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Meet Our Team

Victoria Butler, M.Ed., LCMHC
Founder

I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. I earned my Master's degree in School Counseling from Campbell University in 2012 and a Bachelor's degree in English with honors from Mount Olive University in 2008.  I began my career as a teacher, which is when I realized my love for counseling.  During breaks, my students would talk with me about their lives and stressors.  I decided that I would continue my education, so I obtained my graduate degree in school counseling.  Upon completion, I worked in elementary and high school settings as a school counselor and 504 Coordinator.  In 2016, I transitioned from the school setting to private practice, which provided me the opportunity to serve individuals with diverse mental health needs.  I am ever thankful for the wonderful clients, mentors, and colleagues who have supported my career growth so far. 

Now, my husband and I are pursing yet another dream, Heritage Counseling and Wellness, PLLC.  Through our own practice, we hope to provide quality counseling services and classes that will help to promote the growth of individuals, families, and our community. 

Population Served: 

Victoria sees a limited caseload of clients including:  children and adults ages 2 and up, Adolescents, Parents, and Women.

Victoria accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield NC, United Healthcare/Optum/UMR, Humana Tricare, Aetna, Cigna/Evernorth, Medcost, and Self-Pay Clients.   

Techniques:

I use a variety of therapeutic techniques including:

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  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

  • Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)

  • Expressive Arts Therapy and Yoga Facilitation

  • Techniques from the Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM)

  • Psychoeducation on Neuroscience and the effects of trauma and stress

  • Christian Counseling (Upon Client Request)

  • Play Therapy Techniques

  • Child/Parent Therapy

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I use the following techniques for treatment of children and parents:   Child-centered play therapy, Theraplay techniques, Circle of Security Parenting techniques, sand tray techniques, and expressive arts therapy. 

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I have experience working with the following mental health concerns:  anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD, post-partum depression, bi-polar disorder, personality disorders, OCD, grief and loss, life adjustments, parenting issues, ADHD, stress management, and anger management.

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I often supervision clinical mental health interns, and I offer Christian counseling upon client request.

I am also available to speak about mental health issues for community events. 

My husband, Brandon, and I also offer a 2-hour workshop, "Redeemed Parenting", which helps support caregivers for children as we focus on strategies grounded in neuroscience, psychology, and Christian faith practices. 

Monica Raynor, M.Ed., LCMHC, NCC, BSN, RN

I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. I earned my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from North Carolina State University in 2018 and hold a National Counselor Certification. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from East Carolina University in 2014 after completing an Associated degree in Nursing from Johnston Community College in 2004. I began my career as a registered nurse. My nursing background includes working with patients in cardiac care, hospice, outpatient wound therapy and home care. My nursing career also included being a nurse educator for eight years. I developed an interest and love for counseling over those years working with patients as a nurse. In my nursing role, there were times when patients and families shared life struggles and stresses; I found it rewarding to help people navigate through those struggles. I provide a safe and welcoming space where clients can feel comfortable as we work together on meeting goals.          

Population Served: 

Adults and Families ages 18 and up.  Monica accepts Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield NC, Cigna/Evernorth, Humana Tricare, Medcost,  United Healthcare/Optum/UMR and Self-Pay Clients.     

Techniques:

I use a variety of therapeutic techniques including:

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  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

  • Christian Counseling (Upon Client Request)

  • Career Counseling

  • Art Therapy

  • Coaching

  • Compassion Focused

  • Emotionally Focused

  • Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)

  • Motivational Interviewing

  • Person-Centered

  • Trauma Focused

  • Psychoeducation and neuroscience related to trauma

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I have experience working with the following mental health concerns: anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD, post-partum depression, grief and loss, chronic illness, life adjustments, coping skills, parenting issues, women’s issues, stress management, spirituality, self -esteem, infertility/pregnancy/prenatal/postpartum, peer relationships, parenting, relationship issues and life coaching and transitions.  Christian counseling offered upon client request.  

Margaret Gurkin, M.S., LCMHCA, LCAS

I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA) as well as a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist(LCAS). I earned my Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling from East Carolina University in 2021 and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Johnson and Wales University.

I began my mental health career working in a Adult Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Program(SAIOP). From that position I transitioned into the school system working with elementary to high school aged students. Working with these populations provided me experience with substance abuse, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, life adjustments, and stress management. My goal as a clinician is to provide a welcoming, safe and validating space to work with clients towards their goals.

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Population Served: 

Children and Adults ages 12 and up.  Margaret accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield NC, United Healthcare/Optum/UMR, Aetna, and Self-Pay Clients.

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Techniques:

I use a variety of therapeutic techniques including:

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  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

  • Mindfulness

  • Trauma Informed

  • Psychoeducation related to trauma

  • Motivational Interviewing(MI)

  • Person-Centered

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Richard Beacham, M.S., MDiv, LCMHC

Richard Beacham is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor.  He has a Master of Science in Pastoral Counseling from  Loyola College.  He also holds a Master of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.  Richard is an Ordained Pastor / Licensed Minister.  Has extensive experience working with individuals, couples, and families in turmoil.  Richard uses a wholistic approach to counseling by working with the mind, heart, soul, and spirit of the person. We want to do our best to integrate the entire person into counseling. Richard also wants you to feel that counseling is a safe place to share your concerns and worries without feeling judged.

