My Approach to Helping
As a mother of 4 unique adult children, I understand the stressors of being a mother and assisting young people and parents in dealing with a variety of life situations.
Ava is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) who works with a wide range of age groups; however, she has a passion for children and adolescents with issues such as anxiety, depression, and ASD. Having a child with autism sparked a passion for those individuals and families who face the challenges and struggles associated with a childhood disorder. Ava has experience working with diverse populations. Her experience includes 28 years as an elementary school teacher and 3 years as a mental health counselor. She has worked in a variety of settings, including working with the families of adolescents with juvenile justice involvement, adolescent day treatment, and school-based therapy including involvement in classroom settings and community health.Her areas of experience include depression, anxiety, conduct disorders, autism spectrum disorder, self-esteem issues, and family/parenting issues. Ava earned her Bachelor’s degree from Fayetteville State University in Early Childhood Education and has a Master’s degree in General Counseling from Grand Canyon University.She utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and solution-focused therapy recognizing that change comes from within. Ava employs client-centered therapy to encourage clients to develop techniques to promote a fulfilling life. Ava embraces the position that every individual can develop the skills to have a healthy and fulfilling life.