LIFT of Orlando, Inc., 1035 S. Semoran Boulevard Bldg. 2, Ste. 1031, Winter Park, FL (2025)

09/23/2025

Meet Sera Kunnirikal – Counselor-in-Training at LIFT

Sera is our LIFT Reflection – a calming, steady presence who helps clients make sense of where they’ve been and explore where they want to go.

Her path into counseling began through her work with college students—supporting them through growth, identity, and change. That experience inspired her to pursue a deeper role in mental health care. Now, as a counselor-in-training, she finds herself coming full circle—once again walking alongside students and young adults on their healing journeys.

Sera is currently completing her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at UCF. She integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Adlerian Theory to help clients process the past, build emotional resilience, and move toward meaningful goals.

In the therapy space, Sera creates warmth, safety, and space for self-reflection. She believes that growth comes through both insight and action—and that healing begins when we feel truly seen and supported.

We’re grateful to have Sera on the LIFT team and look forward to all that lies ahead.

Please like and share to help us celebrate Sera and the light she brings to LIFT.

08/12/2025

Introducing Greg and Linda Peaden – LIFT Light
Greg and Linda Peaden are our LIFT Light—the original spark, the steady radiance, and the unwavering warmth at the heart of our mission. From their vision, LIFT was born. Through their care, it continues to grow.

For decades, they’ve been deeply involved in community work and charitable service, including long-standing support for the elderly. Their lives reflect a deep commitment to showing up—for neighbors, causes, and those navigating hardship. They're also avid travelers and artists, bringing creativity and curiosity to all they do.

As parents of three and grandparents to many, Greg and Linda understand the challenges and rewards of nurturing growth in others.

Professionally, they’ve helped charities across the U.S. raise funds to fuel their missions. This lifelong dedication to service is not just their work—it’s their passion. Along the way, they’ve seen both the power of generosity and the urgent need for sustainable support across the nonprofit world.

Still, they felt called to give back in a more personal way. Over the years, many ideas were considered—each inspiring, but none quite the right fit—until, during a winter family trip in the mountains of North Carolina, someone suggested supporting college students through counseling. That struck a chord.

As they reflected on what had shaped their own journey, one answer stood out: counseling.

During times of uncertainty and change, counseling provided clarity, grounding, and space to grow—not only as individuals but as partners, parents, and professionals. It was, in every sense, a lift.

They recognized how rare and vital that support can be—and how many go without it, especially students and young adults facing pressure, transition, and emotional overwhelm with nowhere to turn.

From that insight, LIFT was born: a nonprofit mental health counseling initiative offering free, accessible support to those in need. Built with compassion and clarity, LIFT meets people where they are and walks with them toward healing and renewal.

Greg and Linda believe no one should face their hardest moments alone. Their hope is simple: that LIFT will be a place where light finds its way in—again and again.

Please like and share to help us honor Greg and Linda Peaden, our LIFT Light, whose vision, financial support, and presence continue to guide everything we do.

07/04/2025

LIFT is wishing you all a happy and safe Independence Day celebration weekend!

“On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues.”

07/04/2025

LIFT is wishing you all a happy and safe Independence Day celebration weekend!

“On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues."

07/01/2025

This past Thursday, we had the pleasure of celebrating with a wonderful community. We were honored to welcome the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce to our Gratitude Party, where they hosted a special Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in our honor. Thank you, WPCC!

06/23/2025

Introducing Nicole O’Mara – Director of Operations at LIFT
Nicole is our LIFT Ember – holding the glowing core of our organization with quiet strength and care. She nurtures growth and momentum behind the scenes, keeping the spark alive that fuels our collective journey toward healing.

Nicole O’Mara has been a dedicated member of the Central Florida community for decades, with a deep and lasting commitment to service. Her journey has been shaped by years of devoted parenting, active involvement in PTA and other school organizations, volunteer leadership with chorus programs, and leadership roles in community-based services such as Make-A-Wish and JDRF (now Breakthrough T1D). These experiences, combined with her background in human resources and operations—including contract and course development, hiring and onboarding, and organizational planning—have laid the foundation for her impactful work as Director of Operations at LIFT of Orlando, Inc., a brand-new 501(c)(3) organization she helped build from the ground up.

Nicole has been involved in community-based and charitable initiatives since childhood, continuing a family line of service spanning parents, grandparents, and beyond. Her strength lies in her ability to align vision with action—bringing ideas to life through thoughtful planning, strategic ex*****on, and a steady presence. Nicole turns possibility into progress, giving form and momentum to the goals of our team.

