About Us
A practice of caring professional counselors in Wake Forest, Raleigh, Cary, and Rolesville, NC committed to the health and well-being of patients and their families.
WE BELIEVE…
We believe in providing a team approach to helping families by offering counseling and psychological services to all ages.
We understand the importance of helping individuals though difficult times while focusing on the family as a whole.
Through experience both personally and professionally, our staff understands all types of families. (Married, single, Divorce, adopted, foster, grandparent as parent…)
We believe that psychological testing can be an invaluable tool in proper diagnosing.
We believe that happiness can be achieved and difficulties overcome by approaching mental, spiritual, and physical health.
We help patients overcome life’s difficult times by helping identify solutions to current problems.
We work collaboratively with pediatricians, family physicians, medical professionals, school personnel, social workers, and other involved professionals.
We encourage patients to improve overall health and wellness.
We meet patients where they are spiritually and understand the benefits of Christian Counseling when requested.
We use modes of therapy that are best suited for children we are treating by offering art, play, and yoga therapy by professionals who have received specialized training.
We believe that individuals and families can be happier and healthier by working to implement changes identified through counseling.
We believe that everyone can learn new strategies, and patterns of thinking and behavior that will dramatically improve their lives.
We are committed to providing best-in-class support as our patients learn more about themselves and work to improve their lives.
WE BELIEVE…
We believe in providing a team approach to helping families by offering counseling and psychological services to all ages.
We understand the importance of helping individuals though difficult times while focusing on the family as a whole.
Through experience both personally and professionally, our staff understands all types of families. (Married, single, Divorce, adopted, foster, grandparent as parent…)
We believe that psychological testing can be an invaluable tool in proper diagnosing.
We believe that happiness can be achieved and difficulties overcome by approaching mental, spiritual, and physical health.
We help patients overcome life’s difficult times by helping identify solutions to current problems.
We work collaboratively with pediatricians, family physicians, medical professionals, school personnel, social workers, and other involved professionals.
We encourage patients to improve overall health and wellness.
We meet patients where they are spiritually and understand the benefits of Christian Counseling when requested.
We use modes of therapy that are best suited for children we are treating by offering art, play, and yoga therapy by professionals who have received specialized training.
We believe that individuals and families can be happier and healthier by working to implement changes identified through counseling.
We believe that everyone can learn new strategies, and patterns of thinking and behavior that will dramatically improve their lives.
We are committed to providing best-in-class support as our patients learn more about themselves and work to improve their lives.
Meet Our Therapists
Julie Sams
MA, LCMHC-S
Julie is the owner of Bowman Family Services and a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor with over 24 years of experience working with children and their families. Julie has presented at state conferences and local parenting venues on the topic of childhood anxiety. She understands the dangers of over-thinking and strives to help others with anxiety as a therapist, yoga instructor, and mindfulness/meditation trainer.
She has received extensive training in play therapy, a counseling method used with children, teen issues, anxiety, divorce, and Christian counseling. She works primarily with adolescents and adults with anxiety. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Counselor Education, and has been a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (License #3918) since January of 2001 and a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor since June of 2021 (License #S3918)
Rachel Watson
MA, LCMHC
Rachel received her Masters in Professional Counseling from Liberty University and is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. Rachel has experience working with adults, adolescents and families. She has worked with a variety of diagnoses such as ADHD, Depression, Oppositional Defiance Disorder, Conduct Disorder, Mood Dysregulation Disorder, Anxiety, as well as others. Rachel uses a variety of therapies according to the best fit for each client’s individual needs and personality. This includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), EMDR, Motivational Interviewing, and Play Therapy to name a few. Rachel specializes in creating a supportive atmosphere where people can talk about what is bothering them and a safe space to explore solutions to their issues.
Rachel Schwenn
Rachel is a graduate student working towards her Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University. She looks forward to supporting the wellness goals of many populations. She is particularly passionate about working with adolescents and young adults to reduce anxiety, college & career plan, and foster positive transitions into adulthood. Rachel has led Social Emotional Learning groups for children and adolescents and has 10+ years of experience working with children and teens in play and educational settings. Rachel has a holistic approach towards wellness and may incorporate solution focused practices, narrative therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness techniques, among others to collaboratively help clients achieve their wellness goals. She is also a certified Symbis pre-marital counseling facilitator and enjoys working with couples. Rachel was born and raised in North Carolina, in her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family & friends, reading, yoga, and outdoor activities at the many parks in the area.
