Early Childhood Services Staff

Early Childhood Services

Mary-Kate Merchant Breaux, LMSW

Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant
mmerchant@acadianafamilytree.org

Mary-Kate earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in psychology with a minor in communication. She continued her education at Louisiana State University and graduated in 2022 with her master’s in social work.

Mary-Kate has clinical experience working with those diagnosed with chronic mental illness in the behavioral health setting. She has also had the opportunity to serve and mentor individuals of all ages with diverse cultural backgrounds and disabilities. When working with clients, Mary-Kate includes strategies that promote early prevention and intervention in hopes of enhancing the individual’s resiliency and coping skills.

Professionally, her areas of interest include play therapy, emotional regulation, and assisting those with cognitive distortions resulting in low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. By utilizing a strengths-based approach, Mary-Kate aims to emphasize individuals’ ability to cope with and overcome adversity. Most importantly, she strives to create an environment where every individual feels heard, seen, respected, and valued.  During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, listening to podcasts and live music, traveling, and watching reality TV.

Cammie Porter, MS, LPC

Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant
cporter@acadianafamilytree.org

​Cammie Porter, MS, LPC, holds degrees in Psychology and Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and specializes in working with children and families through child-centered play therapy and filial family therapy.

 

Cammie has experience in private practice settings serving Lafayette and surrounding communities and currently holds a Play Therapy Director role at a local private practice, where she provides clinical leadership, consultation, and support for play-based therapeutic services. She is deeply passionate about supporting children’s emotional development and strengthening family relationships.
 
As a Louisiana Pathways Trainer III and Certified Positive Discipline Parent Educator, Cammie is committed to equipping caregivers and early childhood professionals with practical, developmentally appropriate strategies that promote healthy behavior, connection, and attachment.
 
Cammie is also a wife and mom to three boys, a role that deeply informs her work with children and families. Outside of her professional work, Cammie enjoys spending time with her family, Pilates, painting, and exploring new restaurants with her husband.

Patrick Sciambra, LMSW

Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant
psciambra@acadianafamilytree.org

Patrick received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in psychology with a minor in child and family studies. He continued with higher education at Louisiana State University, graduating in 2023 with his master’s in social work. He is licensed in the state of Louisiana and is currently working towards becoming a Licensed Clinical Social worker (LCSW). Patrick has interned in the mental health field throughout his graduate school experience. One of which was in the Case Management Department at Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s and Children’s Hospital. When working with clients, Patrick employs a strengths-based approach to assist individuals in overcoming any challenges they face through positive coping mechanisms. He strives to create a safe and conducive environment for individuals to express themselves while feeling valued and respected. Outside of work, He enjoys participating in local theatre productions, watching reality competition TV, and spending time with loved ones.