Jesenia Hernandez, M.S., LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor & Director of KIDSology, Inc.
Education:
Jesenia “Jessie” Hernandez, M.S. LMHC, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. She has a Master of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling from St. Thomas University and a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Nova Southeastern University. Mrs. Hernandez is also certified in Child and Adolescent Psychology. She graduated top of her class with honors and served as the undergraduate honor society president. Mrs. Hernandez is currently attaining certification, at a Master’s level, in Applied Behavior Analysis at Florida Institute of Technology. Mrs. Hernandez is an active member of the Florida Mental Health Counselors Association, American Mental Health Counselors Association and Young Children with Special Needs and Disabilities Council. Mrs. Hernandez has presented at numerous conferences and has facilitated dozens of workshops and presentations in early childhood and adolescent development.
Experience:
During her year-long internship, Mrs. Hernandez trained at Miami Children’s Hospital (MCH), psychiatric inpatient unit. There she worked with children and adolescents, alongside Dr. Americo Padilla, MD (MCH Chief Psychiatrist) and other attending and supervising psychologists. During her internship, Mrs. Hernandez created the “Superhero Children’s Group.” This group was designed to allow children with psychiatric disorders an outlet via art and superhero storytelling, giving the children “superpowers” over their diagnoses.
Further experience extends to Jessie’s own alma mater, Coral Gables Senior High School, where she was honored to provide her Cavaliers individual and group counseling.
After graduating with her Master’s degree, Mrs. Hernandez worked as co-therapist in private practice with Neuro-Psychologist, Dr. Jacqueline Valdes, PhD. Mrs. Hernandez worked together with clients exhibiting brain injuries, PTSD, depression, anxiety, oppositional behavior, ADD/ADHD, poor social skills, and gender identity disorders. She also established weekly social skills training groups and behavior modification groups.
Mrs. Hernandez has presented at numerous conferences and has facilitated dozens of workshops and presentations on early childhood and adolescent development. She facilitates weekly social skills groups at KIDSology, Inc, as well as, on-site social skills training provided to private schools/daycares and afterschool programs. Mrs. Hernandez provides individual therapy, behavior modification and on-site training workshops for learning centers to help them meet grant prerequisites. In addition, she works together with parents, teachers and educators during IEP meetings to offer therapeutic feedback for educational and behavioral growth.
The birth of KIDSology, Inc:
After almost a decade working in the mental health field, Mrs. Hernandez decided it was time for a place to call her own. In 2011, KIDSology, Inc. was born providing only Mental Health Counseling and Educational Services. Today, KIDSology, Inc is proud to provide Mental Health Counseling, ABA, Speech and Occupational Therapy, Music Therapy, Equine Therapy, Special Education Tutoring, Psychological and Academic Testing, Workshops, Social Skills Training, and Specialized Year-Round Programs. KIDSology, Inc. is a bilingual center and provides services to children and families affected with ADD/ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, PDD NOS, Asperger’s Syndrome, Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Divorce, Sexuality concerns, and Oppositional behaviors.
Jessie’s Inspiration:
At the age of 5 1/2, Jessie became selectively mute after discovering her 4-month-old brother deceased in his crib (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). As a result of this terrible tragedy Jessie was taken to a mental health counselor, who with time, got her to speak again and encouraged self expression through art therapy. Visiting the therapist allowed Jessie to understand and accept her brother’s death and she soon regained her ability for verbal expression. Christopher, although deceased, continues to live in Jessie’s work and in the help she provides the children and families at KIDSology, Inc. Jessie says, “Its amazing how one little person can have such a big impact on the choices we make.” Christopher, together with our Lord, are the pillar and light that keep Jessie and KIDSology.