MEET THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President
Anjanette Chege
LISW-CP
Anjanette Chege, LISW-CP, completed her formal education from East Carolina University, where she received both a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. Mrs. Chege has worked in both outpatient and inpatient settings with a multitude of client issues. She uses a range of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT). She has trained in the use of Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy as well.
"My passion is to help individuals through a range of struggles such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and other changes life throws at us.”
President-Elect
Terance Dawkins
LISW-CP
Terance Dawkins is a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Independent Social Worker-Clinical Practice (LISW-CP) from Spartanburg, South Carolina. Terance achieved both his Undergraduate and Masters Degrees in Social Work from Winthrop University, empowering him with the knowledge and skills to excel in his profession. He holds dual
licenses as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in South Carolina and North Carolina. Terance is deeply connected to his roots, having grown up in the very community where he now operates his own private practice, Missing Pieces Counseling Services. Terance's aspirations reach beyond his private practice; he also works at the Trone Center for Mental Fitness at Furman University, where he continues to touch lives and make a difference. Terance sits on the Advisory Board for Spartanburg Area Mental Health and the YMCA of Greater Spartanburg. Terance recognizes the profound impact of family interactions and daily experiences on one's beliefs and life lessons. This realization sparked his interest in Intergenerational Trauma, inspiring him to explore its implications across multiple generations. Destigmatizing mental health is a core belief for Terance, and he aims to break down self-imposed barriers that prevent individuals from seeking essential mental health services.
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Secretary
Pam Amatucci
LISW-CP, LCSW
Coordinator of clinical services at Furman University Trone Center for mental fitness. Also, part-time private practice. Worked in IOP and PHP at Carolina Center for Behavioral Health for 20+ years.
Treasurer
Elizabeth Parker
LPC, LPCS, PMH-C
Elizabeth (Liz) Parker earned her B.A. in Psychology from Roanoke College and her M.A. in Mental Health Counseling and Behavioral Medicine from Boston University School of Medicine. Liz is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPCS) in South Carolina and has her Perinatal Mental Health
Certification (PMH-C). Currently, Liz is a Clinical Assistant Professor within the Women’s Reproductive Behavioral Health Division in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Medical University of South Carolina. In her faculty role at MUSC, Liz provides therapy to women navigating perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, trauma, and life transitions. Liz also has extensive experience working with children and adolescents managing major mental illness. For 10 years, Liz also taught for Boston University’s Master in Social Work Program, facilitating two online courses: Clinical Practice with Groups and Advanced Social Work with Groups.
Member-at-Large
Sally Braden
LISW-CP
Sally R. Braden, LISW-CP achieved her Bachelors of Science in Psychology from Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC in 2009, and her Masters in Social Work (MSW) and Certification in Animal-Assisted Social Work (AASW) from the University of Denver in Colorado in 2015. Sally has vast experience in the field of social work ranging from child protective services to inpatient psychiatric social work. She was a contributing author and editor of
"Transforming Trauma: Resilience & Healing Through Our Connections With Animals", published in 2019 by Purdue Publishing. Located in her hometown of Columbia, SC, she now operates her own private practice, Sally Braden Counseling, helping individuals with anxiety and depression, stress, general life transitions, relationship issues, and prenatal/postpartum mood disorders. She utilizes a range of therapeutic approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), and animal-assisted therapy (AAT).
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Visit www.sallybradencounseling.com for more information.
MEET THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Outgoing President
Anjanette Chege
LISW-CP
Anjanette Chege, LISW-CP, completed her formal education from East Carolina University, where she received both a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. Mrs. Chege has worked in both outpatient and inpatient settings with a multitude of client issues. She uses a range of
therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT). She has trained in the use of Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy as well.
"My passion is to help individuals through a range of struggles such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and other changes life throws at us.”
President
Terance Dawkins
LISW-CP
Terance Dawkins is a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Independent Social Worker-Clinical Practice (LISW-CP) from Spartanburg, South Carolina. Terance achieved both his Undergraduate and Masters Degrees in Social Work from Winthrop University, empowering him with the knowledge and
and skills to excel in his profession. He holds dual licenses as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in South Carolina and North Carolina. Terance is deeply connected to his roots, having grown up in the very community where he now operates his own private practice, Missing Pieces Counseling Services. Terance's aspirations reach beyond his private practice; he also works at the Trone Center for Mental Fitness at Furman University, where he continues to touch lives and make a difference. Terance sits on the Advisory Board for Spartanburg Area Mental Health and the YMCA of Greater Spartanburg. Terance recognizes the profound impact of family interactions and daily experiences on one's beliefs and life lessons. This realization sparked his interest in Intergenerational Trauma, inspiring him to explore its implications across multiple generations. Destigmatizing mental health is a core belief for Terance, and he aims to break down self-imposed barriers that prevent individuals from seeking essential mental health services.
