our office staff
Amanda Moss
- Amanda proudly serves as our Director of Operations, bringing strong leadership, dedication, and heart to everything she does. A U.S. Army Veteran with two combat tours in Iraq, Amanda continues to live a life of service as a current Army spouse and active member of the military community.
- Deeply passionate about giving back, Amanda is always finding ways to support and uplift military families. Whether it's through outreach, advocacy, or behind-the-scenes leadership, she strives to make a meaningful impact wherever she can.
- When she’s not busy leading operations or volunteering, Amanda enjoys spending quality time with her family, getting lost in Netflix marathons, and diving into her latest crafting project.
Michelle Lee
- Michelle serves as our analytical and detail-oriented Office Manager, keeping things running smoothly with both precision and calm. A proud mom to one amazing teenager and the second of four sisters, Michelle values family above all else.
- Originally from Columbus, GA, she has called Lowndes County home since 1997. Known for her laid-back and grounded nature, Michelle finds joy in life’s simple pleasures—whether it’s quality time with her child, bonding with her large extended family, or diving deep into genealogy.
- With a passion for exploring both her own and others’ family history, Michelle believes, “We are who we have become.” Her curiosity and connection to the past bring a unique perspective to our team and community.
Deanna gill, LPC
- Deanna graduated from East Tennessee State University and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She comes from a military family where both parents served 20 years while her closest family members and friends are still currently active duty. She enjoys reading and doing anything with all of her fur babies.
- Although she works with a wide range of concerns, her heart lies in supporting the LGBTQ+ community, individuals who have experienced sexual trauma, and parents navigating the challenges of postpartum life. She currently provides therapy to couples, individuals, and families, offering compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to each client’s unique journey.
- Deanna is available for in person in Georgia and telehealth for clients located in Kentucky and Georgia.
Ivonne Holyfield, Counselor intern
- Ivonne earned a Bachelor's degree from West Texas A&M University and holds a Master's in Human Services Counseling from Liberty University. Currently she is completing her Master's in Clinical Mental Health through Liberty University. As a military spouse and mother of three, she brings both personal insight and professional care to her work.
- She has experience working with children with special needs in the school system and has contributed to 988 crisis response initiatives focused on suicide and substance use prevention. As a bilingual provider, she offers counseling services in both English and Spanish, providing in-person and telehealth counseling services for clients of all ages. Ivonne supports diverse needs with compassion and commitment.
- Ivonne is for in person and telehealth clients located in Georgia.
- Ivonne is supervised by Dr. Rachel Padalino, LPC
Aamira Lomax, MFT
- Aamira earned her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Valdosta State University and her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California State University, Dominguez Hills. She primarily works with women and has a special interest in supporting premarital couples.
- Aamira practices from a faith-based, trauma-informed approach, offering a supportive and spiritually grounded space for clients to explore identity, self-worth, emotional wounds, and relationship patterns. She values compassion, authenticity, and the belief that healing and growth are possible for everyone.
- Aamira provides in-person sessions in Georgia and telehealth services for clients located in Florida, Georgia, and Kentucky.
- Aamira is supervised by Sarah Cox, LMFT
Rachel Padalino, PhD, LPCC-S, LPC, ACS
- Rachel's professional experience includes work with adults and couples with mental health concerns and life stressors. She has experience working with issues related to infertility, pregnancy, depression, phase of life changes, anger management, and anxiety. Her ongoing clinical interests include working with military and veteran clients and their families, as well as helping others with life transitions, grief, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and phase of life changes.
- Rachel provides telehealth services in Georgia and Kentucky.
- Rachel is an approved LPCC supervisor in Kentucky and Georgia.
Amanda Blair, LAPC
- Amanda graduated from the University of Maryland, Global Campus in 2019 with a B.S. in Psychology and completed her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. She is a Georgia native, a 15-year military spouse to an active-duty Air Force member, and mom of two. Amanda is passionate about working with military members and their families using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques to navigate life transitions, stress management, anxiety, depression, family, and relationship conflict. She offers individual and couples counseling, as well as spiritually-based counseling by request.
- Amanda provides in-person services in Georgia and telehealth services in Georgia and Kentucky
- Amanda is supervised by Dr. Amanda Lee-Degner, LPC and Dr. Rachel Padalino, LPC
Jenna Thomas, LCSW
- Jenna graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2020 with her Masters in Social Work. Jenna is a Military Wife and dog mom. Her previous experience includes working with children in the school system, adults and family through clinic settings. She currently provides therapy services for all ages, including couples and families. Jenna specializes working with children, teens and young adults. Jenna is passionate about helping clients further understand themselves and building upon their strengths, skills and self-expression. Jenna utilizes different therapeutic modalities to meet her clients where they are at. She has vast experience working with Anxiety, ADHD, Teen Issues, Dysregulated Mood, Trauma, Grief, Depression and Life Transitions.
- Jenna offers telehealth services to clients located in Georgia and Kentucky.
Sarah Cox, LMFT
- Sarah is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who graduated from VSU in 2018. She is passionate about working with individuals who have experienced trauma, members of the LGBTQ+ community, military families, and those navigating significant life transitions. Sarah practices from a systemic lens, helping clients understand their challenges within the context of their relationships and environments. She is dedicated to creating an affirming, safe, and validating space where clients can explore their experiences openly.
- With warmth, insight, and a strong clinical foundation, Sarah partners with her clients to foster healing, growth, and meaningful change.
- Sarah provides in-person services in Georgia and telehealth services to clients in Florida, Georgia, and Kentucky.
Sunny, therapy dog
- Sunny is our resident therapy dog. When she's not napping or bouncing around the hallways, you can find her offering emotional comfort to clients during their session.
- Sunny has completed extensive training and evaluations toward her Therapy Dog title, including Canine Good Citizen and Urban CGC awards and she is currently certified by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs.
Amanda Lee-Degner, EdD, LPC, LPCC-S, ACS
- Serenity Counseling Group is owned and operated by Dr. Amanda Lee-Degner, a dedicated military spouse with over 15 years of experience in the mental health field. Dr. Lee-Degner specializes in working with service members, couples, and individuals who are committed to improving their quality of life.
- She is extensively trained in trauma-informed care and integrates evidence-based approaches such as WET (Written Exposure Therapy), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) to support healing and resilience. With a deep understanding of the lasting impact of trauma, Dr. Lee-Degner creates a safe, compassionate space for clients to process their experiences and move forward with greater confidence and peace.
- Her practice is grounded in empathy, expertise, and a passion for supporting the unique needs of the military community and those navigating life’s most difficult transitions.
- Amanda provides in-person services in Georgia and telehealth services in Florida, Georgia, and Kentucky
- Amanda is an approved supervisor for the states of Georgia (LPC) and Kentucky (LPCC).