Meet the team

The Wellness Collective Team

Our team at the Wellness Collective consists of experienced and compassionate professionals dedicated to your mental health. We are committed to providing personalized care and supporting your well-being every step of the way.

Justin Bender, LPC

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Justin Bender, LPC

Accepting New Patients

I have over 20 years of clinical experience working with all ages and demographics. My practical view of therapy is a personal examination of mind, body, and spirit as it relates to how each of us perceives the world in which we live. The world is constantly changing, introducing new obstacles into our daily lives. When we are in an unfamiliar, unpredictable place physically and emotionally it can be immensely scary and uncomfortable, thus creating anxiety, worry and depression. My therapeutic approach in managing emotional dis-ease is to engage/motivate, validate, and reframe the potential for positive change. I believe self-awareness and mindfulness techniques as well as Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) interrupt irrational unmanageable thought patterns, promoting wellness and ease of mind.

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Emme Blankenship, LPC

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Emme Blankenship, LPC

Accepting New Patients

Emme Blankenship, MA, LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 15 years of clinical experience. Emme holds a Master’s degree in Psychology from the University of West Georgia and a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Auburn University. Emme provides services to adults interested in self-improvement, personal growth, dealing with general life stressors, experiencing anxiety, wanting to build and maintain healthy relationships, learn ways to effectively communicate and set boundaries, anger management, self-esteem, life transitions and goal setting. Emme is passionate about empowering individuals to tap into the best version of themselves.

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Elizabeth Wood, PhD, LPC-S

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Elizabeth Wood, PhD, LPC-S

Accepting New Patients

I have been serving the community as a counselor and therapist for over 25 years, and I am here to help you grow, heal, and change. Through the understanding of your story and life experiences which have led you to the present, we can unroot belief systems that have held you back from your full potential. Improving relationships, communication, self-esteem, and self-confidence grants you the opportunities you may have never considered. A new perspective and understanding can change everything. I provide an atmosphere free from judgement offering you tools and insight to promote change in your life. I respect uniqueness and diversity and work with all populations including members of the LGBTQ+ community.

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Rebekah Rayburn, LPC

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Rebekah Rayburn, LPC

Accepting New Patients

I believe that everyone is an expert; for therapeutic purposes, you are the expert on you. I feel so honored that people of all ages trust me with whatever it is that they have going on. I am here to help and support those I serve and believe that what I do is of the highest priority. Therapeutically, I focus on an individual’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors; and how those three things interact with each other to produce their responses and reactions.

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Tina Baker, LCSW

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Tina Baker, LCSW

Accepting New Patients

I have been a therapist for over 20 years working with teenagers and adults with a broad range of needs such as anxiety and mood disorders, psychotic disorders, personality disorders, codependency issues, and grief and trauma-related issues. I specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy, brief solution-focused therapy, and trauma-focused therapies.  I looked forward to helping you on your journey to healing.

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Savannah Parker, ALC

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Savannah Parker, ALC

Accepting New Patients

As a therapist, I believe connection brings about healing. Because people are so unique, I don’t use a one-size-fits-all approach. Rather, I enter the counseling relationship authentically and meet my client where they are. From a practical standpoint, I enjoy helping people identify their attachment styles and how they approach the world and the people around them, and I often incorporate techniques from ACT, CBT, and Positive Psychology. I’m ultimately about empowering my clients to have the tools to live a healthy and thriving life.

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Mary Parker Raley, ALC

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Mary Parker Raley, ALC

Accepting New Patients

I believe in meeting clients where they are, recognizing their individuality, and collaboratively creating a treatment plan that meets their needs and goals. My person-centered approach views the client as the expert in their own life, with me serving as a supportive guide to help them navigate their personal journey.

From a practical standpoint, I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and elements of feminist therapy into my practice, offering clients practical strategies and skills to help them thrive. My ultimate goal is to empower those I work with to overcome challenges and lead fulfilling lives guided by their values and strengths.

