About Us
Meet The Team
Our Mission
Suns Up Counseling advocates for accessible mental health counseling and wellness for all that is centered in clinical excellence, mission-driven values, and hope.
Our Values
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Authenticity
We believe in the power of genuine connections and real, unfiltered experiences. Everything we do is a commitment to transparency, honesty, and a celebration of individuality.
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Collaboration
At the heart of our practice lies a profound commitment to equal participation between the client and counselor, recognizing its transformative power in guiding individuals towards effective growth and self-discovery.
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Innovation
We relentlessly pursue the highest levels of quality, creativity, clinical training, and service, ensuring that every interaction with our practice reflects a commitment to clinical excellence.
“A slight change in your daily habits can guide your life to a different destination”
—James Clear, Atomic Habits
Meet the Team
Monica Backlund, LAPC
LICENSED ASSOCIATE PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
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Life has taught me that time spent learning and working on yourself is never wasted. I feel honored to enter a profession where I can help others navigate life’s obstacles and learn more about themselves. I am a U.S. Army veteran who has served our country in many locations stateside, overseas, and on deployment. I understand military culture and the unique challenges of serving in the military. I look forward to working with a variety of clients. Gardening makes me happy and helps me to slow down and appreciate the little things. I also enjoy sewing, crafting, and spending time with my family. I am Latina and available to assist any clients who feel more comfortable speaking Spanish.
*Under supervision with Mieke Kramer, LPC, CPCS
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Rincon
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Level 1 Gottman Trained -Couples Counselor
Spanish speaking
Hannah Rogers, MA
master’S level counselor
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Hannah is a former Marine with a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from National University. Her clinical experience includes crisis stabilization with adults, ABA therapy with children, and counseling within a veterans’ recovery program.
Drawing from both her military background and clinical training, she integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with a motivational, strengths based approach to help clients challenge unhelpful thought patterns, build resilience, and regain a sense of purpose.
She is passionate about working with individuals navigating trauma, life transitions, and recovery. Inspired by her own therapeutic journey, Hannah is committed to helping clients rediscover their strength, develop practical coping skills, and move toward lasting growth. -
Rincon
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In training for EMDR level 1
PTSD and Veterans
Olivia Grennan, MA
Counselor (telehealth only)
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I am here to provide a safe, supportive space for clients to explore their unique experiences and pursue their mental health goals. I have experience working with clients of all ages and am particularly passionate about supporting individuals in recovery from eating disorders. My approach centers on building a genuine, empathetic relationship to help clients feel comfortable and empowered. I am skilled in managing crises and guiding clients through challenges. My previous roles in mental health settings have equipped me to address a range of concerns, from managing anxiety and stress to supporting personal growth. I am committed to meeting clients where they are, respecting their experiences, and working collaboratively to find the path toward healing and growth. I believe in the importance of holistic, person-centered care and strive to be an active, supportive presence as clients work toward their goals.
**under supervision with Mieke Kramer, LPC
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Teleheatlh only
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Adults
Eating Disorders
Trauma Recovery
Skylar Haak, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
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Skylar works with pre-teens, teenagers, and adults. She believes there is hope for every person, no matter their circumstances. Skylar is EMDR trained and works closely with individuals to heal from past trauma. She has experience working with a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, ADHD, & high risk behaviors. Before she was a counselor, Skylar worked in the adoption field and has a unique understanding of adoption triad issues. When she isn’t with clients, Skylar is often exploring local coffee shops & playgrounds with her husband and 2 young children.
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Pooler
Rincon
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Level 1 EMDR trained
Eating disorder specialist
A’kosha Barnes, MA
Master Level counselor
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My name is A’Kosha and I graduated with my MA from Webster University. I am currently seeking licensure with the Georgia State Board. I find hope by empowering others while assisting them with daily living challenges. I enjoy shopping, traveling, and spending time with my family and creating memories that will last a lifetime. One of my favorite biblical scriptures is Jeremiah 29:11, For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. I strongly believe this scripture for others and myself.
