Staff
- No One Sits Alone

Yanel received her master’s degree and education specialist degree in mental health counseling at the University of Florida. She is now a licensed mental health counselor and a qualified supervisor. Yanel was a previous PALS THRIVE intern in 2011 and assisted a group of students in founding the PALS LIGHTS club at Buchholz High School. The LIGHTS club was a place where students could support each other by learning how to prevent bullying, learn the signs of suicide risk and learn how to help their fellow students in crisis. Yanel has experience working with children of all ages and their families. She also has volunteered at the Alachua County Crisis Center as a phone counselor and in-house trainer.She has lived in Gainesville for more than 10 years and hopes to eventually see PALS THRIVE at all of the schools in Gainesville and the surrounding areas.

Heather received her master’s in social work at Florida State University. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Heather’s experience includes providing therapy in school settings, pediatrics at UF Health Shands, and in a behavioral health clinical at University of Tennessee Chattanooga’s teaching hospital. In 2020 Heather started her own private practice serving children and adolescents while becoming certified in Synergetic Play Therapy. She previously worked with PALS in 2017 as a part time clinical coordinator and is excited to be rejoining the team. She is passionate about suicide prevention and supporting the mental health of children and teens.

Bercela received her master’s degree in social work at New York University. She is a licensed clinical social worker and qualified supervisor. Prior to earning her master’s, she received her undergraduate degree in psychology from St. Mary’s University in her home town of San Antonio, Texas. Since entering the field of social work, her experience includes working with adolescents, survivors of domestic violence, terminally ill patients and families involved in the child welfare system. She firmly believes social work is the right career for her and is excited about supporting others in their professional development in the mental health field.