Meet The Team

Dr. Johnston is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, a Nationally Certified Counselor, and a Board-Certified Coach. Throughout her professional career, she has worked as a private practice psychotherapist, specializing in helping individuals and families develop essential communication and conflict resolution skills. Her goal is to support clients in achieving personal, parenting, and professional success with less conflict and greater joy.

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In addition to her counseling work, Dr. Johnston is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Law Mediator, a Collaborative Divorce Neutral Facilitator, and a Qualified Parenting Coordinator. With over 20 years of experience, she has guided families through transitions, assisting them in negotiation and conflict resolution processes.

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Dr. Johnston earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Maine, a Master of Arts in Psychology from Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, and a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. She previously served as an adjunct faculty member at Florida State College at Jacksonville, where she taught courses in General Psychology and Human Relations in Business and Industry.

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Beyond her academic and professional roles, Dr. Johnston has extensive experience working with private and not-for-profit organizations in various capacities, including individual coaching and organizational training. She is also actively engaged in community service, having served on the Board of Directors for several local nonprofit organizations.

Almany has been working with children and families for 10 years. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of North Florida four years ago. After completing her degree, she focused on prevention and early intervention, working with children from birth to five years old. During this time, she educated and supported families in fostering a strong parent-child bond to promote positive social and emotional development. In addition, Almany provides Early Intervention Services as an Infant and Toddler Developmental Specialist through the Early Steps Program.

She is currently a mental health counseling student intern at Family Matters while pursuing her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Her goal is to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida.

Meredith has been working with the special needs community for over 12 years. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Communication Disorders from Winthrop University in 2008, followed by a Master’s degree in Communication Sciences & Disorders from Valdosta State University in 2011.

She began her career as a Speech Pathologist in the public school system before transitioning to a leadership role, helping manage a private ABA center in Denver, Colorado. After relocating to Florida in 2018, Meredith taught Montessori preschool for children ages 2 to 5. She now provides home-based intervention services as an Infant and Toddler Developmental Specialist for the Early Steps Program.

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Karen is an Infant Toddler Developmental Specialist

Teresa has spent the past decade supporting children and families across the United States. She has worked in inclusive early learning centers as well as residential facilities serving young children with unique needs.

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Originally from Minneapolis, Teresa earned her undergraduate degree in Social Work from the University of Minnesota. She has a special interest in supporting children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and students with challenging behaviors. Her work has focused on helping families and classroom teachers implement positive behavioral supports, enhance children’s social-emotional skills, and improve classroom management.

Teresa recently relocated to the Jacksonville area and is excited to begin working as an Infant and Toddler Development Specialist with the state’s Early Steps Program.

Juanita is an Infant and Toddler Development Specialist.

Doris joined the team at Family Matters while working toward obtaining her Mental Health Counselor license in Florida. She is a child and adolescent psychotherapist with over 30 years of experience working with individuals, groups, and families.

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She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in her native country, Mexico, before completing a five-year graduate training program at the Ana Freud Centre in London, U.K. Doris also holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Psycho-Pedagogy and a Master’s degree in Psychology with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy.

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Her professional experience includes working in a children’s hospital, international schools in Europe, and private practice. She has collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, including early childhood specialists, special education and classroom teachers, speech and language therapists, and occupational therapists.

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Having lived in several countries before moving to the U.S., Doris has had the opportunity to work with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds, ethnicities, and nationalities. She is fluent in five languages, a skill that has enriched both her professional and personal life, enhancing her ability to connect with clients.

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Doris values the relational aspect of her work above all else. Passionate about her profession, she is excited to embark on this new chapter in her career.