Current Counselors

The counselors-in-training at Hope Academy come to Hope Academy as graduate students or resident counselors working towards licensure. Although clients are not meeting with a Licensed Professional Counselor, every client indirectly receives the support and care of a Licensed Professional Counselor. The Licensed Professional Counselor provides weekly supervision and through the use of audio/video recording, ensures quality supervision for the counselor and quality services for the client.

The Counselors-in-Training in Hope Academy:
Serving Downtown Lynchburg, Wyndhurst (Lynchburg), Bedford, and Appomattox

AllLynchburg-Downtown
Joseph Leonard
Licensed Resident-in-Counseling (Lynchburg-Downtown)

Joseph Leonard

Mary Boyette
MA, Licensed Resident-in-Counseling (Appomattox, Lynchburg-Downtown, School-based)

Mary Boyette

Amanda Clark
Licensed Resident-in-Counseling (Lynchburg-Downtown)

Amanda Clark

Andy Sitton
Supervisee in Social Work

Andy Sitton

Benjamin Eager
Resident in Counseling

Benjamin Eager

Achsah Koshy
Graduate Student

Achsah Koshy

Ashlyn Montgomery
Graduate Student

Ashlyn Montgomery

Case Melton
Graduate Student

Case Melton

Elisabeth Cotton
Graduate Student

Elisabeth Cotton

Emily Christison
Graduate Student

Emily Christison

Haley Wilson
Graduate Student

Haley Wilson

Kaylea Smithson
Graduate Student

Kaylea Smithson

Marissa Helms
Graduate Student

Marissa Helms

Miguel (Mikey) Morales
Graduate Student

Miguel (Mikey) Morales

Rachel Peake
Graduate Student

Rachel Peake

Paige Umholtz
Graduate Student

Paige Umholtz

Licensed Resident-in-Counseling (Lynchburg-Downtown)

Joseph Leonard

Make an Appointment at Wyndhurst

Make an Appointment at Hope Academy

Joe is a Licensed Resident-in-Counseling, with his Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. Joe Received his undergraduate degree in Theology from Moody Bible Institute.

Joe works with clients primarily utilizing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), to aid in gaining a broad perspective of their problem, and empowering clients to gain confidence and victory.  Joe strives to perceive each person through the lens of Unconditional Positive Self Regard, helping clients find hope and the skill set to effectively engage with their problem. 

Joe is also working towards his Play Therapy License (RPT), working with children through the language of play to process and engage with maladaptive thoughts/behaviors in ways to find new paths towards healing and freedom.  

In his free time, Joe enjoys being outside: doing house projects, hiking, camping, biking, etc. He also loves partnering with his wife in life, as they focus their time to be with their local church community, neighborhood, and friends.

MA, Licensed Resident-in-Counseling (Appomattox, Lynchburg-Downtown, School-based)

Mary Boyette

Make an appointment at the Appomattox location.

Make an appointment at the Wyndhurst location.

Make an appointment at Hope Academy.

Mary is a Licensed Resident-in-Counseling pursuing her licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Virginia. Mary graduated with a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Liberty University. 

Mary primarily works with children, adolescents, couples, families, and individuals diagnosed with or experiencing symptoms consistent with the following diagnoses: Anxiety, Depression, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Gender Dysphoria, Borderline Personality Disorder, and Adjustment Disorders.

As part of Mary’s work as a counselor, she tends to operate from cognitive behavioral therapy and experiential therapy which means that as a client, you could expect to explore your thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes that impact your feelings and actions. You can also expect the opportunity to explore an experience through action and engagement with props, role-play, psychodrama, and arts and crafts. 

In Mary’s spare time she enjoys traveling, hiking, reading, baking, and spending time with family and friends.

Licensed Resident-in-Counseling (Lynchburg-Downtown)

Amanda Clark

Make an appointment at Wyndhurst.

Amanda Clark is a Licensed Resident-in-Counseling pursuing her licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Virginia. Amanda graduated with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University.

Amanda primarily works with adolescents and adults, though recently has enjoyed family therapy and working with children. She is contemplating becoming an eating disorder specialist and working with other substance abuse issues. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Counseling-Traumatology at Liberty University.

As part of Amanda’s work as a counselor, she tends to operate from a Narrative approach or Solution-focused approach, which means that as a client, you could expect to see change and a difference in the behaviors, as well as learning how to achieve the highest potential through growth and new development.

In Amanda’s spare time, she enjoys baking, gardening, hunting and fishing; anything outdoors she is most likely doing! She also enjoys spending time with her husband, family, and friends. The most important aspect of Amanda’s career is to find ways to show clients how to become the healthiest version of themselves.

Supervisee in Social Work

Andy Sitton

Make an appointment at the Appomattox location.

Make an appointment at the Wyndhurst location.

