Meet our team
Julie Moore, MA, LCMHCA, NCC
Psychotherapist: In-person at Midtown, Telehealth option provided for NC Residents
Email: julie@achievebalancetherapy.com
Julie is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate and a formally trained EFT Therapist. She holds a Masters in Counseling and a Bachelors in Sociology from Wake Forest University. Julie has worked with diverse populations in a variety of settings, including behavioral health facilities, community agencies, and private practice. Julie works with individuals navigating anxiety, stress, relationships, parenting, life transitions, grief/loss, and self-esteem. She also works with couples to help break negative cycles while strengthening communication and creating deeper connections.
Julie seeks to provide a warm, safe, and collaborative space for people to explore themselves and their relationships. She is passionate about helping clients better understand how their past informs their present, while taking steps toward a happier and healthier future. Julie demonstrates empathy and compassion toward her clients in the hopes that they will learn to do the same for themselves. Through building self-compassion and identifying strengths, clients feel empowered to grow and develop their most authentic selves. Julie utilizes person-centered and attachment-centered approaches (including emotionally focused therapy and internal family systems) so that her clients can gain a deeper understanding of their feelings and behaviors while empowering them to make changes that will foster wellbeing. Julie is currently accepting clients age 14+.
Tina French, MS, LMFTA
Psychotherapist: In-Person at Ballantyne Location, Telehealth option provided for NC Residents
Email: tina@achievebalancetherapy.com
Tina French is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Stony Brook University in Long Island, NY and graduate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Central Connecticut State University. Tina currently works with individuals, couples, and families with various concerns such as anxiety, depression, OCD, relationship conflict, pre-marital counseling, emotional distress, ADHD, parenting, job-related distress, divorce, life transitions, self-esteem, stress, blended families, and trauma.
Tina practices from a holistic and systems-based approach centered around the belief that all humans have an innate ability to adapt, heal, and grow. She believes the foundation of therapy is in establishing a strong therapeutic relationship and a nurturing, trusting, and safe environment where clients are comfortable being their authentic selves. Within her practice, Tina integrates multiple therapeutic modalities to address the unique needs of individuals and families utilizing evidence-based practices such as Emotion Focused Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, attachment, mind/body connection, EFT/Tapping and somatic work, and Internal Family Systems.
Tina has experience working with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds, young children from age five to adolescence in both school and agency settings, couples, and families in various life stages. She has facilitated several groups pertaining to teens and self-esteem, meditation and mindfulness, couples, sibling conflict, and psychoeducational parenting groups.
Kenyah Smith, MA, LMFT, LCAS, CSAT
Psychotherapist: In-Person at Midtown Location, Telehealth option provided for NC & SC Residents
Email: kenyah@achievebalancetherapy.com
Kenyah is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS) and Certified Sex Addiction therapist (CSAT). Kenyah specializes in treating individuals and couples struggling to navigate addiction, self-esteem issues, life transitions and relationship challenges including infidelity. Kenyah also utilizes EMDR therapy to assist individuals in healing relational trauma that often lies at the core of addictive behavior. While behavior change is a necessary step on the journey toward healing, lasting change occurs through addressing pain and emotional wounds beneath maladaptive behavior patterns.
Kenyah utilizes a systemic, experiential and emotion focused approach to help others on their journey to authentic self. She believes congruency of emotion and authenticity in our daily lives leads to the creation of fulfilling relationships with others. In the therapy room, Kenyah is a “gentle challenger” by holding space for client emotion while encouraging accountability to create desired change.
SEUGNET Marais, MA, LMFTA
Psychotherapist: In-Person at Ballantyne Location, Telehealth option provided for NC Residents
Email: seugnet@achievebalancetherapy.com
Seugnet received a bachelor’s degree in Social Work at Stellenbosch University in South Africa. She completed her master’s degree in Systemic Psychotherapy at Tavistock and Portman in London, UK and her Play Therapy qualification was also obtained in the UK. Seugnet has extensive experience since 2004 in working with individuals, families and children from diverse backgrounds, including adoptive and foster families. She has worked in a variety of settings including schools, family homes, communities, and an outpatient hospital setting.
Seugnet has expertise in working with individuals, families and children aged 0-12. She brings a deep understanding of the unique needs and challenges that arise during this pivotal stage of development for children and the complexities in parenthood. She has worked with a wide range of concerns related to behavior, trauma, life transitions, parenting, grief and loss, relationships, and family conflict. Seugnet is skilled in using a variety of therapeutic approaches tailored to meet the specific needs of each family and child, including family therapy, child-centered play therapy and more.
