top of page
Our Clinicians
Glen Allen
Shaunta Mayo, Resident in Counseling (Glen Allen)
Shaunta Mayo is a Licensed Mental Health professional-Resident that has been working with children, adolescents, and families in various settings for about 12 years. Shaunta has worked in CBS for 4 years with adults, children and families that are experiencing mental health issues, while participating in clinical supervision. She graduated from Ashford University with a BA in Behavior Science and Capella University with MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Shaunta has volunteered with the Henrico Police Athletic League (PAL) in Juvenile facilities, elementary and middle schools as a mentor working with children that were experiencing negative behaviors. She has also volunteered with Communities in Schools at Douglas L. Wilder Middle school. In her spare time, Shaunta enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.
Alex Moore, Resident in Counseling (Glen Allen)
I earned my Master’s degree in Counselor education and Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Virginia Tech. I am currently pursuing my license to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults, with a specific interest in working with children. I have worked with individuals experiencing a variety of difficulties, including trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, anger management, and family conflict. I use a variety of techniques and modalities depending on the needs of the individual, including CBT, strength-based and expressive arts modalities such as play therapy, but believe that all treatment should be person-centered.
James Terry, LCSW (Glen Allen)
I’m a graduate of VCU’s Masters of Social Work program and earned my LCSW in 2018. My experience has been diverse as I’ve worked with individuals, families, children, adolescents, and adults. I believe firmly in the social work code of ethics which I use as a guide for my practice and in working with individuals who have challenges with mental health. I have experience working with a wide range of diagnoses to include Mood disorders, ADHD, PTSD/Adjustment disorders, Conduct disorder, and Oppositional Defiant disorder. I know it is integral to look at the whole person to include biological, social, cultural, psychological, and spiritual factors. I consider the client to be the expert in their care as I utilize client/person-centered and strength/resiliency based interventions. I also have experience in trauma informed care, cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, and play/art therapy interventions. I truly consider it a privilege to work with individuals and families and hope I can be an effective professional support toward your journey of well-being.
Sharon Jackson-Benjamin, Resident in Counseling (Glen Allen and Chester)
In 2011, I graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University, with a Baccalaureate of Science degree in Psychology. In 2019, I graduated from Grand Canyon University, with a Master of Science degree in Professional Counseling. I also completed and received my Child Development Associated Certification, educating preschool children ages 4-5. My future includes opening a Child Development Center for infants and child ages 2 to 14. After graduation I worked in the Mental Health services for thirteen years providing counseling services teaching CBT and life skills to adults and children, however my plans changed as I’m currently working as an Outpatient Therapist providing counseling to adults and children teaching them critical life skills to overcome life challenges.
Chester
Roanoke
Todd A. Gearheart, M.A., Resident in Counseling, NCC
Todd is a Resident in Counseling, National Certified Counselor, and a certified Prepare-Enrich Couples program facilitator. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism with a concentration in Public Relations, a Master’s degree in Human Services Counseling, a Master’s degree in Professional Counseling, and is nearing completion of his Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling with a specialization in Traumatology. His theoretical foundation is person-centered with a strong influence of humanistic counseling therapies such as positive psychology. Todd’s philosophy focuses attention on the present and future. He focuses on goal-oriented questioning to assist the client in moving into a future-oriented direction to help reduce negative thinking and behaviors, increase motivation and resiliency, and become a healthier and happier human being. Todd takes a very holistic approach to counseling in which he focuses on the integration of the mind, body, and spirit.
Todd has extensive experience in community and clinic settings having engaged in therapeutic day treatment, intensive in-home, parenting aid, mentoring, crisis intervention, crisis stabilization, and outpatient therapy services along with substance abuse treatment and counseling. Trauma, anxiety, depression, couples counseling, and Military veterans issues are his specialties. Todd is a military veteran that has served our country honorably during combat around the world. He was an Operations Specialist, Air Intercept Controller, and graduated from the U.S. Navy’s Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor program popularly referred to as “Top Gun” school. His life experience is an asset for therapy.
