We are a team of highly qualified mental health professionals and we love what we do. All of our staff are trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and to work with a variety of ages and issues. In addition to these core components, each team member brings a unique approach and clinical specialty to the practice.
Melissa is the co-founder and Executive Director of Firm Foundations Counseling & Wellness. As executive director, Melissa’s role involves quality assurance for clinical services, staff training and supervision, as well as research and development. Melissa received her Bachelor’s in Experimental Psychology from the University of South Carolina, a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Francis Marion, and a Doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision (PhD) from the University of South Carolina. She is licensed by the State of South Carolina as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Supervisor (LPC/S). She holds national certifications in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Triple P Positive Parenting Program, as well as Trauma Focused CBT. Melissa’s clinical specialty areas include child and adolescent behavioral and emotional disorders, spiritual integration, family issues, as well as trauma. Melissa also has a special interest in working with and practices as an ally to the LGBTQI+ population. Melissa is a published author on the topics of counselor advocacy and parental alliance. When Melissa is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, the Carolina coast, and Gamecock football.
John is the co-owner and Chief Business Officer of Firm Foundations. As CBO, John’s role involves overseeing administrative operations, purchasing and procurement. Prior to joining Firm Foundations full time in 2014, John enjoyed his years managing Dispatch operations for a major cable provider. John earned his Bachelors of Science in Business Administration from Bowling Green State University. John enjoys watching sports, playing golf, as well as spending time with family and friends.
Marquita holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology and a Master’s of Art Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. She is licensed by the state of South Carolina as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). As clinical lead, Marquita supports the clinical team in the Lugoff office providing consultation and supervision to ensure clinical excellence. Marquita approaches counseling with a passion for assisting clients to discover ways to make changes in their lives for a brighter and hopeful future. Marquita believes strongly in using a therapeutic partnership approach with children, young adults, adults, and families, to uncover personal resources for change and to sort through their individualized issues. Marquita incorporates principles from Solution-focused, cognitive-behavioral, and experiential modalities. Marquita is also certified in Brainspotting treatment, a cutting-edge treatment for trauma and anxiety disorders. Marquita’s specialty areas include childhood behavioral issues, parenting, mood disorders, self- esteem, women issues, eating disorders and body image concerns.
Cory received his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology from Bowling Green State University and obtained his Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Murray State University. Cory is licensed by the state of South Carolina as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). As clinical lead, Cory supports the clinical team in the Columbia office providing consultation and supervision to ensure clinical excellence. Cory works to explore challenging experiences with his clients and develop an opportunity to redirect the negative impacts these events can have on an individual’s life. Cory has experience in working with military personnel (active and retired) during his time living near Ft. Campbell military base, and also has experience in working with non-military traumatic events. Through a cooperative effort, Cory utilizes Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR) alongside other treatment modalities to help client’s meet their treatment goals. Cory’s therapeutic interests are in working with adults experiencing anxiety, Posttraumatic Stress (PTSD), grief/loss, men’s issues, depression, and relationship difficulties. When not in the office, Cory is often found exploring the beach with his friends and family, attending sporting events, and indulging in anything Star Wars.
Mary received her Bachelor’s degree in Experimental Psychology from the University of South Carolina. Since 2013, she has worked in managerial and administrative roles. She has been with Firm Foundations since January of 2019. As office manager, Mary processes all referrals and handles the scheduling of new clients as well as ensures administrative process quality. She is truly passionate about her role here and strives to give our clients a positive experience. When she is not working, you can find her hanging out with her family and cheering on the Gamecocks.
Karissa received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Furman University and an Education Specialist Degree (Ed.S) from the University of South Carolina. She is licensed by the state of South Carolina as a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPC/A). She uses Narrative Therapy and Emotion Focused Family Therapy during her sessions. Karissa is currently in a national training program for Certified Eating Disorder Specialists (CEDS). She enjoys working with a variety conditions, including anxiety, depression, family issues, as well as eating disorders. In her free time Karissa enjoys trying new foods, traveling with family and friends, and catching up on her favorite Netflix shows.
