Who We Are

In an effort to create long-term success, it is our goal to ensure that all clients have access to the education, support, and resources that will enhance their lives and futures. Our clients include:

  • Children
  • Teens
  • Families
  • Single-parents
  • Blended families
  • Multi-generational families
  • Multi-cultural families
  • LGBTQ+ community
  • Adoptive and foster parents
  • Relatives or parents working to reunify with their children
  • Families or individuals navigating the child welfare, family, or juvenile court systems

Our Team

Ashley Rhodes-Courter, LCSW, CBHCM, BC-TMH
(she/her)

Ashley spent almost ten years in Florida’s foster care system, being bounced around to 14 different placements before being adopted at the age of 12 from a group home. Her often abusive and adverse childhood experiences are what inspired her to become a social worker, foster/adoptive parent, and a passionate advocate. Today, Ashley is an MSW, BC-TMH, RCSWI and the New York Times and International Bestselling Author of, “Three Little Words,” and “Three More Words.” She has worked domestically and globally providing lectures, keynotes, and workshops for agencies, non-profits, families, courts, policy makers, conferences, schools, and businesses. Ashley aims to strengthen and empower others to succeed, despite their circumstances or previous traumas. She recognizes that families and individuals must have access to the skills, tools, and education necessary to sustain themselves emotionally, nutritionally, and functionally. Ashley has been featured on CNN, Good Morning America with Diane Sawyer, The Today Show, the New York Times, USA Today, Tampa Bay Times, GLAMOUR Magazine, Women’s World Magazine, and countless other news, print, and television outlets. www.Rhodes-Courter.com

Brandice Almeida, LCSW
(she/her)

Brandice, LCSW, is a Florida native and a proud University of South Florida Alum. She
completed both her Bachelors in Psychology and Masters in Social Work from USF and holds
certificates in Play Therapy and Adoption Competency. Brandice has provided counseling and
support to a wide scope of children in need ranging from the most difficult of foster children to
the chronically ill. She is a strong advocate for taking the time to understand a child, their family,
and their needs. Brandice believes it is crucial to provide families with the support they need to
strengthen relationships and create a healthy and nurturing home environment.

Genevieve Savage, RCSWI
(she/her)

Genevieve is a Florida Native and a graduate of the University of South Florida. She completed her Bachelor’s in Social Work and and her Masters in Social Work from USF. Prior to working at Sustainable Families, Genevieve has experience in juvenile justice and first-line intervention. Genevieve’s therapeutic passions are foster care youths, art therapy, and at-risk youth. Genevieve believes that a strengths-based play therapy approach is vital to the therapeutic alliance. After work, Genevieve believes in self-care and actively works towards a work-life balance.

Fern Baker, RCSWI
(they/them)

Fern is a graduate of the University of South Florida Master’s of Social Work program. They also completed their Bachelor’s in Social Work from USF. Prior to working at Sustainable Families, Fern worked in case management. Fern’s therapeutic passions are LGBTQ+ youth and young adults. Fern’s therapeutic approach involves experiential therapies and DBT-informed interventions. Fern is passionate about their work as a trans and gender-affirming therapist. After work, Fern enjoys hanging with their cats, visiting local coffee shops, and thrifting.

Alex Cario, LCSW
(she/her)

Alex, LCSW, is a Florida Native and a graduate of the University of South Florida. She completed her Bachelors in Psychology and Criminology, and her Masters in Social Work and Public Health from USF. Alex has experience in trauma-focused counseling with children and adolescents, as well as working with chronically ill clients. Additionally, Alex has a background in working extensively with LGBTQIAP+ youth and adolescents and advocating for safe and inclusive spaces. Alex believes that a person-centered and empowering approach is vital to strengthening individuals and families.

Jessica Klein, RMHCI, CRC
(she/her)

Jessica is a graduate of the USF Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling Master’s program. She completed her undergraduate at the University of Florida with a Bachelor’s in Psychology. Prior to working at Sustainable Families, Jessica has experience as a 3rd grade teacher in Charlotte, North Carolina. Jessica’s therapeutic passions are teaching life/social skills to children and working with teens and adults. Jessica believes in a strengths-based CBT approach when working with her clients. While not at work Jessica enjoys reading, painting, and finding used book stores.

Patrick Clayton, RBT (he/him)

Patrick enjoys working with kids of all ages. He finds himself drawn to working with families in need. Patrick makes a point to identify patterns in childhood experiences and implement strategies to intervene when needed. He has professional learning experience in suicide prevention, recovery-oriented cognitive therapy, and trauma-informed interventions. Patrick considers himself a chef, game master, punk rocker, science nerd, and geek therapist. 

Strong Families. Stronger Communities.

If you are interested in donating to our efforts, or volunteering with The Foundation for Sustainable Families, please see the many ways we support & aid families & children.

Visit the Foundation
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