Meet our Team

Brad Kinder is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor through the Virginia Board of Health Professions. He is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors and American Counseling Association. He has served as the clinical director and founding owner of Healing Waters Counseling Center, LLC since May 2010.

Mr. Kinder has several years of mental health, assessment, and treatment experience, including individual, couples, and family therapy. He is experienced in working with a wide variety of mental disorders, emotional difficulties and relationship problems. Mr. Kinder also enjoys working with clients who are not experiencing any significant problems, but would like to enhance their quality of life and functioning. Therapeutic modalities incorporated include cognitive-behavioral therapy with a primary emphasis in incorporating faith based treatment approaches. Mr. Kinder has an eclectic approach of therapeutic strategies when working with children and adolescents, including the use of play therapy and modern games and activities to help reach today’s youth.

Mr. Kinder is interested in an integrated care approach to holistic treatment for individuals and families. He also enjoys examining the impact faith and spirituality has on emotional well-being. Additionally, he seeks to practice effective parenting techniques during life-cycle transitions. Mr. Kinder has a special interest in providing marriage counseling services and desires to assist in improving the marital satisfaction of couples experiencing communication problems or more serious issues including loss of trust, infidelity, or discontentment. He provides effective treatment approaches in individual counseling services for various problems including depression, anxiety, grief, substance abuse, and relationship problems. Mr. Kinder has a very relaxed style of therapy and tends to utilize a more simplistic and practical approach coupled with using humor and common sense versus employing complicated techniques that tend to be confusing and ineffective.

Mr. Kinder has experience working with various populations, including children, adolescents, adults, and families. He was previously an adjunct professor with Southwest Virginia Community College, Lindsey Wilson College, and Bluefield College, teaching several courses in the field of psychology and counseling. He worked for several years with the Virginia Department of Corrections as a Psychology Associate and Psychology Associate Senior. He currently provides supervision to masters and bachelors level students and residents. He maintains involvement in increasing awareness and support for social and psychological issues within the community.

Kelley Kinder serves as the Clinical Supervisor of the home- and community-based programs at Healing Waters Counseling Center. She is credentialed as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia, South Carolina, and Tennessee, and is an approved supervisor through the Virginia Board of Counseling. Kelley began her experience in the field of mental health treatment in 2006, after receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from The University of Virginia’s College at Wise. Through her work in both public and private agencies providing case management, therapeutic day treatment, and intensive in-home services, Kelley developed a passion for helping others heal from trauma and challenging life circumstances.

With a desire to further her knowledge in the field of counseling, Kelley continued her education at Liberty University, where she completed a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling in 2016. Kelley is currently studying to obtain a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, and she is working toward a specialization in Neuropsychology. Kelley conceptualizes mental health challenges from a trauma-informed, biopsychosocial-spiritual perspective and provides therapy primarily from a cognitive-behavioral framework. She is trained to provide Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, which is an effective treatment for individuals who have endured trauma. When fulfilling a supervisory role with counselor trainees, Kelley utilizes a reflective model, as she desires to provide a warm and welcoming learning environment in which supervisees can experience growth.

In her spare time, Kelley enjoys spending time with her husband, stepdaughter, and two miniature schnauzers, along with her other family members. She loves traveling to cities that are embedded with history, architecture, nice restaurants, and beautiful coastlines. She also enjoys spending quiet, rainy days at home, listening to nearly all genres of music, and experiencing times of solitude and gratefulness.

Gary Lyons is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with more than 40 years of experience in both the public and private sectors providing inpatient and outpatient mental health services. He has been an ordained minister and pastor for more than 30 years. Gary earned his undergraduate degree in Sociology in 1977 from Virginia Tech, his Masters degree in Social Work in 1986 from Virginia Commonwealth University and his Master of Divinity in 1997 from Emmanuel Christian Seminary. He has been affiliated with Healing Waters Counseling Center since its inception. He has been married to his wife, Vicki, for 41 years. They have two daughters and two grandsons.

Brittany Marshall received a Bachelor of Science undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia’s College at Wise. She is a proud member of Psi Chi, The International Honor Society in Psychology. Brittany received a Master of Education degree in Counseling and Human Services from Lindsey Wilson College, School of Professional Counseling, where she also specialized in Substance Abuse Counseling. Brittany is credentialed as a Licensed Professional Counselor through the Virginia Board of Counseling and is a proud member of the Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society. Brittany is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others and seeing growth within her clients. Brittany is providing outpatient mental health counseling services at Healing Waters Counseling Center in the Wise office.

