Meet our Counselors
Maureen S. Bixler, LCSW
mbixler@livelife-counseling.com
404-432-2113
Maureen S. Bixler, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker with a Master’s and Bachelor’s of Social Work from the University of Georgia. She has years of experience working with children, adolescents and families in both individual and group settings. She has worked in different social work settings such as schools, in-home counseling and child welfare. Maureen created Live Life Counseling, LLC in 2014, with the main goal to help others live life to its fullest potential. Maureen offers a holistic, healing approach to therapy. She utilizes many different treatment modalities; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT), Existential Therapy, Family Systems, Attachment and Bonding Based Parenting, Strength Perspective and Client-Center Therapy. She offers individual, couple and family therapy. Often clients come to her with complex trauma which surfaces through addiction, anxiety and or depression. She utilizes Dialectical Behavioral Techniques (DBT) and Progressive Counting (PC) which allow a client to work through their issue and underlying trauma. In every session with Maureen she hopes to be a place for one to feel heard, validated and encouraged. Maureen loves spending time with her husband and being a mom to their four young children.
Stephanie Gentry, LMSW
sgentry@livelife-counseling.com
912-271-1926
As a clinician, Stephanie's greatest strength is her ability to foster a strong therapeutic bond with her clients built on honesty, acceptance, trust, connection and authenticity. Using a person-centered approach, she recognizes that every client is unique in his or her life experiences, goals, strengths, and struggles, and that each client may require a unique therapeutic approach in order to reach his or her goals most efficiently. Stephanie has the professional and life experience as well as the level of empathy and passion necessary to walk with her clients step-by-step through the most challenging of circumstances and see them through to brighter days ahead. Stephanie's professional experience includes clinical work at an acute care, crisis stabilization hospital where she has worked with diverse populations including children, adolescents, adults, and seniors as well as couples and families struggling with a variety of disorders, symptoms, and circumstances including: anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, substance abuse, divorce, death, marital conflict, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and schizophrenia. Stephanie holds both a Master's Degree in Social Work (Clinical Practice) as well as a Certificate in Marriage & Family Therapy from the University of Georgia.
She offers both evening and weekend sessions (as well as in-home sessions on a case-by-case basis).
Shumayl Farooq, LMSW
sfarooq@livelife-counseling.com
609-206-3606
Shumayl Farooq is a Licensed Masters Social Worker with a Master’s degree in Social Work from Rutgers State University, New Jersey. She has years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families in individual and group settings. She has been in mental health field for more than 12 years and in her career dealt with a wide range of issues including trauma, depression, anxiety, crisis management, ADHD, behavior issues etc. In the past, she has worked in different settings that includes supervising a 24/7 Mobile Response Support Services for children in Central New Jersey and a partial care setting for adolescents and adults. She is passionate about helping others to achieve their best potential for a desired living. She believes in providing a respectful and comfortable environment to her clients that fosters personal growth and self-awareness. “We will work though it together” is her mantra. She uses evidence based therapeutic techniques such as CBT, mindfulness, client-centered, play and strength based therapy to assist her clients in reaching their therapeutic goals. She wants you to have a safe haven where you can explore solutions and step forward healed and empowered.
Sarah Webb, LCSW
678-230-3319
Sarah Webb is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Bachelor and Master's Degree from the University of Georgia. Her focus is children and adolescents, including biological, relative, and foster/adoptive placements. She incorporates Christian values along with evidence-based treatment modalities including play and art therapy techniques, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Trauma-Focused CBT to met the client's needs. She also strives to connect with each client individually and use their strengths to help them overcome life's difficulties. Furthermore, she works with families and other resources to empower the entire system involved in a child's life.
Sarah sees clients at First Baptist Church of Dawsonville.
Gabby Smith, LCSW
gsmith@livelife-counseling.com
678-200-9732
Gabby is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who received her Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Georgia. Gabby's foundations in her practice are derived from Evidence Based theoretical models such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy, Mindfulness, Family Systems, Strength Perspective, and Client-Centered Therapy. Gabby is also trained in the Nurturing Parenting curriculum.
