Dr. tamaru Phillips, lmft
​founder & clinical director

Dr. Tamaru N. Phillips is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the founder of the Sunflower Institute for Therapy & Life Coaching,  With a passion for trauma-informed, culturally responsive care, Dr. Tamaru helps individuals, couples, and families build clarity and confidence as they navigate life's challenges. 

Known for her direct yet compassionate style, Dr. Tamaru offers a wide range of services including individual and family therapy, executive coaching, psychological immigration evaluations, and wellness workshops.  she also leads community trainings designed to empower people in there relationships and careers. 
Dr. Tamaru believes healing begins when clients feel truly seen, safe, and supported.  From her Miami office or through virtual sessions, she tailors her approach to match each client's unique goals and values.  She is always committed to fostering real progress and lasting growth. 

Torika Smalls
​CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER

Torika Smalls is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over six years of experience supporting clients through life's transitions and emotional challenges.  She specializes in providing individual therapy for adults and teens, creating a warm and culturally sensitive space where clients feel truly heard and understood.  

Torika's work focuses on helping individuals navigate emotion instability manage life changes and address the lasting impact of childhood experiences.  She utilizes evidence-based interventions including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), to help clients uncover the root of their struggles and achieve healing, growth, and lasting change. 

Torika is passionate about working with women, minorities, and young people, and is dedicated to empowering her clients to find resilience and clarity at every stage of life. 
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nikquana duncan
community outreach & workshop coordinator 

Nikquana Duncan builds bridges between the Sunflower Institute and the communities we care about.  From organizing local events to strengthening partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and grassroots organizations, Nikquana helps ensure our mental health services reach the people who need them most.  Her work brings awareness, access, and advocacy to the heart of everything we do.  

In addition to her outreach efforts, Nikquana coordinates the Institutes' workshops, working closely with facilitators to plan, schedule, and deliver engaging programs.  She ensures that each workshop runs smoothly and meets the unique needs of participants, from logistics to communication.  With her eye for detail and commitment to accessibility, Nikquana helps transform ideas into experiences that truly serve the community. 
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Elena cruz-rivera
​Client Care Coordinator

Elena Cruz-Rivera serves as the heart of the client experience team.  With years of experience in wellness administration and client support, she ensures that every interaction is seamless from the first inquiry to ongoing care.  Elena is highly skilled at managing scheduling, onboarding, and client communication with warmth and professionalism.  Her approachable nature helps clients feel valued and cared for, while her organizational expertise ensures that daily operations run smoothly.  Elena believes that small acts of kindness and attentive listening make a big difference in every client's journey. 
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Carrie Ortiz
Life Coach & Wellness Facilitator

As Life Coach & Wellness Facilitator, Carrie Ortiz is passionate about guiding individuals toward clarity, balance, and growth. With a background in coaching and holistic wellness, she helps clients identify their strengths, set meaningful goals, and create sustainable strategies for success. Carrie’s approach blends practical tools with compassionate support, making her a trusted partner for those navigating life transitions, stress, or personal challenges.
She believes that wellness is more than self-care—it’s about building resilience, confidence, and alignment in every area of life. Through one-on-one coaching and group wellness initiatives, Carrie creates empowering spaces where clients feel seen, supported, and motivated to thrive.