Hand to Hold Counseling Services

Cynthia has a love of psychology and helping parents and families find balance and self-awareness within their unique lives. She earned her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling and behavior analysis in Florida and is now providing group and one-on-one support to NICU families through Hand to Hold’s virtual platforms.

Cynthia is a mother to three boys and an 8-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 gastrostomy 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 es una de nuestras Especialistas en apoyo familiar virtual. 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 8 años. Su experiencia en la NICU sucedió luego 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. Obtuvo su maestría en análisis del comportamiento y asesoramiento clínico sobre salud mental en Florida. Cynthia se esfuerza por ofrecerles a las familias de la NICU una asistencia y un servicio excelentes, espíritu comunitario y un espacio seguro.

Ayesha Youngblood is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPC-A), under the supervision of Andranique Goodman, LPC-S. Ayesha is also a Certified Trauma Professional offering counseling services to NICU families at Hand to Hold. While she has not had a NICU experience, she is passionate about supporting families in any area that is needed. 

Ayesha believes each individual’s concerns are unique and because of that, she works toward meeting clients where they are and utilizing the approaches that best fit their needs. She has worked with varying concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, personality disorders, bipolar disorder, ASD, ADHD, fertility concerns, relationship concerns, and familial concerns, and is open to many more. Ayesha hopes to work as a team with clients to encourage growth, gain insight, and utilize or develop the skills needed to be their best self.

Ayesha earned her Bachelor’s degree from Towson University, where she majored in Psychology and minored in Public Health. She is also a graduate from the University of Central Florida, where she earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology.

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.