Nicholas Forte is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate and is excited to be part of the Deeper Roots Therapy Team. He has earned an undergraduate degree in music education, master’s degrees in both school administration and school counseling, as well as an educational specialist degree in educational leadership. With fourteen years of experience in education as a teacher, counselor, and administrator, Nicholas merges both his professional and personal experience as a husband and father, to deliver a personable and welcoming setting for all clients. Rapport, positivity, and relationship-building establish the cornerstone of his practice.

Nicholas believes anyone can benefit from therapeutic services at any point in life and enjoys working collaboratively to develop uniquely customized plans and goals to help anyone seeking assistance. He uses a comprehensive model including behavioral, social, cognitive, diet, exercise, hobbies/interests, and spiritual elements of the individual to create and sustain positive changes. Navigating through various life stages is a challenging task; Nicholas recognizes the need to provide empathetic support and understanding. Through Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Existential methods, Nicholas works to enrich the life journey of clients ranging from adolescents through adults.

Jess has experience providing therapy to children, adolescents, and adults who have experienced trauma. She is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy. Her experience also includes working with anxiety, self-esteem issues, life transitions, risky behaviors in adolescents, and parenting skills from a cognitive-behavioral perspective. Jess’ Christian background allows her to incorporate clients’ personal faith into treatment if desired.

When Jess isn’t in session, she’s most likely exploring a coffee shop with her husband or taking her two Australian Shepherds to the park.

Kelsey Carithers is the administrative assistant with Deeper Roots. She is an alumna of Gardner-Webb University’s American Sign Language program and is currently pursuing her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy at Converse University. Before pursuing a career as a mental health professional, Kelsey worked for years as an American Sign Language interpreter. She has a clear passion for connecting with others, and looks forward to working with clients of her own in the future.

Kelsey enjoys getting to establish meaningful relationships with the team of therapists, new clients and existing clients to provide everyone with an experience where they feel welcomed, supported and truly cared for. She believes that effective therapy begins with a smooth onboarding process and continues through exceptional care for clients and therapists.

When she is not working, you can find Kelsey walking her dog Lucy, or snuggling up with a soft blanket and good book from the library.

Madalaine Doran is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate and a Nationally Certified Counselor. Madalaine aims to provide a warm and supportive environment for clients to feel safe and heard. She attended Furman University where she received her BA in Psychology and Clemson University where she received her M.Ed., Ed.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She has experience working with children, adolescents, and young adults struggling with anxiety, depression, life transitions, identity development, adjustment disorders, grief, emotional regulation, and family transitions. Madalaine works from an integrative approach drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Reality Therapy approach, while including aspects of Expressive Arts and Play Therapy. Her goal is to work alongside clients in developing skills and building resilience in her clients to empower them to achieve their goals and manage the obstacles in their life. Outside of therapy Madalaine enjoys reading and spending as much time outside as possible! 

Brianna takes a person-centered approach towards engaging with clients, believing that they are the experts in their own lives. She aims to help them navigate their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors as they experience challenges in their lives. She also utilizes Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) to assist clients with stress, anxiety, depression, and significant life transitions.

Brianna believes that the counseling room should be the pinnacle of safe spaces, where clients feel the freedom to explore themselves without fear of judgment and with the supportive presence of the counselor.

Counseling can be a vulnerable endeavor. Brianna seeks to honor that by making clients feel seen, heard, and cared for. She seeks to offer hope in dark places. 

In her free time, you can find Brianna curled up with a good book, spending time with her friends, or playing with her dog, Charlotte.

She has a variety of experiences in the mental health field, including inpatient psychiatric care, outpatient community mental health, residential substance use treatment, college counseling, and working with Veterans. From these experiences, Shawnte has developed an interest in working with individuals that may be questioning or exploring their substance use. She also enjoys working with young adults and assisting them in navigating adulthood and exploring their identities, as well as helping individuals with anxiety to discover the root of their anxiety, and regain a sense of control in their lives. 

