Our Counselors

Akisha Miller, LCSW

Philosophy of Care 

Akisha Miller is a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Georgia. She has received her Bachelor of Art in Psychology from Temple University as well as her Master of Art in Social Work from Widener University. Akisha has over six years of experience in completing clinical assessments, providing counseling and therapy services to a diverse population of adults and adolescents. By assisting individuals with new coping mechanisms in how to manage symptoms of depression, anxiety, and life transitions, Akisha also provides skills to assist individuals in making positive adjustments to new situations. 

Akisha utilizes many different therapy techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person Centered Approach, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, and more to assist the needs and/or concerns of each individual that that is provided service. 

Akisha is extremely passionate about the work she continues to provide and is looking forward to building a positive connection with you. Let’s begin this beautiful process by identifying as well utilizing your strengths to work towards your goals. Its time for you to live your best, happy and healthy life. 

Education

Master of Arts in Social Work
Widener University

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Ashley Dixon, LPC

Philosophy of Care 

Ashley Dixon is a Licensed Clinical Social worker in the State of Georgia who has served in the child welfare system for 4 years and has continued her commitment and service to children and families in the mental health field for the past 8 years. She serves individuals, families and couples that seek help with anxiety, depression, trauma, work related challenges,relationship issues and life transitions. She completed her Bachelor's of Arts Degree in Psychology from California State University, Northridge and received her Master of Social Welfare from the University of California, Los Angeles. 

Ashley utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution focused Therapy and a family systems approach to meet the needs of the individuals, families and couples that she serves. 

Ashley seeks to establish a working relationship with you that is both professional and caring in order to help you identify your strengths and help you to build the foundation blocks for a rich and rewarding outlook on life. 

Education

Master of Social Welfare
University of California, Los Angeles

Specialties

• Anxiety 
• Depression 
• PTSD and Stress Related Disorders 
• Family Therapy 
• Couples Counseling and Relationship Issues 
• Work Related Issues 
• Anger Management 
• Grief & Loss 
• Life Transitions

Ashley Williamson, Resident in Counseling

Philosophy of Care

Ashley Williamson is an Associate Provider under supervision at Thriveworks. Ashley has experience providing clinical assessments and therapeutic treatment for individuals and couples and helping individual clients who have experienced issues with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, stress, acute symptoms of PTSD; and couples who are experiencing marital discord such as communication problems, infidelity, mistrust, and lack of intimacy. She has a strong belief that clients are the experts of their own life and the therapist is along for the ride to help them achieve healthiest selves. 

Ashley likes to collaborate with clients, and make sure they feel like they’re part of the process instead of forced into the process. She likes to take a new, flexible and creative approach when providing therapeutic services. She has a unique way of being intuitive to know the needs and feelings of each client. Ashley likes to use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy and a little Emotion Focused Therapy. 

Ashley likes to establish a warm friendly connection with clients to ensure that therapy isn’t a chore but something that they want to do. Client goals are always paramount, and making sure they are achieved is extremely important. 

Education

Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
Touro University Worldwide 

Specialties

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Stress
• Acute PTSD
• Low Self-Esteem
• Marital Discord
• Communication Problems
• Infidelity
• Mistrust
• Lack of Intimacy

Tawonda Hunter, Resident in Counseling, EdD, APC, NCC

Philosophy of Care

Tawonda Hunter is an Associate Professional Counselor (APC) licensed in the state of Georgia. She holds a Master of Science in Counseling and Psychology and a Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling: Traumatology. Tawonda has a combined 17 years of counseling experience in the school, psychiatric hospital, church, and community settings. She enjoys providing individual, group, and couples counseling to adults experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and trauma. 

Tawonda utilizes CBT, motivational interviewing, solution focused, and person-centered approaches to therapy. This is achieved in a collaborative, interactive, nonjudgmental, and professional manner providing a safe space for her clients. She believes in empowering others with necessary skills and tools to live happy and productive lives. 

Tawonda is passionate about helping clients discover their inner strength and building capacity to manage difficult issues in life. It is her desire to work alongside clients to identify specific needs and assist in meeting short and long-term goals. 

