Staff

Jay Pesek, Owner

I enjoy working with individuals, families, single parents and their children and prefer to “rule out” more than quickly diagnose. My graduate training dealt with adolescent male patients with behavioral problems, emotional intelligence deficiencies, sexual abuse history and suicidal gestures and ideations. I see many single parents struggling with their children at home, and work […]

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Rachel Blankenship

I graduated with my M.Ed. in Counseling from the University of Montevallo in 2018 and have worked in a variety of settings working primarily with children, adolescents, and teens. I particularly enjoy this age group and acknowledge that each generation has their own stressors and struggles. I’ve worked with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, and

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Emily Franklin

I believe that counseling enables people to be the best version of themselves. My goal is to empower you to make positive choices in your life. I also believe that one of the most important aspects of counseling is the therapeutic relationship between client and counselor. I feel this relationship should provide you with the

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Horace Hackney

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, certified counselor supervisor, and National Certified Counselor. I graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Family and Child Sciences from Florida State University. I received a Master of Education in Couples and Family Counseling from the University of Montevallo. My experience includes residential, school, and agency settings. I specialize

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Destanie Kirkland

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Troy University and a Master’s of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Montevallo. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, and life transitions with children and young adults. In addition, I have experience working with trauma and incorporating Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Interventions. My

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Candice Lawhorn

I focus on helping people overcome obstacles and put them on the path to success and healing. In my sessions, I provide the therapeutic support to help people overcome past trauma, resolve a current problem, or develop positive coping strategies for life’s difficulties. My methods are built on compassion and a genuine desire to improve

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Joseph May

I am currently an LPC but have worked for over 20 years in public schools teaching art to grades K-8. After retirement from teaching, I started my second career as a Licensed Professional Counselor, providing care to everyone from pre-teens to adults of all ages. My area of expertise within counseling focuses around substance use

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Shelly Mitchell

I received my Master of Education Degree from the University of Montevallo followed by my Education Specialist Degree from the University of Alabama in Birmingham. Both degrees are in Community and Agency Counseling. Additionally, I have a degree from Valdosta State University in Educational Leadership. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Counselor Supervisor

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Melissa Snyder

I graduated with my M.Ed. in Counseling from the University of Montevallo in 2014 and joined Pesek Counseling Services in 2017. I am passionate about supporting a sense of hope and confidence in my clients, who range from older teens to adults. My main treatment areas include depression, anxiety disorders, trauma recovery, EMDR, mood instability,

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Karoline Wilson

I received my undergraduate degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Auburn University in 2005. From there I obtained my Masters of Education in Counseling at the University of Montevallo in 2007. While in the counseling program at Montevallo, I served as an intern at the Bessemer Children’s Advocacy Center. It was during this

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