MEET THE TEAM
RICHMOND REGION
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Alex Moore, M.A.Ed.
Resident In Counseling
Alex’s professional journey has been marked by a calling to help people find hope and healing. She has knowledge and valuable experience working with a diverse clientele, spanning children, adolescents, and adults. Her areas of expertise encompass a diverse range of challenges, including trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, anger management, and family conflict. Alex tailors her counseling approach to meet the unique needs of everyone, employing a flexible array of techniques and modalities. She has a passion for working with children, utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other strengths-based approaches. When appropriate, she may incorporate the use of expressive art modalities and interventions. Central to her philosophy is the belief that all therapeutic interventions should be person-centered, prioritizing the well-being and individuality of those she has the privilege to serve.
Alex graduated from Virginia Tech, earning a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology.
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James Terry, MSW, LCSW
LCSW
James has had the unique privilege to work with a variety of clients including individuals, families, children, and adults. He firmly believes in the social work code of ethics which he uses as the primary guide ofr his practice and in working with individuals with mental health challenges. James has adopted a holistic approach, seeking to integrate biological, social, cultural, psychological, and spiritual factors. He considers the client to be the expert in their care as he utilizes client-centered and strength/resiliency-based interventions. He has previously worked with a wide range of diagnoses including Mood disorders, ADHD, PTSD/Adjustment disorders, Conduct disorder, and Oppositional Defiant disorder. His areas of expertise include trauma informed care, cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, and play/art therapy interventions. Additionally, James considers it a privilege to work with individuals and families and hopes he can be an effective professional support toward your journey of well-being. James obtained his LCSW in 2018 and graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University, earning a Master’s degree in Social Work.
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Sharon Benjamin, MS
Resident In Counseling
Sharon has a wealth of knowledge as she has worked in Mental Health services for thirteen years providing counseling services, cognitive behavioral therapy, and life skills to a range of clients, including both adults and children. After this, she began working as an Outpatient Therapist providing counseling to clients in order to help them overcome life's challenges. One day, her dream is to open a Child Development Center for infants and children ages 2-14. Having completed her Child Development Associated Certification for preschool children ages 4-5, she would be perfect for this! Sharon graduated from Grand Canyon University, earning her Master’s degree in Professional Counseling and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University.
ROANOKE REGION
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Todd Gearheart, MS
Resident In Counseling
Shaunta has spent the last decade, and more, dedicated to serving children, adolescents, families, and her community. She is an advocate and resource with expansive knowledge in mental health. Her years of experience and success supporting those in need of more intensive levels of mental health services has proven invaluable.
While Shaunta now works primarily as an Outpatient Counselor she continues to serve as a volunteer in programs passionate about supporting children and families.
Shaunta graduated from Capella University with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science from Ashford University.
Shaunta has spent the last decade, and more, dedicated to serving children, adolescents, families, and her community. She is an advocate and resource with expansive knowledge in mental health. Her years of experience and success supporting those in need of more intensive levels of mental health services has proven invaluable.
While Shaunta now works primarily as an Outpatient Counselor she continues to serve as a volunteer in programs passionate about supporting children and families.
Shaunta graduated from Capella University with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science from Ashford University.
Shaunta has spent the last decade, and more, dedicated to serving children, adolescents, families, and her community. She is an advocate and resource with expansive knowledge in mental health. Her years of experience and success supporting those in need of more intensive levels of mental health services has proven invaluable.
While Shaunta now works primarily as an Outpatient Counselor she continues to serve as a volunteer in programs passionate about supporting children and families.
Shaunta graduated from Capella University with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science from Ashford University.
Shaunta has spent the last decade, and more, dedicated to serving children, adolescents, families, and her community. She is an advocate and resource with expansive knowledge in mental health. Her years of experience and success supporting those in need of more intensive levels of mental health services has proven invaluable.
While Shaunta now works primarily as an Outpatient Counselor she continues to serve as a volunteer in programs passionate about supporting children and families.
Shaunta graduated from Capella University with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science from Ashford University.
Todd has extensive experience in community mental health and rehabilitative services, and clinic settings. As an outpatient therapist, his specialty areas include trauma, anxiety, depression, couples counseling, and military veterans’ issues.
When it comes to his counseling framework, Todd implements person-centered therapy with a strong influence of humanistic counseling therapies, such as positive psychology. He focuses on goal-oriented questioning to assist in moving into a future-oriented direction, and takes a very holistic approach to counseling involving the integration of the mind, body, and spirit.
Todd is nearing completion of his Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling with a specialization in Traumatology. He has earned Master’s degrees in both Human Services Counseling and Professional Counseling.
He is also certified as a Prepare-Enrich Couples Program facilitator and provides couples therapy for those preparing for marriage and for those wishing to enrich their marriage.
Todd is a military veteran who has honorably served our country in 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 unique life experience is an asset that he brings to therapy sessions.
Todd provides genuine warmth, honesty, empathy, support, and care to those he has the opportunity to serve. He is a skill-builder and has a strong passion to motivate and build resilience in others.
