About.

The Heartland Counseling Center is a counseling ministry extension of Heartland Church of Winter Haven, FL. Life is not meant to be dealt with alone. The Counseling Center is available to help you in the midst of pain and struggles, but also here for you in the happy and exciting times of life.

Established in 2017

The counseling ministry began in September 2017 with the addition of the first staff members dedicated solely to providing counseling services our community.

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide professional Christian counseling in an atmosphere of hope, healing, and restoration.

Our Team

Dr. Robert Allison, Jr.

Clinical Director | Licensed Psychologist 
Dr. Allison is a native of Polk County and more specifically Winter Haven. He matriculated through Lake Region High School and found himself entering the college ranks with the United States Military Academy at West Point. This was a tumultuous time of his education, but it was there he discovered his interest in human behavior. Dr. Allison finished his education out West obtaining his Master’s of the Arts and Doctorate in the area of Clinical Psychology at Midwestern University. 
 
Dr. Allison’s education, training and experience focused his energies towards the family as well as the community. Dr. Allison’s eclectic therapeutic approach facilitates multiple methods of treatment centered on a strong faith and love for his fellow man. Dr. Allison has worked with general therapy clients including Psychological and Neuropsychology Assessment as well as working with Community Healthcare and Crisis facilities. He also has multitudes of experience working with Sex Offenders and the Victims of sexual abuse. Dr. Allison currently assists the 10th Circuit’s Judges and Attorneys with Forensic Psychological concerns as well as private legal practitioners and the Department of Children and Families; performing evaluations, consultations and expert testimony.  
 
Dr. Allison was blessed to have the opportunity to return to Polk after his education was complete. After valuable training and experience with a well known local practice in Kindelan McDanal & Associates, he now finds himself called to serve in a new capacity. Heartland Counseling Center was born in order to combine the general psychological needs of the community with a faith-based approach. Dr. Allison’s faith has always guided his counseling approach and he is excited to gauge its impact on the community. 
 
Dr. Allison is joined by his wife Stefani, a local dentist; his son AJ; his daughter Lily and newest addition to the family:  A French Bulldog named Sonny.  He is excited for what the future brings for the counseling center and a growing church.  His family loves the Lord and appreciates their roots here in Polk County.

Dr. Jeremy Cummings

Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Cummings grew up in Lakeland, Florida. His interest in psychology was kindled early in life. He has always loved listening to people’s stories and helping them move past “stuck points.” Taking a psychology course in high school confirmed his desire to become a psychologist. He completed his B.A. in psychology from Lee University in 2006 and entered the clinical psychology Ph.D. program at Bowling Green State University directly afterward. His training involved a year-long predoctoral internship at the University of Rochester Medical Center. Upon receiving his doctoral degree in 2012, Dr. Cummings obtained a postdoctoral fellowship at the Baylor College of Medicine and the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, where he worked for two years. He was blessed to return to Lakeland in 2014 as a professor in the psychology department at Southeastern University. In 2022, he felt called to enter full-time practice as a psychologist at Heartland Counseling Center.

Dr. Cummings integrates evidence-based practices with Christian values and principles to promote healing, wholeness, and abundant life. He assists people in understanding connections between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors; equips them with skills to achieve their goals; and provides support and encouragement along the way. His experience includes working in a college counseling center, a university medical center, an inpatient psychiatric hospital, a health services research center, and private practice. His postdoctoral fellowship focused on helping older adults overcome anxiety and depression through spiritually integrated cognitive-behavioral therapy, and he has led classes based on this program at local churches.

One of his favorite Bible verses is Romans 8:28 (ESV): “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

​Dawn Barns

Doctorally Prepared Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
Dr. Barnes was raised in a military family and was born In Ft. Riley Kansas. She traveled extensively with her family and has lived in many states and countries.

She received her BSN from the University of Florida 1981. She is dual mastered with a Master of Nursing Science in Oncology and Family Practice 1992. In 2008 she completed her Doctorate in Nursing Practice with a specialty in Endocrinology. Dr. Barnes is board certified in Family Practice and is a Certified Diabetes Educator.

Dr. Barnes has been in practice for 32 years. Since receiving her Nurse Practitioner license she has practiced in many settings - private family practice in St. Petersburgs, FL, Gorgas Army Medical Center in Panama, Fayetteville VAMC in N.C., clinical research at the NIH, family practice in St. Cloud, Fl, the Council on Aging in Kissimmee, Fl and currently runs the student health clinic at The Vanguard School.