Gabby has worked in various settings including Local, State, and Federal Government, Non-Profit, Community Based, Hospitals, Schools, and Jails. Gabby has been privileged to spend the last 11 years working with a range of populations including Veterans, Adults, Children, Adolescents, Refugees, Foster and Adoptive youth, Geriatric, the Homeless, LGBTQ, and many others. Gabby has also spent many years conducting comprehensive evaluations of families in the areas of domestic violence, substance dependence, and parenting strengths and needs. Gabby specializes in working with clients who are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, domestic violence relationships, self-harm, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, self-esteem, communication, crisis intervention, grief and loss, relationship issues, and life changes/transitions.
Gabby creates a safe, non-judgmental space for clients to work through the self-healing process. She places a high value on understanding the whole person; the many unique life experiences that constitute their make-up as well as how their environment plays a role in their life. Gabby's approach to psychotherapy is collaborative. She views the client as a partner in the therapeutic process. Gabby strives to assist her clients to identify their own strengths and inner resources so that they may be empowered for the future.
Paula Okoro, LCSW
Jessica Whalen, LPC
jwhalen@livelife-counseling.com
Jessica Whalen, LPC, is a licensed professional counselor with a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of West Georgia. She understands developmental stages and cultural origins of clients due to years of experience working with adolescents, adults, and families in both individual and group settings. She has worked in various work settings including community agency, partial hospitalization and college campus. Jessica has an ability to interact with clients from a strength-based perspective and she has an empathic approach to supporting clients and families.
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Keely Noyd, LPC
Keely Noyd is a Licensed Professional Counselor. Keely earned her Master’s degree in Counselor Education with a Rehabilitation Counseling emphasis from The Pennsylvania State University. Keely later supplemented her education at Mercer University with coursework in clinical mental health counseling. Helping children and families address trauma, addiction, anxiety, school concerns and developmental challenges is her personal and professional passion. Keely is known as a knowledgeable and supportive resource for anxious and overwhelmed parents. Keely has worked in crisis, outpatient counseling and school settings on and off since 1985. Keely’s early work included crime victim advocacy and community education on topics related to trauma. Keely most recently served as a clinician in a school based counseling program. Keely brings a mixture of empathy, creativity, curiosity, compassion and good humor to her work. Keely employs a variety of treatment modalities including person-centered therapy, play therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, trauma focused-cognitive behavior therapy, mindfulness, dialectical behavior therapy and solution focused therapy. Enhanced decision making and resilience building are at the core of her strength- based clinical approach. Keely believes that is an honor and privilege to share the therapeutic journey with others as they heal, learn and excel.
Anne-Marie Taylor, M.S. Clinical Counseling
amtaylor@livelife-counseling.com
678-960-9130
Anne-Marie Taylor earned her Masters of Science degree in Clinical Psychology and Clinical Counseling from Capella University. She holds a Bachelors in Human Services Management and Business Administration from University of Phoenix. Her goal is to meet clients where they are, and equip them to live their life to their fullest potential. Anne-Marie has experience and training with individuals and families that have experienced complex trauma. She utilizes different approaches to help clients with sensitive and unique problems. She is trained and experienced in (TF-CBT) Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy that addresses specific emotional and mental health needs of children, adolescences, adult survivors and families who are struggling to overcome the destructive effects of trauma, post-traumatic stress and mood disorder resulting from abuse, sexual, physical violence or developed post-traumatic symptoms or as the result of the loss of a loved one or exposure to violence in the home or community.
Anne-Marie has worked in social services including with the Department of Children and Families, and with children, adolescence and adults that have experienced a single or repeated experience of sexual, physical or emotional abuse. Anne-Marie also works with individuals that have developed symptoms of depression, anxiety, exhibits behavioral, substance abuse, suicidal ideations. She utilizes (DBT) Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Person Centered (PCT), Solution Focused (SFT), Play Therapy Techniques and other approaches as needed. Anne-Marie also offers parenting and family therapy approaches that helps family members and other family dynamics that maybe contributing to the problem and she aims to teach new parenting skills, stress-management, and healthy communication skills and works with diverse cultures and populations.
Nicole Yaksh, LAPC, NCC, CCTP, RYT-200
nyaksh@livelife-counseling.com
470-298-6405
Through my own experience as a client, I have come to believe in the healing qualities of the therapeutic relationship. In addition to my training, I also bring life experience which I use to try to understand your unique perspective. I work to help you draw on your own inner strengths to overcome adversities and thrive in life. I believe in the innate value of all people and want to help individuals, couples and families heal from past wounds, build stronger relationships and achieve their best lives. I utilize evidenced-based and practical techniques to get the most out of our time together.
