Steele Creek Location
Ray Castillo
MA, LMFT-S, LCASA
Practice Owner
I believe that every person has their own story. I am interested in your story because it matters and I understand how various factors can make us feel unheard and hidden. We all deserve a safe place to land, without judgement
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Mallika Rajan
MA, LCMHC
Therapist Counselor
I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) and professional school counselor. I earned my Master’s degree in Counseling from the University of North Carolina, Charlotte in 2018. I also hold dual Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Comparative Literature from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. When I’m not working with students or meeting with clients, you may find me reading a book, baking sweet treats to share, or snuggled up with my animals (2 cats and 2 dogs). Therapy is a partnership. My goal is to work with you to identify your strengths and to give you tools to move through difficult situations. I have been fortunate to work in mental health care for the last 5 years and welcome adolescent and adult clients looking for support. I recognize it can be difficult to trust in the process of therapy, especially if you have never tried it before or hold a history of damaged relationships, trauma, or judgment. I value your decision to trust in our partnership and as your therapist I will be nonjudgmental, provide hope, and encourage you to practice strategies that allow you to accomplish your goals. I believe in the narrative power of the messaging we tell ourselves and consequentially operate from a Cognitive-Behavioral perspective. As a former school counselor, I also recognize the intrinsic importance of relationships and incorporate family-systems and attachment based perspectives into our work when appropriate. In our sessions I will balance unconditional positive regard with accountability because I believe you deserve to live your life fully.
Edily Boykins
MA, LCMHCA
Therapist Counselor
What does it look like for you to be seen, heard, and validated? It would be an incredible honor to sit with you and hold space while you shed away the notion that you are broken; there is no such thing. It takes incredible courage to seek help and that is just one of your many strengths. We frequently go through life feeling lonely which is an isolating experience. Alone with our thoughts, mistakes, past decisions, guilt and shame. When we put down our “masks” and come out of hiding, we see that we are never alone. The reality is that you’ve come this far and you’re surviving with the tools that you have. My therapeutic approach is to work collaboratively with you to help build a more sustainable toolbox. I firmly believe that every person is capable of creating new and enriching chapters in their story. Remember, you are the author. As an Afro-Latina, I also understand cultural expectations that affect our self-esteem and identity. I have had my own struggles and can understand what it’s like to enter the therapeutic relationship. I am grateful to walk alongside you whether you are suffering from trauma, depression, anxiety, overwhelming emotions, strained relationships, or setting boundaries. My approach to therapy is eclectic inspired by Person-Centered, Trauma-Informed Therapies, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. However, I will tailor my approach based on your individual needs. I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counseling Associate and a graduate of Liberty University. I am also trained in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders through Postpartum Support International. My experience includes adolescents and adults, with a specialty in maternal mental health. In my free time I enjoy cooking, going to the gym, dancing, or watching a favorite show.
Diana Landers
MA, LMFTA
Therapist Counselor
A lonely moment. A slight stressor. A tipping point or crisis. A sense of vulnerability or troubling thoughts. Maybe you are in physical pain. Something has called you to therapy, and you are seeking a guide to walk alongside you. My goal is to provide you both a place of comfort and autonomy, yet ensure we have the flexibility and willingness to go where we must. I am a therapist, and I am also a parent, a spouse, a daughter, and a sibling. I believe that family bonds shape who we become, and I cannot guide you where I haven’t also been myself. Suppose we believe we have the capacity not only for insight but for connection. In that case, the relationship between therapist and client is often the first step towards feeling better, as we explore and make sense of what we may have lost and connect to what we still have. I have a special interest in working with families, with men, and with illness or chronic pain. Some of my background includes working with vulnerable children and parents involved with the Department of Social Services, research in and experience with men’s issues, and an internship at a major hospital. My therapeutic interests lie in experiential, structural, and somatic techniques. I received my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pfeiffer University, where I was a clinic intern at the Pfeiffer Institute for Marriage and Family Therapy and externed at Atrium Health’s Carolinas Medical Center. "The therapist must strive to create a new therapy for each patient... [The] paramount task is to build a relationship together that will itself become the agent of change." Irvin D. Yalom, The Gift of Therapy
Steve Blahitka
MA, LMFTA, LCASA
Therapist Counselor
I became a therapist because of the amazing results that I achieved by seeing a therapist at various points in my life. That said, I know just how sacred the therapeutic relationship is. It can be life-changing and it can even be life-saving. It certainly was for me. My clients are individuals (16 and over), couples, and families. I can provide therapy for many issues but some of my favorite challenges include helping clients overcome depression, anxiety, addiction, relationship issues, family dysfunction, narcissistic personality disorder, and borderline personality disorder. I'm also deeply committed to eradicating suicide. I also have a certificate as a college admissions counselor and enjoy helping high school students navigate the application process. I received my Master of Arts from National University and am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy Associate as well as a Registered Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist. My education, training, and life experience have made me a talented therapist who excels at connecting, validating, and exploring solutions. You will be heard. You will not be judged. And it would be my honor to work with you.
