Joanne D. Gillins is a Registered Clinical Social Work Intern who brings a compassionate, faith-informed, and client-centered approach to her work. She specializes in trauma-informed cognitive behavioral health, with a focus on supporting individuals and families navigating relational challenges, interpersonal concerns, and self-care. Joanne is particularly passionate about working with clients experiencing ADHD and autism through a neurodiversity-inclusive lens, as well as those processing complex grief, helping them move toward acceptance, resilience, and restoration.
She earned her associate degree from Valencia College and completed both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Central Florida. Originally from New Jersey, Joanne continues to expand her cultural and linguistic awareness, with a personal goal of becoming fluent in Creole and Portuguese.
Joanne views her work as both a professional path and a meaningful life calling. She is known for her ability to naturally build rapport, drawing on her authenticity, humility, and mindfulness to meet clients where they are. Guided by strong personal values and spiritual faith, she creates a supportive and ethical space where clients feel respected, heard, and empowered.
Her passion for humanity, diversity, inclusion, and advocacy extends beyond the therapy room. Joanne is actively involved in community outreach, including work focused on homelessness and trauma recovery, as well as intercessory prayer ministry. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys creative writing—especially poetry and inspirational stories—photography, and reading across a wide range of genres, including mystery, suspense, and cultural and psychological studies.
Joanne is a proud mother of two adult sons and values her personal time as a self-described introvert. She is committed to ongoing growth, continually working to strengthen boundaries, deepen self-reflection, and adapt to the evolving needs of the communities she serves.
She often reminds her clients that seeking therapy is a courageous first step toward self-discovery, acceptance, and inner peace. Joanne believes in each person’s ability to shape their own story, often reflecting on an African proverb that states, “Until the lion learns to write, every story will always glorify the hunter.” Through her work, she empowers clients to reclaim their voice and become the authors of their own lives.