Sheresa graduated from Argosy University: Georgia School of Professional Psychology with a Master’s of Art degree. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Addictions Counselor. She has worked in a psychiatric facility, mental health center and in private practice. Her therapeutic approach is eclectic, with an emphasis on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivation Interviewing. She uses different techniques including mindfulness, homework, challenging irrational beliefs, reading, laughter, scripture (when appropriate). Her approach is to help her patients identify goals (where/how they’d like to be) and come alongside them to accomplish it. She is a big promoter of self-care and enjoys helping others learn to set boundaries. She identifies her gift as Service and gets great pleasure out of helping others. In her non-working time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, singing at church, serving her church members and community.
Alexandria joined the Firm Foundations Counseling & Wellness team in 2013. Alexandria received her Bachelor’s in Experimental Psychology and a Counselor Education Specialist Degree from the University of South Carolina. She is licensed by the State of South Carolina as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). She holds certifications in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused CBT, and has undergone extensive training in Emotion Focused Couples Therapy. Alexandria’s specialty areas include couples, adolescents, and adults. When Alexandria is not in the office, she enjoys Gamecock football, shopping, and spending time with her family and friends.
Sydney received her Bachelor’s in Social Work from the University of South Carolina. During her time at USC, she served as an AmeriCorps member with working with children and adolescents through the Communities in Schools program. She then served another AmeriCorps term with United Way Black River’s Growing Great Readers program before going back to USC to receive her Master’s in Social Work. She is licensed by the state of South Carolina as a Licensed Master Social Worker. Sydney has worked with a variety of ages and uses Cognitive Behavioral, family and play therapy approaches in her treatments. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and spending time with her husband and two cats.
Joy is an LPC-A and a recent graduate of The University of South Carolina, where she gained her ED.S degree in Counselor Education and a certification in Play Therapy. She has a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and in Dance Studies. Joy is married to her high school sweetheart, Ryan. Together, they have a daughter, Dylan, 2 dogs and 2 cats. In her free time, Joy enjoys going to Edisto Island, spending time with family, crafting, and being outside.
Haley received her Bachelor of Science degree in Experimental Psychology and Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree with a major concentration in Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling from the University of South Carolina. She is licensed by the state of South Carolina as a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPC/A). She is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and is certified in play therapy. Haley has experience working with children, adolescents, and families facing a variety of issues including trauma, relational issues, attachment, anxiety, depression, and adoption& foster care. Her therapeutic approach is eclectic, with strong emphasis on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Structural Family Therapy, and Child-Centered Play Therapy based on unique client needs. Haley believes in utilizing the collaborative therapeutic relationship to assist clients in processing life transitions, coping with complex situations and improving their holistic well-being.When Haley is not in office, she enjoys cheering on the Gamecocks, fishing, shopping, playing at the lake, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
While Erin is not a South Carolina native, she’s been here most of her life. She completed high school locally. She spent 13 years in retail management, then moved into life as an administrative assistant. Working first as a retention agent, followed by 5 years at a local nonprofit, where she served Survivors of the Midlands. Erin is also a state certified former Victims Service Provider. Erin is trained in trauma informed care. She is an active advocate for Autism Awareness and Autism Acceptance. In her free time, Erin enjoys time with her 2 boys and Husband, Beaching and Football (Go Gamecocks!)
Kamayah earned a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling from Columbia
International University. She holds a Licensed Professional Associate (LPC/A) license from the
State of South Carolina. She has worked with the Department of Mental Health and throughout
the school system. She has various experiences assisting adolescents, adults, and their families
in resolving obstacles to coping and navigating through stressful situations in life. She is
passionate about walking alongside others to break free from trauma, anxiety, depression, and
unhealthy thought patterns. In order to help patients achieve perspective and clarity, Kamayah
integrates behavioral, person-centered, and solution-focused therapies.
Skylar received her Bachelor’s degree in Experimental Psychology from the University of South Carolina. Throughout her undergraduate years, she immersed herself in research focused on behavioral conditions and the early identification of developmental disabilities. After graduating, she found her passion for counseling. This realization prompted her to pursue further education, as she is currently enrolled in the Counseling Rehabilitation M.A. program with the aim of becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) specializing in working with children and families. She has been with Firm Foundations since January of 2024 and performs administrative duties. While she is not working, Skylar finds joy in the company of her loving dog and two cats, her friends, making art, books, trying new foods, and hiking.
