Wildflower Center for Counseling

Bios

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  Jennifer Higley, M.Ed., LPC

  Welcome, I’m Jennifer Higley! Therapist to some of the most remarkable individuals and mother to three incredible fur babies. I dream about a world where compassion would be as contagious as yawns and I miss the starry nights in front of the bonfire at camp. I appreciate people who give Charlie Brown Christmas trees a chance and admire those who are willing to admit their faults. I hope to travel to Greece and to successfully care for my own garden. I like perfectly ripe avocados, new tennis shoes, and fall leaves. I make mistakes and I am ever evolving. I, too, am human. I am fortunate to love the work which I do every day. It’s the people, the connections, the progress… The list could go on and on. But what truly encourages me to keep going {on even the toughest days} is the hope that I am able to help someone’s future exist. For some, their future may seem bleak due to a challenging past and present. Through discovering reasons to live and seeking their most fulfilling life, individuals can become empowered to take control over their future – a future full of meaning. Everyone deserves to have a meaningful future and my hope is to help provide that for those who sit across from me each day. One step at a time, progress will take place. And each step that is taken, I will be there. Pull up a chair, take a deep breath, and know that you’re here for a reason. You’ve made it home!

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  Kimberly Hanson, LPC

  I believe that every life has worth, value, and purpose and each person has the capacity to create. I also believe in the healing power of creativity, the imagination, and play as a fundamental process to therapy. I have spent most of my life studying and thinking about people, what makes each person unique and special, and how humans overcome challenges with such great resolve and strength. I embrace the idea that humanity is flawed and we are all a little broken because life is often a difficult journey and unfortunately bad things happen to all of us. I love helping people and seeing hurting people find meaning in the pain, while building hope as they heal and become whole. My educational and life experiences have given me the opportunity to work with some amazing individuals including those with challenges such as Autism, ADHD, attachment and relationship issues, brain injury, behavioral and cognitive difficulties, emotional challenges, physical limitations; as well as trauma, grief and loss. As a professional counselor, I rely on those experiences; along with an integrated approach, to facilitate healing, promote change, foster hope, and inspire growth so that you can become the best version of yourself. I incorporate a variety of multi-sensory, mindfulness, and creative methods in sessions, understanding that real growth and awareness occurs when there’s a connection between body and mind, and a willingness to look deeper at what is revealed through that exploration. I am here to walk alongside you on your wellness journey and encourage you to explore, play, get messy, laugh a little (or a lot) and learn something new everyday.

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  Cassandra Wink, LPC

  Let me tell you a little about myself, my experience, and my approach to counseling. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of South Carolina and Wisconsin. I truly love what I do and I enjoy connecting with people on a level of compassion and acceptance. I am a firm believer of bucket lists, beach days, and trusting intuition. I enjoy spending time with my two Frenchie's and exploring the area through local restaurants and nature trails. I have an extensive history working with children and adolescents, while also enjoying working with adults. My practice areas include anxiety, anger, depression, self-esteem issues, and adjustment issues. While I commonly use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and solution-focused approaches, your treatment will be individualized with treatment approaches that will help you create positive changes. I also love bringing creativity in sessions - incorporating animal-assisted therapy, art, narrative, and play therapy techniques. I view therapy as a collaborative process, which means that together you and I explore thoughts, feelings, and experiences that have led to the development of unhealthy life patterns. I believe you are the expert of your life and, as your therapist, I want to help you gain insight and discover the strength with which you can build a more meaningful life. I'm ready when you are! I invite you to give us a call to schedule an appointment and I look forward to meeting you soon!

