Margaret Pilon, M.S., Clinical Mental Health Counselor, RMHCI

I truly believe that every person has a story worth hearing. My work has allowed me to walk alongside children, adults, and families through some of life's most difficult moments. I believe people deserve to feel comfortable being exactly where they are, without judgment or expectations about where they "should" be in their healing.

Children often communicate how they are feeling through their behavior long before they have the words to explain it. Through play, creativity, and connection, I help create opportunities for children to explore their emotions and discover that their feelings are safe to express

I have also worked for over 16 years supporting those who are grieving since my husband and I experienced the stillbirth of our daughter, Madelynn. Our loss changed the course of our lives and ultimately influenced the direction of my work. Through my own experience, I learned that grief is not something we simply "get over." It becomes part of our story, and healing is about learning how to carry that story while continuing to love, find meaning, and hope. My work has included developing grief support groups nationally and internationally and I currently co-facilitate the HEAL support group through AdventHealth.

I am a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern and received my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida, and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University. I am a Certified Reiki Master Teacher and hold a Certificate in Death and Grief Studies through Dr. Alan Wolfelt's Center for Loss and Life Transition in Colorado. I am currently continuing my education toward play therapy certification as working with children is particularly meaningful to me.