is grounded in compassion and curiosity. I don’t just look at symptoms; I look at the whole person. Our work together will focus on:
- Emotional Awareness: Understanding the “why” behind your feelings.
- Secure Attachment: Building stronger, healthier relationships with yourself and others.
- Person-Centered Care: Tailoring every session to your unique experiences without judgment.
I have extensive experience supporting clients through various life transitions and dynamics, including:
- Family & Parenting: Navigating adoption, parenting challenges, and strengthening family bonds.
- Youth & Young Adults: Supporting children, teens, and young adults through the pressures of growing up.
- Relationships: Pre-marital counseling and fostering deeper connections for couples.
- Unique Life Paths: Navigating neurodivergence and providing faith-based counseling for those who desire it.
Healing and growth happen in the context of safe, trusting relationships. You don’t have to navigate this season alone. Whether you are facing a difficult crisis or simply longing for a deeper understanding of your story, I would be honored to walk with you.
Anna Kate Gardner, BA
Mental Health Counselor Student Intern

My goal is to truly understand the “why” behind your struggle. Together, we slow things down to look beneath the surface—identifying the core emotions and unmet needs that drive anxiety, depression, or conflict in your relationships. My approach is personable and collaborative; we go at your pace, and we move toward real change.
I specialize in helping individuals, adolescents, and couples work through:
- Healing Trauma: Moving past the “stuck” feeling of long-term traumatic experiences.
- Anxiety & Depression: Finding tools to manage the noise and regain your energy.
- Identity & Growth: Strengthening your sense of self and emotional awareness.
- Relationship Connection: Navigating transitions and feeling like a team again.
The goal isn’t just to talk about the past—it’s to help you find a lasting peace that changes how you show up in the world tomorrow.
Maya Tatro, Masters in Clinical Psychology
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
My passion is to help you find meaning and connection in your life, increase positive self-worth, and learn more effective and healthy ways to get your needs met.
I offer a collaborative, supportive, and safe space for you to explore your past, present, and future. My therapeutic style is genuine, warm, and encouraging.
I provide a non-judgmental and open-minded environment where I will meet you where you are. I believe that you are the expert on you, and I am here to listen to you as you journey towards transformation. I value the work of finding root causes and healing past wounds to propel forward in life – gaining insights and skills needed to achieve positive change and take control of your life!
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology. I have training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Child Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT), Play Therapy, and Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT).
I have worked in a variety of settings throughout my career including crisis intervention, substance use treatment, residential treatment, hospitals, and schools. I work with:
● Children, teens, and adults experiencing depression, anxiety, suicidal
thoughts, adjustment difficulties, self-harm, and grief
● Families struggling with conflict and/or high intensity emotions
● Parenting challenges
● Couples looking to reconnect and work through hurts and difficulties
Life can feel challenging whether you’re dealing with emotional pain, life stressors,
hard decisions, relationship difficulties, or a general lack of satisfaction. It takes a
lot of courage to acknowledge that you are in a place where you need support.
You don’t have to go at it alone. Take that first step and set up a phone consultation. I look forward to working with you!
Jessica Breslin Perrault, MA
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Reaching out for help can be incredibly difficult and scary! For that reason, my goal is to create a safe and comfortable place for you to share as much or as little as you are ready to share. I work with individuals, couples, and families who are currently feeling stuck and looking for additional guidance. My experience includes, but is not limited to:
● Adults, teens, and adolescents struggling with anxiety and/or obsessive compulsive disorder
● Adults, teens, and adolescents struggling with depression and/or suicidal thoughts
● Individuals struggling with past or current traumatic experiences
● Couples and family counseling
I have advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Both of these approaches are scientifically based and shown to be the most effective in treating individuals of all ages, couples, and families. It is common that we may find it difficult to begin opening up to a stranger. My clients have found I am able to connect in a friendly and comforting way, helping you to feel safe. I can assure you that I will meet you where you are at with an open-minded and non-judgmental approach.
I have a true passion for helping you to find your strengths and for helping you feel more in control of your emotions. I look forward to meeting with you, your spouse, or your family in order to work towards living a fulfilled and happy life! “Probably the biggest insight… is that happiness is not just a place, but also a process… Happiness is an
ongoing process of fresh challenges, and… it takes the right attitudes and activities to continue to be happy.” – Ed Diener
Lisa Baker, MSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Founder/Owner
For more than 40 years, I have had the privilege of coming alongside and guiding individuals, couples, and families through some of life’s most difficult challenges. Founding St. Petersburg Counseling has been one of my greatest joys, and I am continually inspired by the transformation I’ve witnessed in the lives of our clients through the years.
Although I am no longer accepting new clients myself, I want you to know you are in excellent hands here. Each counselor on our team has been carefully chosen for both their expertise and compassion. They hold master’s-level degrees and advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), a research-proven, gold-standard approach for lasting change. We also welcome student counselors, who are supervised by senior therapists and offer skilled care at a reduced fee.
If you are here, it means you are already taking a courageous step toward healing, growth, and renewal. I trust you will find our team ready to support you with the same care and dedication that has defined St. Petersburg Counseling from the beginning.










