The Heart Behind My Work
So often, people come to therapy feeling unsure—unsure of where to start, what to expect, or even if they can trust the process. That uncertainty can make it hard to reach out for help. My role is to walk beside you through that uncertainty, helping you make sense of the unfamiliar and uncover the parts of yourself that have long been waiting to be seen and accepted.
My approach is deeply personal and holistic. I meet you right where you are—listening, guiding, and creating a safe space that honors your unique story, needs, and goals. Together, we focus on healing the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—because lasting change grows from understanding who you are in your entirety.
My greatest hope is that each person I work with comes to recognize their God-given worth and significance. When we begin to see ourselves through that lens, even life’s challenges take on new meaning.
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
— James 1:2–4
Education & Experience
Julia is a master’s level clinician who earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Christian Counseling, and her Master’s in Human Services Counseling: Marriage and Family, both from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia.
She has experience supporting individuals and families through a variety of challenges and, in addition to being a part of the Abundant Living team, currently serves as a group therapist for cancer survivors at Vital Grace. Her work reflects compassion, faith, and a deep belief that healing is possible—even after life’s hardest seasons. She is under the site direction and supervision of Mandi Penney, LPC.
Client Focus: Individuals, Couples, Families, Adults, Children and teens (ages 12+)
Specialties
Therapeutic Approach: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT), and Marriage and Family Therapy
More than just my work: Outside the therapy room, I deeply value time with my family and close friends. Their love and laughter bring comfort and joy to my life. Meaningful relationships remind me of the beauty in connection—but I also cherish my quiet “me time,” where I can slow down, reflect, and recharge.
“Nothing can stop you, and nothing can define you but you.” — Mustafa Ali
Sometimes life just feels off, and you can’t quite put your finger on why. It’s easy to feel stuck or unsure about how to move forward—and the idea of starting therapy can feel like one more overwhelming thing on your plate.
I believe therapy should feel like a safe, welcoming space that meets you right where you are. I use a holistic, personalized approach—blending different evidence-based tools to fit your unique story, needs, and goals. Together, we’ll find what works best for you.
My hope is that you’ll feel truly seen, heard, and supported every step of the way. I want you to leave each session feeling more empowered, more self-aware, and more equipped to navigate life with resilience and hope.
Experience: Abigail is a master’s-level clinician with a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University. She has gained valuable experience working with diverse populations, including children, adolescents, and young adults. Through this stage of her professional training, Abigail is committed to further developing her clinical skills and enhancing her effectiveness as a counselor. She is under the site direction of Mandi Penney, LPC.
Client Focus: Adults and adolescents (12+)
Types of therapy: Narrative Therapy, Solution-focused Therapy, Holistic approach, Christian Counseling
Issues: Anxiety, depression, life dissatisfaction, low self-esteem, trauma, ADHD, life transitions, career issues/transitions, relationship issues
More than just my work: I love to travel and explore national parks. My goal is to visit all 63 national parks in the U.S. So far, I have visited 10.
Life can feel overwhelming—like you’re barely keeping your head above water. Whether it’s anxiety, grief, relationship tension, or the heaviness of past wounds, you may feel stuck, lost, or unsure of how to move forward. Maybe you’ve been carrying these burdens quietly for too long, wondering if real change is even possible.
That’s where our work together begins. I believe change starts with being truly heard. That’s why I take time to listen -because what you’re going through matters deeply. We’ll unpack the challenges piece by piece, set clear and meaningful goals, and walk through practical, evidence-based strategies individually tailored to your needs. No one size fits all here! I bring both clinical tools and compassionate insight, grounded in the truth that healing happens in connection.
As we journey together, you’ll begin to feel more grounded and confident. Clients often share that they start to regain a sense of clarity and direction, feel more emotionally steady, and begin to hope again. This season won’t always feel this heavy—and you don’t have to carry it alone.
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.” Isaiah 43:2
Experience: Stephani earned her undergraduate degree in Christian Counseling from Liberty University and has her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. As a Board-Certified Christian Counselor with the Georgia Board for Christian Counselors, Stephani integrates faith-based principles with evidence-based practices to help clients find strength, clarity, and renewal. She is under the site direction of Mandi Penney, LPC, and the clinical supervision of Brianna Owen, LPC, CPCS (GA LPC005256). Contact information for Stephani’s clinical supervisor is brianna@boldcrossings.com ; 470-310-1777
Beyond her counseling practice, Stephani has received multiple specialized certifications from Light University, including Mental Health Coaching, Domestic & Community Crisis Response, Trauma Assessment & Intervention for Children & Teens, Marriage & Healthy Sexuality, and Mental & Behavioral Health Disorders.
Client Focus: Children, Teens, adults and couples
Specialties: Anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, grief and loss, relationship issues, life transitions, self-esteem, identity development, stress management, faith and spirituality concerns, boundaries and codependency, communication skills, family conflict, anger management, burnout, parenting challenges, emotional regulation, abuse recovery, career stress, Christian Counseling.
Therapeutic Approach: Christian Counseling. Person Centered, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Brainspotting
More than just my work: I experienced healing from a 15-year battle with an autoimmune disease by deepening my relationship with the Lord through prayer, intentionally reducing stress, and committing to nourishing my body with clean, wholesome food.
A fun and meaningful part of my journey has been traveling the world as a public speaker, sharing insights on family relationships and communication to support high school exchange students.
