AWAKEN YOUR CHANGE

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AWAKEN YOUR CHANGE

Start Here

Who We Are

The Clinical Team

Our clinical team includes licensed therapists, provisionally licensed clinicians, and supervised
interns, all dedicated to providing specialized, evidence-based treatment.

Dr. Tiffany M. Jenkins

EdD, LPC, LCADC, LCPC, ACS, SAP

Founder & CEO

Dr. Tiffany M. Jenkins (affectionately known as Dr. J) is a licensed therapist, organizational leadership consultant, and researcher with over 20 years of experience in behavioral health and leadership development. She holds an EdD in Organizational Leadership and multiple advanced degrees in counseling and addiction science. As Principal of TMJ Consulting LLC and Founder of Awakening Change Counseling Services, Dr. J combines clinical expertise with executive leadership experience gained through director-level positions at several behavioral health organizations. Her research focuses on clinical supervision and leadership practices and has contributed to the development of evidence-based training programs. Dr. J is a sought-after speaker on topics including leadership development, cultural humility, and trauma-informed care. She has authored multiple books and toolkits, including “Between the Couch and the Cross” and “Building Bridges: Resources to Center Cultural Humility.” Her work integrates clinical practice, organizational leadership, and academic research to create transformational outcomes for individuals and organizations in the behavioral health field.
Specializations: Trauma, addiction treatment, clinical supervision, SAP evaluations, organizational leadership, cultural humility

Licensed in: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Florida

My Approach:

For over 20 years, I’ve been committed to walking alongside individuals and families as they navigate
life’s most challenging moments—whether that’s overcoming addiction, healing from trauma, or finding
balance in the midst of chaos. As a licensed clinician, clinical supervisor, and organizational consultant, I
bring both deep clinical expertise and real-world understanding to every session.

My approach bridges evidence-based practices with cultural humility, honoring your unique story and
perspective. I believe healing happens when we create safe, inclusive spaces where you feel truly heard
and understood. Whether you’re struggling with substance use, working through trauma, managing anger, or navigating relationship challenges, I’m here to help you discover your path forward.


You don’t have to face this alone. Together, we can work toward the healing, growth, and wholeness you deserve. Let’s start this journey.

Caressa Sanford, LAC

Licensed Associate Counselor

Caressa Sanford, LAC, understands that navigating life’s challenges takes courage, and she’s here to walk alongside you on that journey. She creates a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore your strengths, clarify your values, and build the life you want.

With master’s degrees in Mental Health Counseling and Professional Communications, Caressa specializes in anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Currently offering telehealth sessions in New
Jersey (with North Carolina services starting January 2026), she welcomes college students, young adults, and anyone ready to make meaningful change—because everyone deserves support, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Specializations: Anxiety, depression, life transitions, career concerns, young adults

Licensed in: New Jersey (North Carolina waitlist available)

My Approach:

“I believe true community begins with accepting and honoring our own humanity. In our work together, I create space for you to show up authentically—with all your complexities, struggles, and strengths. Using person-centered therapy and motivational interviewing, I help you identify what matters most to you and build practical strategies to create the life you envision. Whether you’re navigating a major life transition or simply feeling stuck, I’m here to support your journey with compassion and cultural responsiveness.”

Janet Smith-Cook

LPC, LCADC, CCS

Licensed Professional Counselor

Janet Smith-Cook is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC), and Clinical Supervisor (CCS) with over 40 years of experience in mental health and substance abuse treatment in New Jersey. As an International Certified Gambling Counselor (ICGC)


certification candidate, she specializes in gambling addiction therapy, intimate partner violence
counseling, anger management, substance abuse treatment, and co-occurring mental health disorders.
Janet brings deep expertise in addiction recovery and mental health counseling, with specialized training in W.R.A.P. (Wellness Recovery Action Plan), trauma-informed care, and ethics in clinical settings. She has dedicated over 25 years to community service through the Outreach House Non-Profit Board of Directors, providing life skills education and support to underserved populations.

Specializations: Gambling addiction, intimate partner violence, anger management, substance abuse & addiction recovery, mental health counseling, co-occurring disorders

Licensed in: New Jersey

My Approach:

Hi, I’m Janet Smith-Cook, and I’ve spent my career helping people navigate life’s challenges, whether it’s overcoming addiction, managing mental health struggles, or just finding a sense of balance and purpose. With over 30 years of experience, I’ve worked with individuals from all walks of life, providing a safe space to heal, grow, and move forward.
My approach is simple—everyone’s journey is unique, and I’m here to meet you where you are, offering
guidance, support, and practical tools to help you reach your goals.


If you’re feeling stuck or just need someone to talk to, I’d love to help. Let’s take the next step together.
Call today and let’s start your journey toward healing and growth.

