Our Staff - Family Counseling and Psychotherapy in South Florida

Cheryl M. Desmidt, MS, LMFT

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and CEO/President of AHD

Ms. Desmidt received her Bachelors Degree from the University of Florida and her Masters Degree in Marriage & Family Therapy with highest honors from St. Thomas University in Miami. Cheryl utilizes family therapy techniques whether working in individual, couple or family sessions. She integrates Christian principles when appropriate in assisting adults, adolescents and children. She uses a variety of approaches to tackle emotional issues, communication problems, plus mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. Cheryl helps clients help themselves break free from unhealthy generational patterns and family of origin issues, and replace those with healthy family life skills. She has a heart for the struggles of today’s teens, and she is a Certified Prepare/Enrich Therapist (premarital counseling) for Broward County. Cheryl employs humor, empathy, confrontation, active interaction, supportive feedback and homework assignments to help clients recognize healthier ways of thinking and behaving. She is a member in good standing of the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) and the American Association of Marriage & Family Therapists (AAMFT). Cheryl’s vision for AHD is to provide hope to the hurting according to Romans 5:5.

Gerard John, MS, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Mr. John received both his Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Social Work from Florida International University in Miami. Gerard is a guidance counselor at a private school, providing therapy and life skills seminars to parents and the community. He has worked in a residential facility providing therapy to adolescents with substance abuse and mental health issues. Gerard has been the youth minister at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church for over 15 years. He has presented seminars at various churches to couples and families with the goal of strengthening their relationships with God and each other. Gerard sees individuals, couples and families and specializes in the areas of teen issues, adoption and substance abuse issues. He is a member in good standing of the National Association for Social Workers.

Zina A. McNealJackson, Ed.D., MSMFT Zina A. McNealJackson, Ed.D. MSMFT

Registered Intern, Marriage & Family Therapy and Certified Court Mediator

Dr. McNealJackson holds a Doctorate degree in Child and Youth Studies from Nova University, Specialist and Masters degrees in Education, and a second Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from St. Thomas University. She has worked with families for over 25 years in the areas of education and family involvement, and for 12 years as an instructor for the KIDS/ Sandcastle program for parents and children dealing with divorce. She also works at AGAPE Ministries, counseling women recovering from drug and alcohol addiction. Her areas of expertise include relationship challenges, issues of adolescence, anger management, parenting skills and stress management. She is a member in good standing of the American Counseling Association (ACA), the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) and the National Education Association (NEA).

IN MEMORIAM: William Karrenberg, MS, LMFT

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Off-Site Clinical Director of AHD

Mr. Karrenberg received both his Bachelors Degree in Religious Studies, and his Masters Degree in Marriage & Family Therapy with highest honors, from St. Thomas University in Miami. Bill was ordained as a Deacon in the Catholic Church in 1996 while serving as a pastoral counselor and spiritual director in Miami for almost 15 years. He served as a full time therapist at AHD, working with families, couples and individuals in their search for mental and spiritual wholeness. He then moved to NM and was the Supervisor of Acute Therapeutic Services at Peak Behavioral Health, counseling critical psychiatric patients; developing programs for behavioral health issues; and supervising a staff of therapists. Bill also served as AHD’s Off-Site Clinical Director, providing information on cutting edge techniques to assist clients suffering the effects of trauma and other mental health issues. Bill was a member in good standing of the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) and the American Association of Marriage & Family Therapists (AAMFT). He was loved by all who knew him and will continue to be missed.