Expert Clinical Psychology Team Serving the Local Community
Ascend Psychology offers scientifically proven, research-backed treatment for the wide range of mental health challenges. Our clinicians provide care for children, teens, adults, and older adults through individual, couples, family, and group therapy. We also conduct comprehensive psychological assessments and testing to guide accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plans. If you do not see the service you need, please call (954) 288-9393, and our team will be happy to assist you.
Dr. Katherine H. Cadwalader
Dr. Katherine H. Cadwalader
Postdoctoral Resident
Dr. Katherine H. Cadwalader is a clinical psychology resident practicing in the East Fort Lauderdale and Plantation offices. She completed her Master of Science and Doctor of Psychology, Clinical Psychology, degrees at the American Psychological Association’s (APA) accredited program at Nova Southeastern University (NSU). During her years of extensive training, she completed the four year, APA-accredited psychodynamic psychotherapy concentration at NSU. At the Bruce W. Carter Miami VA Hospital, she performed neuropsychological assessments to evaluate organic and inorganic brain injuries and collaborated with veterans, their physicians, and families to create a comprehensive care plan for their continued health. Dr. Cadwalader received in-patient training in group, individual and family psychotherapies with children, adolescents, and young adults at the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital’s psychiatric unit. Dr. Cadwalader’s experience further included treatment at the Intensive Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Clinic within NSU, where she specialized in long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy. Her training at the NSU Counseling Center for Older Adults emphasized her specialty in psychotherapeutic care with older adults and led to her completion of her APA-accredited Internship with an emphasis in geropsychology. During the two years of collaboration with older adult patients, Dr. Cadwalader completed rotations with multidisciplinary medical teams at the NSU Geriatric Medicine Clinic at the College of Osteopathic Medicine and the NSU Clinic within Covenant Village assisted living facility.
Dr. Cadwalader believes every patient should be cared for as an individual, with unique needs to address that are considered within their own history. Her training across various specialties and psychotherapeutic modalities has enhanced her approach in contemporary psychodynamic psychology, which is a collaborative experience between patient and clinical psychologist. She treats individuals who seek personal psychotherapy to enhance their own understanding of themselves, deepen their relationships, and realize their fullest potential. She offers psychological assessment, consultation, individual and family psychotherapies to adult patients. Her specialties include treating individuals and families who are experiencing concerns regarding ageing, life transitions, mood disorders, personality disorders, and posttraumatic stress disorders.
Dr. Sara Ferguson
Dr. Sara Ferguson
Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Sara Ferguson is a licensed clinical psychologist at Ascend Psychology. She earned her bachelor’s degree (B.S.) at Florida State University and her master’s (M.S.) and doctoral (Psy.D.) degrees in clinical psychology, with a specialty in forensic psychology, at Nova Southeastern University.
Dr. Sara approaches treatment from a holistic and relational perspective and believes that life’s Challenges should not be faced alone. She provides psychotherapy services to adolescents, adults, and families. Her work emphasizes collaboration, self-understanding, and the therapeutic relationship as central agents of change, while also incorporating practical, strengths-based strategies tailored to each individual’s needs. Dr. Sara has clinical expertise in the treatment of relational concerns and mood disorders, including bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorder.
In addition to psychotherapy, Dr. Sara specializes in comprehensive psychological and psychoeducational evaluations across the lifespan. She is ADOS-2 certified and has specialty training in providing diagnostic evaluations and social-emotional, behavioral, and educational consultation for autism spectrum disorder across developmental stages.
Dr. Bryan Goldin
Dr. Bryan Goldin
Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Bryan Goldin is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist at Dr. David Yudell and Associates. He earned his Doctorate and Masters degrees in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University. He provides therapy to children, adolescents, adults, and couples.
Dr. Goldin has extensive experience in the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders, interpersonal and communication problems, body image concerns and eating disorders, adjustment issues, identity concerns, and the intersection between medical and psychological concerns.
Dr. Goldin utilizes evidence-based practices to provide treatment, including Cognitive Behavioral, Interpersonal, Psychodynamic, and Solution-Focused therapies, integrating them when needed to approach therapy in a way that best fits the individual. He also believes that to best work with any individual, it is greatly important to discuss diversity, which comes in many ways and influences our experiences and perceptions in life.
Dr. Goldin is fluent in English and in Spanish.
Dr. Bianca Howard
Dr. Bianca Howard
Postdoctoral Resident
Dr. Bianca Howard is a post-doctoral resident at Dr. David Yudell and Associates. She earned her Masters’s (M.S.) and Doctorate (Psy.D.) degrees in Clinical Psychology at Nova Southeastern University with a concentration in Forensic Psychology. She specializes in children and adolescents and provides therapy to children, adolescents, adults, and families.
Dr. Howard believes in a collaborative therapeutic approach that increases the quality of life, empowerment, and personal growth. She tailors her approach to the unique circumstances of each individual and/or family unit’s needs. This is accomplished by emphasizing culturally sensitive practices that aid in understanding the background, ethnicity, and belief systems of the clients she serves.
Dr. Howard has experience treating Post Traumatic Stress, high family conflict, reunification therapy, parenting concerns, mood disorders, anxiety, behavioral concerns, and comprehensive psychological evaluations. Additionally, Dr. Howard has extensive experience treating medical adherence-related issues and coping with chronic medical conditions and trauma.
Approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy, family systems therapy, play therapy, and behavior/lifestyle change to increase medical treatment adherence and pain management.
