Counselors

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: R. DENICE COLSON, PhD, LPC, MAC, CPCS, CCS

Mrs. Colson is trained as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Master Addiction Counselor, who has contributed to the counseling field since 1982. She is the author of Stop Treating Symptoms and Start Resolving Trauma! Inside-Out Healing for Survivors of ALL Types and “Break EVERY Stinking Chain! Healing for Hidden Wounds”. She is a Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor through the LPCA of Georgia. She takes a limited number of clients and speaks at luncheons, seminars and other group functions. Visit her training, speaking and supervision site at www.TraumaEducation.com . She is a State Approved DUI Evaluator and Treatment Provider. Also, a Prime Solutions provider, and Certified BrainTek Practitioner.

TERRY HASH, MS, LPC

Mr. Hash is the Pastoral Care Minister at Eagle’s Landing First Baptist Church, and began serving in the counseling field in 1993. He specializes in marital, pre-marital, and trauma related concerns. He is on many insurance panels, including United Health Care, Anthem/BC/BS, Aetna, Cigna, and others.

TIFFANY STARNES, MEd, LPC, NCC, Registered Sex Therapist

Mrs. Starnes has a unique style of working with couples, individuals, premarital counseling, and blended families. Her experience with individuals needing substance abuse treatment, pain management, and people struggling with issues of life transition, anxiety, stress, depression, grief and loss, sex-related issues and self-esteem, make her an asset to ELCCC. She is on many insurance panels, including BC/BS, Aetna, Cigna, United Behavioral Health, and others.

AMANDA WALDEN, MA, LPC, NCC

Amanda Walden is a licensed professional counselor with a Master’s degree in Community Counseling.  She has over fifteen years of experience in the counseling field with a background of working with clients of all ages. Ms. Walden is experienced in addressing an array of issues, including unresolved trauma, domestic violence, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress.  She has experience working in trauma therapy using the Strategic Trauma and Abuse Recovery System (STARS) model.  Ms. Walden has office hours in Covington and McDonough.  She is on many insurance panels, including Anthem BC/BS, United Healthcare, Aetna, Cigna, Tri-care, and others.

CHRISTYN WALKER, MA, LPC, CPCS, CCTP

Christyn Walker completed her Master of Arts in Professional Counseling at Liberty University and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She is also a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and a Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor. Ms. Walker’s specialties are trauma and addiction, but she also helps those struggling with grief, loss, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, spiritual issues, etc. Whatever the focus of counseling is, she will strive to meet you where you are and provide a safe place to explore your personal path to healing through empathy, compassion, and understanding. One of her favorite quotes is “Healing takes courage, and we all have courage. Even if we have to dig a little to find it.” (Tori A.) She is currently accepting clients who have United Healthcare or who choose to pay out of pocket.

STACI STEPHENS, LPC, RPT

Staci Stephens received her Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Georgia State University. She is a licensed professional counselor and Registered Play Therapist (RPT) specializing in work with children and their families. She has provided support to children and families experiencing a host of needs, including concerns related to anxiety, trauma, adjustment, and family-systems. Additionally, she has worked as a school-based counselor providing insight to school administrative staff and teachers alike with regards to the mental health needs and well-being of their students. Her practice involves inclusion of the family unit while servicing the needs of individuals. She is on many insurance panels, including Aetna, Amerigroup, Anthem BC/BS, Cigna, Peachstate/Cenpatico, United Healthcare and, others.

PRISCILLA CHENG, PhD, LPC

Dr. Priscilla Cheng holds a Master’s in Professional counseling and a Ph. D in "Human Behavior" with research interests in breast cancer, social support, and post-recovery. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in working with individuals with anxiety, depression, relational issues, spiritual concerns, trauma, addictions, eating disorders, body image dissatisfaction/disturbances and much more. Her experience with being an educator and working in both ecclesiastical and secular settings also affords her the privilege of working with persons from diverse backgrounds. She is passionate about seeing people healed and understanding their identity in Christ. She is on many insurance panels, including Aetna, Cigna, United Health Care, BC/BS, Beacon Health Options, Peachstate, Amerigroup, and others.

