Meet The Team

ABOUT US
Renee Jones
Renee Jones is a Florida-certified mental health professional and court-ordered parenting facilitator with extensive experience in trauma recovery, family support, and community advocacy. A survivor of addiction, Renee began her personal journey to healing on February 14, 2000—an experience that continues to inspire her passion for empowering others to overcome their own challenges.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services and a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling. Through In Community Counseling LLC, Renee provides mental health services and parenting support for children and families throughout Florida, guided by a trauma-informed and healing-centered approach.
Renee’s leadership and advocacy have earned her recognition at both the local and national level. She is a member of the Florida Statewide Action Plan to Reduce and Prevent Sexual Violence and is affiliated with the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) and the United States Institute Against Human Trafficking.
She has founded two impactful programs: Reconnection to Life Inc., a transitional housing center for women post-incarceration in Birmingham, Alabama, and I Speak Hope, an initiative focused on survivor-led healing, empowerment, and education.
Renee’s work has been honored with awards such as the Clifford W. Beers Award from Mental Health America (2024), the Mental Health Association of Central Alabama Award, and the Birmingham Resolution Award.
In addition to her counseling practice, she is a national speaker, trainer, and author. She has developed law enforcement crisis intervention training and presented at major conferences, including the International Human Trafficking & Social Justice Conference. Renee is also the author of Mama Ain’t Teach Me That, a powerful memoir detailing her life and healing journey.
Through every role she holds—counselor, advocate, mentor, and survivor—Renee brings compassion, strength, and hope to the individuals and families she serves.
Renee Jones
Florida-Certified Mental Health Professional
Court-Ordered Parenting Facilitator
Phone: (352) 549-4866

ABOUT US
Shawn Kernz
I’m Shawn Kernz, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I specialize in medication management, offering a collaborative approach to support clients who may benefit from integrating medication with the therapeutic services provided here. My goal is to help you achieve meaningful progress in your mental health journey by providing compassionate and personalized care.
While my expertise lies in medication management, I believe true well-being extends beyond prescriptions. It’s about weaving together therapeutic techniques, lifestyle changes, and empathetic understanding to create a holistic approach to mental health. Together, we can craft a treatment plan that honors your individuality and supports your overall wellness, empowering you to lead a balanced and fulfilling life.
By working hand-in-hand with therapy, medication management can help address challenges and support long-term mental health goals. Whether you are seeking to stabilize, grow, or thrive, I’m here to collaborate with you every step of the way.
Shawn Kernz, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Phone: 352-600-2256
.png)