Partners
K. Alesia Willis, LMFT, LMHC – Senior Partner
Alesia is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, and founding partner of Santa Rosa Counseling Center. She has a passion to help families become healthier, happier, and more compatible. She has been happily married to her husband, Dean, for over 43 years. She has three adult children who live with their families in Santa Rosa County and six beautiful grandchildren. The rich personal experience of her own successful marriage and family, twenty-plus years within the transient military life, and an extensive educational and clinical background equips her to help families in many of life's challenges. Alesia has practiced psychotherapy in a variety of pastoral and clinical settings. She enjoys writing and has authored numerous articles, including the book, "The Godly Woman: A Walk into Wisdom." Others have said of her counseling approach that she provides a friendly, supportive, and non-judgmental atmosphere for people to experience growth and healing. Through the experience of unconditional acceptance, she seeks to empower others to live with happiness and hope in life's journey as they explore options for answers.
Master of Science, Psychology and Counseling, Troy State University
Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy and Religious Studies, University of West Florida
Theological Studies, Asbury Theological and North Central University
Brian E. Willis, LMHC – Managing Partner
Mr. Willis is a compassionate helper to individuals and couples seeking hope and solutions. He specializes in working with relationship problems, conflict resolution, communication skills, parenting skills, and mood disorders. His experiences and development as a devoted husband and father of sixteen years have equipped him to help families improve parenting and marital functioning. His counseling approach is solution-focused, concentrating on practical and realistic goals. His approach is empowering and hopeful.
Mr. Willis is recognized by the 1st District Court of Florida as Subject Matter Expert Witness for Infant Mental Health and Mental and Behavioral Health for children and families. He is trained as a collaborative family law mental health professional. He is regularly engaged in profiled cases involving child dependency, child custody, parenting plans, and social investigations.
Mr. Willis has served proudly in the military and public service for over eighteen years. He serves voluntarily as a member of the Northwest Florida Crisis Intervention Team, a team that uses understanding and skills gained through specialized training to identify and provide the most effective and compassionate response possible involving persons in a mental health crisis.
Master of Science, Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Psychology, Troy University
Bachelor of Science, Legal Studies and Pre-Law, University of West Florida
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners
Stephanie Allan, APRN - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Stephanie provides psychiatric evaluation and medication management services for pediatric, adult, and geriatric populations. Stephanie specializes in treating psychiatric disorders and symptoms including anxiety, depression, bipolar, impulse control disorders, ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, trauma/stress, dissociative symptoms, somatic concerns, schizophrenia, feeding and eating disorders, elimination disorders, sleep-wake difficulties, substance use/dependency disorders, gender dysphoria, behavioral issues associated with cognitive and developmental delays, and more. Patients can expect a confidential, non-judgmental, and safe environment for treatment.
Master of Science in Nursing, University of South Alabama
Bachelor of Science in Nursing , Oklahoma Christian University
Bachelor of Science, Oklahoma Christian University
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Board Certified, American Nurses Credentialing Center
Megan Lawson, APRN - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Megan provides psychiatric evaluation and medication management services for pediatric, adult, and geriatric populations. Megan specializes in treating psychiatric conditions including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders, ADHD, trauma/stress disorders, and various other psychiatric conditions. Megan offers expertise in medication management according to each individual's needs, medical concerns, and preferences. Patients can expect a confidential, non-judgmental, and safe environment for treatment.
Master of Science in Nursing, Walden University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Pennsylvania State University
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Board Certified, American Nurses Credentialing Center
Mental Health Professionals
Jacob Davis, LMHC
Jake is effective in helping others sort out some of life’s most difficult issues. He works well with those who have problems with anxiety, depression, anger, and relational issues. He is exceptionally helpful in aiding teens and young adults to work through educational and vocational goals and determine their life’s direction. He specializes in gaming addiction and enjoys helping youth balance their time with family, outdoor activities, and friends. He offers support, hope, empathy, understanding, and a safe environment for healing and growth.
