Meet the Clinicians

Heather L. Strickland, MA LCMHCS, LCAS

About Me

I am a Brunswick County native who has dedicated my life to raising awareness for mental health/substance use issues and reducing the stigma around accessing treatment for both.

In 2009, I began my career in human services as an intern with both the City of Myrtle Beach’s Employee Assistance Program and Southeastern United Care. In 2010 I graduated from Webster University with a Master’s of Arts Degree in Counseling. I am currently certified as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor and Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist in North Carolina. For the past thirteen years, I have worked in a variety of community mental health agencies, serving the needs of individuals from all walks of life. My professional counseling experience includes individual and group counseling in a community mental health agency, individual counseling with an Employee Assistance Program and in a local Detention Center as well as crisis intervention in a community setting. I have also had the pleasure of presenting on Suicide Awareness and Mobile Crisis Management to several groups of first responders across southeast North Carolina as part of their Crisis Intervention Team Certification.

In 2019 I made the decision to open Moving Ahead Counseling, so that residents of Brunswick County and the surrounding area had another option for mental health care. We have grown by leaps and bounds since then, and are currently serving residents of 6 counties. in our Supply, NC office and have a second office opening in December 2024 in Leland, NC.

Kimberly Palmer, MSW LCSW

About Me

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. My approach to therapy starts with meeting individuals where they are and building upon their strengths. I work with individuals to help them learn to make a connection between thoughts, emotions and behaviors in order to make choices that positively impact their life. I have worked in a variety of settings, including residential facilities, schools and a community mental health agency, supporting both adolescents and adults. My work over the past 20 years has focused on areas such as anxiety, depression, emotional regulation and mood issues, trauma/abuse issues, adjustment concerns to new environments, life or school transitions, stress management, conflict resolution skills, and social/communication skills.

Do you feel disconnected from those around you, or at times do you put on a fake smile so others don’t really know how you are feeling, or even put others needs before your own? Life around you seems to be moving at a different pace then you and finding your breath seems difficult, even though you can’t slow down to think or make sense of the world around you. Every day decisions seem overwhelming or simple tasks take longer than expected.

Imagine making the decision to live life instead of just surviving life. Imagine finding a place to build on your strengths and embrace who you are, and look in a mirror and say “I believe in who I am.” Doing the work can be hard and at times overwhelming, however remember life is a marathon not a sprint.

If you found yourself connecting to anything said above, I want you to know I am here to listen and I see you. I want you to see the worth inside yourself and the power to choose your destination. Making the decision to focus on you may seem scary, but you owe it to yourself and I am here to listen and support you along the way.

Elizaida Velez-Olan, MSW, LCSWA

About Me

I am Elizaida Velez-Olan, LCSWA with a master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Puerto Rico from where I am. I have supported families for well over 15 years in a variety of settings. My varied experiences with families, children, and community development occurred in Puerto Rico, Pennsylvania, and currently in North Carolina. One of the most important focuses in my professional career has been on the impact that parental wellness has on their children’s development and education. I have worked in a multicultural and diverse context with families from different countries, languages, beliefs, and socioeconomics backgrounds. I can work with you in your preferred language, English, or Spanish. Continuous learning and personal growth are some of my professional motivations. I greatly enjoy supporting people’s goals and growth.

Chelsea Del Vecchio, MSW LCSWA

About Me

My name is Chelsea Del Vecchio, and I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate who’s passionate about working with children, adolescents and their families. My therapeutic approach is grounded in trauma-informed care and meeting clients where they are, as they are, in order to earn the trust needed to support my clients through their healing journey. My professional style prioritizes a casual over clinical approach, while creating a safe environment to empower clients and their willingness to be vulnerable.

I graduated from the University of Southern California in 2019 with my Masters of Social Work. In my 4+ years of practice I have worked in settings such as community mental health, in-home, residential facilities, and schools providing individual, family, and group therapy. I have a background in early childhood education and experience working with children in a clinical setting from ages 4 and up.

