Dr. Alfonso Ferguson, LMHC,LPC,ACS,NCC

Meet Our Founder & Executive Director

  • Dr. Alfonso Ferguson is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the states of New York and Florida, as well as a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of New Jersey. He uses his knowledge, experience, and research to provide culturally responsive counseling services to foster understanding, healing, and guidance to create safer spaces for all.

    His multicultural and social justice training allows him to curate personalized treatment plans using an intersectional framework that supports understanding around a clients unique identities (i.e., gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, ability, etc.). Further, his training helps clients to effectively identify what may contribute to psychological and community stressors. 

    Dr. Ferguson specializes in providing healing spaces along with culturally responsive services to Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC), Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer (LGBTQ+), and other disenfranchised communities to work through emotional distress, trauma, relationship challenges, and identity development. 

    Seeking a deeper understanding of training, areas of expertise, and community involvement? Checkout Dr. Ferguson’s curriculum vitae. To learn more about training and consulting, click here.

Meet Our Team

  • GoodWerk’s Clinical Director, Dr. Ebony White is a counselor, advocate, activist, speaker, trainer, researcher, and mental health expert. An Associate Professor in the Counselor Education Department at St. Bonaventure University, Shas devoted her career to supporting under-resourced, under-served, culturally rich and resilient individuals, families, and communities.

    Growing up in the city of Trenton, NJ and being raised by a village directly influenced her sense of community, pride, and purpose. Her varied personal experiences, extensive education, and expertise in research and practice have uniquely positioned her to counsel, teach, and train in ways that lead to transformation. Using anti-racist pedagogy, current events, humor, and application-based activities, Dr. Ebony’s presentations and trainings are always engaging, energizing, and life-changing.

    Dr. Ebony’s impact reaches across the globe. As an expert in her field, she has been quoted in numerous news outlets including Newsweek, Medium, the Philadelphia Inquirer, PopSugar and the New York Times. She has been a guest expert on CBS News and Fox 29 News in Philadelphia and was featured on TVC News Nigeria.

    Furthermore, she has done trauma work in Croix des Bouquets, Haiti, provided training to leaders in the healthcare system in Gombe State, Nigeria, and created a mental health course for students in Tarkwa, Ghana.

    She was recently selected for the Mandela Washington Fellowship Reciprocal Exchange program by the US Department of State and International Research & Exchanges Board to provide mental health training to nurses, doctors, and pharmacists in Nigeria.

    She has published several articles in peer-reviewed journals and appears in the advocacy focused video from Alexander Street Press titled Helping Counselors and Psychologists as Advocates and Activists: Strength, Solidarity, Strategy and Sustainability.

    Dr. Ebony also gave a TEDx talk, titled “You Don’t Get to Name Me.” Additionally, she has appeared on other podcasts addressing anti-racism in mental health including The Thoughtful Counselor Podcast, The Voice of Counseling, and Sazon y Corazon Podcast. Dr. Ebony has presented her research at various conferences nationally and internationally, including the Congressional Black Caucus in Washington, DC.

    In 2007, Dr. Ebony received the Woman of the Year award from the Mercer County Commission on Women. She also received the Community Service Award from the NJ State Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs and the Carver Youth and Family Center in 2018. In 2021 she was awarded the Dr. Judy Lewis Counselor for Social Justice award from the American Counseling Association. She received the award for Outstanding Service and Advocacy to the Profession of Counseling from the North Atlantic Region of the American Counseling Association. In 2023 and 2024, Dr. Ebony received the Graduate College Recognition Award from Drexel University for her leadership of the Diversity Advisory Council and her dedication to diversity, equity, and belonging among the graduate community.

    More recently, she was awarded the Teaching Excellence Award by the College of Nursing & Health Professions at Drexel University. Currently, Dr. Ebony is a Past-President of Counselors for Social Justice, a national organization.

    She is community focused and values relationships above all else. More important than her educational achievements and awards are her identities as a daughter, granddaughter, sister, aunt, cousin, friend, godmother, and niece. She lives by Ubuntu, “I am because we are, and because we are, I am.”

