Staff

 Chris is an energetic and passionate therapist.  He is a licensed clinical social worker with a former certification in alcohol, tobacco, and other drug treatment.  He has over 20 years of experience.  This vast experience includes work in many settings (inpatient hospitals, public mental health clinics, crisis units, and outpatient offices.  Chris works with all ages and couples.  In treatment, he uses an individualized approach that enhances his fundamental application of cognitive-behavioral techniques and other theoretical approaches.  Here is his resume:  CHRIS – Resume 1

New Book:  Publication date November 2024

John-Nelson Pope earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision from Texas A&M – Corpus Christi (TAMUCC);  he is a nationally certified counselor (NCC), Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS), and a licensed professional counselor supervisor (LPCS).  John-Nelson has a long history in the field with a varied background including teaching Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Montreat College, the Director of the Counseling Program at the University of Louisiana at Monroe, counseling clinical director at TAMUCC, and U.S. Navy chaplain (both overseas and abroad).  As a trained PTSD group facilitator, he enjoys supporting veterans recently released from active duty or who served during the Viet Nam and Gulf War.  Last year, he received extensive training to provide Cognitive Processing Therapy.

Victoria is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) and a National Board-Certified Counselor (NCC). She graduated from Lenoir-Rhyne University with a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling. Victoria has been a practicing licensed clinician for 4 years. She has a passion to meet with children ages 5-13 and welcomes clients of all ages. Stemming from a person-centered and cognitive behavioral approach to therapy, Victoria focuses on the client as a whole individual. Victoria believes people are on a life journey and, she will use her professional expertise to help guide you toward a better self.

Cyrilla Purnell, MPH, RD, LDN is a Behavioral Health Dietitian passionate about promoting mental and physical well-being through personalized nutrition. Cyrilla holds a master’s degree in public health and nutrition, with a special interest in mindfulness techniques and an integrative approach to health. Her unique background allows her to
understand the complex relationship between nutrition, emotions, and behaviors, enabling her to provide holistic and evidence-based dietary interventions. With an intuitive and empathetic approach, Cyrilla believes in the power of a therapeutic partnership to foster positive change in individuals; lives. She collaborates closely with her clients, taking the time to understand their unique needs, challenges, and goals.
Cyrilla’s areas of expertise focus on developing a healthy  relationship with food, establishing and maintaining goals, and overcoming barriers for a wide spectrum of nutritional concerns including Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) for nutrition-related diagnoses, emotional eating, disordered eating behaviors, weight management, healthy aging, and stress/sleep management. As a Behavioral Health Dietitian, Cyrilla Purnell is dedicated to empowering individuals to achieve optimal health by making positive and lasting changes in their lives and adopting healthy eating habits that nourish both their bodies and minds.