OUR STAFF
Glen Barden, MA, LPC
Master of Arts in Professional Counseling
Counselor - Adolescents, Adults, and Family Therapy
To schedule an appointment with Glen, please dial 770-852-8686, Ext. 102
Glen earned a Master of Arts degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University, graduating with High Distinction (4.0 GPA). Formerly on staff at Ridgeview Institute in Smyrna, GA treating psychological disorders and addictions, he is a member of The American Counseling Association, and qualified for membership in The International Honor Society of Psychology. Glen is a featured lecturer for Enhanced Human Development International, Inc. presenting courses on Domestic Violence Prevention & Intervention and Avoiding Sexual Harassment in the Workplace. He is licensed by the State of Georgia as a Licensed Professional Counselor.
Glen is a life-long Cobb County resident, currently living in Acworth with his wife, teenage son and daughter, and new puppies, Darcy and Leo. He believes in utilizing the “person-centered” approach developed by Dr. Carl Rogers and employs an eclectic mix of therapeutic techniques (e.g. Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Art-Therapy, Gestalt, etc.) uniquely designed to each client. Also holding a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Finance, Glen served over 20 years in high-stress corporate environments and considers himself a “recovering perfectionist.” Consequently, he has special interests in adolescent and adult stress management, anxiety, depression and establishing healthy work/life balances and is dedicated to helping adolescents struggling with oppositional and self-harming behaviors, as well as coping with academic stress, ADHD/ADD, blended families and bullying.
Christian Counseling Availability
Glen has held church leadership positions, led Life Groups and taught Sunday School classes for over 20 years. Glen’s Master’s degree was awarded from a program integrating theology and psychology, thus he is trained in secular techniques as well as unique counseling strategies for clients struggling with their beliefs or seeking understanding and treatment from a biblical perspective. However, as it is unethical for a counselor to impose personal values and beliefs onto clients, all counseling will be provided from a strictly secular perspective unless theological integration is specifically requested by the client.
Master of Arts in Professional Counseling
Counselor - Adolescents, Adults, and Family Therapy
To schedule an appointment with Glen, please dial 770-852-8686, Ext. 102
Glen earned a Master of Arts degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University, graduating with High Distinction (4.0 GPA). Formerly on staff at Ridgeview Institute in Smyrna, GA treating psychological disorders and addictions, he is a member of The American Counseling Association, and qualified for membership in The International Honor Society of Psychology. Glen is a featured lecturer for Enhanced Human Development International, Inc. presenting courses on Domestic Violence Prevention & Intervention and Avoiding Sexual Harassment in the Workplace. He is licensed by the State of Georgia as a Licensed Professional Counselor.
Glen is a life-long Cobb County resident, currently living in Acworth with his wife, teenage son and daughter, and new puppies, Darcy and Leo. He believes in utilizing the “person-centered” approach developed by Dr. Carl Rogers and employs an eclectic mix of therapeutic techniques (e.g. Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Art-Therapy, Gestalt, etc.) uniquely designed to each client. Also holding a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Finance, Glen served over 20 years in high-stress corporate environments and considers himself a “recovering perfectionist.” Consequently, he has special interests in adolescent and adult stress management, anxiety, depression and establishing healthy work/life balances and is dedicated to helping adolescents struggling with oppositional and self-harming behaviors, as well as coping with academic stress, ADHD/ADD, blended families and bullying.
Christian Counseling Availability
Glen has held church leadership positions, led Life Groups and taught Sunday School classes for over 20 years. Glen’s Master’s degree was awarded from a program integrating theology and psychology, thus he is trained in secular techniques as well as unique counseling strategies for clients struggling with their beliefs or seeking understanding and treatment from a biblical perspective. However, as it is unethical for a counselor to impose personal values and beliefs onto clients, all counseling will be provided from a strictly secular perspective unless theological integration is specifically requested by the client.
