Meet our Therapy Team
When I first came here, I was skeptical and nervous because of past experiences. But after being here for almost a year now, I can proudly say I am stronger and happier than I have ever been!
Past client signed - You Are Never Alone, Keep Smiling
Leslie Swanson, Team Psychologist, Psy.D
Dr. Leslie Swanson, Psy.D., is a licensed psychologist who has dedicated more than a decade to serving children and families through the Collier CAC. As the lead psychologist overseeing the CAC Therapy Program, Dr. Swanson ensures that children impacted by abuse receive compassionate, evidence-based care in a safe and supportive environment.
Her work focuses on child and adolescent counseling, where she provides psychotherapy to help young people process trauma, strengthen coping skills, and build resilience. In addition to her clinical role, Dr. Swanson mentors and supports the therapy team, guiding the program’s growth and ensuring that CAC remains a place of healing and hope for children and families in Collier County.
Dr. Swanson earned her Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree from the Florida Institute of Technology and has built her career on the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to heal and thrive. Her calm presence, depth of expertise, and commitment to trauma-informed care have made her a trusted leader both within CAC and throughout the community.
ASHLEY, LMHC
Ashley is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who serves as the Lead Clinical Therapist at Collier CAC. She specializes in trauma-informed care, helping children and families heal from the devastating impact of abuse through compassionate counseling and evidence-based practices.
Ashley’s path in child advocacy began in Tallahassee, where she worked after school at a Children’s Advocacy Center while completing her graduate studies. That experience deepened her commitment to supporting children who have endured trauma and set the foundation for her career in counseling. Today, she leads with empathy and expertise, ensuring that every child at CAC receives individualized care in a safe and supportive environment.
Ashley holds an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Counseling from Florida State University, where she developed her clinical skills and dedication to child-focused therapy. As both a therapist and program leader, she is passionate about creating spaces where children feel heard, valued, and empowered on their journey toward healing.
JASMIN, Clinical Therapist
Jasmin earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Arcadia University and her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Florida Gulf Coast University. She is a clinical therapist with training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Gottman Levels I and II, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and in Nurturing Parenting. She specializes in working with children and families impacted by trauma, including those who have experienced physical or sexual abuse, as well as children struggling with anxiety and depression.
Passionate about helping young clients feel safe expressing their emotions, Jasmin creates a supportive space where children learn not to suppress their feelings, but to process them with confidence and understanding. She also enjoys working with parents, offering practical, nonjudgmental strategies that encourage strong, consistent, and compassionate parenting.
Jasmin’s background includes providing therapy for children, adults, and families at Florida Gulf Coast University’s community counseling center, where she also facilitated group therapy. Her compassionate and collaborative style empowers children and families to heal from trauma, strengthen relationships, and build long-term resilience.
SELENE, Clinical Therapist
Selen brings years of specialized experience working with children who face anxiety, phobias, and developmental challenges. She is passionate about helping young people overcome obstacles and build confidence through trauma-informed, evidence-based care.
Before joining the Collier Children’s Advocacy Center, Selen spent more than six years as a Research Assistant with the Child Anxiety and Phobia Program in Miami, where she worked closely with children ages 7 to 17. In this role, she observed psychological assessments, supported children and parents through the treatment process, and analyzed clinical data to strengthen research on child anxiety disorders.
Selen also has over seven years of experience as a Registered Behavior Technician at New Way Day Services, where she worked one-on-one with autistic children from ages 2 to 15. She focused on helping children gain independence, integrate into daily life, and learn the skills needed to thrive. She is skilled in behavior intervention, data-driven assessments, and individualized care that meets each child’s unique needs.
A graduate of Florida International University, Selen combines her academic background with extensive hands-on experience. Her calm presence, empathy, and dedication allow her to connect deeply with children and families, fostering healing and growth every step of the way.
ALEJANDRA, Clinical Therapist
Alejandra is a Clinical Therapist at the Collier Children’s Advocacy Center, where she provides trauma-informed therapy to children and families navigating the painful aftermath of abuse. With a deep commitment to creating safe, supportive spaces for healing, Alejandra helps young survivors process their experiences, build resilience, and rediscover hope.
Her professional journey reflects years of dedication to vulnerable populations. Prior to joining Collier CAC, Alejandra served as an MSW student intern at Project HELP, Inc., where she supported survivors of sexual assault, human trafficking, and violent crime. She also worked with The Shelter for Abused Women & Children in Naples for nearly three years, first as an Outreach Advocate and later as an On-Call Emergency Shelter Advocate, walking alongside families during some of their most difficult moments.
Alejandra holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Florida Gulf Coast University and an Associate of Arts from Florida SouthWestern State College. She recently completed her Master of Social Work at FGCU, further strengthening her clinical expertise. She has also volunteered with Path2Freedom, Inc., an organization that supports survivors of human trafficking.
Guided by empathy and evidence-based practice, Alejandra is passionate about helping children find safety, stability, and healing—empowering them to move forward with strength and dignity.