William Smith, MSW, LCSW
William A. Smith, LCSW (He/Him/His) is a passionate therapist who is dedicated to making the highest quality mental health care available accessible in Georgia.
A native of Atlanta, Will earned a Bachelor's degree from the University of Georgia and then completed his Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work at The University of Washington in Seattle. He also completed a year of service with AmeriCorps, volunteering as a full-time tutor and mentor with children in an underserved school.
Will has worked in a variety of fields of mental healthcare, including both juvenile and adult court systems, schools, hospitals, and outpatient mental health. He also provides clinical supervision for associate level therapists working towards their independent license, as well as clinical and administrative consultation for behavioral health and medical professionals.
When he is not working, Will enjoys spending time with his friends and family, fishing, hiking, and playing guitar, tennis, golf, volleyball, and chess. He is also a UGA football fanatic.
Certifications:
Certified EMDR Therapist and EMDRIA Approved Consultant
Advanced Certificate - Forensic Social Work (National Organization of Forensic Social Work)
Gottman Marriage Therapist - Level 3 Certified
Nationally Certified Child Custody Evaluator (NCCE)
Certified Co-Parenting Coordinator (NCPC)
Registered Mediator: General, Civil, Domestic, Domestic Violence
Professional Affiliations:
Member - American College of Healthcare Executives
Member - Georgia Association of Healthcare Executives
Member - Amicable Divorce Network
Member - National Organization for Forensic Social Work
Member - Association of Family and Conciliation Courts
Member - Georgia Society for Clinical Social Work
Member - Phi Alpha National Social Work Honor Society
*Please note that Will is only accepting clients for EMDR Intensives, Divorce Mediation, and forensic services at this time
Corey Marshall, MSW, LMSW
Direct Cell: 404-954-1266
Email: Corey.Marshall@gafamilycounseling.com
Accepts: Aetna, Cigna, Health Smart, Humana, Peach State, Private Pay, Sliding Scale
Availability: Monday 10AM-4PM in Decatur or virtual. Also offers virtual appointments at various times throughout the week (email Corey for more information)
Corey Marshall is a Licensed Master Social Worker and received his Master’s Degree in Social Work with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Georgia.
Corey works with individuals and families, treating those struggling with issues related to anxiety, depression, eating disorders, body image distress, addiction, self-esteem, identity issues, and interpersonal violence, among others.
With regards to couples therapy, Corey’s experience includes helping couples navigate relationship conflict, betrayal trauma recovery, strengthening sexual and emotional intimacy, and pre-marital counseling. Corey also serves as an “informal” mediator (meaning cases that are not connected to court) to assist clients in reaching a compromise or resolution in family disputes.
Corey is a husband and father. Corey is also an Atlanta native and transplant from New York, United States Navy Veteran, 2nd Generation immigrant, basketball aficionado, culinary nerd, and anime enthusiast.
Corey currently has availability for telehealth appointments only, but will have availability forin-person appointments soon.
Emma Voss, LPC, NCC, MS
Accepting New Clients
Direct Cell: 404-593-0431
Email: emma.voss@gafamilycounseling.com
Accepts: Blue Cross Blue Shield, CareSource, Cigna, Peach State, Private Pay
Emma Voss (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Nationally Certified Counselor who received her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Georgia State University. Emma was drawn to the counseling profession after volunteering with youth and families impacted by domestic violence and trauma. She began her counseling journey with a focus on child-centered play therapy and studied at the GSU Play Therapy Institute to learn how to best support kids in crisis. She currently works with children, teenagers, adults, and families to create a safe, supportive space for growth and personal development.
Emma’s primary areas of expertise include anxiety, perfectionism, and self-esteem/identity concerns in adolescent and adult populations. She is an affirming provider for LGTBQ+ individuals and has provided training to community-based therapists on LGTBQ+ inclusive counseling skills. Additionally, Emma provides play therapy services and parenting sessions to kids and their caregivers seeking emotional and behavioral support. She helps children struggling with anxiety, adjustment to change, communication, and regulating emotions at home and school.
