Counseling Services

Nestor Levesque 

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Masters Certified Addictions Professional with more than 30 years of experience in individual and group counseling. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts and obtained a Master’s degree in Education with a Concentration in Counseling from Bridgewater State University.

I have worked in a wide variety of treatment settings with children, adolescents, adults, and seniors who are living with mental health and/or addictions issues. I have trained local and county law enforcement personnel in the Memphis Model of Crisis Intervention to assist them in more effectively managing mental health and substance abuse situations through the use of de-escalation techniques.

I have been a speaker at a wide range of venues, including local television, radio, colleges, and universities talking on subjects related to mental health and substance abuse concerns. I have spoken before the Massachusetts legislature to advocate for continued funding of state-wide substance abuse services and have authored a number of articles for local newspapers about mental health concerns.

My faith as a Catholic dictates my counseling work in that I recognize and respect that each of us is made in the image and likeness of God and that as such we are all worthy of the dignity which that reality demands. Our faith can also give meaning to the suffering in people’s lives; it is that suffering which often draws people to therapy in the first place. By helping people address not only the emotional aspects of their lives but the spiritual, as well, I hope to help them not just feel better, but to live better. In this way people can experience full and complete healing. As a Catholic counselor founded in our faith, I hope I can help people live the lives God has created them for and called them to live.

My faith has also been an important part of my life, outside of my work, for as long as I can remember. I have worked as a youth minister, directed youth and adult retreats, taught RCIA and confirmation classes, and my wife and I taught Natural Family Planning for over 20 years.

I have been married to a phenomenal woman for over 30 years, I am the proud father of three children, and I have one adorable granddaughter.

Mary von Mohr 

I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been counseling for over 30 years.  I am new to Ave and very excited to have joined the team at Ave Maria University.  I specialize in the areas of depression, anxiety, relationship/communications problems, trauma, and general life stressors.  Through my work I am committed to helping persons find increased happiness and life satisfaction.

I believe mental health is as important as physical health – we cannot separate the mind from the body.    All of us need to care for our mental health and should know that seeking counseling is as normal as seeing a doctor when you feel a cold coming on.  Counseling has a preventative aspect – when you care for your mind/emotions, your body will remain healthier and you will perform better in peak moments.

I believe that healing is a collaborative endeavor that requires honest caring without judgement. I work collaboratively with clients to assist them in clarifying their needs, goals, and solutions to reach improved health and happiness. I draw from a variety of methods to create a tailored approach for each individual and situation.  When counseling, I utilize our Catholic faith to help each person understand they are a gift to this world and have a designed purpose.  I have been a Catholic all my life and have found my faith has carried me through my darkest hours.  Many of these challenging times were when I was in college – where I myself reached out to a counselor for help.  My journey through life has had its unexpected bumps; but through it all, God has “held me” and molded me into who I am today.

I received my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Clinical Social Work from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.  I have also attend University of South Florida and Emory/University of Georgia for past certificates in Public Health Leadership programs.  My past work experience has taken me from Columbus, Ohio to Amelia Island, Florida and now here to Ave Maria, Florida. This has included counseling with non-profit agencies (persons with disabilities), medical-hospital systems (physicians) and with our Florida public health system.  I have worked with all ages – homeless persons, persons who are in major life crisis, persons lacking basic needs, those who are distraught, grieving, chronically ill, and those who simply need someone to listen to them.

My experience aside from counseling also includes providing leadership training, strategic planning, life planning, grant writing, and management of social services programs.  This includes past management of a team of staff who shared my passion for serving others and supporting improved health for all.

Come find me and let me help you find your hidden strengths and path to improved happiness. 

God Bless,

Mary von Mohr

(Committed cat and dog lover, lucky wife of Paul von Mohr, and mom of three wonderful kids)