Shawnte believes that it is especially important to consider the whole person–mind, body, and spirit–as well as environmental factors, and not just the presenting problem when helping clients to overcome their struggles. Shawnte is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI), and utilizes an integrative approach, drawing from different therapeutic approaches in order to best help each individual. Shawnte believes in a collaborative person-centered approach to therapy and recognizes that while she may be the professional, only you are the the expert on your life and experiences. Her goal is to come together as a team, with a common goal of helping you feel better. Outside of therapy, Shawnte loves listening to music and comedy podcasts, reading mystery novels, and spending time in nature.

Ashley received both her Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology and her Master’s of Education in Counseling from Clemson University (Go Tigers!).  She is provisionally licensed as a Professional Counselor in South Carolina.  She has over 15 years of experience working with children in the school setting.  Her favorite part of her job in the schools was working with students one-on-one, and she loves to use that experience and knowledge to continue working with children and also now adults in a therapeutic setting.  She also has personal experience working with the SC DSS foster care system/adoptions, and enjoys being able to be a resource for anyone currently navigating those same paths.  Ashley’s approach to treatment is integrative, meeting the person where they are and collaboratively developing goals that are unique to them. Ashley is certified in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), which is a form of EMDR.  Ashley has also recently gotten a puppy, Charlie, who is in training to be a therapy dog!

As a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, Emily is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for her clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. She attended the University of Minnesota and received her BA in Psychology and then The Chicago School of Professional Psychology for her Master’s in Counseling Psychology. Emily has undergone training in various therapeutic modalities, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), play therapy, trauma-focused CBT, and mindfulness-based approaches. She currently sees children and adolescents, ages 5-15 years old, with various mental health challenges.  “I prioritize building a strong therapeutic relationship with my clients and helping them develop the skills and insights necessary to lead a fulfilling and healthy life.”

Her background working in mental health started during graduate school, where she was able to complete an internship at SOS Children’s Villages of Chicago. She was able to gain experience working with children and adolescents in foster care dealing with various mental health and interpersonal challenges, including, trauma, depression, anxiety, abuse/neglect, and family disruption. There she was also able to gain an understanding and knowledge of the complexity of working with the Department of Social Services. When she moved down to South Carolina she transitioned to private practice settings and was able to diversify my counseling skills. She gained significant experience working with children and family systems struggling with anxiety, depression, OCD, defiant/oppositional behaviors, ADHD, and trauma. Furthermore, she works closely with parents/guardians, and values their participation in the treatment process.

In her free time, Emily enjoys cooking, horseback riding, and spending as much time as she can at the beach!

Samantha Jefferson is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor  Candidate (LPCS/C). She attended Clemson University where she received her BS in Psychology and then Francis Marion University for her Master’s of  Clinical/Counseling Psychology. Samantha’s professional career has provided a wide variety of experiences from inpatient, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, assertive community treatment, primary care, and individual,  family, and group therapy.  

Samantha’s experience includes working with people struggling with adjustment disorders, anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief. She is also trained in TFCBT* as well as PCIT*. Samantha’s goal is to create a safe place where people can overcome obstacles in order to reach their goals. She loves seeing people heal, grow, and succeed.  

Another of Samantha’s passions is helping new clinicians develop their therapeutic skills when they are working on becoming licensed as a professional counselor. Samantha enjoys supporting new therapists as they gain both skill and confidence in their ability to help others.  

Samantha has an adventurous spirit. In her free time, you can find her working out, spending time with family, enjoying the outdoors, and traveling.  

*TFCBT (Trauma-Focused CBT) is an evidence-based treatment that addresses the needs of children and teens with PTSD and other difficulties related to trauma. TF-CBT provides education to both the child and caregivers about trauma, symptoms, and the event experienced. This treatment helps identify and cope with emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.  

*PCIT (Parent-Child Interaction Therapy) is an evidence-based treatment that places emphasis on improving the quality of the parent-child relationship and changing parent-child interaction patterns.  PCIT is great for young children with emotional and behavioral disorders. Children and their caregivers are seen together and the majority of the session is spent coaching caregivers in the application of specific skills. Therapists typically coach from an observation room with a one way mirror into a playroom, using a “bug-in-the-ear” system for communicating to the parents as they play with their child which provides real-time feedback.

