Our Counselors

Susan E. Case is a Licensed Professional Counselor with more than 33 years of experience treating teens and adults with various mental health issues. She earned multiple graduate degrees in Community Counseling from the University of South Alabama and began her practice with a focus in Substance Use, earning a Master of Addiction Counselor certificate in 2015. Susan continues to specialize in Substance Use Disorders and is also experienced in Mood Disorders, Personality Disorders, Thinking Disorders, Sex Therapy, and Women’s Issues pertaining to Depression and Anxiety.

As a therapist, Susan strives to provide a safe place free from judgement, criticism, or fear. She uses an eclectic approach involving person-centered therapy, CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), and motivational interviewing. Her ability to employ various therapies and techniques allows clients to establish a course that is personally tailored to their needs.

Susan has been married for 42 years and has five children and seven grandchildren. Her hobbies include reading, sewing, cooking, and having fun with her family.

From the Counselor’s Desk: Considering my counseling style allows me to have a large toolbox of techniques that I can draw from, I want to help the clients develop and draw from their own toolbox.

Tim DeLoach is a Licensed Professional Counselor with decades of experience in clinical, private practice, and organizational settings. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Interdepartmental Psychology and a Master’s of Education in Agency Counseling from the University of Montevallo. His numerous specialty areas include addiction/substance use disorder, trauma, couple/family issues, and grief.

Tim has earned extensive training and experience through his career as a counselor. His previous positions include supervisory and supporting roles in various settings, including Bradford Health Services, the Alabama National Guard, Birmingham Anxiety and Trauma Therapy, and the Alabama Department of Human Resources. He has also spent many years in private practice and is one of the founding members of the SMART recovery program in Birmingham.

As a counselor, Tim stays up-to-date on the latest therapies and uses a variety of methods to help individual patients. He has received extensive specialty training in various areas, including Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Addiction Treatment, Solution Focused Therapy, Crisis Intervention, and more.

Amber Ellis is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 10 years of experience in clinical counseling. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education and a Master’s Degree in Community Counseling from the University of South Alabama. She spent seven years as a High School History Teacher and nine years as an Admissions Counselor at Judson College before moving into clinical counseling. Her specialty areas include anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship issues, military lifestyle issues, and health-related concerns.

Prior to joining Collins Counseling in November 2022, Amber gained extensive experience in varied counseling roles. These include working with Mobile Metro Treatment Center, Judson College, The Bridge Inc. Campbell Center, Catholic Social Services, ECD Program, The Harbor Partial Hospital Program, and Pathway Healthcare.

Amber uses a variety of therapies including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, and prevention approaches to help patients with an approach tailored specifically for them.

In her spare time, Amber loves to spend time with her family, cooking, reading murder mystery books, watching any and all Alabama sports events, and going to the movies.

From the Counselor’s Desk: My goal in counseling is to help people overcome the difficult issues in their life, reach their goals, and become happier and more balanced individuals.

Diana Ford is a Licensed Professional Counselor with Collins Counseling & Associates. She completed her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Antioch New England University in 1993. After getting licensed, she completed a two-year post-graduate internship with a senior behavioral medicine group in Burlington, Vermont. Her specialty areas include anxiety, mood problems, trauma, grief, relationship issues, sex therapy, military lifestyle issues, and health-related concerns.

Diana’s practice focuses on using CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and exposure and response prevention combined with a holistic approach that attends to each patient’s mind, body, and spirit. She strives to create a safe, confidential place where clients can explore their feelings and expand their options.

Diana lives with her husband, two dogs, and a cat. She is passionate about gardening and loves taking a patch of earth and giving it what it needs to become beautiful.

From the Counselor’s Desk: My counseling work focuses on you as a whole person and respects the dimensions of mind, body, and spirit. While you can’t control or change other people, you do have power over your thoughts, actions, and outlook. This is the valuable raw material we work with to help you gain an increased sense of control, a fresh perspective, or a new approach to a difficult problem.

Grace Garraway, ALC, joined Collins Counseling and Associates in 2021 as our Program Coordinator. She earned her Master’s degree from the University of South Alabama and completed a year-long internship at USA Health as a Spiritual Health and Counseling Intern. In that role, Grace supported healthcare workers, facilitated grief support groups, and provided crisis and trauma-informed care.