Emma primarily uses a person-centered counseling approach to understand the unique circumstances which shape individual behaviors, emotions, and patterns of perception. Depending on an individual’s needs, she may use additional techniques including Dialectic Behavior Therapy (DBT), Expressive Arts, Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), to best support counseling goals.
Courtney Howell, MSW, LCSW
*Waitlist Only at This Time (3/4/2024)
Direct Cell: (404) 594 - 2370
Email: Courtney.Howell@gafamilycounseling.com
Accepts: Aetna, Ambetter, Blue Cross Blue Shield, CareSource, Humana, Peach State, TriCare
Courtney Howell (She/Her/Hers) serves as a therapist at our Decatur office. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from California University of Pennsylvania and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Georgia. Courtney is a LGBTQ+ affirmative, body positive, and non-traditional relationship affirming therapist. She helps teens, adults, and couples.
Courtney is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who heavily utilizes techniques from Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR). Additionally, she uses Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Family Systems Theory and Gottman methods with adolescents and adults experiencing difficulty in their daily lives.
Courtney was raised in a military family, and as such is passionate in working with active or retired military and their families. Her personal experiences allow her to bring valuable insight into the therapeutic process.
Ashley Robinson, MSW, LCSW
Email: Ashley.Robinson@gafamilycounseling.com
Direct Cell: 470-322-6680
Insurance Accepted: Aetna, Amerigroup, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Peach State, United Healthcare
Ashley Robinson (She/Her/Hers), LMSW, a Georgia native serves in our Athens location to provide both in-person and Telehealth services. Ashley obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW) - with a minor in Spanish - from Augusta University while playing softball. She then earned her Master’s in Social Work (MSW) from the University of Georgia, and also works as a school social worker in addition to her work with us.
Ashley specializes in working with children, adolescents, teens and young adults. She will also work with adults, couples and families. Ashley enjoys working with clients who may deal with some of the following clinical issues
Academic Issues
Anxiety
Athletic Pressures
Coping Skills
Depression
Grief
Stress
Ashley is passionate about serving others in a variety of capacities such as missions and community service. In her free time she loves to be around animals, be with family, to travel and explore the outdoors.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Tzipporah Miller, MSW, LCSW, C-IAYT E-RYT 500 YACEP
Email: Tzipporah.Miller@gafamilycounseling.com
Insurance Accepted: Private Pay only at this time, pending all major commercial insurance and Medicaid and Medicare. Can provide a superbill or bill out-of-network in the interim.
Tzipporah is a licensed somatic movement psychotherapist, a certified yoga therapist, and is currently working towards her dance/movement therapy certification.
Tzipporah has taught therapeutic yoga for many years. Tzipporah is also trained EMDR practitioner. In addition, she has training in functional movement, Laban Movement Analysis, and Thai Yoga Massage.
Tzipporah comes to this work after having danced since the age of 3, and a 10 year career as a professional dancer, theatre artist, choreographer, and teacher both nationally and internationally. She is very aware of the mental health challenges performing and visual artists face, and therefore loves doing therapeutic work with artists.
Tzipporah has over 12 years of working in the field of mental health care. Since completing her Masters of Social Work from UGA in 2011, Tzipporah has gained extensive experience working in community mental health clinics, domestic violence shelters, hospitals, and with palliative care.
Tzipporah loves to support those living with PTSD/Traumatic Stress, trauma from sexual assault and/or sexual abuse, chronic pain, childhood neglect, and mood disorders using body based therapy and EMDR.
In addition, she is passionate about providing care to survivors of pregnancy or postpartum trauma and neurodivergent adults, children, and teens (ADHD, ASD, Sensory Integration Disorders, Chronic Migraines) using movement, yoga, dance, and creativity as a treatment modality.
