Meet Team Lynchburg

Sarah Hardee, LPC, CSAC

Sarah is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor. Sarah has provided mental health services to clients for the past 5 years with various populations and in various settings. She has worked with children, adolescents, and families in the school setting, adults in substance use treatment and groups, and adults struggling to cope with life stressors, mental health symptoms, grief, and relationship issues.

Sarah believes counseling is an important part of life, which can help individuals or couples cope with life stressors or difficulties as well as mental health disorders and symptoms. She believes that many times individuals have the answers they need and that therapy can help them work through and cope with difficulties or pain. She believes on operating therapy based on the values of the individuals she sees. Sarah has an eclectic approach utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help individuals work through negative thought patterns, mindfulness and relaxation techniques to help with perspective and coping in life, and other techniques that work well in understanding a person’s story and their personal goals in life such as Narrative Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy.

Sarah has called Lynchburg home for the past 10 years and loves the mountain views and foliage of the area. In her spare time, she enjoys time with her husband and dog George, hiking on the parkway, and attending community events.

Some of her specialties include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Women's issues
• Couples/marriage therapy
• Substance use disorders
• Integrating faith into therapy.

Chad Steele, LPC

I have worked in the mental health field for over a decade now, with the past four years of experience as a licensed professional counselor (LPC). I have worked as an outpatient counselor, a counselor on an inpatient psychiatric unit, a counselor in a residential treatment center, and as a conductor of autism assessments (using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule). I have experience working with children, adolescents and adults in various settings.
I also have interests in our community, as I regularly volunteer in my church as well as with the YMCA as a youth sports coach.

I especially enjoy working with clients struggling with:

• Child and Adolescent Counseling
• Anger Management
• Autism
• Depression
• Anxiety
• ADHD
• Grief & Loss
• Family Therapy
• Couples Counseling

Kimberly Plourde, LCSW

We are all impacted by traumatic events or serious life stressors, which can make us stronger. Kimberly has a desire to help people find the strength and joy that can come through healing the wounds from those events.

Kimberly enjoys working with individuals, couples and families. She brings a warm and friendly approach to this very important process people are going through.

Kimberly has been working as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 2006, and draws upon 27 years of experience in the fields of mental health and child welfare. She has been trained in trauma focused cognitive behavioral treatment as well as motivational interviewing skills. She received a Masters degree in social work from University of New England and a Bachelors degree in social work from Gordon College.

Some of Kimberly’s current areas of expertise include:

• Trauma
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Relationships
• Family Therapy
• PTSD
• Grief & Loss
• Stress and Life Management

Mary McNeil, LCSW

Mary has worked as social worker in a wide variety of settings for over 25 years. She graduated from Lynchburg College, receiving a Master’s Degree in Special education, and from VSU, receiving a Master’s Degree in Social Work. Her experience includes Department of social services, residential treatment, treatment foster care, counseling, foster parent training, adoptions (counseling/child preparation/parent support/attachment) and clinical supervision. The focus of her clinical work is on helping children, families and adults with individualized interventions become the agents of their own change. Mary relies on both disciplines in understanding the needs of clients and addressing that need from both developmental and mental health lense. Mary believes that the whole person must be understood and engaged during therapeutic process. She is committed to social justice, the dignity and worth of all persons, and the importance of positive human relationships.

Some of Mary's areas of expertise include:

• Life Transitions
• Relationship issues
• Developmental Disorders
• Family Counseling
• OCD/Phobias
• Attachment
• Autism
• ADHD
• Learning Disorders

Quinn Hall, LPC

Quinn Hall is a licensed professional counselor with 15 years of experience in the field. She uses a combination of mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and person-centered approach to assist individuals with achieving their goals. Quinn has worked with a diverse population of individuals including children and adult with issues ranging from everyday life struggles to serious mental illness. She strives to build an outstanding relationship with each individual in order to provide an atmosphere in which they feel comfortable to explore their goals.

Some of Quinn’s areas of expertise include:

• Anxiety disorders
• Depression
• Trauma
• Stress
• Relationships
• Marriage counseling
• Mood disorders
• Stress management
• Grief and loss
• Adjustment disorders
• Chronic mental illness

Quinn received a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Sweet Briar College and a Master’s degree in counseling from Lynchburg College. She enjoys the outdoors, animals, reading, and volunteer work.

Taylor Hiers, LPC

Taylor has worked in various mental health settings the past 10 years with children and families including residential treatment, school-based therapeutic programs, special education after-school programs, therapeutic alternative education, group therapy, one-on-one therapy, and has also administered clinical assessments for three years. Her heart is with children and adolescents, strengthening them with the skills and mindset they need to live full and gratified lives.

