Meet Our Counselors & Group Facilitators

Recco Santee Richardson, Ph.D., LPC

Recco Santee Richardson, Ph.D., LPC is an in-demand mental health counselor with 25 plus years of experience in outpatient counseling. He services children, adolescents and adults who need assistance with Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, PTSD, Abuse/Neglect, Bipolar, Moodiness, ADHD, Loss/Grief, Acute Stress, among other symptoms. He earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Advertising/Public Relations from Ferris State University, a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Central Michigan University and a Doctorate Degree in Professional Counseling from Walden University.

Dr. Recco is naturally disarming with a unique and comforting approach that helps clients move socially and emotionally forward in life. He provides a safe and confidential environment that encourages personal growth, inner strength and hope. He has self-published a dozen book, research and developed successful programs from scratch and presented professional development trainings to corporations, school districts, and community agencies. 

Rene M. Richardson, MSW, LMSW, MBA

Rene M. Richardson is a well-rounded mental health therapist who has helped hundreds of clients. She specializes in women and girls and her area of expertise includes assessing and addressing Depression, Worry, Fatigue, Irritability, Mood Swings, ADHD, Trauma, Bipolar, Anxiety, among other illnesses.

She has strong clinical counseling and treatment planning skills that identify and later resolve barriers.  With warmth and empathy, she empowers and rebuilds her serviced clients. Rene does exceptional work with teen girls, young adult women and working professional women. She also provides couples counseling with her husband of 33 years, Recco Richardson. Before working as a trained mental health professional, Rene worked for a Fortune 500 company and in state government. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Michigan-Flint, and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California.

Tamera Huntley, LPC, CAADC, NCC

Tamera Huntley is a clinical therapist. She earned her Master’s Degree in Counseling from Spring Arbor University. She is a Limited Licensed Professional Counselor (LLPC) in the State of Michigan. Tamera is also a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor-Development Plan (CAADC-DP) and National Certified Counselor (NCC).

Over the years, her counseling efforts focus has been on adolescents and adults who have a variety of issues including anxiety, anger, depression, grief, health concerns, mood disorders, self-care, stress, substance abuse, and time management. Tamera’s work experience includes helping clients regarding their career paths, self-esteem, self-confidence, coping skills, life-transitions, and everyday issues.

Tamera’s approaches to counseling include motivational interviewing, person-centered, cognitive behavioral and solution focused modalities. She understands that therapy should be an authentic experience, and the clients need to be heard, valued, and understood is primary. Her goal is to empower and promote positive pathways to growth and well-being. Her work experience as a clinical therapist, substance abuse counselor and a counselor in a residential facility provides her with exceptional insight and wholesome perspectives that benefits her counseling clients. She understands that there are many reasons that individual seek treatment.

Samantha Cole, MS, LPC

Samantha Cole, MS, LPC is an in demand clinical therapist. Her objective is to assist clients with the concerns that bring them into treatment. She works with children, teens, and adults who exhibit defiance, anxiety, depression, poor concentration, stress, anger, moodiness and other concerns.
Her approach to counseling is primarily cognitive behavioral therapy approaches. As well, she also utilizes person-centered and choice theory approaches. Her past work experience includes serving as a Treatment Specialist at a nearby juvenile detention center and working as a Psychiatric Care Specialist at an area hospital in-patient treatment program. She successfully completed her practicum and internship training at a counseling center in Oakland County, MI. 

Samantha is a graduate of Mott Community College (Associates in Applied Sciences), The University of Michigan-Flint (Bachelor’s in Psychology) and Capella University (Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling). In April 2024, she was promoted at our clinic to Program Director, Clinical Services.

Ciara Crandon-Marsh, MS, LLPC

Ciara Crandon-Marsh is Limited Licensed Professional Counselor at our clinic. In May 2024, she was promoted to Coordinator, Communication/Marketing and Clinical Supervisor. She earned a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Hodges University. Ciara endeavors to help individuals overcome their presenting concerns. For as long as she can remember, it has been important for her to help others, and to make a difference in their lives.

She provides counseling services to children, teens, and adults. Her approach to counseling is primarily cognitive behavioral therapy. She also likes and utilizes aspects of client-centered therapy. Ciara believes that to for therapy services to be effective, it is essential for the client to be motivated and have a say in their treatment plan.
Ciara also graduated from University of Michigan-Flint (Bachelor’s in Psychology). She also previously graduated from Capella University (Master’s in Clinical Psychology, with a specialization in Applied Research).

Brenda Georges, MA, LLPC

Brenda Georges is a Limited Licensed Professional Counselor. She graduated from the Master’s in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health program at Liberty University. Her academic training also includes earning a Bachelor’s in Accounting (University of Bridgeport), a Master’s in Special Education (Grand Canyon University) and an Education Specialist certification in School Leadership (Columbus State University).

