Finding Common Ground during Times of Conflict
Using Mental Health Counseling, Mediations, and Evaluations
Specializing in Trauma Therapy
Whitney Mediations Team
Mental Health Counselors
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TARA L. WHITNEY, MA, LPC, NCC
Founder, Therapist, Family Mediator, Child Custody Evaluator, Parent Coordinator
Tara is a 2019 Nicholls Graduate with a Master's of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
She is a Licensed Professional Counselor practicing Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Tara is a 16-year Law Enforcement Officer and is trained and active in Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD), Crisis Prevention (CPI), and Crisis Intervention (CIT).
In addition, Tara is available for Child Custody Evaluation, Family Mediation and Co-Parenting Coordination. Tara's belief is that dealing with issues immediately and with assistance lessens the impact of trauma.
She addresses mental health in a scientific manner with a legal lens.
SKYLER PAPA, MA, LPC
Therapist
Skyler is a Licensed Professional Counselor at
Whitney Mediations & she was born and raised in Thibodaux, LA.
She earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Nicholls State University in 2022.
Skyler practices a Reality Therapy/Choice Theory therapeutic approach, utilizing solution-focused interventions while also practicing EMDR trauma therapy.
Skyler works primarily with trauma, depression, and anxiety.
She meets with children 8 years and older, adolescents, adults, and families.
Helping guide others through their individual healing journeys to enhance their mental and emotional wellbeing is Skyler’s passion. She humbly looks forward to meeting with new and existing clients while prioritizing their mental health goals.
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DR. JESSICA (FANGUY) CORTEZ, LPC-S, LMFT
Consultant-Supervisor
Therapist, LPC-Supervisor, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Parent Coordinator, & Child Custody Evaluator
Dr. Cortez earned a Master of Education from Nicholls State University in 2000.
She also earned a Doctorate of Philosophy in 2009 from the University of New Orleans.
Dr. Cortez has been a Licensed Professional Counselor & a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since 2006.
She is also a LPC Supervisor with the Louisiana Licensed Professional Counselors Board of Examiners since 2006.
Dr. Cortez has worked as a school counselor & has worked in private practice to provide mental health services to individuals, couples and families.
She worked at Nicholls State University as an Associate Professor and the Director of Graduate Studies.
In 2010, Dr. Cortez began to accept cases and completed custody evaluations for the courts in Terrebonne, Lafourche, Ascension and Assumption parishes.
In 2019, she completed training as a Parenting Coordinator. In 2018, Dr. Cortez was appointed by Governor John Bel Edwards to serve on the Louisiana Licensed Professional Board of Examiners for a 2 year term.
Dr. Cortez specializes in couples counseling, parenting coordination and individual counseling for adults and adolescents. Dr. Cortez is easing into retirement as well as giving back to her community by selectively mentoring new clinicians in private practice and acting as a consultant for Whitney Mediations, LLC.
LINDSEY JENNINGS, MA, LPC
Therapist
Lindsey is a 2019 graduate of Nicholls State University with a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
She is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 10 years of experience in the mental health field.
Lindsey practices Integrative Therapy.
As an integrative therapist, she adapts and integrates various techniques according to the individual's needs and goals. She acknowledges clients as unique individuals with the understanding that different people may require different approaches to achieve the difference they are seeking in their lives.
Lindsey is open to working with clients across various mental and emotional disorders and provides services to adults, teens, and children as individuals, couples, and groups.
Brylee Vining, MA, PLPC
Therapist
Brylee Vining is a Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor at Whitney Mediations, working under the supervision of licensed professionals to provide compassionate and effective mental health care.
Brylee earned her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Capella University.
She is passionate about helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges in a supportive and nonjudgmental environment.
With a strong foundation in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness, Brylee works with clients to promote emotional growth, resilience, and overall well-being.
She is dedicated to creating a safe space for clients to explore their concerns, gain insight, and develop healthier coping strategies.
Summer Seal
Intern Nicholls State University
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Summer is a counseling intern currently pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Nicholls State University, with an anticipated graduation date of May 2025.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Nicholls, earned in 2022, and is currently working under the supervision of
Tara Whitney, MA, LPC.
As a yoga instructor and former student-athlete at Nicholls, Summer has a unique perspective on the intersection of physical and mental health, having first hand experience in supporting athletes with their mental health challenges.
She believes strongly that mental health is just as vital as physical health and strives to help individuals cultivate a balanced, holistic approach to well-being.
Summer is willing to work with a wide variety of clients, meeting them where they are and helping them work toward their individualized goals.
Yoga with Lindsay
LINDSAY DUGAS, RYT
Trauma Healing Practicioner
Lindsay Dugas specializes in trauma healing through TRE, Somatic Yoga, and Sound Frequency Healing.
She brings a unique set of skills and expertise to our team, helping our clients heal and find peace in their bodies and minds.
With experience in the field of trauma healing and yoga, she has a deep understanding of the impact that past experiences can have on a person's physical and emotional well-being.
Through TRE (Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises), they help clients release stored tension and trauma from the body, allowing for a sense of freedom and relief.
In addition to TRE, she also incorporates Somatic Yoga into her practice, using movement and breath to help clients reconnect with their bodies and release stress and tension. This gentle yet powerful practice can help clients find a sense of grounding and presence in the present moment.
Lindsay also utilizes Sound Frequency Healing to create a soothing and healing environment for clients.
By using sound vibrations and frequencies, they help clients relax, release tension, and promote healing on a deep level.
Through dedication and expertise, Lindsay has helped many clients on their journey towards healing and wellness. We are grateful to have such a talented and caring individual on our team, and we look forward to the continued impact she will have on the lives of our clients.