Owner

Brittney is a licensed mental health counselor committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care for adults. She earned her Master’s Degree from the University of West Florida and later completed her Doctorate in Public Health (DrPH) from Tulane University, broadening her expertise in behavioral health, population well-being, and trauma-informed intervention strategies.

Her clinical background includes working with trauma recovery, chronic pain, depression and anxiety disorders, relationship and attachment challenges, and bipolar spectrum disorders. She is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and integrates these modalities to create individualized, effective treatment plans.

She also incorporates Facility Service Dog Rudy VIII, provided by Canine Companions, into the therapeutic process. Rudy’s calm and supportive presence helps create a safe environment where clients can explore difficult emotions, process trauma, and strengthen emotional regulation.

She is dedicated to helping clients identify meaningful personal goals, gain insight into emotional patterns, and move toward healing with compassion and empowerment.

Brittney provides counseling to individuals ages 18 and up.

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Melissa is a seasoned clinician with a long-standing commitment to serving individuals, couples, families, and adolescents. She graduated with honors from Marshall University with a Master’s Degree in Counseling and has built a respected career grounded in compassion, clinical skill, and a deep dedication to client well-being.

As the founder of Stone Ridge Counseling Center in 2008, Melissa played an essential role in shaping the heart, mission, and culture of the practice. Her vision, leadership, and unwavering passion for helping others laid the foundation for the warm, client-centered environment Stone Ridge is known for today. Her influence continues to guide the spirit of the practice, and her legacy remains a meaningful part of who we are.

Her areas of expertise include depression, anxiety disorders, men’s and women’s issues, anger management, relationship concerns, work-related stress, and first responder support. She specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Christian/spiritual counseling, crisis debriefing, and is Gottman Method Level 2 trained for couples counseling. Her experience also includes providing Employee Assistance Program (EAP) counseling and corporate mental health and wellness training for organizations seeking healthier, more resilient workplaces.

Her therapeutic style emphasizes creating a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment where clients can explore their experiences, develop insight, and build more fulfilling and balanced lives. She is passionate about helping individuals strengthen relationships, navigate life transitions, and achieve meaningful personal growth.

Melissa works with clients ages 12 and up.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Frankie is a licensed clinical social worker and Advanced Certified Autism Specialist with extensive experience in both direct support and therapeutic intervention. He earned his Master’s Degree from the University of West Florida and has served in a wide range of clinical and community-based settings, giving him a strong, practical understanding of diverse client needs.

He specializes in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as those with co-occurring mental health or behavioral challenges. His background includes behavioral analysis, family support, and collaborative care models that integrate skill-building, emotional regulation, and strengths-based strategies.

He is passionate about creating a therapeutic environment where clients and families feel safe, understood, and respected. Frankie views therapy as a shared journey—one that empowers individuals to better understand themselves, navigate challenges more effectively, and experience meaningful personal growth.

Frankie works with clients ages 6 and up.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Dannette is a licensed clinical social worker committed to helping individuals heal from trauma and navigate life’s most profound transitions. She earned her doctorate from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and brings more than a decade of experience to her work.

Her clinical focus centers on supporting clients recovering from the emotional wounds of abuse, neglect, and other traumatic experiences. She is certified in EMDR and utilizes a range of trauma-focused and attachment-based modalities to help clients process painful memories, restore a sense of safety, and reconnect with their inner resilience.

In addition to her trauma-specialty work, Dannette has a deep passion for walking alongside individuals facing major life transitions, including aging-related challenges, end-of-life concerns, and grief or bereavement. She is also certified in Compassionate Bereavement Care, supporting clients with sensitivity, respect, and clinical expertise through some of life’s most difficult moments.

Dannette is LGBTQIA2S+ affirming and creates an environment centered on inclusion, dignity, and emotional safety. She provides counseling for individuals ages 18 and up.

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Rachel is a licensed mental health counselor dedicated to helping clients navigate meaningful growth, emotional healing, and healthier relationships. She strives to create a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space where clients can openly explore challenges, strengthen insight, and build the skills needed to move toward a more fulfilling life.

Rachel incorporates Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and attachment-based approaches to provide evidence-based and highly personalized care. She is a certified DBT therapist with specialized expertise in emotional regulation, self-harm behaviors, and unsatisfying or repetitive relationship dynamics.

Rachel is also a Gottman Method Level 3 trained therapist, bringing advanced skills in couples counseling to help partners improve communication, rebuild trust, deepen emotional intimacy, and work through long-standing patterns that cause disconnection. Her work with couples is grounded in research, collaboration, and a focus on strengthening the relationship as a whole.

Her therapeutic style is warm, collaborative, and empowering. She works closely with clients to help them break free from old patterns, develop healthier coping strategies, and create space for joy, balance, and personal transformation.

Rachel provides counseling to individuals ages 18 and up and couples.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Christina is a licensed clinical social worker with extensive experience supporting children, adolescents, and adults through a wide range of emotional and relational challenges. She earned both her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) from Florida State University before relocating to the Pensacola area to continue her work in the community.

Her clinical focus includes helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and self-esteem concerns. She integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and a person-centered approach to create an environment where clients feel understood, supported, and empowered.

Building strong, authentic rapport is central to Christina’s therapeutic style. Her goal is to help clients feel comfortable and safe while developing the skills, insight, and confidence needed to make meaningful, lasting changes.

Christina works with clients ages 12 and up.

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Lauren is a licensed mental health counselor dedicated to supporting individuals as they heal from trauma, navigate life transitions, and build lasting resilience. With a professional background that includes working within the incarcerated population and her experience as a United States Navy veteran, Lauren brings a grounded, steady, and deeply empathetic presence to her clinical work.

Her therapeutic approach is rooted in trauma-informed care, integrating mind–body awareness, nervous system regulation, and evidence-based counseling strategies. Lauren is passionate about helping clients understand their internal experiences, reconnect with their strengths, and restore a sense of balance, agency, and purpose in their lives.

She creates a non-judgmental, supportive environment where clients can explore difficult emotions safely and develop practical tools for healing and growth. Lauren’s blend of clinical expertise, lived experience, and compassionate insight allows her to meet clients exactly where they are and guide them toward meaningful personal transformation.

Lauren provides counseling to individuals ages 18 and up.

Office Manager

Leslie brings warmth, enthusiasm, and over 25 years of professional and managerial experience to Stone Ridge Counseling Center. Originally from Ohio, she is known for her positive energy, friendly presence, and genuine commitment to making every client feel welcomed and supported.

With a passion for kindness and connection, she takes pride in creating a smooth, comfortable, and uplifting experience for everyone who walks through the door. Whether she’s greeting clients, giving a tour of the office, or guiding them through scheduling and support needs, she approaches each interaction with sincerity and a smile.

Her dedication, attention to detail, and natural ability to brighten a room make her an essential part of the Stone Ridge team. She ensures the office runs seamlessly while cultivating the warm, caring atmosphere our clients value.