**under supervision with Mieke Kramer, LPC
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Richmond Hill
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Adolescents, Family, Adults
Lyndsey Craft, LAPC
LICENSED ASSOCIATE PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
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Counseling is an area where I believe it is possible to assist clients with navigating some of the most tumultuous landscape that we can encounter in life – ourselves. This field of work affords us the opportunity to empower clients to build the skills and confidence to make and feel content in making life decisions, realizing the potential within themselves, and encouraging them to seek out the versions of themselves that they desire to be. I want my clients to know that they are not alone. Instead, I seek to let my clients know that their counseling experience is a journey that we will both embark on to reach their goals. I enjoy working with clients of all ages and backgrounds. I am especially passionate about helping teenagers and young adults navigate the season of life they are in. I am also EMDR trained.
When I am not at work I enjoy spending time at coffee shops with friends, being on the beach, or being outdoors with my dog Finnley.
**under supervision with Mieke Kramer, LPC
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Pooler
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Level 1 EMDR
Teens
Kimberly Safranek, LAPC
LICENSED ASSOCIATE PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
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Kimberly has a Master of Arts degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University and is a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor in the State of GA. She is a member of the Association of Play Therapists and works with children as young as 5 years old. With a deep passion for supporting children's emotional, social, and developmental growth, Kimberly is committed to creating safe, nurturing environments for healing and self-expression.
Kimberly provides counseling services for children and teens for anxiety, depression, social development, and behavioral concerns. She has an extensive history of working with children and adolescents in the school system as well as through extracurricular activities. Through evidence-based approaches and compassionate guidance, Kimberly empowers children and adolescents to process emotions, build resilience, and strengthen relationships. By integrating creative play, storytelling, and interactive engagement, therapy sessions become a powerful space for children to explore their thoughts and emotions in a way that feels natural to them.
Whether through individual therapy or family sessions, Kimberly believes in the transformative power of play as a tool for growth and healing.**under supervision with Mieke Kramer, LPC
Check out Kimberly’s children’s book :
Melody Jane: Safranek, Kimberly: 9781980478980: Amazon.com: Books
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Rincon
Pooler
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Certified Child Centered Play Therapist
Hillary Parker, LPC
Licensed professional counselor
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Hillary is a certified trauma professional and a Symbis Facilitator specializing in pre-martial assessment. She holds a master’s in professional counseling from Liberty University. Hillary works with individuals and couples, encouraging a holistic approach to healing. She is a compassionate counselor who empowers clients to overcome challenges, discover their inner strengths, and build resilience.
Hillary provides support to clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, grief, PTSD, and complex traumas. Before and during her counseling journey, she has been a dedicated caregiver for close family members. This firsthand experience has become a powerful source of inspiration for stress management.
Her life is a tapestry of experiences, enriched by her three children, ranging in age 3 to 16. As an outdoor enthusiast, she believes in the importance of self-care and finding peace in nature. She is an avid reader and writer who appreciates the value in expressive arts. Hillary is eager to connect and support others on their path to a brighter future!
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Richmond Hill
Pooler
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Certified Grief and Loss Counselor
Couples
Mikki Thomas, LAPC
Licensed associate professional counselor
*Voted best Psychotherapist in Savannah 2025
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Mikki is dedicated to helping couples learn to navigate life challenges with compassion and hope. Mikki seeks to journey alongside couples to help them find the redeeming parts of their story, build dreams together, and bring about healing to hurting places. She is a graduate of Liberty University (M.Ed. in School Counseling) and is a licensed associate professional counselor in GA. She has a passion to see families grow and thrive. She has worked for several years with adolescents and their families in the school system to bring about positive solution focused changes. Mikki has completed Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 1/Level 2. She uses Gottman Couples therapy for married couples seeking counseling. She is also a certified in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy. (EFCT). Mikki loves time with her husband and three children. She enjoys local coffee shops, good books and relaxing with her puppy Jax.