Todd is certified as a Prepare-Enrich Couples Program facilitator and provides couples therapy for couples preparing for marriage and for couples wishing to enrich their marriage. Todd provides genuine warmth, honesty, empathy, support, and care with his clients. He is a skill-builder and has a strong passion to motivate and build resilience in clients. He looks forward to working with you.
.png)
Jennifer Royer, Supervisee in Social Work
Jennifer is a Supervisee in Clinical Social Work. She received her undergraduate degree from Liberty University. She is a single mom to a tween son. Jennifer is also a US Army Reserve Veteran. She spent one year in Afghanistan doing detainee operations. After returning home from her deployment, Jennifer struggled with adjusting back to civilian life. After meeting with a counselor from her Local Vet Center, Jennifer was encouraged to go back to school and get her Master's in Social Work and become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. In 2019 she earned her Master's in Social Work from the University of Southern California. Over the course of her career (2001-2003), Jennifer has worked as a case manager for a Pennsylvania County Children and Youth office. She also worked as a Therapeutic Staff Support (2003-2005) for children with behavioral issues. She then took a 15-year break from the mental health field. During that time, she joined the military, had her son, and lost a parent to cancer. In 2017 she went back to school to earn her Master's with a desire to work with the Veteran population. Her internship was with an outpatient drug and alcohol treatment facility. She worked as an outreach specialist for the Veterans Multi-Service Center, an organization that specializes in assisting homeless Veterans in securing stable housing and jobs. In 2021, Jennifer also worked as a caregiver in an assisted living facility. Most recently she worked as a school-based therapist providing counseling to students ranging in age from Kindergarten to Seniors. Jennifer utilizes problem solving therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Jennifer has treated those struggling abuse, addiction, autism, ADHD, anxiety, anger, depression, grief, loss, trauma, adoption, aging and geriatric issues, body image, child and adolescent issues, health issues, sexual trauma, neglect, mental health issues as a result of medical injury, abandonment issues, PTSD, terminal diagnosis, sexual identity issues, gender identity issues, and/or self-esteem issues. Jennifer understands that admitting there is a problem and asking for help can be a difficult step to take. She is here to make that first step easier. No one wants to acknowledge weakness or the need for help. However, to grow and heal as a person mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually, addressing habits, hurts, and hang-ups can begin that process. We go to the doctor if we have a broken bone or a physical illness. Mental illness should not be any different. Jennifer is here to help facilitate that journey. It is not an easy fix and will not happen overnight. However, with hard work and guidance the pathway to healing can begin.
Wytheville
Kristie Haga, Resident in Counseling
I graduated from Walden University with a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling. I have worked in the behavioral health field for the past 27 years. I spent most of my career working with Children with Emotional Support Needs and the families that support them. I have also worked with adults in a clinical setting both as a therapist and a crisis response provider. Early into my career I found myself working with clients who were receiving supports through a Psychosocial Rehabilitation Program. I found that I loved the work that is done in this field and I have since tried to learn as much as I can about Behavioral Health Disorders. I am passionate about the work that is to be done in that field. I believe that each client is the “expert”, and I am simply a catalyst to help them reach their goals. I use a client-centered approach to therapy, recognizing that the relationship that I build with those that I work with is the single biggest factor that I can offer to their success in reaching their goals. I have specialized training and experience in risk assessment and crisis intervention. I utilize a variety of therapeutic techniques that include but are not limited to cognitive behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, psycho education, solution focused and relaxation practices. I am a firm believer in the therapeutic value of our pets and utilize my four-legged fur babies as a big therapeutic tool for myself.
Staunton
Emily Carickhoff, LPC
It was later in life when I decided to pursue my Master's in Counseling at Eastern Mennonite University. Since earning my degree I have spent time working with children in foster care and children and teens with behavioral challenges. I also have experience working with adults and couples. My approach to counseling is to incorporate trauma-informed interventions as well as art and play therapy techniques. When not working, I enjoy nature, painting, and researching how the brain works.
Administrative Staff
Maria Weaver
Senior Office Manager
Amy Miller
Outpatient Administrative Assistant
Chesapeake
bottom of page