Meet Our Counseling Staff: Kennesaw Counselors

Brent Harris, LPC

Brent Harris (also known as Woody) is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Georgia with over 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and families. Woody got his Master of Arts in Psychology at the University of West Georgia and has done post masters work at Saybrook University in San Francisco. Woody is a certified clinical supervisor, trained in trauma focused therapy and DBT, a GIM Level 2 Therapist, and a Geek Therapist. 

Woody believes that therapy can be an essential tool for personal growth and confronting barriers.  Woody has worked to develop understanding of experiential tools such as music, games, play, and media to support change and enhance self-awareness. Woody also employs a background of humanistic, existential, phenomenological, and transpersonal therapies as his primary therapeutic style.

Woody wants to help you with identifying goals, and confronting barriers. Woody would like to walk alongside you on your path of growth, and assist you with the shadows and uncertainty that come with self-exploration. Woody also wants you to know that there is nothing wrong with having fun along the way.

Woody’s Specialties:

• Self Esteem
• Stress & Anxiety
• Trauma
• Depression
• Personal Growth
• Grief
• Family Dynamics
• Anger Management
• Calming and Coping
• Spiritual Emergence

Cartier Gantt-Owens, LMFT

Philosophy of Care

Cartier Gantt is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of Georgia and California,  her passion is creating a safe space for those in need to talk and work through their life stressors;  whether it be Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, or familial issues. She has helped empower her Clients which have included Veterans, sexual/domestic assault survivors, children, adults and  families, to build healthy and happy relationships, and regain the control they feel they may have  lost, doing so in a judge free space. 

Cartier is not married to one theoretical orientation, because in her experience she has noticed  that Clients have different needs and that requires using different orientations and tools. In her  five plus years in the therapy field many of her client benefited from Cognitive Behavioral  Therapy. Cartier has also seen great improvement using Solution Focused, and Attachment  Theory.  

When life gets hard we tend to turn inward, we recoil and suffer in silence, and if you do reach  out for help you are made to feel inadequate, bothersome, or weak. In closing, you are not alone,  Cartier is here for you, to help facilitate whatever change you desire.

Education

Pacific Oaks College
MA Marriage and Family Therapy

Specialties

• PTSD 
• Depression 
• Anxiety 
• Life Transitions 
• Mood Disorder

Cecilia Perez, LAPC

Philosophy of Care

Cecilia Perez is a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor in the state of Georgia working with adolescents and adults experiencing major life transitions, grief, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, relationship issues, adolescent issues, and trauma. She received her Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Towson University and is passionate about mental health and treating mental health disorders. 

Cecilia utilizes an integrative approach to therapy, incorporating strengths-based, mindfulness, cognitive behavioral, and psychodynamic approaches to treatment. She will help you find which methods work best for you. 

Seeking therapy can be an uncomfortable experience. Cecilia hopes to make therapy safe and enjoyable by working collaboratively with you to tailor your treatment to your needs. She strives to create a warm and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel accepted and can be themselves. She will help you identify your strengths, advocate for yourself, and discover new coping strategies so that you are able to be present and live according to your values.

Education

Towson University
Master's in Clinical Psychology

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Stress
• Panic
• Depression
• Mood Disorders
• Bipolar Disorder
• Psychodynamic
• Academic/Work Issues

Kelshia Keys, Resident in Counseling

Philosophy of Care

Kelshia Keys is a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor, a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, and a Certified School Counselor in the state of Georgia who has more than 10 years experience partnering with children and adults seeking help with depression, anxiety, and vocational issues. She completed her Bachelor of Science at Grambling State University, her Masters of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling from Georgia State University, and earned an add on certification in School Guidance and Counseling from the University of West Georgia.

Kelshia seeks to establish a partnership with you in order to assist with building on your strengths and helping you move towards meeting your goals and living the meaningful life you value and desire.

