At Growing Minds Psychology, my core belief is in nurturing the potential within every child or adolescent to lead a vibrant and fulfilling life.
Founded by myself, Kristi Hernandez, Psy. S., NCSP, my professional journey as a child and school psychologist spans over a decade, enriched by a broader 16-year background in the education sector. This extensive experience includes roles as an ESE teacher and a reading teacher, offering me a comprehensive perspective on the diverse needs of child development and education. My academic journey began with an undergraduate degree from the University of South Florida, followed by a graduate degree from Nova Southeastern University. These experiences have deeply informed my practice, allowing me to offer nuanced and evidence-based support to the families I work with.
Growing Minds Psychology is a reflection of my mission to support the dynamic and ever-evolving developmental journey of children. I am committed to providing personalized and compassionate care tailored to meet the unique needs of children and adolescents of all ages. Whether navigating the complexities of childhood and adolescence, addressing behavioral challenges, or enhancing emotional resilience, my goal is to illuminate the pathway forward.
My approach extends beyond traditional therapy, incorporating a holistic methodology that includes both individual therapy and group sessions. These are designed to foster mental health, emotional balance, and psychological resilience. I address a broad spectrum of concerns, ranging from anxiety and depression to ADHD and autism spectrum disorders, utilizing evidence-based techniques customized to each child's specific situation.
As a mother to three boys, including identical twins, I bring not just professional expertise but also a personal understanding and empathy to the unique experiences of parenting. This dual perspective enriches my approach, allowing me to connect with and support families on a more profound level.
Choosing Growing Minds Psychology means opting for a service that is deeply committed to the thriving of your child. It is my privilege to partner with you in nurturing the emotional health, resilience, and happiness of your child. Together, we can unlock their immense potential, laying down a solid foundation for a lifetime of well-being and success.
SOCIAL WORKER
I have a deep passion for supporting children, teens and families who have experienced or are experiencing significant trauma. I hold both a bachelor's and master’s degree in social work from the University of South Florida. I began my career in 2008 working in the Child Welfare System in Hillsborough County, FL. My work primarily focuses on children and teens who have experienced trauma related to substance abuse, domestic violence, mental health and/or abuse or neglect. I strive to provide a safe, supportive space for them to heal and grow. In 2017, began working in the school setting as a social worker for Pasco County Schools where I providing counseling, crisis intervention, and support to students in need. I am deeply committed to advocating for children and ensuring they have a voice in their own healing process.
My therapeutic approach is rooted in evidence-based practices, with particular focus on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which I use to help individuals identify and reframe negative thought patterns that impact their emotional well-being and behavior. I believe in the power of providing children, teens, and families with the tools to understand their emotions, cope with challenges and develop healthier patterns of thinking. I tailor my approach to meet each of my client’s unique needs, drawing from techniques in trauma-informed care, mindfulness, and solution-focused therapy. At the core of my practice is a client and family centered approach, which emphasizes collaboration and creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can feel heard, valued, and empowered to share their experiences. I work closely with families to create a supportive environment for growth, believing that healing is most effective when it involves the entire family unit.
Outside of my professional life, I am a firm believer in work-life balance, and I prioritize spending quality time with my family and friends. When I'm not chasing around my energetic 3-year-old son, I love soaking up the sun by the pool or at the beach—there’s nothing like a little time outdoors to recharge. I also appreciate quieter moments at home, where I can relax on the couch with a good crime documentary.
I am dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those I work with, and I am always striving to learn and grow as a professional to best serve my clients.
SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST
I am a compassionate and dedicated school psychologist with an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in School Psychology. My journey in education began as a teacher, where I developed a deep understanding of the challenges that students face both inside and outside the classroom. This experience has given me a unique perspective, allowing me to connect with children on a deeper level and support them in meaningful ways.
Throughout my career, I have worked in various school settings, helping students navigate emotional, social, and academic challenges. I am passionate about empowering children to develop the confidence and skills they need to thrive. Whether they are struggling with anxiety, academic difficulties, emotional regulation, or interpersonal relationships, I strive to provide compassionate support and effective strategies tailored to their unique needs.
My approach is rooted in evidence-based interventions and personalized guidance, ensuring that each child and family I work with feels heard, valued, and supported. I believe that fostering a safe and nurturing environment is essential for growth, and I am committed to helping students and their families build the resilience and tools they need to succeed.
LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER
I have a profound commitment to supporting the inner resilience of children and their families. I’m dedicated to helping every child discover their inner warrior. I often say I took the long road to my social work career, gaining experience in juvenile justice, law enforcement, child welfare, and the school system. This diverse background allows me to effectively support my clients through their toughest challenges.
My educational background consists of bachelor's degrees in criminology and anthropology, giving me insights into human behavior, psychology, and the impact of culture and society. Additionally, I obtained a Master of Social Work from the University of South Florida, where I developed skills to support children and families and expanded my understanding of the biopsychosocial factors affecting individuals.
With extensive clinical experience, I have worked with children facing trauma, learning disabilities, and emotional and/or behavioral difficulties. My empathetic approach centers on the whole child, using a cognitive behavioral framework to address problematic thoughts affecting emotions and behaviors. I provide personalized support in a safe space, addressing issues like childhood or adolescent difficulties, ADHD, autism, anxiety, and trauma.
As a mother of an active and energetic 8-year-old boy, I also bring personal experience to my practice, which allows me to connect with my clients and families on a deeper level. Believing in the power of humor and warmth, I incorporate these elements into my sessions, creating a positive and engaging atmosphere that encourages children to open up and embrace their strengths. This approach not only facilitates the therapeutic process but also helps children build confidence and resilience.
Through dedication and compassionate care, my goal is to make a lasting difference, guiding children and families on their journey towards empowerment and healing. I believe a strong partnership and collaboration with my clients and their families is the key to long-lasting wellness and am always honored to be a part of their restorative journey.
Growing Minds Psychology
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