Today, Grace is an Associate Licensed Counselor (ALC) under the supervision of Susan Case, LPC-S. Her specialty areas include supporting individuals navigating grief, trauma, and life transitions. Grace uses a combination of evidence-based approaches, such as Motivation Interviewing and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, while tailoring each session to the individual’s needs and goals. Her focus is always on creating a safe, collaborative, and nonjudgemental space for healing and growth.

Outside of work, Grace loves going to the beach, spending time with family and friends, and going to concerts. She also enjoys finding new books to get lost in and traveling to explore new places.

From the Counselor’s Desk: To me, the ultimate goal of therapy is self-awareness and empowerment. Whether someone is working through a specific issue or just feeling stuck, therapy can offer clarity, insight, and the tools needed to make meaningful change. It’s about finding your voice, reconnecting to your values, and learning to move through life with greater ease and confidence.

Suzanne Glass joined Collins Counseling & Associates in June of 2021. She holds an MBA from the University of North Florida and earned her Masters of Science degree in Clinical and Mental Health from the University of South Alabama in 2016. Her specialty areas include Eating Disorders and Body Image Issues, Suzanne specializes in Eating Disorders, Body Image Issues, Self-Esteem, and other Women’s Issues.

Suzanne believes in beginning every session with an open mind and allowing the clients’ needs to determine which of her many different treatment modalities is best. She is highly trained in Enhanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT-E), one of the leading and most promising treatment methods for eating disorders. Her goal in each session is to create a positive and safe environment where clients can process their emotions and improve the way they view themselves and the rest of the world.

Suzanne’s large and happy family keeps her equally busy in her spare time. She and her husband, Glenn, share five beautiful children: Isabelle (19), Gabi (17), Houston (13) Vivian (6), and Grant (5). They also have two dogs, Lily and Luxe, and a cat named Sox. Suzanne also enjoys cooking, traveling, shopping, being outdoors, and spending time with her amazing girlfriends.

Toni Henry is an Associate Licensed Counselor working under the supervision of Susan Case, LPC-S. She earned her Master’s degree in Counseling from the University of South Alabama and has served as a school counselor for three years with the Mobile County Public School System. Toni specializes in working with children and teenagers, especially those dealing with anxiety, grief, trauma, or big life changes.

Toni’s experience includes working with children and families affected by trauma, which deepened her understanding of resilience and the power of connection. She is trained in Motivational Interviewing and is passionate about meeting clients where they are and building on their unique strengths and goals.

Outside of work, Toni enjoys spending time at the beach and with her family.

From the Counselor’s Desk: To me, the heart of therapy is helping people feel heard, understood, and empowered. It’s not about “fixing” anyone, it’s about creating space for growth, self-awareness, and healing. I think one of the biggest benefits is having someone in your corner who helps you make sense of your thoughts and feelings without judgment.

Jennifer Johnson is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 25 years of experience in education and school-based settings. She received her degree in Community Counseling with a School Counseling Certification from the University of South Alabama in 2004. After spending 20 years as a school counselor, Jennifer entered private practice in 2021. Her specialty areas include depression, trauma, anxiety, and counseling military families.

Jennifer believes in therapy as a tool for self-discovery, and she enjoys making connections with clients to support their unique journeys. Her treatment methods include CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), SFBT (Solution-Focused Brief Therapy), and Person-Centered therapy. In her practice, Jennifer uses a combination of techniques to create personalized therapy plans that help her clients achieve a better quality of life.

When she isn’t working, Jennifer enjoys traveling with her 3 teenage daughters – especially to the beach! She also has a deep appreciation for film history and loves seeing live, local plays and Broadway theater.

Barbara Leigh, LPC, has been practicing for over 30 years and is licensed in 5 states. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Hollins University and a Master of Science in Education degree from Indiana University in Counseling & Counselor Education. Barbara was inspired to join the counseling profession by her aunt, a psychologist, who continues to serve as a mentor and role model.

Barbara’s specialties include autism, stress management, anxiety, trauma and life transitions. She integrates various modalities including cognitive-behavior therapy, solution-focused brief therapy, neuroeducation, holistic wellness counseling and modified behavior analysis, using a neuroaffirmative approach. Barbara believes the ultimate goal for clients is to achieve the best possible quality of life, to seek joy and to find wholeness through change.

Active in the American Counseling Association and the Alabama Counseling Association, Barbara recently presented her autism research at both national and state conferences; has lectured on the topics of trauma and telemental health; and has served as an instructor in psychology at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Barbara enjoys kayaking, photography, taking sunrise walks, storm chasing, attending Braves games, spending time with her four sons at the beach or cast netting, and is a former marathon runner. She also has a therapy dog named Donut.