Nicole’s work is also grounded in empathy and care. As a previous studio owner and massage therapist, she brings a deep, energetic presence to her practice—qualities that carry over into her leadership at LIFT. Her intuitive nature and attention to detail foster an environment where both people and ideas can thrive.

As Director of Operations at LIFT, Nicole has shaped every element of our foundation. From our web design and digital voice to the partnerships and systems that support our mission, Nicole’s influence is everywhere. She is the steady thread connecting vision with reality, infusing our organization with vibrancy, beauty, and grounded purpose.

Please like and share to help us honor and celebrate Nicole O’Mara and all she brings to LIFT.

06/12/2025

Today, we remember the 49 lives taken at Pulse—lost to hate, but never forgotten. We respond with love.

We choose empathy over fear, and hope over hate. As we reflect on the Pulse tragedy, we renew our commitment to action rooted in love. Remembrance is not passive—it’s a promise to care for one another.

🕯 Join in tonight at 5:30 p.m. for the annual Pulse Remembrance Ceremony at First United Methodist Church in downtown Orlando. All are welcome. Livestream available here: https://www.youtube.com/live/7340edtLQTs?si=F1PKefnTqCln8C8Z

❤️ One way to honor the lives saved that night is by donating blood. Visit OneBlood’s Pulse Remembrance Blood Drives to give back in a powerful way.

If you or someone you know needs support, please know that help is here:

LIFT of Orlando, Inc.
407-498-5438
📍 1035 S Semoran Bld, Winter Park
🔗 GetMyLIFT.com
Free Mental Health Counseling for current college students residing in the state of Florida

The Center (LGBTQIA+ support)
📞 407-228-8272
📍 942 N Mills Ave, Orlando
🔗 thecenterorlando.org
• Grief & Loss Support
• Survivors of Gun Violence Group
• Trauma & Coping Support

The Trevor Project (24/7 LGBTQIA+ crisis support)
📞 1-866-488-7386
🔗 thetrevorproject.org

THRIVE Lifeline (24/7 peer text support)
Text “oSTEM” to 313-662-8209
🔗 thrivelifeline.org

Zebra Coalition (Support for LGBTQIA+ youth)
📞 407-228-1446
📍 911 N Mills Ave, Orlando
🕒 Mon–Fri, 10 AM–6 PM
🔗 zebrayouth.org

06/11/2025

Meet Christopher Poole – Counselor-in-Training at LIFT
Christopher is our LIFT Dawn – providing a steady, thoughtful presence for clients beginning their healing journey. He approaches each client with curiosity, compassion, and a commitment to supporting their unique path toward growth.

Currently completing his master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Central Florida, Christopher also holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from UCF. His academic background gives him a solid foundation in psychological theory, research, and therapeutic practice.

Christopher has clinical experience working with children, young adults, and couples facing a variety of emotional, behavioral, and relational challenges. He integrates evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Adlerian Individual Psychology to tailor treatment to each individual’s needs and goals.

In the therapy space, Christopher strives to create a warm and nonjudgmental environment where clients can increase self-understanding, express themselves freely, and cultivate the kind of acceptance that makes lasting change possible.

Christopher believes that meaningful change grows from a foundation of self-acceptance. Rather than seeing change as a result of fixing what's "wrong," he views transformation as something that begins when we treat ourselves with compassion and curiosity. He helps clients explore how accepting who they are in the present can create the space for growth, healing, and deeper connection.

At LIFT, Christopher is known for creating a safe, supportive space where clients feel heard and valued. We’re honored to have him on our team and excited to watch his continued growth as a clinician.

Please like and share this post to help us welcome Christopher Poole to the LIFT team.

06/09/2025

Introducing Joel Neild, FP-C, MA-MHC (Candidate) – Mental Health Counselor-in-Training at LIFT

Joel is our LIFT Horizon – bringing presence, perspective, and hope to the journey of healing. With each client he meets, Joel helps illuminate the path forward — grounded in experience, guided by curiosity, and inspired by growth.

Joel Neild, FP-C, is a seasoned firefighter and paramedic with over 30 years of service — including advanced certification as a Flight Paramedic — now rising into the field of mental health as a counselor-in-training. Currently pursuing his Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Central Florida, Joel brings a trauma-informed, inclusive approach to his work, with a special focus on supporting first responders and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

His clinical lens is shaped by both professional experience and philosophical inquiry. Joel holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Arizona State University, where he focused on existential and Daoist thought. These foundations continue to inform his therapeutic work, inviting clients into meaningful exploration of identity, suffering, and transformation.

