678-465-8665 | amberly@thevictoriousmind.org
My name is Amberly Ellis, and I am the owner and founder of The Victorious Mind. I am a licensed professional counselor, wife, dog-mom, sports enthusiast, nutrition and wellness advocate, and a University of Alabama fan. In my free time, you can find me at a local coffee shop, in my home gym, on a long walk, or a at concert.
I attended the University of North Georgia for my Bachelors Degree, where I majored in Psychology and minored in Sociology. I continued my education at the University of North Georgia where I received my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Since graduation, I have worked in the private practice setting continuing my work with children and families.
I am a Registered Play Therapist, where I received three years of specialized training and supervision in the field of play therapy. In order to help me best serve children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, I have obtained my AutPlay certification.
It is such a joy, gift, and honor to get to work as a child and adolescent counselor. Everyday I get to watch my clients fight their own battles with resilience, bravery, and hope. It is an absolute blessing to be able to walk alongside them on their journey as they grow into the people they are called to be.
I approach counseling from an integrative, attachment-based, and interpersonal neurobiology lens, recognizing the link between behavior, the nervous system, and interpersonal connection.I believe the behaviors children and teens display are merely their way of communicating a need - a need to connect, a need to be known, a need to be heard, and a need for felt safety.
As a therapist, I help my clients and/or their parents better identify the source and root cause of their behavior and presenting concerns, while teaching them coping skills and regulation tools. I look at my clients as a whole- assessing their family systems, early childhood development, sleep patterns, eating habits, social engagement, physical activity, academic success, and physical health. It is my goal to not just help my clients “fix the problem,” but to help facilitate change and a victorious mind.
706-363-0534 | kayla@thevictoriousmind.org
My name is Kayla Watkins, and I am an Associate Professional Counselor here at The Victorious Mind. I enjoy traveling, reading, spending time with friends and family, and going on dates with my husband.
I received my Bachelor’s of Arts in Human Development and Family Studies from Anderson University and my Master’s of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. Currently, I am under the supervision of Lindsey Mart LPC, CPCS as I work towards getting my Professional Counselor License.
It is such a joy to provide a safe space for clients to come in as their authentic selves. Each client comes in with a story, and it is a true honor to spend time learning and exploring the parts of that story to promote healing. I value a connective client-counselor relationship as I believe growth, healing, and change are fostered in relationship.
I use an integrated approach of Internal Family Systems, Interpersonal Neurobiology, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Some areas of experience include navigating changes and adjustments in life, grief, relationships and family difficulties, athletes, self-esteem, parenting, college and career, ADHD, autism, and anxiety.
I enjoy working with those in multiple stages of life including children, teens, young adults, and adults. In sessions, I am passionate about family systems, regulation, education, and attachment.
I view my role not as a healer but as a helper to support my clients towards a more abundant life for which they were created.
706-363-0495 | austin@thevictoriousmind.org
My name is Austin Wood, and I'm a Counselor here at The Victorious Mind. I'm a husband, school counselor for Gwinnett County, dog dad, sports enthusiast, and a man of faith.
I received my Master's in Counseling from Albany State University. Since graduation, I've been working as a school counselor for the last 4 years. I'm furthering my education to pursue an Education Specialist Degree in Counseling from Valdosta State University. I’m an Associate Professional Counselor under the supervision of Lisa Southerland, who is a professor at Brenau University, LPC, and CPCS.
It's a blessing to be able to support clients with their mental health. My goal is to help others overcome their struggles and feel empowered to take on the world. I'm passionate about helping others become the best version of themselves.
As a counselor, I maintain a non-judgemental approach with my clients. My theoretical orientation integrates multiple different forms of psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, rational emotive behavior therapy, and motivational interviewing. I strive to instill a growth mindset within all of my clients. I specialize in areas of expertise including depression, anxiety, college and career planning, suicidal ideation, substance abuse, adjusting to different stages in life, and athletes.
I look forward to working alongside you to help build a resilient, hopeful, and abundant life.
7706-363-0240 | brooke@thevictoriousmind.org
My name is Brooke Pere, and I am an Associate Professional Counselor at The Victorious Mind. I enjoy staying active whether that be hiking, going to the gym, walks in the park or running around with my niece and nephews.
I received my Bachelors Degree from Georgia Gwinnett College, where I majored in Human Development and Aging Services. I continued my education at the University of North Georgia where I received my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I have worked in the non profit sector primarily working with children, adolescents and families.
I am under the supervision of Brittany O’Bryant, MS, LPC, NCC, RPT, CPCS as I work towards getting my Professional Counselor License and Registered Play Therapy Certificate.
I have previously worked with children, adolescents and adults who have experienced trauma and have witnessed the resiliency of people. I want to foster a space for exploration and healing, giving children and families the support they may need to continue holding onto hope. Some other areas I have experience with are grief, relationships and family difficulties, anxiety and ADHD.
Working with children and adolescents is a unique experience as you find yourself in a role with many facets such as confidant, authority figure, support person and reflection of the client. Because trust is a vital role in any relationship, as a counselor I like to foster a calm, safe environment where boundaries are present but discipline is left at the door.
I recognize we are complex beings and every individual has many factors feeding into who they are as an individual. I find it necessary and important to acknowledge and embrace each aspect of an individual’s life, approaching care with intersectionality.
I approach counseling from a person-centered, emotion-focused lens recognizing that every behavior shows a need and every feeling is natural and valid. I believe every individual has the core desire to find connection and if I can act as a support as they learn to identify, express and process their feelings in a healthy manner, I will welcome the opportunity.
706-389-8253 | klustosa@thevictoriousmind.org
Hi, my name is Kayla Lustosa! I am a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor who loves working with children, adolescents, and adults. In my free time, I love to play with my dog, travel, read, and binge tv shows. I received my bachelor’s degree in marketing from The University of North Georgia in 2017. I have always had a passion for helping others and decided to continue my education to pursue a career in counseling. I graduated from The University of Central Florida in 2022 with a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy.
Some of my experience includes working as a mental health counselor in a school-based setting, where I have counseled elementary and high school students. I am thankful to have spent time in this role, providing services to students and watching them grow! I also have experience in outpatient counseling with clients of all ages. I enjoy working with clients from various backgrounds, and I strive to offer an inclusive space for anyone who is looking to start counseling. It is an honor for me to be trusted with working alongside a client and help them transform their lives.
When it comes to therapy, I tend to use an integrative approach including Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Strengths-Based Therapy. I believe that every client knows what is best for their own journey, and I am here to support and guide them in whatever way I can. My areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, life adjustments, and family challenges.