Jessica McKay is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with years of training and experience in counseling children, adolescents and individuals. Jessica earned her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Mobile. She specializes in treating anxiety, depression, behavioral challenges, life transitions, and relationship issues.

Her experience includes working extensively in the Mobile and Baldwin County school systems, where she supported children and teens navigating academic pressures, social challenges, and emotional struggles. This background has given her valuable insight into family dynamics and adolescent development, enhancing her ability to provide effective support. She has also worked closely with parents to improve communication, strengthen relationships, and develop positive parenting strategies.

Jessica was drawn to this field by her deep interest in people’s stories and a desire to help others heal, grow, and thrive. She provides a compassionate and personalized approach to therapy by tailoring her therapeutic approach to meet each client’s unique needs, drawing from evidence-based practices such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, and Psychodynamic Therapy. Using a systemic approach, she helps clients strengthen their connections with themselves and others, improve communication, and foster healthier relationships, creating lasting and meaningful change.

In addition to working with children and adolescents, Jessica helps individuals of all ages navigate personal challenges such as stress, self-esteem struggles, relationship difficulties, and major life transitions. She offers practical, structured therapy that incorporates behavioral strategies, play therapy, and supportive counseling. Whether addressing ADHD, guiding clients through personal or career transitions, or providing support for PTSD, anxiety, and depression, Jessica creates a calm, goal-focused space where real progress and positive change can take place.

When she’s not in session, Jessica enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. She is an avid reader and loves getting lost in a good book, whether for professional growth or relaxation. She also enjoys traveling and spending time at the beach, where she appreciates the chance to unwind and recharge.

Julie earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of South Alabama and her Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from The University of Southern Mississippi. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, and National Certified Counselor with over 21 years of experience in the mental health field.

Compassionate, nonjudgmental, and equipped with a good sense of humor, Julie works with clients ages 12+ and focuses on grief, depression, trauma/PTSD, and anxiety. She is expanding her expertise to include counseling women who have been diagnosed with ADHD later in life, supporting active-duty military members transitioning out of service, and helping clients heal from narcissistic abuse.

An EMDR-trained therapist, Julie also draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) to help clients reach their goals. Outside of work, she enjoys crafting—especially making wreaths—college football, time with loved ones, 90s grunge rock, mysteries/true crime, and caring for her pets, all of whom are rescues from local shelters.

From the Counselor’s Desk: My goal is to provide a safe, validating space where clients can begin to feel hope again. Having experienced profound loss myself, I understand the isolation of hopelessness. I aim to help clients rebuild hope and heal from life’s painful experiences.

Mark Miele is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has been working in the mental health field since 2007. He completed his undergraduate studies at Spring Hill College, where his work in Psychology and Sociology helped develop his sense of social justice and his desire to advocate for those in need. He earned his graduate degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of South Alabama and became an LPC in 2016. Mark specializes in working with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, men’s issues, life transitions, personality disorders, substance use, anger management, grief, trauma, and serious mental illness.

Mark utilizes an eclectic and client-centered approach to therapy, identifying treatment modalities that will be most effective for each client and condition. These can include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment (ACT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Trauma Informed Care. His ability to use various evidence-based practices allows for a variety of skills to draw upon to explore and address the individual needs of each client.

When not in session, Mark spends time with his wife and son enjoying the many entertainment offerings of Mobile and going to live theater. When he isn’t out and about, you will probably find him in his kitchen cooking up some self-care while he plays a record from his expanding vinyl collection.

From the Counselor’s Desk: Therapy allows for an opportunity to build a trusting relationship in a safe and non-judgmental environment so that clients will be able to explore their own life and develop realistic and effective tools to make improvements in their life. While it may be scary to begin this therapy process, I fully believe that we all can benefit from the personal growth that can occur in this environment. To me, the goal of therapy is for the client to be able to incorporate what was learned in therapy into their life to the point that they will be able to thrive on their own and reach out for therapeutic support as needed.

Randi Nowell is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) specializing in Children and Adolescents. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Phoenix and a Masters of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from North Central University. Before joining Collins Counseling, Randi worked with children on the Autism Spectrum, mentored young kids as a teacher in the daycare setting, and worked in a Psychiatric Hospital in Colorado.

