Ms. Helland brings a wealth of experience to her position as CEO, having worked in both the public and private sectors of the healthcare industry. She has held positions such as charge nurse in community mental health settings and has supervised various adult crisis and long-term residential and children’s crisis, residential, and intensive-residential units; a children’s group home, children’s mental health shelter, juvenile addiction receiving facility, and mental health juvenile justice units. Ms. Helland has also worked on memory care and dementia units in the private sector.
Ms. Helland is a graduate of St. Petersburg Junior College, where she earned her Associate of Science in Nursing degree, and the University of South Florida, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. She has been Board Certified in psychiatric/mental health nursing since 2006.
In her previous position as Director of Nursing, Ms. Helland was responsible for the supervision of mental health technicians and licensed practical and registered nurses who provide around-the-clock compassionate care to patients at Fairwinds. Other responsibilities included her overseeing the areas of Infection Prevention and Control, Compliance, Pharmacy and Therapeutics, and Staff Development. Ms. Helland has always had a primary focus on patient safety and the delivery of high-quality care
Dr. Kyle J. Stephens is a highly skilled and experienced psychiatrist who is dedicated to providing top-notch care to his patients. He received his medical degree from the University of Louisville School of Medicine and went on to complete his general psychiatry residency at the University of South Florida. In addition, he completed a child and adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship with the prestigious Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School.
Dr. Stephens specializes in the treatment of eating disorders and obesity medicine and is committed to helping his patients achieve their goals and lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
As a member of the team at Fairwinds Treatment Center, Dr. Stephens is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to his patients. He is compassionate, understanding, and deeply committed to helping his patients overcome their challenges and achieve their full potential. If you are in need of psychiatric care, we encourage you to contact Dr. Kyle J. Stephens and the team at Fairwinds Treatment Center.
Hassan Bokhari is a Florida based physician. He is a double board–certified psychiatrist and currently practices in Tampa bay Florida. He started his career as a military ER physician with the prestigious Army medical Corps of Pakistan. Trained in hyperbaric medicine with Pakistan Navy & the Royal Australian Navy, Dr. Bokhari served as an advisor on hyperbaric medicine to the Royal Oman Navy. He was fascinated by mental health early on in his career. This led to him taking a detour in his professional career. After pursuing residency in Psychiatry from (UMDNJ) at Rutgers University, New Jersey he completed his fellowship training in child & adolescent psychiatry from Georgetown University, Washington DC and TMS fellowship from Duke university North Carolina.
His interests include addiction and addiction related disorders, depression, anxiety, OCD, developmental & cognitive disorders as well as trauma related mental health disorders. Avid traveler, scuba diver, polo player and father of three Dr Bokhari is currently working on developing a comprehensive yet pragmatic diagnostic system for children with cognitive, learning & developmental delays. He is a strong advocate of integrated medicine with a holistic approach & regularly consults Ayurvedic texts, Compendium of Materia Medica, Kanpo, Traditional African and Mesoamerican medicine scrolls for guidance. He also serves as a voluntary faculty with University of South Florida and is part of faculty with Baycare Hospital system of Tampa Bay.
Russell Porter, MA, LMHC – Clinical Director
As the Clinical Director at Fairwinds Treatment Center, Russell Porter brings over 25 years of expertise in guiding individuals, couples, and families toward healing and growth. With a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Florida State University and a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Reformed Theological Seminary, Russ combines deep knowledge and experience to lead Fairwinds’ clinical team with excellence and compassion.
Russ’s therapeutic approach integrates psychological, spiritual, and philosophical principles, infused with humor to inspire his clients to achieve greater fulfillment and success. His extensive experience spans both residential and outpatient settings, making him uniquely equipped to oversee and enhance the quality of care provided at Fairwinds.
In addition to his leadership role, Russ maintains a private outpatient practice and provides supervision for LMHC and LMFT interns pursuing licensure. His dedication to professional development and client-centered care ensures that Fairwinds continues to be a trusted resource for recovery and transformation.
Lilly Kritsch brings a wealth of expertise in behavioral health and administration, demonstrating a robust work ethic, exceptional leadership skills, and a remarkable capacity for adaptability. As an accomplished Residential Supervisor, Lilly has consistently excelled in overseeing a range of diverse facilities, where her responsibilities include effectively managing admissions, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering an environment conducive to the well-being of residents. Her background in mental health underscores her proficiency in patient care, communication, and program supervision, reflecting a comprehensive and well-rounded professional profile. Armed with a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy, Lilly is not only academically qualified but also deeply committed to making a positive impact on individuals’ mental health and overall well-being. Her dedication to the field, coupled with her extensive experience, positions Lilly as a valuable asset, uniquely equipped to contribute to the advancement of behavioral health services and the enhancement of the lives of those under her care.
Rachael Smith, LMHC, is a seasoned mental health counselor with a wealth of experience and expertise in the field. Her specialization lies in individual, family, and group therapy, where she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to fostering emotional well-being and achieving positive behavioral outcomes. Rachael’s unique approach involves utilizing creative interventions and crafting individualized treatment plans tailored to meet the specific needs of her clients. Her dedication to client advocacy and collaborative case management has garnered accolades and recognition throughout her distinguished career, showcasing her unwavering commitment to the well-being of those under her care. As a licensed mental health counselor, Rachael is poised to bring her comprehensive skills, compassionate approach, and wealth of knowledge to the Fairwinds Treatment Center, where she aims to contribute significantly to providing client-centered mental health services and making a positive impact on the lives of individuals seeking support and healing.
Valerie Gekoski is a compassionate Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a proven ability to deliver high-quality services to at-risk populations, showcasing versatility in her collaborative and independent approaches. Proficient in needs assessment, counseling techniques, and treatment planning, she demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the complexities within mental health care. Excelling in crisis management and intervention, Valerie’s relentless pursuit of excellence is driven by a profound passion for enhancing the quality of life and well-being of others. Her educational background includes a Master’s in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Capella University, complemented by a Bachelors in Human Services with a Minor in Management and an Associates of Science in Psychology from the University of Phoenix. With a professional history as a trauma-informed therapist at Suncoast Center, Inc. and administrative experience at Tampa Bay Med, Valerie’s multifaceted skills and commitment to ongoing improvement make her an invaluable asset in the field of mental health therapy, leaving a meaningful impact on the lives she touches.