Many people come into therapy feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or like they have to “fix” themselves before they even begin. It’s easy to feel like healing is some distant, ten-steps-ahead goal — or that therapy will only highlight what’s wrong instead of offering relief. Couples often feel stuck too — facing broken trust, emotional disconnection, or standing at the edge of divorce wondering if there’s any way back.
I work from an experiential, relational foundation, helping clients feel their way into freedom rather than just think their way out of pain. For individuals, families, and couples, I create a space to slow down, connect to what’s real, and build safety where healing can begin. We might use reflection, creative techniques, emotion-focused conversations, or simple moments of pause …because healing happens when we meet ourselves and each other honestly.
My hope is that clients experience therapy as a breath of fresh air … a place where being seen and safe is the beginning, not the end goal. Through connection and practical tools, we build momentum toward emotional health, identity clarity, relational healing, and freedom from old patterns.
Experience: Brandie is a Master’s Level Clinician who earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Colorado Christian University. She has applied for Associate Marriage and Family Therapist Licensure in the state of Georgia. She is under the clinical supervision of Dr. Arielle Saunders Blum, PhD, LMFT, and under the site direction of Mandi Penney, LPC.
Client Focus: Individuals, Couples (including crisis and affair recovery), Families, Children (ages 6+), and Teens
Specialties: Anxiety, Depression, Trauma and PTSD, Relationship Conflict, Marital Crisis and Affair Recovery, Self-Esteem, Identity Development (Children, Teens, Adults), Attachment Wounds, Divorce Recovery, Parenting Struggles, Moral Injury, Spiritual Trauma, Christian Counseling
Therapeutic Approach: Experiential Therapy, Attachment-Based Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Crisis Intervention for Couples, Art-Integrated Therapy, Play-Based Techniques, Faith-Based Counseling (upon request)
More Than Just My Work: I love going on new adventures with my husband and kids, finding fun in everyday moments, laughing often, and tending to our little group of animals — including our one chicken. Life’s better when you can embrace joy, new experiences, and a little bit of mess along the way.
Many clients aren’t quite sure where life coaching fits in. They don’t necessarily have a diagnosis or feel the need to unpack their past—but they do have goals. They want to move forward, grow, and thrive, but need someone to walk alongside them—someone to offer guidance, tools, and accountability. I am that coach.
My approach is simple and intentional: we begin by identifying your unique needs and goals. From there, we create a clear and customized plan. After each session, I offer practical tools and meaningful “heart work” to apply between sessions. In our ongoing work together, I’ll check in, celebrate wins, and help you navigate roadblocks with grace and courage.
Your time with me happens in a safe, comfortable, and confidential space where your growth is the priority. I count it a joy and honor to cheer you on as you move forward—and I celebrate every step you take toward the abundant life you’re meant to live. In the end you will walk out with a renewed sense of purpose and hope, knowing that you have put the work in and accomplished your goals.
Experience: Melissa holds a degree in Education, a Master’s Level certificate in Life Coaching and she is board certified by the state of Georgia as a Pastoral Counselor. After spending 15 years teaching and managing preschools, she directed two nonprofits in the Washington, DC suburbs and established her own coaching practice in Florida. She has over 10 years of coaching experience with individuals and couples.
Client Focus: Teens, Male and Female adults, Pre-marital and Married couples
Types of Services offered: Grief, Relationship/Marriage, Life Transitions, Christian Life Coaching, Pastoral Counseling
Areas of Concern: Anxiety, Grief/Loss, Communication/Conflict, Parenting, Life-purpose uncertainty
More than just my work: I have lived in 7 different states and Europe, and moved a total of 12 times. I have volunteered in several areas including women’s ministry, leadership/ministry, conference speaking and working with guide dogs. I enjoy writing blogs and devotionals and have published two books.
So many women quietly shoulder anxiety, sadness, or the weight of past hurts—believing they must be strong for everyone else while silently struggling themselves. But you were never meant to walk this journey alone.
I love working with women who have a strong faith but may have difficulty connecting with God in their struggles. In our work together, I provide a safe, compassionate space where you can slow down and be seen. With a blend of Biblically-based guidance and evidence-based therapies like CBT, EMDR, and person-centered care, I help you explore what’s heavy, process what’s painful, and find peace again.
Together, we’ll uncover your strength, anchor your heart in truth, and move toward healing—with grace. You’ll leave feeling like a burden has been lifted, knowing you have found someone else to carry it for you- Jesus.
Experience: Mandi holds a Master’s degree and Educational Specialist degree in Counselor Education. She is a former clinical supervisor for therapists who provided in home therapy services and assessments and was previously employed by the Floyd County school system as a school counselor. She has been a licensed professional counselor in private practice for 20 years and she is a Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor (CPCS).
Client Focus: Women, ages 18 and up
Specialties: Anxiety · Depression · Life Transitions · Mom Stress · Christian Counseling
Therapeutic Approach: Faith Integration · CBT · EMDR · Person-Centered
More Than My Work: I love music—just about any genre! Try me in a game of Name that Tune 😉 Whether I’m worshiping, winding down, or jamming in the car, music brings me joy, frees my soul, and helps me stay grounded.
Meet Pearl, our expert match maker. When you call our office, you will most likely be chatting with her.
We will support you whether you’re working through grief, struggling with emotional distress or a traumatic event, exploring your faith, and more. We will provide a safe place to help you achieve your goals and live the life you desire.