Patrick Kiley
Dr. Patrick Kiley
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Patrick Kiley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience working in the mental health field. He earned his undergraduate degree in Social Work at Florida Atlantic University and his Master’s Degree in Social Work at Barry University. He has extensive experience providing individual and family therapy to children, adolescents, couples, and adults in treating issues including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, family and marital issues, grief and loss, and substance abuse.
Patrick utilizes a client-centered treatment approach and incorporates a variety of therapeutic interventions including but not limited to cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, family systems, and trauma-informed therapy.
Patrick also specializes in solution-focused parenting combined with cognitive-behavioral techniques to help children and adolescents struggling at school or at home with ADHD, adjustment disorder, poor impulse control, substance use issues, low self-esteem, bullying, and many others.
Dr. Stephanie Muguira
Dr. Stephanie Muguira
Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Stephanie Muguira, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist at Ascend Psychology. She earned her doctorate and master’s degrees in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Muguira is passionate about supporting individuals, couples, and families through life’s challenges with compassion, insight, and evidence-based care. She strives to create a collaborative and personalized therapeutic space where clients feel safe, understood, and supported as they explore their thoughts, emotions, and goals and work toward meaningful change.
Dr. Muguira has experience helping clients navigate mood and anxiety disorders, autism spectrum disorder, life transitions, and relationship concerns. She offers both in-person and virtual sessions to meet diverse needs and is fluent in Spanish. Dr. Muguira enjoys working with clients across the lifespan, including children, adolescents, young adults, and older adults.
She welcomes the opportunity to support you as you take meaningful steps toward growth, healing, and emotional well-being.
Dr. Malaya Monk
Dr. Malaya Monk
Postdoctoral Resident
Dr. Malaya Monk is a postdoctoral resident at Ascend Psychology. She earned her Ph.D. in Combined Counseling and School Psychology from Florida State University, where she also completed her masters (M.S.) and specialist (Ed.S.) degrees in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Dr. Monk completed her APA-accredited predoctoral internship at Nova Southeastern University (NSU).
She received advanced clinical training in both assessment and therapy through the School-related Psychological Assessments and Clinical Interventions (SPACI) clinic, the Child, Adolescent, and Family Services (CAFS) program, and the Adult Services Program (ASP) at NSU.
Dr. Monk has trained across schools, private practice, and community-based settings. She specializes in psychological assessment, providing comprehensive evaluations for children, adolescents, and adults presenting with a range of neurodevelopmental, emotional, behavioral, psychological, and learning concerns.
She is skilled in selecting and integrating evidence-based measures to inform diagnosis and treatment planning. In addition to assessment, Dr. Monk provides individual, family, and group therapy, with experience supporting children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), anxiety, emotion regulation difficulties, and behavioral challenges. Dr. Monk values building collaborative relationships with families and strives to create a warm, supportive environment that promotes meaningful outcomes.
Orly Noiman
Orly Noiman
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Orly Noiman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with seventeen years of experience in counseling and ten years as a high school guidance counselor. She received her Master’s in Clinical Social Work, MSW from Barry University. She also received a Bachelor’s of Art in Education and Languages from Hunter University in New York City.
Orly is fluent in English, Portuguese, Spanish, and Hebrew. She enjoys working with clients in their native language to effectively communicate and create a secure environment. Orly is passionate about working with individuals who come from diverse social and cultural backgrounds.
She has an extensive background in supporting children and adolescents with learning disabilities, ADHD, academic concerns, stress, anxiety, depression, and other social issues, including bullying. Additionally, Orly counsels families on grief, loss, separation, divorce, and blended family issues.
Orly utilizes a range of modalities in her practice, including cognitive behavioral therapy, parent work/family systems therapy, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and play therapy
Dr. Kaitlin O'Brien
Dr. Kaitlin O’Brien
Post Doctoral Resident
Dr. Kaitlin O’Brien is a clinical psychology resident who is practicing in Coral Springs, Plantation, and East Fort Lauderdale. She completed her Master of Science and Doctor of Psychology, Clinical Psychology degrees at the American Psychological Association’s (APA) accredited program at Nova Southeastern University (NSU).
During her years of extensive training, she specialized in trauma and abuse throughout the lifespan, with specific interests in treating sexual trauma and first responder/military trauma and completed the APA-accredited concentration at NSU. While at Nova she completed clinical practica in the Adolescent Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment (ADAPT) clinic, the Trauma Resolution and Integration Program (TRIP) at NSU, and completed an additional practicum at the nonprofit organization Childnet.
Her internship and post-doctoral residency were completed through Veteran Affairs centers where she furthered her trauma specialty education completing a predoctoral internship at the West Palm Beach VA with a specialty in PTSD/SUDS and completing her postdoctoral fellowship at the Veteran Affairs Pacific Islands Healthcare System with a specialty in Military sexual trauma, gaining additional experience in the PTSD clinic as well as the Women’s Health clinic. After residency with the VA, Dr. O’Brien worked at Kahi Mohala Sutter Health, a residential facility in Hawaii, which had residential units for children, teens, and adults. While at Kahi Mohala, Dr. O’Brien completed psychological assessments, individual, family, and group therapy to patients within all units. She further expanded and revamped the programming on the residential female unit, where the majority of patients were teens rescued from human trafficking. In addition, she provided trainings and education on sexual trauma and trafficking to staff working within these units.
