I’m Tatiana Almanza, and I’m often one of the first people you’ll connect with at Tailwinds! As the Front-of-House Client Care Coordinator, I bring more than five years of experience supporting patients across a variety of healthcare settings, including pediatric and family medicine practices as well as same-day surgery environments. I understand that reaching out for care can feel overwhelming, and I strive to make every interaction feel welcoming, clear, and supportive.

My role is to help guide clients through each step of the front-end care experience, from scheduling and registration to insurance verification and care coordination. I take pride in making sure questions are answered, details are handled accurately, and appointments are set up smoothly so clients can focus on what matters most—taking care of themselves or their loved ones. My strong understanding of clinical workflows and medical terminology helps me anticipate needs and communicate clearly with both clients and our clinical team.

I’m known for staying calm and organized in fast-paced environments while maintaining a compassionate, client-centered approach. Whether I’m assisting a new client, supporting a returning one, or coordinating behind the scenes, I aim to bring consistency, professionalism, and warmth to every interaction.

Protecting client privacy and confidentiality is extremely important to me. I’m committed to upholding HIPAA standards and following clinical protocols with care and attention, ensuring that all personal information is handled respectfully and securely at all times.

Above all, I want every person who connects with Tailwinds to feel supported, respected, and genuinely cared for from the very beginning. I consider it a privilege to be part of the first step in each client’s journey, and I’m here to help make that experience as smooth and reassuring as possible.

I’m Tatiana Almanza, and I’m often one of the first people you’ll connect with at Tailwinds! As t... Read More

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I’m Dean Rashkow, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over a decade of experience working alongside individuals, couples, and families as they navigate life’s challenges. I believe that therapy works best when clients feel genuinely seen, heard, and respected, and I strive to create a space that feels safe, collaborative, and nonjudgmental from the very first session. My approach is grounded in the belief that meaningful change grows out of strong relationships and thoughtful, client-centered care.

My clinical experience spans a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, relationship and marital challenges, and major life transitions. I’ve worked in diverse settings—from community mental health and protective services to private practice—which has shaped my ability to meet clients with flexibility and understanding. I enjoy working with adults at different stages of life and tailoring therapy to their unique goals, strengths, and circumstances.

In my work, I draw from evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), EMDR, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, and strengths-based interventions. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, I collaborate closely with clients to develop treatment plans that feel practical, meaningful, and aligned with what matters most to them. My goal is to help clients build insight, emotional regulation skills, and coping strategies they can carry into their daily lives.

I place a strong emphasis on rapport and trust, and I’m often told that clients feel comfortable opening up quickly in our work together. I approach therapy with empathy and curiosity, meeting clients where they are without judgment. I also believe that progress doesn’t only come from major breakthroughs—small, consistent steps forward are just as important and often just as powerful.

What I value most about this work is the opportunity to learn from my clients and to witness their resilience, growth, and capacity for change. I see therapy as a collaborative process, and I’m committed to walking alongside clients as they work toward greater clarity, connection, and a more fulfilling life.

I’m Dean Rashkow, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over a decade of experience worki... Read More

Mariah is in-network with Blue Cross/Blue Shield PPO, Aetna PPO, and Cigna PPO. She is not currently in-network with UnitedHealthcare/United Behavioral Health/Optum.

Hi, and welcome! If you’re a parent looking for support for your child or teen - or a young person navigating challenging emotions - I’m delighted you’ve found your way here.

Growing up today can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s anxiety, depression, social pressures, school stress, or just not feeling like yourself, these struggles can impact daily life, self-esteem, and relationships. I specialize in working with children, teens, and young adults (ages 6-20), helping them find clarity, build resilience, and gain more control over their emotional world.

My approach is warm, collaborative, and goal-oriented. I combine solution-focused strategies with holistic methods - including mindfulness, creative expression, and body-based tools - to support healing from the inside out. Therapy with me isn’t one-size-fits-all. I meet each client where they are, helping them identify what matters most, set realistic goals, and develop practical tools to feel better and thrive.

