Our Team

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.

Jonci Berneche

Jonci is a native of Halifax County, Virginia and works in the South Boston office. She obtained her Masters in Guidance and Counseling from Longwood University in 2001. She became a Licensed Professional Counselor in 2010 and has been working for Hope for Tomorrow for over 10 years.

Jonci had a 16 year career in education prior to transitioning to private counseling. She began her career in 1994 as an elementary school teacher and became an elementary school counselor in 2002. Jonci pursued and was granted an opportunity to work with at-risk middle and high school students in her last year of school counseling in order to gain experience working with older children. During her last 2 years in the educational setting, she also worked with clients of all ages in a private setting while obtaining her licensure.

In addition to working with children and teens, she has many years of experience working with adults, couples, and families. Her areas of specialty include mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem, ADHD, anger, impulse control, oppositional behaviors, life transitions, CBT techniques, mindfulness, grief and loss, family conflict, parenting, and behavioral issues.

During her free time, Jonci loves having new experiences with her husband and 2 children. She enjoys traveling, hiking, canoeing, and trying new foods.

Susan Chandler

Susan grew up in Halifax County, VA where she continues to reside. She enjoys playing golf and reading in her spare time. She also enjoys spending time with friends and takes every opportunity to spend time outdoors, especially on her farm.

Susan currently works in the South Boston, Danville, and Brookneal locations of Hope for Tomorrow. Her clients include individuals (age 5 to adult), families, and couples, and she prefers to use psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral (CBT) techniques.

Clients present with a variety of concerns, including, but not limited to the following: depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, and ADHD. Susan also works with individuals and families to address issues with transition, life adjustment, school, family conflict, behavioral issues, self esteem, interpersonal relationships, and grief, to name a few. She also has an interest in treating trauma, and she is trained in the use of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) for the treatment of trauma.

Richard Wentz

Richard is a licensed professional counselor with the state of VA. He received his undergraduate degree in Sociology from Radford University and his graduate degree from Liberty University. He became a counselor because he enjoys helping those who are truly hurting. He has a passion for animals and spends most of his free time working with two rescues in Danville. He also enjoys spending time with his family and playing golf as often as possible.

Luda Ambrose

Luda’s diverse background provides her with the unique ability to connect with people from different cultural, religious, and socio -economic backgrounds. Her passion is to help those who face hard and challenging circumstances in life. Additional engineering education supports her analytical treatment approach. 

Luda obtained my social work degree from the University of Central Florida. She provides individual, family and couple therapies. Her specialized training and experience include: Life coaching, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Marital issues, Parenting, Loss and Grief, and wide range mental health disorders. Luda’s treatment approach includes Cognitive, Humanistic, Behavioral Therapies, and Solution Focused Therapy.

Luda’s passion is to help people to increase their self-esteem, overcome domestic violence trauma, and adjust in a new environment. She provides in person and telehealth sessions. The sessions can offer sessions in English and in Russian.

Kayla Morel

Kayla is a licensed professional counselor (VA) and has experience working with inpatient and outpatient services. She currently sees clients for outpatient tele-health services in addition to working with children and families in HFT’s Home Based Services.

Adam Holcomb

Adam has worked in counselor education at the American Association of Christian Counselors, provided mental health assessment and counseling at Centra Health, and holds a Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree from Liberty University. Adam has over 9 years of experience. In addition to being a counselor, Adam heads up our Compass Marriage & Relationships Services.

Amy Dove

Amy completed her undergraduate degree in Sociology at Radford University before attending Virginia Tech in the Counselor Education masters program where she graduated in 2013. She then obtained her LPC license in 2018.

Amy has worked in several therapeutic settings which include public schools, inpatient crisis, and outpatient. Amy has worked with clients on a variety of issues including, anxiety, depression, autism, relationship issues, trauma, behavioral problems, and impulse control.

Amy uses an eclectic approach to therapy and primarily uses Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive-Behavioral, Behavioral, and Support therapy. Although she works with clients of all ages, her primary focus is with teens and young adults.

Amy resides in Lynchburg with her husband, their two dogs and cat. She loves taking her dogs for walks, going to the lake, and spending time with friends and family.

Avery Via

Avery is currently a Resident in Counseling and earned a Master of Arts degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University in 2010. He has 15 years of experience providing counseling services to individuals in a variety of therapeutic settings including outpatient, public schools, and the community. While he has experience with individuals of all ages, his primary focus is older adolescents and adults. Avery utilizes an eclectic theoretical approach to meet the individual needs of clients, grounded primarily in cognitive behavioral therapy, person centered, and motivational interviewing. He works with individuals experiencing a variety of issues including, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship/family difficulties, trauma, sexual orientation, gender identity, food/eating concerns, addiction, and general life stress. 

In his spare time, Avery enjoys traveling, viewing and creating art, spending time with friends and family, and going on adventures with his cat, Olive. He is also passionate about the Enneagram as he believes it is a powerful tool for growth, self-awareness, and connecting with others in a deeper, more authentic way.

