Meet Our Founder and Staff

Mr. Jim Garvey M.A, LPC/S, NCCBT

Jim is a parent of three children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. He devotes most of his time, energy and effort developing new strategies interventions and programs, to work with this population.  He has a M. A. in applied counseling. He is a licensed professional counselor as well as a licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor. He has received extensive training in applied Behavioral Analysis and verbal behavior.

Jim also holds a national certification in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and is best known for his contributions in a CBT approach in treating High functioning Autism, Asperger's Syndrome and pervasive Developmental Disorder NOS. He is sought after for professional presentations, consulting, workshops and program development.  Jim is the founder and Director of the Cognitive-Behavioral Clinic 2002 which is recognized for all areas of treatment, program development, summer, Saturday social, after school programs, support groups, training and workshops.

Josephette Dotson, M.A., LPC/A

Josephette is a Licensed Professional Counselor Intern who received her Master’s Degree from Webster University.  She is also a Certified Parent Educator through Parents as Teachers National, St. Louis, Missouri.  As a former military spouse, she is a passionate advocate for family.  She’s led Military Family Readiness Groups promoting the optimal welfare for soldier’s families.  She has experience with child/adolescent behavior interventions and career development workforce counseling.

She enjoys aiding individuals in becoming their optimal best.  She works well with children, adults, and families as a whole to accomplish wholeness and well being. She adores her family, arts/culture and traveling.

Ali Dee Mays, M.A., LPC/A

Ali is a skillful, compassionate and empathetic mental health counselor with a passion to instill a positive change among individuals who may be struggling with a diversity of conflicts.  Some areas of my experience include depression, anxiety, substance abuse, eating disorders, trauma, behavioral and conduct problems (ODD, ADHD, ADD), obsessive compulsive behaviors, trauma, grief and anger management in children, adolescents and adults. Ali obtained her masters degree from Webster University and completed her undergraduate studies at University of Tennessee with a bachelors degree in Psychology. 

Ali has been an active in her church's youth ministry for the last four years as a volunteer youth leader. As a volunteer she is responsible for leading small groups with the middle school girls. She is also involved in several other areas within the church. Ali currently lives in Murrells Inlet with her two sweet Chihuahuas. 

As your counselor, she will seek to provide a safe and trustworthy environment for you to openly share your feelings and reach your goals together in a united effort. 

Angela Nordeen, M.A., LPC/A, NCC

Angela is a Nationally Certified Licensed Professional Counselor Associate with a special interest in working with children and parents.  Her work with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families spans such issues as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, parenting, problems with school, behavioral problems, relational issues, trauma, grief and a variety of other topics.

Angela earned a master’s degree in School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lenoir Rhyne University and a bachelor of science degree in Psychology from Coastal Carolina University.  She also has experience in elementary, middle, and high school counseling.

She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and baking.  Angela values the importance of building a strong therapeutic alliance with her clients that fosters a safe, comfortable atmosphere for promoting progress and growth.

Ms. Veronica Akong, MA, MS Ed, LPC/A

Veronica is passionate about helping those in emotional turmoil. Veronica has experience working with adults and adolescents; people with PTSD, anxiety and depression and other forms of trauma.

Veronica is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate and has worked in the Social Service field since 2000. Veronica has a Master of Arts in Counseling and a Master of Science in Higher Ed. Admin from the City University of New York’s Bernard M. Baruch College. Veronica also has a Bachelor of Arts from the City University of New York’s The City College of New York.

Veronica is originally from Trinidad and Tobago and grew up in New York City’s Brooklyn before moving to Myrtle Beach, SC in 2015.

Ms. Challis Russell, MA, LPC/A

Challis Russell is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University. She earned a Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and has obtained her LPCA in South Carolina. She has served a diverse population that includes: children, adolescents, adults, and families. 

Challis’s employment record demonstrates a wealth of experience and involvement in the education and mentoring of children and adults, many of whom have faced immense environmental and economic challenges. She completed her practicum working with foster children and their families. Her responsibilities have included one-on-one counseling, leading educational groups, leading therapy group, writing and implementing behavior intervention plans, and meeting with parents/guardians to discuss their children's progress. Aside from counseling,  she is also an adult education teacher bilingual in Spanish.