Brenda has 18 years of classroom teaching experience with K- 12 students.  Of the 18 years, 12 were as a middle school math and science teacher. For the last several years, she has been a Behavior Specialist and Social Emotional Learning Interventionist in Georgia and Michigan school districts. The duties sharpened her ability to help children and adults address mental health symptoms that hinder their personal, career, academic, and relationship growth. She utilizes cognitive behavior therapy and other approaches to help children, teens, and adults.

Prior to moving to Michigan, Brenda lived in Atlanta, Georgia for 24 years. She was born and raised by her Caribbean parents in New York City, New York (the Bronx).

Monica Blackwell, MA, LLPC

A resident of Flint, MI most of her life, Monica Blackwell is an in demand mental health therapist. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Michigan-Flint. She also earned a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Central Michigan University. Monica utilizes Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Behavioral Therapy, and Reality Therapy. She has a keen eye for helping others reach their potential and experience success in their endeavors. Monica prides herself on being helpful, caring, honest and easy to talk to. Her passion is working with children, teens, and adults.

 

Pamela Nealy, MSW, LMSW

Pamela received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Grambling State University. After years of servicing families in public sector agencies, she returned to college and graduated with a Master’s of Social Work degree from Michigan State University.

She believes that clients are the expert specialist for their life and the life of their family.  Her approach to counseling is to treat the therapeutic relationship as a collaborative process that features working together to find healthy solutions for internal/external personal barriers.

Pamela endeavors to help individuals discover, utilize, and hone their strengths so as to achieve optimal wellness and enrichment. She utilizes a combination of counseling techniques such as cognitive behavioral, solution-focused, motivational interviewing, person-centered, and strength-based.  She has years of experience working with individuals, families, and couples. Her open-minded, calm, authentic, and non-judgmental treatment approach helps individuals reach their goals and desires.

Aereonna Pool, MSW, LLMSW

Aereonna Pool, MSW, LLMSW is a Limited Licensed Social Worker. She demonstrates empathy and relatability skills that help her to connect with clients, while they develop independent personal resolution skills. Aereonna’s goal is to strive to make a positive impact on the Genesee County community and to offer safe spaces for individuals.  Her approach to counseling is primarily strength-based therapy. As well, she also utilizes cognitive behavioral approaches. Her work experience includes two years of social work internship and recently securing a full-time school social worker position at a local school.

Aereonna is a graduate of University of Michigan- Flint where she obtained her Bachelor of Social Work. She also graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Master of Social Work degree. Via individual counseling and group settings, she helps  children, adolescents, young adults, families, and parents address behavioral issues, high stress situations, anxiety, depression, anger, and life skills.

Shirley Lea-Lawson, BSW, MS, LPC

Shirley Lea-Lawson received a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas.  After working as a Family Service Worker and Juvenile Justice System employee for the State of Arkansas,  Shirley decided to return to college to earn a graduate school degree. She attended Grand Canyon University’s and earned a Master’s Degree in Counseling. She licensed by the State of Michigan as a Professional Counselor.

Shirley understands that it is often difficult to navigate simple life issues and it is even more difficult to admit that help is needed.  Her passion is to assist in bringing healing to children, teens, adults, and families who have been victimized by life’s issues and are looking for viable solutions to their problems.

She utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as other approaches to assist individuals and families with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, grief, and gender related issues.

Jalen Toins, MS, LLPC

Jalen Toins is a graduate of Capella University’s Masters Level Counseling program. He also earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Information Technology from Central Michigan University.  He currently works in government as a technician for the Access and Crisis Line programs.

Jalen uses empathic listening backed by a humanistic approach, to help clients identify their strengths. His goal is to aid others in their efforts to work through barriers that may prevent authenticity and growth.  He services children, teens, and adults. In his spare time, he enjoys photography.

Tanya Y. Jefferson MSA, MA, LLPC

Tanya Y. Jefferson is a seasoned clinical therapist who serves clients and the community with passion and determination. Her counseling efforts focus on helping children, adolescents and adults address anger, anxiety, substance abuse, depression, grief and loss, poor focus, chronic disease management, self-care, decision making, fears, stress and other areas of concern. Tanya’s approaches to counseling include person-centered, cognitive behavioral and solution-focused. Her goal is to empower clients by promoting positive pathways to growth, well-being ,and tools to achieve their goals for life. She is here to help every client uncover and realize their truth. Her work experience as a community health trainer, domestic violence/sexual assault counselor, program officer and marketing/communication associate provides her with exceptional insight and wholesome perspectives that benefits her counseling clients.

Tanya earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications and marketing from University of Michigan-Flint, a Master of Science in Administration degree from Central Michigan University and Master of Arts in Counseling degree from Spring Arbor University.

LaWanda Purches-Waller, MS, LLPC

LaWanda Purches-Waller is a State of Michigan, Limited Licensed Professional Counselor. She was born and raised in Flint, Michigan. She spent several years working in the business sector and transitioned to education. LaWanda has over 15 years of work experience in various school districts. She has a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration from Ferris State University and she received a Master’s in School Counseling from Capella University.

