Erykah Tharpe, MSW
Registered Clinical Social Work Intern
HOPE
PSYCHOTHERAPY & CONSULTING SERVICES LLC
NatalieArroyo.HPCS@gmail.com Phone Numbers: (813) 994-4440 (813) 994-3922
Hablamos Espanol
Dr. Ruby Torres, DSW, LCSW,
EMDR-PT II QS
Clinical Psychotherapist/President
Meet the Therapists
My name is Ruby Torres, and I founded Hope Psychotherapy. I am a dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in Florida and New York. I was born and raised in the Bronx, New York, and relocated to Florida in 2015. I earned my Master of Social Work degree from Fordham University in New York and obtained my Doctoral degree in Trauma-informed Care Practices from Barry University. I am certified in EMDR, which enables me to assist individuals dealing with trauma, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, depression, and other diagnoses. Additionally, I am currently pursuing certification in Gottman Interventions. I am here to guide you through life’s most complex and challenging matters. As one of many psychotherapists and consultants in the area, I genuinely care about your well-being. I guarantee top-notch counseling services, case management, and consulting services tailored to your needs. I provide services either in the comfort of your home through Telehealth or at my office.
Since I began my social work career 22 years ago, I have offered several specialized services across various modalities of mental health, including individual, group, couple, and family therapies, as well as case management and psycho-educational seminars. I utilize an eclectic and holistic approach, helping clients with anxiety, depression, and emotion regulation while fostering insight into coping skills through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness Techniques. I am also certified in Adaptive Behavioral Therapy, which focuses on identifying triggers of anxiety and developing strategies to cope, manage, and prevent future symptoms. Additionally, I provide clinical supervision to BSW, MSW, and RCSWI candidates working toward social work licensure. Moreover, I offer business consulting services to help you start your business, develop new programs, and strategize ways to increase revenue, along with effective marketing strategies.
Jackie Gosley-McFarlane, LCSW
Clinical Psychotherapist
My name is Jacqueline Gosley-McFarlane. I was born and raised in London, England, and moved to Queens, New York as a teenager. I earned my Master of Social Work degree from New York State University at Stony Brook and relocated to Tampa, Florida, in 2004. My introduction to the field of social welfare began when I worked as a Befriender at a substance misuse inpatient center in Stockwell, London. There, I counseled adult patients at various stages of drug and alcohol recovery, educating them on accessing the methadone clinic and the acupuncture interventions available at the center.
I spent many years working with children and adults with intellectual disabilities in community-based residential settings. In this role, I provided behavioral interventions, support, and guidance to individuals. I also assisted and trained family members in behavioral techniques to maintain consistency in the individuals' environments. While pursuing my graduate studies, I interned at Passages Counseling Center in New York, providing both individual and group therapy. I facilitated women's groups for adults struggling with substance abuse and learned a variety of therapeutic techniques that I applied in my counseling practice. Additionally, I had the opportunity to intern at the Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Room at University Hospital at Stony Brook. There, I conducted intakes and assessments, coordinated hospital inpatient services, made outpatient referrals, and facilitated discharge planning. During this placement, I worked with individuals of all ages, including children from diverse economic backgrounds who faced mental health challenges. I find great fulfillment in my work, providing empathy, compassion, and empowerment as I help individuals identify and address their key issues while guiding them to uncover and utilize their own strengths.
Millie Moreno, MSW
Registered Clinical Social Work Intern
My name is Millie Moreno, and I am a therapist currently pursuing my hours to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Originally from New York, I moved to the Tampa Bay area 14 years ago and have lived here ever since. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree from Saint Leo University and then continued my education at Walden University, where I obtained my Master’s Degree in Social Work. During my undergraduate studies, I interned at Family Partnerships, where I worked with family law and dependency cases, monitoring and recording visitations. I also conducted intensive parenting classes that covered topics such as nutrition, stages of development from birth to five years old, feeding, hygiene, and budgeting for those seeking reunification. Additionally, I worked at Big Bear Behavioral Health, providing clinical services to both adult and child clients. Empowering others to realize their potential has always been a passion of mine. As a Social Worker, I believe that empathy for one another is powerful, and spreading kindness creates a positive ripple effect.
