Meet the Counseling Center Team:

Dr. Charles R. Bell, Ed.D, PY 2044, Counseling Psycholgist founded the First Orlando Counseling Center in 1982.  What began with a staff of two has grown to impacting hundreds of peoples lives each week. He has created a model of a Counseling Center for churches throughout the country and is available for consulting in this area.  He has worked in many facets of counseling, including but certainly not limited to: trauma, psychological evaluation, and sports psychology. Regardless of circumstance, Dr. Bell will offer encouraging, understanding and confidential counseling. Thousands of people have been touched by Dr. Bell's ministry. In his spare time, you may find him playing golf, exercising or playing music. He and his wife Caren have two grown children, as well as 6 grandchildren. 
 

William B. “Terry” Langford, MA, MT959 is the Director of the Counseling Center. He is a Clinical Supervisor and Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in the state of Florida and has over 25 years of experience working with couples in marriages identifying their strengths through the counseling process. Terry is recognized as an expert in helping to strengthen families as seen by his extensive seminar trainings. His vision is to see families staying together and healthy. Terry received his Masters Degree in Counseling from Rollins College. His undergraduate training took place at Trevecca Nazarene University where he received degrees in Behavioral Science and Music. Terry and his wife, Nancy, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, have five children.

Kay Eck, MA, MH6105 is a Clinical Supervisor and Licensed Mental Health Counselor and holds a M.A. in Psychology and Counseling as well as a degree in Biblical Education and. Kay is a Certified Human Behavior Consultant and a speaker. Her straightforward and supportive approach creates trust and a connection with clients struggling with serious life concerns. Kay is trained in multiple therapy modalities, leads several groups, and specializes in trauma recovery therapies.  Her approach recognizes how the brain and body are interconnected.  Utilizing her neurofeedback certification, she is able to help many brain issues heal naturally.  Kay is married and has two married daughters and grandchildren.  She enjoys helping people grow and heal mentally, physically and spiritually.
 

Kari Russo, MS, MH5041 is a Licensed Clinical Supervisor and Mental Health Counselor. Kari is skilled in psychological and educational testing and uses it in working with families and marriages. Through her ability to understand their intricate needs, she develops connectedness in families. Extensively, she has worked with families dealing with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity, Asperger's, and learning disabilities. Kari has worked in multiple settings with a wide range of personalities and quickly develops excellent rapport. Kari and her husband have been involved in homeschooling their four children who range in ages from preschool to college. Regular appointment days are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday with some weekend availability.  Appointments can be made through karirusso@firstorlando.com. Do not hesitate to call with any questions 407.514.4469.
      

Holly N. Rockefeller, MA, MH9585 is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a Masters degree in Counseling and Biblical Studies from Reformed Theological Seminary. Holly has many years of experience working with clients both in private practice and in the church setting. Holly’s passion for counseling grew out of her experience on staff with the college ministry, Campus Outreach. She has worked with women through a variety of issues including anxiety and grief. Holly enjoys integrating traditional psychological theories with Biblical truths in her counseling. She has a relational approach to counseling, believing that we are often wounded within relationships, and therefore need to trust God to bring healing within the context of relationships. Holly and her husband, Dan, live in Orlando, FL with their two sons, Andrew and Wil, and their dog, Alli.

Cynthia (Cyndi) Knowles, MS, MH10186 is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology. Cyndi has a passion for people to grow and mature through difficult life situations. Originally from Orlando, Cyndi served in the United States Air Force, which included her service in Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Coupled with the unique perspective that comes from having served for 12 years in active military service, her relaxed and relational approach to counseling provides a safe atmosphere for moving effectively through struggles and wounds to understanding and healing. Cyndi is married with twin daughters. Her personal and professional experiences have guided her career in mental health counseling where is she is able to help others in a wide range of areas.
 

Elizabeth "Liz" Stokes, MA, MH9920 is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a Masters degree in Mental Health Counseling from Rollins College. She has worked in many areas of counseling dealing with children, adolescents and their families. She enjoys working with young adult singles as well as children and adolescents.  Liz is skilled in working with children to help improve connectedness within the safety of an emotionally healthy family. Her approach to counseling is eclectic, believing that each individual and circumstance is unique. She focuses on encouraging clients to find and utilize their own individual, God given strengths to help overcome challenges. Liz grew up in the Orlando area and has attended First Baptist Church of Orlando for over 20 years.

 
Larry Porta, MA, MH5902 is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Addictions Professional(CAP) who earned his Master’s degree at Reformed Theological Seminary. He enjoys working with individuals, married couples, families and adolescents. He especially likes working with men struggling with self worth, intimacy, addictions, boundary setting, and self-exploration. 