Master of Science, Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Psychology, Troy University
Bachelor of Science, Health Care Management, Pensacola State College
Hannah McGuire, LMHC - EMDR Practitioner
Hannah provides important individual and family services for children and adults. Her areas of specialty include ADHD, trauma, oppositional behavior, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. She has experience working with survivors of domestic violence, and people struggling with eating disorders, and addiction. Christian counseling can be integrated at the request of the individual. Considering the connectedness of the mind and body, Hannah uses modalities such as mindfulness, yoga, physical activity, and nutrition education to be able to heal the body from the inside out.
Master of Arts, Clinical Psychology, Saint Michael's College
Bachelor of Arts, Sociology and Cultural Anthropology, Saint Michael’s College
Erin Haslag, LCSW - Certified EMDR Practitioner
Erin is a licensed clinical social worker. She specializes in treating trauma, mood disorders including depression, anxiety, and psychosis. Erin has a very important skill set as an EMDR and DBT practitioner. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is a psychotherapy treatment that is designed to help alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories. Additionally, Dialectal Behavior Therapy is a type of therapy designed to help individuals develop healthy ways to cope with stress, regulate their emotions, and improve their relationships with others.
Erin is a preferred Medicaid and Medicare provider. She is also networked with most major commercial and EAP plans.
Master of Social Work, Social Work, University of West Florida
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, Westminster College
Casey Fletcher, LCSW
Casey is a licensed clinical social worker. She works with children and adults, specializing in treatment for grief, trauma, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, infertility, caregiving concerns, life-changing medical diagnosis, and relationship issues.
Casey is a military spouse and has lived all over the country since becoming a social worker. She has had a varied career with experience working in hospice, crisis intervention, inpatient psychiatric care, in-home case management, court-involved youth, military family counseling, and geriatric services. Casey’s practice leads with empathy, focusing on the strengths and uniqueness of every individual. Her goal is to heal trauma, improve communication in relationships, and empower her clients with information, skills, and confidence in themselves to reclaim their lives.
Master of Social Service, Bryn Mawr College
Bachelor of Social Work, The University of Texas at Austin
Jamie Greene, LMHC - Child Parent Psychotherapist
Jamie is a licensed mental health counselor. She has experience working with infant mental health, teens, children in foster/adoptive care, athletes, couples, and individuals. She is most helpful in working with individuals experiencing issues including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, trauma, personality disorders, and psychosis. Jamie uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Child Parent Psychotherapy, Trust Based Relational Intervention, Gottman Level 1, trauma-focused approaches, and mindfulness-based practices to partner with her clients in achieving their mental health goals and overall wellness.
Jamie strives to provide a comfortable environment for her clients to open up about themselves and their experiences. Her hope is for every client to complete their session feeling that connections were made and with a greater understanding of their symptoms, thoughts, and feelings. Whether it be childhood trauma, genetics, or life experiences that have gotten you where you are, Jamie wants to help you find your answers and create the change you need to be healthy in every way.
Master of Science, Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Psychology, Troy University
Bachelor of Science, University of West Florida
Rachael Wixon, LCSW
Rachael provides specialized treatment for individuals experiencing problems with depression, anxiety, behavior disorders, personality disorder, substance abuse, and severe mental illness including Schizophrenia.
Master of Social Work, Walden University
Bachelor of Psychology and Criminal Justice, University of West Florida
Carl Byrd, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
Possessing a passion for both individuals and couples, Carl specializes in working with pre- and post-marital challenges, family relationship issues, conflict resolution, communication skills development, parenting skills, military members (actively serving and veterans) and individual life coaching. He leads with compassion and counsels with care. His experiences and development as a devoted husband and father of twenty-four years are both tangible examples and testimony to guide individuals and families to proper marital/relational function, improved self-assurance, and a heightened overall individual quality of life. With over 20 years of pastoral experience, Carl also provides Christian counseling, focused on supportive, encouraging, and accountable, Biblical guidance to fit the needs of any client.
Carl selflessly served 21 years in the United States Air Force, retiring as a First Sergeant and Superintendent of a unit where he led over 350 personnel. In addition to this, Carl has served in ministry for over 20 years where he pastored 3 churches, assisted families through loss of loved ones and various tragedies, and performed over 40 marriages (including pre-marital counseling).
