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
nancysmith@liveoakcounselingcenter.org
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.
Linda Olson
MSW, LISW-CP
lindaolson@liveoakcounselingcenter.org
Linda has practiced psychotherapy for 30 years with individuals, couples and families. She has experience addressing relationship issues, anxiety, depression, addictions and life transitions. Positive solutions include focusing on strengths, resiliency and developing new and more creative ways to live with life stressors.
Sarah S. Smith
LPC, MEd., EdS.
Sarah is a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in and is passionate about working with children, adolescents, and their families. She has over twenty years of private practice experience. Sarah holds a Masters Degree in Student Personnel Services and an Educational Specialist Degree in Counselor Education.
Sarah is specially trained in play therapy for children ages 3-10 years. She also trained at the Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy specializing in children and adolescents.
Prior to private practice, Sarah worked in the public schools as a school counselor. She often consults and advocates for children at the school level. Sarah offers treatment and strategies for ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma and grief as well as life skill coaching. Sarah is also trained to work with students on the Autism Spectrum.
Tinsley Pou
ED.s., NCC, LPC-A
tinsleypou@liveoakcounselingcenter.org
Tinsley is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate with a school counseling background. 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 children and teens experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, behavioral problems, ADHD, and/or difficulty navigating life changes and challenges.
Tinsley believes every child is inherently capable, resilient, and worthy of being understood. Guided by the belief that behavior is communication, she works closely with families to uncover the needs behind a child’s actions to nurture their strengths. She sees each child as an individual with a unique story and emphasizes connection, trust and play as essential elements of healing and growth. At the heart of Tinsley’s work is the understanding that when children and teens 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.
