Meet the EAS team
Heather Forbes M.Ed , LPC-S.
Interim Executive Director
Ms. Forbes earned her B.S. in Psychology with a Minor in Communications from Palm Beach Atlantic University. She earned her M.Ed. in 2002 from the University of Montevallo in Agency Counseling and has been an LPC since 2006 and an LPC-S since 2022. She is a member of Chi Sigma Iota and the Alabama Counseling Association. Ms. Forbes has training in Cognitive Behavioral and related interventions for cancer supportive care from Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York, NY, experience in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for depression, insomnia and pain, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) for emotional regulation and improving communication skills, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) for anxiety, addictions and OCD, as well as Meaning-Centered Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, Grief and Person-Centered Therapy.
Lita Allen Clark, Ph.D, CEAP, Director, Assessment Services
Dr. Clark completed her Ph.D in Counseling at the University of Alabama. In addition to her clinical skills, she has developed, marketed and provided EAP services throughout the country. She is a Certified Employee Assistance Professional, a member of the American Psychotherapy Association and a member of the Alabama Counseling Association. Dr. Clark served as an Instructor of Psychology, before her appointment as Chairman of the Criminal Justice Department at Jefferson State Community College. She also served as an adjunct Instructor at the University of Alabama, Birmingham and Samford University. Dr. Clark was appointed to serve as Chairman of the Jefferson County Personnel Board and also served on the Board of Directors for American Behavioral, an Alabama based healthcare organization. For the past 20 years, she has provided Pre-Employment Psychological Assessments for First Responders across the Southeast.
Christy M. Hill, ABA, Manager, Assessment Services
Ms. Hill has served in the EAP field for over twenty years, first as an Intake Specialist and more recently as in the role of assessment manager in Pre-Employment Psychological Screening Assessment Services, where she works closely with Municipalities throughout the Southeast. Hill earned her Associate’s Degree in Business Administration 2009. Her skills include fluency in American Sign Language, Computer Technology, and Psychological Assessment Administration, Scoring and Presentation of results.
Sonja D. Curtis B.S.
Operations Manager
Ms. Curtis has a business management degree from Winthrop University and over 25 years of administrative legal experience.
Mark A. Phillips, ED.S., LPC - S, EAS - C
Counselor
Mark holds a B.A. in History, a Masters of Arts in History, a Masters of Arts in Agency Counseling, and an Education Specialist in Agency Counseling, all earned at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He is a member of Chi Sigma Iota, the International Honor Society of Counseling. He has been a licensed professional counselor in the state of Alabama since 2005, and a supervising licensed professional counselor since 2015. He has been trained and certified in couples work including the PREPARE/ENRICH relationship assessment and the PREP (Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program) approach. His counseling experience includes, but is not limited to, individual therapy (stress, depression, sexual abuse, grief, etc.), couples therapy, and critical incident debriefing. He has experience in conducting workshops that include, but not limited to, temperament (using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator), stress management, conflict resolution, and communication. He consults for supervision and administrative aspects of EAS. He has been with EAS since 2002.
Brian Lucas, MSCE, LPC, CEAP
Counselor
Brian has over twenty years of experience in providing mental health care. He has worked in a variety of community mental health settings providing outpatient, residential, and partial-hospitalization services. His primary area of focus has been working with individuals diagnosed with a serious mental illness. He completes mental health and substance abuse assessments. He offers individual as well as group counseling services in order to assist our clients with meeting their unique goals. Brian graduated from the University of Mississippi where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. He trained at the University of West Alabama where he received a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology. He is a certified by the Alabama State Department of Mental Health as a case manager and as a case management supervisor. He recently passed the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification.
Paulette Rowe, MA., PH. D., MFTA
Counselor and Certified Life Coach
Dr. Paulette Rowe has 15-plus years of experience in counseling. She counsels children, adolescents, and adults to help them address the emotional issues they face. Dr. Rowe counsels couples and families to help them navigate marital and family situations. She provides group counseling to teens to address their current and past issues and with women to encourage them to believe in themselves with understanding, self-acceptance, and growth in a safe, confidential environment.
