Cynthia serves our families as a Bilingual Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She is responsible for supporting NICU families virtually either in one-on-one counseling or in group settings, all with a goal to reduce the negative impact of a NICU stay and ensure the best outcome for the entire family. She has a love of psychology and is passionate about helping families find balance and self-awareness.

Cynthia is a mother to three boys and an 11-year-old Schnauzer. Her NICU experience was after the birth of her second son, Raphael. Cynthia was induced at 38 weeks due to fetal macrosomia. Her son had a four-day NICU stay due to thermal issues and gastrointestinal issues that lasted for the first 14 months of his life. Her two youngest sons also have developmental disorders that have shaped Cynthia’s career path and her love for helping parents living with full hands and full hearts! Cynthia is also a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and works with families affected by a developmental diagnosis. Cynthia strives to provide excellent service and support, a sense of community, and a safe space for NICU families.

Cynthia es nuestra Consejera Bilingüe de Salud Mental. Es responsable de brindarles apoyo a las familias que tienen un bebé en la NICU, sea en forma individual o en grupo, con el objetivo de reducir el impacto negativo de la estadía en la NICU y asegurar el mejor resultado posible para toda la familia. Siente un gran amor por la psicología y por ayudar a padres y familias a encontrar un equilibrio y ser conscientes de sus vidas únicas.

 Cynthia es la madre de tres niños y un Schnauzer de 11 años. Su experiencia en la NICU sucedió despues del nacimiento de su segundo hijo, Raphael. A Cynthia le indujeron el parto a las 38 semanas debido a una macrosomía fetal. Su hijo estuvo en la NICU cuatro días por problemas de temperatura y gastrostomía que continuaron durante los primeros 14 meses de vida. Sus dos hijos menores también enfrentan trastornos del desarrollo, lo cual encaminó la carrera de Cynthia y su amor por ayudar a que otros padres vivan con sus manos y sus corazón llenos. Cynthia también es analista de comportamiento certificada y trabaja con familias afectadas por el diagnóstico de problemas de desarrollo. Cynthia se esfuerza por ofrecerles a las familias de la NICU una asistencia y un servicio excelentes, espíritu comunitario y un espacio seguro.

Meghan Biss is the Counseling Program Manager at Hand to Hold. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Florida, a Qualified Supervisor for Registered Clinical Social Work Interns and is currently pursuing her certification in Perinatal Mental Health. She is passionate about maternal mental health and ensuring best outcomes for all new parents. 

While Meghan does not have a personal NICU experience, she has worked in a Level IV NICU for six years as a clinical social worker supporting families through their journey. Prior to that, she worked with birth parents and hopeful adoptive parents in the world of private domestic adoption, providing counseling and support during their adoption experience. Through her experiences, she has witnessed countless stories of bravery, strength and resilience that have never ceased to amaze her. 

Meghan wants NICU families to know and truly feel like they are not alone on their journey. There is help and support out there and Meghan is motivated to bring these resources to every NICU family who needs and/or wants them. 

Liv originally served on Hand to Hold’s counseling program in September of 2024 through April 2025 as a Mental Health Therapist Intern, under the supervision of Meghan Biss, LCSW. During her internship, Liv worked alongside the counseling team to provide therapy to both individuals and couples via one-on-one sessions and through the Love and Loss support group. When beginning her internship, Liv did not have her own NICU experience; however, she was dedicated to providing empathetic, equitable, quality care to the clients she worked with and has since increased her competency through her time as an intern. She rejoined the team in July 2025 as a Contract Mental Health Therapist, remaining under the supervision of Meghan Biss, LCSW. Liv aims to continue providing compassionate, evidence-based, and trauma-informed care to the individuals she works with, pulling from therapy approaches such as CBT, EMDR, and DBT.

She will graduate from Baylor University, Diana R. Garland School of Social Work, as a Clinical Master of Social Work in August 2025. While attending Baylor University, Liv completed an Integrated Behavioral Health MSW Certificate Program provided by the Health Resources and Services Administration and was also granted the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work’s MSW Clinical Practice Student Intern of the Year Award. Liv will remain at Hand to Hold after graduation, while also aiming to work in either an emergency room or psychiatric hospital as an LMSW. 

Shelby joined Hand to Hold’s counseling program in May 2025 as a Mental Health Therapist Intern, supervised by Meghan Biss, LCSW. During her internship, she will collaborate with Hand to Hold’s Mental Health Therapists to support NICU individuals and families through both individual and group settings. While Shelby does not have direct NICU experience, she brings valuable personal insight shaped by growing up alongside a sibling with a developmental disability. This experience has informed her trauma-informed, family-centered perspective and deepened her empathy for families navigating emotional challenges during times of medical stress and uncertainty.

She is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work at Baylor University through the advanced standing program at the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work, with a clinical concentration. Shelby is dedicated to providing compassionate, trauma-informed care to children and families and is especially interested in supporting emotional adjustment and sibling well-being. Her long-term goal is to work in medical or therapeutic settings, ensuring that every family member feels seen, heard, and supported.