Kelly has been in psychology since 1994, beginning as an undergraduate at UWF. A trained psychometrist, she brings decades of psychological testing and broad clinical experience—including roles in psychiatric hospitals, youth services, Tricare network management, and directing therapeutic prison communities. She has served on various committees, including the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center, and currently sits on the Board of Directors for ASHA. Since 2003, Kelly has maintained a successful private practice that has expanded into a growing group practice.
Kelly is passionate about serving Northwest Florida’s community, especially military members and first responders. A proud military brat, she now calls Fort Walton Beach home and is a mother of two. She promotes self-care and personal growth for those she supports. Outside of work, Kelly enjoys volunteering, outdoor activities, and has a deep love for animals and children. She has also led mission teams and chaired a Missions Committee.
Kelly’s therapeutic specialties include trauma, mood disorders, ADHD, anger management, work/life balance, peri-natal depression, clinical mental health evaluations, forensic assessments, women’s issues, and much more. She is also a Florida Qualified Supervisor and provides supervision to FL Registered Mental Health Counselor Interns along with Masters Level Interns.
I am passionate about helping individuals overcome personal challenges and tailor my counseling approach to match the needs of my clients thereby empowering you to create the life you have always dreamed of. My work with couples utilizes the Gottman Method Couples Therapy.
I'm committed to helping you improve your life and your relationships. Together as a team, we can help you recover from trauma or infidelity, learn to trust and love again, and rebuild your life and your relationship. I believe in healthy relationships, healthy dating, and healthy love.
As a Florida Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, I passionately advocate for self-care and mental wellness while working collaboratively with clients to empower and build resilience and achieve mental health goals in a safe, empathetic space for healing and self-empowerment. I am prepared to assist individuals in coping and managing emotional, behavioral, and psychological challenges.
I specialize in anxiety and stress management for adults, teens, and children. I have experience working with individuals struggling with addictions and have discovered a love of helping people in this capacity. A resilient individual is able to withstand or recover quickly from challenging life events. Let me help you become more resilient.
Life can feel overwhelming, and sometimes you need support to find your way forward. I’m Christina, a licensed mental health therapist with a Master of Science in counseling and psychology.
With a background as a high school teacher, I deeply understand the daily stress children and adolescents face. I specialize in guiding young people through these challenges while strengthening their mental and emotional resilience. I am culturally competent and fluent in English and Portuguese, with proficiency in Spanish and Italian, which allows me to serve clients from diverse and underserved communities with empathy and respect.
I also work with young adults, the elderly, and individuals who have experienced abuse, abandonment, and neglect. My personal and professional experience with trauma informs my compassionate approach, helping clients evolve from victims to survivors.
My practice includes individual therapy, family therapy, and parental consultations. I am trained in play and sand therapy and skilled in treating trauma, depression, anxiety, and mood instability. Building a strong therapeutic alliance is central to my work, creating a safe, respectful, and accepting space where healing can begin.
Under my care, you are seen as a whole person deserving of dedicated attention and empathy. If you feel weighed down by uncertainty or distress, I invite you to reach out. Together, we can uncover the root causes of your struggles and create a path toward a more fulfilling, joyful life.
We all experience times in our lives where we feel static or struggle to work through something that has arisen or happened in the past. I take an honest existential approach to therapy and meet you where you are. I have completed a B.A. in Psychology, a Master's in Education and a Master's in Counseling.
I enjoy working with individuals, adults, adolescence, & children as well as couples, and families. I have experience in helping people move through life transitions and specific concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, mood and stress related disorders.
Therapy is an investment you make in yourself, and the lives of those in your circle of influence, enhancing the quality of your relationships. Let’s connect and give you the space to share and move forward with confidence to manage your feelings, experiences and to make a better life for you.
Meire Palmer, MA, MS,
Music Therapist Board Certified
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
Life is a journey, and counseling is the light to your path."
Meire Palmer is a dedicated and experienced board-certified mustic therapist with 20 years in the clinical field, working with various populations. S he holds a degree in mental health counseling. Ms. Palmer's genuine ability to build rapport with her clients is a corner stone of her practice, allowing for meaningful experiences that help clients navigate their challenges and achieve personal growth. She integrates holistic concepts into her work, focusing on the strengths and uniqueness of each client.
Tina Hunter, Office Manager
Tina's expertise and helpful attitude bring a warm welcome to all who enter our doors.  She's a military spouse, mother and our Girl Friday!  Clients often approach SonShine Counseling Services with a general idea of what they need and Tina facilitates the rest.   We're proud to have her as part of our team.
