About us

We are committed to helping you on your journey.

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About

We understand that seeking counseling is a courageous step, and we are here to provide you with a safe environment to embark on your journey of healing.

Our dedicated team of licensed therapists and interns is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment, rooted in Christian principles, where you can find renewal.

Confidentiality is of the utmost importance, and we prioritize ensuring that your privacy is safeguarded at all times.

Whether you need the proper tools to handle overwhelming life stress or need guidance processing trauma, we are here to help you discover hope, restoration, and a deeper connection with your faith as you navigate life’s complexities with grace and guidance.

MISSION statement

Our mission is to provide a compassionate, judgement-free environment you can find healing, hope, and holistic growth, guided by biblical values.

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MEET OUR Therapists

Our team of experienced, compassionate, licensed therapists and interns is dedicated to supporting your mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Each brings a unique set of skills, expertise, and passion to help you achieve your goals.

Rachael Croley, LCSW is our Clinical Director.

Meet Rachael Croley
Clinical Director | #SW6156

Rachael Croley, LCSW is our Clinical Director. Rachael received her bachelor's degree from the University of West Florida and her Master of Social Work from Florida State University. Rachael has always had a passion for hurting people. At an early age she saw her parents struggle through divorce and how their journey impacted her and her siblings. She believes when one member of the family is in pain, everyone hurts. Her personal experience of working through trauma and seeing family relationships restored has provided healing in her life and an earnest desire to help others. For the last 25 years Rachael has worked intensively with individuals, couples, children and adolescents in therapy…

Whether she is working with a teenager struggling with a crippling sense of self, a couple at the brink of divorce, an individual suffering with addictions or a young child struggling in school, connecting with her client is essential. Helping individuals learn new coping skills, communication skills and problem-solving skills is foundational in the counseling process. So often the pain goes deeper and examining root causes is essential for healing and wholeness. Rachael has a calling to help others to see themselves as Christ sees them.

Rachael completed her post graduate work with the New Life Clinic and was selected and completed the Counseling Enrichment Program with Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs. Rachael was trained as Supreme Court Family Mediator, Prepare Enrich Marriage Counselor and is a Qualified Supervisor for the Florida Department of Health for Social Work, Mental Health and Marriage and Family. Rachael has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with the Florida Department of Health since October 2000, SW#6156. Rachael was a recipient of the Davis Productivity Award for the state of Florida and Volunteer of the Year for Ronald McDonald House. Rachael is the Founding Director and operated the Pensacola Bay Baptist Association Counseling Ministry, Faith and Hope, for more than eight years. Rachael was in private practice for ten years before onboarding at Olive Baptist to start the Olive Counseling Center in 2019.

Rachael has been married to her husband, Steve, for 34 years and they have four children and an amazing son-in-law. Rachael lives on 9 acres where she enjoys the quiet outdoors with her three cats and three Siberian Huskies. Rachael does admit you might catch her binging on Netflix show every now and then. ☺ She loves going tent camping and hiking with her family every fall and singing in the choir at Olive Baptist Church.

KRISTIN HILL
Ministry Assistant

TAMMY SUTTON
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
#SW19544

  • Tammy received her Bachelor of Social Work and her Master of Social Work at the University of West Florida. She began her clinical work in 2018 at Gulf Coast Kid’s House as a student intern providing treatment to children and families experiencing past trauma. Tammy is a licensed clinical social worker. She has received specialized training in working with complex trauma and children. Tammy is EMDR Certified and a Registered Play TherapistTM. She enjoys working with children and adults individually and in groups. Tammy has experience as a school counselor at King Middle school and currently works in a private practice setting. Tammy has two beautiful daughters, and her family has enjoyed serving foster children and their biological families since 2009. Tammy is the author of two children’s books Daughter of the King and Courage to Tell which helps parents educate, equip, and empower children against the evils of child sexual abuse.

ANDREW BOYD
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
#MH13498

  • Andrew Boyd received his bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi and his Master of Science degree in Counseling & Psychology from Troy University. Andrew has been a Licensed Mental Health Counselor under the Florida Department of health since June of 2015. Andrew has previously worked as a mental health counselor in corrections (Escambia County Jail and Blackwater River Correctional Facility). In addition to his practice at Olive Counseling Center, he currently works as a counselor at Sims Middle School, in Pace, Florida. Andrew has been married to his wife, Krista, since 2003 and they have 3 daughters. Andrew also plays guitar and enjoys being part of the worship ministry of his church, West Florida Baptist Church in Milton.