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Chrissy Reno, LCSW

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Chrissy Reno, LCSW

Accepting New Patients

I’ve worked in the mental health field for 25 years. I’ve worked with children, adolescents, and adults providing individual, group, and family therapy when appropriate. My experience includes working as a social worker and psychotherapist in group home settings, assessment centers, hospitals, inpatient, and outpatient mental health agencies. I primarily use cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other techniques appropriate for the individual client or clients. I feel like I can best help others related to adjustment issues, depression, anxiety, OCD, mood disorders, ASD, trauma, abuse, grief, chronic illness, caregiver roles, and grief. I provide individual, family, and couples therapy based on need and appropriateness.

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Dr. Bayani Alberto Y. Abordo, M.D.

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Dr. Bayani Alberto Y. Abordo, M.D.

Accepting New Patients

Dr. Abordo is certified in both Adult and Geriatric Psychiatry and has over twenty years of experience in the field, providing psychiatric medication management, psychotherapy, and evaluations in both inpatient and clinic settings. He evaluates and treats a range of psychiatric disorders focusing mostly on mood and anxiety spectrum disorder patients as well as elderly patients with dementia-related conditions.

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Dr. Serena Nimit, M.D.

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Dr. Serena Nimit, M.D.

Accepting New Patients

Serena Nimit, MD, is a dedicated Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist whose career seamlessly integrates clinical expertise with a profound commitment to holistic well-being. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biology before completing her medical education, Psychiatry Residency, and Child & Adolescent
Psychiatry Fellowship at the University of South Alabama. Dr. Nimit has experience serving as the Adult Outpatient Attending for Psychiatry Residents at the University of South Alabama, followed by her role in a community mental health setting in Waipio, Hawaii. Additionally, she has worked as a Wellness Physician in Thailand, where she collaborated with Anti-Aging and Longevity Specialists to enhance individuals’ and families’ mental and physical well-being through Preventive and Holistic Psychiatry. With a passion for empowering individuals to heal and thrive, Dr. Nimit is dedicated to helping her patients become the best versions of themselves.

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Erin T. DiFate, LICSW-S, PIP

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Erin T. DiFate, LICSW-S, PIP

Accepting New Patients

Erin T. DiFate, LICSW-S, PIP, holds a Master of Social Work degree with a specialization in Clinical, Adult Mental Health from the University of Maryland, Baltimore and a Bachelor of Science degree in Clinical Nutrition from the University of Pittsburgh. With over 25 years of clinical and administrative experience in various healthcare settings, Erin draws from this background to approach the therapeutic process from a holistic perspective. She believes in treating the whole person-mind, body, spirit-while addressing their social and environmental stressors through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, somatic exercises, effective communication skills and distress tolerance. Erin provides services for adults with complex trauma, generational trauma, substance use disorders, family history of addiction, military stress/veteran’s issues, depressive disorders, bipolar spectrum disorders and anxiety disorders.

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Ellen Odom, LPC

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Ellen Odom, LPC

Accepting New Patients

My sole purpose as a counselor is to help people. If you are dissatisfied with how things are going in your life, I am here to help you change that. I typically take a solution-focused approach to therapy, which is collaborative, practical, and goal-driven. YOU are the most important part of our relationship and, together, we will develop a plan that best helps you reach your goals. You can expect me to be honest, supportive, accepting, and thought provoking. You can also expect me to actively listen to you and provide feedback.

Additionally, I offer psychoeducational testing with over 15 years of experience diagnosing and supporting students with ADHD, learning deficits, and giftedness. I also help students qualify for accommodations and disability services from elementary school to college.

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Kathryn Brazil, ALC

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Kathryn Brazil, ALC

Accepting New Patients

You know yourself better than anyone. I believe therapy is meant to be a fun but powerful tool to help you learn more about yourself using your strengths and interests. I hope to get you excited about your future and to give you the tools to prosper even after our time together. As a therapist, I want to incorporate your strengths and capabilities into our work. I believe each individual heals in different ways, so my approach to counseling involves various techniques meant to fit your needs. Practically, I am an trauma-informed therapist with training in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and person-centered therapy. Nothing is too big nor too small to tackle in our sessions. I am here to help you and I can’t wait to empower you to a more confident, fulfilling life!