Kia L. Brooks

M.EDC

Master's Level Therapist

Kia L. Brooks is a Master’s Level Therapist and pre-licensed mental health counselor with a Master’s degree in Counseling from Wilmington University. Kia has been with Awakening Change since 2022, bringing a holistic, healing-centered approach to therapy that integrates mind-body wellness practices. As a retired educator, certified trauma & resilience counselor, wellness coach, and yoga instructor, Kia specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). Her unique background allows her to support individuals and families navigating self-doubt, anxiety, trauma, depression, family challenges, and major life transitions with a comprehensive approach that fosters self-awareness, emotional balance, and deep healing.
Specializations: Anxiety, trauma, depression, self-doubt, family challenges, life transitions, mindfulness, stress reduction
Service Area: New Jersey (Telehealth)

My Approach:

Hey Friend, Hey! Feeling tired, overwhelmed, and unsure how to slow down? Want to reconnect with yourself, but don’t even remember who that is? Lost your joy and don’t know where to start to get it back? Pause. Take a deep breath. As you exhale, relax your shoulders, unclench your jaw, and know that you don’t have to figure this out alone. I’m here to help. Together, we can Relax, Relate, and Reclaim the life You deserve. I’m Kia Brooks, a pre-licensed mental health therapist specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)—all through a holistic, healing-centered lens. As a retired educator, certified trauma & resilience counselor, wellness coach, and yoga instructor, I bring a mind-body approach to therapy that fosters self-awareness, emotional balance, and deep healing. I support individuals and families navigating self-doubt, anxiety, trauma, depression, family challenges, and major life transitions. I believe therapy isn’t just about healing—you’re investing in your well-being, and that has a ripple effect. When we heal ourselves, we heal our families. When we heal our families, we strengthen our communities. You don’t have to do this alone. Take the first step—I’ll walk with you. Let’s talk soon. 

Michael A. Leak

LAC, M.A.

Licensed Associate Counselor

Michael A. Leak is a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) in Pennsylvania with a Master of Arts in School Psychology from Howard University. As a mental health counselor and career development specialist, Michael brings over a decade of experience in counseling, advising, and supporting individuals through personal challenges, career transitions, and life’s pivotal moments. Michael provides therapeutic services at Awakening Change Counseling Services LLC, specializing in career counseling, life transitions, stress management, and personal growth. His unique background combines mental health counseling with extensive experience in student success, academic advising, and career mentorship. Additionally, as a Fire Lieutenant and Emergency Medical Technician with the Philadelphia Fire Department, Michael brings a deep understanding of first responder mental health needs and is particularly skilled in supporting first responders, Black men, and individuals navigating career transitions.
Specializations: Career counseling, life transitions, stress management, personal growth, first responder mental health, young adult counseling.
Licensed in: Pennsylvania

My Approach:

Throughout my career, I’ve been committed to serving, protecting, and empowering individuals and communities—whether in emergency response, education, or career development. As a Fire Lieutenant
and Emergency Medical Technician, I lead and train firefighters, respond to life-threatening emergencies, and ensure the safety of Philadelphia’s residents. But my dedication to service extends beyond the firehouse.

As a counselor and mental health advocate, I am passionate about guiding individuals through life’s challenges, career transitions, and personal growth journeys. With a background in psychology, a student
success counseling, and career mentorship, I have spent over a decade helping people find clarity, build resilience, and take actionable steps toward their goals.


I believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to heal, grow, and thrive. Whether you’re facing personal struggles, career uncertainty, or seeking direction, you don’t have to go through it alone—I’m here to help.

Jennifer M. Gregg

M.S.

Mental Health Therapist

Jennifer M. Gregg is a mental health therapist and behavioral specialist with a Master of Science in Human Behavior Studies and over 15 years of experience empowering individuals and families to overcome emotional and behavioral challenges. Currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (LPC Track) at Liberty University, Jennifer specializes in Intensive In-Community (IIC) therapy, providing goal-oriented, needs-based clinical interventions for youth and families. Jennifer’s expertise includes anxiety treatment, depression counseling, trauma therapy, emotional regulation support, and family conflict resolution.

Her therapeutic approach integrates psychoeducation, conflict resolution techniques, coping skills development, and mindfulness practices to create a safe, supportive environment where clients can heal and grow. With extensive experience in youth counseling, behavioral interventions, and family-driven care, Jennifer is committed to helping individuals and families strengthen relationships and improve overall well-being.

Specializations: IIC therapy, anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional regulation, family conflict, youth counseling, behavioral support.

Service Area: New Jersey, South Jersey, Camden County, Burlington County, Gloucester County

My Approach:

Life’s challenges can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face them alone. As a mental health counselor and behavioral specialist, I am passionate about helping individuals and families navigate emotional and behavioral struggles with compassion, support, and effective therapeutic strategies.

With years of experience in Intensive In-Community (IIC) therapy, I specialize in providing goal-oriented, needs-based interventions that address issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional regulation, and family conflict. My approach is centered on stability, skill-building, and empowerment, ensuring my clients feel heard, understood, and equipped to move forward. Utilizing techniques in psychoeducation, conflict resolution, coping skills development, and mindfulness, I create a safe and supportive space where individuals can heal, grow, and reclaim their sense of self.

My work is family-driven and youth-focused, helping to strengthen relationships and improve overall well-being. You deserve support, healing, and the tools to live a more balanced life. Let’s take the first step together—reach out today and begin your journey toward mental wellness.