About us
Our Practice
Next Step Collective was built in the trenches of crisis work, forged through years of showing up for some of the most vulnerable moments in people’s lives. The four of us came together through years of working side by side in community mental health and crisis services. What started as a shared commitment to the people we served grew into a shared vision: to create a space where every person feels seen, heard, valued, and empowered to take their next step toward healing and growth.
We believe that every person carries within them the capacity for growth and resilience. That healing does not have a single language, a single path, or a single timeline. And that with the right space, the right support, and genuine human connection, beautiful things take root. We are here to walk alongside you, to help you cultivate your strengths, honor your story, and grow into the life you want for yourself.
Our Team
Jean brought the vision and the wisdom of a leader who has spent her career advocating fiercely for underserved communities. Laura brought nearly a decade of crisis expertise and a deep belief that compassionate, culturally responsive care should be accessible to everyone, regardless of background or language. Payton, whose steadiness and fearlessness made her an indispensable partner in the most demanding clinical environments, keeps the practice grounded and moving forward. And Stephanie, whose compassion and tenacity on behalf of her clients were impossible to ignore, was a natural choice because a practice built on heart needed someone who embodies it completely.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Jean DeCaro
I believe that therapy is a collaborative process that can help you work through distress while gaining insight and building on your strengths. My approach is warm, compassionate and collaborative. I focus on developing a trusting relationship and creating a safe, non-judgemental space to be heard.
I specialize in working with adults, teens, and children who are experiencing depression and anxiety or have experienced trauma. I utilize approaches such as EMDR, ACT, CBT, and mindfulness to help individuals build practical tools to create a happier tomorrow.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 8 years experience. I am ready to help you work at your own pace to find hope and build meaningful change.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Payton Erdman
I work with children, teens, and adults through a variety of challenges and life transitions. Whether your child is struggling with big emotions, anxiety, or adjustment, or you’re an adult navigating stress, relationships, trauma, or a new chapter of life, therapy can offer a supportive place to slow down, reconnect, and develop tools for moving forward.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 5 years of experience working with people of all ages. I integrate EMDR, trauma focused, polyvagal, and CBT approaches into therapy based on your individual needs. We may work together to process difficult experiences, reduce anxiety and depression, build emotional regulation skills, strengthen self-awareness, and develop healthier patterns that support your overall well-being.
I believe meaningful change happens when we look at the whole person—not just the symptoms. Together, we can explore the connection between your thoughts, emotions, body, relationships, and everyday habits to better understand what you’re experiencing and create sustainable change.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Laura Diaz
I am a bilingual (English/Spanish) Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with nearly a decade of experience supporting adults, adolescents, and families through some of life’s hardest moments. Born and raised in Colombia, I have a deep passion for working with first-generation individuals and Latinx communities, understanding firsthand the unique pressures that come with straddling cultures, carrying family expectations, and often being the first in your family to ask for help.
In my work, there is no judgment; only space, honesty, and a genuine commitment to walking alongside you. I take a warm, direct, and integrative approach to therapy, drawing from EMDR, IFS, CBT, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to meet each client exactly where they are. I believe therapy should feel like a real conversation, one where you are truly heard, gently challenged, and never alone in the process. Like the plants I lovingly tend at home, I firmly believe that with the right conditions, care, and patience, growth is always possible, even when it feels far away. That philosophy lives at the heart of everything I do.
La semilla ya está en ti — demos el siguiente paso juntos.
The seed is already in you — let’s take the next step together.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Stephanie Macris
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over five years of experience working with children, teens, and adults. While I enjoy supporting clients across the lifespan, working with teens is my passion. I strive to create a warm, supportive, and judgment-free space where you or your child can feel safe exploring life's challenges.
Born in Michigan, I spent my childhood and most of my teenage years living abroad in Greece. As a third culture kid, I understand the complexities of growing up between cultures, adapting to new environments, and searching for a sense of belonging. These experiences have shaped my approach to therapy and allow me to bring empathy, cultural sensitivity, and genuine curiosity to each client's unique story.
As a trauma-informed therapist, I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Polyvagal Theory, and a strengths-based perspective to tailor treatment to your individual needs. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, or relationship challenges, my goal is to meet you where you are, build on your strengths, and help you create meaningful, lasting change.
I believe healing begins with feeling seen, heard, and understood, and I would be honored to support you on your journey toward greater balance and well-being.