Joy Makela
Joy Makela, LMHC-QS, LSP, LPC, NCC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Licensed School Psychologist
Licensed Professional Counselor
National Board Certified Counselor
Joy is frequently described by her patients as a highly supportive, genuinely compassionate, and remarkably confident counselor who excels in communicating with clarity and understanding. Her collaborative approach, combined with her extensive training, makes her especially well-suited for working with high-achieving individuals, including professionals, diligent students, and competitive athletes, all of whom are seeking to enhance their overall mental fitness and well-being.
She is keenly aware that there are unique challenges when you’re reaching for the most out of life, such as the demanding balance of various responsibilities, complex relationship issues, performance-related anxiety, and persistent feelings of isolation. Drawing from her personal experiences as an Air Force spouse of a frequently deployed special operations pilot, devoted Army Aviator’s mom, and Air Force daughter, Joy possesses a deep understanding of the specific struggles that military and first responder families often face in their day-to-day lives.
Joy earned her Master’s degree in Psychology from the University of West Florida, where she also had the opportunity to teach as a faculty member before transitioning into private practice. In addition to her work as a counselor and school psychologist, Joy is a professional educator, an engaging public speaker, and an award-winning writer and photographer. Actively involved in her community, she generously volunteers with a variety of educational, local government, and nonprofit organizations. Joy and her husband, who have been happily married for over 30 years, share a love for soccer, an interest in science, and a passion for cheering on the Florida Gators, SMU Mustangs, UT-Dallas Comets, Texas A&M Aggies, FIU Panthers, and the San Antonio Futbol Club all while celebrating the wonders of life with their three treasured adult children and their spouses.
Patient Age Ranges: Older Adults (65+), Adults (20-64), Teens (14-19), and Pre-teens/Tweens (11-13)