Addressing Parent/Child attachment needs is another way Tzipporah weaves movement and yoga into her plan of care. Tzipporah absolutely loves to help adults, teens, and children feel more confident, grounded, present, and free through their bodies.
Movement and creativity is medicine for the mind, body, and soul.
Tomekia Raines, MSW, LMSW
Direct Cell: 770-866-1060
Email: Tomekia.Raines@gafamilycounseling.com
Insurance Accepted: Ambetter, CareSource, Humana, Peachstate, Private Pay, Sliding Scale
Athens and Virtual
Tomekia (She/Her/Hers) serves as a therapist at our Athens location.
Tomekia is a Georgia native who has earned a Bachelor’s degree in Family and Consumer Sciences (B.S. FACS) and Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW), both from the University of Georgia.
Tomekia is dedicated to helping people learn to live their best life. She has worked in community and hospital/healthcare settings for over 10 years as an advocate, counselor, mediator, educator, case manager, facilitator and change agent. Her goal is to enhance human well-being and help meet the needs of her clients by providing the best possible customer service, community resources, and support.
Tomekia is passionate about working with single-parent households - both parents and children - and women (teens and adults). She works with children ages ten years and up, teenagers, and adults. She provides therapy to individuals, couples, and families who are struggling with depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, relationship problems, family conflict, and grief and loss, including bereavement, terminal illness, loss of pregnancy, and divorce.
Tomekia is currently accepting new clients on a private pay and sliding scale basis. She is expecting to be in-network with Ambetter, Blue Cross Blue Shield, CareSource, Peachstate, and United Healthcare by Summer of 2021.
“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” – Maya Angelou
Daniel Caneda, MSW, LMSW
Email: Daniel.Caneda@gafamilycounseling.com
Direct Cell: 706-521-3329
Insurance Accepted: Aetna, Cigna, Humana, Private Pay, Sliding Scale
Athens and Virtual
Daniel Caneda hails from Augusta, GA but has lived in Athens, GA since 2001. Daniel earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Georgia. Daniel has 10 years of experience in the mental health field, including community mental health, psychiatry, and substance abuse settings.
Daniel works with a wide variety of clients dealing with grief and loss, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, career and vocation choices, and overall sense of purpose. He believes in combining clients’ strengths and values, evidence-based therapeutic models, and multimedia to help facilitate insight, motivation, progress, and change.
Daniel is a therapist at our Athens location and also offers virtual appointments. He works with teens (14 and up), young adults, and adults. Daniel is trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Person Centered Counseling.
In his spare time, Daniel likes to engage in multimedia editing, listening to podcasts and YouTubers, watch movies, and discuss pop culture. He is always on the lookout for a movie, song, or television clip that can either articulate a clients’ struggle, illuminate truth or provide comfort to clients’ lives.
DeAnna Fort, MSW, LCSW
Email: DeAnna.Fort@gafamilycounseling.com
Direct Cell: 404-465-4919
Insurance Accepted: Aetna, Cigna, Humana, Private Pay, Sliding Scale
Decatur Office Only
DeAnna (She/Her/Hers) is a Georgia native. She holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work and Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, both from The University of Georgia.
DeAanna enjoys helping individuals develop healthy coping skills, work through anxiety and manage a variety of stressors that may arise throughout life. She is especially passionate about working with children, adolescents, caregivers and families who have experienced trauma, specifically those who have been affected by some form of child abuse/maltreatment. Her goal is always to help individuals work toward achieving identified goals in a way that is unique to their needs and support them in their healing journey.
DeAnna has training in the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing techniques and Crisis Intervention. She also incorporates the use of mindfulness and creative expression in her practice.
Ganel Adams, MSW, LMSW
Direct Cell: 470-563-8225
Email: Ganel.Adams@gafamilycounseling.com
Insurance Accepted: Aetna, Ambetter, Care Source, Cigna, Humana, Peach State, Private Pay, Sliding Scale
Lawrenceville and Virtual
Ganel Adams (She/Her/Hers) serves as a therapist in our Lawrenceville office.