Brittany’s therapeutic approaches include cognitive-behavioral and person-centered theories. She offers faith-based counseling services when requested by the client. Brittany has been trained in TF-CBT techniques. Brittany has experience working with various populations including children, adolescents, adults, marriage and family. Brittany has a professional background in working with a variety of mental health issues and diagnoses. She is committed to learning new techniques and strategies to support her clients. While not working, Brittany enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters. Brittany also loves spending time with her family, friends, and being with her dogs, Chappy and Coco. Brittany is a member of Hubbard’s Chapel Freewill Baptist Church in Pound, Virginia.

Madison received a Master of Education degree in Counseling and Human Services from Lindsey Wilson College, School of Professional Counseling. There she specialized in Substance Abuse Counseling. She is credentialed as a Licensed Professional Counselor through the Virginia Board of Counseling. She is also a EMDRIA Approved EMDR Therapist. She provides outpatient and EMDR counseling services at Healing Waters Counseling Center. Madison combines traditional forms of therapy including Existential, Psychodynamic, and Cognitive approaches with spiritual and mindfulness-based thought process techniques. She has experience working with children, adolescents, teens, adults, and families. She strives to help clients decrease shame and guilt and increase confidence and inner peace. Furthermore, she also has a passion for providing mental health services to kids in need from various cultural backgrounds. Madison believes it is essential to create a safe, non-judgmental, empathetic environment and help individuals become aware of the underlying roots of their sabotaging behaviors while challenging their negative thought patterns. When she is not providing outpatient counseling serves at Healing Waters, Madison enjoys teaching up-and-coming helping professionals at her Alma Mater.

Pam Meade is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who started working for Healing Waters Counseling Center in 2017. Pam obtained her undergraduate degree in social work from East Tennessee State University in 1993, and her master’s degree in social work from Radford University in 2007. Pam provides counseling services to individuals, couples, and families, primarily over Telehealth. 

Pam has a varied work experience in the government and private sectors that spans over 30 years in areas of In-home treatment, Child Protective Services/Foster Care, case management, crisis stabilization, substance abuse treatment, case management and counseling in both in-patient and out-patient settings. Pam utilizes a strengths-based approach to assist individuals in creating personal success in their lives by incorporating hope, resiliency, and healing. She draws from several treatment modalities that are specific to the individuals’ treatment needs including Cognitive Behavioral and EMDR. Her special interest areas include depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, substance abuse, life transitions, self-esteem, parenting challenges and behavioral issues.

In her spare time, Pam enjoys spending time with her family, listening to live music, and traveling.

Denise Bryant, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), graduated from Radford University 2010 with a master’s degree in social work. Denise spent the first part of her career in the public sector providing counseling to individuals through the local community services board. Denise has served a wide range of individuals and families such as: at risk youth, veterans, children and adults with intellectual disabilities, victims of abuse, mature and aging populations and individuals suffering with severe mental illness. Denise is passionate about helping individuals through self-discovery and personal growth. Denise’s primary treatments are cognitive behavioral and person-centered therapies. However, Denise likes to use an eclectic approach to therapy, tailoring sessions to best suit each individual or family. It is her belief that counseling is not only her calling but, also, her ministry.

Emily Dillow is a Resident in Counseling who will be licensed later in 2022. She provides counseling to adults and children. Emily received her Bachelors degree from Old Dominion University, and her Masters in Education from Lindsey Wilson College in 2020.

She has over thirteen years of experience in the field working with adults. She has a background in case management and psychosocial rehabilitation and has also worked for a crisis program in the past. The knowledge gained from these experiences, as well as current experience in outpatient counseling has been used to transition Emily into her newest role as lead coordinator of our mental health skill-building program.

Emily often incorporates Cognitive Behavioral and Existential theories in session. She believes in the importance of assisting each client with recognizing their full potential and strengths. She practices a holistic approach in session and often integrates management of physical health into treatment of mental health. Emily enjoys fitness and spending time outdoors in her spare time.