Dr. O’Brien is a clinician who is integrative and collaborative in nature and uses approaches that are evidenced based. She has training in multiple Cognitive Behavioral Therapy based treatments as well as Dynamic and Emotion Focused therapies. She is additionally expanding her training in whole health-based approaches to give her clients well rounded holistic care as she believes in having a balanced whole health approach treating mind, body, and spirit. She utilizes individual strengths and forms collaborative relationship with her clients to personalize treatments leading to enhanced recovery and growth. She has a passion for researching and raising awareness on trauma and its impact on development, attachment, and self-esteem. Her hope, through research and education, is to raise awareness and reduce the stigma associated with mental health disorders and the impact trauma has on someone’s self-esteem and self-efficacy.
Dr. O’Brien works with all ages and provides psychological testing, consultation/education, individual, family, and group therapy. She specializes in trauma throughout the lifespan, with interests in first responder/military trauma, sexual trauma, personality disorders, substance abuse, mood disorders, life transitions, and self-esteem difficulties.
Pamela Wachtel
Pamela Wachtel
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Pamela Wachtel is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 22 years of experience in the counseling field. She earned her Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Nova Southeastern University. She also received her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from The University of Florida.
Pamela works as a therapist with teenagers, adults, couples, and families throughout Florida. Her areas of focus include relationship and marital concerns, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, parenting challenges, school and behavioral issues, attention and focus difficulties, grief and loss, women's issues, and communication skills.
Pamela believes therapy is most effective when clients feel safe, heard, and respected. She offers a supportive and collaborative environment where individuals and families can explore challenges, gain insight, and develop practical tools for meaningful change. She welcomes clients who are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply seeking greater balance and connection in their lives.
Dr. David A. Yudell
Dr. David A. Yudell, Psy. D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. David Yudell is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and the Founder of Ascend Psychology, providing comprehensive psychological services to individuals and families throughout Broward and Southern Palm Beach County. He earned his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University and also holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from NSU, as well as a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Seton Hall University.
Dr. Yudell has extensive training and experience working with children, adolescents, and adults across a wide range of emotional, behavioral, learning, and developmental concerns. His clinical background includes work in private practice, school-based settings, and collaborative multidisciplinary environments. He has significant experience conducting comprehensive psychological and psychoeducational evaluations, including assessments for academic, emotional, behavioral, and neurodevelopmental concerns.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Yudell maintains contracts with multiple State of Florida agencies and works closely with private and public schools, families, and other professionals to provide thorough evaluations and practical, meaningful recommendations. His approach emphasizes clarity, collaboration, and translating complex clinical findings into actionable guidance that supports real-world success.
Through Ascend Psychology, Dr. Yudell is committed to helping individuals and families gain insight, build resilience, and move forward with confidence. His work is grounded in evidence-based practice, thoughtful evaluation, and a genuine belief in each person’s capacity for growth and progress.
Additional Team Members
Danielle Amendt
Danielle Amendt
Office Manager
I received my Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Central Florida. I grew up in South Florida, and have been with the practice for many years now. I know the ins and outs of everything pertaining to our offices, and I pride myself on being knowledgeable about every aspect of all of our patients accounts. Any questions that you might have, I can answer them for you.
Therapists in Plantation
Dr. Katherine H. Cadwalader
Dr. Katherine H. Cadwalader
Postdoctoral Resident
Dr. Katherine H. Cadwalader is a clinical psychology resident practicing in the East Fort Lauderdale and Plantation offices. She completed her Master of Science and Doctor of Psychology, Clinical Psychology, degrees at the American Psychological Association’s (APA) accredited program at Nova Southeastern University (NSU). During her years of extensive training, she completed the four year, APA-accredited psychodynamic psychotherapy concentration at NSU. At the Bruce W. Carter Miami VA Hospital, she performed neuropsychological assessments to evaluate organic and inorganic brain injuries and collaborated with veterans, their physicians, and families to create a comprehensive care plan for their continued health. Dr. Cadwalader received in-patient training in group, individual and family psychotherapies with children, adolescents, and young adults at the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital’s psychiatric unit. Dr. Cadwalader’s experience further included treatment at the Intensive Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Clinic within NSU, where she specialized in long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy. Her training at the NSU Counseling Center for Older Adults emphasized her specialty in psychotherapeutic care with older adults and led to her completion of her APA-accredited Internship with an emphasis in geropsychology. During the two years of collaboration with older adult patients, Dr. Cadwalader completed rotations with multidisciplinary medical teams at the NSU Geriatric Medicine Clinic at the College of Osteopathic Medicine and the NSU Clinic within Covenant Village assisted living facility.
Dr. Cadwalader believes every patient should be cared for as an individual, with unique needs to address that are considered within their own history. Her training across various specialties and psychotherapeutic modalities has enhanced her approach in contemporary psychodynamic psychology, which is a collaborative experience between patient and clinical psychologist. She treats individuals who seek personal psychotherapy to enhance their own understanding of themselves, deepen their relationships, and realize their fullest potential. She offers psychological assessment, consultation, individual and family psychotherapies to adult patients. Her specialties include treating individuals and families who are experiencing concerns regarding ageing, life transitions, mood disorders, personality disorders, and posttraumatic stress disorders.
Dr. Sara Ferguson
Dr. Sara Ferguson
Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Sara Ferguson is a licensed clinical psychologist at Ascend Psychology. She earned her bachelor’s degree (B.S.) at Florida State University and her master’s (M.S.) and doctoral (Psy.D.) degrees in clinical psychology, with a specialty in forensic psychology, at Nova Southeastern University.
