About DeSoto Memorial Hospital Behavioral Health

Jessica Nickola, LCSW-S

Director of Behavioral Health

Jessica Nickola, LCSW-S, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and board-approved supervisor specializing in trauma‑informed, client‑centered care. As Director of Behavioral Health at Twin Rivers Pathways and DeSoto Memorial Hospital, she supports individuals and families in building resilience and navigating life transitions with compassion and evidence‑based practice. Jessica serves on the Board of Directors for the Gulf Coast South Area Health Education Center, contributing to community health initiatives and workforce development. She is dedicated to mentoring emerging clinicians and fostering ethical, reflective professional growth. Jessica is honored to represent Our Charlotte Elder Affairs Network (O.C.E.A.N.) as a Board Member and is the founder of the Clear Path Festival, celebrating healthy lifestyles for all generations.

Tanya Vazquez, LMHC

Therapist – Twin Rivers Pathways

Tanya Vazquez, LMHC, is a licensed behavioral health therapist specializing in anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. She has experience supporting individuals through a wide range of mental health challenges. Tanya takes a compassionate, collaborative approach to therapy, tailoring treatment to each patient’s unique needs and goals. She is passionate about helping patients build insight, develop coping skills, and create lasting, positive change, and is committed to providing a supportive, client-centered environment where they can build resilience and achieve meaningful personal growth. Outside of her work, she enjoys reading, music, traveling, and spending time with her family. Tanya is also a volunteer with the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America program, where she mentors young girls navigating life.

Wendy J. Silva, LMHC-S

Therapist – Twin Rivers Pathways

Wendy J. Silva, LMHC-S, is a licensed mental health counselor with over 23 years of experience in the behavioral health field. She specializes in working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions, and is a Certified Trauma-Informed Therapist. Wendy uses an integrative, evidence-based approach, incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) strategies to help clients better manage mental health symptoms, build emotional regulation skills, and foster lasting change. Wendy takes a compassionate, collaborative, and client-centered approach to therapy, tailoring treatment to each individual’s unique needs, strengths, and goals. She is deeply committed to helping clients gain insight, develop effective coping strategies, build resilience, and achieve meaningful personal growth in a safe and supportive environment. Outside of her professional work, Wendy enjoys reading, listening to music, traveling, and spending time with her family. She is also passionate about giving back to the community and values opportunities to support personal development and empowerment in others.

Mary Johnson, LPN

Program Nurse – Twin Rivers Pathways

Mary Johnson, LPN, is a licensed practical nurse with extensive experience in elder care and mental health. She began her healthcare career as a CNA/HHA in the ICU at DeSoto Memorial Hospital and earned her LPN from DeSoto County Nursing School, followed by an Associate of Science in Nursing from South Florida State College. Her background includes work in hospitals, urgent care, primary care, neurological rehabilitation, correctional health, and assisted living, where she served as Director of Nursing. Since 2021, Mary has been a Program Nurse at Twin Rivers Pathways in Port Charlotte, where she is dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality care to the elderly and supporting their daily health and wellness needs. Mary is an advocate for disabled adults and has been involved with Special Olympics for many years.

Dolores Stewart, RN

Program Nurse – Life Improvement Program

Dolores Stewart, RN, is a registered nurse specializing in mental health care. She earned her nursing education at Mountainside Hospital School of Nursing and Montclair State University in New Jersey. Her extensive clinical background includes geriatrics, pediatrics, home health, and many years of hospice care for both adults and children. She obtained her WCC/WOCN credentials and served as a wound care nurse for a specialized home care agency, later advancing to Director of Nursing. Dolores also worked as the primary nurse for Easter Seals Behavioral Health in New Jersey, overseeing group homes and assessing patients in state hospitals for community placement. She previously served as Clinical Nurse Liaison for the PACE Program across Charlotte, Lee, and Collier Counties. Currently, she is the Program Nurse for the Life Improvement Program, providing comprehensive, patient-centered care. Originally from Northern New Jersey, she enjoys outdoor activities, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Jasmine Johnson, MSW, RCSWI

Therapist – Life Improvement Program

Jasmine Johnson, MSW, RCSWI, is a registered clinical social worker intern at the Life Improvement Program at DeSoto Memorial Hospital. She completed her undergraduate education at Florida A&M University and earned an advanced degree in social work from Walden University. Jasmine provides compassionate, client-centered care to individuals seeking to improve their emotional well-being and overall quality of life. Through her experience in case management, treatment planning, and the implementation of effective therapeutic interventions, Jasmine has consistently demonstrated her dedication to supporting people across the lifespan. She specializes in helping clients navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, and interpersonal conflict, and is highly skilled in a variety of evidence-based therapeutic techniques. Jasmine is passionate about creating a safe, supportive environment where individuals feel heard, respected, and empowered to make meaningful changes in their lives. Outside of her professional role, she enjoys spending quality time with her family, traveling, and embracing the calming effects of nature.

Shellie Shine, LCSW-S

Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Supervisor

Shellie Shine, LCSW-S, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and board-approved supervisor with extensive experience supporting individuals, families, and groups across diverse clinical settings. She is dedicated to providing compassionate, client-centered care that empowers individuals to achieve meaningful and lasting change. Shellie is trained in a variety of evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Attachment Theory, and Trauma-Informed Care, integrating these modalities to tailor treatment to each client’s unique needs. Her clinical background includes extensive experience in intensive outpatient programs, where she has led therapeutic groups and provided structured support for individuals navigating complex mental health needs. In addition to her group therapy expertise, Shellie provides individual and family counseling and is passionate about mentoring emerging clinicians, helping to strengthen ethical, effective, and compassionate practice in the field.

About DeSoto Memorial Hospital Behavioral Health

Our Mission

Inside Our Programs

Welcome to Twin Rivers Pathways

Top 5 Things We Like About Twin Rivers Pathways

A Look Inside Twin Rivers Pathways

Meet Our Team

Jessica Nickola, LCSW-S

Tanya Vazquez, LMHC

Wendy J. Silva, LMHC-S

Mary Johnson, LPN

Dolores Stewart, RN

Jasmine Johnson, MSW, RCSWI

Shellie Shine, LCSW-S

Join Our Newsletter

Contact Us

Send us a Message

Twin Rivers Pathways

Life Improvement Program

Emergency Services

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Twin Rivers Pathways

Life Improvement Program