Whether your child is struggling to open up, your teen is feeling lost, or you’re a young adult ready to make meaningful changes, I’m here to support the journey forward - with compassion, structure, and a deep respect for each person’s unique path.

Let’s work together to turn confusion into confidence and challenges into growth.

Mariah is in-network with Blue Cross/Blue Shield PPO, Aetna PPO, and Cigna PPO. She is not curren... Read More

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Maxine is in-network with Blue Cross/Blue Shield PPO, Aetna PPO, and Cigna PPO. She is not currently in-network with UnitedHealthcare/United Behavioral Health/Optum.

I am a compassionate and collaborative therapist who believes healing happens in spaces where people feel deeply seen, understood, and supported. I work with individuals navigating anxiety, low mood, emotional overwhelm, attention and focus challenges, substance use concerns, and the impact of past or ongoing stress and trauma. My approach is grounded, relational, and paced with care, honoring each person’s lived experience and nervous system needs.

As a counselor and art therapist, I integrate both talk therapy and creative expression to support clients working through self-doubt, negative self-image, fears, grief and loss, and questions of identity and self-understanding. You do not need to consider yourself “artistic” to benefit from art therapy—creative processes can offer a gentle and accessible way to explore emotions that may be difficult to put into words.

I often support clients who are navigating complex or painful relationships, adjusting to change, and managing social and family stressors, including the emotional demands of parenting. My work is informed by an understanding of how early relationships, attachment patterns, and past experiences can shape the way we relate to ourselves and others. Together, we focus on building safety, insight, and self-compassion while strengthening your capacity for connection and resilience.

I provide an affirming, inclusive space for LGBTQ+ individuals and those exploring identity, intimacy, and sexual concerns. Therapy with me is collaborative and attuned, with careful attention to boundaries, pacing, and choice—ensuring the work feels supportive rather than overwhelming.

On a personal note, in my free time I am often spending time with my kids, reading, enjoying outdoor activities, or making art. I identify not only as an art therapist, but also as an artist, and I make time each day for my own creative process. Art has been an essential part of my personal mental health journey and has been deeply healing, shaping both who I am and how I show up for my clients.

I believe therapy can be a place not only to heal from past experiences, but also to deepen self-awareness, restore confidence, and move toward a life that feels more authentic, connected, and sustainable.

Maxine is in-network with Blue Cross/Blue Shield PPO, Aetna PPO, and Cigna PPO. She is not curren... Read More

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Gabriela is in-network with Blue Cross/Blue Shield PPO, Aetna PPO, and Cigna PPO. She is not currently in-network with UnitedHealthcare/United Behavioral Health/Optum.

I’m Gabriela Sanchez, a bilingual counselor passionate about supporting individuals on their journey toward healing, self-understanding, and emotional well-being. I earned my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and have dedicated my work to helping clients feel safe, heard, and empowered as they navigate life’s challenges. I strive to create a compassionate, nonjudgmental therapeutic space where clients can explore their experiences openly and at their own pace.

My clinical interests include working with trauma survivors and individuals navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, and major life transitions. I’m especially drawn to working with adolescents and adults, and I bring a trauma-informed, client-centered approach to every session. Much of my experience includes supporting individuals impacted by domestic violence, crisis situations, and complex life stressors, which has shaped my deep respect for resilience and personal strength.

Throughout my training and professional work, I’ve provided individual counseling, facilitated groups, and supported clients through advocacy and case management. I’ve worked in shelter settings, community mental health programs, and healthcare environments, allowing me to understand clients within the broader context of their lives and systems. I place strong emphasis on building trust, fostering self-compassion, and helping clients develop practical coping skills that support emotional regulation and stability.

As a bilingual clinician, I offer therapy in both English and Spanish and value the importance of culturally-responsive care. I’m committed to meeting clients where they are and honoring their unique identities, backgrounds, and strengths. Collaboration is central to my approach, and I work closely with clients to identify goals that feel meaningful, achievable, and aligned with their values.