Dr. Sara approaches treatment from a holistic and relational perspective and believes that life’s Challenges should not be faced alone. She provides psychotherapy services to adolescents, adults, and families. Her work emphasizes collaboration, self-understanding, and the therapeutic relationship as central agents of change, while also incorporating practical, strengths-based strategies tailored to each individual’s needs. Dr. Sara has clinical expertise in the treatment of relational concerns and mood disorders, including bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorder.
In addition to psychotherapy, Dr. Sara specializes in comprehensive psychological and psychoeducational evaluations across the lifespan. She is ADOS-2 certified and has specialty training in providing diagnostic evaluations and social-emotional, behavioral, and educational consultation for autism spectrum disorder across developmental stages.
Dr. Bryan Goldin
Dr. Bryan Goldin
Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Bryan Goldin is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist at Dr. David Yudell and Associates. He earned his Doctorate and Masters degrees in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University. He provides therapy to children, adolescents, adults, and couples.
Dr. Goldin has extensive experience in the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders, interpersonal and communication problems, body image concerns and eating disorders, adjustment issues, identity concerns, and the intersection between medical and psychological concerns.
Dr. Goldin utilizes evidence-based practices to provide treatment, including Cognitive Behavioral, Interpersonal, Psychodynamic, and Solution-Focused therapies, integrating them when needed to approach therapy in a way that best fits the individual. He also believes that to best work with any individual, it is greatly important to discuss diversity, which comes in many ways and influences our experiences and perceptions in life.
Dr. Goldin is fluent in English and in Spanish.
Dr. Bianca Howard
Dr. Bianca Howard
Postdoctoral Resident
Dr. Bianca Howard is a post-doctoral resident at Dr. David Yudell and Associates. She earned her Masters’s (M.S.) and Doctorate (Psy.D.) degrees in Clinical Psychology at Nova Southeastern University with a concentration in Forensic Psychology. She specializes in children and adolescents and provides therapy to children, adolescents, adults, and families.
Dr. Howard believes in a collaborative therapeutic approach that increases the quality of life, empowerment, and personal growth. She tailors her approach to the unique circumstances of each individual and/or family unit’s needs. This is accomplished by emphasizing culturally sensitive practices that aid in understanding the background, ethnicity, and belief systems of the clients she serves.
Dr. Howard has experience treating Post Traumatic Stress, high family conflict, reunification therapy, parenting concerns, mood disorders, anxiety, behavioral concerns, and comprehensive psychological evaluations. Additionally, Dr. Howard has extensive experience treating medical adherence-related issues and coping with chronic medical conditions and trauma.
Approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy, family systems therapy, play therapy, and behavior/lifestyle change to increase medical treatment adherence and pain management.
Dr. Malaya Monk
Dr. Malaya Monk
Postdoctoral Resident
Dr. Malaya Monk is a postdoctoral resident at Ascend Psychology. She earned her Ph.D. in Combined Counseling and School Psychology from Florida State University, where she also completed her masters (M.S.) and specialist (Ed.S.) degrees in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Dr. Monk completed her APA-accredited predoctoral internship at Nova Southeastern University (NSU).
She received advanced clinical training in both assessment and therapy through the School-related Psychological Assessments and Clinical Interventions (SPACI) clinic, the Child, Adolescent, and Family Services (CAFS) program, and the Adult Services Program (ASP) at NSU.
Dr. Monk has trained across schools, private practice, and community-based settings. She specializes in psychological assessment, providing comprehensive evaluations for children, adolescents, and adults presenting with a range of neurodevelopmental, emotional, behavioral, psychological, and learning concerns.
She is skilled in selecting and integrating evidence-based measures to inform diagnosis and treatment planning. In addition to assessment, Dr. Monk provides individual, family, and group therapy, with experience supporting children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), anxiety, emotion regulation difficulties, and behavioral challenges. Dr. Monk values building collaborative relationships with families and strives to create a warm, supportive environment that promotes meaningful outcomes.
Dr. Stephanie Muguira
Dr. Stephanie Muguira
Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Stephanie Muguira, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist at Ascend Psychology. She earned her doctorate and master’s degrees in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Muguira is passionate about supporting individuals, couples, and families through life’s challenges with compassion, insight, and evidence-based care. She strives to create a collaborative and personalized therapeutic space where clients feel safe, understood, and supported as they explore their thoughts, emotions, and goals and work toward meaningful change.
Dr. Muguira has experience helping clients navigate mood and anxiety disorders, autism spectrum disorder, life transitions, and relationship concerns. She offers both in-person and virtual sessions to meet diverse needs and is fluent in Spanish. Dr. Muguira enjoys working with clients across the lifespan, including children, adolescents, young adults, and older adults.
She welcomes the opportunity to support you as you take meaningful steps toward growth, healing, and emotional well-being.
Dr. Kaitlin O'Brien
Dr. Kaitlin O’Brien
Post Doctoral Resident
Dr. Kaitlin O’Brien is a clinical psychology resident who is practicing in Coral Springs, Plantation, and East Fort Lauderdale. She completed her Master of Science and Doctor of Psychology, Clinical Psychology degrees at the American Psychological Association’s (APA) accredited program at Nova Southeastern University (NSU).