Dr. Barnes is married to Dr. Jeffry Barnes who is a periodontist and hails from WInter Haven. They live on a small farm in WInter Haven growing hay and pineapples. They are the proud grandparents of 5 grandchildren and have a spirited labradoodle named Hattie.

Dr. Barnes favorite Bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Kim Picha

Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Kim moved to Florida in 2017. She began attending Heartland Church where she learned about the new counseling center. She was excited to join this team as she has always sought to integrate her faith and psychology.

Kim graduated with her BA in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and her Masters in Psychology and Counseling from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield Illinois. Kim has been in the counseling profession for over 25 years. While living in Illinois she worked at a homeless shelter in Chicago, a residential treatment center for adolescents, a community mental health center, and finally in private practice. Kim has pursued advanced training in marital therapy (Emotionally Focused Therapy). She enjoys working with married couples and individuals on a wide variety of issues.

​Kim and her husband Mike live in Winter Haven and have two adult children. Kim has enjoyed serving this community for the last five years.

Sandra Rodriguez

Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Sandra moved to Florida in 2014, and shortly after that started attending Heartland Church. Knowing at an early age that her passion was to help people with mental health issues, she started her educational journey in that direction. Sandra obtained her B.S. in Human Services in 2009 from the University of Bridgeport, CT and then obtained her M.S. in  Mental Health Counseling from Walden University in 2013. Currently, Sandra is working on her Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Arizona.
 
During the past few years, Sandra has been blessed to work in a variety of counseling settings with a wide range of culturally diverse clients, such as high risk teenagers, adults with mental health and substance abuse issues, along with couples and blended families. Sandra has also obtained experience working with high risk families, while involved with the Department of Children and Families with both the State of Florida and State of Connecticut. Sandra has received training in Trauma Informed Treatment, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Multi-Systemic Therapy, and working with culturally diverse populations. Sandra always dreamed of working in a Christian counseling center and feels privileged to use her education along with her faith to help others live a healthy lifestyle.
 
Sandra’s favorite bible verse is Psalm 32:8 “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you”​

Ana L. Brinton

Licensed Mental Health Counselor
​Ana grew up in church and has served in Children’s Ministry as a worker and as a leader. Serving in those roles within the church she saw certain needs in the lives of children and families that were being unmet. These needs included struggles within blended families, parent divorce, grief, loss, behavioral and emotional issues, to name a few. This sparked an interest in Ana to go into the study of psychology.

Ms. Brinton received a Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology from Florida Atlantic University in 2006. She received her Master’s of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University in 2011. The Lord then placed a burden in her heart to receive further training in the area of Christian Counseling. She attended Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida and acquired a second Master’s Degree in School Counseling in 2013. It was during this time that Ana received the training she was looking to acquire that was focused on a Christ-centered approach to counseling.

Over the past almost 10 years Ana has been working full-time in private practice where she has worked closely with children and families, as well as adults, and the elderly. She has significant experience addressing issues related to depression, anxiety, behavior and attention-deficit, women’s issues grief and loss.
​
Ms. Brinton recently relocated to Boone, NC with her husband and young son due to ministry and professional opportunities. She remains a member of the Heartland Counseling Center family, as it has been the case for the past 5 years, and continues to provide counseling services on a remote basis. She is a native of Brazil, having move to America at the age of 14. She speaks English and Portuguese fluently.

James Stokes

Licensed Mental Health Counselor
James is a native Floridian. He grew up in Jacksonville before coming to central Florida for college. James attended Southeastern University where he decided that the pursuit of mental health counseling as a career would be both an honor and a privilege to help and serve others. James has a heart for meeting people where they are at, helping them reach their goals, and helping clients create a life they find worth living. After graduating with a degree in psychology, James attended his alma mater to pursue a master’s degree in professional mental health counseling. James is passionate about the incorporation of faith as a part of mental health. He believes therapy is a place where people’s values and beliefs should be both utilized and respected.

James has been blessed to be able to counsel young children, adolescents and adults in a
variety of settings. James interned at Peace River Center where he was eventually hired to
stay and work with at risk children and teens who were in danger of out-of-home placement. There, James learned a number of skills from crisis intervention, dialectical behavior therapy, and how to engage and motivate young clients as well as their families to work and heal together with one another. After working with this community mental health agency, James moved on to a private practice where he was able to work with a diverse group of clients as well as counseling through a local church.

​One of James’ favorite Bible verses is 1 Peter 5:7 “...Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” ​

Sabrina Stratton

Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Sabrina grew up in Alaska and moved to Florida in 2019. Spending her formative years on a horse farm she always enjoyed seeing how horses can help people. She served as a youth group leader for 5 years and likes working with teenagers. Sabrina enjoys making therapy experiential, hands-on, and applicable to everyday life.
 