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Jennifer Royer, MSW
Supervisee in Social Work
Shaunta has spent the last decade, and more, dedicated to serving children, adolescents, families, and her community. She is an advocate and resource with expansive knowledge in mental health. Her years of experience and success supporting those in need of more intensive levels of mental health services has proven invaluable.
While Shaunta now works primarily as an Outpatient Counselor she continues to serve as a volunteer in programs passionate about supporting children and families.
Shaunta graduated from Capella University with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science from Ashford University.
Shaunta has spent the last decade, and more, dedicated to serving children, adolescents, families, and her community. She is an advocate and resource with expansive knowledge in mental health. Her years of experience and success supporting those in need of more intensive levels of mental health services has proven invaluable.
While Shaunta now works primarily as an Outpatient Counselor she continues to serve as a volunteer in programs passionate about supporting children and families.
Shaunta graduated from Capella University with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science from Ashford University.
Shaunta has spent the last decade, and more, dedicated to serving children, adolescents, families, and her community. She is an advocate and resource with expansive knowledge in mental health. Her years of experience and success supporting those in need of more intensive levels of mental health services has proven invaluable.
While Shaunta now works primarily as an Outpatient Counselor she continues to serve as a volunteer in programs passionate about supporting children and families.
Shaunta graduated from Capella University with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science from Ashford University.
Shaunta has spent the last decade, and more, dedicated to serving children, adolescents, families, and her community. She is an advocate and resource with expansive knowledge in mental health. Her years of experience and success supporting those in need of more intensive levels of mental health services has proven invaluable.
While Shaunta now works primarily as an Outpatient Counselor she continues to serve as a volunteer in programs passionate about supporting children and families.
Shaunta graduated from Capella University with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science from Ashford University.
Jennifer, a Clinical Social Work Supervisee and US Army Reserve Veteran, navigated a transformative journey from detainee operations in Afghanistan to earning her Master's in Social Work from the University of Southern California in 2019. With a career spanning diverse roles, including case management and therapeutic support for children, she later returned to the mental health field, dedicating herself to the veteran population.
Possessing a rich skill set in problem-solving therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, and cognitive-behavioral therapy, Jennifer has adeptly addressed issues ranging from abuse and addiction to trauma, PTSD, and identity concerns. Committed to making the first step toward help more approachable, Jennifer recognizes the importance of addressing mental health challenges for holistic personal growth and healing, drawing parallels between seeking help for mental well-being and medical assistance for physical ailments.
Todd A. Gearheart, M.A., NCC
Resident In Counseling
Todd is a seasoned outpatient therapist with extensive experience in community mental health, rehabilitative services, and clinic settings. His specialization includes addressing trauma, anxiety, depression, couples counseling, and military veterans' issues. Employing person-centered therapy and drawing from humanistic counseling approaches, particularly positive psychology, Todd uses goal-oriented questioning to guide individuals toward a future-oriented direction. His counseling style is marked by a holistic approach that integrates the mind, body, and spirit, fostering a comprehensive and personalized therapeutic experience. Currently pursuing a Doctorate in Community Care and Counseling with a focus on Traumatology, Todd holds master's degrees in both Human Services Counseling and Professional Counseling, showcasing his dedication to continuous learning and professional development.
As a military veteran with combat experience, Todd brings a unique perspective to his counseling practice. Graduating from the U.S. Navy's "Top Gun" school and serving in diverse roles such as Operations Specialist and Air Intercept Controller, he offers a wealth of expertise. Beyond his military background, Todd is a certified Prepare-Enrich Couples Program facilitator, providing valuable support for couples preparing for marriage or seeking to enhance their relationships. His commitment to building resilience and motivation is evident in his genuine warmth, honesty, and empathy. Todd's passion for skill-building extends to his role as a Resident in Counseling and National Certified Counselor, where he leverages his diverse background and education to empower individuals and couples on their journey to mental well-being and relationship fulfillment.
Jennifer Royer
Supervisee in Social Work
Jennifer recognizes the challenge individuals face when acknowledging the need for help and taking the first step towards addressing their issues. Understanding the reluctance to admit vulnerability, she is dedicated to making this initial step more accessible. Jennifer emphasizes the importance of addressing habits, hurts, and hang-ups to foster mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual growth and healing. Drawing parallels with seeking medical help for physical ailments, she believes mental health should be approached with the same level of importance. While acknowledging that the journey to healing is neither quick nor easy, Jennifer is committed to providing support and guidance to help individuals navigate this pathway.
In her counseling sessions, Jennifer employs a diverse range of therapeutic approaches, including problem-solving therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. With experience in treating a variety of issues such as abuse, addiction, autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief, trauma, and sexual identity/gender identity concerns, she brings a comprehensive skill set to her practice. Jennifer's career trajectory reflects a deep commitment to mental health, from her early work as a case manager and Therapeutic Staff Support for children with behavioral issues to her current role as a Supervisee in Clinical Social Work. Her military service, combined with personal experiences, has shaped her understanding of trauma, resilience, and the unique challenges faced by veterans, driving her dedication to making a positive impact in their lives.
