Our Team

Frederick Harris, Psychotherapist. MA, MA, LPC, SAC, CCTP

As Founder and Clinical Director of NBCC, Frederick Harris (he/his) has over 15 years in the field of behavioral health. His journey started working in the criminal justice system; where he served a diverse population comprised of substance abuse, mental health, homelessness, transitions, family dynamics, and criminal behavior. He has had great opportunities to develop restorative and rehabilitation programs, managed in-patient and outpatient programs for co-occurring disorders, and provided clinical therapy to adolescents and adults from all cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. His direct, warm, and honest approach has been effective in building and maintaining therapeutic relationships.

As an African-American, Frederick brings a deep understanding of multicultural, sexuality and other identity issues, where he offers multidimensional perspective and insights from different populations and personal life experiences. His clinical training includes an array of treatment modalities; which he finds to be important because his belief is that one single approach does not work for every individual. His eclectic style allows his clients to feel as though they are not just another person on a list of many, but rather an individual with concerns and issues that he can help them work through.

Frederick believes everyone deserves to be the person they want to be in life. The purpose of New Beginnings Counseling Center, LLC is to help individuals achieve their personal life goals.

Cynthia Moore, Advanced Practice Social Worker. MSSW, APSW

Cynthia (she/her) comes with over 20 years of experience working in schools as a Montessori teacher and school social worker. She has experience working with young children, adolescents, and adults. She believes that therapy, at its most basic level, is about human connection; feeling seen and heard. Cynthia’s approach is compassionate, genuine, and non-judgmental. She believes that therapy should be a transformative relationship where you explore obstacles to your growth in a safe environment. At the center of her work is the belief that stories are essential to the human spirit. We all need a witness to our stories and experiences, and to be a witness.

Cynthia is passionate about working with individuals from marginalized communities, including those struggling with cross-cultural, multicultural, ethnic, and religious identity issues. She also works with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, and adjustment issues using various modalities.

Cynthia is trained in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and has co-taught a MBSR class for People of Color.

Tony Utrie, Certified Advanced Practice Social Worker/Substance Abuse Counselor. MSW, LCSW, SAC-IT

Tony (he/his) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Substance Abuse Counselor who graduated from UW-Madison . First, with a BA in psychology in 2015 and later, a Master’s of Social Work in 2021. He has developed and honed his therapeutic practice in Madison, working with individuals experiencing co-occurring disorders, substance use issues, or persistent mental health concerns.

Tony has also worked in higher education at UW-Madison, providing case management for vulnerable students at UW-Madison and as a core member of the campus’s Behavioral Intervention Team. Tony began his professional career as a resident counselor, working with individuals to build mental health management and independent living skills. Tony also has a strong coaching background from his time as a recreation coordinator for the YMCA and as a volunteer youth sports coach. Through his myriad experiences working with individuals, groups, and communities, Tony has benefited from exposure to many forms of diversity and allowed Tony to build a reputation as a fierce advocate, ally, and ethical practitioner.

Tony’s core belief in the value, dignity, and worth of all individuals, community building, and the ability all individuals possess to heal, is what forms his clinical foundation. His focus in therapy is to offer healing and harmony to clients’ lives through introspection, positive communication, mutual commitment, and intentional trust-building.

Marcus Weathers, Licensed Professional Counselor in Training. MS, CRC, LPC-IT

Marcus Weathers Jr. (he/his) is a doctoral student in the Rehabilitation Counselor Education program at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Marcus is a certified rehabilitation counselor (CRC) and a licensed professional counselor in-training (LPC-IT) with experience in working with transition-aged youth (ages 13-26) with intellectual and developmental disabilities and in the juvenile justice system. He also has experience in working with adults living with psychiatric disabilities.

His expertise lies in emotional regulation and soft skills training, which he believes are crucial for personal growth and success. Across his educational journey and field work experience, Marcus has developed a deeper understanding of the unique challenges that young people of color face, including systemic injustices and cultural barriers. When working with youth of color, he focuses on creating a safe and supportive environment where they can explore their emotions, build their self-esteem, and learn practical tools for managing stress and anxiety. Marcus is committed to helping them develop a strong sense of identity and purpose, and to empowering them to navigate the challenges of adolescence and beyond with confidence and resilience.

His clinical values are rooted in humanistic and mindfulness practices, which means that he prioritizes empathy, authenticity, and non-judgmental listening in his work. Marcus believes that every individual has the capacity for self-awareness and positive change, and his job is to facilitate that process through a collaborative and empowering approach. He also has experience in teaching (both graduate and undergraduate level courses) and conducting research (specifically examining how stigma influences the behaviors of individuals who have been involved with the criminal justice system) at UW-Madison.

*** Marcus will be joining New Beginnings starting in June. ***

Lexi Bonilla, Social Worker. MSW.

Lexi Bonilla (she/her) is a soon-to-be Licensed Psychotherapist / Advanced Practice Social Worker at NBCC. She completed her graduate degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she received a Master’s Degree in Social Work with a mental health focus.