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Scott Pennington, MA, LPC
Master of Arts in Professional Counseling
Counselor - Adolescents, Adults, Couples, Premarital and Family Therapy
Certified Prepare-Enrich Facilitator; Aggressive Replacement, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
To schedule an appointment with Scott, please dial 770-852-8686, Ext. 101
Scott graduated from Liberty University with a BS in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling. He is a second career individual with previous experience working for a Fortune 500 Company and understands the challenges and pressures men and women face balancing careers, relationships, marriage, and families. Utilizing a Client-Centered approach, Scott maintains an optimistic perspective of individuals and believes behaviors are an attempt to cope with life's challenges. While providing an environment of acceptance, respect, and understanding, he promotes personal growth and lasting life changes. Scott's extensive experience in private practice and at an in-patient treatment facility allows him to provide techniques for managing the impact on individuals and families to adolescents, individuals, couples, and families coping with stress, anxiety, depression, anger, abuse, and addictions.
As a Certified Prepare-Enrich Facilitator and Level 1 Gottman Therapist, Scott works with pre-marital couples to build a healthy foundation and couples wanting to improve their marital relationships. The Prepare and Enrich program is a comprehensive assessment of a couple’s strengths and weaknesses and the Gottman philosophy helps improve communications, appreciation, and empathy for one another. Scott is also Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) certified helping people identify thought processes related to, and correct unhealthy behaviors. Through the Aggressive Replacement Therapy (ART) techniques, Scott helps individuals build social skills, manage anger, and improve moral reasoning which strengthen interpersonal relationships.
Scott continuously seeks to increase his knowledge and perfect his therapeutic approach by undergoing additional Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), CBT, and Gottman training. He also maintains compliance with the state of Georgia's requirements for Licensed Professional Counselors.
Master of Arts in Professional Counseling
Counselor - Adolescents, Adults, Couples, Premarital and Family Therapy
Certified Prepare-Enrich Facilitator; Aggressive Replacement, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
To schedule an appointment with Scott, please dial 770-852-8686, Ext. 101
Scott graduated from Liberty University with a BS in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling. He is a second career individual with previous experience working for a Fortune 500 Company and understands the challenges and pressures men and women face balancing careers, relationships, marriage, and families. Utilizing a Client-Centered approach, Scott maintains an optimistic perspective of individuals and believes behaviors are an attempt to cope with life's challenges. While providing an environment of acceptance, respect, and understanding, he promotes personal growth and lasting life changes. Scott's extensive experience in private practice and at an in-patient treatment facility allows him to provide techniques for managing the impact on individuals and families to adolescents, individuals, couples, and families coping with stress, anxiety, depression, anger, abuse, and addictions.
As a Certified Prepare-Enrich Facilitator and Level 1 Gottman Therapist, Scott works with pre-marital couples to build a healthy foundation and couples wanting to improve their marital relationships. The Prepare and Enrich program is a comprehensive assessment of a couple’s strengths and weaknesses and the Gottman philosophy helps improve communications, appreciation, and empathy for one another. Scott is also Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) certified helping people identify thought processes related to, and correct unhealthy behaviors. Through the Aggressive Replacement Therapy (ART) techniques, Scott helps individuals build social skills, manage anger, and improve moral reasoning which strengthen interpersonal relationships.
Scott continuously seeks to increase his knowledge and perfect his therapeutic approach by undergoing additional Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), CBT, and Gottman training. He also maintains compliance with the state of Georgia's requirements for Licensed Professional Counselors.
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Melanie Peters, M.Ed., LPC
Master of Education in Community Counseling
Counselor - Children, Adolescents, Adults, and Family Therapy
To schedule an appointment with Melanie, please dial 770-852-8686, Ext. 103
Melanie earned her Master of Education in Professional Community Counseling from The University of Georgia and her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from The University of Iowa. She is a licensed professional counselor in the State of Georgia and a member of the Licensed Professional Counselors Association of Georgia.
Melanie’s professional experience includes providing individual and family counseling, as well as crisis management to children, adolescents, and adults in an office setting as well as in her client’s homes. In addition, she has worked as a behavioral specialist in a hospital setting, assisting patients throughout their daily schedules and providing therapeutic support and conflict resolution as needed.