WYTHEVILLE REGION
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Kristie Haga
Resident In Counseling
Kristie believes that clients are the “expert”, and she is simply a catalyst to help them reach their goals. Using a client-centered approach to therapy, she recognizes that the relationship she builds with clients is the biggest factor that contributes to success in reaching their goals
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She has spent the last 25+ years specializing in risk assessment and crisis intervention, utilizing a variety of therapeutic techniques. Some of these techniques include cognitive behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, psychoeducation, solution-focused and relaxation practices. Most of her career has included working with children with emotional support needs and the families that support them. She also has experience working with adults in a clinical setting, both as a therapist and a crisis response provider. Early in her career, she found herself working with clients who were receiving support through a Psychosocial Rehabilitation program. Kristie loves the work that is done in this field and has tried to learn as much as she can about behavioral health disorders. With her fur babies at home, she is a firm believer in the therapeutic value of our pets and utilizes her own babies as a vital therapeutic tool for herself.
As a graduate from Walden University’s Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling program, Kristie has a wealth of knowledge to offer clients!
STAUNTON REGION
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Emily Carickhoff
LPC
Emily is excited to make an impact on the lives of her clients as she has experience working with both children and adults. Her most utilized therapeutic techniques include trauma-informed interventions, as well as art and play therapy techniques. Her professional experience includes settings with individuals in foster care, and children and teens with behavioral challenges. In addition, she also has experience working with adults and couples.
When not working, Emily enjoys being in nature, painting, and researching how the brain works. Emily earned her Master's in Counseling at Eastern Mennonite University.
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
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Maria Weaver
Senior Office Manager
Shaunta has spent the last decade, and more, dedicated to serving children, adolescents, families, and her community. She is an advocate and resource with expansive knowledge in mental health. Her years of experience and success supporting those in need of more intensive levels of mental health services has proven invaluable.
While Shaunta now works primarily as an Outpatient Counselor she continues to serve as a volunteer in programs passionate about supporting children and families.
Shaunta graduated from Capella University with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science from Ashford University.
Shaunta has spent the last decade, and more, dedicated to serving children, adolescents, families, and her community. She is an advocate and resource with expansive knowledge in mental health. Her years of experience and success supporting those in need of more intensive levels of mental health services has proven invaluable.
While Shaunta now works primarily as an Outpatient Counselor she continues to serve as a volunteer in programs passionate about supporting children and families.
Shaunta graduated from Capella University with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science from Ashford University.
Shaunta has spent the last decade, and more, dedicated to serving children, adolescents, families, and her community. She is an advocate and resource with expansive knowledge in mental health. Her years of experience and success supporting those in need of more intensive levels of mental health services has proven invaluable.
While Shaunta now works primarily as an Outpatient Counselor she continues to serve as a volunteer in programs passionate about supporting children and families.
Shaunta graduated from Capella University with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science from Ashford University.
Shaunta has spent the last decade, and more, dedicated to serving children, adolescents, families, and her community. She is an advocate and resource with expansive knowledge in mental health. Her years of experience and success supporting those in need of more intensive levels of mental health services has proven invaluable.
While Shaunta now works primarily as an Outpatient Counselor she continues to serve as a volunteer in programs passionate about supporting children and families.
Shaunta graduated from Capella University with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science from Ashford University.
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Amy Miller
Outpatient Administrative Assistant
Shaunta has spent the last decade, and more, dedicated to serving children, adolescents, families, and her community. She is an advocate and resource with expansive knowledge in mental health. Her years of experience and success supporting those in need of more intensive levels of mental health services has proven invaluable.
While Shaunta now works primarily as an Outpatient Counselor she continues to serve as a volunteer in programs passionate about supporting children and families.
Shaunta graduated from Capella University with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science from Ashford University.
Shaunta has spent the last decade, and more, dedicated to serving children, adolescents, families, and her community. She is an advocate and resource with expansive knowledge in mental health. Her years of experience and success supporting those in need of more intensive levels of mental health services has proven invaluable.
While Shaunta now works primarily as an Outpatient Counselor she continues to serve as a volunteer in programs passionate about supporting children and families.
Shaunta graduated from Capella University with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science from Ashford University.
Shaunta has spent the last decade, and more, dedicated to serving children, adolescents, families, and her community. She is an advocate and resource with expansive knowledge in mental health. Her years of experience and success supporting those in need of more intensive levels of mental health services has proven invaluable.
While Shaunta now works primarily as an Outpatient Counselor she continues to serve as a volunteer in programs passionate about supporting children and families.
Shaunta graduated from Capella University with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science from Ashford University.
Shaunta has spent the last decade, and more, dedicated to serving children, adolescents, families, and her community. She is an advocate and resource with expansive knowledge in mental health. Her years of experience and success supporting those in need of more intensive levels of mental health services has proven invaluable.
While Shaunta now works primarily as an Outpatient Counselor she continues to serve as a volunteer in programs passionate about supporting children and families.
Shaunta graduated from Capella University with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science from Ashford University.