Amaris Hess serves as the Clinical Director at New Hope CORPS, overseeing all aspects of behavioral health care provided at the agency. Amaris joined New Hope CORPS in the Spring of 2018.

Prior to coming onboard at New Hope CORPS, Amaris gained experience providing direct care service to individuals in a range of behavioral health care settings, including inpatient detoxification, acute care crisis units, geriatric units, sub-acute residential and outpatient.  Throughout her professional career Amaris has pursued additional training in the areas of Animal-Assisted Therapy, utilizing both canine and equine partners in her work.  Specifically, she has used the power of human/animal relationships to break down barriers oftentimes present in the lives of those who have found themselves at odds with themselves, living with trauma, substance use, mental health concerns or difficult family relationships.

A member of the United Methodist Church, Amaris believes deeply in the value of actualizing faith within the greater community- “Do no harm. Do good. Stay in love with God.”[1] Volunteer work with Chapman Partnership for the Homeless, Baptist Health South Florida and Therapy Dogs International provided a framework of community service and interpersonal connection which serves as the keystone of Amaris’ clinical and administrative practice.

Amaris earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Creative Writing from The University of Miami and her Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. Amaris is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Qualified Supervisor with the State of Florida and holds a Certified Addiction Professional credential from the Florida Certification Board.