Meet Team Lynchburg

Jeanie Felty, LPC

Life can be challenging. Unexpected and even expected life changes can push anyone off balance. Being off balance can lead to problems in our family, school, occupational, social, personal, and spiritual functioning. Whether a problem comes from our environment or from within, the support of a mental health professional may be helpful in restoring that much desired balance.

My name is Jeanie Felty and I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of Virginia. I obtained my bachelor’s degree in psychology at Frostburg State University and completed my Master of Arts in professional counseling with Liberty University.

I have formal training in Christian Counseling and Crisis Response & Trauma. I am also a certified Adoption Competent Counselor and I am pursuing certification in Perinatal Mental Health. I have worked in outpatient community mental health centers, partial hospitalization/intensive outpatient mental health programs, and private practice settings. I typically use an eclectic approach to counseling including cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused brief therapy, narrative therapy, family-systems therapy, and person-centered therapy. I respect every client’s unique needs and goals as the foundation of a successful counseling experience.

I often work with children, adolescents, young adults, and adults in the areas of:

• General Adjustment and Stress-related Disorders
• Post-Partum Disorders
• Foster and Adoption Issues
• Grief and Loss Issues
• Trauma and Abuse Issues
• Life Changes and Occupational Issues
• Depression and Bipolar Mood Disorders
• Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders
• Personality Disorders

Kathleen Van Allen, LPC

I have been working in various mental health settings over the past 4 years with experience working as a crisis counselor, in-home counselor,  school-based services, and providing outpatient counseling within a community service board organization. My integrative, holistic, and humanistic approach assists me with a range of mental health diagnoses, symptoms and specialties my clients may experience. I have experience working with young children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples. I enjoy using psychoeducational activities, worksheets, visual aids, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and person centered activities to assist clients with finding their path in life, reaching self-actualization, identifying goals/objectives, reducing negative symptoms, and improving overall functioning in life. Daily, I strive to teach my clients skills to assist with improving thinking patterns, communication skills, motivation, mindfulness skills, interpersonal effectiveness, and problem solving skills. I want my clients to feel supported, safe, and encouraged to reach their highest potentials in life by finding personal growth through counseling services.  Starting counseling can be a daunting journey but having an experienced counselor there every step of the way makes it that much easier to achieve your goals in life. I look forward to walking this journey with each and every one of my clients!

Kelly Bonebright, LPC

Kelly was born in Lynchburg Virginia and raised in Southern California but has been back east in this area since the early 90s. Kelly is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), with over a decade of experience across many different settings consisting of inpatient, outpatient, intensive in-home, university, mental health agency work.

Kelly graduated from Liberty University with his PhD in professional counseling in January 2013; and has taught graduate students in group therapy skills and individual therapy techniques. Kelly tends to be eclectic in his counseling approach, employing CBT, person centered, reality therapy, trauma informed therapy, and other effective emotional/behavioral therapies that develop an effective therapeutic relationship.

Kelly enjoys working with individuals/couples in, but not limited to, the areas of:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Bipolar
• PTSD
• Divorce
• Grief and loss
• Spiritual identity
• Trauma
• Life transitions
• Adjustment disorder’s
• Mood disorders
• Marriage/couple counseling
• Chronic mental illness

Kelly seeks to assist all his clients in achieving internal peace, focus and adaptability to all of life‘s struggles and achieving one’s life goals.

Laura Guise, LCSW

I am a passionate, energetic, and dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a love for the art of engagement in the work of therapy with individuals, families, and groups. I have experience working with adults, families, children, adolescents, and providing group based clinical interventions.

My areas of clinical focus are: individuals with substance abuse issues; serious mental illness diagnoses; family and role related issues; children and adolescents displaying behavioral difficulties; behavioral modification/interventions; trauma survivors, with a special focus in working with victims of human trafficking; and issues specific to both women and adolescent girls.  

My practice is guided by the biopsychosocial model and an awareness of the interconnected relationship of brain-based responses to psychological functioning or dysfunction with a special concentration on the effects of trauma both in childhood and adulthood related to mental health issues.  I have a particular interest in providing therapeutic interventions that reflect a Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) informed practice with the intention of increasing my training in this particular modality and a goal of being fully trained to provide DBT adherent clinical services. 

Previously, I have provided clinical services in multiple settings  to include those such as a residential program, the acute psychiatric care setting, a partial hospitalization program, emergency services with a local Community Service Board, and an adolescent crisis shelter.

My strengths as a clinician and effectiveness as a therapist are founded on an ability to see every clinical interaction as an opportunity to establish and strengthen the therapeutic relationship;  the philosophy that accurate and through assessment/diagnosis is essential for understanding; high ethical standards; an attitude that seeks out and values collaboration; my belief in the ability for each person to find their  recovery no matter the circumstance; and a love for providing therapeutic clinical services. 

Martha Gunter, LPC

Martha Gunter is a Licensed Professional Counselor, who has nearly 18 years of clinical experience.  Most of her experience is working with adults and older adults in a Mental Health Outpatient setting.  For the past couple of years, Ms. Gunter has worked in a Hospice setting providing support to families after the death of their loved one.

Martha received her Masters degree from Lynchburg College in Community Counseling.  She has always had a desire to help others. Martha believes that everyone has their own unique inner strengths and through the counseling relationship one can discover their inner strengths and how resilient one can be.  Ms. Gunter has a very calming demeanor and strives to build a positive counseling relationship with her clients.

Some of Martha’s areas of expertise include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Grief/ Loss
• Group Therapy
• Life Transitions
• Serious Mental Illness
• Stress Management

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.

Tim Hirschman, LPC

Tim is a licensed professional counselor and has worked with children, families, and adults in the Lynchburg area in a variety of settings providing clinical assessments, individual therapy, crisis services, and school-based/home-based services since 2013. Throughout his time, Tim has worked with individuals experiencing a range of difficulties, some of which include: adjusting to life changes, working through relationship hardships, depression, anxiety/stress, anger, grief, and other various or chronic mental illnesses. 

It can be exhausting and even debilitating, for the person experiencing feelings of inadequacy, disappointment, sadness, loneliness, or other instances of dysfunction. Tim views his role as one that helps stabilize and support individuals toward a healthy, happy, and successful life throughout these times. 

Tim believes that everyone deserves to experience a fulfilled life with hope and direction for their future. With this in mind, Tim uses an eclectic approach, incorporating aspects of cognitive behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, and solution-focused therapy in order to help individuals work through life difficulties and reach their goals. Tim approaches therapy with a holistic perspective in order to understand and help guide each person on their unique journey toward healing. 

Some of his current areas of expertise include: 

Adjustment disorders
Anxiety
Chronic mental illness
Couples/marriage therapy
Depression
Life changes/transitions
Faith-based counseling
Grief and loss
Low self-esteem
Relationship issues
Stress management

Tim has enjoyed living in Lynchburg since 2000, and loves the mountains and beauty that the seasons bring. Tim has been married since 2004 and enjoys spending time and creating memories with his family. In his spare time, Tim enjoys walking, running, hiking, and working on cars and electronics.

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.

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.

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.