“What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson

Education

Master of Science in Counseling and Psychology

Doctor of Education in Community Care & Counseling: Traumatology

Specialties

• Stress/Anxiety
• Depression
• Trauma

Aunteryo Malcom, LPC

Philosophy of Care 

Aunteryo Malcom is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Georgia who has 5 years experience supporting adults, teens, couples, and families facing depression, anxiety, adjustment issues, mood difficulties, family conflict, and relationship issues. He was awarded his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Albany State University and received his Master of Education in Counselor Education from Georgia Southern University.

Aunteryo utilizes an Integrative approach within the therapeutic relationship as the foundation of recovery begins with a person-centered approach. As the relationship commences, the integration of a strengths based, cognitive behavioral, dialectical, solution oriented, and systems focus provides the opportunity for individuals, couples, and families to meet their needs with unique and flexible approaches.

Aunteryo emphasizes building a collaborative and caring relationship which will assist in reaching goals and attaining the very lifestyle in which you are seeking.

Education

Georgia Southern University
Master of Education

Specialties

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Stress Management
• Bipolar Disorder
• Mood Disorders
• Anger Management
• Personality Disorders
• Adjustment Disorders
• Relationship Issues
• Family Conflict
• Parenting
• Behavioral Issues
• ADHD
• Men’s Issues

Ayana Domingo-Hanse, LPC, CSOS, MAC

Philosophy of Care

Ayana Domingo-Hanse, LPC, CSOS, MAC is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Sex Offender Specialist, and Master Addiction Counselor with over 10yrs. of experience working in human services, providing direct care to individuals living with HIV/AIDS, mental health disorders, developmental disabilities, co-occurring disorders, criminal pathology, homelessness, etc. Ayana has earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Georgia State University, and has earned a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Argosy University, both in Atlanta, GA. She is a native of Brooklyn, New York, spiced heavily in Jamaican culture, and is married with 2 sons. Her passion is coaching diverse populations through their triumph over adversity. She has served as primary therapist, clinical evaluator, addiction counselor, and crisis interventionist within detention centers, municipal court, public hospitals, outpatient treatment facilities, inpatient treatment facilities, psychiatric hospitals, i.e., Emory Healthcare, SummitRidge, Southern Crescent Behavioral Center, Grady Hospital, to name a few, group homes, etc., and is no stranger to assessment and transition planning with her diverse clients.

Ayana’s person-centered approach to counseling drives her desire to meet the champion in you. She utilizes cognitive-behavioral therapy in its most realistic and collaborative sense to elicit insightfulness and progressive change. She is committed to assisting you in maximizing your strengths in order for you to establish the life you desire and deserve to live!

Education

Argosy University
Master of Arts in Professional Counseling

Specialties

• Depression/Anxiety
• Mood Disorders
• Grief & Loss 
• Stress Management
• Life Transitions
• Parenting Skills
• Women’s Issues
• Chronic Illnesses
• Addictive Diseases
• Sexual Offenders

Tressa Stiles, Psy.D.

Philosophy of Care

Dr. Tressa Stiles is a licensed psychologist in the state of Georgia. She is a generalist practitioner with specialty training treating severe and persistent mental illness. She obtains great satisfaction from helping clients overcome depression, anxiety, job stress, and intimate partner conflict. Having trained directly under renowned psychologist Dr. Lenore Walker, who coined the term Battered Women Syndrome, Dr. Stiles has developed a deep passion for treating survivors of Intimate Partner Violence. She has assisted with research, delivered trainings, and facilitated groups in this sensitive area of practice.

To assist her clients in thriving, Dr. Stiles pulls from various treatment modalities, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Her solution-focused approach has helped clients gain control of their emotions and their lives. Her clients view her as competent, nonjudgmental, & real.

If you are an individual or couple seeking guidance on improving your quality of life, Dr. Stiles looks forward to joining you on this journey. Her objective is to aid in identifying and changing maladaptive patterns, teaching strategies to regulate emotions and improve communication, in addition to helping you set and achieve your goals.

Education

Nova Southeastern University
Doctor of Psychology

Specialties

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Life Transitions
• Young Adult Issues
• Assertiveness Training/Boundary Setting
• Intimate Partner Violence
• Trauma
• Couples Counseling
• Stress Management
• Mindfulness

Jere Cooper, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

Jeré Cooper is a board certified Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with a great passion for holistic and patient centered care. Jeré began her journey into the health care field working for Atlanta’s number one center for Trauma; Grady health system, where she spent a total of six years working as a registered nurse. Over the years, Jeré has had the opportunity to treat patients in a wide variety of settings such as Adult ICU, Neonatal and Pediatric ICU, ICU step down, outpatient surgery, and case management. 