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  Dawn Simmons, LPC

  Hello! Thank you for taking a moment to read about me and the services that I provide. Originally from upstate New York, I am a transplant to South Carolina. I enjoy every moment of the warmer, sunnier weather and the native wildlife, with the exception of palmetto bugs. I have a significant history of medical field work, which has increased my awareness of the inextricable relationship between the mind and body. I also believe strongly in the healing power of laughter, creativity, nature, and the human connection. I have extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and adults, particularly women, in the areas of trauma, anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues. In addition, I have enjoyed working with individuals challenged by mood disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and personality disorders. My specialty areas are depression, anxiety, trauma (including intimate partner violence and sexual assault), grief, self-esteem issues, and adjustment disorders. My personal view of therapy is that the you are the expert; only you live your life. That being said, you are the navigator of the journey and I will be there to collaborate with you to develop an individualized plan for treatment that is tailored to your needs and goals. Some of the modalities that I work with are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), using a person-centered approach and a solution-focused theoretical framework. During sessions, I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental environment where everyone is welcome and I am an ally to all.

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  Brandon Rowsey

  Hello, I am Brandon Rowsey. Let me share a little about myself. I have lived in Charleston for the past 20 years and have almost a decade of experience in this healing profession. I have had the opportunity to work with amazing people from all walks of life, ages, and situations. I strongly believe in giving each individual a safe, judgement free space to get through the curve balls life throws at them. I strive to walk alongside each person as they gain the internal resilience to face life's challenges and the right tools to stand the test of time. This journey is a partnership and the right pairing is important. It is my desire that everyone have the right counselor for them, so here is a little about my background. I have worked with individuals from 7-70+ years old. I have a long history of working with children who have struggled with anger management, depression, ADHD, anxiety, self-esteem, and trauma. I have had the opportunity of helping adults that struggle with sexual disorders, anxiety, depression, adjustment, and self-worth/esteem issues. I have training in play therapy, trauma work, and sexual addiction. My approach is an eclectic one, involving the use of modalities such as: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Gestalt Therapy, and psycho-analytic approaches. My desire is to be involved in the process and allow each person to feel empowered to be a part of their own treatment; all while knowing in the chair across from them is an objective, genuine, and compassionate person excited to see what life has to offer them in the future.

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  Alexis Pudlo

  What if life with your partner could be as exciting as it was when you first met? Do you feel as though you and your partner are living on two separate planets or speaking different languages? Do you find yourself questioning your worth or the value of your relationship? Navigating the ups and downs of a relationship is tough. That is why I help couples learn how to communicate and enjoy life together as a team. Let me share with a little bit about myself. Originally from the suburbs of Chicago, I have found my new home in the Lowcountry. Mom to one sweet fur baby, I enjoy beach days, a good book and a great cup of coffee. I view therapy as a collaborative process, which means together you, your partner and I will explore thoughts, feelings, and experiences that have led you to who you are today. With a zest for helping couples and individuals overcome their biggest hurdles, including substance abuse and infidelity, I believe that everyone has an important story to tell and that each story is still unfinished. I believe that you are the expert in your life and, as your therapist, I am here to help you navigate and gain insight that will help you lead a more meaningful and fulfilling life. Let's write the next chapter together! I invite you to give us a call to schedule an appointment. I look forward to meeting you soon!

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  Brittany Greene

  My name is Brittany Greene and I believe that you are the expert in your life, but sometimes, you need a little help trying to make sense of it all. Helping someone to see their own strength in vulnerability, and connect to themselves in ways they never thought possible, brings me absolute joy. And joy, from what I’ve learned in my work, occurs when we live our lives with authenticity. My belief is that people thrive when they have the space to be their authentic selves. I hope to provide a comfortable space within a therapeutic alliance for individuals to explore their authentic selves. It has been valuable in my work with adolescents experiencing the effects of trauma as well as behavioral challenges. It has been at the core of my work with survivors of sexual assault and continues to evolve in my current practice. My approach to therapy is eclectic, exploring unhelpful thought patterns and stuck points, emotional regulation and mindfulness, as well as other creative avenues like art and play. My goal is to provide you with frameworks that best fit your needs. If you’re ready, take a deep breath, thank yourself for being willing to show up for yourself, and let’s get started!