Melanie enjoys working with individuals (children, adolescents, and adults) and families facing a variety of challenges including: mood disorders (depression, anxiety, etc.), issues of self-esteem, stress management, and developmental/life transitions (such as young adults exerting their independence in the form of obtaining their first job, separating from their family, going to college, etc.).
Melanie believes in incorporating the principles of a person-centered approach, as well as taking a collaborative approach in the therapeutic relationship. By creating a safe and supportive environment, Melanie feels that she can empower her clients to overcome their obstacles and experience positive growth. She primarily uses cognitive behavioral therapy in her approach to treatment, in which one’s thoughts affect one’s mood/emotions and therefore one’s behavior. She also incorporates a variety of therapeutic techniques tailored to fit the unique client with whom she is working.
Master of Education in Community Counseling
Counselor - Children, Adolescents, Adults, and Family Therapy
To schedule an appointment with Melanie, please dial 770-852-8686, Ext. 103
Melanie earned her Master of Education in Professional Community Counseling from The University of Georgia and her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from The University of Iowa. She is a licensed professional counselor in the State of Georgia and a member of the Licensed Professional Counselors Association of Georgia.
Melanie’s professional experience includes providing individual and family counseling, as well as crisis management to children, adolescents, and adults in an office setting as well as in her client’s homes. In addition, she has worked as a behavioral specialist in a hospital setting, assisting patients throughout their daily schedules and providing therapeutic support and conflict resolution as needed.
Melanie enjoys working with individuals (children, adolescents, and adults) and families facing a variety of challenges including: mood disorders (depression, anxiety, etc.), issues of self-esteem, stress management, and developmental/life transitions (such as young adults exerting their independence in the form of obtaining their first job, separating from their family, going to college, etc.).
Melanie believes in incorporating the principles of a person-centered approach, as well as taking a collaborative approach in the therapeutic relationship. By creating a safe and supportive environment, Melanie feels that she can empower her clients to overcome their obstacles and experience positive growth. She primarily uses cognitive behavioral therapy in her approach to treatment, in which one’s thoughts affect one’s mood/emotions and therefore one’s behavior. She also incorporates a variety of therapeutic techniques tailored to fit the unique client with whom she is working.
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Sam Smith II, MA, NCC, LPC
Master of Arts in Community Counseling
Counselor - Adolescents, Adults, Marriage and Family Therapy
To schedule an appointment with Sam, please dial 770-852-8686, Ext. 105
Sam graduated cum laude with his Master of Arts in Community Counseling degree from Argosy University, while working full time for the Air Force. Sam is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Georgia, and is nationally recognized by the National Board of Certified Counselors. He is a member in good standing with the American Counseling Association, Military and Government Counseling Association, and the American Association of Christian Counselors. Sam is a current Green Dot: Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Suicide Prevention, Bystander training facilitator. He is also a Save Your Marriage Before It Starts (SYMBIS) facilitator for individual, couples, or small groups.
Sam lives in Kennesaw with his wife, two children, and two Golden Indian dogs. Although he uses a “person-centered” foundation with all his clients, he includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Attachment Theory, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Logo Therapy, etc. to meet the needs of clients. Sam has served in the military for over 20 years, and continues to serve locally at Dobbins ARB. Sam spent four years working in wilderness therapy where he enjoyed helping families work through struggles such as adoption, oppositional behaviors, learning disabilities and many other issues. He further enjoys working with those considering or currently enjoying the adventure of marriage.
Christian Counseling Availability
Sam is willing to provide Christian Counseling upon request. Because it is unethical for a counselor to impose personal values and beliefs onto clients, all counseling will be provided from a strictly secular perspective unless theological integration is specifically requested by the client.
Master of Arts in Community Counseling
Counselor - Adolescents, Adults, Marriage and Family Therapy
To schedule an appointment with Sam, please dial 770-852-8686, Ext. 105
Sam graduated cum laude with his Master of Arts in Community Counseling degree from Argosy University, while working full time for the Air Force. Sam is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Georgia, and is nationally recognized by the National Board of Certified Counselors. He is a member in good standing with the American Counseling Association, Military and Government Counseling Association, and the American Association of Christian Counselors. Sam is a current Green Dot: Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Suicide Prevention, Bystander training facilitator. He is also a Save Your Marriage Before It Starts (SYMBIS) facilitator for individual, couples, or small groups.
