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
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
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.”
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
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.
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
Melodie Cortes is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University. Having worked as the administrative assistant for three years, she is excited to join the Holding Hands team as a counseling intern. With over 5 years of experience serving as a ministry teacher, she is committed to helping children and adolescents through all stages of development with warmth, compassion, and acceptance.
Ms. Cortes is intentional in her process of providing quality care to individuals, groups, couples, and families, as she ensures to align evidence-based approaches with the unique qualities and goals of her clients. Christian counseling integration is offered by request.
Her areas of interest include attachment theory, relationships, communication, anxiety, depression, and advocating for the needs of the neurodivergent population.
In her free time, Ms. Cortes seeks opportunities for new adventures and enjoys spending time with her friends and family. She also has a passion for art, fashion, ministry, and creative writing.
MHC-Intern
Melodie Cortes
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.
Ms. Cortes is intentional in her process of providing quality care to individuals, groups, couples, and families, as she ensures to align evidence-based approaches with the unique qualities and goals of her clients. Christian counseling integration is offered by request.
Her areas of interest include attachment theory, relationships, communication, anxiety, depression, and advocating for the needs of the neurodivergent population.
Luisa (Luna) Rodriguez
Luisa (Luna) Rodriguez, is a Mental Health Counselor-Intern currently pursuing her master’s degree in counseling. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Mercy University, where she developed a strong passion for supporting individuals through life’s challenges, especially those related to trauma, anxiety, and substance use.
Ms. Rodriguez is Dominican and Puerto Rican, and with her own experiences within her family she was inspired to better understand why mental health is often overlooked in some cultures. She wants to help others navigate these challenges with care and understanding. While she is just beginning her professional journey, she brings a strong academic foundation and a genuine eagerness to learn and grow as a clinician.
Ms. Rodriguez is committed to creating a safe and welcoming space where one can feel comfortable expressing themself without judgment. She enjoys using approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), person-centered therapy, and child-focused interventions, and is passionate about supporting individuals of all ages. Outside of her professional work, Ms. Rodriguez stay active, enjoys drawing and playing mind-stimulating video games, spending time with friends, trying new foods from various cultures, and connecting with nature.
MHC-Intern
Luisa (Luna) Rodriguez
MHC-Intern
Luisa (Luna) Rodriguez, is a Mental Health Counselor-Intern currently pursuing her master’s degree in counseling. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Mercy University, where she developed a strong passion for supporting individuals through life’s challenges, especially those related to trauma, anxiety, and substance use.
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.
Ms. Rodriguez is Dominican and Puerto Rican, and with her own experiences within her family she was inspired to better understand why mental health is often overlooked in some cultures. She wants to help others navigate these challenges with care and understanding. While she is just beginning her professional journey, she brings a strong academic foundation and a genuine eagerness to learn and grow as a clinician.
Angelique Vieira
Angelique Vieira is a Mental Health Counseling Intern currently pursuing her master’s degree at Mercy University. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from the University of Mount Saint Vincent. In addition to her academic pursuits, she works as an Operations Manager, working closely with staff and focusing on interpersonal issues and dynamics. Ms. Vieira was born in Guyana and moved to the United States, specifically Yonkers, New York, when she was fourteen years old. Since she was a child, it has been her dream to work in a profession that brings about positive change and aid to those who need it most. Ms. Vieira hopes to continue pursuing her education in psychology by obtaining a doctoral degree to become a Clinical Psychologist.
Ms. Vieira approaches mental health issues from a multicultural perspective, emphasizing empathy and connection above all else. She believes that the client’s voice is the most important in the room and that they are the experts on their own lives. She hopes to provide a warm, welcoming, and collaborative environment to all clients, regardless of their background or beliefs. Ms. Vieira enjoys using techniques from CBT, person-centered, and psychodynamic theories.
Ms. Vieira enjoys outdoor activities, listening to music, trying new cuisines, and playing board and video games. She also enjoys finding any excuse to spend time with her family and friends, whether that means kaoroke, forming a book club, or going to the beach!
MHC-Intern
Angelique Vieira
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.
Ms. Vieira approaches mental health issues from a multicultural perspective, emphasizing empathy and connection above all else. She believes that the client’s voice is the most important in the room and that they are the experts on their own lives. She hopes to provide a warm, welcoming, and collaborative environment to all clients, regardless of their background or beliefs. Ms. Vieira enjoys using techniques from CBT, person-centered, and psychodynamic theories.
Ms. Vieira enjoys outdoor activities, listening to music, trying new cuisines, and playing board and video games. She also enjoys finding any excuse to spend time with her family and friends, whether that means kaoroke, forming a book club, or going to the beach!
