Erica J. Zeno, LMHC-QS
CEO/Owner and founder of First StrideZ Counseling
Clinical Mental Health Counselor
Erica holds a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Children and Families from Richmont Graduate University. She also received a Bachelors of Science degree in Psychology from the University of South Florida. Erica completed two internships, one in-patient facility assisting children ages 3-18 and their families in crisis. The other at a private practice where she used a cognitive integrative approach walking with clients through difficult life circumstances. During her time at Richmont, Erica pursed a specialty certification (EMDR) to gain experience working with clients struggling with extreme trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Erica currently holds a License in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in the state of Florida. She was recently honored with The Home Town Hero award for Ocala.
Upon returning to Ocala, from Atlanta, Georgia, Erica opened First StrideZ Counseling to assist the Marion County community with low cost specialized counseling services. Her goal is to provide evidence and strength-based care when working with clients. She enjoys working with adults and children using experiential therapies including Play Therapy and Sand Tray Therapy. Along with being the executive director at First Stridez, she also consults with the Orlando area counties assisting children ages 0-9 who have experienced trauma and abuse.
Erica is involved in African missions including counseling with Blessed Trinity Nalweyo Uganda and has been invited to teach Sand Tray Therapy at the Bishop Mugambo Counselor Training Institute Uganda, Africa. Erica’s long term vision is to strengthen families and help influence younger generations.
Before Erica pursued her Master's degree she spent over 7 years training animals. Erica worked for SeaWorld training animals including Killer Whales, Otters, Sea lions, Dolphins, and Walrus. She continues to be an animal advocate and is grateful for lessons she learned with those animals. Erica has 3 children and resides with her husband in Ocala, Florida.
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Ashley Gaia
Co-Founder of First StrideZ Counseling
Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern
Ashley Gaia holds a Master's of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University, as well as a double Bachelor's from the University of South Florida in Fine Arts and Psychology. She has a long history of working with individuals who are struggling with life adjustments, burnout, and grief. Ashley uses a multidisciplinary approach to assist those she is serving to overcome their struggles, gaining skills to aid them in resilience and finding a sense of wholeness again. Ashley always encourages those she works with to be "fully human". In session we will laugh, cry, be angry, and be able to say, "this all sucks!" as we work together.
Before becoming a counselor, she spent 10 years working in wild animal rehabilitation and animal care roles, caring for everything from sparrows to elephants. She is still heavily involved in Florida conservation initiatives, as well as international wildlife and humanitarian work in South America and Africa. Her favorite animals she worked with include sea turtles, ground hornbills, and African painted dogs.
Ashley resides in Tampa with her husband, a small flock of parrots, and a gecko. She has a passion for small businesses, rural communities, and tea culture. Ashley is supervised by Qualified Supervisor and LMHC Erica Zeno.
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Cassandra Harris-Towner
Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern
Originally hailing from the hills of Upstate New York, we have had the pleasure of inviting Cassandra Harris-Towner, Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern and Certified Life Coach, to the First StrideZ of Ocala family. With a history in the field of Art Education and counseling, united with a deep of love of Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused Brief Therapy, she combines her passion with her skills to offer a deeper more meaningful connection for children and adults alike. This will allow her to join and support you on your mental health journey.
Cassandra is a mother of three who has earned her Master’s Degree from the CACREP Certified Mental Health Counseling program at Saint Bonaventure University in Olean, NY. She is overjoyed to have the opportunity to work with you on your journey at First StrideZ Counseling. Living locally in Ocala with her spouse, their blended family and many fur babies, Cassandra enjoys creating a strong therapeutic connection with her clients by utilizing both humor and joy to support them in their in everyday life. Cassandra works under the License of Qualified Supervisor and LMHC Erica Zeno.
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Trinity Ferko
Certified Life Coach
Trinity holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a minor in Special Education from Liberty University and is currently a Certified Life Coach. Trinity first joined our First StrideZ Counseling team when she did her internship for her Bachelor’s degree, under Supervisor Erica Zeno. After completing her Bachelor’s degree, she joined our team as a Certified Life Coach. With a love for art and games/sports, Trinity loves to integrate activities into her sessions. Trinity also enjoys utilizing a great mix of humor and honesty with each client. Additionally, she is extremely passionate about the acceptance of all people and cares abundantly for all clients.
Trinity is an Ocala native and is currently getting her Master’s from CACREP Certified Mental Health Counseling program at Saint Bonaventure University in Olean, NY. Trinity has previously volunteered at Hillcrest Public School and currently volunteers for Special Olympics of Florida. She is ecstatic to be a part of the First StrideZ Counseling team and is elated for the opportunity to work with you. Trinity loves to utilize a great mix of humor and honesty with each client. Trinity works under the License of Qualified Supervisor and LMHC Erica Zeno