Sam lives in Kennesaw with his wife, two children, and two Golden Indian dogs. Although he uses a “person-centered” foundation with all his clients, he includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Attachment Theory, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Logo Therapy, etc. to meet the needs of clients. Sam has served in the military for over 20 years, and continues to serve locally at Dobbins ARB. Sam spent four years working in wilderness therapy where he enjoyed helping families work through struggles such as adoption, oppositional behaviors, learning disabilities and many other issues. He further enjoys working with those considering or currently enjoying the adventure of marriage.
Christian Counseling Availability
Sam is willing to provide Christian Counseling upon request. Because it is unethical for a counselor to impose personal values and beliefs onto clients, all counseling will be provided from a strictly secular perspective unless theological integration is specifically requested by the client.
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Carrie Harrison, MS., LPC, NCC
Master of Science in Professional Counseling
Counselor - Adolescents, Adults, Marriage and Family Therapy
To schedule an appointment with Carrie, please dial 770-852-8686, Ext. 104
Carrie earned her Masters of Science degree in Professional Counseling from Georgia State University. She is also licensed as a National Certified Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Georgia. Carrie is a member of the National Board of Certified Counselors, American Counseling Association and Licensed Professional Counselors Association of Georgia. Carrie also holds a lecture positon at Kennesaw State University where she teaches in the Psychology Department.
Carrie’s professional experience includes working with adolescents and adults as well as providing marriage and family therapy. Carrie enjoys working with clients who may face a wide variety of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma as well as individuals in the LGBTQ community. Carrie’s philosophy of therapy is that each person is unique and should be treated as a whole. She will tailor the type of counseling around what works best for you. Carrie believe that each feeling you are struggling with can be helped in a positive and energizing way. Carrie incorporates various therapeutic techniques to help her client’s achieve their desired goals.
Master of Science in Professional Counseling
Counselor - Adolescents, Adults, Marriage and Family Therapy
To schedule an appointment with Carrie, please dial 770-852-8686, Ext. 104
Carrie earned her Masters of Science degree in Professional Counseling from Georgia State University. She is also licensed as a National Certified Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Georgia. Carrie is a member of the National Board of Certified Counselors, American Counseling Association and Licensed Professional Counselors Association of Georgia. Carrie also holds a lecture positon at Kennesaw State University where she teaches in the Psychology Department.
Carrie’s professional experience includes working with adolescents and adults as well as providing marriage and family therapy. Carrie enjoys working with clients who may face a wide variety of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma as well as individuals in the LGBTQ community. Carrie’s philosophy of therapy is that each person is unique and should be treated as a whole. She will tailor the type of counseling around what works best for you. Carrie believe that each feeling you are struggling with can be helped in a positive and energizing way. Carrie incorporates various therapeutic techniques to help her client’s achieve their desired goals.
Maxwell (a.k.a. “Max”),
Graduate of Happy Trails Pet Training
Therapy Dog Intern
Max is a Registered Emotional Support Golden Retriever and a graduate of the Happy Trails Pet Center. He is currently training in NWGBH’s office to become a Certified Therapy Dog specializing in stress-management via tactile response (i.e. petting). He really enjoys engaging in Play Therapy (i.e. fetch). If you are interested in Max participating in your session, please ask your counselor ahead of time about arranging a suitability assessment.
Graduate of Happy Trails Pet Training
Therapy Dog Intern
Max is a Registered Emotional Support Golden Retriever and a graduate of the Happy Trails Pet Center. He is currently training in NWGBH’s office to become a Certified Therapy Dog specializing in stress-management via tactile response (i.e. petting). He really enjoys engaging in Play Therapy (i.e. fetch). If you are interested in Max participating in your session, please ask your counselor ahead of time about arranging a suitability assessment.