Seugnet believes that each person, family and child’s journey is unique. She approaches her work with a strengths-based and holistic perspective, and a belief in the inherent resilience of families and children and their ability to adapt, heal and grow. The therapeutic relationship is the cornerstone of her approach, and through collaboration, she strives to create a safe, inclusive, and nurturing therapeutic environment.
Shana Dols, MA, LMFT
Psychotherapist: In-Person at Ballantyne Locations, Telehealth option provided for NC & SC Residents
Email: shana@achievebalancetherapy.com
Shana is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a graduate of Pfeiffer University. She brings sixteen years of public-school teaching experience, working with populations reflecting age, economic, cultural and language, ethnic and racial, gender and sexual, geographic, and neurological diversity. In addition to educating, Shana helped build positive relationships, establish strong connections, and create systems of support, work that continues to inform her practice as a psychotherapist.
As a mental health professional, Shana has served individuals, couples, and families facing challenges with relationships, loss, divorce and estrangement, grief and bereavement, anxiety, childhood and medical trauma, substance use, caregiver fatigue, solo parenting, economic stress, aging, and life stage transitions. Shana serves clients age 18+.
Shana brings compassionate collaboration, strength-based inquiry, and a passion for integrative holistic healing. She offers an open-hearted approach and believes that we can all find a path of healing and empowerment in order to move towards that which we most value and hold meaningful for our lives. Shana brings a client-centered, integrative approach incorporating relational, behavioral, and somatic model strategies. She has advanced training in providing Eye Movement and Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) - an effective intervention for clients who have experienced trauma. Shana has also completed Gottman Level 1 training. Among her areas of interest are conscious movement and dance, holistic wellness, expressive arts, bibliotherapy, therapeutic storytelling, and neuroscience research.
Betsy Harvey, M.Ed, LCMHCA, LSC
Psychotherapist: In-Person at Ballantyne & Midtown Locations, Telehealth option provided for NC Residents
Email: betsy@achievebalancetherapy.com
Betsy is is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate and a Licensed School Counselor (LSC) in the state of North Carolina. She holds a Master Degree in Educational and Counseling Psychology from The University of Louisville. Betsy has significant experience providing services in the school system, both as a school counselor and a teacher. Her areas of expertise include: ADHD, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, divorce, adjustment issues, parenting, and school consultations.
Counseling provides a safe, supportive environment where clients feel validated and empowered to explore, examine, and learn to manage personal challenges. Using a variety of approaches such as Cognitive-Behavioral, Person Centered, Mindfulness, Solution Focused, and expressive art and play techniques, Betsy assists clients as they embark on their own, personal journeys toward healing. She works to establish a caring and accepting relationship with clients through active listening and unconditional positive regard.
Betsy accepts clients age 6 and older and especially enjoys working with teens. Her prior experience includes 11 years in school counseling within private, public, urban, rural and special needs settings where she additionally developed skills in testing and assessment administration and interpretation. Areas of expertise include school related issues, relational issues, parenting, social skills, self-esteem, ADHD, divorce, depression, and anxiety. Betsy considers it a privilege to accompany clients on their journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
Jenny Caldwell, MA, LMFT
Psychotherapist: In-Person at Ballantyne Location & Telehealth option provided for NC & SC Residents
Email: jenny@achievebalancetherapy.com
Jenny received a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy in Pfeiffer University's prestigious graduate department. Jenny is passionate about working with individuals and families. She believes that the client/ therapist relationship is a critical component of the therapeutic process and places emphasis on maintaining a nonjudgmental, caring, and safe environment for her clients. Jenny's compassion and use of evidence-based research models provide a space for her to empower and support clients. She believes that the therapy process is collaborative - both therapist and client work together to develop strategies and tools to help clients transition through stressful times. Using both long and short-term therapy approaches, Jenny creates an individual approach for each client.
Her clinical related experiences include working with pre-marital couples, married couples experiencing a range of marital difficulties, and families experiencing divorce or blending of families. Her experiences also include helping patients who have experienced severe medical and emotional trauma in a hospital setting. There she provided specialized services for inpatient trauma clients and their family members. Additionally, Jenny has provided psychotherapeutic services for hospitalized patients experiencing a range of psychotic disorders. She has also provided therapeutic services for clients who have experienced grief and loss, addiction, divorce, blending of families, separation, anxiety, stress, depression, premarital counseling, marital issues, crisis, co-parenting, academic stress & challenges, play therapy, suicidal thought and self-harm, eating disorders, infidelity, self-esteem, abandonment, and abuse. Working in various clinical settings has provided Jenny with an opportunity to help many children, adolescents, adults, seniors, couples and families.