President-Elect
Sally Braden
LISW-CP
Sally Braden, LISW-CP, is a licensed independent clinical social worker in private practice in Columbia, South Carolina. A Columbia native, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Wofford College and her Master of Social Work from the University of Denver, where she also completed a
certificate in Animal-Assisted Social Work.
During her time in Denver, Sally worked in child and adolescent inpatient psychiatry, adult inpatient psychiatry, and emergency psychiatry, providing assessment, crisis intervention, and treatment for individuals with complex and severe mental illness. She has specialized training in animal-assisted interventions and served as a contributing author and editor of Transforming Trauma: Resilience and Healing Through Our Connections With Animals, a publication examining the role of animal-assisted interventions in trauma treatment and recovery.
After returning to Columbia, Sally established her private practice, where she works with adults experiencing depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, grief, life transitions, stress, and trauma. Her clinical approach integrates cognitive behavioral therapy with polyvagal-informed and other evidence-based practices.
Sally is honored to serve as President-Elect of the South Carolina Society for Clinical Social Work and is committed to advancing the profession through advocacy, education, mentorship, and fostering a strong community of clinical social workers across the state.
Secretary
Elaine Smith
LISW-CP
Elaine Smith is a co-founder and charter member of the Society. She worked for a year in Chapel Hill, North Carolina where she was introduced to the North Carolina Clinical Social Work Society. Upon moving back to Greenville in early 1982, she met Linda Daugherty who had been a previous member
of the North Carolina Society. Together, they planned the birth of the South Carolina Society which started with 25 charter members and was incorporated in 1984. Many of the charter members were heavily involved in the organization.
Over her career, Elaine has worked in mental health centers, Family Service (now Compass of Carolina), as a private practice partner at Baylaurel Center and currently at the Furman University Counseling Center. She is married and has two adult sons.
Treasurer
Elizabeth Parker
LPC, LPCS, PMH-C
Elizabeth (Liz) Parker earned her B.A. in Psychology from Roanoke College and her M.A. in Mental Health Counseling and Behavioral Medicine from Boston University School of Medicine. Liz is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPCS) in South
Carolina and has her Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C). Currently, Liz is a Clinical Assistant Professor within the Women’s Reproductive Behavioral Health Division in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Medical University of South Carolina. In her faculty role at MUSC, Liz provides therapy to women navigating perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, trauma, and life transitions. Liz also has extensive experience working with children and adolescents managing major mental illness. For 10 years, Liz also taught for Boston University’s Master in Social Work Program, facilitating two online courses: Clinical Practice with Groups and Advanced Social Work with Groups.
Member-at-Large
Tanisha James
LCSW, LICSW-CP, LCAS, CCS
COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS
EDUCATION & CONFERENCE
Tamara Houston
LISW-CP/S, BC-TMH, CGP
Tamara Houston earned her BA in Child and Family Studies from Berea College and her MSW from the University of Georgia, where she concentrated on Community Empowerment & Program Development and gerontology. Tamara is the owner of Renewal Life Counseling, LLC, a thriving multi-provider mental health practice serving both South Carolina and North Carolina. Her clinical work centers on helping individuals navigate trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, bereavement, and significant life transitions. She is an EMDRIA-approved EMDR Consultant and a Somatic and Attachment-Focused (SAFE) EMDR Training Coach, supporting clinicians in developing trauma-informed, embodied approaches to healing. In addition to her clinical and consultation work, Tamara is the founder of Healing Through Time™, a grief-centered community initiative offering podcasts, printed grief materials, and support groups designed to help individuals process loss with depth and dignity. Tamara also serves on the Anderson-Oconee-Pickens Mental Health Board, and is an active board member of the Clinical Social Work Association (CSWA), where she contributes to the Racial Equity & Ethics Committee.
