top of page
Moving as a Catalyst for Personal Growth

Our Practitioners

Our practice is designed to help you gain the life that you want to live

Kishna J. Celce

Kishna Celce, founder

Welcome! I am Kishna Celce. I am a certified Life, Relationship, and Parenting Coach, and a Clinically Trained Trauma Specialist. I specialize in Trauma-Informed Recovery and self-care. I am also a dedicated mother, friend, wife, and woman. 

I am a domestic abuse survivor; narcissistic abuse to be exact, and I am a woman who learned that I had to be hurt in order to be loved. When I became a mother, I decided that narrative didn't work for me anymore and made the conscious decision to change it- both for me and for my lineage. 

I have a degree in Social Work and 15+ years in youth and program development. I love to create things and ways that help people learn and grow, so becoming a certified trauma specialist was the best way for me to do that for others. I became a specialist because I wanted to help people who have been through pain but didn't have a person or an outlet to assist them in healing. Learning how much pain stays in and affects our body, it was important for me to work with as many people as I could to aid them in releasing this pain and allowing their bodies the ability to rest and be at peace. Trauma-informed care is now my life's passion, and I am excited to share that passion, peace, and healing with you.

Esmeralda Xhelilaj

Esmeralda Dimo Xhelilaj has 13 years of clinical psychology experience working with children , teens and adults. She specializes in CBT and BWRT therapy. Esmeralda speaks three languages (English, Albanian, Italian) and loves to connect with clients from any background.

Esmeralda Headshot
Chris Headshot

Christopher Gordon

Christopher Gordon is a creative self-motivated individual that loves working with at risk youths. Currently he is a family therapist/individual counselor and an intense case manager,  where he provides in home family therapy. Christopher has worked in the social services field for 10 plus years working a as a supervisor for a group home, behavioral specialist, mental health technician, dean of students, and a foster care manager. While working at these jobs he has created programs such as (MTM) moving towards manhood, (ART) artist rocking together, 24/7 Fatherhood, and he also facilitates (M.E.M) men empowering men within Balancing Life & Kids. Christopher also faciliates the emotional development program within BLK, serving the youth and young adults in their journey towards navigating their emotional and mental health while figuring out their teenaged years.     
 
Growing up in north Philadelphia with a Jamaican cultured background gave him the inspiration for what he wanted to be in life. In 2013, Christopher graduated from Millersville University with a bachelors in social work and a minor in entrepreneur. Since then, he was been working towards building a better environment for our youths.

Shannon Stewart

Welcome! I'm Shannon, and I’m here to walk alongside you on a journey toward healing, self-discovery, and empowerment. As someone who has navigated my own path through trauma, I understand the courage it takes to reach out for support. I bring this personal insight into my work, creating a space where you can explore, grow, and reclaim parts of yourself with compassion and without judgment.

​

My approach to therapy is rooted in honoring each person’s unique experiences and recognizing the power of lived stories, especially those often overlooked. I strive to decolonize mental health care, expanding the field beyond colonial, Eurocentric frameworks to embrace culturally sensitive, inclusive practices. This focus reflects my dedication to addressing historical trauma and advocating for equity and justice in mental health services.

​

My background includes a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University, a dual bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education, years of teaching experience in Philadelphia, and an associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education. This diverse foundation allows me to understand human development in all its stages, supporting my clients with a compassionate and holistic perspective.

​

In therapy, I integrate multiple modalities tailored to each person’s journey, empowering you to explore and heal at your own pace. I work with clients navigating complex trauma, identity, and spiritual questions, and I’m especially committed to supporting the LGBTQ+ community and those affected by systemic oppression.

​

Together, we’ll create a path forward that honors your resilience and opens doors to new possibilities. I look forward to working with you.

S.S Headshot
Bio Headshot

Devon Smith

Devon Smith, a Licensed Social Worker, born and raised in Philadelphia. A graduate of Millersville University with a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work and a Master of Social Work from Widener University. Devon has a background in trauma informed care, victim advocacy, and therapy. Her preferred therapeutic modalities
include Cognitive Behavioral therapy and Solution Focused therapy. Devon is passionate about helping the young women in her community. Her goal is to empower clients and their families.

Michelle Christo

Michelle Christo is a National Certified Drug and Alcohol interventionist with over 10 years of experience working with individuals with substance use disorder and mental health concerns. She graduated from Rider University with a bachelor's degree in psychology. She is now obtaining her CADC through her current internship to further the impact she can have on the surrounding communities.

Michelle Christo
The Healn Space logo


email: info@balancinglifeandkids.com

Main Office: Philadelphia
106 Gay St
3rd Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19027

Mental Health Main: 215-845-1858

Behavior Health Main: 215-486-1476

 

Atlanta Site:

3557 Main St 

College Park, GA 30337

Satellite Offices:
Atlanta, GA ;Orlando Fl ;Brooklyn, NY

CONTACT US

SOCIALS

  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2022-2025 by Balancing Life & Kids. Professionally designed by Dreamworth & Co.

Balancing Life & Kids, Inc. is a registered 501c3 organization, registered with the IRS in 2021

​

EIN: 86-359-4203

Vosita-Logo.webp
bottom of page