About Us

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About Us: Read A little more about our therapist.

Ledora Yerks-Birdlow, M.Ed., LPC-S, NCC, Board Certified Sexologist, Certified Sexuality Coach, Certified Public Information Sexologist Public Speaker

She is the Founder/CEO and Executive Director at Motivate Wellness Behavioral Health & Relationship Health Services, LLC. She is a graduate of The Dr. Rachael Institute sexuality certified coach. She received her Master’s in Education/Counseling from Loyola University at New Orleans.

(Servicing Louisiana & Florida )

Tatiana Collins, PLPC, NCC, MS

Hi! My name is Tatiana Collins. I am a Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor as well as a Nationally Certified Counselor.

I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychological Sciences and a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

I am a diverse counselor in that I specialize in 5 areas including: anger management, play therapy, anxiety, depression, and trauma/grief therapy. I approach counseling from a Gestalt Therapeutic perspective. This means that I work hand in hand with clients to assist them in not only staying in the present, but also putting together pieces of themselves through use of awareness, integration and reflection of experiences , along with gestalt techniques. A combination of the latter will allow clients, in the end, to be and feel as a whole person mentally and physically.

Ashley Steele, PLPC, Doula

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? This quote by Marianne Williamson lead me on a journey of exploration of self and others. It lead me to the study of psychology which has lead me to you.

Hi there! Welcome to my little world on Beyoncé internet… I am Ashley Steele. Born here, raised here, still here as I am a New Orleans native. Before acknowledging my life’s calling I earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in computer science from the illustrious HBCU, Dillard University. Most recently I have earned a Master’s of Art degree in Counseling from the University of Holy Cross. I dear not neglect to mention I am the proudest prepper, #XUP!

I am an introverted extroverted southern gal, non practicing doula, who loves photography, enjoys family time, festivals, snowballs, flying kites & trying new restaurants with friends.

I enjoy leading group therapy, making others feel seen, and case conceptualizing with fellow counselors.

In therapy I enjoy helping people feel heard, seen & accepted. bell hooks (author prefers her name to not be capitalized) once said “The heart of justice is truth telling, seeing ourselves and the world the way it is rather than the way we want it to be. More than ever before we, as a society, need to renew a commitment to truth telling.” As your therapist it’s my hope to assist you with and within your truth!

Ashlie Gray, M.Ed, PLPC

Ashlie Gray, M.Ed, PLPC was born and raised in New Iberia, LA. She earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from Southern University of Baton Rouge in 2000.

After graduating she spent 8 years as a teacher. She then decided to further her education and received her master’s degree from Nicholls State University in 2011 becoming a Professional School Counselor.

Mrs. Gray has been a school counselor for 12 years and enjoys working with teenagers in the school setting. She is currently working on her PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision at The University of Holy Cross in New Orleans. She is excited to begin working with adults and couples in addition to adolescents.

She enjoys having the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of others. She is excited about helping her clients navigate personal challenges, provide grief support, assist with personal growth and development, help develop self-esteem and self-advocacy, aid others through depression and anxiety as well as help couples find their love language to create more meaningful and fulfilling relationships.

Her mission is to find the therapy style that works best for each client in helping them reach their self-made goals.

She also believe that everyone has the potential to lead a fulfilling and meaningful life. Our counseling skills are designed to help our clients unlock their potential and achieve their goals.

Shadinea Whittington, M.S., PLPC

One of my favorite quotes is by Lou Holtz which states “ it’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it”. I would be remiss to tell you that life has not been filled with serendipitous turn’s that have been eventful and at times unbearable. However, in adjusting my approach and strategizing how to balance my load, I have confidently mastered the art of prioritizing which bags are necessary throughout this journey.

Since 2017.

I have been navigating the field of Human Services after obtaining my Bachelor’s Degree in Humanities and Social Services from Southeastern Louisiana. Since then I have had the privilege of serving adolescent and at risk juveniles through various community partners such the Florida Parishes Juvenile Detention Center, Gulf Coast Family Services and LaPathways.

Each of these roles impacted and inspired me to answer the calling of continuing my education and finalizing all requirements to receive my Masters of Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Capella University. My targeted focus is cognitive behavioral therapy which consist of reshaping the way we think, response to various situations, internal indicators and how we feel. My hopes are to help others regain a sense of self by building new habits, behaviors, and skills which can ultimately contribute to growth, resilience, and success! “Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” ― Mahatma Gandhi

I am excited to connect, build, and assess any identified challenges and forge as a collective to transform your perspective! Allow me to be a gentle whisper and reminder that we are all in this together perfectly IMPERFECT in this thing we call LIFE! I look forward to meeting you and helping you manage your load!

Kayla Rico, CIT

I am dedicated to providing a safe, respectful space where you can navigate life’s challenges. I utilize a nonjudgmental, psychoanalytic approach to care. I specialize in anxiety, depression, sexuality in couples, and suicidal ideation, and my main focus is trauma, PTSD, relationship issues, and LGBTQ+ issues. I place great emphasis on a secure therapeutic relationship so you can have a comfortable, nonjudgmental environment to open up and approach the more distressing and demanding areas of your life. I aim to empower you and collaborate to develop insight into your resilience through any stressors or trauma. I will work with you to determine your goals and build your strengths for a happier, healthier life.

Chyna Nguyen, M.A., PLPC

Hi! My name is Chyna Nguyen, and I am a West Bank native. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from LSU and went on to obtain a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Xavier University of Louisiana.

I’ve centered my practice on providing a compassionate and supportive environment where you can explore your true self and navigate life’s challenges. I believe that the counseling relationship should feel like a space where you feel safe, heard, and respected.

I am deeply committed to understanding and honoring the unique cultural contexts and experiences that shape who you are. My approach ensures that our work together respects and integrates your cultural identity and values, allowing us to address the nuances of your experiences and build on your strengths. My goal is to foster a sense of safety, connection, and self-awareness, helping you work through past trauma, manage current stressors, or embark on a journey of personal discovery.

Outside of the therapy room, I enjoy community engagement, practicing yoga, discovering new music, and spending time with loved ones. These activities inspire creativity and balance in my life and work.

Who We are & What we Do here!