NICHOLAS X. SAMUELS, Ed.D.

Nicholas X. Samuels, Ed.D., is a seasoned Pastoral Counselor with over 30 years of ministry experience, including serving as a Senior Pastor. Nick brings a deep understanding of human complexities to his counseling practice with an Ed.D. in education and 15 years of experience in education, school counseling, marriage counseling, and coaching. He specializes in supporting individuals from age 14 through the end of life, integrating proven therapeutic practices with spirituality and sacred texts. Nick offers compassionate guidance for issues including depression, grief, stress, and relationship challenges. By operating on a sliding scale, he ensures accessibility and flexibility for his clients, aiming to uplift and empower them on their spiritual, mental, and emotional journeys. He is working on an M.S. in Professional Counseling at Mercer University and is under the supervision of Denice Colson, Ph.D., LPC, MAC, CPCS, CCS, DAAETS.

AMY KEPHART

Amy is pursuing a Master of Science in Counseling, specializing in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling—a dually certified program at Thomas University. Scheduled to graduate in May 2024, she successfully passed the State of Georgia Licensing Exam in October 2023 and intends to sit for the Certified Rehab Counselor exam in April 2024. Upon completing her post-internship hours after graduation, Amy will obtain both an LPC and CRC. By the end of 2023, she will be certified in Biblical Counseling.

Driven by a dedication to trauma recovery, Amy has fulfilled two internships. One internship was with the Shepherd Center of Atlanta, and was spent focusing on neuromuscular conditions, spinal cord injury, brain injury, multiple sclerosis, and pain. The other internship was centered on supporting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Down’s Syndrome. She is an member of the Association of Biblical Counselors, the Christian Counseling and Education Foundation, and the Christian Trauma Healing Network.

Amy works under the direct supervision of Dr. Denice Colson, Ph.D., LPC, MAC, CPCS, CCS, DAAETS, offering support to adults, young adults, and teens seeking assistance in mental health and rehabilitation counseling. She operates on a sliding scale and is available by appointment.

JEANETTE COOK, MS, LPC

I am a graduate of Liberty University in Virginia with a Master’s in Professional Counseling. I have a passion to work with individuals who have experienced trauma and crisis. I enjoy working with women, couples, and young adults. I am also a Registered Nurse for over 21 years with experience in Cardiac Intensive Care helping patients and families to cope with new health diagnoses. I truly believe through Jesus that people can overcome and become whole again despite the impact of any sudden change(s) that happens in life. I believe in speaking life to any situation and the power of the tongue. I am also on many insurance panels.

SHANNON GALLOWAY, MSW

Shannon is a recent graduate of Walden University. She has a MA in Psychology and Human Behavior and a Master of Advanced Clinical Social Work. She is experienced in working with individuals, families, adolescents and couples. She assists clients that are dealing with anxiety, depression, conflict resolution and grief/loss. She works on a sliding scale and available days and some evenings. She is under the supervision of Denice Colson, Ph.D, LPC, MAC, CPCS, CCS, DAAETS.

MIKALA A. LEGAKO, PsyD, Licensed Psychologist

Dr. Mikala A. Legako is a licensed psychologist in Georgia.  She is a counselor and she performs complete psychological evaluations, which include various forms of testing like IQ, achievement, personality & mood measures, adaptive functioning, mental status, neuropsychological screens, including assessment for dementias.  She loves working with people of all ages and specializes in children with ADD/ADHD, other executive functioning disorders, as well as trauma of all types.   She also works with adults struggling with mood disorders (anxiety, depression, Bipolar), change of life issues, PTSD, as well as co-occurring disorders. She served for 6 years in the Air Force and loves to work with military personnel, vets, and their families.  She believes ultimately it is the relationship that heals and that includes a loving relationship with God as our Creator, Sustainer, and Source of Hope. 