Make an appointment at the Bedford location.

Andy is a Resident Supervisee in Social Work, pursuing his licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Virginia. Andy graduated with a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida.

Andy works with children, adults, couples, families, individuals, and groups diagnosed with or experiencing symptoms consistent with the following diagnoses: Trauma, Grief and Loss, Anxiety, Depression, major life changes, and circumstances related to foster and kinship care.

As part of Andy’s work as a counselor, he tends to operate from a Cognitive Behavioral and Family Systems approach which means that as a client, you could expect Andy to evaluate issues with a holistic view of individual, family and total environment.

In Andy’s spare time he enjoys reading the Bible, baking bread, listening to jazz, playing drums, camping, canoeing/kayaking, gardening, chopping wood and good coffee with friends and family.

Resident in Counseling

Benjamin Eager

Make an appointment at Hope Academy

Benjamin Eager is a Resident in Counseling, pursuing his licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor,in the state of Virginia. Ben graduated with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. He is also currently pursuing certification in DBT.

Ben primarily works with children, adolescents, adults, couples, families, individuals, and groups diagnosed with or experiencing symptoms consistent with the following diagnoses: Anxiety, Depression, Suicidal Ideation, Substance Use, PTSD, OCD, and various personality disorders.

As part of Ben’s work as a counselor, he tends to operate from Existentialism Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) which means that as a client, you could expect to have a variety of topics discussed with the main underlying concepts regarding self-awareness, tension between freedom and responsibility, creating one’s identity, establishing meaningful relationships, and searching for meaning, purpose, values, and goals. As for DBT, a client could expect practical skills to deal with stress, anxiety, or any other distressing event using various skills including communication skills, radical acceptance, and few others.

In Ben’s spare time he enjoys riding horses, traveling, watching sports, spending time outdoors, and playing board games.

Graduate Student

Achsah Koshy

Achsah is a Graduate Student enrolled at Liberty University. Achsah is pursuing her degree in Clinical Psychology with an expected graduation date of 2027. Achsah primarily works with adolescents and adults diagnosed with or experiencing symptoms consistent with the following diagnoses:  depression and anxiety.

In Achsah’s spare time she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, cooking, and going on long runs outside.

Graduate Student

Ashlyn Montgomery

Ashlyn is a Graduate Student enrolled at the College of William and Mary. Ashlyn is pursuing her degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Military and Veteran Counseling with an expected graduation date of May 2024. Ashlyn primarily works with children, adolescent, and adult individuals diagnosed with or experiencing symptoms consistent with the following diagnoses: Anxiety, Depression, Stress, Life Transitions, Self-Esteem, Family Conflict, Trauma, and Military-Connected Matters.

In Ashlyn’s spare time she enjoys working out, nature walks, kayaking, horseback riding, watching movies, and reading.

Graduate Student

Case Melton

Case Melton is a Graduate Student enrolled at Liberty University. Case Melton is pursuing his degree in Marriage and Family Therapy expected graduation date of August 2024. Case Melton primarily works with children, adolescents, couples, families, and groups diagnosed with or experiencing symptoms consistent with the following diagnoses: PTSD, Adjustment disorders, Major Depressive Disorder, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

In Case’s spare time he enjoys running, watching basketball, coffee shops, listening to music and podcasts, and spending time with friends and family.

    Graduate Student

    Elisabeth Cotton

    Elisabeth Cotton is a Graduate Student enrolled at Liberty University. Elisabeth is pursuing her degree in Marriage and Family Counseling with an expected graduation date of May 2025. Elisabeth primarily works with adolescents, adults, couples, families, and individuals diagnosed with or experiencing symptoms consistent with the following diagnoses: parent/child conflict, relationship/marriage conflict, family conflict, depression and anxiety disorders, and attachment disorders.

    In Elisabeth’s spare time she enjoys spending time with her husband, family, and friends. She also enjoys caring for her plants, walks in nature, playing the piano, and long drives to nowhere in particular.

      Graduate Student

      Emily Christison

      Emily is a Graduate Student at Liberty University. Emily is pursuing her degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an expected graduation date of May 2024. Emily primarily works with children and adolescents diagnosed with or experiencing symptoms consistent with anxiety, depression, OCD, behavioral issues, relationship conflict, coping skills, and trauma.

      In Emily’s spare time, she enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with family and friends. Emily also has a passion for music whether listening or performing.

        Graduate Student

        Haley Wilson

        Haley is a Graduate Student enrolled at Liberty University. Haley is pursuing her degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an expected graduation date of August 2024. Haley primarily works with children, adolescents, adults, families, and individuals diagnosed with or experiencing symptoms consistent with the following diagnoses: anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, as well as other concerns that individuals might be experiencing.

