ABOUT US
Inspiring brighter and healthier lives.
Inspire Counseling Centers
We hope to guide and empower all of our patients through their struggles with diseases and disorders.
Veterans Program
The Transition House’s Veterans Program is designed to engage homeless veterans and guide them towards independence.
Residential Programs
Our programs provide services for those dealing with behavioral health issues, such as substance abuse, mental health and other co-occurring disorders.
Work Release
Programs are designed to assist our clients with a measurable reduction in recidivism and reintegration into their community.
OUR PRINCIPLES
Here to guide and empower you
Our Mission
Inspiring brighter and healthier lives.
Our Vision
Inspire believes individual wellness is the foundation of a healthy community. We are here to guide and empower you through your own personal journey by providing exceptional individualized care. We are a community provider that will always work to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of our community.
Our Guiding Principles
Be Compassionate
We believe in seeing others and helping them along the journey of awareness, courage,
confidence and joy.
Empower Others
We believe in giving our clients and employees the support, tools, and information to inspire and build brighter and healthier lives.
Embrace Diversity
We value equality and inclusion, respecting all individuals for their lived experiences and ensuring an environment of acceptance that allows us to continually evolve, united around a common mission.
Foster Innovation
We believe in harnessing our creativity and seeking new ways of doing things for the benefit of our mission.
Promote Collaboration
We believe relationships are foundational to our success and the key to creating a better society, both internally as we work together to drive our mission, and externally as we seek to maximize the impact on our communities.
ABOUT
About Inspire Counseling & Support Center
Inspire Counseling & Support Center is a non-profit behavioral health agency that provides outpatient therapy to those living with anxiety, depression, grief, family issues, coping skills and a variety of other areas. As an organization, we are dedicated to offering quality mental health services to our community members. We are inclusive and want to provide services to everyone in our community so that we thrive together. We currently accept all major insurance providers, including medicare and medicaid, at all six of our locations. With a mission to “Inspire Brighter and Healthier Lives”, Inspire Counseling and Support Center’s licensed and certified therapists and case managers are experienced in Individual, Couples, Family and Group Therapy. Our “wrap around care” includes Psychiatrists and Nurse Practitioners who offer individualized plans for children, teens and adults in need of Medication Management.
Meet Our Founder
Learn more about the founder of Inspire, Inc., Tom Griffin.
OUR FOUNDER
Tom Griffin
Dr. Griffin is the founder of Inspire, Inc. With over 25 years of experience in the addictions field, he has led the agency since its inception in 1993. Dr. Griffin encourages his staff to adhere to all of the new evidence-based treatment protocols that are available in this complex field.
OUR FOUNDER
Tom Griffin
Dr. Griffin is the founder of Inspire, Inc. With over 25 years of experience in the addictions field, he has led the agency since its inception in 1993. Dr. Griffin encourages his staff to adhere to all of the new evidence-based treatment protocols that are available in this complex field.
A Letter From Our Founder
When I was first asked to write a brief note about why I started Inspire, Inc., my mind was immediately flooded with countless fond memories. For twenty-seven years I had the honor and privilege to be the Chief Executive Officer of Inspire, Inc. Prior to that time, myself, my son, and a few close friends spent three years planning and building for this dream to become a reality.
I relocated to Osceola County in 1989 from Boston. At that time, I was five years clean and sober. I immediately immersed myself in AA and NA as I had promised my sponsor Walter I would when I departed from Boston.
I remained in close contact with Walter and numerous other AA and NA friends back in Boston and spoke to them often. Many of them over the years have had their Florida winter vacations at my home, and I, my summer vacations at their homes. Often in these conversations, I would express my concerns about the lack of services and opportunities for people in recovery in Florida.
When I relocated, I found both AA/NA programs and meetings much different than what I was familiar with back up North. I had continued to maintain close contact with my sponsor in Boston. One phone call, I was complaining about the lack of services here for recovering people, the differences in the meetings, the scarcity of meetings, as well as my frustrations.
Walter stated “If you don’t like something, then fix it. By the way, it’s time for you to stop sniveling about it.”
In my mind, I kept returning to that conversation and asking myself, “What can I do to make things better here?”
