Meet our Staff

Benay Kennington, LPC

Philosophy of Care

Benay is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 30 years of experience in the helping field, working in a variety of settings including, Catawba Mental Health, Keystone Substance Abuse Center, SC Mentor, and Kershaw Correctional Facility.

Benay’s passion is working with addictions, at-risk youth and their families, codependency/unhealthy relationships, and a variety of issues affecting couples and families.  She utilizes a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered, Family Systems, Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and interweave faith-based counseling by those who are interested.

Benay believes the therapeutic relationship between counselor and client is foundational to the process of change and healing and strives to promote an atmosphere of trust, respect and a safe place to explore your challenges and difficulties.

“I consider it an honor to walk with you through your journey of healing and recovery.”

Benay received her BA in Psychology and a master’s degree in Agency/Community Counseling from Winthrop University, specializing in couples and family counseling.

Education

Winthrop University
BA in Psychology
Master's in Agency/ Community Counseling

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Relationship issues
• Marriage counseling
• Addictions / Substance abuse
• Adolescent therapy
• Family therapy
• Christian counseling
• Anger
• Codependency
• Dual diagnosis
• Life transitions

Kathleen Farrell-Perrini, LISW-CP

Philosophy of Care

Kathleen has served as a licensed clinical social worker for over 25 years.  She works with clients from the age of reason through the wisdom years, including individuals, couples, and sometimes families.

Kathleen’s treatment modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Alpha-Stim, Gottman Method, Mindfulness, Psychotherapy, Gestalt Therapy, Client-Centered. Kathleen earned a master of social work from Wayne State University.  She is available for in-office therapy.

Education

Wayne State University
Master of Social Work

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Stress
• Bullying
• Obsessions/compulsions
• Depression
• Addictive behaviors
• Relationships
• Trauma
• Chronic pain
• Veteran issues
• Grief / loss
• Life transitions
• Anger management
• Christian counseling

Michele “Mickie” Husted, LPC

Philosophy of Care

Mickie served in the United States Navy for 20 years as a hospital corpsman. After retiring, she attended Winthrop University and earned a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in psychology. She worked for the next 18 years with children and families from many different backgrounds and in various situations before attending Montreat College where she earned a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling.

Mickie has a real passion for working with families and couples, especially with people who are experiencing a great deal of transition in their lives. She works with people who are struggling with stress and anxiety or battling depression.

Mickie has worked for years with people who are working through traumas. She offers hope and a helping hand. She has a great deal of experience working with people who are recovering from substance abuse, or who have family members who are involved in substance abuse. Her preferred methods are Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectic Behavior Therapy. She incorporates spirituality, mindfulness and meditation, as well as a focus on healthy living into all aspects of her therapy.

Veterans who are seeking a therapist who understands the military life will find a partner in Mickie.

Education

Montreat College
Master's in Clinical Health Counseling

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Trauma/PTSD
• Grief and Loss
• Addictions
• Anger Management
• Couples/Marriage Therapy
• Substance Abuse
• LGBTQ+
• Stress Management
• Parenting Issues
• Women’s Issues
• Christian Counseling

Kayla Pengelski, LISW-CP

Philosophy of Care

Kayla emphasizes the importance of naturalistic resources to implement and sustain effective supports for client’s emotional/behavioral health.  Kayla is a strong advocate for person-centered care and a client’s right to self-determination. She is committed to fostering an empowering and supportive relationship with all of her clients. Kayla utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness and Grounding Practices, Family Systems Theory, as well as Solution-Focused strategies within her practice. Kayla received a Master’s degree in Social Work and Empowerment Practices from Winthrop University in 2015. She currently works full time providing school-based mental health services within the Rock Hill community.

Education

Winthrop University
Master's Degree Social Work

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Trauma
• Grief and loss
• Life transitions
• LGBTQ / Gender Identity
• Women’s issues
• Family content
• Parenting concerns
• Stress management
• Adolescents
• Healthcare professionals
• Chronic medical illness

Lisa Merriam, LISW-CP

Philosophy of Care

Lisa has worked with children and families for more than 20 years in a variety of settings. Her experience includes mental health counseling, in-home services, residential clinical care, and school-based mental health services. Lisa’s areas of professional expertise include individual and family therapy, children, teens and adults.

Lisa is a licensed independent social worker.  She earned a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Iowa. Lisa’s emphasis in therapy is primarily provided with cognitive-behavioral, brief solution-focused, and family systems perspectives.

Education

University of Iowa
Master of Social Work

Specialties

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Anger management
• Life transitions
• Grief and loss
• Behavior issues
• ADHD
• Self-esteem
• Divorce
• parent/child / family conflict
• Abuse issues
• Psychotic disorders
• Mood disorders