Rachel Parrish-Martin
MED, LCMHC-A, NCC
Rachel is a licensed clinical mental health counselor associate in North Carolina and a licensed school counselor in Tennessee. She received her master’s degree in 2017 from Liberty University in Virginia and is currently working on her PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision. She has about 30 years of experience working with youth in a variety of roles in the schools, clinical mental health, and youth ministry. She has worked with youth suffering from sexual abuse and trauma, depression, anxiety, autism, ADHD, OCD, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. She also has experience with adults in a military environment suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, personality disorders, anger management issues, sexual trauma, and suicidal behaviors. Rachel works primarily from a process experiential perspective which integrates attachment, person-centered, Gestalt, and cognitive-behavioral therapies. Her research interests have focused upon mindfulness-based interventions, PTSD, and creative arts personal growth for overcoming fear and shame. She enjoys a regular practice of centering prayer. She also likes to spend time in nature with her kids and dog taking walks, hikes, swimming, and kayaking.
Julie Jensen
MSW, LCSW, CCTP
Julie raised a family of five and then achieved her goal of completing a Master’s in Social Work from Western New Mexico University. Julie uses a strengths-based perspective along with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to embrace the inherent messiness of working through struggle.
Prior to Bowman Family Services, Julie’s social work focus was caring for older adults and teens struggling with depression, anxiety, self-harm and other mental health issues in a partial hospitalization program (PHP) and intensive out-patient (IOP) setting. Julie has experience in trauma-informed care and LGBTQ affirmative models. Julie also has an advocacy background in domestic violence and sexual trauma.
Ariel Galarza
MS, LCMHC-A, LCAS-A
Ariel received her Masters in Clinical Counseling with an Emphasis in Addictions from East Carolina University and a license as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate. Ariel has experience working with adolescents and adults. She’s LGBTQIA+ affirming. She has worked with a variety of diagnoses such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, and trauma-related disorders. She caters her approach to each client’s individual therapeutic needs. Additionally, Ariel is trained in an evidence-based model to process trauma, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Ariel describes herself as having a down-to-earth nature, sense of humor, and personable demeanor. She has an eclectic approach, utilizing various theoretical approaches, and real life experience. Ariel enjoys spending time with her two dogs and cat, playing trivia games, and listening to podcasts.
Christopher Toller
MSW, LCSW
Chris has a BA in English from the University of Connecticut and an MSW from Springfield College in Massachusetts. He has worked with youth in a variety of settings since the late 1990s, including school, group home, community center, partial hospital, outpatient community mental health clinic, and Managed Care Organization environments.
Chris has been fully licensed (a Licensed Clinical Social Worker) in North Carolina since 2008. His approach draws from multiple theories and interventions, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person Centered Supportive Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing techniques. He sees children and adolescents at Bowman Family Services, and may be a particularly good fit for middle or high school students experiencing challenges with anxiety and depression (including school refusal), or other symptoms affecting well-being. Chris can also help with various personal and family issues, including parent-child conflict and navigating life transitions.
Chris is a former college radio Program Director and DJ. He recently started playing guitar again after a decades-long hiatus…much to the chagrin of his teenagers at home.
Charles Fleischmann
PhD
Charles is a Licensed Psychological Associate and certified School Psychologist. He graduated with a Doctorate of Philosophy degree in School Psychology from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA in 2018. Charles has provided individual and family therapy with children and adolescents and their families for two years in private practice. He also has three years of experience working in schools conducting psychological assessments, social skills groups, and working directly with teachers to help children thrive in their classrooms. Charles specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and has training in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy and Mindfulness. He is particularly interested in Positive Psychology and using a Strength-Based approach to managing depression, anxiety, to foster emotional and social wellbeing. In his free time, Charles loves spending time with his family and his dog. He enjoys live music and going to the movies, as well as reading and working with computers.
