Resident in Counseling

 Chelsea has a passion for helping others feel heard, empowered, and finding their voice and strengths among the obstacles life throws our way. Chelsea is a Resident in Counseling working towards becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). She earned her BS in Social Work from Eastern Mennonite University in 2009 and her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University in 2025. Chelsea values the importance of genuine connection and providing a nonjudgmental environment by integrating a mix of play, CBT, psychodynamic, and a person-centered approach to meet each person where they are at while promoting growth and self-worth. She has experience providing children with behavioral, emotional, social, and crisis support and has worked with adults of various backgrounds by providing them a safe space to be themselves, process difficult emotions, and learn healthy ways of coping. When Chelsea isn’t working, you can find her chasing sunsets, eating, reading, and spending time with her family and their energetic pup. She is excited to work alongside you on your life journey!

Resident in Counseling

Melissa is a passionate advocate for individual holistic well-being and family health. She graduated from EMU with an M.A. in Counseling in 2007. For more than 20 years, she has been a dedicated employee of People Places, a nonprofit foster care, adoption, and family services agency in the Shenandoah Valley and Central VA. Melissa has worked directly with children and families, as well as behind the scenes, with a constant desire to help others. She holds a person-centered and family-centered approach as the heart of her work, with a belief in the resiliency that lies within each of us and the healing nature of healthy attachments and relationships. She utilizes mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy when working with symptoms of trauma, anxiety, and depression. When providing counseling to children, Melissa feels that incorporating parents/guardians is essential. Melissa enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, cooking (and eating) really good food, and reading.

Supervisee in Social Work

Hello, my name is Teresa, I grew up in the Shenandoah Valley, and I am excited to be at ARROW Project. I earned my Associate’s degree in health sciences from Blue Ridge Community College in 2012, my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from James Madison University in 2016, and my Master’s in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2025. Dignitiy and worth of the person and social justice are the ethical principles of social work that drive my practice. I’ve been fortunate to partner with groups addressing issues of queer liberation, school-to-prison-pipeline, mass incarceration, and immigrants’ rights. My goal is to help people identify and build on their strengths and cultivate empowerment. My approach is holistic, and trauma informed. In my spare time, I enjoy learning new handy skills, upcycling furniture and making art out of trash.

Resident in Counseling

Alex is a Resident in Counseling, and also working towards becoming a Registered Play Therapist.  He went to Radford University after working for a few years in an intensive wrap-around crisis stabilization program with a CSB called KPACT, which he worked with all throughout his schooling. This helped him develop a deep passion for working with children and families and emphasized the importance of joining with people where they are, while helping them seek to better their lives. When he is not working, you will usually find him covered in grease as he works to keep his older cars on the road so he can take his dogs on new adventures!

Virginia Commonwealth University, MSW Program

Carissa (they/them) received their B.A. in Political Science and Spanish, with a minor in Human Rights, from the University of Chicago in 2020. Since graduating, they have been working in higher education with a focus on diversity and inclusion, student support, and identity development. Carissa is passionate about working with LGBTQ clients and those who have experienced interpersonal violence or struggle with substance use. They are excited to work with the ARROW team! In their free time, Carissa enjoys puzzles, crosswords, escape rooms, cooking and baking, and spending time with their partner and cats.

Virginia Commonwealth University, MSW Program

Leah is a Social Work student at Virginia Commonwealth University. She graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work in 2025 and is now pursuing her Master’s degree with a concentration in Gender Violence Intervention. She is passionate about uplifting communities and individuals through social justice and client advocacy. Leah enjoys learning about and educating on healthy relationships and domestic violence intervention. She plans to become a licensed clinical social worker and work with clients to live healthy, joyful, and liberated lives. In her free time, Leah enjoys cooking, crocheting, and playing pickleball to unwind.

Virginia Commonwealth University, MSW Program

Lynzi is a Master of Social Work student at Virginia Commonwealth University with more than ten years of experience supporting individuals and families across child welfare, community mental health, and crisis intervention. Her work with survivors of sexual and relational violence, as well as adults navigating complex family dynamics and significant life transitions, has shaped her commitment to trauma-informed, empowerment-centered care rooted in respect for each person’s strengths and lived story.

Guided by Family Systems Theory, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy principles, mindfulness, and a strengths-based lens, Lynzi strives to create a calm, collaborative space where adults and children can explore emotions, build coping skills, and reconnect with their resilience. Her clinical interests include trauma

Pepperdine University, Master’s in Clinical Psychology

My name is Justin Marshall, and I am currently in the process of working towards my master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with Pepperdine University. Previously, I received my B.S. in Psychology from East Stroudsburg University. My mission is to empower clients and provide them with the coping skills necessary to handle any challenges in life. I value being able to give clients a space where they can share their experiences without any worry of judgment. I believe the most effective forms of treatment come from an integrative approach. In my personal time, I enjoy reading, getting out into nature, and watching sports.

Pepperdine University, Master’s in Clinical Psychology

Julien is a passionate and devoted intern working towards becoming licensed as a Licensed Professional Counselor. He graduated from George Mason University with a Bachelor of Science in 2015. He has worked in the psychology field for over 10 years with positions ranging from Behavioral Technician, Residential Support Specialist, Peer Support Specialist, Counselor, and Case Manager. His clinical work is based on cognitive behavioral therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing with a strengths-based focus. Julien believes in providing support to everyone who needs help and establishing a solid therapeutic rapport with authenticity, honesty, and non-judgmental open conversation. He knows the power of support when the world is full of stressors from his extensive experience in providing crisis care to children and adults with severe mental health symptoms. Julien loves telling “Dad Jokes” and often spends time reading fantasy Webtoons, playing games with friends, and listening to “Epic to Musical” on repeat throughout the week.