Education

Georgia State University
Masters of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling

Specialties

● Depression
● Anxiety
● Stress management
● Self esteem
● Vocational counseling
● Anger management

Kimberly Bryant, LCSW

Philosophy of Care

Kimberly Bryant is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Georgia State University in 2006 and went on the receive her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Alabama in 2008 and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in 2012. She started her career working with children and adolescents in a youth detention facility and later became the department supervisor for the mental health team. She has spent over four years working with all age groups in Community Mental Health providing assessment, crisis intervention, and individual/family therapy. She has also spent time working in a private practice setting, allowing a wide variety of experiences and additional skill. 

During her time working with the department of juvenile justice Kimberly had the opportunity to sit on several committees and be a part of work groups that developed suicide prevention and assessment tools for use throughout the department of juvenile justice in Georgia. Kimberly has been trained in trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy and received training from the Beck Institute in working with individuals who present with psychosis. Kimberly has worked with a variety of treatment issues throughout her career, focusing primarily on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused therapy, Motivational Interviewing techniques, Person Centered approaches, and play therapy techniques.

Education

University of Alabama
Master’s Degree in Social Work

Specialties

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  
• Solution Focused therapy
  
• Motivational Interviewing techniques
  
• Person Centered approaches
  
• Play therapy techniques

Marcus Jones, LPC

Philosophy of Care

Marcus Jones is a results driven therapist that assists individuals in managing symptoms of mental illness, maintaining sobriety, resolving motivations for self-defeating thoughts and behaviors, and improving relationships. When individuals come to treatment they have taken a courageous step in  improving their lives. As you take that step onto the path of healing and improvement, know that there is help along your path. Marcus employs multiple evidenced based treatment approaches, which include, Existential Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused. He understands each person is unique in how they respond in situations of stress and crisis. With Marcus your treatment will be individualized and tailored to meet your needs. Marcus’s approach to  treatment is genuine and empathic. His passion is in assisting individuals in improving their lives.

Marcus is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and Certified Anger Management Specialist. He earned his Masters of Science in Mental Health Counseling from the University of the Southwest, Masters of Business Administration from Ashford University and Bachelors in Organizational Management. Marcus has been practicing Mental Health Counseling for 6 years.  During this time, he has provided counseling services in individual, couples, family and group capacities with experience in a range of settings, from community counseling to outpatient treatment settings.

With a healthy blend of experience, Marcus is well prepared to assist you on the path to a better life.

Education

University of the Southwest
Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling

Specialties

• Depression Counseling
• Mood Disorders
• Bipolar Disorder
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
• Anger Management

Renee Atwood, Resident in Counseling

Philosophy of Care

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. I commend you on taking your first step towards healing. Reaching out for counseling can be frightening, but I want every client to feel heard, safe and secure. As your therapist, I will graciously commit to a safe, confidential therapeutic relationship while encouraging healing from trauma, emotional disturbances, and intergenerational issues.  I have worked with clients who have experienced depression, both childhood and adult trauma, codependency issues, anxiety, and PTSD. I have also worked with individuals suffering from grief, divorce and issues pertaining to aging. I have counseled teens, adults, and families through a down to earth counseling approach. My core beliefs are grounded in unconditional positive regard for all.  My passion is to help others reach their full potential of emotional peace. If you are ready to begin your journey, feel free to call and make an appointment. I am here and ready to listen!

Education

Liberty University
MA, Counseling Psychology

Specialties

• Depression Counseling
• Bipolar Disorder
• Schizophrenia Spectrum and Psychotic Disorders
• PTSD
• CBT
• DBT

Betsy Leamy, LPC

Hi, my name is Betsy!

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 20 years of experience helping others to not only face their challenges but learn and grow from them as well.  Every person has an Inner Wisdom and a Higher Self they can tap into and I love guiding them along that path.

I utilize an eclectic group of therapies including Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy, Dialectical (DBT), Existential, Humanistic, Emotion-Focused and Mindfulness among others. 

My undergraduate degree is a B.S. in Psychology from Georgia State University where I also earned a master’s degree in Community Counseling.  I have worked in a mental health facility, a hospital-based counseling center and had a private practice as well. I know from experience, both personally and professionally, that people can make miraculous changes in their lives.  I really look forward to working with you!