Beginning her academic career at Ecola Bible college in Cannon Beach Oregon where she received certificates in Biblical studies. She then earned her Bachelor's and Master's of science in counseling, with an additional focus in Biblical & Theological studies, from Clarks Summit University, Pennsylvania. Equipping Sabrina to provide Biblical counseling to clients who desire it. Her Master's studies included a student internship at the Center for Change in Orem Utah. The Center for Change provided extensive experience in treating, managing, and assessing eating disorders. Also, certified as an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning, through PATH international, Sabrina has facilitated equine-assisted therapy for nearly five years. She finds, and is passionate about, incorporating horses into the counseling process to promote healing.
 
Sabrina uses the following therapeutic approaches:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
• Acceptance Commitment Therapy
• Solution-focused therapy

 
Sabrina specializes in the following areas:

• Eating disorder treatment
• Equine-assisted therapy
• Family therapy
• Teenagers
• ADHD
• Children
• Anxiety
• Depression

 
Sabrina attends Grace Bible Church in Sebring. Her favorite Bible verse is, “ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:33-34.

Latisha Phillips

Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
Latisha was born and raised in Missouri and moved to Winter Haven, Florida in 2020 to plant a church with her husband. Her interest in counseling began after noticing the spiritual and emotional brokenness from peers in her high school. With a heart for teaching, and helping individuals and families heal, Latisha attended Liberty University to pursue a career in interdisciplinary studies. She continued to pursue a master's in clinical mental health.

Latisha desires to shift the stigma of counseling by giving both godly and evidence-based principles for a better quality of life. Latisha has counseled both children and adults, including in the church, school system, and non-profit organizations, using such skills as cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavioral, and solution-focused therapies.

Latisha and her husband Demetric reside in Winter Haven with their four children and two dogs. Latisha and her family are committed to live life connected with the community of Winter Haven to see a healthy growth spiritually, mentally, and emotionally.

Patti Moore

Office Manager 
Patti has been with the counseling center since the inception in 2017. She has worked in the administrative/medical field for many years. She received her education from Polk State College.

She and her husband, Gary, have been married for 37+ years. They have a daughter, son, daughter-in-love and grandson. Patti and her family enjoy exploring the theme parks together and other outdoor activities. She and her husband enjoy playing the latest craze of Pickleball.  They also enjoy NASCAR, , camping, college football and many sporting activities. Patti and her husband are active in their church locally where they have been involved with music ministry, youth ministry and small group Bible study. They also enjoy attending Heartland Church.

One of her many favorite Bible verses is Matthew 11:28-30 which you will find posted on the wall in her office as a daily reminder of God’s presence.

“Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest; All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves. For My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” 

Patti and the administrative staff are available to answer questions, schedule appointments and help with all of your needs providing the utmost in care and confidentiality.

Lindsie Casey

Office Assistant
Lindsie began working in reception at the counseling center in January of 2020. She and her husband Pete, have been married since March of 2000 and have a combined four adult children- Two are here in Florida and 2 in Connecticut. Lindsie, Pete, and their two youngest, Carlie and Calvin, have been attending Heartland Church since 2008. Prior to working at the counseling center, Lindsie had worked as a hairstylist, and currently works in photography.

Lindsie’s life Bible verse and prayer is found in Psalm 27. Verse 4 says “One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord and to meditate in His temple.”


Another verse equally as important to her is Philippians 1:6. “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work among you will complete it by the day of Christ Jesus.” If He started it, He’ll finish it.​

Angie Voigt

Office Assistant
Before Angie became a stay-at-home mom for several years, she was an administrative assistant for the GM & VP of Operations at a large hotel in Orlando. Angie has also been a licensed Zumba instructor since 2013. She loves sharing her passion for music and dance with her participants.

Angie has a real heart for prayer. She has served as a part of the Heartland prayer team along with The Joy FM prayer line. She is always ready to encourage others with the hope of Christ that never fades and never fails, no matter what this life throws at us. “May the God of HOPE fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in HOPE.” Romans 15:13.

Rebeca Lozada

Office Assistant
Rebeca moved to Polk County in 2014, after living in South Florida for most of her life. Shortly after moving, she started attending Heartland Church. In 2021 she was hired to work in the front office of Heartland Counseling Center.

Rebeca has been married to her husband Javier for 25 years and together they have two children. They enjoy volunteering, spending time with family and traveling.​

We're Here For You

​Set up an appointment or get more
​information by calling 863.299.7787 today.