Meet Our Therapists
Courtney Blake
MSW, LCSW
Courtney Pope Blake, MSW LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is licensed by the North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board. Courtney completed her undergraduate career at UNC-Wilmington and received her Masters in Social Work at UNC-Pembroke.
Courtney has experience in working with children, adolescents, young adults, adults, and the elderly population. While acquiring her undergraduate degree in Social work in Wilmington, N.C., Courtney gained experience in working with elementary aged girls in a Girl’s Empowerment Group and at-risk youth. Courtney worked closely with an agency that catered to youth that were at-risk of becoming involved in gang life in New Hanover County. Courtney also worked with the New Hanover Sherriff’s Department with events and county mandated meetings and natural disaster response groups.
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While working towards her Masters in Social Work, Courtney worked with Richmond County Hospice in many aspects including: in-home visitation, fund raising, and facilitated a monthly grief group for those family members who had lost a loved one in and out of Richmond County Hospice.
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Courtney most enjoys working as a clinician serving individuals ages six and older in an outpatient mental health agency. Courtney’s primary clinical interest are treatment of oppositional defiant disorder, adjustment disorder, anxiety, ADHD, and depression in children, adolescents, and adults as well as providing therapeutic services to families and couples
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Courtney thoroughly enjoys spending time outdoors kayaking, fishing, playing a variety of sports, and being on the beach. She also enjoys crafts, board games, and hands on activities and tries to incorporate these into each session, where appropriate, as a therapeutic outlet
Stacey Long Fain
M.A NCC, LCMHC
Stacey Long Fain, LCMHCA is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counseling Associate who is provisionally licensed by the North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors. Ms. Fain received her Master of Science Degree in Counselor Education from North Carolina A&T University. She also holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Appalachian State University. Ms. Fain achieved recognition as a National Board-Certified School Counselor as well as a National Certified Counselor.
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Ms. Fain has been providing individual and small group counseling services for children, adolescents, parents and families for over 17 years. She uses a client-centered, and Christian based approach. Ms. Fain uses cognitive behavioral therapy with various ages. She uses a variety of techniques with children and adolescents including mindfulness, bibliotherapy, play therapy, music, art activities, games and journaling.
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Ms. Fain enjoys working with individuals from a variety of backgrounds on issues including ADHD, depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, grief and loss, parent/child relationship issues as well as other mental health and life concerns.
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Ms. Fain enjoys spending time with her son. They love to travel and explore new adventures. They love riding horses, fishing, and swimming. Her favorite pastime is reading a good book while enjoying a great cup of coffee.
Taucha Buller
LCSWA
Taucha Buller, LCSWA, is a Licensed Clinical Social Work Associate who is licensed to practice therapy by North Carolina Social Work Board. With a background in psychology from Arizona State University and a Masters of Social Work from Middlesex University in London, England, she take a comprehensive approach to help reshape your narrative, create a relaxed muscle body, fostering positive changes.
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Taucha will help you uncover your strengths, heal emotional wounds, and create a life filled with moments of peace and joy. Your experiences and feelings matter and deserve to be heard. Taucha tailor's treatment plans to your needs, offering a modern, friendly, and nurturing approach. Her sessions are a safe space for personal growth. Taucha is here to guide you on your journey of healing and help you build the peaceful life you desire.
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Beyond her professional life, Taucha is an avid traveler which has provided her with an enriched understanding of diverse cultures and human experiences, making her more culturally aware and empathetic. This global perspective informs her approach to meeting the unique needs of her clients.
Areas of Specialties:
Anxiety and Stress Management
Depression and Mood Disorders
Interpersonal Relationship Issues
Self - Esteem and Personal Growth
Somatic Trauma Healing
Grief and Loss Recovery
Alicia Martinez-Mendez
LCSWA, LCASA
Alicia Martinez-Mendez is a licensed social worker here at SBC. She earned her Associates in Science in 2018 through Richmond Community College's REACH program. Alicia then went on to receive her Bachelors in Psychology in 2020 from East Carolina University. In 2022, she completed her Masters in Social Work.
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Alicia is currently working with all types of populations, which she sees as great experience. Alicia works with adolescents, adults, and elders. Her clinical areas of interest include Grief and Loss, Aging Life Transitions, Domestic Violence, Trauma, Divorce-Relationships, Eating Disorders, etc.
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Alicia is a part of a family that includes her father, older brother, younger sister, and a younger brother. She also has three nieces and a baby nephew. Alicia also has many farm animals, including a dog, mini pigs, goats, and many chickens. She loves to spend her time walking on nature trails, collecting indoor plants, and completing paint-by-number projects for her family.
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Alicia loves her job dearly. She has stated, "I really enjoy my job, the most exciting part is listening to peoples stories from different age groups and backgrounds. I love asking questions, so I learn a lot from my clients everyday.
Valerie Jones
MA, LCMHCA, NCC
Valerie Jones is a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) licensed through the National Board for Certified Counselors. Valerie is also a certified SYMBIS Assessment Facilitator. To further her certifications, she is currently working on receiving her certifications in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-Trauma Focused and Amen Clinics Brain Health Professional.
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Valerie graduated from Liberty University with her Masters of Arts Mental Health Counseling. She also has her Bachelors in Business from the University of Phoenix and her Bachelor in Arts in general studies from Indiana University.
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Valerie enjoys traveling, learning new cultures, music, and helping others. She once traveled overseas for five years and visited various countries where she taught English to individuals as a second language. Valerie says that she enjoys leaning about new people, new cultures, and visiting new places.
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Valerie loves what her job does for others, as mentioned, she loves helping people! In her own words, "I believe that counseling is a therapeutic process in which the counselor and client have a safe space to work together to achieve goals and help the client become the best versions of themselves.".