Sherry Parker

Sherry worked 30+ years in acute medical and psychiatric care. She also led a Bereavement Support Group for the community during that time. She now provides outpatient counseling for adults with depression, anxiety, grief, trauma and phase of life issues. She uses evidence based concepts from Cognitive Behavioral and Mindfulness based therapy.

Sherry graduated from VCU in Richmond with an undergraduate degree in Social Work and the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill with a Masters in Social Work. She enjoys sailing with her husband and working in her flower garden.

Martha Cashel

Martha is a licensed professional counselor providing services with Hope for Tomorrow (HFT) in the Appomattox HFT office. She received her Master of Arts in counseling from Liberty University and has a background in working with children, families and adults in community mental health and outpatient settings. Martha has served in a church counseling setting at a mega church and has worked in secular settings as well.

Martha uses different approaches to best assist the client with techniques which are proven effective, including empathy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy and Solution-Focused therapy. She has a person-centered approach and sees the person “in the round” including their family and social setting. Martha’s work is trauma-informed and enjoys helping people emerge out of depression, anxiety, ADHD, addiction, trauma, grief and loss, family conflict and oppositional behavior. Martha works with couples and is certified to offer Prepare-Enrich Couples Counseling.

Martha is proficient in providing helpful services with grace and is never judgmental. She is aware of how tough this world can be, and is ready to offer hope and help people to grow beyond their circumstances. In her spare time, Martha sings and plays guitar, volunteers, and enjoys friends and the outdoors.

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.

Erika Theodorides

Erika is a licensed professional counselor in Virginia.  Erika is an approved supervisor with the VA Board of Counseling. Erika received her Masters in Community Counseling from the University of Lynchburg.  Erika has more than 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families in an outpatient counseling and school setting. Erika provides counseling with individuals and families to address various issues such as anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma and abuse, grief, attention-deficit and disruptive behavior disorders, adjustment disorders, anger management, social skills, and parenting issues.

Erika uses an eclectic approach in her therapy sessions including cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy, and person centered therapy. She is also working towards certification in play therapy. Erika wants to create an environment where the client feels respected, safe, and supported in their counseling experience.

In her spare time, Erika enjoys traveling, horseback riding, and spending time with her daughter and two shelties.

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.

Henry Bruns, Director

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 supervisor, he has  provided over 5 years of supervision to master’s-level QMHP-C’s and QMHP-A’s, graduate students, and resident counselors across a variety of settings, including in-home services, crisis services, and outpatient counseling services. During his PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, he received training in supervision theories and received feedback regarding his provision of supervision.

As a supervisor he is continuing to grow in his knowledge and implementation of supervision within the competency-based model, but he typically follows a developmental model working with each supervisee from their current levels of competence in core counselor competencies. Throughout this supervision experience, I will take on different roles at different times – teacher, consultant, counselor, and evaluator.

Counselors-in-training can expect to receive affirmations that identify their strengths and compassionate critiques to address opportunities for growth. The purpose of these compassionate critiques is for the counselor’s development and protection of clients and the field. Hope Academy provides Henry and other supervisors with the opportunity to use a variety of tools and methods for providing affirmations and compassionate critiques during supervision. These tools include: reviewing audio/video recorded sessions, measuring client outcomes and the quality of the therapeutic relationship, giving the supervisee an opportunity to evaluate supervisor competence, and measuring the quality of the supervisory relationship.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

Lauren Showalter

Lauren is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board-Approved Supervisor in the commonwealth of Virginia. Lauren also is a National Certified Counselor through the NBCC. Lauren has been with Hope for Tomorrow since the Spring of 2020 and earned her Master’s in Community Counseling from Marymount University in Arlington VA in 2009. Lauren has opened her own private practice in Farmville VA, Thrive Counseling and Wellness, where she sees adults, teens, and children while also teaching mindfulness skills to the community. Lauren has a passion for working with residents on their journey towards licensure, so she continues to provide clinical supervision through the Hope Academy at Hope for Tomorrow.

As a supervisor, Lauren has provided over 10 years of supervision to master’s-level QMHP-C’s, graduate interns, and resident counselors across a variety of settings, including in-home services, therapeutic day treatment, and outpatient counseling services. Lauren also worked as a clinical director at an agency where she had the opportunity to supervise multiple residents and oversee various clinical programs.

Lauren’s clinical work is client centered and humanistic in nature, so her supervision style follows the same method. Lauren meets the resident where they are, helping them develop their skills as a counselor. As a supervisor, she will take on different roles such as teacher, consultant, counselor, and evaluator. Lauren enjoys focusing on making sure residents feel heard and supported in their work, and that supervision can be a safe place to work through clinical issues. Lauren also enjoys gently challenging residents to reach their full potential through positive critiques.

Supervision with Lauren would include weekly supervision meetings, on-call crisis support, reviewing of audio/video recorded sessions, reviewing of paperwork/documentation, resource sharing, and outcomes measurement review.