Meet our Providers

Ashley Walden, LPC

Philosophy of Care

Ashley Walden is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of South Carolina who has 7 years experience partnering with children, families, and adults seeking help with depression, anxiety, life transitions, trauma, and attachment and relationship issues. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from The University of West Georgia and received her Master of Education in Counseling and Development with a focus on Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Winthrop University.  

Ashley utilizes person-centered, collaborative, strength based, cognitive behavioral, mindfulness based, solution focused and emotionally focused approaches to therapy while maintaining the creativity, flexibility and awareness necessary to best meet the needs of every unique individual, couple or family.

Ashley strives to establish a safe and strong relationship with you in order to best assist you in building your strengths and better collaborate with you towards meeting your goals and living the meaningful life you value and desire.

Education

Master of Education in Counseling and Development
Winthrop University

Specialties

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Trauma
• Stress management
• Self esteem
• Life transitions
• Anger management
• Relationship issues
• Grief & Loss

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

Beth Cooperman, LCSW

Philosophy of Care

Beth Cooperman is a Licensed Independent Social Worker – Clinical Practice in the state of South Carolina and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of New York. She has 12 years of experience working with adolescents, adults, couples and families to assist them in addressing and managing anxiety, depression, life transitions, substance abuse and addiction struggles, family and relationship issues, self-esteem and school related concerns. Beth has a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from The University of Delaware and received her Master of Social Work Degree from Long Island University, CW Post. 

Beth utilizes an eclectic approach from a strengths based perspective and provides a genuine, warm and open environment to allow clients to explore their difficulties, understand their strengths and weaknesses and develop insight. She views each individual as unique and strives to create a non-judgmental environment that is best suited for each individual’s personal needs. She strives to help each individual, couple, or family achieve their goals in a productive and safe environment. 

Education

Master of Social Work
Long Island University

Specialties 

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Self-Esteem
• Relationship/Family Issues
• Life Transitions
• Stress management 
• Coping Skills

Lee Edwards, LPC

Philosophy of Care

Lee Edwards obtained his Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts and his Master’s in Counseling from the University of North Texas.  He is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas, Georgia, and South Carolina with 12 years of experience as a Counselor helping individuals overcome the barriers presented by depression, anxiety, anger issues, and vocational dissatisfaction.  He has also assisted couples in managing the complexities of relationships and aided Law Enforcement Officers in contending with the difficulties encountered because of their vocation.

Lee utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Existential Psychotherapy, relaxation & meditation techniques, and anger management processes to aid individuals and couples with movement toward their goals.  As a military veteran and former law enforcement officer, he also has a good understanding of individuals who have chosen professions with unique challenges. 

Lee seeks to create a safe and trusting environment for you so that you can identify and move toward your goals, allowing you to pursue a life that is meaningful to you.       

Education

Masters in Counseling
University of North Texas

Specialties

• Anger Management
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Trauma
• Grief & Loss
• Couples Therapy
• Relaxation & Meditation
• Vocational Dissatisfaction 

Marshanda Carter, LPC

Philosophy of Care

Marshanda received her Ph.D. in Psychology from Capella University in 2017 as well as her Master's degree from Argosy University in Community Counseling in 2013. She is also a National Certified Counselor. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (South Carolina) and she is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (North Carolina). She has worked in private settings, community mental health, and a 24-hour crisis stabilization unit for teenagers in distress. Marshanda desires to help clients work on specific tasks related to planning for life-style changes, new goal development, distress tolerance, and reviewing strategies for problem solving, breaking down goals to make them more manageable, and helping to build a support network. 

Marshanda Carter specializes in working with adults with depression, anxiety, and self-esteem issues. She continues to enhance her clinical skills by continuing professional training and certifications to provide wellness partners with optimal care and clinical guidance. She utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Solution Focused techniques to help facilitate the therapeutic relationship. As a college professor, she enjoys providing psychoeducation to her clients in hopes of giving them the tools to become their best selves. Marshanda is passionate about working with adult clients who are struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, self-growth, and self-esteem. 

Marshanda seeks to work with you on your goals in a non-judgmental atmosphere as you build upon your strengths and develop positive coping strategies to become advocates for your own inner healing. 

Education

Ph.D. in Psychology
Capella University

Master's in Community Counseling
Argosy University

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Stress management
• Women’s issues
• Codependency
• Relationship issues
• Self-esteem

Tiffany Stewart, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

Dr. Tiffany Stewart is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner in the state of South Carolina. She has worked in healthcare for the past 18 years, with the last 7 as an Advanced Practice Provider. Dr. Stewart holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Clemson University, where she also teaches graduate nursing students in the area of mental health. 

Dr. Stewart’s practice mission is to guide patients toward their best life by addressing the combination of mental, spiritual, and physical health. Dr. Stewart  prioritizes the respect of each patient as a unique individual, working together to develop treatment goals. Dr. Stewart treats all ages via telehealth visits and is skilled in medication management and psychotherapy. Her patients describe her as down-to-earth, approachable, and compassionate. 

In addition to direct patient care, Dr. Stewart is involved in healthcare research. Her particular interests are workplace violence prevention, cultural sensitivity in patient care, and management of mental health in healthcare workers. She is a member of the Appalachian American Alliance of Nurse Practitioners and the Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association. Dr. Stewart is honored to guide patients on a path to healing through top-quality, evidence-based, mental health care.

Education

Clemson University
Doctor of Nursing Practice

Specialties

• Medication management
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Parenting & Family Stress
• Trauma & PTSD

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