Our Staff

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.

Betty Montenegro-Helms, MS, LMFT
Bilingual Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Certified R.A.D. Instructor
Ms. Helms received her Bachelors Degree from Florida International University and her     Masters Degree in Marriage & Family Therapy from Nova University. She is a Certified Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) Instructor, training women and children in violence prevention, safety and personal empowerment. Betty has over 15 years experience providing private and clinic-based treatment using Christian and solution-focused therapies. She believes in helping others maximize their potential to function at their best. To that end, she facilitates group sessions and workshops on various preventive issues such as stress management, positive parenting and family communication. Betty also offers individual, couple and multi-person therapy in both English and Spanish, allowing her to serve a large and diverse client population, including the elderly, those with chronic mental illness, teen pregnancy issues and many others. She is a member in good standing of the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) and is listed in the Cambridge Who's Who for Professional Women.

William Karrenberg, MS, LMFT

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

Mr. Karrenberg was awarded 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 health and wholeness. Currently he is the Supervisor of Acute Therapeutic Services at Peak Behavioral Health in NM, where he counsels critical psychiatric patients; develops programs for chemical dependency & behavioral health issues; and supervises a staff of therapists. Bill also serves as AHD’s Off-Site Clinical Director, providing information on cutting edge techniques to assist clients suffering the effects of trauma, abuse, emotional distress, behavioral problems and other mental health issues. Bill is a member in good standing of the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) and the American Association of Marriage & Family Therapists (AAMFT).



                          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).

We will believe in you until you believe in yourself