RENÉE LORD
Masters in Social Work
Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern
ISW #18624

  • Renée Lord received her Master’s in Social Work (MSW) and her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of West Florida. Renée looks forward to implementing her skills that include loving and encouraging people toward mental health while trusting in her faith in Jesus Christ. Renée is a mother of 4, grandmother of 8, and treasures everyone in her family. In 2016, Renée married her husband, Simon, and God is blessing them as they build their life together. Two significant life experiences that Renée brings to the counseling center are divorce and death of a child. She understands the complexities of navigating pain and grief and wants to help others who are hurting. Renée founded “The Meagan Napier Foundation” to STOP DUIs and to promote forgiveness and healing. Renée’s daughter, Meagan Napier, was killed by a drunk driver in 2002.

Eric Schade - Licensed Clinical Social Worker #SW15011

ERIC SCHADE
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
#SW15011

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker | #SW15011

    Eric Schade received his Masters of Social Work degree from Florida State University in 2015 and offers counseling for adults and adolescents. Eric is licensed as a social worker in Florida. He has worked previously at a college counseling center and in private practice. His approach to practice is insight-based and may utilize cognitive-behavioral techniques. In addition to providing counseling at Olive Counseling Center, Eric is a professor of clinical practice at the University of West Florida. Eric is married and has two sons. For fun he enjoys dog walks, cooking with the family, and Saturdays at the soccer fields.

NATALIA MCCOY
Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Registered Mental Health Intern
#MH26724

  • Natalia earned her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University in August 2023 and her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Oral Roberts University in May 2020. She is committed to helping individuals heal, grow, and thrive so they can reach their God-given potential. Natalia integrates creative and experiential therapies, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Sandtray therapy, to help clients access deeper layers of healing. Her therapeutic style is warm, compassionate, and rooted in the belief that every person carries an innate capacity for resilience, transformation, and restoration. Natalia's passion for trauma work began after witnessing firsthand the profound impact that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can have on individuals and their families. This experience strengthened her commitment to walk alongside clients as they process painful memories, rebuild a sense of safety, and reclaim their stories. Natalia is deeply devoted to supporting individuals navigate and heal from trauma, offering a nurturing and empowering space where clients can reconnect with themselves, rediscover hope, and move toward lasting wholeness.

ALONNA HITCHCOCK
Graduate Student Intern in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

  • Alonna Hitchcock is a counseling intern completing her graduate program at Troy University, where she will graduate with a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in December 2025. Prior to pursuing her passion for counseling, Alonna taught middle and high school students for ten years. She is an active member of her church, contributing to the Grief Share ministry and other programs that support both her congregation and the surrounding community. Alonna is certified in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and Managing Emotional States Effectively (MESE). Alonna believes that healing occurs through authentic connection, resilience, and compassion. She approaches counseling with a trauma-informed, client-centered, holistic mindset. Outside of her professional life, Alonna enjoys traveling and exploring the outdoors with her husband of seventeen years. In addition to her beloved biological son and daughter, she has been blessed with a beautiful daughter through adoption. Alonna is deeply empathetic, passionate, and grateful for the God-given opportunity to serve others on their healing journeys.

LEAH PARUCH
M.A., RMHCI
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern | EMDR-Trained Therapist

  • Leah Paruch is a compassionate and skilled registered intern counselor with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology specializing in Christian Counseling and a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. She is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and integrates psychodynamic principles, trauma-informed care, and a values-sensitive approach to help clients navigate healing and growth.

    Leah’s clinical work focuses on exploring life narratives, emotional experiences, and unconscious patterns to foster meaningful, lasting change. She believes in creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel seen, supported, and empowered to work toward their goals. Rooted in her Christian faith, she honors the diverse beliefs and backgrounds that shape each client’s story and creates an inclusive environment for those of all spiritual perspectives.

    Before entering the counseling field, Leah devoted her time to completing her degrees while supporting her husband through military service, raising her children, and serving actively in ministry and education. These experiences shaped her passion for holistic care, authentic connection, and the integration of spiritual and emotional growth.

    Her personal journey as a military spouse who has navigated deployments, homefront responsibilities, and the ongoing rhythms of reserve life has deepened her empathy for individuals and families facing transition, loss, and resilience-building.

    Leah’s multicultural background—rooted in both African American and Filipino heritage and enriched through time spent in the Philippines and diverse communities—gives her a globally aware and culturally attuned perspective in her work. She values the beauty of each person’s story and the shared humanity that connects them.