Samantha Schwartz
MSW, LCSW-A
Samantha is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate. She earned her Master of Social Work degree from Fordham University. Samantha has experience working in a variety of settings, including community-based counseling and case management for adults, in-home child and family therapy, and inpatient individual and group therapy. Samantha emphasizes the importance of collaboration in the therapeutic relationship. She enjoys working with those struggling with depression, anxiety, mood dysregulation, relationship/familial issues, behavioral issues, trauma, substance use disorders, LGBTQ, and eating disorders. Samantha practices from the biopsychosocial perspective, which is that a person’s genetic makeup (biology), mental health and personality (psychology), and sociocultural environment (social) all contribute to their development and functioning. She utilizes an integrated, person-centered therapeutic approach to empower her clients, including motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), solution-focused therapy, and play therapy
Victoria Harris
MSW, LCSWA
Victoria is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (#P014833). She earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work from North Carolina Central University in 2020. Victoria has experience working with children, adolescents, geriatrics, and families. Prior to joining Bowman Family Services Victoria worked as a K-7 school counselor and a hospice social worker. Victoria has worked with various diagnoses/specialities such as: Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), anxiety, depression, grief/loss, parenting struggles, social, emotional and behavioral issues. Victoria uses a strengths-based approach to help her clients lead happier healthier lives. Victoria utilizes several modalities including but not limited to: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Play therapy, and Solution Focused therapy.
Victoria enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. Victoria also enjoys traveling and reading.
Jenny Riccitiello
LMFTA, MFA
Jenny Riccitiello is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate (LMFTA) and loves working with couples and families. Jenny received her master’s in Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling from Stetson University and has experience working with children, adolescents, and families. She loves working with families with children of all ages, helping parents and caregivers develop parenting skills that they can utilize at every stage of their children’s lives. Jenny has experience working with clients who are dealing with mood disorders, anxiety, depression, trauma, and emotion dysregulation. Taking a systems-based approach, she uses cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), biblio-therapy, expressive arts therapy, and play therapy to help clients on their journey to their most authentic selves.
Dana Wilkins
MA, LCMHCA
Dana is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Associate in North Carolina. She received her Master’s in Marriage & Family Therapy from Adler University in 2010. She has over 15 years of experience working with adults, adolescents, and families in various roles, including clinical mental health, case management, and crisis intervention.
She has worked with various diagnoses and specialties such as anxiety, depression, grief/loss, women’s issues, life transitions, substance abuse, family counseling, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity, anger management, and Mood Dysregulation Disorder.
Dana utilizes a person-centered approach integrated with a holistic perspective to focus primarily on the individual’s needs in counseling. It includes evidence-based practices such as Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, to name a few. The primary goal in therapy is to build a therapeutic alliance to foster successful, effective, and efficient outcomes during the therapeutic process. She believes that counseling is a collaborative process to navigate life’s obstacles. The journey towards healing starts with one courageous step. I am ready to start this journey with you towards healing, awareness, and personal growth.
Leah Poole
MSW, LCSW-A
Leah Poole is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate and received her Masters Degree in Social Work from North Carolina State University in 2019. Prior to joining Bowman Family Services, Leah worked in a community and statewide capacity on the issues of dating/ domestic violence, sexual violence, and trauma. Leah provides a culturally competent, LGBTQ+ affirming space. Leah has expertise in working on issues related to healthy sexuality, trauma, depression, OCD, and anxiety. Leah’s primary focus is working with teens and young adults, and has the most experience working with women and female identified individuals. Leah’s approach to therapy is person- centered and trauma- informed which means she looks at a person’s experiences as a whole. Leah uses techniques such as mindfulness, body scanning, and parts work and practices Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Compassion Focused Therapy to help people reach their therapeutic goals.
Michael Smallwood
PsyD, LCAS
Michael is a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist and has been in the helping profession, serving adults and adolescents in various roles as a case manager, substance abuse counselor, and licensed therapist. Michael started his career in mental health in 1999 and has served in this field for over 20 years. Michael earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Elizabeth City State University. After working in the mental health and substance abuse fields for nearly 10 years, Michael decided to return to school to further his education by pursuing his Master’s degree in counseling studies. Michael attended Capella University from 2005 to 2008, and graduated in the Spring of 2009 with high honors. As A Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist, I have received specialized training in substance abuse and recovery from addiction, crisis management, and co-occurring disorders. I have been able to help patients discover the roots of their addictions, manage withdrawal, and repair their lives and relationships.