As a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, I seek to work with my clients to bring healing to the pain that can come from life, relationships, and simply being a human. My approach to therapy is engaging with my clients to find the strength, hope, and resilience that we all have within us to move through pain and find a path of healing. Through my various levels of education and training, as well as my personal experience with mental health, I am equipped to support my clients as they walk through various mental health struggles.

I have spent time in private counseling practice working with children, couples, and individual adolescents and adults struggling with various mental health and relational concerns, including, trauma, family disruption, religious abuse and LGBTQIA+ challenges. I worked with an online telemental health service where I gained significant experience with individuals struggling with ADHD, Bipolar, insomnia, depression and anxiety. I use a combination of client-centered approaches, including Solution-Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, while helping clients understand and recognize the mind-body connection.

In my free time, I am a musician, avid reader, dog mom, and aunt. I love getting outside and taking a hike with my pup, Ava. I listen to all the podcasts I can, and I am very invested in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Christopher Khaleel is a fully licensed professional counselor in the state of South Carolina. He received his educational specialist degree (Ed.S.) from the University of South Carolina in counseling education. Christopher believes the mind is a powerful force, and when used effectively it can allow us to achieve great things. Christopher’s main goal in therapy is to help others live a fulfilling & enriched life through the utilization of psychological flexibility.

Christopher has approximately 8 years of experience working in the field working with children, adolescent, & adults. His primary areas of focus are anxiety, motivation, adjustment, & family dynamics with a special interest in athletic performance. Christopher approaches therapy through a lens of compassion, acceptance, & mindfulness utilizing Acceptance & Commitment Therapy & positive psychology.

When Christopher is not in his therapist role, he enjoys doing a plethora of activities which include playing sports (pickleball & volleyball), hiking with his family, drawing, writing, & studying culinary sciences.

Gabby Lux is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate and a Nationally Certified Counselor. She considers it an honor to help teens, college students, adults, and parents navigate stress, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, trauma, postpartum concerns, relationship issues, and impactful life transitions. As a counselor, Gabby strives to offer a warm, empathetic, and supportive environment where her clients can feel safe bringing their authentic selves to sessions. Her therapeutic approach is grounded in a Psychodynamic framework and guided by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Existential approaches. Gabby also holds a certification in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Emilee Scruggs is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the Founder of Deeper Roots Therapy.  She attended Spring Arbor University where she received her Bachelor’s in Social Work and  proceeded to obtain her Master’s in Social Work at Winthrop University. Emilee started off her  social work career working with older adults in the home and in long-term care facilities,  hospice, and mental health.

Emilee has a passion for helping individuals find the root of the presenting issues and  symptoms instead of just provide band-aids. She works with adults who are struggling with  anxiety, depression, and trauma related concerns and symptoms. She is trained and certified in EMDR. Emilee works  from a holistic treatment approach, recognizing the needs and connection of the mind, body,  and spirit. With her Christian faith background, she welcomes the opportunity to integrate  clients’ personal faith into treatment.

Deeper Roots Therapy was created in 2019, and Emilee has a passion to provide an atmosphere for clinicians to thrive and connect as a group in order to provide the best care  possible.

Outside of work, you will find Emilee and her husband chasing around their three young kids,  spending time with family and close friends, watching basketball, and being outdoors.

Jewell de Groot is an associate licensed clinical therapist who received her Master of Science  in Professional Counseling with an Emphasis in Trauma degree from Grand Canyon University.  Jewell focuses on clients who have trauma-informed diagnoses such as PTSD, personality  disorders, anxiety disorders, etc. Jewell’s goal is to help clients find their way to live their un lived life. Healing through trauma can be difficult, and therapy can be hard work; but, it is the  most rewarding investment a client can make in one’s self. Jewell utilizes several different  forms of therapy such as psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, solution-focused, and  dialectical behavioral interventions in practice. Future trainings in EMDR and Hypnotherapy are  currently being examined.