**under supervision with Misty Andrews, LPC
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Pooler
West Chatham
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Level 1 & 2 Gottman Certified
EFT Couples Certified
Nacole Ballard, LAPC
LICENSED ASSOCIATE PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
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Nacole is a dedicated licensed associate professional counselor with a Master’s degree in Counseling from Walden University. She specializes in adolescence, adults, and couples therapy, providing support to individuals and partners as they navigate their emotional landscapes. Nacole is also an art therapy practitioner and a certified trauma professional, integrating creative expression into her therapeutic approach to foster healing and self-discovery.
As a Level 1 TEAM-CBT therapist, Nacole is passionate about empowering clients of all ages to work through irrational thoughts and beliefs. She believes in the transformative power of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help individuals recognize and challenge negative thought patterns, fostering a more positive and realistic self-image.
In addition to her counseling work, Nacole is a children’s book author, drawing on her Christian faith to inspire readers of all ages. Her books, including “I Don’t Much Like Being Me,” encourage individuals to embrace their identity through God’s eyes and cultivate self-acceptance. Link listed below to books:
https://a.co/d/fnQSqvP**under supervision with Mieke Kramer, LPC, CPCS
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Richmond Hill
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Art Therapy
School Counselor
Anna Freeman
intern Counselor
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Hi everyone! My name is Anna, and I am a master's-level counseling student at the University of the Cumberlands, currently completing my clinical training. My approach to therapy is rooted in person-centered counseling, which means I strive to create a warm, nonjudgmental space where you feel heard, respected, and empowered to explore your thoughts and emotions at your own pace. I believe each person has the capacity for growth, and my role is to support you as you navigate your own unique path.
Outside of counseling, I enjoy reading, sipping on a good cup of coffee, and spending time with my dog, Aster. -
Savannah
Pooler
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College Age
Teens
Trinitea Fullen
intern counselor
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Hello, I am Trinitea! I am currently attending Liberty University as a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program. I am very excited when I get to learn more about the counseling field and help others through this knowledge. With clients, I plan to provide a safe and comforting atmosphere in order to make others feel heard and valued. My approach is rooted in compassion, curiosity, and evidence-based practices that are all under the belief system that healing primarily happens through connection. I intend to meet each client with empathy and respect no matter what season of life they may be currently in. I look forward to gaining more knowledge in this practice and meeting others from different walks of life.
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Rincon only
Ashley Lanier
Intern counselor
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Savannah
Pooler
Jessie Moose
intern counselor
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I am a graduate-level intern pursuing a degree in Mental Health Counseling at Richmont Graduate University. I am passionate about working with adolescents, teens, and young adults. As a counselor, I am focused on creating a space where all my clients feel safe and empowered to grow and explore their experiences. I desire to make individuals feel seen and supported during some of life’s most formative and challenging seasons. I enjoy helping clients explore their past experiences while building the coping skills and confidence needed to navigate the future.
In counseling, I emphasize empathy and authenticity in order to help clients develop a stronger connection to their core selves. I am committed to partnering with clients to find a personalized approach to healing that fits their individual journey. I am looking forward to helping clients deepen their self-awareness and move towards healing through compassion and curiosity.
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Pooler
Savannah
Acacia Munden
intern counselor
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Hello! My name is Acacia, and I am a graduate counseling student at Liberty University, gaining practical experience through my clinical training. I am passionate about supporting individuals and helping them build resilience and confidence as they navigate life’s challenges. I aim to create a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered to take steps toward growth and well-being. My goal is to walk alongside you, providing guidance and encouragement as you develop the tools to face challenges and grow into your best self. In my free time, I enjoy reading, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. I look forward to connecting with and supporting you on your journey!
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Richmond Hill
Faith Middleton
intern counselor
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Faith is a student intern with Liberty University. Faith is enjoys working with couples, families, and individuals who invite her to walk alongside them as they heal from past experiences, build resilience, and navigate life’s challenges. She strives to provide a safe and compassionate space where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment. As a military spouse, Faith is also deeply committed to supporting service members, their partners, and their families as they work to improve communication, manage mental health, and cope with the unique challenges military life can bring.
Faith is also passionate about working with adolescents and teenagers as they navigate identity development, academic pressures, social dynamics, and the emotional challenges that often emerge during this stage of life. She aims to create a supportive and relatable environment where young people feel heard, validated, and empowered to understand themselves more deeply. Faith enjoys helping teens build coping skills, improve communication, and develop confidence as they move toward adulthood.