As we all know, there are many sayings and slogans used in AA and NA. When I was new in the program, I hated the slogans and then somehow that also gradually changed. One has stuck with me over the years: “If you want to keep it, you have to give it away.”
The reasons why I started Inspire, Inc. are pretty simple and matter of fact. My deepest desire was to establish a program where the clients developed the strong bonds and the sense of commitment to their fellow addict and alcoholic that I was familiar with in Boston.
For any client who ever has walked through the doors of Inspire, Inc. and to anyone who will walk through them in the future, they owe a debt of gratitude to one great man: Walter. He gave me the inspiration, the self-confidence, the permission to go ahead and start Inspire, Inc.
Walter stated “If you don’t like something, then fix it. By the way, it’s time for you to stop sniveling about it.”
In my mind, I kept returning to that conversation and asking myself, “What can I do to make things better here?”
As we all know, there are many sayings and slogans used in AA and NA. When I was new in the program, I hated the slogans and then somehow that also gradually changed. One has stuck with me over the years: “If you want to keep it, you have to give it away.”
The reasons why I started Inspire, Inc. are pretty simple and matter of fact. My deepest desire was to establish a program where the clients developed the strong bonds and the sense of commitment to their fellow addict and alcoholic that I was familiar with in Boston.
For any client who ever has walked through the doors of Inspire, Inc. and to anyone who will walk through them in the future, they owe a debt of gratitude to one great man: Walter. He gave me the inspiration, the self-confidence, the permission to go ahead and start Inspire, Inc.
Meet Our Leadership Team
Learn more about our leadership team at Inspire, Inc.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Melissa Lucas
TTHI/Inspire Start Date: 10/13/2015
Degree: Masters in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resource Management
Starbucks v. Dunkin: DUNKIN! Duh!
I believe everything happens for a reason in this life and I learned compassion from a young age, modeled by my Mom. She worked as a nurse and in her free time, could be found organizing/cooking giant meals for the entire low income housing project we lived at in Salem, MA. As a kid, I always enjoyed helping out at the nursing homes she worked in, handing out breadsticks to my neighbors and playing tons of baseball/softball. Go Sox!
After a short career in nursing and a relocation to Florida, I fell into business but fell in love with Human Resources. This led me to what I like to call my “forever home” in behavioral health. Working in this field, I feel that I’ve found my purpose, my fight, and I’m continually amazed at the incredible humans I’m surrounded by. This is a team of talented individuals, leading with compassion in this life and I’m eternally grateful they now trust me to steer the ship! I’m so proud of the work we do and inspired by the light we spread in the world.
When I’m not looking out for icebergs, I enjoy spending time with my wife and our family/friends. As an animal lover, we have a menagerie of pets and have even raised bobcats at home (totally safe, I promise!). Any chance I get, you can find me talking to my plants, walking in the woods, floating in the river, or swimming in the (cold, wavy, Atlantic) ocean.
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Jennifer R. Dellasanta, LADC-I, MCAP, ICADC
Hometown: Massachusetts
Joined Team: April 2011
Licenses/Certification: LADC1 – MA, MCAP-FL, ICAAC- IN, CADAC – MA, FL, INDegree: Masters
Happy Place: At the Ocean, lake or a river
As a woman of color who has dealt with mental health issues, who is in active recovery since
March 1, 2004, working in this field is what I was meant to do. I wanted to make a difference,
for a variety of reasons, mainly because the treatment programs I had been to didn’t feel like
they were there to help. Between the boundaries crossed, the lack of understanding and
compassion of some individuals that were supposedly working to help me recover. I knew I
could do better; I knew I could help. Recovery has taught me to love who I am, love my life,
acceptance of things that I cannot change, courage to change the things I can and the wisdom
to know the difference. I live that on a daily basis and am fortunate enough to work for an
agency that truly believes in its mission to help individuals that are just like me on a daily basis. I
have worked in the field of human services since 2005 and continue to help direct and guide
policy change for the betterment of the clients that we work with. I will continue to do so each
day, so that we keep awareness in the forefront that mental health is health! Today I love my
life, I love my family and friends, I love my animals (shout out to Frankie, Hagrid and Luna), I
love my career, I am happy, I have coping skills, I am confident, I am respected, I am worthy of
all the love that I have in my life and I am free.