During her years of extensive training, she specialized in trauma and abuse throughout the lifespan, with specific interests in treating sexual trauma and first responder/military trauma and completed the APA-accredited concentration at NSU. While at Nova she completed clinical practica in the Adolescent Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment (ADAPT) clinic, the Trauma Resolution and Integration Program (TRIP) at NSU, and completed an additional practicum at the nonprofit organization Childnet.
Her internship and post-doctoral residency were completed through Veteran Affairs centers where she furthered her trauma specialty education completing a predoctoral internship at the West Palm Beach VA with a specialty in PTSD/SUDS and completing her postdoctoral fellowship at the Veteran Affairs Pacific Islands Healthcare System with a specialty in Military sexual trauma, gaining additional experience in the PTSD clinic as well as the Women’s Health clinic. After residency with the VA, Dr. O’Brien worked at Kahi Mohala Sutter Health, a residential facility in Hawaii, which had residential units for children, teens, and adults. While at Kahi Mohala, Dr. O’Brien completed psychological assessments, individual, family, and group therapy to patients within all units. She further expanded and revamped the programming on the residential female unit, where the majority of patients were teens rescued from human trafficking. In addition, she provided trainings and education on sexual trauma and trafficking to staff working within these units.
Dr. O’Brien is a clinician who is integrative and collaborative in nature and uses approaches that are evidenced based. She has training in multiple Cognitive Behavioral Therapy based treatments as well as Dynamic and Emotion Focused therapies. She is additionally expanding her training in whole health-based approaches to give her clients well rounded holistic care as she believes in having a balanced whole health approach treating mind, body, and spirit. She utilizes individual strengths and forms collaborative relationship with her clients to personalize treatments leading to enhanced recovery and growth. She has a passion for researching and raising awareness on trauma and its impact on development, attachment, and self-esteem. Her hope, through research and education, is to raise awareness and reduce the stigma associated with mental health disorders and the impact trauma has on someone’s self-esteem and self-efficacy.
Dr. O’Brien works with all ages and provides psychological testing, consultation/education, individual, family, and group therapy. She specializes in trauma throughout the lifespan, with interests in first responder/military trauma, sexual trauma, personality disorders, substance abuse, mood disorders, life transitions, and self-esteem difficulties.
Dr. David A. Yudell
Dr. David A. Yudell, Psy. D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. David Yudell is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and the Founder of Ascend Psychology, providing comprehensive psychological services to individuals and families throughout Broward and Southern Palm Beach County. He earned his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University and also holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from NSU, as well as a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Seton Hall University.
Dr. Yudell has extensive training and experience working with children, adolescents, and adults across a wide range of emotional, behavioral, learning, and developmental concerns. His clinical background includes work in private practice, school-based settings, and collaborative multidisciplinary environments. He has significant experience conducting comprehensive psychological and psychoeducational evaluations, including assessments for academic, emotional, behavioral, and neurodevelopmental concerns.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Yudell maintains contracts with multiple State of Florida agencies and works closely with private and public schools, families, and other professionals to provide thorough evaluations and practical, meaningful recommendations. His approach emphasizes clarity, collaboration, and translating complex clinical findings into actionable guidance that supports real-world success.
Through Ascend Psychology, Dr. Yudell is committed to helping individuals and families gain insight, build resilience, and move forward with confidence. His work is grounded in evidence-based practice, thoughtful evaluation, and a genuine belief in each person’s capacity for growth and progress.
Therapists in Coral Springs
Dr. Katherine H. Cadwalader
Dr. Katherine H. Cadwalader
Postdoctoral Resident
Dr. Katherine H. Cadwalader is a clinical psychology resident practicing in the East Fort Lauderdale and Plantation offices. She completed her Master of Science and Doctor of Psychology, Clinical Psychology, degrees at the American Psychological Association’s (APA) accredited program at Nova Southeastern University (NSU). During her years of extensive training, she completed the four year, APA-accredited psychodynamic psychotherapy concentration at NSU. At the Bruce W. Carter Miami VA Hospital, she performed neuropsychological assessments to evaluate organic and inorganic brain injuries and collaborated with veterans, their physicians, and families to create a comprehensive care plan for their continued health. Dr. Cadwalader received in-patient training in group, individual and family psychotherapies with children, adolescents, and young adults at the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital’s psychiatric unit. Dr. Cadwalader’s experience further included treatment at the Intensive Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Clinic within NSU, where she specialized in long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy. Her training at the NSU Counseling Center for Older Adults emphasized her specialty in psychotherapeutic care with older adults and led to her completion of her APA-accredited Internship with an emphasis in geropsychology. During the two years of collaboration with older adult patients, Dr. Cadwalader completed rotations with multidisciplinary medical teams at the NSU Geriatric Medicine Clinic at the College of Osteopathic Medicine and the NSU Clinic within Covenant Village assisted living facility.
Dr. Cadwalader believes every patient should be cared for as an individual, with unique needs to address that are considered within their own history. Her training across various specialties and psychotherapeutic modalities has enhanced her approach in contemporary psychodynamic psychology, which is a collaborative experience between patient and clinical psychologist. She treats individuals who seek personal psychotherapy to enhance their own understanding of themselves, deepen their relationships, and realize their fullest potential. She offers psychological assessment, consultation, individual and family psychotherapies to adult patients. Her specialties include treating individuals and families who are experiencing concerns regarding ageing, life transitions, mood disorders, personality disorders, and posttraumatic stress disorders.