Michael currently lives in Knightdale, NC. In his spare time, Michael likes spending time with family, traveling, playing golf, and basketball. Michael also believes in giving back to the community by participating in various fundraising events hosted by local nonprofit organizations and fraternal organizations.
Kasey Privette
MSW, LCSWA
Kasey is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (#P018771). She earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Portland State University in 2020. Kasey has experience working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families. Prior to joining Bowman Family Services, Kasey worked as a family counselor practicing multisystemic therapy with youth and families and as a community based clinician with foster youth and families. Kasey has experience working with various diagnoses such as anxiety, depression, oppositional-defiant disorder, parenting struggles, trauma, social, emotional and behavioral issues. Kasey seeks to remain person-centered in her treatment and utilizes a strengths-based approach to support her clients in identifying and reaching their desired goals. Kasey is adaptive to her clients’ needs using varying modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Play therapy, and Solution Focused therapy. Kasey enjoys spending time with friends, family, and her two dogs. Kasey also enjoys reading, dancing, and sci-fi movies.
Sydney Jasper
M.S.Ed., M.Phil.Ed, LCMHCA
Sydney is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate. Sydney received a dual master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania in Professional Counseling and Counseling and Mental Health Services. Through individual therapy and parenting support, Sydney helps families navigate day-to-day challenges in healthy ways that can strengthen family bonds. She specializes in guiding children and families who struggle with trauma, aggression, defiant behaviors, and other challenges. Sydney uses therapeutic approaches that help foster confidence in her clients and families, such as play therapy techniques, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and parent coaching. During therapy, children learn coping skills, practice self-control, and explore concepts that enhance their self-worth. Through parent coaching, parents will learn how to better connect with and understand their children to live in harmony at home. Sydney’s goal is to positively affect children and their families’ lives, so that they can thrive as a collective unit. By facilitating communication, understanding, and connection, Sydney creates an environment where positive change can occur. During her free time, Sydney can be found coaching at Orangetheory Fitness, doing yoga, and hiking with her dog, Samson!
Meagan Canipe
MA, LCMHCA
Meagan received her master’s degree from Montreat College and is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate. Meagan has experience working with children and adolescents who have experienced trauma as well as being diagnosed with ADHD, ODD, IDD, anxiety, and depression. Meagan also has experience with adults in recovery from substance use disorders. Meagan uses a person-centered holistic approach to therapy which incorporates elements of mindfulness, meditation, cognitive behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, and trauma-focused therapy. Meagan is an advocate for women’s rights as well as LGBTQIA+ rights. Meagan enjoys reading in her spare time, as well as spending time with her two dogs.
Ashley Mills
MS, LCMHCA
Ashley is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate and received her Masters of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in December of 2023. She is passionate about working with children and adolescents and aspires to become a Registered Play Therapist (RPT). Ashley completed her internship at Bowman Family Services where she primarily worked with children and adolescents who presented with anxiety, anger management issues, trauma, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and other emotional and behavioral concerns. She values collaboration and will work with individuals as well as their families in order to help clients meet their goals. Ashley utilizes a person-centered approach as the foundation in her work with clients, in which she embodies empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuineness. This approach aims to provide clients with a safe and supportive space to freely express themselves, which in turn enhances self-awareness, emotional growth, and healing. Ashley may also incorporate elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), play therapy, art therapy, skills coaching, and motivational interviewing as needed. In her free time, Ashley enjoys doing yoga, spending time with her pets, and working on creative projects.
Janine Smithers
Office Manager
Janine is the lifeline of our practice. She offers over 14 years of experience in the mental health field providing support to families. She helps to find the best therapist to meet your needs. Janine truly cares that you find the help you need and will kindly assist you in the process of getting therapy started.
Interested In Joining Our Team?
Get in Touch
Phone (919) 556-6501
Fax (919) 556-4933
info@WakeForestCounselors.com