He has experience working with individuals, couples, parents of adopted children, and is experienced as well in working with military personnel.  He is licensed in North Carolina.

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Population Served: 

 Families, Couples, and Adults ages 18 and up.  Areas of treatment specialization include working with those struggling with depression, anxiety, life transitions, obsessive-compulsive disorder, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, substance abuse, sex addiction, and pornography addiction.  Christian counseling offered upon client request.  Richard accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield NC, United Healthcare/Optum/UMR, Humana Tricare, Aetna, Cigna/Evernorth, Medcost, Coventry and Self-Pay Clients.    

Andrea “Andi” Compton, M.A., LCMHCA

I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate. I earned my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Campbell University in 2023 and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Campbell University in 2019 I came into the counseling profession to join people on their journey to become the best version of themselves. I am someone who recognizes the value in small details and very much understands life is a journey, not a destination. Providing a safe space where clients feel welcomed, comfortable, and validated is my goal as a counselor.

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I have experience working with the following mental health concerns: anxiety, depression, life transitions, separation anxiety, ADHD, stress management, PTSD/Trauma.

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My approach to counseling is Humanistic/Person-centered and Child-centered. 

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Population Served: 

Populations Served: Children ages 3-10, Adolescents, Teens, and Parental Support.  Andi accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield NC, United Healthcare/Optum/UMR, Aetna, Medcost, and Self-Pay Clients.

Techniques:

I use a variety of therapeutic techniques including:

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  • Humanistic/Person-Centered

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

  • Psychoeducation and Neuroscience related to trauma and stress

  • Expressive Arts Therapy

  • Child-centered Play Therapy Techniques

  • Child/Parent Therapy

  • Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)

  • Motivational Interviewing (MI)

  • Christian Counseling (Upon Client Request)

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Renessa Carthens, M.S., LCMHC

Renessa Carthens is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor.  She earned a Master’s in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University,  and a B.S. in Psychology- Fayetteville State University.  She has many years of experience in the mental health field working with various populations including: adults with developmental delays, children with behavioral issues and adults struggling with anxiety and depression.  She has experience working with child welfare, and she utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with her clients. Renessa takes a realistic approach to therapy, meeting the clients where they are to ensure they feel comfortable with opening up and engaging in therapy.  In her time off, Renessa enjoys spending time with her family and friends, eating desserts, and doing anything that brings joy in life.

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Population Served: 

Children ages 10 and up, Adolescents, and Adults.  Adults with Anger, Anxiety, Bi-Polar Disorder, Depression, Domestic violence, Trauma.  Children with ADHD, aggression, and trauma.  Renessa accepts Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield NC, Cigna/Evernorth (contract pending), Humana Tricare, United Healthcare/Optum/UMR, Medcost and Self-Pay Clients.

 

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Techniques:

I use a variety of therapeutic techniques including:

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  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Christian Counseling (Upon Client Request)

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Heather Baumhauer, MSW, LCSWA

I am an Associate Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I earned my Master's degree in Social Work from Fayetteville State University in 2021 and a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from Campbell University in 2015. I received my Associates in Human Service Technology from Central Carolina Community College in 2012. I began my career working with adults with intellectual/developmental disorders, mental health diagnoses, and/or substance use. This position fueled my passion for advocating and educating others to alleviate the stigma around mental health. I always knew that I wanted to work with children and adolescents, so I transitioned to the school system as a School Social Worker and later worked with the Mental Health Support team in the school system while obtaining my Master’s degree.  As a school social worker, I helped students with a variety of needs and supported families. I was also a part of the crisis team for Harnett County Schools, and I responded to crises in my assigned schools.

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Population Served: 

Children ages 10 and up, Adolescents, Families/Parents, and Adults.  Heather accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield NC, Aetna, and Self-Pay Clients.

Techniques:

I use a variety of therapeutic techniques including:

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  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

  • Expressive Arts Therapy

  • Mindfulness Training Psychoeducation

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Laura Baker, M.Ed, M.A., LCMHCA

Laura Baker earned her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Campbell University in 2024.  She is also a graduate of East Carolina University where she earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Educations in 1993 and Master’s of Art in Elementary Education in 1994.  As a recently retired elementary teacher, she works to blend her 30 years of experience working with children and families in the classroom with counseling skills.  Her roles as a mother, daughter, and teacher have helped her gain awareness of the importance of support and connection in the lives of children, adults, and families which play a critical role in mental and emotional health and overall well-being.   It is Laura’s goal to provide a safe, nurturing space for clients to explore their personal journey.  She enjoys working with clients to build upon existing personal strengths and gain insight into how to meet goals and become a more empowered version of themselves. 

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Laura has clinical interests including general mental health concerns including anxiety and depression, child and family school adjustments, bariatric surgery, weight loss surgery, and body image, and divorce and single parenting.

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Population Served: 

School age children kindergarten and up, Adolescents, Parents, Adults.  Laura accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield NC and self-pay clients.   

