Our Therapists
Synergy Wellness of Florida, Inc.
At Synergy Wellness of Florida, we’re proud to introduce a dedicated and diverse team of clinicians committed to your mental well-being. Whether you’re seeking support for yourself, your relationship, or your family, our therapists bring unique perspectives and experience to guide you on your healing journey.
Synergy Wellness of Florida, Inc.
Jennifer Garriott, LCSW
Clinic Director
Jennifer brings over 23 years of experience as a mental health clinician. Throughout her career, she has worked across a wide range of settings, including acute psychiatric hospitals, youth residential programs, community mental health centers, substance abuse treatment, and in-home behavioral services. Her diverse background includes working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, families, and the geriatric population.
Jennifer is deeply passionate about helping individuals navigate personal crises and empowering them to reach their fullest potential within their communities. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, reading mystery novels, and exploring new restaurants with her husband.
Synergy Wellness of Florida, Inc.
Derek Ortiz, PhD
Psychologist
Dr. Derek Ortiz, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist and coach with more than eight years of professional experience, offering bilingual services in both English and Spanish. His therapeutic approach is firmly grounded in Jungian and psychodynamic traditions, helping clients uncover unconscious patterns and achieve meaningful transformation. He integrates humanistic, spiritual, and coaching perspectives to create a holistic path toward healing and growth.
Dr. Ortiz supports individuals facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, and trauma, blending deep self-exploration with practical, results-driven strategies. His work draws on evidence-based methods, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and solution-focused techniques.
Beyond his clinical practice, he enjoys meditation, reading, and producing personal development content for social media. His mission is to guide clients toward alignment, personal growth, and lasting change.
Synergy Wellness of Florida, Inc.
Jenna Gwinn, MSW
Registered Social Work Intern
Jenna Gwinn is a Registered Clinical Social Work Intern who is passionate about empowering youth, individuals, couples, and families through strengths-based, client-centered care.
She has facilitated adolescent group sessions, provided individualized support, and collaborated with school systems to foster safe, supportive environments. Jenna brings a compassionate and practical approach to her work, grounded in empathy and connection.
Outside of her professional role, she enjoys swimming, spending time outdoors, and connecting with friends and family.
Synergy Wellness of Florida, Inc.
Jackilyn Garces, MA
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
Jackilyn Garces, MA is a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern dedicated to helping clients manage anxiety, prevent burnout, and build emotional resilience. With a warm, empathetic, and curious approach, she creates a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their emotions and develop the skills to take back control.
Blending humanistic, spiritual, and coaching frameworks, Dr. Ortiz supports clients through challenges such as anxiety, depression, and trauma. He pairs introspective work with practical tools, drawing from CBT, ACT, and solution-focused techniques to promote both insight and action.
Outside of his clinical work, Dr. Ortiz enjoys meditation, reading, and sharing personal development content on social media. His mission is to help individuals align with
Synergy Wellness of Florida, Inc.
Jorge Fernandez, MS
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
Jorge Fernandez, MS is a bilingual Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern committed to providing compassionate, culturally sensitive care that respects each client’s dignity and individuality. He fosters a safe, supportive environment where clients feel heard, understood, and valued.
Jorge’s clinical focus includes treating depression, anxiety disorders, including OCD and hoarding, as well as offering grief counseling. He uses a blend of empathy and evidence-based practices to tailor treatment to each client’s unique needs, helping them navigate their challenges with resilience and confidence.
With a deep belief in the power of personal growth and healing, Jorge strives to empower his clients every step of the way on their mental health journey.
Synergy Wellness of Florida, Inc.
Natalia Medina Benavides
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Natalia Medina Benavides, LMHC received her Master’s degree from Nova Southeastern University and earned a Substance Abuse Certificate in 2022. With approximately 10 years of experience using cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), Natalia works with clients across the lifespan—from children as young as six to adults well into their senior years.
Natalia is passionate about counseling and finds purpose in helping individuals make choices that support their well-being and move them toward their goals. Her mission is to provide comprehensive behavioral health and prevention services that empower clients to become the best version of themselves while reducing emotional distress and symptoms.
To support her own mental wellness, Natalia enjoys exercising, reading, watching movies, and volunteering her time to help others.
Synergy Wellness of Florida, Inc.
Neymalis Rodriguez, MS
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
Neymalis Rodriguez, MS is a bilingual Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern who provides a supportive, compassionate, and nonjudgmental therapeutic environment. Her integrative approach draws from a variety of evidence-based modalities, including Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy.