CHARNET CLARK, MS

Charnet is a graduate of Capella University with a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy Counseling. She is currently working toward licensure in the state of Georgia and is under the direct supervision of Christyn Walker, MA, LPC, CPCS. Charnet feels her greatest strength is her ability to connect with her clients. She works with adults, teens, adolescents, and families. She has additional training in trauma and is a certified Prepare Enrich Facilitator for married and pre-marital couples. She is able to work on a sliding scale and is available by appointment.

RACHEL GOFF, MA, LPC

Rachel is a licensed professional counselor with a Master’s degree from Liberty University in Professional Counseling.  She has experience in the counseling field with a background of working with clients of all ages. She works with adults and teens navigating unresolved trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and self-esteem. She has training in 12STR using a structured trauma model to help clients process trauma. Rachel has office hours in Locust Grove and McDonough. She is currently working towards getting on insurance panels, including Anthem BC/BS, United Healthcare, Aetna, Cigna, Tri-care, and others.

LEE JOASSIN, MS, LPC, LMFT

Lee Joassin is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and a Professional Counselor. She acquired a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, and a certification for Counseling in Contemporary Theory in Couple and Family Systems. Lee is Bi-lingual in Creole/French and works with diverse populations. She has a heart to serve couples and families who face challenges with communication, infidelity, divorce, finances, and conflict resolution issues. Lee is also a Christian author who has written biblical resources for couples and families. She is a certified Prepared Enrich Facilitator assisting couples strengthen their relationship. Lee serves individuals and adolescents with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and many other trauma-related challenges. She is currently taking clients with Aneta, Blue Cross & Blue Shield, and United Healthcare, as well as self-pay clients. She is currently available by appointment only.

EMILY PUCKETT, M.Ed, LPC

Emily Puckett is a licensed professional counselor with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of West Georgia. Emily works with individuals of all ages including littles (9+), teens, and adults dealing with trauma, grief, depression, stress, conflict, and anxiety. Emily has training in 12STR using a structured trauma model to help clients process trauma. Emily is passionate about walking alongside individuals as they navigate the challenges of life and finding that their strength lies ultimately in God and not themselves. Emily is currently working towards getting on insurance panels, including Anthem BC/BS, United Healthcare, Aetna, Cigna, and others. Emily is currently able to work on a sliding scale and is available by appointment.

SHANTE FLUKER, MS, BCCC

Shante is a Pastoral Counselor & Board Certified Christian Counselor through the Board of Christian Professional & Pastoral Counselors, a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors member, and the Intake Coordinator here at ELCCC. She has earned her Master’s in Clinical Psychology at Capella University.

With a passion for healing, Shante specializes in addressing depression, anxiety, grief, and trauma-related concerns, integrating 12STR. Her approach combines clinical training & experience with a deep understanding of faith, guiding individuals toward emotional well-being and spiritual growth. She is committed to helping you find strength and resilience on your journey.

Shante enjoys working with adults on their path to self-discovery. Her style strengthens, builds, and embraces trusting relationships. She enjoys giving hope to those in need and feels your overall well-being is essential. "Let us work collaboratively to create and sustain the positive changes needed in your life to restore balance. Permit yourself to
be guided and supported through your healing journey.”  She can work on a sliding scale and is available by appointment.

JAMIE KILCREASE, MA

Jamie obtained her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. She is currently working toward licensure in the state of Georgia and is under the direct supervision of Christyn Walker, MA, LPC, CPCS. Jamie has experience in the mental health field working with individuals from ages 13 into adulthood. She is trained in 12STR which uses a structured trauma model to help clients process their trauma. Jamie specializes in navigating the impact of trauma, grief, abuse, anxiety, depression, and more. She is available by appointment and works on a sliding scale.