About POJ Wellness

Vision

To create a world where individuals embrace self-awareness, empower their potential, and foster authentic connections, leading to holistic well-being and collective transformation. Together, we create a harmonious and enlightened existence.

Mission

Our mission is to empower individuals on their journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and interpersonal wellness. Through our insightful articles, transformative courses, engaging individual, group, and family sessions, and immersive workshops, we provide the tools, knowledge, and practices to increase self-awareness, develop self-mastery, and navigate meaningful relationships. We are dedicated to fostering a community that celebrates authenticity, conscious living, and social responsibility. By integrating these principles into everyday lives, we aim to create a positive ripple effect that extends beyond individuals, contributing to the betterment of society and the world.

Social Responsibility

At POJ Wellness, we believe that positive change begins within individuals and extends to the broader community. Our mission is to empower individuals on their journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and interpersonal wellness. Through our insightful articles, transformative courses, engaging sessions, and immersive workshops, we provide the tools, knowledge, and practices that facilitate self-awareness, self-mastery, and meaningful relationships.

Our vision is to create a world where individuals embrace self-awareness, empower their potential, and foster authentic connections, leading to holistic well-being and collective transformation. We understand that true well-being extends beyond personal growth. That’s why we recognize the importance of social responsibility as an integral part of our work.

In line with our commitment to social responsibility, we actively seek to create a positive impact by supporting and collaborating with charitable organizations, engaging in philanthropic initiatives, and dedicating 5% of our resources to causes that uplift historically marginalized communities and/or protect the environment. Additionally, 5% of all net profits are allocated towards a scholarship fund. We believe that by nurturing self-awareness, fostering authentic connections, and empowering individuals, we contribute to a ripple effect of positive change that extends to the betterment of society and the world.

Join us on this transformative journey of self-discovery and social responsibility. Together, we can create a world where personal growth, authentic connections, and social impact intertwine to create lasting change.

Values

Client-Centered Approach: At POJ Wellness, we prioritize your individual needs and aspirations. Our services are tailored to meet you where you are on your journey of personal growth and well-being. We believe in creating a safe and supportive space where you can explore, heal, and thrive.

Traditional & Evidence-Based Practices: At POJ Wellness, our team of professionals is deeply knowledgeable in a wide range of evidence-based practices and therapeutic modalities, encompassing both traditional and holistic approaches. We integrate the latest research and proven techniques from various disciplines into our services, ensuring that you receive high-quality, effective support that aligns with your individual needs and preferences. By combining the wisdom of traditional practices with the advancements of modern therapeutic approaches, we provide a comprehensive and holistic approach to your well-being.

Confidentiality and Privacy: Your confidentiality and privacy are of utmost importance to us. We maintain strict confidentiality in accordance with professional ethical standards and legal requirements. You can trust that your personal information and experiences will be handled with the utmost care and discretion.

Meet The Founder
Dr. Gemma Andaya

A renowned Clinical Program Consultant, Educator, and Clinician, Dr. Gemma Andaya brings an unmatched fusion of charisma, expertise, and passion to the realm of mental health and addiction recovery. Through her distinguished tenure, she has emerged as a vanguard in promoting trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, integrative, and holistic therapeutic modalities.

Career Highlights:

Psychotherapist & Consultant, Private Practice (2017-Present): Beyond offering mental health and addiction recovery counseling, Dr. Andaya has been an instrumental figure in facilitating wellness workshops and retreats. A valued contributor to organizational development, she provides CLE/CEUs centered on wellness while mentoring state interns with unmatched dedication.

Clinical Director, The Nestled Recovery Center (2019-2023): Under her visionary leadership, Dr. Andaya spearheaded the development and implementation of a top-tier quality program that garnered commendable online reviews and fortified the center’s reputation as a preferred treatment provider. From hiring to training and from education to supervision, she managed all facets of treatment staff and contractors. Her exceptional leadership was further highlighted through successful audits from SAPTA & Joint Commission.

Undergrad Educator, GBC & UNLV (2013-2018): As a passionate educator, she crafted and instated robust curriculum structures for the Department of Educational and Clinical Studies. Some of her noted courses include Multicultural Competency, Introduction to Human Services, Counseling Skills in Human Services, Drugs and Behavior, and Stress Management and Prevention.

Educational Milestones:

• PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision, University of the Cumberlands, 2023.
• MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, UNLV, 2015.
• BS in Psychology, UNLV, 2011.