My specialties are:

• Addiction/Substance Abuse and Recovery
• Anxiety/Stress
• Depression

I am also experienced in:

• Anger Management
• Behavioral Issues
• Bipolar Disorder
• Borderline Personality
• Chronic Impulsivity
• Chronic Relapse
• Codependency
• Coping Skills
• Dual Diagnosis
• Grief
• Men’s Issues
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Relapse Prevention
• Relationship Issues
• Sexual Abuse
• Spirituality
• Stress Management
• Trauma and PTSD
• Women’s Issues

Bianca Channer, LCSW

Philosophy of Care

Dr. Bianca Channer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Georgia with over 10 years’ experience partnering with adolescents and adults seeking help with life transitions and relationship issues. Dr. Channer completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Women’s Studies from Hampshire College and received both her Master of Social Work and Doctorate of Social Work from Rutgers University. 

Dr. Channer utilizes collaborative, strength based, cognitive behavioral, mindfulness based, solution focused and client centered approaches. To best meet the needs of every unique person, Dr. Channer always maintains creativity and flexibility to empower clients and promote growth and holistic healing. 

Dr. Channer wants to establish a sincere and supportive relationship with you to assist and encourage your pursuit of goals, solidification of your strengths, and deepening of your self-concept and self-awareness. Dr. Channer would be honored to work with you on your journey towards living the meaningful life you value and want!

Education

Rutgers University
Doctorate of Social Work

Specialties

• Life Transitions
• Identity Formation/Development
• Self Esteem
• Stress Management
• Impulse and Disruptive Issues/Anger Management 
• Relationship Issues
• Gender Identity/Sexuality/LGBTQIA 
• Adjustment and Attachment Issues

Carlene Battiste-Downie, LCSW

As a licensed clinical social worker, my ultimate goals are to help clients tap into their experiences, strength, and resources to foster resilience and meaningful quality of life.  In my practice, I utilize various therapeutic techniques by integrating evidence-based principles that supports treatment modalities working with a diverse population including individuals, children, adolescents, couples, Veterans, and families.

I conduct thorough assessments and collaborates with clients to implement treatment interventions for a range of emotional and behavioral concerns, such as depression, anxiety, trauma (post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD), anger, grief and loss, and school/work related stress.

Working in collaboration, we can uncover the quality of life you deserve!  A life where you can embrace yourself and balance things within your control.

Dr. Janie Oliver, PhD, LPC, CPCS

I am a psychotherapist with extensive experience working with military veterans, children, adolescents and their families, as well as those individuals experiencing physical, verbal, emotional and sexual abuse or other types of trauma. I have worked in the behavioral health field over twenty-five years. Through my experiences, I am aware that there is no single therapeutic approach that is right for all so I have received training in treatment modalities including expressive art therapy, cognitive and behavioral therapies. In addition to being a trauma informed clinician, I incorporate a holistic perspective which I utilize to assist clients discovering their personal strengths, identifying support systems, and successfully achieving their therapeutic goals.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor (CPCS) and I hold a doctorate in professional Counseling. I am clinically experienced working with individuals experiencing anxiety disorders, depression, behavior disorders, social skills development, parenting training, trauma.

Dr. Oliver's specialties include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Behavior disorders
• Social skills development
• Parenting training
• Trauma

Krystal Lumpkin, LPC

Philosophy of Care

Krystal Lumpkin is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Georgia who has 10 years experience in working with children, adolescents, and adults seeking help with depression, anxiety, grief/loss, family transitions/changes such as divorce, and life transitions.

Krystal utilizes play therapy, cognitive behavioral, mindfulness based, and solution focused approaches to therapy.

Krystal provides a curious, positive, and non-judgmental approach with her clients. She strives to connection with her clients to assist in being able to identify their natural strengths and gain insight to how changes can be made.

Education and Licensure

Krystal completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of West Georgia and received her Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Richmont Graduate University.

Specialities

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Stress Management
• Self-esteem
• Life transitions
• Anger management
• Grief/Loss

LaMonica Green, LPC

LaMonica Green is a board certified Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Georgia, practicing out of the Atlanta Metro area. I have over a decade of experience providing effective cognitive behavioral therapy, behavior modification and psychoeducation to individuals with social, behavioral and special developmental needs.  In addition, my experience working as an addiction’s counselor with adults with various diagnoses, along with my education and professional background gives me a unique and effective approach to counseling. I have a passion for helping and sharing my skillset to provide clients with treatment plans specific to their needs that can be integrated into their daily lives. I have a proven track record of compassionate, effective care evidenced by awards and local community recognition, Cobb County Educator of the Year.

