About Us

Caree Jewell is a highly respected licensed mental health counselor and qualified supervisor in Florida, currently serving as the Director of Extended Care at Valor Lakes Solutions.

With a robust background in clinical services and program management, Caree has played a pivotal role in the establishment and accreditation of Valor Lakes, spearheading the launch and ensuring the highest standards of care.

Prior to joining Valor Lakes, Caree was the Director of Clinical Services at University Behavioral Center, where they achieved remarkable outcomes, including a flawless Joint Commission re-accreditation for her department and significant improvements in patient satisfaction and clinical compliance.

Caree holds a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Rollins College and dual Bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Psychology from the University of Central Florida.

With over two decades of experience in leadership roles, including Senior Director of Acute Care Services at Aspire Health Partners and Senior Director of the 2-1-1 Crisis Center at Heart of Florida United Way, Caree has consistently demonstrated expertise in optimizing clinical workflows, expanding service reach, and implementing evidence-based practices.

Her extensive background and dedication to advancing behavioral health services underscores her commitment to delivering exceptional care and improving patient outcomes.

Desiree Andes is well-respected and highly trained clinician serving as Valor Lakes’ Lead Therapist in Clermont, Florida in which she developed and directs the clinical programming.

She is an EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) certified, Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Qualified Supervisor in the state of Florida as well as a Nationally Board Certified Counselor.

Desiree received her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida. She also obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Central Florida and graduated cum laude.

With over 20 years of experience in the field of mental health and addiction, Desiree has teaching and research experience in which she has published and presented on her research findings at national conferences.

Prior to her current position, she has held various leadership positions throughout the years and has worked in a variety of mental health settings including the foster care system, psychiatric residential treatment centers for adults with severe and persistent mental illness, partial hospitalization programs for adults with severe and persistent mental illness and private practice with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. While in her past leadership positions, Desiree has developed and facilitated staff trainings on a variety of topics including suicide prevention, inclusivity, coping skills, mental health diagnoses and a national CEU (continuing education unit) presentation on social learning theory.

Desiree has also worked with military personnel and their families as a Military and Family Life Counselor.  Versed in quality and compliance, she has helped previous facilities successfully navigate site surveys from the State of Florida, The Joint Commission, The Department of Children and Families and Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities.

Additionally, Desiree’s experience in utilization management has enabled her to advocate for necessary treatment for clients that utilize health insurance benefits and has led to clients receiving the clinically indicated care they deserve.  She’s excited to be part of the Valor Lakes’ team and mission!

Dr. Vijapura has been practicing psychiatry for 35 years. He specializes in acute and chronic mental illness, and addiction medicine.

He has been acting Medical Director for inpatient and outpatient care as well as partial hospitalization care for the last 20 years. He provides an alternative to care for acute depression with TMS. His interests are yoga and meditation practice. And he enjoys traveling with his family and studying different ways of treating mental illness.

Kelly Stephens is a distinguished Nurse Leader with over 20 years of experience in elevating patient care, streamlining healthcare operations, and promoting nursing education.

As the current Manager of Admissions and Utilization at Valor Lakes, Kelly has effectively utilized her expertise to assist in implementing strategic initiatives to enhance and improve admissions and referral management. Kelly’s dedication to evidence-based practices and strategic planning has been instrumental in driving operational excellence and fostering strong partnerships with community healthcare providers. Kelly’s academic credentials include a Master of Science in Nursing and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, both of which complement her extensive hands-on experience and commitment to enhancing healthcare quality. Her career is marked by successful leadership in evidence-based care, quality improvement, and the advancement of safety protocols for staff and clients alike. Throughout her career, Kelly has consistently demonstrated a talent for driving positive change and optimizing operational effectiveness through innovative strategies and strong leadership.

With a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from Rollins College and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of South Florida, Garrett Pardoe brings a robust academic foundation and a wealth of practical experience to the field of mental health.

Currently serving as a Therapist and Admissions Counselor with Valor Lakes in Clermont, Florida, Garrett has demonstrated a profound ability to deliver therapeutic services to a diverse patient base, including crisis intervention and treatment for substance use disorders, trauma, and complex mental health issues. This role builds on prior experience, including extensive volunteer work with Rollins Office of Title IX & Violence Prevention, where Garrett crafted innovative strategies for supporting survivors of sexual trauma.

In addition to a strong counseling background, Garrett Pardoe has a notable history as an Owner/Operator of Semper Fi Furniture, where entrepreneurial skills are paired with a commitment to social causes, including veteran suicide prevention. Garrett’s earlier service as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps underscores a distinguished record of leadership and crisis management, highlighted by commendations such as the Naval Achievement Medal and a Presidential Citation. This combination of military discipline, business acumen, and mental health expertise positions Garrett Pardoe as a dynamic and compassionate professional dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the field of mental health and beyond.

Stacy Felix is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, who has been practicing since 2023. She has over 25 years of experience as both a registered nurse and a nurse practitioner.

She graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a Master of Science in Nursing. She is credentialed as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan) Board Certified (PMHNP-BC) by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).  With her extensive history, she has worked in a variety of healthcare settings in leadership roles that has provided a solid foundation for her to provide a higher and more comprehensive level of care.

As a provider, she considers each encounter is an opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of the clients, families and communities she serves. She believes in a holistic or “whole person” approach to the mind, body and spirit. She is passionate about removing the barriers to care and providing quality healthcare services.

She considers the psychosocial factors that can impact treatment and educates clients on prescribed medications and options available after reviewing the risks and benefits of treatment. She understands that clients need a “safe” place where they can be heard and shared without reservation.

She strives to build a judgment-free therapeutic relationship with her clients where she serves as a guide during their journey to wellness. She works alongside the client, to develop and tailor their own unique and evidence-based treatment plan.

She believes in transparency, collaboration and teamwork in order to help clients to achieve optimum results. She understands the courage it takes to ask for help and she considers it an honor and privilege to serve the needs of those who may be struggling.