She aspires to help others heal from past and present hurts, deal with current issues, and have them live the lives they have all the ways desired. She uses a variety of therapeutic modalities when working with clients. She combines patience, insight, empathy, and clinical training to help her clients.
Keith Cooper, MSW, CADC
Counselor
Mr. Cooper received his Bachelors Degree from Miles College in Social work in 2009, and received a Masters Degree in Social Work from Alabama A&M University in 2010. He owned his own business for 13 years, providing in-home services and vocational services to elderly and disabled individuals. Mr. Cooper has worked with various populations, with multiple presentations, to include couples, children, and at-risk families; Mr. Cooper is also able to provide Spiritual/Biblical Counseling incorporated into treatment planning. He is a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor and experienced with providing assessments for various Substance Use disorders.
Susan Murray LPC, NCC
Counselor
Susan is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 20 years experience. She specialized in complex trauma, dissociative disorders, PTSD, depression and anxiety.
Susan’s goal is to provide affordable services for uninsured and under-insured individuals, couples and families. She believes in providing therapy in a safe manner following the guidelines established in her trainings. Her training for trauma care includes:
– EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Certification
– EMDR: Brief Therapy for Anxiety, Phobias and OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)
– Certification International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation, Level 1, 2 & Advanced
– American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (Level 1 and 2)
– Justice Research Institute Trauma Certification
– Treatment of Patients with Dissociative Disorders Study, Therapist Participant
– Internal Family Systems Inner Circle
– Ego State Therapy, North America, Level 1 and 2
– Ego State Therapy, Ideal Parent Protocol
– Yoga Teacher Certification, 200 hours
– Comprehensive Resource Model
– Deep Brain Reorienting
– Flash Technique
Jenni Goolsby, MEd., ALC
Counselor
Jenni is a Nationally Certified Counselor and received her MEd. in couples and family counseling from The University of Montevallo. She worked for 28 years in education, working with students, families, and leaders experiencing stress that led to anxiety, depression, and burnout. She implements cognitive behavior therapy, mindfulness, and client-centered therapy, to work together with you to create a healthy and productive life that includes satisfying work, strong relationships, and meaningful play to help you bring your life back into balance. She will focus on your values and strengths while developing tools to refine the mental, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions of what it means to be healthy. Her approach helps clients learn to manage the intense emotions they’re experiencing with confidence and deal with life-changing situations, stressful conditions, or relationship conflicts. Jenni wants to help you feel less overwhelmed and reduce depression, anxiety, and isolation to move forward to a healthier version of yourself.
Adrienne Mixon, MSc, NCC, LPC
Counselor
Adrienne Mixon is a Nationally Certified (NCC) Associate Licensed Counselor (ALC), who studied undergrad at the University of Alabama (Birmingham) and received her Masters of Science in Mental Health Counseling at Walden University. In October 2022, Adrienne opened her own practice called Better Days Counseling, where she encourages clients to find hope through healing using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Over the past 22 years, Adrienne has fulfilled the role of pastor’s wife, where she gained hands-on experience with crisis stabilization, trauma informed care, and grief and marriage counseling. Her greatest accomplishments are being a wife, mother of three children, new grandmother, and helping people on their wellness journey.
Rachel Lawley, M.Ed, LPC, NCC
Counselor
Meet Rachel Lawley, a seasoned Licensed Professional Counselor with extensive experience across various treatment environments. With a foundation in Social Work, Rachel is dedicated to aiding couples, individuals, co-parents, and families on their journeys. Her specialization lies in addressing mood disorders, anxiety-related issues, trauma, and addictions. Rachel’s approach is integrative, fostering a sense of empowerment as clients progress through therapy to achieve their goals. She firmly believes that therapy is a collaborative endeavor, cultivated within a trusting therapeutic alliance. Within the safe space she provides, clients are encouraged to openly navigate their life experiences. Recognizing the significance of supporting individuals through life’s transitions and personal growth, Rachel Lawley is committed to your well-being every step of the way.