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Jennifer R. Dellasanta, LADC-I, MCAP, ICADC
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Massachusetts
Joined Team: April 2011
Licenses/Certification: LADC1 – MA, MCAP-FL, ICAAC- IN, CADAC – MA, FL, IN
Degree: Masters
As a woman of color who has dealt with mental health issues, who is in active recovery since
March 1, 2004, working in this field is what I was meant to do. I wanted to make a difference,
for a variety of reasons, mainly because the treatment programs I had been to didn’t feel like
they were there to help. Between the boundaries crossed, the lack of understanding and
compassion of some individuals that were supposedly working to help me recover. I knew I
could do better; I knew I could help. Recovery has taught me to love who I am, love my life,
acceptance of things that I cannot change, courage to change the things I can and the wisdom
to know the difference. I live that on a daily basis and am fortunate enough to work for an
agency that truly believes in its mission to help individuals that are just like me on a daily basis. I
have worked in the field of human services since 2005 and continue to help direct and guide
policy change for the betterment of the clients that we work with. I will continue to do so each
day, so that we keep awareness in the forefront that mental health is health! Today I love my
life, I love my family and friends, I love my animals (shout out to Frankie, Hagrid and Luna), I
love my career, I am happy, I have coping skills, I am confident, I am respected, I am worthy of
all the love that I have in my life and I am free.
CHIEF CLINICAL OFFICER
Dr. Jaymes Gonzales
Best advice: “Just listen to people” -my father
Degree: PhD in Clinical-Community Psychology with a Rural and Indigenous Emphasis
I am a licensed clinical psychologist passionate about work-life balance, social justice, leadership, and cultural and personal identity development. I have strong beliefs regarding equality. I love kayaking, hiking, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and camping. I have played sports most of my life, including developmental club soccer in Germany, and am a huge fan of the Seahawks, Mariners, Sounders, Orlando City SC, Lightning, and Kraken. Traveling and experiencing new sights and ways of living that differ from my own bring me joy. Philosophy, all things space, including astro and quantum physics, and history interest me deeply. I use a variety of clinical approaches, but my favorite is existentialism, which involves exploration of the meaning we each give to our lives and how we make sense of who we are and our place in the world.
DIRECTOR OF QUALITY SERVICES
Paige Hudson, LPC-MHSP
Preferred Pronoun: She/Her
Highest Degree: Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
License: LPC-MHSP
Favorite Quote: “If you are stone, be magnetic; if a plant, be sensitive; if a human, be love.”- Victor Hugo
Happy Place: Flight Park on top of Lookout Mountain, GA
Favorite Coffee Place: Starbucks
Being born and raised in Tennessee has given me a deep appreciation for the beauty of the outdoors, the strength of community, and delicious food. I enjoy camping, hammocking, and other outdoor activities as well as board games and tabletop role-playing games with friends and family, road trips to new places, musical theatre, movies, and cozying up to a good show with my dog Ellie. I have been with The Transition House/Inspire since 2017 and and I am inspired by the resiliency and strength of our clients to do the hard work and make the difficult changes to become the best version of themselves.
DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION
Shaun Peterson
Pronouns: She/Her
Happy Place: Anywhere my dogs are
Hometown: Auburndale, FL
Favorite Coffee Spot: Dunkin Donuts!
I am a true Florida girl who feels most at home in any and all bodies of water (but the Wekiva
River holds a special place in my heart). When I’m land-locked, I prefer to spend my free time
hanging out with my animals, tending to my plants or binging a good show.
I started volunteering at The Transition House in 2016, while also working full time as a Food
and Beverage Manager in the hospitality industry. I immediately fell in love with the
organization and knew this is where I wanted to be. So, a year later, I came on full time as the
Administrative Assistant and never looked back!
DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION
Shaun Peterson
Pronouns: She/Her
Happy Place: Anywhere my dogs are
Hometown: Auburndale, FL
Favorite Coffee Spot: Dunkin Donuts!
I am a true Florida girl who feels most at home in any and all bodies of water (but the Wekiva
River holds a special place in my heart). When I’m land-locked, I prefer to spend my free time
hanging out with my animals, tending to my plants or binging a good show.