Faith is a certified Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts (SYMBIS) facilitator and is currently pursuing certification in the Gottman Method for marriage and family therapy. She takes a person-centered approach with individuals, helping them examine patterns, core beliefs, and the personal narratives that shape their mental and emotional well-being.
Grounded in the belief that relationships—whether with ourselves, loved ones, the world, or our spirituality—are central to growth, Faith embraces the idea that everyone is capable of healing when given the right tools. She looks forward to meeting clients where they are and supporting them as they overcome challenges and take meaningful steps forward.
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Richmond Hill
Imani Woods
Intern counselor
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As someone with previous experience as an advocate for families in a school setting, a program coordinator for runaway teenagers, and most recently a crisis counselor on the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, I thoroughly enjoy getting to know my clients and working together as a team to establish and accomplish their goals. I take pride in creating a judgment-free, easygoing, and goal-oriented environment where clients feel supported and heard. My goal is to collaborate with you, encourage you, and empower you as you work toward becoming the healthiest, most functional version of yourself.
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Savannah
Pooler
Seeking Interns
Seeking interns for Winter 2027- send resume to admin@sunsupcounseling.com
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Send your resume to admin@sunsupcounseling.com
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Patient Care Coordinator
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Meet our newest intern!
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Hiring for all locations
Morgan Lanigan
Practice Care assistant
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Morgan is a master’s-level graduate student with strong experience in front desk operations and a background in education. She has a strong foundation in communication and client-centered support. She is passionate about helping others and growing professionally.
Outside of work and academics, she enjoys reading and spending time with family and friends.
Mieke Kramer, LPC, CPCS, CEDS-C
Director & practice supervisor
*Voted best mental health therapist in Savannah 2026
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Mieke is the director of Suns Up International Programs and Practice Supervisor of Suns Up Counseling Center. She specializes in working with adult women who have experienced PTSD or trauma. She is EMDRIA certified in EMDR & offers both a warm and insightful therapy to her clients. She is a certified eating disorder specialist (CEDS-C) who works with women recovering from disordered eating patterns. She is also a certified intuitive eating counselor and a Level 1 RO DBT certified counselor. Mieke works primarily with adult women 18 years and older.
Mieke is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Community Care & Counseling from Liberty University (EDD).
Mieke teaches college courses on the biological basis of human behavior at Faculté de Travail Social et de Justice Sociale (FTSJS).
If she is not outdoors kayaking or hiking with her husband and three daughters, she enjoys reading a good mystery novel on the back porch with her pups.
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Certified Eating Disorder Specialist and Consultant (CEDS-C) by IAEDP foundation
Certified EMDR Therapist by Emdria foundation
Level 1 RO-DBT certified
Intuitive Eating Certified Counselor
EFT-Tapping Practitioner
DBT trained therapist
Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor for the State of Georgia
Licensed in GA, FLA, & SC
200 hr RYT Yoga Alliance Teacher
Lauren Young
Outreach & EVENT manager
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Lauren has a heart for welcoming hospitality and loves creating unique experiences. She has a background in events and customer relations. She enjoys water coloring, writing, reading her Bible on the porch, boating and spending time with her three kids and husband.
Jillia Kramer, MS
special PROGRAMS COORDINATOR
(doctoral candidate)
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Jillia is our special programs coordinator providing oversight to our international programs and grant writing projects. She has a BS degree in Psychology and a MS degree in Community Engaged Medicine from Furman University. She is currently a doctoral candidate at Claremont University, Doctorate of Public Health (DrPH).
When she is not writing, Jillia is enjoying the Appalachian trails with her rescue dog Louise.
Suns Up Counseling Board Members
2026
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Jeff Kramer
Chrissy Slater
Kellie Rutherford Genton
Dr. Darrent Thomas: ex officio member
Carlett Fulcher: ex officio member
Ready to Begin Your Healing Journey?
Our counselors offer specialized services including EMDR—Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing for trauma resolution.