In session, Joel draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Gestalt therapy, and DBT-informed techniques to help clients develop emotional awareness, reconnect with values, and take purposeful action. He creates space for honesty, complexity, and movement — all while honoring each client’s unique process.
With decades of experience in high-stakes environments, Joel brings authenticity and empathy to his clinical work. He understands the hidden weight of trauma, burnout, and moral distress — and holds space for healing with both steadiness and care.

As a clinician-in-training, Joel is known for his reflective presence, cultural humility, and commitment to ethical care. He views therapy as a shared journey — one that begins at the horizon and moves, step by step, toward greater clarity, connection, and well-being.

Please like and share this post to help us welcome Joel Neild to the LIFT team.

06/03/2025

A Heartfelt Thank You goes to the Aeras Foundation! 💚

We are incredibly grateful to the Aeras Foundation for their generous donation to LIFT. As a privately funded mental health counseling office for college students, startup costs are sizeable. Through their support, we have received computers, speakers, and cameras that will enhance both our in-person sessions and our telehealth services.

This donation is more than just equipment... it is a lifeline for the students we serve.

At LIFT, our mission is to make mental health care accessible, responsive, and stigma-free for college students. With the rise in demand for flexible and confidential counseling services, having the tools to offer telehealth sessions is essential. The support from Aeras Foundation ensures that our therapists can connect with students—whether they’re in our office or remote—with clarity, reliability, and professionalism.

These resources will directly impact students who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, academic stress, or personal challenges. They will help reduce barriers to care and allow our counselors to be more present and effective in every session. Simply put, this gift helps LIFT help more students, more effectively.

We are honored to partner with an organization like Aeras Foundation, whose commitment to mental wellness and educational equity mirrors our own. Their investment in LIFT is an investment in student resilience, growth, and long-term success.

From all of us at LIFT — thank you for believing in the power of mental health support and for making it possible for us to reach more students in meaningful ways.

05/31/2025

Introducing Stacy O'Mara, LMHC – Clinical Director at LIFT
Stacy is our LIFT Compass –she helps others stay true to the path of healing. We are proud to have Stacy’s extensive experience, leadership, and multidisciplinary perspective guiding the clinical direction of our team at LIFT.

Stacy O'Mara, LMHC, brings over two decades of clinical experience to her new role as Clinical Supervisor at LIFT. Since 2001, she has maintained her own successful psychotherapy practice in Central Florida, providing individual and couples therapy services. Her clinical work reflects a deep commitment to integrative, client-centered care.

In addition to her private practice, Stacy serves as the Director of Student Wellness and Professional Development at Full Sail University, where she supports the growth and training of future professionals. She earned her master’s degree in counseling from the University of Central Florida.

Stacy has a particular interest in Jungian psychology and often draws upon its principles to help clients explore the unconscious influences that shape their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. She believes that fostering insight into these deeper patterns can be a powerful catalyst for change and healing.

Her approach also incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Positive Psychology, and Solution-Focused Therapy, allowing her to tailor interventions to the unique needs of each client. As a supervisor, Stacy fosters a collaborative, reflective environment that supports clinical development, ethical practice, and the maturation of professional identity.

Stacy is also a certified True Colors International Facilitator, bringing a strengths-based, personality-focused framework to her work in both clinical and organizational settings. This additional expertise enhances her ability to support personal insight, team dynamics, and effective communication.

Please like and share this post to help welcome Stacy O'Mara to the LIFT team.

05/25/2025

This Memorial Day weekend, we pause to honor the brave individuals who gave their lives in service to our country.

At LIFT, we recognize that for many, this day is not just a holiday—but a moment of reflection, remembrance, and emotion.

As you gather with loved ones or take time to yourself, we encourage you to care for your mental well-being and to support others who may be grieving or remembering.

Let’s take a moment to honor the courage and sacrifice of our fallen heroes—and LIFT each other up with compassion and gratitude. 💙

LIFT of Orlando, Inc.

09/23/2025

08/12/2025

07/04/2025

07/04/2025

07/01/2025

06/23/2025

06/12/2025

06/11/2025

06/09/2025

06/03/2025

05/31/2025

05/25/2025

Address

Website

Alerts

Contact The Practice

Shortcuts

Featured

Share

Category