Kimberly Whalen, MA, LMFT
Psychotherapist: In-Person at Ballantyne Location & Telehealth option provided for NC Residents
Email: kimberly@achievebalancetherapy.com
Kimberly (Vogel) Whalen is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She obtained her undergraduate degree in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University and graduate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pfeiffer University of Graduate Studies. Kimberly is certified in Level 1 of Gottman Method Couples Therapy. Her therapy approach is taken from an attachment theory and perspective. She believes humans are wired to feel connected and that we all greatly benefit from healthy relationships. Without this connectedness, we may experience loneliness or isolation. She provides a safe, accepting space for individuals, couples, and families using a positive Existential Therapy Model to support self-awareness, meaningful relationships, and values of life.
Together with her clients, she helps identify personal strengths, increase self-worth, explores family behavioral patterns and roadblocks to developing healthy relationships. Most important in her therapy practice is to help clients celebrate the freedom of empowerment, healing, and connectedness - all of which she believes leads to personal growth.
Kimberly has worked with a variety of populations and culturally diverse ethnic groups. She has provided services to clients experiencing attachment injuries, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, high functioning Autism, codependency, grief, marital/family conflict, infidelity, parenting issues, self-esteem concerns, life transitions, women/mens issues, and day-to-day stressors. Kimberly also enjoys providing therapy for other mental health professionals to support self-care and individuation.
Human existence begins and ends with a desire for connectedness. Connectedness forms identity, preserves aspiration, constructs meaning, and models generativity. - Kimberly Whalen
Emily Robertson, MA, LMFT, RPT
Psychotherapist: In-Person at Midtown Location & Telehealth option provided for NC & SC Residents
Email: emily@achievebalancetherapy.com
Emily received a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pfeiffer University, and has over ten years of experience working with children and their families. Emily’s background as a classroom teacher led her to wanting to focus more specifically on the social and emotional well-being of children and their families, and she is passionate about supporting and empowering children and their families in order to achieve their goals.
Emily employs a variety of techniques in order to meet the needs of clients, utilizing psychoeducation, mindfulness, client-centered interventions, and a collaborative approach in order to empower clients to both understand their behaviors and choices, and to make changes when necessary or helpful. Her background in education allows her to offer insight into the education system when addressing academic and behavioral concerns within the school setting. She also utilizes play-based techniques with children, and often includes the parent or caregiver in sessions as well. Emily specializes in working with concerns related to anxiety, ADHD, social skills, self esteem , grief and loss, blended families/ families experiencing transition, as well as parenting-related issues and concerns. Emily believes strongly that each child has a unique set of skills and strengths that they contribute to the therapeutic process, and hopes to assist her clients in both identifying these, and putting them to use in order to make the changes that they desire. Emily is accepting clients ages 3 to 13 years old at this time.
Niki Mullis, MA, LMFT, LCAS-A
Psychotherapist: In-Person at Ballantyne & Midtown Location - Telehealth option provided for NC Residents
Email: niki@achievebalancetherapy.com
Niki Mullis is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate and a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist Associate. A graduate of Queens University with a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Health Services, Niki completed her graduate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pfeiffer University. A Prepare/Enrich facilitator, Niki is also certified in Level 1 Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
Passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families cultivate skills for building healthy relationships and finding purpose in life, Niki believes the process of therapy, in part, involves relearning one’s purpose by identifying one’s innate strengths. A believer that everyone can benefit from therapy, Niki works with individuals as well as couples of all ages, and has led groups for adolescents and young adults. Her approaches to therapy include relationship skills-building, person-centered methods, systemic and family theory, experiential theory, and attachment styles.
She has provided services to clients addressing a wide range of concerns, including sexuality, anxiety, depression, broken relationships, self-worth, addiction, life stressors, attachment injuries, trauma, work-life balance, self-compassion, communication issues, and spirituality. Her approach in session is to provide a non-judgmental, empathetic, safe, and encouraging environment that establishes a foundation of trust and helps to promote each client’s pursuit of wellness.
Teneshia Ledbetter, MA, LMFT, LCAS-A
Psychotherapist: In-Person at Midtown Location & Telehealth option provided for NC Residents
Email: teneshia@achievebalancetherapy.com
Teneshia received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pfeiffer University. She has provided therapy in group settings, as well as to individuals, couples, and families. While attaining her graduate degree, she worked with couples dealing with premarital concerns, infidelity, blending of families, and other conflicts; individuals suffering from depression, low self-esteem, trauma, and sexual issues; and adult males in a substance abuse rehabilitation facility.