Bart Colom, MS, IMH7305 is a Registered Mental Health Intern.  He has a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology and an Organizational Management degree, which helps him in providing a broad range of services to people. As a Certified Life Coach, Accredited Financial Counselor, member of the Society of Consulting Psychology, Financial Therapy Association as well as Financial Planning Association; Bart brings extensive experience as a trainer, coach, and advisor to the Counseling Center. He has a passion for helping individuals and couples find healing through an individualized approach that integrates some of the most effective therapeutic modalities, and equipping his clients to use their God-given power to pursue their life’s purpose. Bart has been living in Central Florida since 1991, together with his wife and three children.
 

Keith Vennum, MD, MS, IMH7445s, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, has been in the profession of caring for people for over 30 years, first as a Licensed Physician and now with a Masters degree in Mental Health Counseling.  His desire is to minister to individuals using his unique background and counseling skills. Keith served in the U.S. Army in Germany and also served as a short-term medical missionary in Africa. He has four daughters, a son, and a grandson. His first marriage ended in the death of his wife, due to cancer, in 2002. Having found success through E-Harmony, he has been married to his wife Pauline since 2004.
 

 

Shannon Rowell, MA, IMH8482, Registered Mental Health Intern, has a Masters in Mental Health Counseling and has experience working with adolescence in a variety of issues. Her own tumultuous teenage years, in spite of a loving intact family, and later subsequent healing provides a unique perspective in dealing with children, adolescents and their families. It is her desire to provide counseling for people struggling through life's issues. She believes the counseling experience should be positive and provide a safe environment centered on trust. Shannon and her husband, Steve, live in Orlando with their son, Preston.

 
Tammie Mathews, MS,IMH8868 Registered Mental Health Intern, brings over 25 years of ministry experience with her to the field of Counseling, which allows her to be particularly sensitive to helping those who are helpers themselves.  Her caring and compassionate spirit, along with a genuine desire to assist people, quickly puts her clients at ease. Tammie has worked with men, women, adolescents and children throughout her years in ministry.  She enjoys helping people find hope in the midst of their hurts and heartaches. Having experienced the pain of infertility and the joys and concerns of adoptions herself, she is particularly sensitive to those who are seeking to find peace and direction as life takes unexpected turns.  Tammie also has experience and a desire to assist those suffering from mental illness, as well as the families that provide support for those suffering.  She and her husband, Stewart have two children.
 

 
 
Chris Hammond, MA, Registered Mental Health Intern, has worked with children and their families for over 15 years in the area of pre-marital counseling and teaching and has now added to her resume a Master’s Degree in Counseling. She works with individuals, families and couples depending on the situation. She has worked with couples in the area of Pre-marital training for over ten years. Chris’ caring, yet direct approach to counseling provides an environment that can quickly help her clients identify stresses or triggers in their live which lead to undesired behavior. Chris currently teaches Bible and Psychology at Foundation Academy and sees clients at First Orlando Counseling Center. She and her husband have three children.
 

Samir Vergara, BS, CAC4710 is a Certified Addictions Counselor. He has worked with adults, teenagers, men and women whose lives have been unmanageable due to substance abuse, pornography and codependency. Samir has been in this field for over 10 years, and brings his personal experience of being in recovery for over 12 years. His approach is treating all 3 areas affected by addictions: spiritual, emotional, and physical. He enjoys seeing others learns about the healing power of Jesus Christ.
     

 
Practicum Interns: Beth Robertson & David Figueroa


Our Administration Team:
 
Barbara Williams will likely be the first person who greets you when you call or enter the Counseling Center. Her Godly, caring and sensitive spirit are often noted by those with whom she works as well as people who call or come in the office. Barbara has been on the First Orlando team since 1986 and is passionately invested in seeing marriages and families grow in their relationship with Christ and each other. Barbara is married and has 3 children and 6 grandchildren. When you call, she will take your information and help place you with a counselor who can best serve your situation. She is very sensitive to privacy and takes the utmost care with regard to anything you share with her.
 
 
Janet Edge serves our staff and insured clients as our Insurance and Billing specialist. She works with over 15 counselors and their clients to insure that all the billing is completed correctly. Janet is blessed with 3 children and 8 grandchildren. She enjoys serving the Lord by sharing with others. When you call to set an appointment and have insurance; Janet or Barbara will ask for quite a bit of information that is required so that Janet can set up your first appointment. Please see the form entitled Insurance Info in our forms section for more information. Janet's direct number for insurance questions is 407.514.4233. Insurance Form Download
 
Wanda Javaheri is our newest addition to the counseling center staff.  Wanda has extensive experience as an executive secretary.  She is bilingual(Spanish) and desires to help people reach their potential in Christ.  Wanda has a daughter who is the love of her life.  Her genuine caring comes accross to all who meet her.  We are grateful that she has come our way as we continue to grow our ministry.