Center for Change

Design

"Have you ever really had a teacher? One who saw you as a raw but precious thing, a jewel that, with wisdom, can be polished to a proud stone? If you are lucky enough to find your way to such teachers you will always find your way back." Mitch Album

Prior to co-founding the Center, Lonne Sterling, LMHC, CEAP, was Director of Manatee Glens’ Employee Assistance Program (“EAP”) and Outpatient Counseling Services. As a clinician, Ms. Sterling is well respected for her skills in working with individuals, couples and families on a wide-variety of issues and emotional and behavioral disorders. She is a psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral therapist who utilizes a solution focused therapy model, has supervised clinicians for licensure and is certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (“EMDR”) and Hypnotherapy. Additionally, she is one of a handful of local clinicians who has extensive experience working with Eating Disorders and adolescents, two extremely challenging populations.

As a Certified Relapse Prevention Specialist, Christine Michaels, LMHC, CEAP, co-founder of the Center, has extensive experience and success in working in the field of addictions. She is nationally recognized for her experience in substance abuse assessment, early intervention and relapse prevention. Clinically, Ms. Michaels is highly skilled in utilizing a short-term, solution focused approach. She primarily works with adults and couples with diverse emotional and behavioral issues. She favors cognitive behavioral techniques and has training in EMDR. Ms. Michaels has integrated her experience as an attorney into her mental health profession by becoming certified as a family mediator.

Fran Myers-Routt, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Cognitive Behavioral Therapist with over 12 years experience counseling adults, adolescents, children and families. She has specialized training to address trauma, behavioral and emotional problems and most specifically childhood sexual issues. She has conducted Crisis Debriefings and has contracted with the U.S. Navy to assist individuals and families during Operation Desert Storm. Additionally, Fran has developed and taught Anger Management and Parenting classes, is a trained supervisor of social work interns, provides counseling services to local high schools and has founded the Sarasota Parents of Multiples Club, a support group for parents of twins and triplets. The Center for Change of Florida is privileged to have such an accomplished clinician on staff.

Nikita, CPTD (Certified Pet Therapy Dog), is a beautiful female Maltese who has been with the Center since its’ inception. Nikita has proven to be highly skilled at her duties which include: barking to alert staff of a client’s arrival; tail wagging and toe licking to greet and familiarize herself with new clients; and bringing her favorite toy into the waiting room to play with returning clients. In the session, Nikita’s presence provides a warm and loving atmosphere to put clients at ease. We sometimes think that our clients come to the Center more for "Nikita Therapy" than ours. The only payment she requires is unlimited kisses and treats.