I am a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC), Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC), and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). I am trained in Progressive Counting (PC) and have completed Levels 1 and 2 of Gottman Method Couple Therapy. I am a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200) who has been practicing yoga and meditation for over 20 years. I integrate these modalities into therapy.
When you are ready, I offer a non-judgmental and safe place for you to explore your own inner wisdom.
Jaclyn Barnum LMSW, CMFT, HS-BCP
jbarnum@livelife-counseling.com
678-951-7269
Jaclyn Barnum, is a social worker, with a masters degree from the University of Georgia. Jaclyn also received her Marriage and Family Therapy certificate from the University of Georgia. Jaclyn has a bachelors degree in Human Services, with an emphasis on nonprofit management. Jaclyn has created and started many different food pantries, within her community. The most recent was with the University of North Georgia, where Jaclyn opened the student food pantry, to help students with food insecurity.
Jaclyn has been involved with many different nonprofits, but mostly with Equine Therapy. Jaclyn is a certified Equine Psychotherapist and loves to provide equine therapy to children and adults. Jaclyn believes that horses have a special power, to help in the areas of trauma and mental health. Jaclyn believes in working with her clients, to meet their goals. Jaclyn believes that the client knows themselves and she is there to support them. Jaclyn helps clients by reinforcing positive self talk and mindfulness.
Sara Fornes
sfornes@livelife-counseling.com
678-807-9858
Sara earned her master’s degree in forensic psychology from Nova Southeastern University. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in both psychology and sociology with a concentration in criminology from Flagler College. Sara has experience working with a variety of populations including adolescents, adults, and older adults. Sara gained experience working in the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. Additionally, she has worked as a Behavioral Health Technician where she taught pre-vocational skills to developmentally disabled adults with co-occurring mental disorders in a group home setting. Sara has experience as a sexual trauma response team member operating a sexual trauma and suicide hotline. She served as a victim’s advocate for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence offering emotional support and referrals for community resources during hospital visits, forensic evaluations, physical evidence collection, and law enforcement interviews. She also assisted survivors of domestic violence during initial court proceedings and filing for protection orders in North Carolina. Her passion is to help each client develop strategies that offer realistic goals for hope and healing in a comfortable and trusting atmosphere.
Mallory Mattie
mmattie@livelife-counseling.com
470-253-1963
Mallory has earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Georgia in May of 2019. She also holds a bachelors degree in Criminal Justice from the University of North Georgia. Mallory has experience working with the local sheriff’s office, child welfare, and Forsyth County Schools. The majority of Mallory’s experience has been working with children and adolescents. Mallory works from a strengths-based approach to empower clients to reach their goals. She also believes that the clients are the expert in their own lives. She is passionate about working with children and adolescents and helping them thrive and live happy and healthy lives.
Mallory is also passionate about using animals through therapeutic services. She is currently in the process of obtaining a dog with the purpose of training it to be used as a therapy dog throughout sessions, and hopefully within the local school systems.
Heather Bousquet, LMSW, CMFT
678-590-0628
hbousquet@livelife-counseling.com
Heather Bousquet has a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Georgia where she also received a certification in marriage and family therapy. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Minor in Sociology also from UGA. Heather has years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. She uses both humanistic and person centered approaches to therapy, but she frequently also finds that having an eclectic use of several different theoretical modalities to be most effective when working with individuals and families with difficult behavioral and cognitive issues. This being said, sometimes she may be found using a solution-focused model, structural, or cognitive-behavioral approach, amongst other modalities. In her career she has worked in a variety of settings such as inpatient behavioral health, private practice, and community mental health care. She has also worked as a parent/child coach as well as with special needs children, adolescents, and young adults. Heather’s passion includes helping individuals find their unique voices. She is an advocate for women’s rights and she supports LGBTQ individuals and communities. Her goal is to assist patients in finding solutions to their problems by building upon the strengths they already have. She believes all individuals are unique and they each deserve to achieve their goals and to pursue their passions.