ARTICLE
Atala Counseling is excited to announce a meaningful leadership transition as the practice enters a new season of growth. Moving forward, Araceli Gauna-Scattolini will step into the role of sole owner of Atala Counseling, marking an intentional evolution that honors the practice’s strong foundation while positioning it for continued impact within the Lakeland community. This transition reflects Atala’s commitment to growth rooted in stability, integrity, and connection. Over the past five years, Kathryn Dumont, founder and longtime co-owner of Atala Counseling, has been the heart and guiding force of the practice. Her steady leadership, unwavering dedication to clients, and deep care for the team shaped the culture that defines Atala today. The values, trust, and compassion experienced within the office are a direct result of her vision. While leadership is evolving, the heart of Atala remains the same — the same mission, the same values, and the same commitment to compassionate, high-quality mental health care. Atala Counseling continues to operate with its guiding vision: to dismantle barriers for a healthier Lakeland, one connection at a time. Importantly, Katy remains a valued and integral part of the Atala team and will continue serving clients as a counselor. Her presence and influence continue to shape the work of the practice in meaningful and lasting ways. “Atala has always been about connection — to ourselves, to one another, and to our community,” said the leadership team. “This transition reflects thoughtful growth while staying deeply rooted in what has always mattered most: showing up with care, integrity, and intention.” Located in Lakeland’s Dixieland neighborhood, Atala Counseling offers counseling services for children (ages 5+), teens, adults, couples, and families. With a growing team of dedicated clinicians, Atala remains committed to accessible, affirming, and whole-person mental health care, as well as continued collaboration with community partners. Atala Counseling extends heartfelt gratitude to its clients, collaborators, and the greater Lakeland community for their continued trust and support — and looks forward with excitement to what’s ahead. More exciting news: Atala Counseling is happy to celebrate this new transition by offering a Preferred Member Rate for counseling services to Lakeland's Chamber of Commerce members and their families. To take advantage of this option, request an appointment with any of the following highly skilled members of Atala Counseling's therapy team: To take advantage of the preferred member rate, request an appointment with any of the following seasoned mental health counselors: James Miller, LMHC: Request an Appointment Amanda Frye, LCSW: Request an Appointment Kathryn Dumont, LCSW: Request an Appointment Michele Lescard, LCSW: Request an Appointment To read their more about their specialties, availability, and therapeutic approaches: Atala Counseling - Meet the Team If opting to call the office, please mention that you are a member of the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce interested in using the Preferred Member Rate
Atala Counseling is excited to announce a meaningful leadership transition as the practice enters a new season of growth. Moving forward, Araceli Gauna-Scattolini will step into the role of sole owner of Atala Counseling, marking an intentional evolution that honors the practice’s strong foundation while positioning it for continued impact within the Lakeland community.
This transition reflects Atala’s commitment to growth rooted in stability, integrity, and connection. Over the past five years, Kathryn Dumont, founder and longtime co-owner of Atala Counseling, has been the heart and guiding force of the practice. Her steady leadership, unwavering dedication to clients, and deep care for the team shaped the culture that defines Atala today. The values, trust, and compassion experienced within the office are a direct result of her vision.
While leadership is evolving, the heart of Atala remains the same — the same mission, the same values, and the same commitment to compassionate, high-quality mental health care. Atala Counseling continues to operate with its guiding vision: to dismantle barriers for a healthier Lakeland, one connection at a time.
Importantly, Katy remains a valued and integral part of the Atala team and will continue serving clients as a counselor. Her presence and influence continue to shape the work of the practice in meaningful and lasting ways.
“Atala has always been about connection — to ourselves, to one another, and to our community,” said the leadership team. “This transition reflects thoughtful growth while staying deeply rooted in what has always mattered most: showing up with care, integrity, and intention.”
Located in Lakeland’s Dixieland neighborhood, Atala Counseling offers counseling services for children (ages 5+), teens, adults, couples, and families. With a growing team of dedicated clinicians, Atala remains committed to accessible, affirming, and whole-person mental health care, as well as continued collaboration with community partners.
Atala Counseling extends heartfelt gratitude to its clients, collaborators, and the greater Lakeland community for their continued trust and support — and looks forward with excitement to what’s ahead. More exciting news: Atala Counseling is happy to celebrate this new transition by offering a Preferred Member Rate for counseling services to Lakeland's Chamber of Commerce members and their families. To take advantage of this option, request an appointment with any of the following highly skilled members of Atala Counseling's therapy team:
To take advantage of the preferred member rate, request an appointment with any of the following seasoned mental health counselors:
To read their more about their specialties, availability, and therapeutic approaches: Atala Counseling - Meet the Team If opting to call the office, please mention that you are a member of the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce interested in using the Preferred Member Rate