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. She uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) in sessions with clients. Karissa specializes in treating eating disorders and is currently in a national training program for Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS). Karissa uses a non- diet health at every size approach when working with eating disorders. She is passionate about helping her clients learn to feel confident in themselves with an emphasis on self-love. She also enjoys working with a variety of other conditions including anxiety, depression, trauma, and family issues. When she is not at her day job you can find her at the dance studio teaching dance classes to children of all ages, or teaching graduate students at Pepperdine University in their masters Counseling program. In her free time, she loves playing with her two dogs Camille and Mila and catching up on some of her favorite TV shows on Netflix. She also loves cooking, baking, traveling, and finding new restaurants to try.

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 both her Bachelor’s and Master’s in Social Work from the University of South Carolina. During her time at USC, she served as an AmeriCorps member working with children and adolescents through the Communities in Schools program. She also served another AmeriCorps term with United Way Black River’s Growing Great Readers program during a gap year. She is licensed by the state of South Carolina as a Licensed Independent Social Worker – Clinical Practice and holds certifications as a Grief Informed Professional and a Mindfulness Informed Professional with Evergreen Certifications.

Sydney has worked with a variety of ages and uses Cognitive Behavioral, family, and Dialectical Behavioral therapy approaches in her treatments. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, coloring, 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 (LPC). 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, Emotionally Focused 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.

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.

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.

Andi is a native of Columbia, South Carolina. She graduated from the College of Charleston with a B.A. in Political Science and later attended the University of Kentucky where they received a Master’s of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Andi 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. Andi’s therapeutic interests include working with adolescents, teens, and adults with anxiety, depression, trauma, LGBTQIA+ issues, as well as self-esteem, life changes/direction, and behavioral issues. When they’re not working, Andi enjoys spending time with her two daughters, cheering for the Miami Dolphins and South Carolina Gamecocks, as well as running, reading, and catching up on favorite shows.

Michaela received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Wofford College, followed by her Education Specialist’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Play Therapy certificate from the University of South Carolina. She is currently licensed by the state of South Carolina as a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate. Michaela approaches therapy from a person-centered lens, believing that each person coming to therapy requires an individualized approach. When working with kiddos, she utilizes both child-centered and directive play therapy. She believes that the key to success in therapy is a collaborative approach and a strong therapeutic alliance. She strives to create an environment in which clients feel comfortable expressing themselves and working through obstacles to achieve their therapeutic goals. When she’s not working, you can find Michaela at home with her partner and cat, spending time with friends, reading, and baking.

Hannah received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina and is currently in the university’s Counselor Education Ed.S. program for their marriage, couples, and family track with the aim of becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). When Hannah is not working, she enjoys reading, traveling, and hiking with her boyfriend or visiting Charleston to see her family.

Ryan received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology from Charleston Southern University. Ryan is a recent graduate of the University of South Carolina where she received her Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and her certification in Play Therapy. She is licensed by the state of South Carolina as a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPC/A). Ryan uses an eclectic approach, focusing on Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Child-Centered Play Therapy that is uniquely applied to each client’s needs. Ryan believes that therapeutic relationships should be a collaborative effort where the clients’ individual perspectives are needed to create a safe and welcoming atmosphere. In her free time Ryan enjoys reading, puzzles, sports, and spending time with family and friends.

Madi received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of South Carolina, and she is currently working towards her Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Counselor Education with a concentration on Clinical Mental Health Counseling also at the University of South Carolina from which she will graduate in 2025. Go Gamecocks! She is also pursuing a certificate in Play Therapy. Madi utilizes an eclectic approach in which she focuses on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Child-Centered Play Therapy and approaches therapy with the belief that a collaborative relationship between the counselor and client is necessary to highlight and utilize the client’s strengths. Making therapy a safe, non-judgmental space for clients is incredibly important to her in order to empower her clients to reach their therapeutic goals. In her free time, Madi enjoys going on walks, hanging out with her friends, traveling, and watching movies at home with her partner