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Pilar Bell, LICSW-S

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Pilar Bell, LICSW-S

Accepting New Patients

Pilar Bell, LICSW-S, PIP, is a compassionate clinical therapist who truly
understands the journey of healing. She offers a safe space where you can
share your concerns, guiding you to uncover insights about yourself while
providing practical support and guidance. With her extensive training in
mind-body systems, Pilar fosters growth both within individuals and in their
relationships. She believes that therapy is a collaborative partnership
between clinician and patient.

As an integrated wellness therapist, Pilar takes a holistic approach to your
therapeutic journey. Life can present challenges and navigating past and
present difficulties can be tough, but you don’t have to face it alone.

Pilar employs a diverse range of therapeutic interventions tailored to your
unique needs. In your first session, you’ll explore various options together,
ensuring that your treatment plan is specifically designed to support your
goals,

Pilar is a graduate of the University of South Alabama of the University of
West Florida.

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Dr. Dustin Harrison, M.D.

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Dr. Dustin Harrison, M.D.

Accepting New Patients

Dr. Harrison is a board-certified psychiatrist. He sees adults and treats Anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and Mood disorders including Depression, Bipolar, and Adjustment disorders, using evidence based psychopharmacologic and psychotherapeutic treatment guidelines. Initial visits typically consist of a discussion about current concerns, historical symptoms and treatments, what has worked in the past for you and what has not, and your specific goals for treatment.

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Jeffrey Pappas, LCSW

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Jeffrey Pappas, LCSW

Accepting New Patients

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 42 years of practice experience. I received my bachelor’s degree from Amherst College, and my Masters’s in Social Work degree from the University of Alabama. My areas of interest include individual, couples and family therapy, depression, anxiety disorders, dissociative disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, phobias, pain management, and hypnotherapy. I look forward to helping you with your healing journey.

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Rusty Hickey

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Rusty Hickey

Accepting New Patients

I am a Licensed Independent Certified Social Worker ( LICSW ) with 35 years of experience as a Psychotherapist in both outpatient and inpatient settings. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Loyola University of New Orleans and a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from Tulane University. I strive to meet my clients where they are and first do no harm. Therapy emphasis is placed on establishing self-care skills as the foundation for resolution of current stressors and past/ present life traumas and achieving identified goals. Strengthening the skills of setting healthy internal/external boundaries leads to living a more balanced and assertive leaning life. Emphasis is placed on forward thinking. The therapy modalities used are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness training. The overall goal is for a mind / body / spirit mindset. Our thoughts drive our emotions. I work with individuals grappling with depression, anger/resentment issues, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, grief/ life transitions, personal growth and overall self improvement. I have an interest working with Geriatric (phase of life transitions) clients as well as the adult LBGTQ community. My office is a non judgmental space where we work as a collaborative team. I join you on your journey to overall emotional and physical wellness.

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Jay Ritchie, LPC

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Jay Ritchie, LPC

Accepting New Patients

I became a counselor early in my life. Since I was young, I’ve felt called to help people work out their problems. Whether it be in providing an assist, raising one of my children, lifting up a stranger, or just listening, I have consistently worked to help people locate resolution and healing. I thank you for allowing me to do this work with you and for allowing me to help you bring healing into your living pattern. I want to help you, if I can, to become your very best self. As I have grown professionally, I have learned how to help you find your solution, your healing, and your happiness, if possible. My desire is to be a counselor for you and to help you learn how to be successful.

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Dr. Kim Zlomke, Ph.D.

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Dr. Kim Zlomke, Ph.D.

Accepting New Patients

I am Dr. Kim Zlomke, a compassionate and dedicated psychologist specializing in neurodiversity-affirming evaluations across the lifespan. With a background as a child psychologist, professor, and parent, I fully understand the impact of multiple influences on the functioning, success, and challenges of daily life for individuals of all ages. My areas of practice include evaluations across the life-span for conditions such as ADHD/ADD, Learning Disabilities, Autism, Anxiety and Trauma-related conditions, and neuropsychological evaluations for youth impacted by illness or injury. I see patients ages 5 through adulthood.

My expertise lies in comprehensive psychological evaluations that examine children and adults holistically, within their own contexts, to determine if potential psychological conditions explain the difficulties experienced. I specialize in providing feedback sessions that help families understand how to best support their children in home, school, and social environments.

With a profound understanding of the diverse ways individuals experience the world, I am committed to providing assessments that honor each person’s unique strengths and challenges. My approach emphasizes creating a safe and supportive environment where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered.