        In Haley’s spare time she enjoys hiking, hammocking, reading, baking, watching movies, and spending time with her friends and family.

          Graduate Student

          Kaylea Smithson

          Kaylea is a Graduate Student enrolled at Liberty University. Kaylea is pursuing her degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an expected graduation date of December 2024. Kaylea primarily works with children, adolescents, women, individuals, and groups diagnosed with or experiencing symptoms consistent with the following diagnoses: Reactive attachment, post-traumatic stress, grief, anxiety, and adjustment disorder.

          In Kaylea’s spare time she enjoys reading, hiking, spending time with friends, and having meaningful conversations.

            Graduate Student

            Marissa Helms

            Marissa Helms is a Graduate Student enrolled at Liberty University. Marissa is pursuing her degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an expected graduation date of May 2024. Marissa primarily works with adults, individuals, children, and families diagnosed with or experiencing symptoms consistent with the following diagnoses: Depression, Anxiety, Adjustment Disorder, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism, Bipolar Disorders, and other disorders as they present themselves.

            In Marissa’s spare time she enjoys spending time with her friends, painting, hiking, trying out new recipes, and playing board games!

              Graduate Student

              Miguel (Mikey) Morales

              Mikey Morales is a Graduate Student enrolled at Liberty University. Mikey  is pursuing his degree in Marriage and Family Counseling with an expected graduation date of May 2024. Mikey primarily works with children, adolescents, and adults in a family and or individual setting diagnosed with or experiencing symptoms consistent with the following diagnoses: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.

              In Mikey’s spare time he enjoys reading, trail running, fishing, watching and playing sports, listening to podcasts, and traveling.

              Graduate Student

              Rachel Peake

              Rachel is a Graduate Student enrolled at the University of Lynchburg. Rachel is pursuing her degree in clinical and mental health counseling with an expected graduation date of Spring 2024. Rachel primarily works with adolescents, adults, couples, families, and individuals. diagnosed with or experiencing symptoms consistent with the following diagnoses: anxiety, depression, and trauma.

              In Rachel’s spare time she enjoys traveling to new places and trying new experiences. She is also an avid reader and movie aficionado

                Graduate Student

                Paige Umholtz

                Paige is a Graduate Student enrolled at Liberty University. Paige is pursuing her degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an expected graduation date of December 2024. Paige primarily works with adults and individuals diagnosed with or experiencing symptoms consistent with the following diagnoses: anxiety, depression, adjustment disorder, and other mental health disorders.

                In Paige’s spare time she enjoys reading, crochet, and pottery.

                  Service Rates

                  Hope Academy Counselors in Training are able to offer low self pay rates. Our Resident counselors are able to accept Medicaid and also offer a self-pay rate. Please refer to rates listed here and ask any payment questions when you inquire about services.

                  Self-Pay Rates
                  Services:
                  • Outpatient Counseling with Resident Clinician – $60 per session
                  • Outpatient Counseling with Graduate Student – $35 per session
                  • Outpatient Group Counseling – $20 per session
                  • Psychological Evaluation with PsyD Practicum Student – Varies from test-to-test

                  Administrator Hope Academy

                  Dr. Henry Bruns

                  Henry is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board-Approved Supervisor in the state of Virginia. Henry has been with Hope for Tomorrow since August 2020 and earned his Master’s in Professional Counseling as well as his PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Liberty University.

                  Henry’s primary role with the organization is as the Director for the Hope Academy of Counselor Excellence where he oversees the operations of the program and supervises counselors-in-training.

                  As a Licensed Professional Counselor, Henry has been providing counseling services for 10 years, working with children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples with a wide range of symptoms and behaviors, including depression, anxiety, trauma, attachment, ADHD, anger, grief and loss, oppositional behaviors, foster/adoptive families, and marriage counseling.

                  His clinical theoretical orientation when working with children and some adolescents is grounded in key concepts from play therapy but Henry is not certified as a play therapist at this time. Henry’s work with adolescents, adults, couples, and families is primarily grounded in schema therapy which is an expansion of cognitive behavioral therapy by emphasizing childhood and adolescent origins of current functioning, the counselor-client relationship, and identification of unhelpful strategies used for coping. Henry believes that by recognizing our beliefs about self, others, the world in general, and God (as indicated) we can identify our evidence for and against our beliefs and therefore make choices that either keep us stuck in our current functioning or assist us in becoming unstuck.

                  Henry has taken training for Cognitive Processing Therapy and is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP).

                  In his spare time, Henry enjoys spending time with his wife, daughter, and foster son playing games and beekeeping, spending time with family and friends, and relaxing by listening to worship music and watching TV.

                  Hope Academy

                  409 Court Street
                  Lynchburg, VA 24504
                  Call: 434.473.7081
                  Email: hopeacademy@patrickhenry.org