Our Team
All of Our Counselors Are:
Professional | Certified | Compassionate
Our team at Holding Hands Mental Health Counseling all share a passion for counseling and walking alongside others in the journey toward mental and emotional strength and flourishing. No matter where you’re at on you’re journey, we’re ready to journey with you. Meet our team below:
Damari Pedroza
A Brooklyn native of Puerto Rican descent, Damari’s passion lies in assisting individuals, couples, and families in navigating life’s challenges and fostering healthier lifestyles. Using diverse methods like talk therapy, play therapy, and sand play therapy, she creates a non-judgmental space for clients of all ages to heal and grow.
Ms. Pedroza is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with two Master’s degrees in Counseling and Professional Studies with a concentration in Urban Ministry Counseling and is currently pursuing a Psy.D. in Christian Counseling and Psychology.
On my free time, I love going on hikes, the beach, a good read, and making memories with my loved ones.
Certifications
- Bilingual Counseling
- CFTP – Certified Family Trauma Professional
- CATP – Certified Child and Adolescent Trauma Professional
- CCATP – Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional
- Trauma-Informed Sand Play Therapy
- Christian Counseling
Founder, Counselor
Damari Pedroza
Founder, Counselor
A Brooklyn native of Puerto Rican descent, Damari’s passion lies in assisting individuals, couples, and families in navigating life’s challenges and fostering healthier lifestyles. Using diverse methods like talk therapy, play therapy, and sand play therapy, she creates a non-judgmental space for clients of all ages to heal and grow.
Ms. Pedroza is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with two Master’s degrees in Counseling and Professional Studies with a concentration in Urban Ministry Counseling and is currently pursuing a PsyD. in Christian Counseling and Psychology.
On my free time, I love going on hikes, the beach, a good read, and making memories with my loved ones.
Certifications
- Bilingual Counseling
- CFTP – Certified Family Trauma Professional
- CATP – Certified Child and Adolescent Trauma Professional
- CCATP – Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional
- Trauma-Informed Sand Play Therapy
- Christian Counseling
Keysha Lleras
As a dedicated clinician, Ms. Lleras is committed to providing a safe, warm, and judgment-free environment for her clients. Beyond her work with diverse age groups in underserved communities, she possesses a wealth of experience in Child Protective Services and is certified as a Youth Communications Trainer, as well as in Safety Crisis Management. Her expertise also extends to handling cases involving domestic violence, and she is an integral part of the Safe Horizon speaker bureau.
Born in Puerto Rico and raised in the vibrant South Bronx, Ms. Lleras has a deep passion for healthy nutrition, running, and maintaining an active lifestyle.
As a dedicated clinician, Ms. Lleras is committed to providing a safe, warm, and judgment-free environment for her clients. Beyond her work with diverse age groups in underserved communities, she possesses a wealth of experience in Child Protective Services and is certified as a Youth Communications Trainer, as well as in Safety Crisis Management. Her expertise also extends to handling cases involving domestic violence, and she is an integral part of the Safe Horizon speaker bureau.
Born in Puerto Rico and raised in the vibrant South Bronx, Ms. Lleras has a deep passion for healthy nutrition, running, and maintaining an active lifestyle.
Counselor
Keysha Lleras
Counselor
Keysha Lleras is a bilingual Limited Permit Mental Health Counselor, holds a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling, and has over 17 years of experience in Social Services. Her expertise extends to working with everyone from adults to adolescents and children. Throughout her career, she has come to understand that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to establishing a successful therapeutic relationship. Each individual she encounters seeks something unique, whether it be clarity, healing, hope, support, or simply a guiding hand during challenging times.
As a dedicated clinician, Ms. Lleras is committed to providing a safe, warm, and judgment-free environment for her clients. Beyond her work with diverse age groups in underserved communities, she possesses a wealth of experience in Child Protective Services and is certified as a Youth Communications Trainer, as well as in Safety Crisis Management. Her expertise also extends to handling cases involving domestic violence, and she is an integral part of the Safe Horizon speaker bureau.
Born in Puerto Rico and raised in the vibrant South Bronx, Ms. Lleras has a deep passion for healthy nutrition, running, and maintaining an active lifestyle.
As a dedicated clinician, Ms. Lleras is committed to providing a safe, warm, and judgment-free environment for her clients. Beyond her work with diverse age groups in underserved communities, she possesses a wealth of experience in Child Protective Services and is certified as a Youth Communications Trainer, as well as in Safety Crisis Management. Her expertise also extends to handling cases involving domestic violence, and she is an integral part of the Safe Horizon speaker bureau.
Born in Puerto Rico and raised in the vibrant South Bronx, Ms. Lleras has a deep passion for healthy nutrition, running, and maintaining an active lifestyle.
Jessica Rivera
Counselor
Ms. Rivera believes that childhood trauma and childhood experiences often have a deep impact into one’s adulthood. Therefore; her counseling methods will help you get to the root cause of why you may be experiencing pain, depression, and hurt as an adult. Your needs will determine her approach, and Christian Counseling is also offered. She works with individuals, couples, and families and as a counselor, her objective is to help you achieve your self-determined goals, while providing opportunities for problem solving and growth.
Ms. Rivera enjoys traveling the world with her four (4) children as she stated, “It brings me great joy to see the world through the eyes of a child.” She also enjoys hobbies that consist of ballet dancing and singing. It is important to find your peace through self-care. “Ballet dancing is my passion and brings me to an element of peace I never knew existed, until I was on the stage. My hope is to help others find their peace through a hobby they enjoy.”