Ganel is a graduate of Georgia State University’s MSW program, and also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Georgia with a minor in Public Health.
In addition to her work with GAFC, Ganel also works with the Gwinnett County School System as a certified school social worker, and has a diverse background of working with children, teenagers, and families. As a result, she is intimately familiar with the psychological, developmental, and social needs of children.
As a therapist, Ganel draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Family Systems Theory, and Play Therapy techniques.
Ganel works with young children (ages 7 and up), teenagers, and families.
When she is not working, Ganel is an enthusiastic cook, and also enjoys traveling.
LaKeshia McClendon, MSW, LCSW
*Waitlist Only at This Time (9/17/2023)
Email: Lakeshia.McClendon@gafamilycounseling.com
Direct Cell: 678-210-1542
Accepting: Aetna, Cigna, Humana, Private Pay, and Sliding Scale
Virtual Only
Keshia McClendon (She/Her/Hers) is a Licensed Master Social Worker and Certified Real Essentials Relationship Educator. Keshia is a native of Georgia. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services from Gordon State College and her Master's Degree in Social Work at the University of Georgia with a Graduate Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy. She has over 15 years experience working with children and families as an agent of support and guidance. Her professional experiences include juvenile justice rehabilitation and relationship education.
Keshia serves as a therapist at our Decatur location and also provides telehealth services. She primarily works with adolescents, teens, and young adults. In addition, she works with children, couples, and families.
As a therapist, Keshia uses a combination of therapeutic techniques and modalities such as Gottman Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy. She utilizes evidence-based approaches to support clients in areas of anxiety, depression, self-esteem, life transitions, grief and loss of pregnancy.
Anthony Davis, MSW, LCSW
Email: Anthony.Davis@gafamilycounseling.com
Insurance Accepted: Private Pay, Sliding Scale
Decatur and Virtual
Anthony Davis, LCSW (he/him/his) is a Georgia native who holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work from The University of Georgia.
Anthony is an affirming LGBTQIA+ therapist who specializes in working with adults, but will consider adolescents, teens and couples on a case-by-case basis.
Anthony can work with clients who may deal with the following clinical issues: anxiety, depression, grief, stress, coping skills, and health struggles.
With an understanding of diversity and various backgrounds, Anthony can empathize with people and help them navigate difficult times in their lives. Some of this expertise comes from Anthony’s time helping people living with HIV/AIDS, as well as his time working with those experiencing end of life in hospice and palliative care. He continues to work in the medical field in addition to his work with us.
In his free time, Anthony enjoys streaming shows and movies, spending time with his dog, partner, family/friends, and relaxing after a long day at work.
Lauren Unrah, MSW, LMSW
Email: Lauren.Unrah@gafamilycounseling.com
Insurance Accepted: Aetna, Ambetter, Care Source, Cigna, Peach State, United Healthcare, Private Pay and Sliding Scale
Locations and Availability: Thursday in East Cobb or virtual, 10AM - 7PM, Saturdays in Decatur, 11AM - 2PM.
Lauren (She/Her/Hers) serves as a therapist at our Marietta, Decatur, and Lawrencville locations. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Georgia Southern University and a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Kentucky.
Lauren works with children, teenagers, and adults that are dealing with a variety of personal challenges that may include depression, anxiety, stress, relationship issues, and struggles with adjusting to life’s changes. She utilizes a variety of therapeutic techniques and methods such as person-centered, solution-focused, and cognitive-behavioral therapy approaches.
Lauren provides a warm and supportive environment that allows clients to feel safe in expressing their concerns and treatment goals. She believes in empowering clients with the necessary skills and tools to manage difficult issues in life.