In addition to my clinical practice, I am actively involved in research, education, and community outreach initiatives aimed at promoting neurodiversity awareness and support. I am dedicated to creating a more inclusive society where everyone’s unique abilities are recognized, valued, and celebrated.

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Valerie Schofield, CRNP

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Valerie Schofield, CRNP

Accepting New Patients

Valerie Schofield is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and is board certified by the American Nurse Credentialing Center (ANCC). Valerie practices in the Mobile, Alabama office, and she can see patients across the age span beginning at age 5. She is accepting new patients. Valerie has extensive experience with treating depression, anxiety and substance use disorders. Valerie has a diverse background that includes being born and raised in Chicago and living in many distant and interesting places with her military husband. In 2018, Valerie and her military family retired from Army life and now they proudly call Mobile, Alabama home. Valerie believes strongly in not only caring for the mental health needs of patients but in assisting clients in transitioning to wellness in all aspects of their life.

Valerie began her nursing career in 2008, and quickly realized that whole health begins with mental health. During her career, Valerie has worked at both inpatient and outpatient mental health facilities and with patients across the age span. In 2016, she returned to school, and earned her Master’s in Nursing (PMHNP) from the University of South Alabama. She joined Comprehensive MedPsych Systems in 2024 and is looking forward to building long term relationships with clients. When not involved with seeing clients, she is often looking for ways to promote mental health in the community either through education or volunteering. It is a mission of Valerie’s to decrease the stigma attached to mental health.

Valerie’s hobbies include gardening, fishing, hiking, camping, horse riding and her dogs. Valerie enjoys traveling the world and she loves being exposed to new cultures, ideas, and foods. Valerie currently lives in Mobile, Alabama with her husband, children, two blue heelers and “Bob” the Cat.

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Meet our Administrative Staff

Amy Collins

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Amy Collins

CEO

Amy W. Collins has thirty years’ experience in healthcare practice management and oversight of all aspects of medical practices including operational issues, financial reporting, insurance billing, and HR. She has also provided consulting work for many other specialties in the Mobile area. Amy founded two medical billing and practice management companies, is a founding member and CEO of Mobile Pediatric Clinic and opened The Wellness Collective after realizing the need for greater access to mental healthcare in her community. Amy holds a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science from the University of South Alabama. She also received an MBA from SpringHill College.

Amy has served on several boards including Penelope House, a shelter for abused women and children and is currently a member of Impact100 Mobile, an organization with the goal of empowering women to be activists within their communities. She and her husband Joe have twin boys, Harrison and Matthew.

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Stacie Ousley

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Stacie Ousley

Office Manager

I have been working in the medical field for many years in various capacities.  As office manager, my goal is to help provide a friendly and calming environment where our patients feel welcome. I enjoy problem solving and will help to my best ability to solve any issue. In my free time, you will find me snuggled under a blanket with my dog and a good book

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Kelly Weir

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Kelly Weir

Billing Director

My name is Kelly and I am the Director of Billing. I have over 15 years’ experience in Medical Billing and Revenue Cycle Management. I have been married to my amazing husband, Scott, for 23 years. My son and his beautiful bride were married in 2023. We have since adopted two Chiweenie puppies that keep us busy. In addition to devotion to my family, my hobbies include reading, gardening, traveling, and cooking.

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Amber Chavis

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Amber Chavis

Practice Coordinator

My name is Amber Chavis, I am the Practice Coordinator with over 10 years management experience in the medical field. My areas are Credentialing, Human Resources, and HIPAA compliance. I am also a Certified Professional Coder. I am married with two grown boys and have a new granddaughter. I enjoy reading, thrifting, and lazy days by the pool.

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Tiffany Watson

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Tiffany Watson

Insurance Department

I have been working in the medical field for over 10 years now. I attended Remington College for billing and coding, graduating in 2015 on the Presidents List. I enjoy working in the insurance department and helping our clients understand their polices. My goal is to help provide a friendly and calming environment. During my down time, I love spending time with my family, cooking and playing games on the weekend.

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Contact us today

For any inquiries or to schedule an appointment, please reach out to us. We are ready to assist you on your path to wellness.