Meet Our Experts
Meet Jake, our friendly office therapy dog! Jake brings comfort, calm, and smiles to our clients, offering a warm, furry presence that helps ease stress and anxiety.
With his gentle nature, Jake is here to make your visit to Passages Therapy & Counseling even more welcoming and supportive.
MHA, MSW, LICSW, CIMHP, NCTTP
Marlena Chestnut, a dedicated therapist and founder of Passages Therapy & Counseling, brings years of experience and a deep passion for helping others to her practice.
Driven by a desire to create a safe and supportive environment for individuals seeking mental health support, Marlena established Passages Therapy & Counseling to make a positive impact in her community.
Meet Ashley Roy, our welcoming receptionist and the friendly face of Passages Therapy & Counseling.
Ashley ensures every client feels comfortable from the moment they walk in, assisting with scheduling and answering questions with warmth and professionalism. Her caring approach helps create a seamless, supportive experience for everyone at Passages.
Receptionist
MA, LPC
Beth Wright-Bragg, MA, LPC, is a dedicated and compassionate Licensed Professional Counselor at Passages Therapy & Counseling.
With a Master’s degree in counseling and years of experience, Beth specializes in helping clients navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, and life transitions. She uses a client-centered, evidence-based approach to create a safe, supportive environment, empowering clients to achieve personal growth and mental wellness.
Erica Davis, MSW, LGSW, is a skilled and empathetic Licensed Graduate Social Worker at Passages Therapy & Counseling.
With a Master’s in Social Work, Erica supports clients through life’s challenges, including stress, grief, and relationship dynamics. Her approach combines evidence-based practices with genuine care, fostering a safe space for clients to explore their emotions and work toward lasting positive change.
MSW, LGSW
MSW, LGSW
Bernarda Bandak, MSW, LGSW, is a compassionate Licensed Graduate Social Worker at Passages Therapy & Counseling.
With a Master’s in Social Work, Bernarda is dedicated to supporting clients dealing with challenges like anxiety, trauma, and life adjustments. Her approach is client-centered and empathetic, creating a safe environment where individuals can openly explore their experiences and work toward healing and personal growth.
Shamae Jones, MSW, LGSW, is a compassionate Licensed Graduate Social Worker at Passages Therapy & Counseling.
Holding a master’s in social work, Shamae specializes in helping clients navigate challenges such as stress, trauma, and emotional well-being. Her approach is empathetic and client-centered, providing a safe, supportive space for individuals to explore their feelings and work toward meaningful change and healing.
SMSW, LGSW
MSW, LGSW
Jennifer Hartley, MSW, LGSW, is a dedicated Licensed Graduate Social Worker at Passages Therapy & Counseling.
With a Master’s in Social Work, Jennifer focuses on supporting clients facing challenges such as depression, anxiety, and life transitions. Her empathetic, client-centered approach creates a safe and welcoming space, empowering individuals to explore their emotions and make strides toward healing and personal growth.
Vicki Stroud, MSW, LGSW, is a compassionate Licensed Graduate Social Worker at Passages Therapy & Counseling.
With a master’s in social work, Vicki is committed to helping clients work through issues such as stress, grief, and relationship challenges. Her client-centered, empathetic approach fosters a safe and supportive environment, allowing individuals to explore their experiences and take positive steps toward healing and self-discovery.
MSW, LGSW
MSW, LGSW
Tara L. Donnen is a WV licensed, independent, clinical social worker. She received her master’s degree from Catholic University’s School of Social Service in Washington, DC in 2001. During her social work career, Tara has provided services to individuals and families in their homes, has provided crisis intervention in both inpatient and outpatient settings, and has worked as a therapist in several outpatient clinics in the area.
Primarily, Tara’s therapeutic work has been with individuals who have experienced
multiple adverse experiences in their childhoods and/or trauma in their pasts and are having difficulty coping in the present. Tara uses a client centered, multimodal approach which includes using the individual’s strengths and protective factors to motivate and propel the individual forward. Tara’s goal as a clinician is to improve the client’s mental health, quality of relationships, and ability to cope with multiple stressors. Tara provides
telehealth and appointments during evening hours and Saturday at Passages.
With over two decades of experience as a licensed social worker, I have extensive expertise in addressing a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, stress management, addictions, and trauma recovery.
I believe in creating a safe, supportive environment where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings without judgment. I am passionate about achieving balance by managing stress, setting healthy boundaries, and fostering self-care practices.
Using a collaborative approach, she tailors treatment plans to each individual’s unique needs, incorporating techniques from CBT, mindfulness, and other therapeutic modalities to promote healing, resilience, and a sense of equilibrium in everyday life.
My goal is to empower clients to overcome obstacles and achieve personal growth, providing tools and strategies to enhance emotional well-being and foster a balanced, fulfilling life.
MSW, LGSW
MSW, LGSW
I’ve been a social worker for 23 years, with 12 of those years being post-Masters. I am an animal lover with 4 cats and 2 dogs. I’m a music fanatic. I think the quality of the therapeutic relationship is the most important part of effective therapy.
l like to practice an eclectic blend of solution focused, Gestalt, TFBT, and Acceptance and Commitment types of therapy. I look forward to helping you with your healing journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to commonly asked questions about our Passages Therapy & Counseling.