Post-Graduate Education, Walden University
Master of Arts in Human Services, Life Coaching, Community Care & Counseling, Liberty University
Bachelor of Science in Biblical & Pastoral Studies, Liberty University
Jennifer Cross, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
Jennifer provides compassionate counseling in a safe, open-minded environment for preteens, teens, adults, couples, and families. She specializes in treatment for depression, anxiety, stress management, relationship problems, and conflict resolution. Jennifer’s holistic counseling approach focuses on collaboration with clients to envision their ideal life, increase wellness, explore spiritual growth and development, and develop self-efficacy to achieve goals. She is passionate about helping families improve communication, resolve conflicts, and cultivate healthy relationships.
Many diverse life experiences help Jennifer empathetically connect with people from all walks of life. She has been married to her high school sweetheart for 32 years and they have two sons and two grandchildren. Jennifer served as a military spouse for 20+ years, supported military families, navigated through many PCS moves and life transitions, advocated for a child with special needs, and supported girls and women in crisis.
Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family, visiting museums, and traveling to new places.
Master of Science, Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Psychology, Troy University
Shundra Freeman, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
Shundra is committed to guiding individuals toward positive mental well-being. With a strong passion for helping others, Shundra brings extensive experience in working with individuals across all age groups, including toddlers, adolescents, teens, young adults, and adults.
With specialized expertise in addressing depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, behavioral disorders, ADHD/ADD, and trauma, Shundra is adept at providing at providing support tailored to each individual’s unique needs. Notably, Shundra has a wealth of experience in assisting children through challenges they face in school, along with creating effective plans for their future success.
Shundra’s experience as a former school counselor has a profound influence on her approach with children and teens. Shundra intimately understands the daily struggles endured by both children and teens in various environments. This firsthand insight allows Shundra to empathize with the specific stressors, social dynamics, and academic demands that children and teens encounter. By leveraging this experience, Shundra offers a safe and confidential space for therapeutic recovery, healing, and personal growth.
Master of Science, Counseling and Psychology, Univesity of West Alabama
Master of Education, Delta State University
Najma Pitts, Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Intern
Najma is a dedicated and compassionate practitioner with extensive experience supporting individuals and families through life's challenges. With over twelve and a half years of active duty service in the United States Navy, Najma is experienced in helping others with life transitions for service members and their families. Her background in mental health and social services includes roles as a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for abused and neglected children, a Group Home Direct Service Provider, a Case Manager for homeless individuals and families, and a School Counselor.
Najma works with preteens, teens, adults, couples, and families. She is markedly experienced in helping them navigate a wide range of issues, including relationship challenges, trauma, life transitions, depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, behavioral disorders, ADHD/ADD, and trauma.
Najma's approach is client-centered and solution-focused. She provides a safe and supportive environment where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to make positive changes in their lives. She is committed to helping her clients build stronger relationships, improve mental health, and create the lives they deserve.
Master of Arts, Psychology with a Concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy , Brandman University
Alison Bedard, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
Ali is an empathetic and encouraging therapist specializing in anxiety, PTSD, trauma, sexual and physical abuse, and parenting techniques. She is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). She also incorporates play therapy to support children effectively. Ali has worked extensively with children and adults, drawing on her over 10 years of experience in education as a teacher, school counselor, and administrator.
Having lived overseas for more than a decade, Ali’s global perspective enriches her work, especially with military families. As a military spouse herself, Ali understands the unique challenges of transitioning and has an appreciation for the resilience required to navigate unfamiliar environments.
Ali considers herself a lifelong learner and is committed to a growth mindset. She looks forward to expanding her skills through EMDR and Motivational Interviewing training. Ali is deeply committed to creating a welcoming space where safety, trust, understanding, and respect are present.
Ali endeavors to live life positively and form genuine connections. She enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, reading, traveling, working out, and dabbling in art projects.
Master of Science in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health, Troy University
Master of Arts, Curriculum and Instruction, University of Central Florida