She has experience working with individuals who struggle with trauma, depression, anxiety, and grief. Her main goal is to help clients realize that they have the power within to create change and overcome their adversities.

LaWanda believes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can help clients learn positive ways to think and respond to challenging circumstances. She also utilizes Reality Therapy to help clients focus on where they are currently in life and create a plan for moving forward. In a caring and professional way, she creates a safe and welcoming space for her clients.

She provides counseling services to small children, teens, adults, couples, and families. Her primary goal is to address the unique needs of every individual. It is her hope to give clients the tools they need to become resilient and successful.

Amber Crandon, B.S., Master’s Level Counseling Intern

Amber Crandon is a master’s level intern starting at our clinic. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling at the University of the Cumberlands. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Michigan-Flint.

Amber services and assists children, teens, and adults, through the use of a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other standard approaches to counseling and treatment. She also uses different art techniques to help clients explore and address their concerns in creative and effective ways. Amber believes  that incorporating creative art making into the counseling process can help clients better understand themselves and their experiences, especially for clients who experience difficulty expressing themselves.   

Leslie Hu, B.S., Master’s Level Counseling Intern

Leslie Hu is a Master’s-level intern currently pursuing her degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of the Cumberlands. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Michigan State University and is passionate about providing genuine and compassionate care to children, adolescents, and adults.

Her clinical work is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Informed Therapy, and Psychodynamic Therapy. She also integrates techniques from other theoretical orientations to best meet the unique needs of each client.

Following her graduation, Leslie is committed to continuing her professional development in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy. She is honored to walk alongside her clients on their journeys toward self-discovery.

Hannah M. Rau, B.S., Master’s Level Counseling Intern

Hannah M. Rau is a master’s level counseling intern who is pursuing her degree in Mental Health Counseling from Davenport University. She graduated from Aquinas College in 2024 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and minors in Sociology and Studio Art. She is devoted to providing compassionate care to individuals seeking support for a variety of life challenges. 

As an intern, she services children, teens, and adults using her knowledge in Integrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She currently works at a local children’s autism center as a behavior technician doing Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Therapy. She uses her education from Aquinas, Davenport, and skills from being a behavior technician as a solid foundation for her internship experience with us.

Hannah hopes to create a welcoming and safe space for her clients. She has a genuine passion for helping individuals explore their thoughts, emotions, and goals.

Linda Itson, BSW, MA, CAADC, Facilitator, Support Groups 

Linda Itson is a time tested and true helper of others. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Michigan-Flint and a  Master’s Degree in Counseling from Ashland University. She is Certified in Addiction Counseling (CAADC). Linda also earned a Doctorate in Ministry from United Theological Seminary. The focus of her studies was domestic violence & sexual assault in faith based community.

She was employed at Delphi Automotive Systems for 39 years as an United Auto Workers (UAW) International Employee Assistance Employe Representative (EAP). Linda also was a trainer for the UAW International Union. After retiring in 2007, she worked for Catholic Charities of Genesee/Shiawassee Counties from n 2008 to 2024 as a mental health and substance abuse therapist. Linda’s also facilitated a men’s Group at Salvation Army for 12 years.

Her civic duties include serving on the Board of Directors for Your Center HIV Prevention. When she finds time, Linda serves as a chaplain for Hurley Medical Center and loves to participate in her church home’s jail ministry. Linda is a member of the NAACP, Black Social Workers, and A Phillip Randolph Institute. As a motivational speaker, she loves to encourage people to go to the next level in their lives. She lives by various words of wisdom such as, “Your mistakes are not the final chapter in your life, turn the page and keep going.”

Sheila Johnson-Toins, Facilitator, Support Groups

Sheila Johnson-Toins is a tremendous communicator, engages with others well, has strong administrative skills and is easy to talk with. She started her work career in 1985 as a Tinsmith Apprentice at the Fisher Body Grand Blanc, MI plant.  In 1989 she received her journeyman ‘s card and in 2006  was appointed a Local Benefit Representative, serving the members at United Auto Workers  (UAW) Local 1292. Sheila eventually secured a Benefits Trainer position at the UAW-GM Center for Human Resources in Detroit, MI. Her special assignment duties included training benefits representatives from every local UAW in the United States. She also assisted in the development of  Benefit Training Programs.

In 2016, Sheila was promoted to the UAW International Staff in Detroit MI as a Benefits Servicing Representative.  A year later, she was promoted again, this time to Coordinator of Benefits, General Motors Department. After 38 years of employment, she retired in March 2023.

Sheila enjoys helping others and has extremely strong administrative, training and research skills. She currently serves on the Southside Neighborhood Coalition Board. Their focus is to aid with improving the 7^th Ward and 8^th Ward in the City of Flint, Michigan.