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My name is Shantavion McClain, and I am a Master's-level social worker pursuing licensure. I obtained my Master's degree from Walden University and my Bachelor's degree in Counseling and Human Services from Point University. As a Social Work Intern and Volunteer, I gained valuable experience working with various agencies in Hillsborough County that collaborate with the Department of Children and Families. I served as an adoption case worker, where I had the privilege of helping families complete their journey to permanence. I am skilled at putting clients at ease and advocating for their current needs. I am passionate about social work and dedicated to providing quality care. As a social worker at Hope Psychotherapy, I look forward to offering the best treatment services to clients and am committed to helping them achieve their goals.
Shantavion McClain, MSW
Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern
India Esguerra, MSW
Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern
I am India Esguerra, a dedicated master’s-level social worker currently pursuing my licensure. Originally from Jacksonville, FL, I have recently moved to the greater Tampa Bay area, where I am eager to make a positive impact in my new community. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Florida State University, where I developed a solid foundation in the principles of social work. My passion for helping others motivated me to continue my education at Florida State, culminating in my Master’s Degree in Social Work. During my undergraduate studies, I had the opportunity to intern at Champions for Children. In this role, I worked closely with families and children aged 0-5, conducting developmental screenings, facilitating playgroups, and organizing workshops and community activities. I also provided essential support to expectant parents, guiding them through the early stages of parenthood. Additionally, I interned at HCA Capital Hospital in Tallahassee, FL, during my graduate studies. There, I provided clinical services to adults in a group setting, further honing my skills in creating supportive environments and promoting mental wellness. I am deeply committed to empowering individuals and families through empathy and understanding. I believe in the transformative power of social work and look forward to contributing to the well-being of those I serve in the Tampa Bay area.
My name is Ramon Santiago, and I am originally from Puerto Rico. Growing up in such a dynamic environment instilled in me a strong sense of camaraderie and resilience. These traits have shaped how I approach both personal and professional endeavors. With a master’s degree in social work, I am determined to pursue a career that aligns with my passion for helping others, particularly those who have served our nation. My professional aspiration is to become a dedicated social worker specializing in mental healthcare for veterans.
My journey into social work is supported by a robust foundation in linguistic proficiency and cultural sensitivity. Coming from a bilingual educational background, I entered this field with a strong command of both English and Spanish, which allows me to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds. This linguistic versatility has been invaluable in fostering meaningful interactions and effective communication—essential skills in social work, where empathy and understanding are crucial.
Ramon Santiago
Rusmery Freeman, MSW
Registered Clinical Social Work Intern
My name is Rusmery Freeman. I originally hailed from New Jersey but relocated to Tampa several years ago. I am Bilingual in English/Spanish and earned my bachelor's degree in Sociology from Rutgers University, the State University of New Jersey, and I later continued my education at Florida State University, where I obtained my master’s degree in social work. With over eleven years of experience in Social Work, I have had the opportunity to work with diverse individuals and populations. My experience includes working as a Family Service Specialist with the Department of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P). I helped families and children ensure their safety, well-being, and permanency. I provided caregivers with the services and tools needed to address their own needs and past trauma while also supporting the ongoing needs of the children and young adults in their care. I also served as a Medical Case Manager, working closely with individuals living with HIV/AIDS. In that role, I ensured they received primary medical care, specialty services, medication access, insurance enrollment, and vital advocacy for their overall well-being by addressing mental health and ongoing support. Additionally, I interned at both James A. Haley Hospital and the Primary Care Annex in Tampa, Florida, collaborating with social workers as well as medical and mental health professionals to provide clinical social work services. This included building rapport, case planning, and utilizing the best practices in teamwork. Currently, I work as a master’s in social work (MSW) professional focusing on the elder population. In my role, I conduct comprehensive assessments and coordinate the development of individualized care plans in partnership with health professionals while providing advocacy and support through the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). My philosophy is rooted in the belief that we must learn from one another and recognize the importance of ongoing support throughout our lives. The relationships we cultivate with people and communities are essential as we navigate adversities, significant moments, and the complexities of our emotions. These connections help us validate ourselves and strive to become the best versions of who we can be. This work requires time, patience, and commitment. Change is a constant in our lives, and the decision to grow and develop through those changes is an active choice we make. Though we cannot avoid change, we can choose to learn and improve because of it.
Emily Baker
Intern
Hello! My name is Emily Baker. I am currently earning my Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of South Florida. I have training in various Family Systems approaches, and I have a passion for integrating Emotionally-Focused Therapy and Attachment Theory into my work. I believe we all face obstacles in our lives. Some of us have trauma that involves deep healing and some of us may be in a time where we feel stuck at a crossroads. I will be there to walk alongside you and support you as you navigate these challenges. As a relationally oriented intern, I am passionate about working with individuals, families, and couples in exploring and understanding our emotions and underlying attachment needs. Attachment styles can be traced back to childhood and impact how we interact with our loved ones during conflict. I value the importance of helping people to heal the deeper part of themselves that they are often unaware of or have hidden away.