With Dr. Gemma Andaya and the team she mentors, you encounter a synergy of experience, passion, and dedication that embodies the future of holistic therapeutic methodologies.

Destinie Cleaveland, BS, CADC-i

Destinie’s journey into the mental health field is deeply rooted in a personal narrative marked by familial dysfunction, trauma, and a commitment to addressing historical and intergenerational struggles within black and indigenous family systems. Having navigated her own behavioral health issues stemming from personal traumas, Destinie found solace in academia and personal development. This transformative experience fueled her passion to become an intern and associate therapist, offering support to those with shared experiences and a desire for self-actualization.

Central to Destinie’s practice is a commitment to serving marginalized populations, driven by a familial history of abolitionism and a dedication to continuing the fight for freedom. Her therapeutic approach encompasses a rich array of modalities, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Somatic Experiencing, Feminist Theory, Multicultural & Social Justice Theory, and Person-Centered Theory. By placing trauma at the forefront and recognizing it as a complex interplay of emotional and physiological responses, Destinie adopts a holistic perspective on mental health. Looking ahead, her vision revolves around empowering individuals to be their own experts, fostering a secure space for clients to work through stress and trauma. In this vision for future generations, Destinie aspires to break the cycle of intergenerational trauma and contribute to a society where mental health resources are accessible to all, promoting resilience and empowerment.

Brittney R. Ornelaz, LADC, CPC-I

Brittney R. Ornelaz’s journey into the field of mental health began with a childhood that did not include discussions about mental health. Growing up in an impoverished community with scarce resources, Brittney was inspired by the adversities she faced to pursue a career in the helping profession. The realization of her purpose to help others and advocate for mental health came during her junior year of high school, when she began to understand the profound impact of trauma on one’s ability to navigate the world.

Brittney has worked with diverse populations, driven by a passion for helping communities with limited resources. While pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, she specialized in addiction counseling. Brittney recognized that unaddressed mental health issues are deeply rooted and require a multifaceted approach to treatment. Her holistic perspective considers various dimensions of wellness, integrating clinical, traditional, and holistic methods to create personalized care plans.

With a vision for future generations, Brittney aims to foster a society where mental health is understood and respected. She advocates for further research and resources to support multicultural healing and resilience. Her goal is to instill acknowledgment and respect for each individual’s unique identity, moving away from labeling and towards understanding with open hearts and minds.

Media Publications

What Clients Have To Say
About Our Time Together

Gemma has served as my personal supervisor while I advance in my studies as a counseling student. That being said, I feel it is only proper to recognize the degree of knowledge, expertise, and goodwill that goes into her work and relationships with clients, students, and anybody who happens to cross her path. Gemma’s attitude to working as a therapist is notable and honestly rather inspiring. As a witness to the interpersonal connection she develops with those she serves, I can attest that if you are looking for a connection where you will be met with unconditional positive regard, mentorship, and alliance, as well as a space where your experiences will be validated and met with empathy rather than judgment, Gemma’s practice, POJ Wellness, will provide exactly that!

– DC

Gemma has been a significant help in me seeking to better myself. She is an outstanding advisor and mentor. I initially came to Gemma when I decided to find a therapist to help me heal my past childhood traumas. As a result I feel more secure and safe within myself and have found stronger bonds in the relationships that I keep in my life. I am in a healthier place and continue to grow. Some time I do feel that I dip back in to old patterns though I am not there for as long and am able to feel that I have more control over my life, my thoughts and emotions. Gemma is a wonderful person to have in your corner. I didn’t have any expectations when we began though I feel so grateful for where I am today. I think advice I have for any future clients is to stick with it and be gentle with yourself and know that you will really shine when you are ready. Gemma really did help me more than I can really say.

– WM

Working with Gemma was an invaluable and cherished experience for me. When I felt lost and depressed, she understood the challenges I faced and with skillful care, helped me see a way through. I was strengthened by her trust in me and the knowledge I was working with someone who walks the walk. She offered practical advice with humor and empathy. Together we worked to build my confidence, resilience and connections with loved ones. Most notably, Gemma offered a sacred space for spiritual growth and healing. The insights gained from this spiritual work have had an immeasurable impact on the course of my life. I’m deeply grateful for the lasting effects of her mentorship and highly recommend Point of Juncture Wellness.

-HB