Jennifer McGinnis is a Licensed Mental Health Intern and the founder of PHEW Specialists.

She has a MA in School Counseling and experience as a school counselor. With over 15 years of experience working in the mental health field and over 25 years of experience working with youth, she decided to fix a problem she saw: a lack of targeted mental health counseling for children, teens, and young adults in Pinellas County. 

Jennifer first recognized her ability to motivate, connect with and help guide children and teens while she taught dance throughout earning her master’s degree. She has continued her passion for teaching dance to kids of all ages and enjoys connecting with and motivating young minds.

As a Middle School Counselor, Jennifer had the opportunity to counsel, advise and support teens and their parents through a number of common issues. Jennifer went from working at the middle school for over 15 years to working at the Pinellas County Schools District Office. Here, she helped plan district-wide mental health lessons, provided parent information nights, facilitated many different mental health training to teachers and the community, and got the opportunity to travel to schools around Pinellas County, sharing motivating presentations. 

Recognizing the rising need for quality private mental health practitioners, specifically for teens and kids, she decided to start Pinellas Health and Emotional Wellness Specialists in 2022. Today, Jennifer McGinnis proudly serves as a counselor for kids and teens in Pinellas County, Florida.

In her free time, Jennifer enjoys spending time with friends and family (especially her 2 awesome kids)- and eating yummy tacos. Jennifer is excited to work hard to make a positive impact on our community.

Jennifer is here to help you “grow through what you go through.”