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Co Founder & Operator

JULIA D'ARTS

Julia D'Arts is a compassionate and dedicated individual with a heart for helping others. Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Florida, she currently resides in Clermont, Florida, with her husband and children. Her diverse interests range from gardening, reading, and writing to traveling, painting, and engaging in DIY projects. Julia finds joy in nature and values family and moral principles above all else. With a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, specializing in Domestic Violence from the University of Central Florida, Julia is committed to empowering individuals to recognize their self-worth and emerge as leaders in society, irrespective of their backgrounds or challenges. Her personal journey of overcoming childhood trauma and experiences with bullying fueled her passion for aiding those in need.

Having worked in various roles including as an artist, realtor, teacher, court clerk, and domestic violence advocate, Julia has gained profound insights into the struggles faced by many in society. Her dedication to supporting those who are hurting, broken, or marginalized led her to establish “I Am A Safe Place,” a platform aimed at providing safe empowering supportive community environment to individuals in need while raising awareness on domestic violence, teen dating violence and any form of violence. Julia is an ordained minister, Reiki energy healer, spiritual counselor, realtor advocate for affordable housing, showcasing her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others while raising awareness on domestic violence and safe housing. 

Driven by empathy, compassion, and a strong sense of purpose, Julia’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and unwavering dedication to serving humanity. Through her various roles and experiences, she continues to be a beacon of hope and light for those seeking solace and support. Julia’s mission is clear: to be a safe place for those in need and to advocate for a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

“By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established”  Matthew 7:24 †

Mental Health Support Group Facilitator Partner

Cherie Burgess

Cherie Burgess is a licensed mental health counselor and the founder of Healing Wounds Health Care. With extensive training in trauma, counseling, and coaching, Cherie brings compassionate, informed support to our mental health groups. As a dedicated facilitator, she helps survivors feel seen, heard, and empowered on their healing journey.

Counseling License & Certifications

  • (lmhc) licensed mental health counselor, state of florida, mh16709

  • certified clinical trauma professional (cctp)

  • (ncc) national counselor certification, certification number 201910

  • (nscc) national school counselor certification, nbcc

  • certified trainer in adult and youth mental health first aid

Coaching Certifications

  • (bcc) board certified coach, center for credentialing and education

  • adhd coaching certification, jst coaching & training

Education Certifications

  • Florida educators certification, doe number: 1156990

  • Nevada licensure, professional counselor k-12

  • new york public school certificate, permanent school counselor

Fitness Certifications

  • (cpt) certified personal trainer, afaa

  • (cgi) certified group exercise instructor, afaa

  • cpr & first aid

Formal Education

  • non-degree mental health counseling, nsu 2017

  • master’s degree in counseling, Syracuse university, 2003–2005

  • bachelor’s degree in psychology, St. Lawrence university, 1998–2002

Professionalism

  • American association of Christian counselors: member

  • American counseling association: member

  • American school counselor association: member

  • Florida mental health counselors association: member

Other Primary Mental Health-Related Certifications & Trainings

  • eye movement desensitization & reprocessing (emdr)

  • somatic trauma healing certification

  • prolonged exposure therapy (pet)

  • cognitive processing therapy (cpt)

  • dialectical behavioral therapy (dbt)

  • treating complex trauma with internal family systems (ifs)

  • act for eating and body image concerns

  • motivational interviewing

  • mindfulness-based stress reduction (mbsr)

  • telehealth for mental health professionals

  • working effectively with suicidal clients

  • working effectively with stressed & burned out parents

  • working effectively with adolescents

  • brief solution-focused counseling & strength-based counseling assets

  • nonviolent crisis intervention, brain rules & neuroplasticity

  • infant mental health & attachment, functional behavior assessments

  • early developmental disorders resulting from abuse

  • social difficulties of learning, attention & asd

  • practical strategies for adhd & smart but scattered teens

Interest Areas & Personal Counseling Approaches

  • emdr

  • somatic healing

  • internal family systems

  • story-informed trauma therapy & narrative therapy

  • cognitive-behavioral therapy approaches

  • strength-based and solution-focused counseling

  • mind-body healing & energy healing through prayer-based eft

  • biblical counseling

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