With Jeré coming from a family of health care professionals, healthcare and education has always a been a great passion of hers. In 2016 she obtained her Bachelor Degree from Grand Canyon University, and about one year later she went on to peruse training as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. Through her years of experience at the bedside, she became more aware of the great need for mental health professionals in the health care system, and she began to develop an interest in the field. This is what lead her to pursue a master’s degree as Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in 2019. 

Jeré believes that patients are an essential part of the treatment team and she takes pride in ensuring that each of her patients are given adequate education and resources needed to make sound decisions in their care. 

Education

Walden University
Master of Science in Nursing 

Specialties

• Anxiety disorders
• Panic disorder
• Depression
• ADHD
• Mood disorders
• Obsessive compulsive disorders
• Stress
• Sleep disorders
• PTSD

Chandrika Derricho, LCSW

Philosophy of Care

Chandrika Derricho is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Georgia who has over 7 years experience working with individuals, families, and couples. Her specialties are trauma and abuse, family issues, and relationship issues. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Georgia State University and received her Master of Social Work from the University of Georgia.

Chandrika works from a strengths-based perspective to empower you to use those innate strengths to improve your overall health. She is dedicated to helping you become the best version of you. Chandrika strongly believes that your environment and relationships play an integral role in your life and mental health.

Therapy is a process that is different for each person and Chandrika will collaborate with you through the entire process to ensure that you meet your goals and enrich your quality of life.

Education

University of Georgia
Master of Social Work

Specialties

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Relationship Issues
• Stress Management
• Self Esteem
• Grief and Loss
• Family Issues

April Stallworth, LPC

Philosophy of Care

It is important for people to feel heard and have the opportunity to process and work through internal struggles that impact their day to day lives. Having a healthy & safe place to release the expression of one's needs, hopes, desires and goals, is crucial to maintaining and nurturing mental wellness. As a therapist Dr. Stallworth’s goal is to provide a safe & caring environment for each person to explore & express themselves, as they move towards achieving their goals.

As a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Georgia, she has over 15 years’ experience partnering with individuals, couples, families & children, seeking help with a broad range of Behavioral Health issues. She utilizes an eclectic mix of therapeutic approaches that include Psychoanalysis and Cognitive Behavior Therapy, to best meet the needs of each, unique client. Dr. Stallworth believes that each milestone must belong to the individual and that a strength based, collaborative, flexible and mutually respectful approach is the best way to build a solid therapeutic relationship.

Dr. Stallworth seeks to help you move towards meeting your mental wellness goals and living the meaningful life you value and desire.

Education

Bowie State University
Doctorate in Counseling Psychology

Specialties

• Trauma
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Stress management
• Self-esteem/image
• Phase of Life/Life transitions
• Women’s issues
• Grief & Loss
• Life Coaching
• Teens/Young Adults/Professionals

Dorothy Smith, LPC

Dorothy Smith earned a Master of Arts degree in Community Counseling from Argosy University in 2010 and has 10 years counseling experience. Prior to joining Thriveworks, she worked at the University of North Georgia with Student Counseling. She has experience working in university settings, private practice, substance abuse treatment centers, both inpatient and outpatient, and community mental health. Her counseling approach includes, cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused and mindfulness. Dorothy offers evidenced based treatment services to help with depression, anxiety struggles, substance disorders, addiction, relationship concerns, career concerns, and general life stresses.

Dorothy believes learning and change take place in relationships that are forward looking, genuine, safe, and trusting. She is committed to helping people improve their emotional well-being. In addition to listening to clients' concerns, she educates them on techniques they can utilize to solve problems, manage stress, adjust to life changes, and improve relationships.

Dorothy is also a Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor (CPCS) and a member of the Licensed Professional Counseling Association of Georgia.

Specialties:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Substance Use Disorders
• Self-Esteem
• Life Transitions
• Grief/Loss
• Codependency

Populations served:

• Individuals
• Professionals
• Adults

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