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Natalie Arroyo, MS
Office Manager
Meet the Interns
Kaleb Phillips
Intern
Phire White
Intern
Santa Rivera
Intern
Hello, my name is Kaleb Phillips. Currently, I am working towards completing my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. As a Navy veteran, I worked with numerous military members dealing primarily with PTSD, suicidal ideation, marital/relationship issues, and depression. This experience then led to me working with the National Suicide helpline. These combined experiences opened my eyes to the impact systemic issues can have on our lives.
My therapeutic interests and methods revolve around theories of differentiation, goal setting, and specific models like Solution Focused Brief Therapy, and Ericksonian Hypnosis.
I am a working Mom and honor student interning with Hope Psychotherapy as I approach the end of my Marriage and Family Therapy master's degree program.
As a human being, I am passionate about people and mental and emotional wellness. I carry this passion when interacting with every person I meet. I am a trauma survivor and life thriver who knows that what I've gone through can be used to help others experience what I have in their own lives. Because of this, I am pursuing my master's degree in marriage and family therapy/counseling at Capella University, while also developing myself as a freelance writer.
It is my goal to leave this world a little better than I found it by being the change I want to see. Then, I want to help others do the same. The model of therapy I most align with is Collaborative therapy, where we work as a team to help you get the results you want. I have a, “Help me, help you," philosophy.
Together, we can work out what you think about.
My name is Santa Rivera. I am currently pursuing a master's degree in social work at Ana G. Méndez University. I have experience working closely with underprivileged parents within the Dependency Court System. In this role, I conducted assessments to understand each parent's unique needs and challenges. I focused on identifying and alleviating barriers that hindered their progress, ensuring they had access to necessary resources and support. I monitored their engagement with court-ordered case plans and provided guidance and encouragement to help them stay on track. My support helped these parents successfully achieve their case plan objectives, particularly the primary goal of having their children safely returned home. In addition to my work within the Dependency Court System, I served as a Child Advocate Manager for the Guardian ad Litem program. In this position, I advocated for children's rights and well-being. I worked diligently to ensure that their needs were met and provided emotional support to help them navigate the complexities of trauma, mental health concerns, and other psychological challenges. I acted as their voice in the court system, ensuring that their perspectives and best interests were represented. I am committed to remaining dedicated and compassionate in my approach, aiming to make a meaningful impact on people's lives as they face and overcome challenges.
Meet the Administrative Staff
Karess Figueroa, BS
Billing Specialist
Tiffany St. Louis, AA
Evening/Weekend Receptionist
My name is Natalie Arroyo; a NYC native now in Florida. I completed my master’s degree Industrial Organizational Psychology with a minor in Occupational Health, emphasizing the physical and mental health of workers within organizations. I am passionate about helping people balance work and life responsibilities and feel that is the key to maintaining a healthy balance within the roles that people experience.
I am honored to have been a part of the lives of all the people I can assist; I feel the satisfaction of being a reliable person that people can come to for assistance or information. I believe that my life opportunities and experiences continuously lead me back to being a part of and emphasizing the value of mental health in every person.
My name is Karess Figueroa. I am a native resident of South Florida. I earned my associate's degree in Culinary and General Biology here in sunny South Florida. I then ventured out to Missouri, earning a Bachelor's degree in Respiratory Therapy.
During my five years in Missouri, I volunteered to do Equine therapy for children with special needs. After graduating, I returned to Florida to return to my roots and help those in need. I desire to positively impact the community to the best of my ability every day.
Hello! My name is Tiffany St. Louis. I was born and raised in Queens, New York, where I earned my associate’s degree in early childhood education. I completed several courses in adolescent psychology and obtained various certifications in behavioral observation and screening to create the safest and most supportive environment for the children and families I worked with.
Through my experiences, I discovered that my passion lies in one-on-one connections rather than traditional teaching. This realization led me to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology at the University of South Florida, with plans to earn a Master's in Family and Marriage Therapy. My goal is to help others build healthier relationships and deeper connections with their loved ones, friends, and even new acquaintances.
I am grateful to be surrounded by passionate and experienced professionals in this field, and I look forward to learning as I assist both my colleagues and clients. Thank you for taking the time to get to know me!
HOPE IS A CALL AWAY!
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