Teneshia believes that while we cannot change the past, we can learn a great deal from our life experiences. She believes that our families, culture, and the way we grew up affect our values and belief systems, and it is when those initial beliefs no longer work to maintain daily functioning that we begin to feel stuck. Through the use of techniques including but not limited to deep breathing and mindfulness practices, and family mapping, she collaborates with the client on getting unstuck and provides a safe space while they become a better version of themselves. Teneshia specializes in anxiety, depression, prenatal and postpartum concerns, stress, life transitions, couple conflicts, self esteem, addictions and African American culture.
Martia Edwards, MS, LCMHCA
Psychotherapist: In-Person at Midtown Location, Telehealth option provided for NC Residents
Email: martia@achievebalancetherapy.com
Martia received a B.A. in Psychology and a M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. With over 5 years of counseling experience, Martia has worked with a variety of populations in various clinical settings. She particularly enjoys working with children ages 4-18. She has provided services to clients experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, parent/child conflict, parenting issues, self-esteem concerns, life transitions, and behavioral disorders such as ADD/ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, and Conduct Disorder.
Martia utilizes a holistic approach in her therapeutic work with clients. She is passionate about bringing forth growth, healing, and empowerment to children and their families so that they can live happy and healthy lives. She aims to provide a safe environment for clients to express themselves without fear of judgement. Martia specializes in Play therapy, Group Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Person-Centered Therapy when working with clients. She also incorporates different forms of expressive arts such as journaling, painting, and different forms of movement.
Martia is currently pursuing the Registered Play Therapist (RPT) credential and she serves as a board member for the North Carolina Association of Play Therapy.
Libby Fentress, MS, LMFT
Psychotherapist: In-Person at Ballantyne Location & Telehealth option provided for NC Residents
Email: libby@achievebalancetherapy.com
Libby Fentress is a Licensed Marriage and Therapist (LMFT). She received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Virginia Tech and a Master of Marriage and Family Therapy from East Carolina University. She works primarily from the attachment perspective, using the evidence-based Emotionally Focused Therapy interventions to help create healing, secure, and connected relationships.
Libby believes that relationships are inherently personal and unique, so she welcomes those who fall anywhere on the spectrum of conflict, interaction, and communication. Regardless of where you are now, she believes there is understanding and perspective to be gained and progress to be made. As a therapist, her approach is collaborative, curious, warm, and welcoming - where clients feel safe, supported, and comfortable being their authentic selves. She believes the therapeutic relationship is the foundation for successful work and understands that in order to “lean in” to vulnerability and make progress, clients must feel it is safe to share thoughts and emotions.
Libby has worked with a variety of populations including college age young adults, young married couples, middle aged couples, in-home clients, families with teen and pre-teen children, families of children struggling with weight-related concerns, and individual adults navigating divorce/remarriage. She provides counseling/therapy for concerns including anxiety, depression, relationship conflict, pre-martial counseling, emotional distress, parenting, job-related distress, life transitions, ADHD, divorce, disordered eating, substance abuse, grief/loss, self-esteem, sexuality, stress, step/blended families, and trauma. Libby currently provides both in-person and teletherapy (online) therapy services for adult individuals (age 18+) and adult couples (age 18+).
Libby has also completed Level 1 training for Gottman Method couples therapy.
Sarah mcarthur, MA, LMFT
Psychotherapist: In-Person at Midtown Location & Telehealth option provided for NC & SC Residents
Email: sarah@achievebalancetherapy.com
Sarah is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, as well as a Masters of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pfeiffer University. Sarah has provided mental health services in a variety of different settings with areas of focus including anxiety, depression, divorce, grief/loss, life transitions, relationship concerns, pre-marital and marital concerns, LGBTQIA+ issues, stress, substance use/abuse, medication management, employment issues and trauma.
Sarah’s ultimate objective is to make sure that clients feel comfortable and safe enough to process any experience or challenge, while providing the necessary coping skills to navigate their unique, individual lives. Sarah’s treatment approach mostly includes client/person-centered techniques and solution-focused strategies where she acts as a supportive guide along whatever journey the client is currently on. Sarah also has a personal passion to help continue to eliminate the stigma around therapy and mental health in the African American communities as well as other marginalized groups.