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  Dianne Rausher

  Hello! I’m Dianne, and I’m excited we’re crossing paths. Laughing warms my soul – as well as spending time with my close-knit family and getting love from the snuggle champions of my life, my doodle pups! I strive to find sunlight, bloom with change, let go like the fall leaves, and find warmth when it is cold. You can often find me surrounded by sand, water, and trees. I love all the great and messy things about being human. The pure joy my dogs have when they run free with all they’ve got. The aftermath of rolling in the mud. The beautiful wilderness. Scary wild animals. Loving wholeheartedly. Fear of losing people. Making new friends. Losing old friends. Being together. Being alone. In our lives, we will always have some experiences we plan, some we get through even though they’re difficult, and some we never, in our wildest imaginations, thought we would have to face. It’s ok, it’s all meant to change us. I’ve creatively journeyed with some incredible people using art and play, while doing the work I love most. Individuals and families who have struggled with major life changes, such as divorce or loss of a loved one. Families and children who felt lost because of a new diagnosis or who needed help navigating their new territory. I’ve walked alongside children who have felt that their thoughts constantly took over their lives, those who wanted their comfort “islands” to be bigger, and those who never thought they could make lasting friendships. I’ve helped guide parents achieve more connection with their kids and bring more peace to their home. All it takes is the willingness to change your brain and a toolkit of strategies that we’ll build together. Wherever you are, I’d love to be part of your growth and journey. Let’s find and grab what you’re looking for – whether its strength, confidence, bravery, peace, or connection. If you’re ready, I’m ready.

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  Bria Pringle

  Hi I’m Bria! I am one of the first faces you’ll see here at Wildflower. I enjoy helping others and interacting with clients. I love to smile, travel, and spend time with family.

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  Julia Pauls

  I enjoy seeing people achieve their goals and reach their potential. Whether it’s through a friendly greeting to our clients or providing administrative support to our clinicians I consider it a privilege to be part of that process. When not answering the phones at Wildflower, I love spending time with my family and doing anything outdoors - especially if it involves sand and waves

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  Ruth Wetenhall

  I am very passionate about serving my community in a heart centered way. I enjoy personally connecting clients to our wonderful therapists, and being a smiling face when they walk in the door! When I’m not here, I love spending time in nature and creating art.

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  Luka

  Hi there! I'm Luka! Together, my mom and I provide animal- assisted therapy. She says I help her clients with emotion regulation, trust, socialization, self-esteem and management of anxiety and depression. All I know is that I enjoy showing off my toys, playing hide-and-seek, learning tricks, and sucking on my tennis ball during sessions! On my days off, I love to go on walks, stalk little lizards, and find sun spots to take naps in. I have been trained through Ideal Dog, and I now hold membership with Paws for Friendship Inc. Let's play together soon, or maybe just talk and cuddle!

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  Baymax

  Oh hey, human! My name is Baymax (you know, the big white healing robot from Big Hero 6?). My parents named me after that guy, because like him, I love to make people feel better. Ever since I was a baby, my favorites have always been snuggling, giving gentle kisses, and making new friends. With help from my parents, I went to school and worked really hard to be a good therapy dog. I earned my AKC Canine Good Citizen title and graduated from Petco’s Positive Dog Training class. My favorite teacher, Abby, helped me learn a lot of the skills I will need for animal assisted therapy. She helped me be a better listener and master of ignoring distracting animals like silly cats, curious lizards, and energetic hamsters so I can focus on doing my job. For over four months, I learned how to properly say hello to strangers and practice good self-control in a lot of fun places like the Mt. Pleasant Farmer’s market, hardware stores, libraries, bookstores, Joe Riley Waterfront Park, and lots and lots of shopping centers. I loved every minute of it! My goal in life is to help people feel happy and good about themselves. It’s the highlight of my day when I see a smile on someone’s face. I am so excited to work at Wildflower and bring joy to your life! Hope to shake your hand soon. Love, Baymax.