JOHNNY LEONARD, MA, LCMHCS, MAC, LCAS, CCS, SAP, CHt
Availability in person (Fayetteville & Durham locations) & Online
Email: jleonard@healingmindsnc.com
Johnny Leonard is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor and Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist. He obtained a Bachelor of Science (2006) in Psychology and a Master of Arts (2010) in Counseling Psychology from Fayetteville State University. He has come to believe that therapy, in the simplest terms, is a safe place for self-reflection and personal growth. Within a trusting, nurturing, and nonjudgmental environment, people are finally free to first realize and then actualize their best selves. His therapeutic style includes: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Scheme Therapy, Clinical Hypnosis, Play Therapy, Sandplay Therapy, Emotional Freedom Technique aka Tapping, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy. He enjoys traveling and learning.
SARA PENNEY, MA, NCC, LCMHC, LCAS
Availability in person (Fayetteville location) & Online
Email: spenney@healingmindsnc.com
Sara Penney is an 11-year veteran of the US Navy. After leaving the Navy, she began attending college to become a licensed counselor. She recently graduated with her Master’s in Counseling Psychology from Fayetteville State University in May of 2018.
Sara firmly believes that counseling is a safe and judgement free place for people to voice their concerns. In a world where we are constantly judged, she feels that counseling provides a unique place to allow for personal understanding and growth, while reflecting on what drives our concerns, emotions and behaviors. She views the counseling journey as a joint partnership to help the client realize their own potential for growth. Sara’s therapeutic style relies mainly on Person-Centered focus while referencing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing Therapy. She also relies on implementing Positive Psychology in order to highlight client’s inner strengths to assist in personal growth.
Sara has experience with individual, couples and group counseling. She has also counseled individuals with a wide variety of diagnoses to include: depression, anxiety, Bipolar disorder, terminal illness, substance abuse, sexual assault, and gender identity. Sara sees clients ages 13+.
KIRBY PENNEY ( CO-THERAPIST W/SARA PENNEY)
Availability in person (Fayetteville location) & Online
Kirby is happiest when he is at work! He loves to harass everyone for pets and treats and absolutely loves all the attention he gets. Kirby had a pretty rough life before Sara adopted him in April 2022 from It Takes A Village Rescue. He's survived having heartworms, a tumor removed from his neck, and had a surgery to remove his ear canals due to extreme chronic ear infections; of course, leaving him completely deaf. He is believed to be approximately 10 years old and is looking forward to living his remaining years surrounded by all the love he receives at Healing Minds. Thank you to everyone that takes time out of their day to give him some love!
SHENIKA JOHNSON, MSW, LCSWA, LCASA
Availability in person (Fayetteville location) & Online
Email: sjohnson@healingmindsnc.com
Shenika Johnson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate and Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist Associate. She obtained a Bachelor of Social Work in 2018 and Master of Social Work in 2021from Fayetteville State University. Shenika believes therapy is beneficial for every individual to foster lifelong coping skills. Therapy in a judgement free environment where everyone is welcome to express any situation, obstacle and/or life event creates a greater self-acceptance and self-esteem. Shenika's therapeutic style encompasses a Strength Based Practices and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. In Shenika's free time she enjoys traveling with her family and friends.
Edgardo Rivera, Intern-MSW Candidate, Retired Army Captain
Availability in person (Fayetteville location) & Online
Edgardo Rivera is an intern at Healing Minds Therapeutic Services, bringing a diverse background shaped by his ten years of service in the U.S. Army, where he medically retired as a captain. His professional experiences include roles as a case manager and group therapist, and he is driven by a deep passion for helping others, particularly those affected by trauma. Edgardo is currently pursuing his Master of Social Work (MSW) with a focus on trauma and recovery, with plans to graduate in February 2025.
Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Edgardo holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Louisiana State University. His unique perspective, including an understanding of the challenges faced by military families, informs his work. As a bilingual professional, he connects with a wider range of clients and provides culturally sensitive care. A military spouse and father of three young boys and an adult daughter, Edgardo is committed to supporting healing and resilience. In his free time, he enjoys outdoor activities and spending time by the ocean with his family.
Kimberly Smith, LCSWA
Availability Online
Email: ksmith@healingmindsnc.com
Kimberly (Kim) Smith is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate. Kim is a proud alumna of Fayetteville State University where she obtained her Bachelors and Masters Degree in Social Work. Kim is a firm believer in the benefits or receiving therapy services. A therapeutic relationship with Kim can include benefits such as exploring and implementing positive coping skills, promoting the improvement of relationships, support with setting and working towards goals, supporting clients on their road to resilience, grief support, etc. As an ordained minister (and by request only), Kim is willing, ready and able to incorporate Christian-based aspects and resources within therapy sessions. Outside of work, Kim enjoys being involved with church activities, traveling and spending time with family and friends.
ANGELA KOSKOSKY, CADC
Availability Online
Email: akoskosky@healingmindsnc.com
Angela Koskosky (Miss Angie) is a Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CADC) with 11+ years of professional experience in counseling and has worked in a wide variety of treatment settings. She began her career in a Residential Treatment Center as a volunteer and five years later left as a CADC with immeasurable knowledge and love for individuals struggling with substance and mental health. Angie has counseled in residential treatment, Medication Assisted Therapy, Treatment Courts, and Outpatient Therapy (SAIOP, DWI, ADETS). Angie's passion for individuals is heartfelt and personal, which comes with a personalized and judge free environment. You will not find Miss Angie sitting behind the desk too often. Her passion for teaching comes with energy and enthusiasm breaking the traditional mold. Her counseling style is unique, non-judgmental, open-minded, and as she loves to say, "There are many different ways up the mountain" and "You gotta get to the nitty gritty truth."
Finally, on a more personal level, Angie enjoys reading addiction autobiographies, falling in Pinterest holes looking for fun stuff to do in group therapy, spending time with her daughters, and refurbishing furniture in her free time while always looking for ways to better herself and community.