The People Behind the Practice
CO-FOUNDER & CLINICAL DIRECTOR
Amrita Murgasen
Amrita Murgasen, M.S., LMHC, is the Co-Founder, CEO, 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 is not accepting new psychotherapy clients at this time. She is available for pre-surgical and dermatological psychological evaluations and provides 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.
CO-FOUNDER & OPERATIONS MANAGER
Vanessa Villegas
Vanessa Villegas, B.S., is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Empower Wellness, holding a Bachelor of Science in Public Health with a concentration in Emergency Medical Planning from the University of South Florida.
She oversees all operational aspects of the clinic and is actively developing the expansion of additional wellness services, ensuring Empower Wellness continues to grow with innovation and excellence.
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 dedicated to supporting individuals, couples, and families through 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, where she developed a strong clinical foundation rooted in empathy, collaboration, and evidence-based practice.
Ashlie is passionate about helping clients strengthen relationships, improve communication, and build practical tools for lasting emotional well-being. Currently practicing in Florida, she is actively working toward full licensure as she continues to grow in her clinical expertise.