Linda Tatum, MSW, LMSW
Accepting New Clients
Email: Linda.Tatum@gafamilycounseling.com
Direct Cell: 404-721-3328
Insurance Accepted: Aetna, Amerigroup, Ambetter, Care Source, Cigna, Peach State, Private Pay, Sliding Scale
Decatur, East Cobb, and Virtual
Linda Tatum (She/Her/Hers), Licensed Master Social Worker, serves as a therapist at our Decatur and East Cobb locations and also provides telehealth services. Linda holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Capella University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Grambling State University. She is a native of Detroit, Michigan but has lived in Atlanta since 2008.
Linda uses a person-centered, strengths based approach. Linda is trained in EMDR and is in the process of earning her EMDR certification. She treats clients for PTSD, phobias, depression, and anxiety. She has a true passion for working with children, adolescents, and single mothers who struggle with depression, anxiety, grief/loss, self-esteem issues, relationship problems, child abuse/maltreatment, and stressors related to parenting children with special needs. Linda herself is the mother of a child on the Autism Spectrum.
Her experiences working as a school social worker and a mental health professional at the Morehouse School of Medicine - as well as personal experiences such as growing up in the inner city of Detroit - allow her to bring valuable insight to the therapeutic process.
Cathy McQuade, MSW, LMSW
Accepting New Clients
Email: Cathy.McQuade@gafamilycounseling.com
Insurance Accepted: Aetna, Cigna, Humana, Private Pay, Sliding Scale
Locations and Availability: Fridays and Saturdays in East Cobb or virtual, 9AM - 5PM
Cathy McQuade (She/Her/Hers) is a Licensed Master Social Worker who received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Valdosta State University. Cathy works out of our East Cobb location and also provides telehealth services. She works with adult individuals who are suffering from PTSD, Complex Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Complicated Grief Disorder, and Substance Use Disorder among other related issues. She has considerable experience working with women who have been sexually exploited or experienced other interpersonal violence. She is trained in EMDR (both addiction and standard protocol) as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Addiction Counseling. She is currently pursuing certification as a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC). Cathy is dedicated to helping people recover from experiences which are preventing them from living their best life.
Professional Affiliations:
Member - Georgia Society for Clinical Social Work
Member – National Association of Social Workers
·Member – Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing International Association (EMDRIA)
Member – The Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC)
Sandra Fraro, MSN, APRN
Email: Sandra.Fraro@gafamilycounseling.com
Direct Cell: 404-490-2776
Insurance Accepted: Aetna, BCBS, Humana, Medicare, Private Pay
Decatur and Virtual
Sandra Fraro (She/Her/Hers) is a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who serves in dual roles at GAFC as a prescriber and a psychotherapist.
Sandra's childhood was spent living between New England, Ohio, and Georgia. She holds a MSN from Georgia State University, however, Sandra also has a previous career as a CPA, and also has a degree in IT.
As a therapist, Sandra is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, and Gottman Marriage Therapy. She also serves as an “informal” mediator (meaning cases that are not involved with courts), assisting clients reach compromises or resolutions with both family and financial disputes.
When Sandra is not working, she can be found spending time with her two golden retrievers.
Caroline Johnson, MSW
*Available to accept clients
Email: Caroline.Johnson@gafamilycounseling.com
Insurance Accepted: Ambetter, Amerigroup, Care Source, Peachstate, Private Pay, Sliding Scale
Virtual Only
Caroline Johnson (She/Her/Hers) is a Georgia native who earned her Bachelor of Social Work from University of Alaska Anchorage, and she is expecting to obtain her Master of Social Work with a Certificate in Clinical Social Work from University of Kentucky in May 2023.
Caroline was adopted at a young age and has been on her own journey toward reunification with her birth family over the past couple of years. Caroline’s own adoption journey ignited her interest in social work and in helping others with adoption issues, including grief and loss, trauma, family conflict, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, abandonment, and self-worth.