    Outside of counseling, Leah enjoys homeschooling her children, music, spoken word, reading, cooking, and spending time outdoors with her family and friends. She also values continued personal and professional growth, viewing lifelong learning as an integral part of her faith and practice.

SEAN HARNAS
Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy
Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Intern
#IMT 4327

  • Sean Harnas received his Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Oral Roberts University. He put his Bachelor of Theology degree to work for 10 years as a Youth Pastor, working with students in grades 7-12, as well as investing his time as a High School soccer coach and teacher for various periods of time. Sean has four children, girls bookended by two boys, and has been married since 2008. Sean began working clinically as a Registered Marriage and Family Intern in 2025. His focus is working with couples, families, teens, as well as individuals. Sean looks forward to completing a doctoral degree after completing his post-graduate internship hours and successfully testing for his license as a Marriage and Family therapist. His approach working with clients is generally strengths-based as well as learning-focused and may involve cognitive behavioral interventions. Sean enjoys spending his time with his family, on the soccer pitch, and surfing at the beach.

 

NATALIE WALKER
Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Registered Mental Health Intern | IMH #27872

  • Natalie Walker is a registered mental health intern who earned her bachelor's degree in social work at Auburn University and her Master of Arts in Counseling degree from Reformed Theological Seminary. Before pursuing counseling, she worked for two years in campus ministry with The Navigators helping students grow in their faith.

    Natalie is committed to the transformative work of helping others feel truly seen, known, and loved as she seeks to bring together her skills of attunement with the science of change, offering integrative and collaborative care for each client’s needs.

    Approaching therapy through an attachment-based lens, Natalie integrates Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP). She works with individuals, teens, and families, and is passionate about walking alongside clients as they navigate grief, anxiety, ADHD, depression, relationship challenges, major life transitions, and anger.

    In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, exploring new places—from coffee shops to new countries—getting lost in a good book, and relaxing by the ocean.

EMILY THOMSEN
Counseling Intern

  • Emily Thomsen is a counseling intern completing her graduate studies in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of the Cumberlands. She brings a strong background in children’s and youth ministry and has been actively involved in the foster care community for over a year. Her primary engagement with this community has been working with youth who struggle with behavioral and emotional challenges that impact their ability to form connections and stability. These experiences have shaped her commitment to supporting individuals and families through complex emotional and relational challenges. She remains engaged in her church community and participates regularly in outreach opportunities. Emily believes in a holistic approach to counseling, emphasizing the importance of physical, emotional, and spiritual health.

    She is passionate about walking alongside individuals as they navigate healing, growth, and meaningful life change. Emily enjoys working with adolescents and adults, particularly those dealing with trauma histories, addiction recovery, relationship challenges, and life transitions. Emily approaches counseling with a warm, client-centered, and trauma-informed perspective. She integrates evidence-based practices to create a safe and supportive environment where clients feel heard, valued, and empowered to explore their stories. She believes deeply in the importance of authentic connection, resilience, and compassion as part of the healing process.

 

 Interested in joining our team?

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 FAQs

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  • Absolutely. We prioritize your confidentiality and adhere to strict, professional ethics and legal standards. We are committed to providing you a safe space to process your life experiences. What is discussed during your session remains confidential. For minors, our therapists will discuss confidentiality limits with both the minor and their legal guardians.

  • Session Fees
    Individual Counseling:

    $110 for intake

    $100 each following individual session

    Couples / Family Counseling:

    $135 for intake

    $135 for each couples/family sessions following

  • We do not accept insurance and although we are considered out of network, we are certified providers with Tri-Care East and other insurances. We also participate in numerous Employee Assistance Programs (EAP’s). Many insurances do reimburse for out of network providers, check with your insurance to see what your benefits are.

  • Yes, we do! We offer a sliding fee scale based on annual household income. We want counseling to be affordable and we do not want finances to be a reason for you not to seek help.

  • A counseling session at Olive Counseling Center typically lasts 50 to 60 minutes, providing you with a dedicated space to openly explore your thoughts, emotions, and concerns. During this time, you and your counselor will engage in meaningful conversations, collaborative goal-setting, and the application of therapeutic techniques tailored to your needs.

  • Counseling is beneficial for those dealing with a wide range of challenges, from everyday stress and relationship challenges to more complex mental health conditions. Our therapists are here to support you through various life situations. Counseling is truly for everyone.

  • Yes. Within the state of Florida, we offer Telehealth counseling services, providing clients with convenience and flexibility. Our secure and confidential virtual platform ensures that you can receive quality counseling support remotely.