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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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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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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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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Jordan Paige Parker

My primary focus is to help people overcome difficult life circumstances. I help clients recognize their own potential in life. My therapy includes helping people deal with past or current trauma along with developing coping methods for dealing with life’s stress. I help my clients with recognizing their own strengths and abilities and empower them on their path to healing. My …

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Melissa Snyder

I graduated with my M.Ed. in Counseling from the University of Montevallo in 2014 and gained experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings prior to joining Pesek Counseling Services in 2017. I am passionate about supporting a sense of hope and confidence in my clients, who range from older children to adults. My main treatment …

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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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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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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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