Jewell relocated to the Greenville area 4 years ago from Illinois. She enjoys spending time with  her husband and their children and is very enthusiastic about any and all documentaries,  sitcoms from the 80’s, and any movie made before 1960. She looks forward to growing in the  beautiful community of Greenville and all the area has to offer.

Candace Jackson is a fully licensed clinical therapist who received her Masters in Education  with a focus on professional counseling from University of West Georgia. Candace believes  trust is at the heart of an effective therapeutic relationship. She strives to meet clients where  they are mentally and emotionally, creating a warm and accepting environment where trust is  allowed to grow. People meet her and immediately feel safe and invited.  

Candace has more than 10 years of experience working with teenagers and adults. Her primary  areas of focus are trauma, depression, anxiety, life transitions/adjustment disorders, self harm,  self esteem, panic, and attention/focus issues. Candace has a person centered approach  and utilizes several forms of therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-focused  cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior informed therapy, and talking therapy. When  she’s not in the office, you will find her spending time with her family, friends, and showing off her karate moves!

Brenda Lipe is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPCS). She attended Mars Hill  College (now University) in the mountains of North Carolina where she received her BA in  Psychology and then Clemson University for her Master’s of Education in Clinical Counseling.  The majority of Brenda’s professional career was spent at Piedmont Center for Mental Health  Services in Simpsonville doing school mental health counseling. Brenda was one of the first  school mental health counselors in South Carolina and helped develop programs with schools  in the southern part of Greenville County. It was here that Brenda discovered her passion for  working with both children and their families. Brenda’s goal is to create a safe place where  children can use play to explore and process what is going on in their lives as well as to  empower families with effective parenting techniques.

Brenda’s experience includes working with children who are struggling with adjustment  disorders, anxiety, depression, trauma, impulse control disorders, grief, and issues related to  family changes such as divorce or adoption. Play is the language children use to share what  they are thinking and feeling and is an integral part of the therapy Brenda provides. She also  focuses on skill building so children can have tools to help manage whatever big feelings they  are experiencing.

Brenda believes that therapy for children has limited gains without support for their parents.  Brenda operates from an attachment perspective in which the parent/child relationship is the  foundation for positive parenting. Brenda is a trained facilitator in Love and Logic which  focuses on building the positive parent/child relationship by using tools to avoid power  struggles with their children. Additionally, Brenda incorporates Trust Based Relational  Interventions and Positive Parenting concepts into her work with families. Brenda knows that  being a kid and parenting in today’s world can often be a challenge. She seeks to provide an  atmosphere of acceptance of wherever families are with no judgment or shame. Another of Brenda’s passions is helping new clinicians develop their therapeutic skills when  they are working on becoming licensed as a professional counselor. Brenda enjoys supporting  new therapists as they gain both skill and confidence in their ability to help others.  While participating in the Trailblaze Challenge for the Make A Wish Foundation, which is a 28.3  mile one day hike on the Foothills Trail, Brenda was reminded of the benefits of taking one step  at a time toward the goal rather than focusing on the entire overwhelming trail. The one step/ change at a time is the mindset Brenda seeks to use with children and families as they are on  their journey to emotional healing and wholeness.

Emily is trained and certified as a PREPARE/ENRICH facilitator, an assessment tool with  substantial research used to help improve couple relationships. Her primary area of focus is on  couples preparing for marriage or in early marriage. Emily also has a passion to work with  teens and adults dealing with relationship trauma, co-dependence, anxiety, depression, stress management and self-esteem issues. Emily works from a Person-Centered, eclectic approach.  She enjoys utilizing REBT, Mindfulness-based CBT and EFT and likes integrating individual’s  personal religious beliefs into session.  

In her free time, Emily enjoys hiking with her husband and Golden Retriever, reading fiction  books, and refinishing furniture!

Amber Bradley is the insurance and billing specialist with Deeper Roots Therapy. She is an  asset to the team, as she oversees the billing and insurance side of the business, which allows  the clinicians to focus on their roles as therapists. She has 10 plus years experience in the field  of medical coding. Her goal is to always help the patient get the most of their benefits. Amber  works hard behind the scenes with the hope and desire for each and every client to become  the very best version of themselves. Outside of work, you will likely find Amber decorating her  home, being on the coast or playing with her dogs.