Drew Williams MA, LPC
Counselor
Price Mason , LPC
Counselor
Price Mason is a 2021 graduate from UAB’s Counseling Program with a concentration in clinical mental health counseling. Price received a Bachelor of Arts in English from Auburn University and worked in public relations and marketing after graduating in 2010. This background fed Price’s interest in personal stories and the ways that people find meaning and purpose in their lives. In 2015, he began volunteering with the social workers at the Jefferson County Public Defender’s Office, where he helped Birmingham inmates connect with local resources. After this experience, Price switched gears and decided to pursue a career as a helping professional in 2018. During his practicum and internship of graduate school, Price worked with the UAB Palliative & Comfort Care Unit and the UAB Geriatric Clinic where he gained experience working with a range of populations and patient needs. He then joined UAB’s Psycho-Oncology Counseling Residency Program pursuing counseling work with hospital patients and caregivers. Price has the desire to continue working with different types of populations and issues, while focusing on a human-centered approach to healing.
Kim Bailey, MEd, LPC
Counselor
Kim holds a Master’s degree in Counseling from the University of Montevallo and a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Language Arts from the University of Alabama. After working in education with children and families for three decades, she found that women do so much for so many yet often do so at the expense of their own emotional wellness; therefore, though she works with a variety of clients, her specialty includes women’s issues, professional and personal compassion fatigue, and caregiver support. In sessions, she utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Techniques to teach clients to progress towards personalized goals. Through a process of self-awareness, values exploration, and committed actions, clients can be equipped and empowered to fulfill their many varied roles while walking in their purpose.
Mary Elaine Gamel Rasco DBA - Elaine G. Rasco, L.P.C., L.L.C.
Counselor
Elaine Rasco is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has extensive experience in mental health, substance abuse and spiritual issues. She has worked as a Chaplain and Pastoral Counselor, endorsed by her denomination (American Baptists, USA). She holds a Master of Divinity Degree from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, OH, previously attending Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. She also holds a Master of Education Degree in Counseling and Guidance from the University of Montevallo in Montevallo, AL. Her undergraduate degree is from Samford University in Birmingham, AL where she worked on a double major in counseling and religion and was an honors student, graduated Magna Cum Laude. She enjoys working with adults helping them solve their problems and exploring their potentials. She is again also working with children and adolescents. She has successfully conducted group psycho-educational and group therapies helping women work on self-esteem, codependency, boundaries, family of origin and stress management issues. She enjoys using an eclectic style. She draws strongly from cognitive behavioral problem-solving tools, acceptance and commitment therapy model as well as Jungian analytical/depth psychology. She uses creative therapeutic tools including Sandplay therapy, journaling techniques, biblio-therapy, and art therapy in addition to the traditional talk-therapy. She values the client as a unique person and is willing to be their companion on their therapeutic journey. Her years of experience working with children give her valuable insight into child development and the best approaches to use when working with children/adolescents and their families. Her primary area of focus is individual counseling with children and adolescents.
Laura Winkles, M.S., ALC, NCC Counselor
Laura is a National Board Certified Counselor (NCC) and an Associate Licensed Counselor (ALC), with a Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Loyola University New Orleans and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Carnegie Mellon University in Musical Theater/Acting. Laura opened her private practice in October 2022, offering therapeutic mental health services at Cardinal Wellness in Hoover, AL. Laura finds purpose in her work helping those suffering with trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, stress, & attachment concerns. Laura utilizes a range of theoretical interventions based on clinical need, while primarily staying rooted in her work with clients through the lense of Relational Cultural Theory and Family Systems. She sees her relationship with her clients as someone who will stand steadfastly beside them in a bond of trust, unconditional positive regard, and empathy as they face the full catastrophe we call “being alive.” Laura works with her clients in developing a creative and functional toolbox to help them approach life. The goal is for her clients to thrive through the moments of joy, the in-between, and yes… even in moments of sadness. Laura believes in her clients, and offers to be a fellow traveler with them on a path towards mental health recovery, shame repair, and a rediscovery of personal zest.
Celena Kemp MS, LPC
Counselor
I Attended Troy University , Masters in Counseling and Psychology , Graduated 2014. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over eight years of experience. I am confident that my experiences and desire to contribute to the overall process of counseling have more than prepared to meet your needs. I am an energetic individual, who is committed and who is familiar with the challenges in the world changing of humanity. “Purpose says here’s the direction I’m going no matter what speed bumps try to stop me”.