Dr. Bryan Goldin
Dr. Bryan Goldin
Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Bryan Goldin is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist at Dr. David Yudell and Associates. He earned his Doctorate and Masters degrees in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University. He provides therapy to children, adolescents, adults, and couples.
Dr. Goldin has extensive experience in the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders, interpersonal and communication problems, body image concerns and eating disorders, adjustment issues, identity concerns, and the intersection between medical and psychological concerns.
Dr. Goldin utilizes evidence-based practices to provide treatment, including Cognitive Behavioral, Interpersonal, Psychodynamic, and Solution-Focused therapies, integrating them when needed to approach therapy in a way that best fits the individual. He also believes that to best work with any individual, it is greatly important to discuss diversity, which comes in many ways and influences our experiences and perceptions in life.
Dr. Goldin is fluent in English and in Spanish.
Dr. Bianca Howard
Dr. Bianca Howard
Postdoctoral Resident
Dr. Bianca Howard is a post-doctoral resident at Dr. David Yudell and Associates. She earned her Masters’s (M.S.) and Doctorate (Psy.D.) degrees in Clinical Psychology at Nova Southeastern University with a concentration in Forensic Psychology. She specializes in children and adolescents and provides therapy to children, adolescents, adults, and families.
Dr. Howard believes in a collaborative therapeutic approach that increases the quality of life, empowerment, and personal growth. She tailors her approach to the unique circumstances of each individual and/or family unit’s needs. This is accomplished by emphasizing culturally sensitive practices that aid in understanding the background, ethnicity, and belief systems of the clients she serves.
Dr. Howard has experience treating Post Traumatic Stress, high family conflict, reunification therapy, parenting concerns, mood disorders, anxiety, behavioral concerns, and comprehensive psychological evaluations. Additionally, Dr. Howard has extensive experience treating medical adherence-related issues and coping with chronic medical conditions and trauma.
Approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy, family systems therapy, play therapy, and behavior/lifestyle change to increase medical treatment adherence and pain management.
Patrick Kiley
Dr. Patrick Kiley
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Patrick Kiley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience working in the mental health field. He earned his undergraduate degree in Social Work at Florida Atlantic University and his Master’s Degree in Social Work at Barry University. He has extensive experience providing individual and family therapy to children, adolescents, couples, and adults in treating issues including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, family and marital issues, grief and loss, and substance abuse.
Patrick utilizes a client-centered treatment approach and incorporates a variety of therapeutic interventions including but not limited to cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, family systems, and trauma-informed therapy.
Patrick also specializes in solution-focused parenting combined with cognitive-behavioral techniques to help children and adolescents struggling at school or at home with ADHD, adjustment disorder, poor impulse control, substance use issues, low self-esteem, bullying, and many others.
Dr. Malaya Monk
Dr. Malaya Monk
Postdoctoral Resident
Dr. Malaya Monk is a postdoctoral resident at Ascend Psychology. She earned her Ph.D. in Combined Counseling and School Psychology from Florida State University, where she also completed her masters (M.S.) and specialist (Ed.S.) degrees in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Dr. Monk completed her APA-accredited predoctoral internship at Nova Southeastern University (NSU).
She received advanced clinical training in both assessment and therapy through the School-related Psychological Assessments and Clinical Interventions (SPACI) clinic, the Child, Adolescent, and Family Services (CAFS) program, and the Adult Services Program (ASP) at NSU.
Dr. Monk has trained across schools, private practice, and community-based settings. She specializes in psychological assessment, providing comprehensive evaluations for children, adolescents, and adults presenting with a range of neurodevelopmental, emotional, behavioral, psychological, and learning concerns.
She is skilled in selecting and integrating evidence-based measures to inform diagnosis and treatment planning. In addition to assessment, Dr. Monk provides individual, family, and group therapy, with experience supporting children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), anxiety, emotion regulation difficulties, and behavioral challenges. Dr. Monk values building collaborative relationships with families and strives to create a warm, supportive environment that promotes meaningful outcomes.
Dr. Stephanie Muguira
Dr. Stephanie Muguira
Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Stephanie Muguira, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist at Ascend Psychology. She earned her doctorate and master’s degrees in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Muguira is passionate about supporting individuals, couples, and families through life’s challenges with compassion, insight, and evidence-based care. She strives to create a collaborative and personalized therapeutic space where clients feel safe, understood, and supported as they explore their thoughts, emotions, and goals and work toward meaningful change.
Dr. Muguira has experience helping clients navigate mood and anxiety disorders, autism spectrum disorder, life transitions, and relationship concerns. She offers both in-person and virtual sessions to meet diverse needs and is fluent in Spanish. Dr. Muguira enjoys working with clients across the lifespan, including children, adolescents, young adults, and older adults.
She welcomes the opportunity to support you as you take meaningful steps toward growth, healing, and emotional well-being.
Orly Noiman
Orly Noiman
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Orly Noiman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with seventeen years of experience in counseling and ten years as a high school guidance counselor. She received her Master’s in Clinical Social Work, MSW from Barry University. She also received a Bachelor’s of Art in Education and Languages from Hunter University in New York City.
Orly is fluent in English, Portuguese, Spanish, and Hebrew. She enjoys working with clients in their native language to effectively communicate and create a secure environment. Orly is passionate about working with individuals who come from diverse social and cultural backgrounds.
She has an extensive background in supporting children and adolescents with learning disabilities, ADHD, academic concerns, stress, anxiety, depression, and other social issues, including bullying. Additionally, Orly counsels families on grief, loss, separation, divorce, and blended family issues.