  • Nadine is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state Florida, and a mental health counselor limited permit in New York. She earned her masters degree in clinical mental health counseling from Florida Atlantic University. Nadine is also a certified rehabilitation counselor.

    Mrs. Ferguson has a strong passion for helping others, of which has grown from her volunteer work with disadvantaged youth and young adults in her community. Moreover, Nadine has worked in a variety of counseling settings. Her experiences have afforded her opportunities to provide counseling services to a range of clients including youths, young adults, older adults in her community. She has also provided individual and group therapy with school aged children. Nadine is trained in cognitive behavioral therapy and has experience in helping her clients process their feelings and work through difficult challenges.

    Nadine prides herself on her client centered approach which includes active listening, offering tools and skills needed to cope with life challenges and stressors. She strives in providing non-judgmental and authentic individualized care which supports her clients in achieving optimal mental health and wellness.

  • Cassandra is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern in Florida and holds a Master’s degree and an Education Specialist degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Florida. Her clinical foundation is deeply rooted in Narrative Therapy, guided by the belief that the stories we tell ourselves and others profoundly shape our identities, relationships, and experiences. Cassandra works collaboratively with clients to explore and understand the narratives they have adopted, helping them find their voice and empowering them to rewrite their stories in ways that support their growth, resilience, and overall well-being.

    Cassandra is committed to creating a warm, welcoming, and supportive therapeutic environment where clients feel safe to show up authentically. She strives to ensure that every individual feels seen, heard, and understood, recognizing that meaningful change begins with genuine connection. Her approach is collaborative and strengths-based, incorporating a multicultural lens that honors the diverse identities and lived experiences of each client.

    In addition to narrative work, Cassandra integrates mindfulness practices to help clients build present-moment awareness, foster emotional regulation, and deepen self-compassion. Her ultimate goal is to walk alongside clients as they work toward becoming versions of themselves they value and love — supporting them in building lives rooted in authenticity, empowerment, and self-acceptance.

  • Lia Whitted is a dedicated Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern, born and raised in Manhattan, NY, into an African American and Puerto Rican family. She firmly believes that everyone deserves access to quality mental health services and is passionate about advocating for marginalized and underserved communities. Inspired by her personal experiences and deep understanding of the significant need for accessible care, Lia is committed to providing compassionate support that fosters healing, self-awareness, and personal growth.

    Currently completing her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Molloy University, Lia embraces a client-centered approach that emphasizes empowerment and empathy. Her focus is to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where clients feel safe to explore their thoughts and emotions and strives to create a collaborative counseling environment where clients feel truly heard, supported, and encouraged in their healing and growth journey. Lia believes in the importance of building strong, trusting relationships with her clients and focuses on meeting clients where they are in their journey and works with them to explore their strengths, overcome challenges, and achieve personal growth. She remains dedicated to helping individuals navigate their emotional well-being with authenticity and care.

  • Brittany is a Registered Mental Health Counselor in Florida and holds a Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Florida. Brittany's therapeutic approach is uniquely characterized by its focus on solution-focused techniques and elements of narrative therapy, highlighting her dedication to fostering a collaborative and understanding environment from the very first session.

    Brittany aims to create a space where clients feel heard and supported in their journey toward healing and believes in viewing the counseling process as a partnership where she works alongside her clients to unravel and reconstruct their narratives in a way that aligns with their current self and aspirations for the future.

    Specializing in narrative and person-centered methodologies, Brittany adopts a holistic perspective on counseling, emphasizing the importance of understanding each client's unique story. Her guiding principle is to encourage her clients to bring whatever they can to the sessions, assuring them that their efforts, no matter how small, are valuable steps toward progress.

  • Joel is a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern whose lived in Orlando for over 15 years. Joel earned his Bachelor’s in Psychology and Master’s in Counselor Education from the University of Central Florida. Through his work a School Counselor Joel has seen the need for mental health awareness and services for all groups, and marginalized groups especially.