David J. Angwin, LICSW, PIP Counselor
David is a native of Birmingham, AL. He has experience with diverse populations and the ability to approach the unique needs of each person with exercising his experience in areas of substance use disorders, sexual trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, LGBTQ community mental health and other emotional and behavioral issues through a holistic use of psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive, client- centered, Gestalt and existential therapies. David earned his Master of Social Work from the University of Alabama and continues to gain more skills through training in Psychodrama, Group Psychotherapy and Sociometry. He also serves as Pastor and CEO of Pine Haven Church Ministries and happily married to Marcelyn. A quote from the wife of JL Moreno sums up his core belief about humanity, “Moreno declared that instead of looking at mankind as a fallen being, everyone is a potential genius… It is the genius we should emphasize, not the fallings”- Zerka Moreno.
Mike Davis, ALC, NCC
Counselor
Mike Davis is a 2021 graduate from John Carroll University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling Masters program in Cleveland, Ohio. He is an Associate Licensed Counselor working under the supervision of Heather Forbes, as well as a National Certified Counselor, and he holds a B.S. in Psychology from the University of North Alabama. He works with adults and adolescents doing individual counseling, and his top areas of specialty are trauma, bipolar and depression, and adults enmeshed with a parent. As a professional counselor, he worked at an agency until 2023, before going into private practice. Mike became EMDR Trained in 2023 and has been utilizing and offering that to clients since that time. Prior to becoming a therapist, Mike began volunteering with children at a grief center in 2016, in addition to doing crisis intervention for Crisis Text Line. Following those experiences, he worked as a residential manager at a substance use rehab between 2017-2018, and during graduate school, he worked as a child care worker in a residential setting for troubled adolescents.
Dr. Sonya McCurdy, LICSW, PIP, MPH
Counselor
Dr. Sonya McCurdy is a seasoned clinical social worker and psychotherapist with nearly two decades of experience. She has dedicated her career to supporting individuals with mental health challenges, specializing in anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and personality disorders. Dr. McCurdy employs a client-centered approach enhanced by techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI).
Her journey into the field began with a desire to make a difference, initially focusing on child welfare. Over time, her calling evolved towards working predominantly with adults, particularly within the medical field. She discovered her passion for mental health services while working as a social worker in the Behavioral Health unit at a local hospital, igniting a longing to help people heal through individual therapy. In November 2020, she launched her private practice, Restoration Faith Based Counseling Inc., after completing her Master’s degree in Divinity from Southeastern University.
Dr. McCurdy holds dual Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Social Work from the University of Montevallo (2003), followed by a Master’s degree in Social Work (2012) from the University of Alabama and a Master’s in Public Health (2015) from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She obtained her Doctorate in Ministry (2023) from Southeastern University, enhancing her ability to provide faith-based counseling rooted in compassion and understanding.
Her doctoral research focused on mental health within the African-American church. As part of her dissertation project, she developed workshops aimed at addressing mental health challenges within faith communities. Dr. McCurdy’s journey is a testament to the power of divine guidance, and she shares her insights and experiences with passion, inspiring individuals and groups to embark on their own paths of healing and self-discovery.
Tamela Hughes, LPC
Counselor
I currently ONLY provide Teletherapy for virtual clients. I am a passionate advocate for mental health, with a deep commitment to supporting Black moms and addressing mental health challenges within the Black community. I embarked on my journey as a licensed counselor after earning my master’s degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in the spring of 2021. My professional interests encompass maternal and women’s health, parenting/co-parenting, support for teenagers and young adults going through life transitions, and professionals with high-stress careers. I am also a dedicated suicide prevention advocate, striving to provide essential resources and support to those in crisis. Additionally, I have experience conducting groups focused on anger management and other crucial mental health topics. My ultimate goal is to empower individuals to discover and embrace their authentic selves, fostering a healthier and more resilient community. With a heartfelt dedication to mental health advocacy and a profound commitment to supporting Black mothers and the broader Black community, I strive to continue being a driving force for positive change in the field of mental health, coaching, and consulting.