Amber Goodman serves as an outpatient therapist at Healing Waters’ Wytheville office location. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2017 and then obtained a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Addictions and Forensics in 2022. Amber states, “I fell in love with the mental health field when I worked for Southwest Virginia Mental Health Institute and the patients touched my heart. I love working with all ages. Treating individuals suffering with addictions is also a passion of mine as I have watched so many people struggle with these issues. I have two wonderful children and three dogs whom we love like family. When I am not working, I like to read and spend time with my family. We love to swim, camp, and spend time outdoors.”

Hollie L. O’Connor is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor with 11 years of experience in the field of mental health and addictions. She is passionate about helping adolescents, teens, adults, and couples address their unique challenges and work toward improving their overall quality of life. Hollie specializes in anxiety, depression, anger, trauma, substance use disorders, borderline personality disorder, major life transitions, grief and loss, and relationship issues. She is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, where she served for 6 years during Desert Shield/Desert Storm 2 years in the Reserves. Hollie enjoys hiking, biking, camping, cooking, building architectural Lego sets, and spending time with her two sons.

Hollie earned her B.S. Degree at Southern Illinois University, her M.Ed. at East Tennessee State University, and her MSW at Indiana University. Her military background and professional experience enable her to address a variety of challenges. Hollie utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-informed care, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, person-centered care, and more.

No feeling is final! Hollie is passionate about assisting you on your journey to improve your quality of life and is confident she can provide you with the support you need.

Emily Cantrell received a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from King University. She is credentialed as a Resident in Counseling through the Virginia Board of Counseling and is a proud member of the Omega Nu Lambda National Honor Society, as well as the American Counseling Association. She provides outpatient counseling services at the Cedar Bluff office. Emily has experience working with children, adolescents, teens, adults, and families. Prior to joining Healing Waters Counseling Center, Emily worked for the Virginia Department of Corrections as a probation officer. She has a particular interest in serving individuals in the criminal justice system. While not working, Emily enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and fur babies.

Coming Soon…

Donna Sluss received a Bachelor of Science undergraduate degree from University of the Cumberlands . She is currently pursuing a Master of Education degree in Counseling and Human Services from Lindsey Wilson College. She is also specializing in Substance Abuse Counseling. Donna is credentialed as a QMHP-T through the Virginia Board of Counseling and is also a member of the Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society. Donna is currently providing Intensive In Home Services and Mental Health Skill-building Services in Wise County and the surrounding area. 

Donna’s therapeutic approaches include person-centered, cognitive-behavioral, and solution focused theories. Donna is committed to learning new ways to help and support her clients. In her leisure time, she enjoys spending time with her husband. Donna also enjoys spending time with family, friends , reading and watching movies.

Denise Stanley received a Bachelor of Science degree in Counseling from King University. She is currently working toward a Master of Education degree in Counseling and Human Services from Lindsey Wilson College, School of Professional Counseling and will graduate in August 2024. After graduation she will also specialize in Substance Abuse Counseling. Denise is a proud member of the Chi Sigma lota Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society.

Denise has 10 years experience in the mental health field which includes working in the public school system as a Therapeutic Day Treatment provider. She currently works with children, teens, and adults providing Intensive In-Home as well as Mental Health Skill-building Services in Wise County and the surrounding area. Denise enjoys spending time with her husband, son, and her cat Callie. She also enjoys traveling and spending time with family members and friends. 

Jessika Elliott holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from East Tennessee State University (2020) and currently pursuing a Master’s in Social Work from Louisiana State University (set to graduate in 2024).

As a Qualified Mental Health Professional registered with the Virginia Board of Counseling, Jessika has a strong track record of providing exceptional mental health skill-building services to individuals in the Abingdon area for the past four years. Her specialization in Person-Centered and Cognitive Behavioral Techniques enables her to effectively address the mental health concerns of individuals in their homes and communities.

Jessika’s exceptional ability to establish meaningful connections with individuals from diverse backgrounds and tailor her therapeutic approach to their unique needs distinguishes her as an empathetic and highly effective mental health professional. Her unwavering dedication to improving the well-being of her community is reflected in her aspirations to expand her expertise by working with children and adolescents, further enhancing her ability to provide comprehensive and compassionate care.

In her professional journey, Jessika is driven by her belief in the power of human resilience and empowers her clients by fostering their self-awareness, resilience, and coping mechanisms. Her ultimate goal is to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of those she serves.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Jessika values spending time with her family and traveling. Her personal experiences and deep understanding of human behavior fuel her commitment to helping others navigate life’s challenges and achieve their goals.