Caroline is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for treating trauma and PTSD, and she is in the process of earning her EMDR certification. In her generalist approach, Caroline incorporates a combination of therapeutic techniques including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS). Caroline also received a certificate in ChildFirst Forensic Interviewing and has previously served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). Caroline has work experience as a paralegal in civil litigation and family law, so she has experience with the divorce process, including developing parenting plans and navigating custody modifications.
Caroline is able to offer in-person appointments at the East Cobb and Decatur locations as well as telehealth appointments.
Brandi Pierson, MSW, LMSW
Waitlist Only at This Time (3/8/2024)
Email: Brandi.Pierson@gafamilycounseling.com
Direct Cell: 404-482-2221
Insurance Accepted: Cigna, Private Pay
Lawrenceville and Virtual
Brandi Pierson (She/Her/Hers), Licensed Master Social Worker, serves as a Therapist in our Lawrenceville office, and provides telehealth services. A native of Chicago, IL, Brandi holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism with a minor in African-American Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Brandi works with teens and adults that are dealing with a variety of issues, including depression, anxiety, and major life transitions. She has a passion for working with new and expecting parents. Brandi draws from a variety of therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral and solution-focused therapy.
Brandi provides a safe, nonjudgmental and welcoming environment for her clients, with a sense of humor along the way. Her goal is to empower clients with the skills and confidence to live their best life, whatever that looks like for them.
Crystal Crawford-Evans, MSW, LMSW
*Available to accept clients
Email: Crystal.Evans@gafamilycounseling.com
Direct Cell: 404-480-0445
Insurance Accepted: Cigna, Peachstate, Amerigroup, Care Source, Private pay, Sliding scale
East Cobb and Virtual
Crystal Crawford-Evans is a proud Licensed Mental Health Therapist with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Georgia State University and a Master of Social Work degree from Georgia State University. She has experience providing counseling services to a variety of individuals, particularly children and adolescents with mental health diagnoses such as ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, etc., where full recovery is possible with the help of early intervention, appropriate care, and attention.
Crystal’s focus is ensuring that she protects, invests in, advocates for, and empowers individuals, especially those in disenfranchised and underserved populations. She believe it is her purpose to advocate for equality and resources for individuals who need support and increase awareness of the stigma facing those who have been through traumatic events but have not received the mental health services needed to live a life of fulfillment.
Crystal provides various services, including psychoeducation, individual counseling, support groups, and case management services to enhance an individual’s quality of life. She enjoys helping others while using strength-based approaches and integrating various treatment therapies to meet the needs and goals of her individuals.
Crystal enjoys music, reading, traveling, and spending time with her family.
Kim Powers, Counseling Intern
*Available to accept clients
Email: Kim.Powers@gafamilycounseling.com
Direct Cell: 470-344-4601
Insurance Accepted: Amerigroup, Care Source, Peachstate, Private Pay, Sliding Scale
Availability: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays in East Cobb or Virtual, 9 am - 6 pm; Thursdays in Decatur, 3 pm - 7 pm
Kim Powers (She/Her/Hers) earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology from Kennesaw State University in 2021. She has a background in Applied Behavior Analysis as a Registered Behavior Technician working with children diagnosed with autism. She is now pursuing her masters in Clinical/Counseling Psychology at Clayton State University.
Kim is cross-culturally responsive and welcomes all cultures and backgrounds. She can help create informed and tailored interventions by utilizing the clients' backgrounds and cultures.
Kim utilizes Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) by providing a nurturing and child-friendly environment to explore thoughts and emotions together, building resilience and emotional regulation skills, and empowering young minds to create lasting positive change. Trauma-Focused CBT ensuring safety, compassion, and healing are at the core of her approach. She offers a safe and understanding environment for trauma healing, essential tools to manage trauma-related stress, and supports your child or teenager's journey to well-being. Also, using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), she is dedicated to nurturing emotional well-being and interpersonal skills, equipping young individuals with effective coping strategies, and fostering a supportive space for growth and self-discovery.
