About Us

Ashley’s passion for service was inspired by her own lived circumstances having grown

up in the foster care system as a child. Today, Ashley is a sought-after Keynote

Speaker, New York Times Bestselling Author, advocate, and affirming mental health provider.

Ashley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and founder/owner of Sustainable Family

Services. She holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Southern

California, and is a Clinical Supervisor, Board Certified Tele-Mental Health professional

(BC-TMH), Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Level 2 (CCTP-II), Certified Child and

Adolescent Trauma Professional (CATP), and Certified Family Trauma Professional

(CFTP). Ashley is also a Certified FirstPlay Infant Mental Health Practitioner; and is a

Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). Ashley just returned to graduate school to become a BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst).

When not in the office, you can find Ashley on the road as an award-winning Keynote

Speaker presenting at conferences and organizations globally. Ashley Rhodes-Courter

is the International Bestselling Author of the memoirs, “Three Little Words,” and “Three

More Words.” Ashley aims to strengthen and empower others to succeed, despite their

circumstances or previous traumas. She recognizes that families and individuals must

have access to the support, skills, tools, and education necessary to thrive.

Ashley has been featured on CNN, Good Morning America with Diane Sawyer, The

Today Show, the New York Times, USA Today, Tampa Bay Times, GLAMOUR

Magazine, Women’s World Magazine, and countless other news, print, and television

outlets. Please visit www.Rhodes-Courter.com for more information.

For nearly  20 years, Brandice has worked with children who have intensive behavioral issues, come from high-conflict families, and youth who have experienced extreme childhood trauma. Brandice is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and earned her Masters of Social Work Degree and Certification in Play Therapy from the University of South Florida. Brandice has also worked in outpatient, in-home, residential, and medical settings. She is a strong advocate for concentrated, individualized care, and believes it is crucial to provide children and parents with the necessary support to strengthen the family dynamics and individual relationships that holistically create a healthy and nurturing home environment. 

Brandice has experience working with the LGBTQIAP2+ community and provides affirming care.  Brandice believes that everyone is doing the best that they can given their individual circumstance. She is here to help you, your child, and/or your family understand your personal needs and learn to communicate healthy expectations and boundaries in relationships. Brandice understands that each person’s needs and experiences are unique and require a personalized approach.

Alex is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a graduate of the University of South Florida. She completed her Bachelors in Psychology and Criminology, and her Masters in Social Work and Public Health from USF. Alex has experience working with individuals, families, and couples and specializes in trauma-focused and narrative modalities, grief counseling, and developing a personalized approach to meet each person where they are. Additionally, Alex has a background working extensively with the LGBTQIAP2+ community and advocating for affirming and inclusive spaces. Alex believes that a person-centered and empowering approach is vital to strengthening individuals and families. Alex is also a Certified FirstPlay Infant Mental Health Practitioner.

Ayla Terrusa is a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern and a graduate from the University of South Florida with a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling graduate and a certification in Marriage and Family Therapy. Ayla specializes in using Animal-Assisted Therapy and loves working with children using animals and play-based interventions. Ayla is passionate about helping children, individuals, families, and couples, especially those in the LGBTQIAP+ community.

Emily is a Registered Clinical Social Work Intern and University of South Florida graduate. Emily earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. She has a passion for working with children, families, and the LGBTQIAP2+ community. In  her interventions, she utilizes strengths- and play-based approaches to create a safe, supportive therapeutic environments. Emily strives to empower her clients by employing a person-centered approach and often utilizes animal-assisted techniques for hands-on learning during sessions. Prior to joining Sustainable Families, Emily worked with at-risk youth and adults in court-ordered treatment programs. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, attending concerts, Disney, crafts, and caring for her three cats and five guinea pigs.

Taylor is a dedicated Registered Behavior Technician with a passion for helping children grow, learn, and thrive. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in Cognitive Neuroscience from Florida Gulf Coast University and brings over five years of additional healthcare experience working with both children and complex adults. Taylor is inspired to make a lasting difference in the lives of families so that each child feels valued, seen, encouraged, understood, and safe. Taylor is a fierce Human Rights advocate who has worked domestically internationally as a voice for the underserved.  Don't be surprised to find Ms. Taylor on a boat or under the water in scuba gear!

Patrick's energy, creativity, and wonder fuel his work as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) and counselor. He enjoys connecting with kids of all ages and is especially passionate about supporting families navigating complex challenges. Patrick has a strong foundation and years of experience helping children and teens build resilience and develop healthier coping skills.  Our clients benefit from the many hats Mr. Pat proudly wears as a chef, game master, punk rock musician, science enthusiast, and geek counselor. He  brings endless fun, authenticity, and relatability to the families he serves.

Hannah is a Registered Behavior Technician with over 9 years of experience in childcare. She holds a Bachelor’s in Human Services with a Concentration in Youth and Family Studies, and is pursuing a Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis. For over four years as an RBT, Hannah has been supporting children ages 2–21 and their families in home, clinic, school, and community settings. Hannah provides a strong focus on functional communication, fine motor skills, and daily living skills, to foster independence. She strongly believes that building rapport and promoting collaboration are essential for lasting growth and positive outcomes for each child and family. Hannah is a big sister of 4 siblings and in her free time enjoys arts and crafts, paddle boarding, and going to the beach!

Erick brings both professional expertise and personal experience to his role as a Registered Behavior Technician and counselor. As a former Guardian ad Litem Volunteer, foster parent to more than 20 children, and a proud father of three children with unique needs, Erick has a deep understanding of the many joys and challenges families of all shapes and sizes may face. He is passionate about helping children grow through active, play-based interventions, and enjoys incorporating his love of nature, music, history, and sports into his work with kids and teens. Because he recognizes the power of the outdoors, you will often find Mr. Erick in the office gardens organizing ecotherapy sessions. 

Otter is a two-year-old medical alert service dog who fills our offices with endless laughs and emotional security. When she isn't alerting her handler to medical changes, Otter loves working as a facility dog and alongside children in our animal-supported therapeutic programming. Otter's favorite treat is ice and preferred activities include giving kisses, and receiving belly rubs. Otter's handler says Otter thinks she has the best job in the world... and all humans she meets agree that Otter is a staff favorite. 

Animals play an important role in supporting the emotional and psychological well-being of children and families. Research consistently shows that pets can reduce stress, lower anxiety, and provide comfort and companionship during difficult times. For children, interacting with animals can foster empathy, responsibility, and self-regulation. In therapy, animals can serve as bridges for communication, helping individuals express emotions and build trust. Recognizing pets as integral members of the family system means acknowledging their impact on attachment, stability, and resilience. Supporting families in caring for their animals not only promotes compassion but also strengthens the overall health and harmony of the family unit.

Charlie was adopted from the SPCA of Tampa Bay and is a gentle, playful husky whose affectionate heart is just as impressive as his fluffy size. Specially trained to help mitigate and interrupt self-harm behaviors, Charlie provides comfort, safety, and grounding support to those he works with. He considers himself a lapdog and loves nothing more than being close to humans, leaning into snuggles, belly rubs, and bringing smiles. With his playful spirit and loyal nature, Charlie provides joy, reassurance, and unconditional love to every child and family he meets.