Janae received a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and worked overseas for several years in non-profit communications among cross-cultural projects. Her desire to join individuals on their path toward growth and healing propelled her to receive a Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling from Columbia International University. Her therapeutic interests include working with adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, grief and loss, as well as identity and acculturation issues. She has received training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR) and emotion focused therapy interventions. She integrates these approaches to help families and individuals strengthen meaningful connections and develop manageable ways to navigate life. Janae enjoys being active, spending time in nature and connecting with family and friends.
Randy Bryant is a native of Columbia, SC; where she attended Columbia College and earned a B.A. in Behavioral Science and M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lenoir-Rhyne University. Throughout her studies she realized that she was drawn to family dynamics, specifically the invisible load mothers tend to hold. As a mom, Randy understands the stressors and emotions mothers go through. How life can become a never-ending cycle of checklists, work emails, and whatever else life seems to think you can solve. Randy believes that therapy is a partnership between counselor and client where we work together to find clarity and healing from their problems. She is here to help you see things that are just out of focus and change the story that you have been telling yourself. Randy believes in using strength-based therapy, narrative therapy, and person-centered therapy approaches to help her clients see they have the tools to foster their healing. In her free time Randy enjoys going to the zoo with her daughter, reading and spending time with family and friends.
Logan received Bachelor’s Degrees (BA) in Criminal Justice and Sociology, an Education Specialist Degree (Ed. S) in Counselor Education, and a Graduate Certification in Play Therapy from the University of South Carolina. She is licensed by the State of South Carolina as a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPC-A) and recognized as a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC). Coming from a background where she worked with children and teenagers in the foster care system, she approaches therapy with a trauma informed lens and seeks to empower clients with a client-centered approach. Using play therapy techniques, she strives to give children safe and creative outlets to express their voices and build self-esteem and resiliency. She believes in the healing power of the relationship between counselor and client, and tailors her sessions to meet each individual’s needs. When Logan is not in the office, you can often find her catching up on her favorite shows, reading a good book, and spending time with her family.
Shakeyla earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology from the University of South Carolina Upstate. Shakeyla completed a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from South University. Shakeyla is a Licensed Professional Counselor and also a National Board-Certified Counselor. Shakeyla has experience working with adults, youth, and families in a variety of settings, foster care, non-profit organizations, and clinical settings. Shakeyla’s goal is to ride as the copilot, helping you to navigate through the obstacles one may face in life. While no one else can heal or do your inner work for you, this does not mean you can, should, or need to do it alone. Shakeyla’s therapeutic interest includes working with clients with depression, anxiety, self-esteem, boundary setting, trauma, and sexual trauma. Shakeyla believes everyone holds in them the necessary skills to produce the life they want and therefore, provides a supportive, non-judgmental, and relaxed environment to foster change. Shakeyla primarily uses Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), as well as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR). Shakeyla enjoys fashion, reading, being adventurous, and spending time with her family and friends in her spare time.
Andrew is a native of Columbia, South Carolina. He graduated from the College of Charleston with a B.A. in Political Science and later attended the University of Kentucky where he received a Master’s of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Andrew strives to create a cohesive relationship with clients to target areas of desired growth, identify areas of clients’ strengths, and use appropriate strategies to achieve short and long-term goals. Andrew’s therapeutic interests include working with children, adolescents, teens, and adults with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem, life changes/direction, and behavioral issues. When he’s not working, Andrew enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, cheering for the Miami Dolphins and South Carolina Gamecocks, as well as running, reading, and catching up on favorite shows.
Greetings! My name is Rahkiya Fields-Dinkins. As a graduate student at the University of South Carolina, I am currently completing my practicum and internship requirements. My current area of study is marriage, family, and couples. I have a bachelor’s degree in human services from the University of South Carolina Beaufort. I am originally from Brooklyn, New York, but have been a resident of South Carolina for many years. Relationships of all kinds are important, and it has driven my passion to work with individuals, families, and couples from diverse backgrounds utilizing emotion-focused therapy. It is my belief that our emotions guide our preferences, decisions, and actions. It is my goal to assist those I work with by using strategies that promote awareness, acceptance, and regulation of their emotions. It is my hope that together we can give new meaning to emotional well-being! Outside of my studies, I enjoy hanging out with my family, playing board games, cooking, and eating. I love meeting and conversing with people from all walks of life. I enjoy traveling whenever possible and learning new languages. You might catch me at Top Golf in Charlotte or randomly racing one of my kids down a street in Columbia. On your mark, get set, go!
