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L.E.A.F. Therapy Services

Clinical Team

Executive Director/Owner

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I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor in the state of Georgia. I graduated from Valdosta State University with a Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and a Doctor of Education and from the University of North Georgia with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology and History. I am a National Certified Counselor and I have been working in mental health since 2007.

 

I am not a traditional psychotherapist as I take on a very holistic approach to life and life's problems. While others may deem individuals with mental or emotional health issues as "sick" I find people to be "challenged" at different moments of life. I work with my clients to get through their problems and issues. I join with you in exploring alternative solutions. My desire is to work with people who want help. I believe therapy is an art which should be voluntary. 

 

Dr. A.J. Ramirez, Ed.D;LPC;CPCS

Therapist

Mr. Dillon Jones, M.S.;MFT

Hello, my name is Dillon Jones, and I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Master of Science degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Valdosta State University and am under directed and clinical supervision with Dr. Ramirez.

As a therapist, I believe in my clients and know they are doing the best they can in their current situation. I understand that no one is perfect and we are always in a state of change with the hopes of self-improvement. I strive to create a safe therapeutic environment where clients are free to express their thoughts and emotions without fear of judgement.

 

My ultimate goal in our therapy sessions is to help empower my clients so they are confident in taking any future problems and resolving them in their own way outside of therapy.

Ms. Katelyn Noles, M.S.;LAMFT 

Therapist 

Hi! My name is Katelyn Noles. I am a graduate of the Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) Program at Valdosta State University, where I provided therapy to individuals, couples, and families of all ages at FamilyWorks Clinic and Lighthouse Children's Advocacy Center. I also hold a Bachelor's in Biology from the University of Florida (Go Gators!). I am currently working on obtaining associate Georgia state licensure for MFT and I am under directed and clinical supervision with Dr. Ramirez.

 

As a therapist, I use collaboration and curiosity to fuel the therapeutic process. I believe the client is the master of their own context, so I approach sessions with curiosity and a willingness to learn how they view their world. As a therapist, I believe clients are the main characters of their own stories, meaning that they are the experts of their own lives. Because of this belief, I think clients have the tools they need to navigate through their story but can become stuck within cycles and patterns in their life. Sometimes we need someone else to peer into our lives and walk with us to help untangle the knots of our relationships and problems so that we can walk confidently into the future.

 

I look forward to working with you and or your family at L.E.A.F. Therapy Services.

Ms. Loriann Merritt, M.Ed.;LAPC

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Therapist 

Hello! My name is Loriann Merritt. I graduated from Valdosta State University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and in 2023 with a Master of Counselor Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and have my associate license in professional counseling.  I have experience in the college counseling setting, as well as in community mental health. I am under the direct and clinical supervision of Dr. Ramirez.

As a therapist, my passion is creating a safe and welcoming environment that allows my clients to be their true selves without the fear of judgment. It is a great privilege to be trusted to walk alongside my clients on their paths of growth and healing. Though no two clients are the same, I view therapy from a person-centered and trauma-informed perspective. It is important to me to always approach my clients and their lives with curiosity, compassion, and an open mind.

 

I want to leave you with one of my favorite mental health quotes by author Kelly Martin– "Your feelings are valid, and so is seeking help. You don't have to have it all together; you just have to take the next step."

Ms. Becca Haas, M.S.;MFT

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Therapist 

Hello, my name is Becca Haas. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Masters of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Valdosta State University. I am currently working toward my full license in Marriage and Family Therapy and currently under direct and clinical supervision.

As a therapist, I like to create an open space of acceptance and critical thinking. I work hard to help my clients navigate any situation they bring to the table through validation of their emotions and experiences while challenging cycles they may find themselves in. We all need help sometimes and there is nothing wrong or unacceptable about that. I believe all my clients have the keys to the door they wish to open and walk through to make the change they desire, I'm here simply to help them up the steps and find that key. You have the tools, let's see which tool works the best or if we need some new ones.

I've worked with individuals, couples, college students, children, people struggling with substance use disorder, and others mental health challenges. Just know, when you come to me, I won't think of you as someone that is "sick", just a fellow human that needs help navigating a new challenge. Ultimately, you've got this and if you don't that's okay too, because I'm here to be with you when you don't and when you do. 

Ms. Shea Walker, M.S.;MFT

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Therapist 

Hi! My name is Shea Walker, and I am a pre-licensed clinician with a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. My therapeutic approach is solution focused, involving working together towards change with an emphasis on what is changeable and possible.

 

During our sessions, you can expect a direct, down-to-earth therapist who does not mind using humor and humility. If you are facing anxiety, depression, grief/loss, feeling aimless or lonely, I can help. I am currently open to new clients and look forward to meeting you. I am under the direct and clinical supervision of Dr. Ramirez.

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