Taylor attended Liberty University where she received a Master of Art degree in Professional Counseling. Using an eclectic and problem-solving approach, her therapeutic mindset is that every person needs hope to make way for change, and helping others find that hope is her passion.

Taylor enjoys working with individuals in the areas of:

• ADHD / Focus and Inattention
• Anxiety
• Stress Management
• Depression & Mood Disorders
• Trauma
• Grief
• Life Transitions
• Personal Identity
• Faith-Based Counseling

Taylor lives in Lynchburg with her husband Stuart, her young son, and two dogs. She gets really excited about good food, and good music, and is energized by good company!

Amir Cotton, LPC

Amir Cotton is a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor with nearly a decade of experience working with diverse populations. Amir has extensive training in the area of crisis and emergency counseling as well as experience in working with individuals struggling with addiction and the seriously mentally ill. He has treated individuals with mood disorders, PTSD/trauma, bipolar, and adjustment disorders. He has provided individual counseling and group counseling to adults, adolescents, and children and adolescents in crisis.

Amir has experience with:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Addiction
• Substance abuse
• Relationship issues
• Coping skills
• ADHD
• Anger management
• Self-esteem
• Marital and premarital
• Codependency
• Grief

Amir graduated from Liberty University with a Master’s in Professional Counseling. He utilizes an eclectic approach to support and to walk with people through life problems. Amir has the willingness to help people accomplish their goals of achieving a healthier life.

Bonnie Curran, LPC

Bonnie Curran is a licensed professional counselor in the state of Virginia. Bonnie has nearly 20 years of experience in the mental health field and has worked in a variety of settings including private practice/outpatient therapy, therapeutic day treatment, acute inpatient/adolescent psychiatry, and residential treatment centers.

Bonnie graduated from Liberty University with an MA in Professional Counseling in 2002. She also works as a clinical consultant in Liberty’s graduate level counseling program as well as teaching undergraduate psychology courses in the online program. Bonnie is married and has 3 sons, one of which has autism. This specific challenge in her personal life has added to her experience in working within the educational and mental health system and she is familiar with the ins and outs of school and home based interventions. Personally navigating these waters has increased her motivation and desire to help others succeed and reach their goals despite challenges and difficulties.

Bonnie works with children, adolescents, and adults struggling with:

• Addiction | Depression
• Anxiety and Panic disorders | Spiritual struggles
• ADHD | Divorce
• Trauma | Other Life Transitions/Adjustments
• Relationship problems/Pre-marital/Marital

Bonnie offers a client focused approach that blends cognitive behavioral therapy with motivational interviewing to assist clients in achieving a healthier perspective and reaching their goals.

Erika Theodorides, LPC

Erika Theodorides is a licensed professional counselor in Virginia.

Erika received her bachelor's degree from Lynchburg College and received her master’s in counselor education from Lynchburg College.

She is a member of the American Counseling Association, Virginia Counselors Associations and the Lynchburg Area Counselors Association.

Erika has more than 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents and families in an outpatient counseling and school setting."

Erika has provided counseling with individuals and families to address various issues such as anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma and abuse, grief, attention-deficit and disruptive behavior disorders, adjustment disorders, anger management, social skills, and parenting issues. Erika also has a vast range of experience in group counseling including anger management, bullying, goal setting, emotion management and stress management.

Erika uses an eclectic approach in her therapy sessions including cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy, attachment based family therapy, person centered therapy and grief counseling. She can also provide a unique therapeutic experience to clients through the use of a certified therapy dog. Erika wants to create an environment where the client feels respected, safe and supported in their counseling experience.

Bryan John Prinzivalli, LPC, LMFT

Bryan has over a decade of experience in the mental health profession. Since obtaining his professional license in VA in April 2014, he has worked in clinical settings to assist children, adolescents, adults, and couples with finding the clinical support and healing needed to move beyond past experiences.

Bryan’s areas of specialty include ADHD, PTSD, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, ODD, Conduct Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Reactive Attachment Disorder. I enjoy working with children of all ages, adults, couples, and families to help clients make lasting change take place both in the child and the family dynamics.

Bryan worked in out-patient counseling, school based and after-school counseling programs, residential settings, and community-based mental health. He studied at Davis College in Johnson City, NY and received a Bachelor of Religious Education in Christian Ministries. He continued his education at Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA and received a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy.

• Anxiety
• Depression
• ADHD
• PTSD
• Trauma
• Relationship Issues
• Oppositional Defiant Disorder
• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Family Dynamics
• Christian Counseling

Chad Hatchel, LPC

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 7 years experience in the mental health field. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Tech, and a Master of Arts degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. I have lived in Lynchburg, VA, for about 10 years.