In therapy, Randi believes that young children, teenagers and young adults need a space where they can talk freely without fear of being judged. She works hard to make her therapeutic space as inviting as possible to allow an open space for questions, comments, and concerns. Her specialty areas include working with military dependents; Autism Spectrum Disorder; ADD/ADHD; anxiety; self-harm and/or suicidal ideations; grief; parent training; depression; victims of bullying, abuse and assault; and teens, children, and young adults struggling with eating disorders.

Randi is a wife, a mother to a son and two daughters, and an animal mom to a dog and a cat. She comes from a military background as a dependent to two military parents and as a military spouse which has taken her across the world. Beyond working with teens and kids, she loves all things Disney, dancing, and shopping.

From the Counselor’s Desk: I chose to become a therapist because I wanted to help people. I quickly realized I had an interest and a talent for working with kids and teens. My goal in office is to assist you in making healthy changes in your life to better help you succeed in all desires and interests. I look forward to working with you!

Leah Patrick has more than 20 years of experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Spring Hill College and her Master’s Degree in Counseling from the University of South Alabama. She now specializes in treating children and teens with Depression, Anxiety, Behavioral Issues, Autism, and ADHD. She also has experience in grief counseling and PTSD.

Leah decided to pursue therapy after experiencing its benefits first-hand as an early adult struggling with depression and childhood issues. She now uses her experience and education to assist her clients through techniques in role play and behavioral rehearsal, art therapy, DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), structured problem solving, and supportive reflection. It is her ultimate goal to help her clients and their families overcome the storms in their life, reach their goals, and become happier and more well-balanced individuals.

When she isn’t working with her clients, Leah enjoys spending time with her five children and 10 grandchildren, sewing, football, and cooking.

From the Counselor’s Desk: Bringing children back to wholeness, joy, and peace of mind is the heartbeat of my practice. I believe laughter is the best medicine, and I use it frequently in my practice. I also believe that no one is perfect…after all, it did just take me 20 minutes to find my reading glasses, and they have been sitting on my head!

Paul Swaim-Sanders is a Licensed Professional Counselor with extensive experience in academic and clinical settings. He began his career as a college professor but decided to pursue counseling when he realized his passion for helping his Psychology and Sociology students apply his classroom materials to their everyday lives. After earning a Master of Education degree in Clinical Mental Health Community Agency Counseling from the University of Montevallo, Paul worked at Birmingham Aids Outreach, UAB Palliative Care Clinic, and Altapointe Health Systems before joining Collins Counseling & Associates in 2016.

Today, Paul’s practice focuses on helping teens and adults through adjustment issues and life-stage transitions. His specialties include LGBTQ, marital dispute and divorce, sex therapy, Dysphoria, Chronic Pain, Substance Issues, and Trauma (especially religious trauma).  As a therapist, Paul relies on cognitive and educational approaches to help his clients explore and process pervasive patterns of thinking. His typical therapy methods include psychoeducation and processing, CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), gestalt, and positive psychology.

When he’s not in a session, Paul can be found traveling and exploring the world with his husband and their daughter or engaging in self-care through baking, anime, research, and video games.

From the Counselor’s Desk: I practice a holistic approach to therapy where you and I work together to help you as a whole person, not just one concern. I believe in reinforcing what strengths you already have while challenging which patterns slow down or stop progress or growth. There’s no “right or wrong, good or bad” in addressing concerns. There’s what works and what doesn’t. Together, we can find what works to do more of it, and less of what doesn’t.

Hazel Woodward is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 30 years of educational and practical experience. She earned her Master’s Degree in Counselor Education from the University of South Alabama and holds a Certificate in Thanatology from the University of Alabama. She also has extensive training in 12-Step Programs and EMDR, and she is a level-2 Gottman Method Couples Therapist. Hazel’s specialty areas include Complex PTSD, Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Traumatic Grief and Loss, and Emotional Disorders.

As an experienced therapist, Hazel puts her esoteric learning to practical use by helping people with some of life’s persistent afflictions, tragedies, and disappointments. Her practice focuses on empowering her clients to move on from these unexpected and unavoidable events by understanding how they can happen, identifying the challenges to be faced, and developing the strengths needed to move forward with their lives. Hazel works with her clients in a way that is candid but mindful and keeps her approach humanistic and person-centered.

From the Counselor’s Desk: I do not offer a fix-all solution to every problem. I seek to help you gain a deep sense of self awareness and trust in yourself so you can examine new ways of dealing with problems and accept the responsibility of changing. You are the expert on you, my role is to assist you in finding meaning in the midst of chaos so you can move on with your life.