Luz Cruz
MA, LCMHC
Therapist Counselor
My name is Luz (pronouns she/her/hers) and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMCHC). I worked as a teacher for over 15 years before making the journey into a mental health career. I have experience in mobile crisis response, trauma, and forensic mental health. To explain who I am as a therapist, I reflect back to my role as an educator. In the classroom, there was a movement for the teacher to be less of a “sage on the stage” (teacher-centered approach) and more of a “guide on the side” (student-centered). For me, therapy is a lesson plan for a learning experience. My therapeutic perspective is to provide empathetic, non-judgmental, compassionate guidance and support in an atmosphere of respect and safety while allowing clients to be the experts of their lives, much like “a co-pilot, a sous chef, or an assistant manager” of a client-therapist relationship. I use solution-focused elements to help move toward desired goals, cognitive behavioral techniques to challenge unhelpful thoughts, and motivational interviewing to help gain understanding and clarity. I also provide EMDR for clients with a history of acute trauma. Outside of traditional therapy, I enjoy the practices of mindfulness, guided meditation, aromatherapy, and Reiki. In my personal life, I love spending time with my dogs and my husband, I enjoy running and working out from home to maintain a healthy body and healthy mind.
Lauren Koblitz
MA, LCMHCA
Therapist Counselor
I believe that every person deserves the space to be seen and heard for who they truly are. Life can be hard and having to deal with mental and emotional challenges in silence should never be the case. I am passionate about providing a safe and non-judgmental space to individuals struggling with their mental health no matter the reason. My clinical counseling experience working with clients ages 12-65 facing a wide variety of mental health challenges including depression, anxiety, grief and loss, OCD, PTSD, self-esteem issues, life transitions, relationship and family issues, mood disorders, and personality disorders. No matter the reason you are seeking therapy, I am committed to working as a team to achieve your goals and improve your overall quality of life and functioning. I use an integrative approach to make sure that each client’s unique needs get met, and she is always operating from a trauma-informed lens. Lauren believes that a strong therapeutic relationship is of utmost importance and she looks forward to building that with you. I am Licensed as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in the state of North Carolina. I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in August of 2024 with a Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling). I also hold a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Georgia (2021).
Karolyn Ramos
MFT Clinical Intern
Love, sex, and relationships all have one thing in common: PLEASURE. The pleasure each of these things bring to our lives is an important part of your story. But sometimes the story may not be flowing as peacefully as we want. I want to hear your stories and help you come closer to experiencing the true pleasure I believe we all deserve. As a marriage and family therapist student intern I aim to provide my clients a judgement free space that encourages vulnerability at a pace that feels comfortable for them. I love learning and talking about sex, relationships (in whatever form they come in), and the “taboo” things that you may not feel comfortable enough to share with others. Think of me as your professional (paid) bestie. Let’s explore your story, your relationship with you, and all the things that might be keeping you from the pleasure you really want in life. I am currently a student at National University in the Marriage and Family Therapy master’s program pursuing a specialization in Systemic Sex Therapy. It is important that you understand and are aware that as a student intern I am being supervised by Raymond Castillo, Ma, LMFT, LCAS-A and faculty of National University. Our sessions may or will need to be recorded with your prior authorization for supervision and consultation purposes.
Jason Straub
Therapist Intern
I believe that a happy life starts with a healthy mind. The better we feel about ourselves and the world around us, the greater our ability to take on life’s challenges. This mindset is at the core of positive relationships. As a counselor, I focus on building a strong therapeutic alliance with my clients to support change and mental wellbeing. I am committed to providing counseling services that are nonjudgmental and that promote diversity and equality. I take pride in serving members of the LGBTQIA+ community. My mission is to help clients generate awareness, practice acceptance, and empower personal choice. I am a Clinical Mental Health Masters Student at UNC Charlotte. I am also a Mental Health Counseling Intern at Living Life Wellness Center. I enjoy counseling because it provides an opportunity to serve others in a field that I am passionate about. It is important that you understand and know that I am currently being supervised due to my therapist intern status. Our sessions may or will be recorded with your prior authorization for supervision and consultation purposes. My supervisors is Ray Castillo, MA, LMFT, LCAS-A. Occasionally I may need to consult with other professionals in their areas of expertise to provide the best treatment for you. Information about you may be shared in this context while keeping your identity anonymous.
Steele Creek
11020 S. Tryon St Suite 408
Charlotte, NC 28273
980-236-1660 (Phone)
980-280-1508 (Fax)