Erin Wakefield, MS, LCMHC, NCC
Psychotherapist: In-Person at Ballantyne Location & Telehealth option provided for NC and SC Residents
Email: erin@achievebalancetherapy.com
Erin is a LCMHC and received her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Mercer University and Bachelors of Science in Psychology from Georgia State University, both in Atlanta, Georgia. During and following her graduate program at Mercer she worked in Community Mental Health at a non-profit behavioral health organization that is a staple in the heart of the city. Within this trauma-informed organization came the opportunity to work with children, adolescents, families, and adults from all walks of life. Her passion for leaning into the walk with those she worked with grew immensely and allowed her to experience an array of circumstances and challenges, as well as witness and be a part of many triumphs. Areas of focus include stress, trauma, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts and self-harm, grief/loss, parenting challenges, ADD/ADHD, self-esteem concerns, life transitions, and holistic well-being.
Erin believes whole-heartedly that each person has the innate ability to channel resilience within themselves to achieve joy and contentment in life. She also believes that every day will not look the same and challenges can be difficult to see around, especially in those heavy moments that can seem everlasting. She sees how every person brings something unique with them from each life experience. Erin values the depth of these experiences and what they can bring into the counseling relationship. Appreciating and utilizing curiosity through a holistic lens, she intuitively taps into areas within each client that can be a starting point for gaining insight, empowerment, and transformation in daily life.
While Erin’s therapeutic roots are based on the Humanistic, Client-centered, and whole-person approach, she does not waver from the belief that there are choices and options for a reason- to be utilized as needed, for healing and growth. Some other approaches she brings into the room are CBT, EMDR, experiential therapy, internal family systems, expressive arts therapy, and mindfulness-based techniques. The relationship between therapist and client is built on collaboration, respect, and free will with attention always being on creating a safe environment to share and breathe through change.
Dakota Moser, Therapist Intern
Marriage and Family Therapy Intern: In-Person at Midtown location
Emily: info@achievebalancetherapy.com
Dakota received a Bachelor’s degree in Family & Community Services from East Carolina University. She is currently in her final year of completing a Master’s degree in Marriage & Family Therapy from Pfeiffer University. Through her coursework, clinical experience and supervision, Dakota is honing her skills in tailoring the use of a variety of therapeutic approaches to meet the specific needs of her clients.
Dakota is committed to offering individuals, couples, and families a nonjudgmental and compassionate space for exploration. She works to provide support, validation, and guidance to her clients as they navigate challenges in their personal lives. Through reflective dialogue and evidence-based practices, Dakota aims to empower clients by helping them develop coping strategies, acknowledge their strengths, and restore their sense of self.
Dakota recognizes that her clients are the experts on their lives, and she hopes to be the catalyst to healing and self-discovery. She is passionate about creating a safe space for clients to feel seen, heard, understood and accepted for who they are. Dakota believes that together she and her clients can embark on a journey towards growth, empowerment, and healing.
Sarah M. Whitmire, PhD, LMFT-S, LCMHC-S
Director & Psychotherapist: In-Person at Ballantyne & Fort Mill Locations, Telehealth option provided for NC, SC, and TX residents
Email: info@achievebalancetherapy.com
Dr. Whitmire has provided therapy services since 2004, and she has provided services in the Charlotte/Fort Mill area since 2013. Her clinical experiences include working in a variety of mental health settings: psychiatric hospitals with acute care patients age 3+, corrections facility with adult male offenders, residential treatment for eating disorder and acute care patients, and private practice. Dr. Whitmire has also taught at 5 esteemed universities for Graduate Studies (Masters in Counseling and Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy Departments): St. Edwards University, Sam Houston State University, Walden University, South University, and most recently at Pfeiffer University.
She incorporates a variety of techniques in order to encourage personal growth, and works with each client (and in most cases their families) to help build on their personal strengths and resources. Dr. Whitmire views therapy as highly interactive and a collaborative process between the therapist and clients - effective therapy requires that both therapist and client are invested in the therapy process, have a positive relationship, and give each other feedback. She believes that there are numerous reasons why people seek therapy. Regardless of what the reason may be, we all hold the innate capacity to improve and change our lifestyles. Therapy provides a safe environment to explore such changes needed, and allows for individuals to gain personal awareness, insight, and growth.
Dr. Whitmire specializes in anxiety, depression, grief & loss, play therapy, couples counseling, cross-dressing, family therapy, and Middle Eastern culture. Dr. Whitmire has training in the following couples curriculum: Gottman Level 1 and 2, Bringing Baby Home, and Prepare & Enrich. She additionally provides supervision for LCMHCA and LMFTA. Advance case consultation services are also provided for licensed clinicians needing assistance.
