Our team is here to help you in a safe and caring environment with the challenges of life

Nancy Holderman Smith

MSW, LISW-CP, Director

Nancy serves as Director and Counselor at Live Oak Counseling Center. Nancy works with older teens and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, family issues, and parenting issues.

Her therapeutic approach is collaborative, and patient centered. Nancy is a big believer in the therapeutic alliance as a key to healing. Nancy integrates tools from Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused therapy models.

With a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Public Relations and a master’s degree in Social Work, Nancy is a Licensed Independent Social Worker in Clinical Practice.

Nancy is married to a Presbyterian minister and has raised three children. Nancy loves to travel, cook, garden, exercise and spend time with her family.

Erin Koeske

MSW, LISW-CP, LCSW

erinkoeske@liveoakcounselingcenter.org

Erin believes each client is the expert of their own life and sees her therapeutic role as a guide to help clients identify their strengths and make desired changes. She’s been honored to witness the resiliency and growth that comes from collaboration with those she serves.

Erin works with children, teens, and adults, and her areas of specialization include grief and loss, substance use, trauma, depression, anxiety, and creative arts therapies. She has an eclectic approach and uses tools from cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, motivational interviewing, creative arts therapies, and humanistic therapy. Erin practices both talk therapy as well as more embodied/creative work based upon a client’s wants and interests. She uses her arts background to better understand clients and develop interventions that are unique to a client’s strengths and goals.

Erin holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Chicago and is licensed in South Carolina and Illinois. She has worked as a therapist in a variety of clinical settings: the VA, a substance use intensive outpatient program, and as a bereavement counselor for hospice. Erin was also director of a children and family bereavement program for families who experienced illness-related, sudden, or traumatic loss.

Erin grew up in Texas. In her spare time, she enjoys playing pretend with her family, being outdoors, baking, and reading.

Tinsley Pou

ED.s., NCC, LPC-A

tinsleypou@liveoakcounselingcenter.org

Tinsley is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate with a school counseling background who works with children, teens, and college students.

Tinsley received an Educational Specialist degree in counseling at the University of South Carolina. While at USC, Tinsley was specially trained in play therapy, earning a Certificate of Graduate Study in Play Therapy.

Tinsley works with her clients from a person-centered and cognitive behavioral approach, incorporating parent consultation and coaching as needed. She offers treatment options for young people experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, behavioral problems, ADHD, and/or difficulty navigating life changes and challenges.

Tinsley believes every individual is inherently capable, resilient, and worthy of being understood. Guided by the belief that behavior is communication, she works closely with her clients to uncover their needs and nurture their strengths. She sees each of her clients as an
individual with a unique story and emphasizes connection and trust as essential elements of healing and growth. At the heart of Tinsley’s
work is the understanding that when individuals feel seen, heard, and valued, they thrive.

Susan Yelverton

MSW, LISW

susanyelverton@liveoakcounselingcenter.org

Susan works with teens and adults and enjoys collaborating with her clients to identify their strengths, values and intentions. She believes that therapy can help people to grow and heal by offering a safe place to examine their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors with curiosity instead of judgment.

Her therapeutic approach is informed by training in mindfulness-based practices, such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. As a former arts educator, she also believes that creativity can be an important part of the healing process.

Areas of special interest are: depression/anxiety, life transitions, work and home/life balance, LGBTQIA concerns, spirituality, support for educators, and adoption and attachment issues.

Susan is participating in a two-year Mindfulness Teacher Training Certification Program which is a collaboration between the Insight Meditation Society, Sounds True, and the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California/Berkeley.

Melissa Tringali

Office Manager

admin@liveoakcounselingcenter.org

Melissa’s background is in accounting and she handles all things money related. Since working at Live Oak she has seen how important it is to care for your mental health.

She believes seeking counseling should not be seen as a weakness but a wise choice. When Melissa sees friends or family suffering a loss, dealing with a diagnosis, or making their way through a new stage of life she is quick to suggest counseling, whether at Live Oak or elsewhere.