I started volunteering at The Transition House in 2016, while also working full time as a Food
and Beverage Manager in the hospitality industry. I immediately fell in love with the
organization and knew this is where I wanted to be. So, a year later, I came on full time as the
Administrative Assistant and never looked back!
DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES
Melinda Rios, PHR, SHRM-CP
Bachelors of Science in HRM
Certifications: SHRM-CP, HRCI-PHR
Experience: 10+ years of Human Resources Management
My wish is to someday look back on a long life and feel that perhaps I added a small grain
towards helping others. That is why I have been drawn towards the Non-profit sector. In my
spare time I enjoy simple pleasures such as spending as much time as I can with my family and going to the beach.
FINANCIAL CONTROLLER
Lisandra Gonzalez
As a wife and a mother, my family is the most important thing in my life. In my free time, I love spending time with my son. My favorite things to do are exploring Florida and nearby states, camping in my RV, watching great movies, and enjoying family. as well as exciting new foods. I love the outdoors!
I am a genuine and straightforward person, and you can count on me to say what I think. I am passionate about finance and the work I do for Inspire Counseling & Support Center, and I am proud of my profession. I value working hard and am dedicated to giving 100% to my job and everything I do.
MARKETING DIRECTOR
Deneese Johnson
Pronouns: She/Her
Happy Place: Surrounded by trees
Favorite Quote: “You can master your circumstances or your the circumstances master you” The Gentleman in Moscow
Degree: Bachelors in Fine Arts – Painting/ Graphic Design
Growing up, I spent my time playing in my grandmother’s backyard, which was filled with towering pine trees. My grandmother was a dreamer and a nature lover. Two aspects that I recognize in myself, today. Many years have passed and I still find myself in search of the closest forest, where I can once again stand among towering trees and dream. In my free time, I’m usually painting (or illustrating), cooking, hiking, planning my next road trip (to the Pacific NorthWest) or taking day trips to the springs.
After spending nearly ten years branding and marketing in the hospitality industry, I began to dream about joining a company that had a purpose larger than making a profit. In 2021, I decided to take a leap of faith in search for that company. That was when I was lucky enough to find The Transition House and Inspire. Now, I get to focus my marketing efforts on the company’s purpose, dreams for the future AND sharing our mission and values with those who may need a little support in achieving their own personal dreams.
MEDICAL DIRECTOR
Dr. Kimberly A. Quigley, MD
Pronouns: She/Her
Joined Team: Augutst 2017
Degree: PhD
I am dedicated to improving the mental health status of vulnerable populations by creating
innovative behavioral health delivery models. Throughout my career as a psychiatrist, I have used
creative solutions to provide compassionate psychiatric care to underserved populations, balancing
technology with tried-and-true bedside manner. I have a special interest in elite athletes, substance
abuse and people living with complex medical and behavioral disabilities. I received my Bachelor’s
Degree in German Language and Literature from Georgetown University, Medical Degree from the
University of Tennessee, and completed my Psychiatry residency at Drexel University College of
Medicine.
Success Stories
I am so grateful and thankful to Mr. Tom Griffin and all the staff at The Transition House for creating a new me. I’m more focused and determined than I’ve ever been. People love me again and want to be around me. That’s a great feeling.The main reason I’m writing this letter is that hopefully, it will inspire someone to change their life and realize that life is worth living.
With the help of their Clinical Supervisor, Felipe, I was referred to and treated by LMHC Mike Kellogg, a specialist in cognitive therapy, EFT and PTSD. I received support from the treatment team including Mike, Alyssa, Sheba, Nina and many others. Along with the team, the other residents here have helped me deeply as well. It has been the best experience of my life and it has changed me forever.
I work on recovery every single day because your Staff showed me the way and the result was up to me. I sat in your office once and you told me that this was the best time in my life and that I should enjoy it. I do and the best part is that I am present and appreciative of my life. Thank You, Tom and The Transition House for saving me when I believed there was no hope and no future.
Get Help Now.
Our goal at Inspire is to assist our clients in accomplishing their goals for a healthier and better life. Explore this site to find the many programs we offer and meet the professional staff behind them. If you have an immediate crisis, we urge you to seek emergency help by calling 911.