Eastern Mennonite University, CMHC Program

Jo (she/they/any) is a Master of Arts in Counseling student at Eastern Mennonite University. She graduated from Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee in 2020 with a degree in psychological science. Since then, Jo has collected work experience in psychiatric and social work settings across various populations from rural Tennessee to Northern Virginia. Jo believes that each client isa wonderfully unique, vastly complex, and inherently valuable individual. Jo values helping individuals and communities by meeting people where they are, justly and nonjudgmentally.

Eastern Mennonite University, CMHC Program

Christie (she/her/hers) received her B.S. in Psychology from James Madison University. She stayed in the area after falling in love with the Shenandoah Valley, where she joined EMU’s Counseling program. While in the early stages of her clinical experience, she is deeply committed to advocacy and providing her clients with a compassionate, supportive and empowering space. Her focus is providing clients with the tools and support they need to heal from trauma, and take meaningful steps toward their goals. In her free time, she enjoys watching movies, baking, and hiking with her dog, Winnie.

Bellevue University, CMHC Program

Julian is an M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling student at Bellevue University. He received a B.A. in Psychology from New College of Florida in 2020, but his passion for counseling extends further back. Ever since learning about the field of counseling back in grade school, he’s been dedicated to accomplishing that goal. Within the office, Julian sets a judgment-free zone, encouraging a therapeutic connection where the client controls the pace of counseling. Julian has worked with several groups of people, ranging from children to memory-care patients, and enjoys adapting to the unique needs of clients. During downtime, Julian loves reading, writing, and otherwise engaging in the vast number of stories available.

Lindsey Wilson University, CMHC Program

Alyssa received her B.A. in Psychology from Mary Baldwin University in 2024 and is currently studying Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Lindsey Wilson University’s Online School of Professional Counseling. Alyssa has prior experience working alongside adolescents from ages 14 to 18 and takes pride in her advocacy and care for her clients. She wishes to continue working with individuals of this population as well as college-age persons. Alyssa is passionate about helping individuals achieve a more rounded sense of wellbeing. During her personal time, she spends time with her friends and tends to her jungle of houseplants. Alyssa also enjoys diving into the pages of a book, coloring, and a good thrift store.

Liberty University, CMHC Program

My name is Kelsey Hicks, and I am a counseling intern studying Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University. I am employed currently at Western State Hospital as a treatment planning coordinator in addition to completing my internship hours with ARROW. I graduated from Bridgewater College with a B.S in psychology in 2021 and also graduated with an M.S in psychology from Bridgewater College in 2022. I am looking to graduate from Liberty in December of 2026 and pursue my LPC. I am a person-centered counselor with experience in DBT and CBT. My goal in counseling is to provide clients with a warm, safe and empathetic space to process their concerns, fears, and troubles. I am so excited to gain more experience working with ARROW. When I am not working or doing schoolwork, I enjoy being in nature, exercising, and spending time with friends and family.

Liberty University, CMHC Program

Angela Mickens is a dedicated mental health professional and current graduate student pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health at Liberty University, with a passion for empowering youth and families. She currently serves as the Program Manager of Youth Quest at Intercept Health, where she oversees programs designed to foster resilience and personal growth in young people.

Angela is excited to begin her practicum placement at The Arrow Project, where she will gain hands-on clinical experience and further develop her skills in providing compassionate, client-centered care. Beyond her professional pursuits, Angela is a published poet who uses her creativity to inspire and connect with others. She also enjoys traveling and exploring new cultures, which continually broadens her perspective and enriches her approach to working with diverse populations.

Eastern Mennonite University, CMHC Program

Beth Sweet is currently a graduate student at Eastern Mennonite University, pursuing an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She attended James Madison University for her undergraduate degree, where she majored in Fine Arts and acquired her PK-12 teaching license. After spending three years working as an art educator, she chose to utilize her passions for expressive arts and working with people in a new profession, counseling. Beth is devoted to providing a safe, non-judgmental space for her clients to be themselves and receive the care they deserve. In her free time, Beth loves hiking, baking, and learning new crafts.

Liberty University, CMHC Program

Flanna is working toward a master’s in clinical mental health studies at Liberty University. She loves being part of the Staunton community, cooking, and gardening. She looks forward to earning an LPC license and helping people in the area with mental health support.

James Madison University, Psychology Undergraduate

Lily is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at James Madison University, with plans to graduate in the spring of 2026. After earning her degree, she hopes to continue her education in a graduate program specializing in clinical psychology. Passionate about supporting others, she spends much of her time working with individuals with disabilities, gaining experience and striving to be a steady source of support for those who need it. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors, traveling, and meeting new people.

Eastern Mennonite University, Psychology Undergraduate

Hi I’m Julian Gonzalez and I am receiving an undergraduate degree at Eastern Mennonite University. In May 2026, I will receive my Bachelor of Science in Psychology. I am excited to be a part of ARROW and help out those in the community. In my free time, I enjoy beach days and spending time with my family and friends.