I have a master’s level education in professional counseling, as well as a master’s degree in education, multiple and severe disabilities. I am also a certified special education teacher with the state of Georgia, who specializes in emotional and behavior disorders. My bachelor’s degree is in psychology.  I have experience treating children, adolescents, and adults with diverse backgrounds and ranges of concerns. I have training in cognitive-behavioral therapies, mindfulness therapy, applied behavior analysis, as well as anxiety and panic disorder training. I continue to educate myself by attending national and local conferences, keeping up with current therapy research, and seeking supervision.

Education:

• BA – Psychology from Hampton University
• MS – Professional Counseling from Argosy University
• MEd – Multiple and Severe Disabilities from Georgia State University

Mignon Parker, LCSW

Greetings! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 10 years of experience working in the Behavioral Health field. I have worked in a variety of settings helping my clients deal with issues such as, but not limited to bipolar, depression, anxiety, family conflicts. Additionally, I have had extensive experience working with families and caregivers impacted by trauma. My approach to counseling is based on my belief that everyone is equipped with what they need to thrive amidst life challenges. Sometimes, we simply need an objective, supportive person to help us draw on our strengths. I would be honored to be that person for you!

Navigating through life challenges can be a daunting task. My goal is to foster a partnership with you to create a therapeutic experience unique to your specific strengths and circumstances that will help you work towards your desired goals.

I look forward to helping you be your best self!

SPECIALTIES

• Stress, Anxiety
• Family conflicts
• Trauma and abuse
• Parenting issues
• Depression
• Relationship issues
• Grief
• Intimacy-related issues
• Anger management
• Career difficulties
• Bipolar disorder
• Coping with life changes
• Coaching
• ADHD

Elizabeth Mooney, LMFT

Hi I’m Elizabeth! 

I’m a fully Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Georgia with a passion for working with children, adolescents, couples, families, and individuals. I hope you find that my energetic and creative approach to therapy provides an environment where you feel welcomed, supported, and understood. By implementing various therapy modalities, I strive to consider your unique perspective and needs throughout the process of change. My goal is to collaborate with you to help you feel empowered, supported, and encouraged throughout the therapeutic process. 

I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Studio Art with a Minor in Child and Family Development from the University of Georgia. I graduated from Valdosta State University with a Master of Science (MS) degree in Marriage and Family therapy. With my artistic and creative background, I have been able to expand my work with children, adolescents, and families by incorporating play and art therapy techniques in session. I hope you’ll find that my ability to utilize my creativity meets your needs in therapy by collaborating with you to customize a plan for treatment.

Over the years, I have gained experience working with a variety of clients presenting with a range of mental health needs including depression, anxiety, grief/bereavement, trauma, and behavioral issues.  While I have increased my knowledge and received training in a variety of modalities, I work primarily from a systemic lens using interventions from solution-focused, collaborative, and narrative therapies. Working from these therapeutic models, I am able to consider all factors which may be contributing to a client’s presenting problem and work to make significant and lasting change. 

Kelli Beechler, LPC

Kelli Beechler is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Georgia and a Nationally Certified Counselor. She works with adults, children and couples who want to build on their strengths to manage life’s challenges. Kelli has over 15 years of experience assisting children and adults in educational settings.  Kelli believes in the value of the therapeutic relationship to assist clients in reaching their goals. She has a special interest in helping parents with challenging children.

Kelli received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Stetson University and her Master of Education (MEd) and Education Specialist (EdS) in Counselor Education from the University of Florida.

Kelli’s approach is to meet clients where they are and develop an individual plan to help them meet their goals. She draws on client centered therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, play therapy, impact therapy, mindfulness and other alternative approaches. Her ultimate goal is for clients to gain the skills to navigate life’s challenges and thrive regardless of their circumstances.