The People Behind the Practice
FOUNDER & CLINICAL DIRECTOR
Amrita Murgasen
Amrita Murgasen, M.S., LMHC, is the Founder and Clinical Director of Empower Wellness with over 12 years of experience in the mental health field. Her primary responsibilities include clinical oversight, supervision, and ensuring the highest standard of care throughout the practice.
Amrita currently focuses on providing pre-surgical and dermatological psychological evaluations and offers ongoing, direct supervision to all Registered Mental Health Counselor Interns. All intern-led sessions are supervised by Amrita in accordance with Florida licensure requirements and best clinical practices.
BODY STUDIO LEAD
Vanessa Villegas
Vanessa Villegas, B.S., serves as the BODY Studio Lead, where she supports the Body division. In her role, she contributes to the expansion of wellness services while elevating the overall client experience, helping ensure Empower Wellness continues to grow with innovation and excellence.
She earned her Bachelor of Science in Public Health, with a concentration in Emergency Medical Planning, from the University of South Florida.
MARKETING AND BRAND COORDINATOR
Cavoni Brenes
Cavoni Brenes is the Marketing and Brand Coordinator at Empower Wellness. A graduate of the University of Tampa with a B.A. in Design and minors in Advertising and Public Relations, she brings a strong creative and strategic foundation to her role.
Cavoni leads brand visibility and community engagement initiatives, overseeing marketing efforts across digital platforms, in-person events, and strategic partnerships. Her work supports both the practice’s mental health foundation and its expanding aesthetic services, helping position Empower Wellness as a comprehensive space for Body. Mind. Soul.
LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR
Kate Graves
Kate Graves, LMHC, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with specialized training in Crisis Intervention, De-escalation, and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). She works with children, adolescents, adults, and couples, utilizing a client-centered approach that fosters empowerment and healing. Empower Wellness is proud to have Kate’s warm, down-to-earth energy enriching our team.
REGISTERED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR INTERN
Alan Gibson
Alan Gibson is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges with compassion and evidence-based care. He brings valuable experience from out of state, where he provided therapy for individuals, families, and those healing from trauma, OCD-related concerns, and crisis situations.
Now practicing in Florida, Alan is continuing his professional journey toward full licensure, taking the necessary steps to meet state-specific requirements. His approach integrates empathy, active listening, and trauma-informed techniques to create a safe, supportive environment for growth and healing.
REGISTERED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER INTERN
Ashlie DiCecco
Ashlie DiCecco is a Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern who supports individuals, couples, and families as they navigate life’s transitions and challenges. She earned both her Master of Social Work and her B.A. in Psychology from the University of South Florida, building a strong clinical foundation rooted in empathy, collaboration, and evidence-based care.
Ashlie is passionate about helping clients strengthen relationships, improve communication, and develop practical tools that support lasting emotional well-being. She is currently working toward full licensure while continuing to expand her clinical expertise.
Ashlie offers virtual sessions only and provides self-pay services at a reduced rate, which can be discussed during the initial consultation.