Neymalis has experience working with clients facing a range of challenges, including substance use, depression, anxiety, ADHD, mood disorders, anger management, grief, and career transitions. She is deeply committed to helping clients process emotions, build coping skills, and navigate life’s stressors to reduce symptoms and promote well-being.
Believing that clients are the experts in their own lives, Neymalis sees her role as a guide, empowering individuals to take meaningful steps toward healing and achieving their goals.
Synergy Wellness of Florida, Inc.
Renee Torriere-Wilson, LMHC
Licensed Therapist
Renee Torriere-Wilson, LMHC is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 11 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, families, and individuals within the forensic population. She treats a wide range of mental health disorders and is dedicated to creating a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space where clients can confidently explore their challenges.
Renee is known for her easygoing nature, empathetic listening, and calming presence. Her approach is solution-focused, aiming to empower clients to find practical ways forward while feeling fully supported.
Outside of her practice, Renee enjoys water activities, spending time at the beach, and traveling to experience new places and cultures.
Synergy Wellness of Florida, Inc.
Steve Orma, PhD
Psychologist
Dr. Steve Orma, PhD is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience, specializing in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety, stress, insomnia, relationship challenges, eating disorders, and coaching for career and life success. He takes an active and supportive approach, equipping clients with practical tools to overcome obstacles and achieve their personal and professional goals.
Dr. Orma is passionate about helping individuals better understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to create lasting positive change and lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Outside of his clinical work, Steve enjoys writing fiction, traveling, reading, and spending quality time with his wife.
Synergy Wellness of Florida, Inc.
Susy Castro
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
Susy Castro, MS is a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern with a deep passion for helping individuals heal, grow, and reconnect with themselves. She has a special interest in working with trauma, anxiety, and depression, and is committed to creating a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where clients can safely explore their experiences and foster meaningful change at their own pace.
Susy’s therapeutic approach is integrative, drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy, Attachment Theory, Somatic Counseling, and inner child work. She works collaboratively with clients to build resilience, self-awareness, and emotional strength.
Outside of the therapy room, Susy enjoys watching movies and reality shows, knitting sweaters, reading fiction, and listening to early 2000s rock music.
Synergy Wellness of Florida, Inc.
Vanessa Molina, MS
Registered Marriage and Family Intern
Vanessa Molina, MS is a Registered Marriage and Family Therapy Intern committed to fostering positive change in the lives of individuals, couples, and families. She has a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by adolescents and their families and is passionate about guiding them through difficult transitions and emotional struggles.
Synergy Wellness of Florida, Inc.
Yanexis Zarut, MS
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
Yanexis Zarut, MS, NCC is a bilingual Registered Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern and Nationally Certified Counselor who works with adolescents, adults, couples, and families. She specializes in helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, self-esteem issues, and life transitions.
Yanexis takes a collaborative, individualized approach to therapy, using evidence-based techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness. She views the therapeutic relationship as a partnership, empowering clients to take an active role in their healing process. Her warm and supportive presence helps clients feel safe as they work toward personal growth and transformation.
Outside of therapy, Yanexis enjoys reading, playing video games, and spending quality time with her family.
Synergy Wellness of Florida, Inc.
Why Our Team Stands Out
Personalized, trauma-informed care: Our therapists are trained in EMDR, CBT, mindfulness-based and culturally-sensitive approaches .
Diverse specialties: Our team addresses a wide variety of needs—from anxiety and depression to couples counseling, family dynamics, childhood concerns, and grief.
Flexible access: Enjoy sessions in-person or online, all within a comfortable and judgment-free environment.
Bilingual options: Many therapists are bilingual and equipped to provide support in Spanish and other languages when preferred.
How to Get Matched
Not sure who’s the best fit? Our Client Access Specialists will ask about your needs and preferences to help match you with a therapist who feels right for you.
📞 Call 754‑283‑9665 to schedule your first session or request a free 15-minute consultation.
Contact Us
We’re here to help you on your journey to better mental health. Reach out today to schedule an appointment or ask any questions you may have.
Synergy Wellness of Florida, Inc.
Phone: +1 (754) 283-9665
Address: 9050 Pines Blvd, Suite 305, Pembroke Pines, FL 33024
Clinic Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8 AM – 8 PM
Saturday: 10 AM – 2 PM
Let’s work together to create a healthier, happier you!