I believe therapy is a space for both healing and growth, where clients can better understand themselves and move toward lasting change. My role is to walk alongside you with empathy, patience, and support as you build insight, resilience, and confidence. Navigating change can be both challenging and rewarding. I look forward to partnering with you on your journey.

Gabriela is in-network with Blue Cross/Blue Shield PPO, Aetna PPO, and Cigna PPO. She is not curr... Read More

Dr. Jefferson is in-network with Blue Cross/Blue Shield PPO, Aetna PPO, and Cigna PPO. She is not currently in-network with UnitedHealthcare/United Behavioral Health/Optum.

I’m Dr. Kyshema Jefferson, and I’ve been providing professional services in the mental and behavioral health field since 2017. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Benedictine University, my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adler University, and my PhD in Community Psychology from National Louis University. My training and experience span multiple clinical settings, including adolescent substance use treatment, alternative school environments, private practice, and nonprofit adoption services, allowing me to support clients across a wide range of developmental stages and life circumstances.

I’ve dedicated my career to supporting both the current and next generation of mental wellness seekers, with an emphasis on prevention, self-awareness, and empowerment. My doctoral research explored self-care practices among African American and Caucasian parents of adolescents, highlighting gaps in awareness around healthy coping strategies, engagement in psychotherapy, and appropriate interventions. This work reinforced my belief that education, culturally responsive care, and intentional self-care practices are essential to long-term mental and emotional well-being.

In my clinical work, I specialize in supporting individuals and families navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, ADHD, OCD, mood disorders, crisis situations, and major life transitions. I also work extensively with adolescents, parents, couples, and individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community. I’m deeply passionate about working with multicultural populations and helping clients feel seen, understood, and respected within the therapeutic space.

I use a range of evidence-based and trauma-informed approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT and Trauma-Focused CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness Meditation, Narrative Therapy, Play Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Reality Therapy. My approach is collaborative and tailored, allowing us to work together to identify goals, build coping skills, and develop strategies that support meaningful and sustainable change.

In our sessions, we take time to explore concerns deeply while creating a plan that feels supportive, realistic, and aligned with your values. Many of my clients notice a gradual reduction in symptoms within the first month and continued improvement over time. I also welcome clients who use therapy as a space to process everyday life—both the challenges and the joys. I believe mental health is not a destination, but a journey grounded in hope, growth, and connection. You are not alone in this process, and your feelings truly matter.

Dr. Jefferson is in-network with Blue Cross/Blue Shield PPO, Aetna PPO, and Cigna PPO. She is not... Read More

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Let’s face it—life and relationships can be tough. For some, building connections seem effortless. You know who I’m talking about. The coworker with (a little too much) energy to spare; the class clown who never fails to get a laugh; the relative who jumps at the chance to host the next family gathering. For others, moving through the world sparks anxiety that causes us to fall back on unhealthy patterns and creates conditions for suffering.

My work with clients and families focuses on building confidence, autonomy, and social skills to resolve life challenges. I have over a decade of experience serving adults, teens, and families in therapy.

Alongside my counseling work, I am an experienced testing psychologist with deep mastery of neuropsychological and psychological assessments for those seeking accommodations in work or school. I also administer presurgical testing to support clients planning to improve their lives through bariatric or pain management surgery. I have administered over 500 evaluations for clients seeking clarity on struggles such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, and learning disabilities. My streamlined approach to assessments ensures clients receive comprehensive reports without waiting months for testing results.

I administer psychological evaluations for all clients aged 3 and older. I also hold certification in ADOS-2 administration for comprehensive autism evaluations, including those required by applied behavior analysis (ABA) programs.

Success in therapy depends on the ability of the therapist and client to connect genuinely and openly. I work with clients to create a strong foundation for growth based on their individual needs and the latest evidence-based approaches. If you or your family are struggling to build the kinds of connections you want, please don’t hesitate reach out today.

Let’s face it—life and relationships can be tough. For some, building connections seem effortless... Read More