The Team
Who We Are
Cindy Brown
MS, LPC, NCC, CCTP-II, CATP
Counseling in ASL & English
Lead Counselor
When trauma and/or grief happens, it changes you and the way you are able to relate to your world. Daily activities can become difficult, and feelings of stress become more pronounced. It does not matter if you experienced trauma that occurred consistently throughout childhood or trauma that resulted from a single incident the results, change you. Trauma and the resulting grief can affect your life in ways that interfere with the life you want. Loss is a part of life, but it does not need to be the end of your joy.
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I am trauma trained and trained in Brainspotting, which uses the body’s own ability to bring equilibrium to its Parasympathetic Nervous System. I use American Sign Language (ASL), and aware of issues Deaf clients can experience due to delayed language acquisition. I use art therapy and the sand tray in sessions.
I believe that healing is possible, and change can happen. We can grow and become more. Call me, and we can discuss your goals to live a better life.
985-351-0085
985-507-1164
Juliee Montelaro
PLPC
My name is Juliee "Jules" Montelaro, and I am a Provisionally Licensed Professional counselor. We are all unique and will achieve our fullest potential when given a safe, nurturing environment. I strive to provide empathy and non-judgment to all clients as they navigate various concerns. I understand the unique struggles faced by children, teens, and young adults, and I am here to provide a warm and understanding space for you to explore and address those challenges.
Specializing in anxiety, trauma, chronic illness, and the emotional hurdles that come with them, I am committed to walking alongside you with empathy and care. I recognize that every journey is unique, and my goal is to offer personalized support that is tailored to your individual experiences and needs, making you feel understood and valued.
Whether you’re dealing with the everyday pressures of anxiety, the impact of chronic illness, or simply seeking a safe place to express your feelings, I am here to listen and help. I use a holistic approach to counselling, incorporating many modalities including mindful cognitive behavior, play therapy, and strength-based approaches. This comprehensive approach ensures that all your needs are being addressed.
I hold a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Nursing from William Carey College and a Master of Education in Human Developmental Counseling from Vanderbilt University. I have experience in school and clinical settings. My academic background, combined with clinical and life experience, equips me with the skills and knowledge to support you or your child on their healing journey. It is my privilege to guide and support you on this journey to wellness.
ATR-BC, PLPC
I am a Licensed and Board-Certified Art Therapist and Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor. I earned my Master’s Degree in Art Therapy from The School of Visual Arts in New York, NY and my Bachelor’s Degree in Art and Psychology from The University of Mississippi in Oxford, MS. I work with clients across the lifespan who are experiencing a range of difficulties. My experience includes work with people of all ages experiencing anxiety, depression, life-transitions, and trauma, people with intellectual disabilities and neurodevelopmental disorders, and people with dementia.
I believe that all people are operating towards growth and wellness and with the support of a mental health professional can develop the tools and insight to create change and gain control in their lives. My approach is multimodal to meet each client’s individual needs. I use active art making and the creative process to create connections, improve communication, and develop awareness. One need not be an artist to benefit from art therapy. “When words are not enough, we turn to images and symbols”-Cathy Malchiod
Barbara Hebert
PhD, LPC-S
“Everyone experiences obstacles in life, and talking about those obstacles and identifying potential solutions with a caring professional can be helpful. Counseling provides an opportunity to both understand the situation and find new ways to move forward.”
Having been a counselor and therapist for almost 30 years, I have had the opportunity to work with clients from age 80 to age 18 months, although my specific area of counseling is working with children and adolescents. Throughout my career, I have worked in a variety of settings including high school, university, agency, and private practice. Frequently, my work has allowed me to facilitate growth and learning from physical, emotional, and sexual trauma.
Academically, I earned my Ph.D. in Counselor Education at the University of New Orleans in 2004 and since that time I have provided presentations and trainings for local, state, national, and international professional organizations; published in professional journals; and taught as a part-time adjunct instructor at several local universities.
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985-351-0085
![Facetune_06-03-2024-12-20-14[34567].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d5c6e5_88c5ec643f874400898b29d3755174d1~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_122,h_163,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_avif,quality_auto/d5c6e5_88c5ec643f874400898b29d3755174d1~mv2.jpg)
Penny-Paige Murray
MS, PLPC, NCC, CCTP
As a Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor, I work with clients from an integrative framework, drawing from various therapeutic modalities, including Emotionally Focused therapy, Adlerian therapy, Experiential therapy, and strengths-based approaches. This blend allows me to address a wide range of concerns and issues, empowering clients to explore and understand their emotions, behaviors, and relationships more deeply and make choices that increase well-being and thriving.
I work with clients across the lifespan, including children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. For younger clients, I incorporate play therapy and expressive arts interventions, providing a safe and creative space for self-expression and exploration. These techniques are especially effective in helping clients to process experiences and develop coping skills.
As a specialist in couples therapy, I have a particular focus on Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). EFT is a highly effective approach for couples seeking to improve communication, deepen intimacy, and rebuild trust. Through EFT, couples learn to recognize and express their emotions in a healthy way, leading to greater connection and understanding in their relationship.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Communications and a Master of Science in Marriage, Couple, and Family counseling from Southeastern Louisiana University. My academic background, combined with clinical and life experience, equips me with the knowledge and skills to support clients on their journey toward healing and transformation. It would be an honor to support you in your growth and healing,
985-351-0085
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Samantha Cimo
MS, PLPC, CCTP, NCC
I am a Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southeastern Louisiana University.
Taking the first step towards seeking counseling can feel overwhelming and ambiguous. My approach to counseling is rooted in the Adlerian perspective, which emphasizes understanding individuals within their unique strengths by exploring meaning-making, purpose, and a sense of belonging.
I work with teens and adults, focusing on areas such as trauma, anxiety, and grief. I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship and see my role as walking side by side with my clients on their journey towards healing and growth. It’s important to me to provide a safe and nurturing environment where my clients feel supported and empowered to tackle the challenges they face. My goal is to help each individual uncover their strengths and develop new strategies for coping with life’s difficulties, fostering resilience and a deeper sense of self-discovery. Together, we can work towards a more balanced and fulfilling life, embracing each step of the journey with courage and compassion.
985-351-0085
985-276-9033
samantha.cimo3@gmail.com
Dalina Hall
MS, LPC, NCC
My name is Dalina Hall. I received my Bachelor's in Psychology and Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southeastern Louisiana University. I am a genuine, creative, empathetic person that values her profession as a therapist. A fun fact about me is that I was born and raised in Germany, I came to the US in 2014 and I speak 4 languages: English, German, Dutch, and French.
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I received training in Brainspotting Phase 1 and utilize this modality with a variety of clients and issues.
I specialize in trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and transitional issues.
I view the counseling relationship from a holistic view, and often pull from family systems, cognitive behavioral, and psychodynamic, and play therapy approaches.
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985-351-0085
505-979-8482
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Hannah Gaudet
Office Assistant
Hannah Gaudet is the office assistant at Leavell Counseling and graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University with her Master's in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling in December 2022. She will also be pursuing a certification in play therapy. Hannah has a bubbly and warm personality that makes clients feel right at home!