Specialties:

childhood trauma
anxiety
anger management
depression
parenting skills
life transitions/adjustments
behavioral problems
emotion regulation
body image dissatisfaction
independent living skills

EBI:

Cognitive behavioral therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Flash therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Problem-solving therapy

Autumn Littlebrant, MSW LCSWA

About Me

Autumn is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associates through the North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board. Autumn received a Master of Social Work from the University of North Carolina Wilmington in 2022. Autumn has experience in providing individual, family, and group therapy in a community/group home setting with adolescents within the foster care system and other community members of various ages. She also has experience providing outpatient therapy for victims of sexual assault. Autumn utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solutions Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Socratic Questioning.
Autumn has a passion meeting people where they are at in their lives and empowering these individuals to make the changes they want to see within their own lives. Autumn strives to create a safe and respectful environment for her clients to feel heard and understood during sessions. Autumn works with clients struggling with depression, suicidality, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, life transitions, anger, and emotional disturbance. Autumn enjoys staying up to date on research and learning about new therapeutic approaches.
“All people deserve a safe, respectful place to be listened to; regardless of their situation. I hope every client leaves therapy feeling supported and empowered.”

Paige Myers, MSW LCSW

About Me

I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who has worked with children and teenagers throughout my career of 8 years. I received my undergraduate in social work from UNC-Wilmington and my graduate degree from UNC-Greensboro. Although I grew up near the Winston-Salem area, I spent most of my weekends in Oak Island! I chose to start my career in the Wilmington area as a family therapist for the juvenile justice system.

Currently, I am also a school-based mental health therapist in New Hanover County. I truly enjoy working teens and young adults, assisting them through some of the toughest transitions of life. I have a laid back, but focused therapy style. I fully believe in meeting every client where they are at, while challenging barriers that may interfere with their goals. I look forward to working with you!

Allison Perrault, MSW LCSWA

About Me

My name is Allison Perrault and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate. I graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with my Masters in Social Work. I tend to utilize the therapeutic interventions of cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing. I specialize in treatment of anxiety, depression and grief counseling. I spent some time working as a social worker at Yale New Haven Hospitals Cancer Center providing brief therapy and resources to clients in need. I am open to working with clients of varying age groups. I look forward to working with you as you begin your wellness journey!

Madeline Farrior, MSW LCSWA

About Me

Are experiences from your past affecting your self-esteem and relationships? Do you wake up feeling overwhelmed, unhappy, stuck, and unsure how to move forward? I want you to know that I hear you and there is hope. I specialize in Depression, Anxiety, Relationship difficulties, ADHD, Codependency, Adoption, and Narcissistic Abuse. I welcome you as you are, providing compassion for healing and self-acceptance. Together we will get to know the parts of you that need to be heard! Empowering you to find the courage to step into your confident and authentic self. I will compassionately challenge you to get curious about the parts of you that feel uncomfortable and disconnected. I provide a safe space to process your emotions and experiences and learn effective coping skills. I utilized Somatic Parts Work, CBT, Mindfulness, and Strength-based approaches. Please reach out, I look forward to connecting with you.

Christian Privette, MSW LCSWA

About Me

My name is Christian Privette, and I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate who graduated from Capella University with a master’s degree in social work. I am passionate about working with individuals in making a difference in their lives. I have worked and assisted in a variety of settings such as Intensive in Home, Day Treatment, and Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Therapy, as well as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I utilize a strengths perspective in that I focus on an individual's strengths, abilities, and potential. I strive to provide a safe non-judgemental environment during session to empower my clients and motivate them throughout their journey. My specialties include anger management, anxiety, depression, behavioral problems, emotional regulations, independent living skills, and childhood trauma. I look forward to meeting with you and assisting you along your way.

Ricque Hardin, MSW LCSWA

About Me

Hey, folks! My name is Ricque and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate. I earned my Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work from The University of North Carolina at Wilmington.

Over the years, I have worked with individuals and families of all ages. More specifically, I have worked with youth and families at a non-profit organization that provided mental health services. Additionally, I have worked with the elderly, those who experience dementia and/or Alzheimer’s, as well as the family members who assume caregiver roles.

I have experience working with anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, trauma-stressor related disorders, grief, and more! I am passionate about enhancing communication, building confidence, tapping into strengths, and embracing weaknesses. There is no shame in being human! My goal is to provide the support you need to live a happier, healthier life. You deserve it.