    In Joel’s 10 years as a School Counselor at the Elementary and Middle School levels working at Title 1 and high-income schools, Joel knows first-hand the importance of empathy, compassion and a continued desire to learn. A first generation American of Jamaican immigrants, Joel is a recipient of the determination, resilience and self-empowerment of his family and sees that same potential in his clients. Seeing the impact family can have on generations through the school system, Joel desires to facilitate individuals and families to overcome their past, own their present and build their future.

    Joel strongly believes in the power of collaboration and communication when working with clients. Every client has their own story, and Joel wishes to learn and understand his client’s stories in order to help them write their next chapter.

  • Nicole is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and National Certified Counselor in Altamonte Springs, FL, who is passionate about helping individuals navigate life's complexities. With a master’s degree in Counseling from Barry University, Nicole brings a mosaic of experience when supporting clients through the challenges of anxiety, ADHD, relationship issues, life transitions, and personal growth.

    Nicole believes that change is inevitable, and that learning how to adapt is a lifelong process. Drawing on her own experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD later in life, Nicole deeply resonates with clients navigating similar challenges. She strives to help individuals recognize their inherent strengths—what she fondly refers to as their "superpowers"—and supports them in creating meaningful changes that align with their goals and aspirations.

    Her therapeutic approach combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Person-Centered methodologies. By challenging unhelpful thought patterns and encouraging self-reflection, Nicole helps her clients develop tools to process emotions, build resilience, and overcome obstacles. She values and emphasizes humor, kindness, and accountability in therapy, recognizing that sometimes laughter can be the best medicine as we confront life's discomforts.

    Nicole also integrates her multicultural background, coming from a large Latin and American family, into her counseling work. She is sensitive to how societal influences shape the way we perceive and process information, and she welcomes conversations that explore identity, culture, and the nuances of navigating our ever-changing world.

    In her work with clients, Nicole takes a collaborative approach, co-creating treatment plans that are tailored to each individual’s unique needs. She believes that no goal is out of reach; it's simply a matter of finding the right pace and strategy for each person. Whether helping clients establish routines, managing symptoms, or coping with past traumas—including experiences with the judicial system—Nicole is dedicated to providing compassionate, client-centered care that empowers individuals to thrive.

  • Daralyn is a Mental Health Counseling Intern bringing over 12 years of experience as a special education teacher.

    Her career has been dedicated to working with children and teens who have emotional, behavioral, and learning differences, as well as supporting their families. Her passion for counseling grew from advocating for students who often felt unheard, and she now strives to provide that same advocacy in the therapy space.

    Daralyn is completing a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy, and Reality Therapy to help clients build confidence, self-advocacy, and emotional regulation skills. She also has a strong interest in attachment styles and relationships, and how these patterns influence self-esteem, emotional well-being, and connection with others.

    Daralyn believes therapy should be a safe, judgment-free space where you feel respected, understood, and empowered. Her approach is collaborative and compassionate, with an emphasis on identifying strengths, setting meaningful goals, and developing practical tools to navigate life’s challenges. She is especially passionate about working with children, teens, and young adults with ADHD, emotional or behavioral challenges, anxiety, relationship and self-esteem concerns.

  • Sanaya is a Marketing Associate at GoodWerk Counseling and a dedicated senior at Baruch College, where she’s completing her Bachelor’s degree in International Marketing. With a keen eye for both strategy and creativity, Sanaya brings her expertise in research and data-driven insights to support GoodWerk’s commitment to accessible, inclusive mental health services for marginalized communities.

    Through her role, Sanaya analyzes trends, collects valuable insights on community needs, and collaborates with her team to craft outreach that truly resonates with each client and the community. She is passionate about the power of thoughtful marketing to foster connections and new ways of reaching clients through relatable and culturally relevant messages, campaigns, and content. Her experience in event planning and community work, both at Baruch College and in her volunteer efforts, has equipped her with a unique perspective on engaging effectively with diverse individuals and communities.