Her approach in working with clients involves a collaborative process building on strengths and unpacking struggles where she brings a compassionate, empathetic, and validating voice to sessions. Lexi works with clients aged 18+ in addressing a variety of issues including but not limited to anxiety disorders, mood disorders, eating disorders, couples counseling, and other types of adjustments to various life changes. She enjoys supporting adults through a person-centered, strengths-based approach paired with strategies from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and trauma-informed care.

Lexi strives to create a warm, trusting, and non-judgmental therapeutic space where clients of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, disabilities, and socioeconomic statuses feel supported, safe, and heard. She has learned there is no “one size fits all” approach to therapy, so she works with clients to create goals uniquely tailored to them.

Lexi will be joining our team after graduating from UW-Madison in social work.

*** Lexi will start accepting new clients beginning June 5th. ***

Nour Franklin, Social Worker. MSW.

Nour (she/her) is an advanced placement University of Wisconsin - Madison student. As a queer woman of color, Nour is passionate about supporting and empowering LGBTQ+ and racialized clients through an intersectional and trauma informed framework.

Nour is also a community organizer who has experience enacting policies that advocate for women, people of color, and survivors of domestic violence and assault.

Nour will continue at NBCC after completing her internship and graduating from UW-Madison in social work.

Roger Brown, Clinical Social Worker. MSW

Roger (he/his) has twelve years of experience in the field of social services. Before his career in social services, Roger served six years in the United States Army. He received his Master’s in Social Work from Adelphi University in 2017 and received a certification in Substance Abuse in New York City.

Roger relocated to Madison, WI last year from New York to continue his clinical work with veterans. Throughout his career in social services, he has worked as a Peer Support Specialist, Case Manager, and Clinician; providing clinical treatment to individuals and families experiencing co-occurring disorders and substance use. Throughout his clinical career in the field, Roger has worked with diverse populations, including marginalized communities, which has allowed him to build a framework to “meet the person for who they are” and not with what they are presenting.

Roger’s modality of treatment is assisting people with developing coping skills while talking through painful situations, setting healthy boundaries, rebuilding relationships, and promoting self-determination and emotional balance.

Taylor Lazar, Advanced Practice Social Worker. MS, APSW.

Taylor (she/her) is an advanced practice social worker who graduated with her master’s degree in social work from the University of Wisconsin – Madison in 2023. She enjoys working with individuals across the life span, from childhood to adulthood.

Taylor strives to approach each therapeutic relationship with a strengths-based, person-centered, and trauma-informed perspective. She draws from motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and more in her work with clients. Taylor believes that every individual’s journey to healing is different and that every person deserves dignity and respect.

Lucas Moore, Clinical Supervisor. LCSW, SUD, ACS, ICS

As a psychotherapist, Lucas (he/his) primarily works with young adults in transition, though he also works with people from across the lifespan. He approaches his relationships with openness and curiosity; strives to be trauma-informed, recovery oriented, and culturally humble/responsive; and his person-driven, insight-oriented practice draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and psychoeducation.

Lucas supervises clinical interns and lectures at the University of Wisconsin Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work. Through his work as a lecturer, he was a member of the National Substance Use Disorder Curriculum Task Force with the Counsel on Social Work Education to help establish best practices and curriculum expectations for accredited Master of Social Work programs throughout the United States.

In addition, Lucas also has experience working at the State of Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services as the Adolescent Substance Use Disorder Treatment Coordinator, has presented at various conferences, and has consulted for the Usona Institute.

Jasmine Poe, Office Manager

Jasmine (she/her) obtained her Bachelors degree in Psychology with a concentration in Women’s Studies at the University of Wisconsin Parkside.

Jasmine is passionate about working in the community supporting and encouraging the marginalized community.

She is also passionate about working with children and feels that children are the future. Jasmine works with her church on Sundays in the children ministry department, creating a space for children to learn, speak, and become empowered by life and their own experiences.

When Jasmine is not working, she is spending time with her husband and two children, reading, cooking, and watching movies.

Reagan Chadwell, Graduate Level Professional Counselor Intern. BS

Reagan (she/her) is currently a graduate student studying clinical mental health counseling at Moody in downtown Chicago. She received her bachelor's degree in psychology with a certificate in health development from Texas A&M University. She is excited to be a part of the NBCC team!

Reagan is eager to apply her education and experience with clients of all ages and demographics. She is passionate about supporting foster, adoptive, and at-risk families. Reagan is knowledgeable in youth and adolescent development, including social, behavioral, emotional, and cognitive strategies.

Mya Berry, Development Associate.

Mya Berry (they/them) is a Development Associate for New Beginnings. Mya is an advocate for Black and Brown people as well as the LGBTQIA+ community. They have a deep passion to liberate marginalized communities with resources and love.

Mya recently earned a Master’s degree from Harvard Graduate School of Education where they studied Human Development and Education. In their role at New Beginnings, they hope to use their knowledge to secure grants in order to cultivate culturally appropriate environments that are safe, joyful, and uplifting for the community.