Adreaunna Coggins is a partner at Deeper Roots Therapy, LLC.therapist who received her  Master of Education and Education Specialist degrees in Counselor Education (Clinical Mental  Health focus) from Clemson University. Adreaunna believes that therapy is a partnership with  the client contributing and being involved in the treatment received. When you come into  therapy, her goal is to help you feel like this is a safe space where you can release the  preconceived notions of what society expects and learn skills that enable you to live your  authentic self. Her goals are to help you learn how to improve your life by learning essential  skills and coping strategies to get you through life’s difficulties. Since you’re the expert of your  life, her goal is to work with you to provide a blueprint for where to go when things become  difficult to manage.

Adreaunna has several years of diverse experience. Her main areas of expertise are substance  abuse/misuse, anxiety, depression, chronic illness, and chronic pain. She also works with  individuals with complex issues such as trauma, ADHD, grief, and relationship concerns. 

Adreaunna believes in taking a holistic approach to therapy, ensuring that individuals are  supporting their physical and spiritual health, while addressing their mental/emotional needs.  Adreaunna utilizes several different forms of therapy such as psychodynamic, cognitive  behavioral, solution-focused, dialectical behavioral interventions in practice. Adreaunna is  currently working towards her substance abuse certification and license. Future training in  EMDR and ISTDP are currently being examined. Adreaunna uses a person-centered strength based approach in her therapeutic work.  

Dana is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in South Carolina. She is an alumnus from North Greenville University where she received her BA in Communications and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary receiving her Masters’ of Counseling. 

Dana believes deeply in the therapeutic alliance between client and counselor for effective growth and change. As a counselor, Dana builds a safe relationship with her clients where they feel encouraged towards growth. Dana supports clients through the various stages of life by equipping them with tools to help navigate difficulties while remaining present in their day to day life. 

Dana holds a person-centered focus while utilizing different therapeutic interventions such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Internal Family Systems approaches for anxiety, depression, stress management, and life transitions.

The process of self-discovery and healing can be one filled with uncertainty, but I believe it is worth it. We take one day at a time and when the day is too much to handle we take it one moment at a time. We’ll trust the process and work through healing together.

Within her profession, Dana looks to address the areas of racial trauma, spiritual abuse, and spiritual bypassing. Dana enjoys music, reading, a good cup of coffee, learning, being in the mountains, and spending time with her daughter.

Kimberly Dalgety is a licensed professional counselor who received her B.A. in Psychology and Spanish from Erskine College and her Master’s in Community Counseling from Regent University. Prior to her counseling career, Kimberly worked in the field of human resources. She believes that counseling is a method of partnering with people to improve insight, set goals, identify healthy and unhealthy patterns of thinking and behaving, and move toward growth and healing. She enjoys helping people achieve goals, improve relationships and adjust to challenges and difficulties. 

Kimberly has experience working with children (age 6 and up), adolescents, and adults. She has experience working with anxiety, depression, attachment issues, and grief. Her approach draws from cognitive-behavioral, person-centered, strength-focused, narrative, emotionally-focused and attachment-focused methodologies. Kimberly has been trained in integrating issues of faith in counseling. In addition, she has facilitated group counseling, leadership development training, trauma response services, mental health-focused educational presentations and team-building exercises with churches, schools, civic organizations and businesses.

Kimberly is a covenant member of Grace Church en Español. When she is not counseling, she enjoys spending time with her husband and four children. 

Alexandra Tomlin is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate and National Certified Counselor, and she works with adolescents, adults, and families struggling with substance use, depression, anxiety, postpartum, body-image concerns, grief, life transitions, career concerns, and relationship difficulties. In therapy sessions, she works from a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Person Centered approach, while integrating Solution Focused and Reality Therapy.

Her desire and goal is to provide her clients with a safe, empathetic, and comforting space to process what might be going on and help achieve desired goals.