Ms. Rivera believes that childhood trauma and childhood experiences often have a deep impact into one’s adulthood. Therefore; her counseling methods will help you get to the root cause of why you may be experiencing pain, depression, and hurt as an adult. Your needs will determine her approach, and Christian Counseling is also offered. She works with individuals, couples, and families and as a counselor, her objective is to help you achieve your self-determined goals, while providing opportunities for problem solving and growth.
Ms. Rivera enjoys traveling the world with her four (4) children as she stated, “It brings me great joy to see the world through the eyes of a child.” She also enjoys hobbies that consist of ballet dancing and singing. It is important to find your peace through self-care. “Ballet dancing is my passion and brings me to an element of peace I never knew existed, until I was on the stage. My hope is to help others find their peace through a hobby they enjoy.”
Jessica Rivera
Ms. Rivera enjoys traveling the world with her four (4) children as she stated, “It brings me great joy to see the world through the eyes of a child.” She also enjoys hobbies that consist of ballet dancing and singing. It is important to find your peace through self-care. “Ballet dancing is my passion and brings me to an element of peace I never knew existed, until I was on the stage. My hope is to help others find their peace through a hobby they enjoy.”
Counselor
Anyeka Hudson
As a therapist, she recognizes that embarking on a counseling session is a brave and essential step toward self-improvement. Her approach is warm, caring, and nonjudgmental, allowing you to open up and share your ideas and feelings within a safe environment. She uses an integrative approach that combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and mindfulness techniques to engage you in identifying your strengths, creating coping strategies, and attaining your goals.
Whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, life transitions, or other challenges, her role is to offer guidance and support tailored to your unique needs. She has extensive training and expertise, but she also knows you are the expert on your life. Together, we will embark on self-discovery, healing, and growth. Her methodology to therapy will involve binding on the therapeutic relationship, characterized by trust, open communication, and partnership. Ms. Hudson is able to provide counseling services for individuals, children, adolescents, or families.
Ms. Hudson is a Jamaican native who was born and raised in the beautiful Caribbean Island of Kingston, Jamaica. She came to the United States at the age of 14. On her free time, she looks forward to traveling, going out to eat with friends and family, and engaging in new fun activities.
MHC-Intern
Anyeka Hudson
MHC-Intern
As a therapist, she recognizes that embarking on a counseling session is a brave and essential step toward self-improvement. Her approach is warm, caring, and nonjudgmental, allowing you to open up and share your ideas and feelings within a safe environment. She uses an integrative approach that combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and mindfulness techniques to engage you in identifying your strengths, creating coping strategies, and attaining your goals.
Whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, life transitions, or other challenges, her role is to offer guidance and support tailored to your unique needs. She has extensive training and expertise, but she also knows you are the expert on your life. Together, we will embark on self-discovery, healing, and growth. Her methodology to therapy will involve binding on the therapeutic relationship, characterized by trust, open communication, and partnership. Ms. Hudson is able to provide counseling services for individuals, children, adolescents, or families.
Ms. Hudson is a Jamaican native who was born and raised in the beautiful Caribbean Island of Kingston, Jamaica. She came to the United States at the age of 14. On her free time, she looks forward to traveling, going out to eat with friends and family, and engaging in new fun activities.
Shiela Martin
MHC-Intern
Sheila Martin
MHC-Intern
As a dedicated clinician, Ms. Lleras is committed to providing a safe, warm, and judgment-free environment for her clients. Beyond her work with diverse age groups in underserved communities, she possesses a wealth of experience in Child Protective Services and is certified as a Youth Communications Trainer, as well as in Safety Crisis Management. Her expertise also extends to handling cases involving domestic violence, and she is an integral part of the Safe Horizon speaker bureau.
Born in Puerto Rico and raised in the vibrant South Bronx, Ms. Lleras has a deep passion for healthy nutrition, running, and maintaining an active lifestyle.
Brianna Ramirez
Brianna Ramirez is a Bilingual Mental Health Counselor-Intern who is currently pursuing her master’s degree from Mercy University. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from SUNY Purchase. As Ms. Ramirez puts it, “She’s just a regular girl raised in the Bronx who has developed a deep appreciation for the power of connecting and understanding.” In addition to her studies, Ms. Ramirez works as a case manager/care coordinator, helping and supporting individuals in various aspects of their life that are struggling with mental health conditions.
Outside of her studies, Ms. Ramirez loves traveling, dancing, and trying new experiences!
Are you ready to allow her to hold your hand?
MHC-Intern
Brianna Ramirez
MHC-Intern
As a dedicated clinician, Ms. Lleras is committed to providing a safe, warm, and judgment-free environment for her clients. Beyond her work with diverse age groups in underserved communities, she possesses a wealth of experience in Child Protective Services and is certified as a Youth Communications Trainer, as well as in Safety Crisis Management. Her expertise also extends to handling cases involving domestic violence, and she is an integral part of the Safe Horizon speaker bureau.
Born in Puerto Rico and raised in the vibrant South Bronx, Ms. Lleras has a deep passion for healthy nutrition, running, and maintaining an active lifestyle.
Outside of her studies, Ms. Ramirez loves traveling, dancing, and trying new experiences!
Are you ready to allow her to hold your hand?
Melodie Cortes
Office Assistant
Melodie Cortes