Orly utilizes a range of modalities in her practice, including cognitive behavioral therapy, parent work/family systems therapy, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and play therapy
Dr. Kaitlin O'Brien
Dr. Kaitlin O’Brien
Post Doctoral Resident
Dr. Kaitlin O’Brien is a clinical psychology resident who is practicing in Coral Springs, Plantation, and East Fort Lauderdale. She completed her Master of Science and Doctor of Psychology, Clinical Psychology degrees at the American Psychological Association’s (APA) accredited program at Nova Southeastern University (NSU).
During her years of extensive training, she specialized in trauma and abuse throughout the lifespan, with specific interests in treating sexual trauma and first responder/military trauma and completed the APA-accredited concentration at NSU. While at Nova she completed clinical practica in the Adolescent Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment (ADAPT) clinic, the Trauma Resolution and Integration Program (TRIP) at NSU, and completed an additional practicum at the nonprofit organization Childnet.
Her internship and post-doctoral residency were completed through Veteran Affairs centers where she furthered her trauma specialty education completing a predoctoral internship at the West Palm Beach VA with a specialty in PTSD/SUDS and completing her postdoctoral fellowship at the Veteran Affairs Pacific Islands Healthcare System with a specialty in Military sexual trauma, gaining additional experience in the PTSD clinic as well as the Women’s Health clinic. After residency with the VA, Dr. O’Brien worked at Kahi Mohala Sutter Health, a residential facility in Hawaii, which had residential units for children, teens, and adults. While at Kahi Mohala, Dr. O’Brien completed psychological assessments, individual, family, and group therapy to patients within all units. She further expanded and revamped the programming on the residential female unit, where the majority of patients were teens rescued from human trafficking. In addition, she provided trainings and education on sexual trauma and trafficking to staff working within these units.
Dr. O’Brien is a clinician who is integrative and collaborative in nature and uses approaches that are evidenced based. She has training in multiple Cognitive Behavioral Therapy based treatments as well as Dynamic and Emotion Focused therapies. She is additionally expanding her training in whole health-based approaches to give her clients well rounded holistic care as she believes in having a balanced whole health approach treating mind, body, and spirit. She utilizes individual strengths and forms collaborative relationship with her clients to personalize treatments leading to enhanced recovery and growth. She has a passion for researching and raising awareness on trauma and its impact on development, attachment, and self-esteem. Her hope, through research and education, is to raise awareness and reduce the stigma associated with mental health disorders and the impact trauma has on someone’s self-esteem and self-efficacy.
Dr. O’Brien works with all ages and provides psychological testing, consultation/education, individual, family, and group therapy. She specializes in trauma throughout the lifespan, with interests in first responder/military trauma, sexual trauma, personality disorders, substance abuse, mood disorders, life transitions, and self-esteem difficulties.
Pamela Wachtel
Pamela Wachtel
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Pamela Wachtel is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 22 years of experience in the counseling field. She earned her Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Nova Southeastern University. She also received her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from The University of Florida.
Pamela works as a therapist with teenagers, adults, couples, and families throughout Florida. Her areas of focus include relationship and marital concerns, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, parenting challenges, school and behavioral issues, attention and focus difficulties, grief and loss, women's issues, and communication skills.
Pamela believes therapy is most effective when clients feel safe, heard, and respected. She offers a supportive and collaborative environment where individuals and families can explore challenges, gain insight, and develop practical tools for meaningful change. She welcomes clients who are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply seeking greater balance and connection in their lives.
Dr. David A. Yudell
Dr. David A. Yudell, Psy. D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. David Yudell is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and the Founder of Ascend Psychology, providing comprehensive psychological services to individuals and families throughout Broward and Southern Palm Beach County. He earned his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University and also holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from NSU, as well as a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Seton Hall University.
Dr. Yudell has extensive training and experience working with children, adolescents, and adults across a wide range of emotional, behavioral, learning, and developmental concerns. His clinical background includes work in private practice, school-based settings, and collaborative multidisciplinary environments. He has significant experience conducting comprehensive psychological and psychoeducational evaluations, including assessments for academic, emotional, behavioral, and neurodevelopmental concerns.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Yudell maintains contracts with multiple State of Florida agencies and works closely with private and public schools, families, and other professionals to provide thorough evaluations and practical, meaningful recommendations. His approach emphasizes clarity, collaboration, and translating complex clinical findings into actionable guidance that supports real-world success.
Through Ascend Psychology, Dr. Yudell is committed to helping individuals and families gain insight, build resilience, and move forward with confidence. His work is grounded in evidence-based practice, thoughtful evaluation, and a genuine belief in each person’s capacity for growth and progress.
Therapists in Fort Lauderdale
Dr. Katherine H. Cadwalader
Dr. Katherine H. Cadwalader
Postdoctoral Resident
Dr. Katherine H. Cadwalader is a clinical psychology resident practicing in the East Fort Lauderdale and Plantation offices. She completed her Master of Science and Doctor of Psychology, Clinical Psychology, degrees at the American Psychological Association’s (APA) accredited program at Nova Southeastern University (NSU). During her years of extensive training, she completed the four year, APA-accredited psychodynamic psychotherapy concentration at NSU. At the Bruce W. Carter Miami VA Hospital, she performed neuropsychological assessments to evaluate organic and inorganic brain injuries and collaborated with veterans, their physicians, and families to create a comprehensive care plan for their continued health. Dr. Cadwalader received in-patient training in group, individual and family psychotherapies with children, adolescents, and young adults at the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital’s psychiatric unit. Dr. Cadwalader’s experience further included treatment at the Intensive Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Clinic within NSU, where she specialized in long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy. Her training at the NSU Counseling Center for Older Adults emphasized her specialty in psychotherapeutic care with older adults and led to her completion of her APA-accredited Internship with an emphasis in geropsychology. During the two years of collaboration with older adult patients, Dr. Cadwalader completed rotations with multidisciplinary medical teams at the NSU Geriatric Medicine Clinic at the College of Osteopathic Medicine and the NSU Clinic within Covenant Village assisted living facility.
