DADE CITY RESIDENTIAL MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT PROGRAM

Kevin Pidany

Kevin has been working with Discovery Mood & Anxiety Program since 2021. He joined the team as the education liaison but has since been promoted to the role of milieu manager. Kevin has worked in several positions focusing on adolescents who need special support to succeed in their education. His philosophy is to empower and encourage adolescents to do their best in school. Kevin’s goal at Discovery is to support the emotional and educational needs of his patients and help them achieve their dreams by improving on their weaknesses and supporting them to grow their strengths.

Amanda Brown, LMHC

Amanda joined the Discovery Mood & Anxiety Program in the fall of 2021 as a program director in Dade City, FL. She is a Florida licensed mental health counselor with fifteen years of counseling experience in a wide range of therapeutic settings. Amanda is also a qualified supervisor for registered mental health counselor interns. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Central Florida, Orlando and graduated with her master’s degree in mental health counseling from Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale. While pursuing her master’s degree, she worked with children and families involved in the foster care and juvenile justice system. After graduation she continued her career working in private practice, with children and families in foster care, and juvenile and adult corrections. She has valuable experience working with children and families involved in the court system, in conjunction with the Department of Children and Families and the Department of Juvenile Justice. She also has extensive experience working inpatient, outpatient and with adolescents in long-term residential facilities. This wide range of experience provides a unique clinical awareness rooted in a strong desire to make a positive impact with the patients she works with.

Amanda is currently working on her PsyD in behavioral health leadership, and in her leisure time she enjoys baking, reading, and spending time with her family.

Marlie Vaughn, RMHCI

Marlie has been working with the Discovery Mood & Anxiety Program since April 2022 as a primary therapist. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Florida Southern College and went on to earn her Master of Arts degree in rehabilitation and mental health counseling from the University of South Florida. Marlie has worked in various areas of the mental health field including crisis stabilization, forensic residential treatment and a diversion program in child welfare. She became interested in working in the mental health field after working on her own struggles with mental health and gaining a desire to help others conquer their challenges. When not at the office, Marlie enjoys spending time with her friends and her cats.

Lissette Muñiz, LMHC

Lissette has been working with Discovery Mood & Anxiety Program since 2022 as a clinical intake coordinator. She is a licensed mental health counselor. Lissette earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Hunter College of NYC and Master of Arts in Mental Health and School Counseling from Webster University. She has been providing therapeutic services since 2013, working with children, adolescents and adults in community-based care. She is basic trained in accelerated resolution therapy (ART) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Lissette believes that a strong therapeutic rapport is vital in helping patients achieve their goals. She is dedicated to her patients and utilizes a warm approach to ensure they feel comfortable, understood and connected. In her free time, Lissette enjoys spending time with family and friends as well as reading, dancing, traveling and going to the beach.

Sathya Romero

Sathya has been working at Discovery Mood & Anxiety Program since July 2022 as an associate therapist. She entered this field after graduating with an MSW from the University of South Florida where she developed her love for mental health work and diverse populations. Sathya is passionate in helping people learn about themselves, their relationship with others, and navigate their journey of self-discovery. When Sathya is not at work, she loves being in nature, dancing and being crafty.