    Sanaya is excited to help build a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported—a place where people can express themselves, their culture, and feel free from judgment. She believes that creating a connected, inclusive community is the key to meaningful growth, empowerment, and connection

  • GoodWerk’s Fractional COO, Daton is also a Mental Health Counseling Intern as well as Consultant, Professional Credentialed Coach (PCC) through the International Coaching Federation (ICF), and Organizational Practitioner completing a PsyD in Organizational Psychology at Rutgers University while obtaining an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

    In his counseling work, Daton views therapy as a collaborative and liberatory process where clients are seen for their strengths, stories, and resilience. His clinical training is grounded in multicultural counseling and social justice, with a focus on creating safe and affirming spaces for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ clients navigating the complex intersections of identity, resilience, and healing. He integrates culturally responsive and strengths-based practice, believing that healing happens through connection, empowerment, and honoring each client’s lived experience.

    In his organizational work, Daton’s research explores organizational trauma and liberatory praxis—particularly how systemic oppression is metabolized within professional spaces. With more than 15 years of combines management and leadership experience, he has coached over 100 leaders across industries and directed development programs serving thousands annually. Academically grounded in I/O Psychology (Harvard University) and Leadership (Nova Southeastern University), Daton integrates psychological inquiry, organizational design, and equity-centered practice to help individuals and organizations thrive.

    Beyond his professional roles, Daton finds joy in designing and styling interior spaces and traveling. He believes that thoughtfulness, community, and creativity are just as essential to transformation as strategy and science, and brings that into every space he’s in.

  • Jordan is an Office Assistant/Administrator at GoodWerk Counseling and a disciplined law student, who is working on obtaining her law degree from Barry University here in Orlando. With a background in sales, Jordan brings insight on customer service and market analytics. With a strong passion for supporting the mental well-being of marginalized communities, Jordan ensures smooth day-to-day operations, from scheduling appointments to assisting clients and managing office systems. 


    Jordan is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all clients and staff, leveraging her administrative expertise to support the clinic’s mission of providing compassionate, culturally competent mental health services to all of the patients at GoodWerk Counseling. Her background in customer service, sales, and the legal field help to provide a unique perspective.

  • Michaella is a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern currently pursuing my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Molloy University.

    Michaella brings a person-centered approach to her work, emphasizing a collaborative and supportive therapeutic relationship that empowers clients to take ownership of their growth and healing. Her approach is grounded in respect, empathy, and cultural sensitivity, and is tailored to meet each client’s unique needs. She is committed to cultivating a collaborative counseling relationship, one that emphasizes mutual respect, authenticity, and a shared investment in the client’s healing and personal development.

    Michaella prioritizes building strong, trusting therapeutic alliances as the foundation of effective treatment. By meeting clients where they are—emotionally, cognitively, and behaviorally—she tailors interventions to align with their unique needs, cultural identities, and individual goals. Her work is grounded in the belief that each person possesses inherent strengths and resilience, and therapy serves as a space to uncover and build upon those inner resources.

    Originally born on Long Island, Michaella was raised between Long Island and Jamaica. She lived in Jamaica from the age of six months to six years and continued to spend summers in Negril throughout her upbringing. These formative experiences have deeply influenced her personal and professional identity. Coming from a Jamaican family, she has witnessed firsthand the stigma surrounding mental health in Caribbean communities. This fuels her passion for bridging the gap between mental health care and Caribbean culture, with the goal of making counseling more accessible, normalized, and culturally informed.

    In addition to her academic training, she has over three years of experience working in inpatient psychiatric settings. This background has provided her with a strong clinical foundation and has further strengthened her commitment to becoming a well-rounded and culturally competent therapist.

  • With over a half a decade of experience in administration, Naky is deeply committed to helping others. She has embraced a reputation for solving workplace challenges with compassion and dedication—a quality that has driven her success in every role she has held. Her passion for mental health advocacy is reflected in her volunteer work with the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Greater Orlando (NAMIGO), where she helps raise awareness and provide support to those in need. Naky believes that supporting mental health requires more than words—it requires action.

    As such, Naky began her academic journey at Seminole State College, earning an Associate of Arts degree in General Education with a focus on Psychology. She is currently working toward obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Psychology, with plans to pursue a master’s degree to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Ultimately, she hopes to empower individuals in BIPOC communities with chronic illnesses, helping them navigate mental health challenges and build resilience for fulfilling, healthy lives.