Techniques:

I use a variety of therapeutic techniques including:

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  • Humanistic/Person-Centered

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

  • Psychoeducation

  • Expressive Arts Therapy

  • Child-centered Play Therapy Techniques

  • ​Child/Parent Therapy

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)

  • Christian Counseling (Upon Client Request)

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Laura Rich, M.Ed, M.A., LCMHCA

I earned a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Campbell University in 2024.  I also hold Bachelor and Masters of Education from Campbell. I've worked with college students with disabilities for nearly 20 years and have seen the need for mental health support increase dramatically in those years.  I went back to school expanding my skills to be able to provide support and intervention to improve quality of life for children and teens. I learned much in my internship with Heritage Counseling and Wellness and am excited to continue serving with this team investing in Harnett County, my home for over 20 years. In my work here, I seek to provide connection and space for children and teens to explore their concerns and learn skills that help them gain confidence to meet the challenges of growing up. I have specific interests and experience working with neurodivergent folks and supporting families as they navigate diagnoses including ADHD and Autism specifically. Supporting women with ADHD is another area of interest and experience for my practice.

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Population Served: 

Children and Adolescents, ages 6 and up; Parents, Adults.  Laura accepts clients who have BCBS and self-pay.   

Techniques:

I use a variety of therapeutic techniques including:

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  • Person-Centered

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

  • Psychoeducation and Neuroscience related to trauma and stress

  • Expressive Arts Therapy

  • Play Therapy Techniques

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)

  • Christian Counseling (Upon Client Request)

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Sarah Rhodes, Counseling Intern

I am currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University. I am a graduate from Campbell University where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies. For the last five years I have worked with children, adolescents, and their parents in various settings. Through my work with children and adolescents I developed a passion for helping them, and their families, navigate life transitions and journey with them on their path to overall health. My goal as an intern at Heritage Counseling and Wellness, PLLC is to build upon the knowledge I have gained through education and real-life experience. I am excited to collaborate, learn, and grow with the staff and clients of Heritage Counseling and Wellness, PLLC.  In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family and our three dogs, Icy, Nova, and Bodie. I also have a passion for photography and music, though you can usually find me with my nose stuck in a book.

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Population Served: 

Children and Teens ages 3 to17.  Sarah accepts Self-Pay Clients.

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Techniques:

I use a variety of therapeutic techniques including:

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  • Structured problem solving

  • Client-centered techniques

  • Psychoeducation

  • Expressive Arts Therapy / Play Therapy

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Laura Jessup, BCC, Counseling Intern

I have completed my Bachelors in Christian Counseling at Liberty University. I am pursuing a Master’s in Social Work at Liberty University. Serving the past 24 years with Harnett County Schools and the past year working alongside the social work group in Harnett County Schools during my internship. I have enjoyed working with the students discovering ways to support student and family needs. It is my desire to walk alongside clients to support and nurture their lives and goals. I am excited to begin my journey here at Heritage Counseling and Wellness and look forward to growing and enriching my skill with different therapies.

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Population Served: 

Children 5 up to adults. Laura accepts Self-Pay clients.

Techniques:

I use a variety of therapeutic techniques including:

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  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Play Therapy Techniques

  • Psychoeducation

  • Christian Counseling (Upon Client Request)

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Sabra Nelson, Office Manager

I am a retired public school teacher of 30 years. I graduated from Campbell University with a Bachelor of Science in Intermediate Education. I am a wife and mother. My loves are Jesus Christ, family, friends and neighbors. I enjoy cutting grass, reading, writing, computers, and working in and around my home. The mental, emotional and spiritual struggles of others are heavy on my heart. I am excited to join Heritage Counseling and Wellness in their quest to provide counseling and encouragement.

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Mindy Alphin, Administrative Assistant

I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Campbell University’s School of Education with a Bachelor’s of Science in Child and Family Studies. I have worked with children and families for the last 25 years. My heart is to love Jesus and reflect Him beautifully. My desire is to see children, youth and families know the freedom, comfort and love found in the healing and wholeness of Christ.

Brandon Butler, B.S.
Administrator

I earned a Bachelors degree in Operations / Supply Chain Management and Minor in Accounting from N.C. State University in 2008.  Since then, I have worked in business settings ranging from management positions in the automotive industry to leading best of breed supply chain software implementations for Fortune 100 companies.  

 

As a teenager, working in a small local business, I developed a heart for the community.  Since then, I have dreamed of owning a small business which makes a positive impact on the community.  In an effort to realize our common goals, my wife and I founded Heritage Counseling and Wellness, PLLC in 2020.

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HCW Care Team
Ty Sawyer, Donna Sawyer, Jimmy Pope, Julia Butler, and Gary Butler.

Our care team is a group of retired family and friends who support our team in so many ways.  From helping with childcare, special events, office upkeep and maintenance, lawncare, sending notes and goodies of encouragement, and being faithful prayer partners, they help hold us all up so we can keep working to serve our clients.
We are so blessed to be in your care.

Employment opportunities at Heritage Counseling and Wellness are available for licensed mental health professionals. 

For information, contact victoriabutler@heritagecw.com

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