Dr. Cadwalader believes every patient should be cared for as an individual, with unique needs to address that are considered within their own history. Her training across various specialties and psychotherapeutic modalities has enhanced her approach in contemporary psychodynamic psychology, which is a collaborative experience between patient and clinical psychologist. She treats individuals who seek personal psychotherapy to enhance their own understanding of themselves, deepen their relationships, and realize their fullest potential. She offers psychological assessment, consultation, individual and family psychotherapies to adult patients. Her specialties include treating individuals and families who are experiencing concerns regarding ageing, life transitions, mood disorders, personality disorders, and posttraumatic stress disorders.
Dr. Kaitlin O'Brien
Dr. Kaitlin O’Brien
Post Doctoral Resident
Dr. Kaitlin O’Brien is a clinical psychology resident who is practicing in Coral Springs, Plantation, and East Fort Lauderdale. She completed her Master of Science and Doctor of Psychology, Clinical Psychology degrees at the American Psychological Association’s (APA) accredited program at Nova Southeastern University (NSU).
During her years of extensive training, she specialized in trauma and abuse throughout the lifespan, with specific interests in treating sexual trauma and first responder/military trauma and completed the APA-accredited concentration at NSU. While at Nova she completed clinical practica in the Adolescent Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment (ADAPT) clinic, the Trauma Resolution and Integration Program (TRIP) at NSU, and completed an additional practicum at the nonprofit organization Childnet.
Her internship and post-doctoral residency were completed through Veteran Affairs centers where she furthered her trauma specialty education completing a predoctoral internship at the West Palm Beach VA with a specialty in PTSD/SUDS and completing her postdoctoral fellowship at the Veteran Affairs Pacific Islands Healthcare System with a specialty in Military sexual trauma, gaining additional experience in the PTSD clinic as well as the Women’s Health clinic. After residency with the VA, Dr. O’Brien worked at Kahi Mohala Sutter Health, a residential facility in Hawaii, which had residential units for children, teens, and adults. While at Kahi Mohala, Dr. O’Brien completed psychological assessments, individual, family, and group therapy to patients within all units. She further expanded and revamped the programming on the residential female unit, where the majority of patients were teens rescued from human trafficking. In addition, she provided trainings and education on sexual trauma and trafficking to staff working within these units.
Dr. O’Brien is a clinician who is integrative and collaborative in nature and uses approaches that are evidenced based. She has training in multiple Cognitive Behavioral Therapy based treatments as well as Dynamic and Emotion Focused therapies. She is additionally expanding her training in whole health-based approaches to give her clients well rounded holistic care as she believes in having a balanced whole health approach treating mind, body, and spirit. She utilizes individual strengths and forms collaborative relationship with her clients to personalize treatments leading to enhanced recovery and growth. She has a passion for researching and raising awareness on trauma and its impact on development, attachment, and self-esteem. Her hope, through research and education, is to raise awareness and reduce the stigma associated with mental health disorders and the impact trauma has on someone’s self-esteem and self-efficacy.
Dr. O’Brien works with all ages and provides psychological testing, consultation/education, individual, family, and group therapy. She specializes in trauma throughout the lifespan, with interests in first responder/military trauma, sexual trauma, personality disorders, substance abuse, mood disorders, life transitions, and self-esteem difficulties.
Dr. David A. Yudell
Dr. David A. Yudell, Psy. D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. David Yudell is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and the Founder of Ascend Psychology, providing comprehensive psychological services to individuals and families throughout Broward and Southern Palm Beach County. He earned his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University and also holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from NSU, as well as a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Seton Hall University.
Dr. Yudell has extensive training and experience working with children, adolescents, and adults across a wide range of emotional, behavioral, learning, and developmental concerns. His clinical background includes work in private practice, school-based settings, and collaborative multidisciplinary environments. He has significant experience conducting comprehensive psychological and psychoeducational evaluations, including assessments for academic, emotional, behavioral, and neurodevelopmental concerns.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Yudell maintains contracts with multiple State of Florida agencies and works closely with private and public schools, families, and other professionals to provide thorough evaluations and practical, meaningful recommendations. His approach emphasizes clarity, collaboration, and translating complex clinical findings into actionable guidance that supports real-world success.
Through Ascend Psychology, Dr. Yudell is committed to helping individuals and families gain insight, build resilience, and move forward with confidence. His work is grounded in evidence-based practice, thoughtful evaluation, and a genuine belief in each person’s capacity for growth and progress.
Additional Team Members
Danielle Amendt
Danielle Amendt
Office Manager
I received my Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Central Florida. I grew up in South Florida, and have been with the practice for many years now. I know the ins and outs of everything pertaining to our offices, and I pride myself on being knowledgeable about every aspect of all of our patients accounts. Any questions that you might have, I can answer them for you.