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MEMBERSHIP
Meritt Kelsey
LICSW
Meritt is a clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience in direct practice, clinical supervision, and program leadership. Meritt’s work has focused on supporting diverse communities with complex trauma, including Somalian and Liberian refugees, newly resettled immigrants, and children and families with acute behavioral health and substance use needs. She is a skilled clinician and supervisor with particular interest in workforce development within behavioral health settings. Throughout her career, she has developed a reputation for leading interdisciplinary teams in complex clinical settings, working collaboratively with professionals across healthcare, social services, and community organizations. Meritt is known for their expertise in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and providing support for individuals with complex behavioral health needs.
NOMINATIONS
Colleen Corbin
LISW-CP/S
Colleen Corbin (she/her), LISW-CP/S, received a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Columbia College and a Master of Social Work from the University of South Carolina. Colleen is a Licensed Independent Social Worker – Clinical Practitioner and Supervisor. She has specialized training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Child First Forensic Interviewing, Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention, Family Strengthening, Child Parent Psychotherapy and Traumatic Grief. Colleen has academic experience teaching courses in psychology, leadership and social work. Colleen specializes in providing evidence-based treatment services to children, adolescents, and adults who have experienced abuse and other forms of trauma. Currently, Colleen is the Co-founder and Managing Partner of Impact Clinical Consulting, LLC. A group private practice counseling agency specializing in maternal wellness and court involved clinical services. Colleen works with individuals experiencing difficulties associated with trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, perinatal mental health and difficult family dynamics.
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
Jordanne Hammar
LISW-CP
Jordanne Hammar is a Licensed Independent Social Work (LISW-CP) with dual licensure in South Carolina and Florida. Originally from Florida with a Masters in Social Work from Florida State University, she is now a resident of Charleston, SC. Her past clinical experiences have included working in in-patient settings for physical rehabilitation, acute psychiatric care, and substance abuse. Currently, she is a perinatal mental health therapist within Medical University of South Carolina’s Women’s Reproductive Behavioral Health Clinic. With clinical and professional interests in chronic illness and disability rights, with particular emphasis on caregiver stress and burnout, Jordanne is committed to ensuring that patients and families understand their rights and the importance of advocacy for best health outcomes. Within the role of Government Affairs Chair for the South Carolina Society for Social Work, her goal is to bring this same commitment and energy to ensuring that state clinical social workers have a voice in legal policy and legislation that can impact their daily practice.
PROFESSIONAL ETHICS
Anna Rickell
LISW-CP
Anna Rickell facilitates Grief Groups at First Presbyterian of Spartanburg and Workplace Disruption Incident.
PUBLIC RELATIONS
Brittany Roper
LISW-CP
Meritt is a clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience in direct practice, clinical supervision, and program leadership. Meritt’s work has focused on supporting diverse communities with complex trauma, including Somalian and Liberian refugees, newly resettled immigrants, and children and families with acute behavioral health and substance use needs. She is a skilled clinician and supervisor with particular interest in workforce development within behavioral health settings. Throughout her career, she has developed a reputation for leading interdisciplinary teams in complex clinical settings, working collaboratively with professionals across healthcare, social services, and community organizations. Meritt is known for their expertise in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and providing support for individuals with complex behavioral health needs.
PRESIDENT
Anjanette Chege
LISW-CP
Anjanette Chege, LISW-CP, completed her formal education from East Carolina University, where she received both a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. Mrs. Chege has worked in both outpatient and inpatient settings with a multitude of client issues. She uses a range of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT). She has trained in the use of Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy as well.
"My passion is to help individuals through a range of struggles such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and other changes life throws at us.”
EDUCATION
Tamara Houston
LISW-CP, BC-TMH
Tamara Houston holds a B.A. in Child and Family Studies from Berea College in Kentucky and an M.A. in Social Work from the University of Georgia, where she focused on community empowerment, program development, and gerontology. Tamara later went on to focus her clinical skills on end-of-life care. She is the owner of Renewal Life Counseling, LLC, a multi-provider, mental health practice serving Upstate South Carolina. Tamara's practice helps clients to manage everyday life stressors to include trauma, anxiety/depression, grief and bereavement, and life transitions, to name a few. She operates Houston Consulting, where the focus is on assisting clinicians in the start-up and expansion of their clinical practice. She provides clinical supervision and critical incident work in multiple states.
Visit www.renewallifecounseling.com for more information.