In her free time, she loves listening to music, coloring, and watching shows on streaming services. She enjoys spending time with her loved ones and her cat, who keeps her on her toes.
Wood Alter, Counseling Intern
*Available to accept clients
Direct Cell: 678-466-0006
Email: wood.atler@gafamilycounseling.com
Insurance Accepted: Amerigroup, Care Source, Peachstate, Private Pay, Sliding Scale
Decatur and Virtual
Wood has lived in many different cities but calls Atlanta home. Wood began his mental health journey while in undergrad at Georgia Tech, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering. Set to graduate from Valdosta State University with a Master of Social Work in May of 2024, Wood is uniquely equipped to synthesize his systems-based problem solving skill set with the person-in-environment approach of social work to deliver quality mental health counseling.
He is trained in EMDR and utilizes principles of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in his practice, along with elements of other modalities tailored to the client’s needs.
In his free time he enjoys reading, writing, creating art, and cuddling with his orange tabby, Lucy.
Reilly Edwards, Counseling Intern
*Available to accept clients
Direct Cell: 404-669-6803
Email: Reilly.Edwards@gafamilycounseling.com
Insurance: Amerigroup, Care Source, Peachstate, Private Pay, Sliding Scale
Decatur, East Cobb, and Virtual
Reilly Edwards (she/her/hers) completed her undergraduate studies in Psychology and Art History at The University of Virginia in 2020 before embarking on her journey towards a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Northwestern University. Drawing from her psychodynamic training, Reilly brings a deep sense of compassion and understanding to her counseling practice. She specializes in assisting clients in strengthening their self-connections while addressing the unique complexities of daily life. Whether navigating transitional phases or confronting deeply ingrained challenges, Reilly is dedicated to helping clients uncover fulfillment and inner peace.
Reilly employs an integrative therapeutic approach that blends psychodynamic principles with elements of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness techniques as needed. Her commitment to creating a safe and nurturing environment ensures that clients feel heard, respected, and valued. Reilly's counseling expertise extends to various areas, including managing stress, alleviating anxiety and depression, enhancing self-esteem, addressing relationship dynamics, coping with life transitions, refining communication skills, and more.
Outside of her counseling practice, Reilly also enjoys indulging her artistic side through art, jewelry crafting, and photography. She delights in exploring new restaurants, taking in plays and dance performances, all while sharing quality time with her endlessly entertaining cat.
Shannon McManus, Counseling Intern
*Available to accept clients
Email: Shannon.McManus@gafamilycounseling.com
Insurance: Amerigroup, Care Source, Peachstate, Private Pay, Sliding Scale
Availability: East Cobb Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays 12 – 6 PM; Flexible hours available for Telehealth appointments
Shannon McManus (she, her, hers) takes a holistic view of health and well-being. In addition to her graduate studies in mental health counseling at Northwestern University, she is a daily practitioner of Kundalini yoga and a trained Ashtanga yoga teacher. She studied Nutrition and Healthy Living at Cornell University to further strengthen her knowledge of the impact of food on mental health.
Shannon believes that transformation happens from the inside out, and improving self care is often the first step to enhanced wellness. Her passion is helping clients explore their problems in a judgment-free, safe, and supportive environment. She will help you examine the feelings that arise from challenging relationships, adverse childhood experiences, social injustices, and traumatic events. Life’s transitions and losses may bring these wounds to the surface and catalyze meaningful change. She believes that everyone has the capacity to build a fulfilling, purposeful life.
Shannon is an integrative therapist who draws upon psychodynamic theory, trauma-informed behavioral and cognitive methods, neuroscience, human development, dialectics, family systems, and attachment science to address each client’s unique needs.
When not working, Shannon spends time with her three teenage sons. She relaxes by being outside and taking long walks with her dog. She stays fit through her love of yoga, tennis, and pickleball.