Ashley Smith, MSW Intern
I am a Graduate Student at the University of Georgia working towards a Masters in Social Work. I graduated with a Bachelors in Psychology with a minor in criminal justice from Georgia Southern University in 2015. I have over 6 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and families. I also have experience managing anxiety, providing parental support, and behavior management guidance.
I believe the foundation to effecting positive change with clients is built on trust. Through a trusting relationship, I aim to always empower my clients to reach any goal they set forth and embrace positive changes. My approach to counseling involves aspects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Strengths-Based Therapy, and Mindfulness Skills Training.
I believe every client has the strength to make the changes they seek to make, and my goal is to empower and support the client through their journey of finding that strength and implementing change.
Ivory Fillmore, MSW Intern
I am a Senior Graduate Student at the University of Georgia, completing a Masters in Social Work and a Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy. Prior to this, I obtained a Bachelors in Human Relations from Point University that also focused on Counseling & Social Work.
I believe that every client I have the opportunity to work with possesses innate strength that, when identified, can support them in their process of achieving their therapeutic goals and overall well-being. I am passionate about empowering my clients to overcome obstacles they may encounter during this process and to achieve their goals. I help clients to identify their strengths and to equip them with the right tools, resources, and adequate support.
I utilize several approaches that include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Strengths-Based Therapy, and Mindfulness Skills Training.
Amber Fort, LMFT
I graduated from Georgia Southern University with a degree in Psychology and then obtained my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Mercer University. I enjoy working with families, adults, couples and adolescents. I have experience with managing anxiety and depression, providing parenting support, increasing self esteem, relationship issues, and substance abuse.
I believe in working with my clients to help them create a more fulfilling life for themselves and to achieve their goals. We have the tools within us to better ourselves, sometimes we just need help finding them.
I utilize several therapeutic methods, specifically Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Solution-Focused Therapy. I have also been trained in Gottman Couples Therapy.
Caryn Pons, LCSW, Owner
I have held my LCSW in the state of Georgia since 2004. I attended Emory University with a Double Major in Spanish and Psychology and then received my Masters in Social Work from Boston College Graduate School of Social Work. I have been working with adults, children and families for over 21 years now and have a variety of experience working in both the mental health field and in the school setting.
I believe that a huge part of the therapeutic process is having a trusting relationship between the client and therapist in order to effect change. I strive to partner with my clients on their journey to becoming their best selves. My approach to counseling contains elements of Cognitive-Behavioral, Mindfulness, Strengths-Based, Narrative, and Solution-Focused therapies. Through the therapeutic process, I help clients identify and reach their goals.
My specialties include behavior issues in children and adolescents, parenting support, managing anger, anxiety, and depression. I also have a lot of experience working with victims of domestic violence and children dealing with divorce.