I currently supervise an emergency services department, where my staff and I specialize in crisis counseling. My professional experience includes group and individual therapy working with individuals ranging from ages 4 and up. I especially enjoy working with clients struggling with:

• Family issues
• Divorce
• Depression
• Anxiety
• ADHD
• Substance Abuse
• Anger Management
• Parenting Skills,
• Grief and Loss
• Physical and Sexual abuse, and
• Adolescent Issues.

Crystal Hicks, PMHNP-BC

Crystal is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in providing treatment and consultative care for children, adolescents, and young adults. She brings over 10 years of nursing experience to Thriveworks in the mental health field, including work in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric settings. Crystal received her Master's of Nursing from the University of Virginia. She enjoys working with and helping individuals with a variety of challenges including Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, histories of trauma, mood disorders, Panic and fears, and school problems.

Melissa McGinness, LPC

Melissa McGinness is a licensed professional counselor. She works with adult individuals, couples and families and has more than 10 years of experience in the mental health field. Her experience includes private practice, residential group work, professional therapeutic interventions to students in the public school setting, outpatient counseling, in-home therapeutic interventions to families, and crisis intervention. Melissa provides hope to clients struggling through anxiety, depression, trauma, divorce, anger, grief, and relationship issues. She uses an eclectic therapy style to help clients set and achieve goals. Her clients find her thoughtful and creative approach to be supportive and effective.

Melissa has served on the board of the local chapter of the Virginia Counselors Association and is actively involved in community mental health associations. She graduated from Liberty University earning degrees in Psychology and Professional Counseling. Melisssa also offers Christian counseling for those who wish to incorporate faith-based topics.

Melissa enjoys reading, spending quality time with her friends, cooking, and traveling. She has spent a semester studying in England and has participated in multiple community service and mission projects.

Ashley Groeper, Resident

(Operates as Life Coach with Clients Outside VA)

Ashley Groeper (Counselor in Residence) is originally from North Carolina, just south of Charlotte and now resides in Forest Virginia with her husband and 2 preschool age daughters. Ashley earned her Master’s in Professional Counseling degree with Liberty University and holds a bachelor's in Religion and Christian Counseling with Liberty University as well. She has been working in the field since 2012 providing counseling to children, adults, and families. She has worked in intensive in-home services providing behavioral techniques, cognitive, family and play therapy to children and their families. She has also worked extensively with adults in crisis and with severe mental illness and substance abuse disorders. Ashley has a passion for helping women and children deal with:

• anxiety
• depression
• abandonment
• abuse
• trauma
• addiction
• anger
• PTSD
• panic disorder

Ashley incorporates a person-centered technique along with cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, teaching coping skills and utilizing spiritual interventions to help individuals achieve peace, satisfying relationships, and purpose in their lives. When Ashley is not working she enjoys spending time with her daughters and her husband, cooking, and spending time with friends.

Regina Barbour, MA

(Operates as Life Coach with Clients Outside VA)

Regina Barbour (Counselor in Residence) is a native of New Jersey and now resides in Lynchburg, Virginia with her husband and son. Regina is a graduate of Liberty University with a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family therapy, and holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Rutgers University. She has worked in this field for over twenty years providing Christian counseling, marriage/pre-marital counseling, family counseling, and couples counseling. Her passion is to help restore broken lives that have been trapped in the valley of:

• Addictions
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Stress
• Separation/divorce
• Substance abuse
• Codependent patterns.

Regina utilizes the therapeutic model of strategic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and spiritual principles to navigate individuals on their journey to wholeness. Regina provides adolescents, adults, and families with parenting skills, life skills, and coping skills that are needed to move from surviving to thriving. She loves to provide hope to the hopeless and watch them achieve their desired results. When Regina is not working she loves to read, travel, and spend time with her family.

Ryan Culkin, MA

Ryan is the current Regional Clinic Director who oversees the daily operations and staffing of all Company Clinics in Virginia. He brings nearly a decade of clinical experience to Thriveworks. As a small business owner and a clinician, Ryan has many skills that make his role of growing the Virginia clinics, as well as all Thriveworks locations, imperative. While he is new to this role, his drive and passion for top-quality client services show through all of his efforts. In addition to his administrative role with Thriveworks, he is currently in the process of obtaining his LPC licensure in Virginia. Ryan is currently not accepting new clients, but possesses a vast amount of experience working with children and adolescents that are experiencing a variety of emotional and behavioral issues. Ryan received his Masters in Professional Counseling from Liberty University, and currently resides in Lynchburg, Va with his wife Rylie.