Tia was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. She began her academic journey by gaining her AA in Psychology from LaGuardia Community College, and then went on to complete her BA in Forensic Psychology at John Jay College of Criminal justice. Finally, she completed her Masters in Social Work at Fordham University and obtained her LMSW licensure. Throughout her professional experience, she has worked with diverse populations, including individuals impacted by the criminal justice system, those experiencing homelessness, and individuals and families facing various challenges. Tia specializes in addressing interpersonal conflict, family conflict, self-esteem issues, anxiety, trauma, depression, grief and bereavement, LGBTQIA+ issues, and anger management. At Refresh, Tia is looking forward to connecting with young professionals struggling with these issues, as well as couples looking to enhance communication and navigate conflict effectively. Tia is a trauma-informed therapist who believes in the importance of establishing safety, trust, and empowerment in the therapeutic relationship, and utilizes a variety of tools to support clients in regaining control over their lives. She is particularly interested in using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behavior to foster positive change, and Motivational Interviewing (MI) to enhance collaboration between her and her clients and increase their motivation for these changes. In addition, Tia incorporates mindfulness practices to encourage present-moment awareness, reduce stress, and promote self-compassion and overall well-being. As a resident of Brooklyn, one aspect of living in the NYC metro area that Tia truly appreciates is its remarkable diversity. She loves that the vibrant, multicultural environment immerses her in various cultural traditions, values, and cuisines. Living in NYC provides an educational experience where she can learn about different countries and their customs before even visiting them. The city also offers an abundance of activities and opportunities for new and unexpected places to explore, ensuring that the adventure never ceases.