Genesis Counseling & Consulting Services
Where hope begins and change happens.
Committed to Helping People
Mission Statement
Genesis strives to assist and enhance lives by providing quality therapeutic and affordable services. We aspire to provide guidance to our clients as they pursue their life goals.
Overview
Genesis Counseling and Consulting Services provides individualized services for a variety of populations in north Mobile County and surrounding areas. Services include couples and family therapy, substance use treatment programs, a qualified SAP for DOT employees, anger management, mental health therapy, pastoral counseling and professional development and training. Our programs offer morning, evening and weekend sessions to provide more flexibility with your schedule in order to meet your needs. In order to better serve those individuals in need, Genesis accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield and offers all services with a sliding scale fee. Additionally, we offer telehealth services, providing access to care from the privacy of your own home.
Staff Members
Christie Smith, MBA, MA, LPC
Christie earned her undergraduate degree from Faulkner University in Business Administration. She went on to earn an MBA from Columbia Southern University. After working in the business arena for several years, she decided to finally follow a lifelong desire to work in the therapeutic field. Christie earned a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Mobile. There she graduated in the top of her class and received The University of Mobile’s Area Achievement Award. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor who is passionate about her work with couples, families and substance use treatment.
Cherish Brannon, MS, SCAC, MAC, SAP
Cherish is a native Mobilian who has been working in mental health and substance use treatment for more than a decade. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of South Alabama and proceeded to enhance her passion for assisting persons suffering from substance use disorders and mental health by learning from them what it takes to help someone pursue a life that is truly worth living. Cherish has made an impact in the ever-changing field of substance use treatment by incorporating her clinical knowledge of evidence based practices with real world treatment experiences from medication assisted recovery, abstinence based treatment, faith based treatment, co-occuring disorders treatment, and treatment for criminal offenders.
She serves as the Certification Commission Chair for the Alabama Association of Addiction Professionals (AAAP) and is certified by the Alabama Association of Addiction Counselors Certification Commission (AAACCC) as a Senior Certified Addiction Counselor (SCAC) as well as being qualified as a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP), certified as a Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) by the National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) and a certified MRT (Moral Reconation Therapy) instructor.
She has been a supervisor for numerous interns providing guidance and training on evidence-based practices for many clinicians over the last ten years.
Brooke Bentley, MA, LPC
Brooke is a native of the area who spent the last 18 years traveling the country as a military spouse. Brooke received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Mobile and a Masters in Professional Counseling at Liberty University.
Brooke spent the last 8 years of her career, internship and post degree, at a Children’s Advocacy Center. During Brooke’s time at the CAC, she specialized in working with families who have experienced different types of trauma and grief, such as child sexual abuse, child physical abuse, neglect, children within families of domestic violence, human trafficking and child exploitation, children with problematic sexual behaviors, children exposed to alcohol and drug abuse and traumatic loss due to homicide. Brooke is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a therapeutic style that is client centered and trauma informed.
Rachel Williamson, MA, MFTI
Rachel is a native Mobilian who graduated with an undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of South Alabama. After which, she spent about a decade moving around the country and serving her family as a stay-at-home mom for 14 years. Over those years, she discovered a deep passion for supporting marriages and families, which inspired her to pursue a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of Mobile. Rachel views each couple, family, and individual as unique and tailors her approach to the specific needs of the client. Rachel strives to provide a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their concerns and work toward meaningful change. She is dedicated to fostering a collaborative and empathetic partnership with each client, ensuring they feel heard, supported, and empowered throughout the therapeutic process. She enjoys working with couples, families, and individuals of all ages. Rachel is currently a Marriage and Family Therapy Intern under the supervision of William-Glenn Hollingsworth, PhD, LMFT #441.
Brooke Bentley, MA, LPC
Brooke is a native of the area who spent the last 18 years traveling the country as a military spouse. Brooke received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Mobile and a Masters in Professional Counseling at Liberty University.
Brooke spent the last 8 years of her career, internship and post degree, at a Children’s Advocacy Center. During Brooke’s time at the CAC, she specialized in working with families who have experienced different types of trauma and grief, such as child sexual abuse, child physical abuse, neglect, children within families of domestic violence, human trafficking and child exploitation, children with problematic sexual behaviors, children exposed to alcohol and drug abuse and traumatic loss due to homicide. Brooke is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a therapeutic style that is client centered and trauma informed.
Rachel Williamson, MA, MFTI
Rachel is a native Mobilian who graduated with an undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of South Alabama. After which, she spent about a decade moving around the country and serving her family as a stay-at-home mom for 14 years. Over those years, she discovered a deep passion for supporting marriages and families, which inspired her to pursue a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of Mobile. Rachel views each couple, family, and individual as unique and tailors her approach to the specific needs of the client. Rachel strives to provide a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their concerns and work toward meaningful change. She is dedicated to fostering a collaborative and empathetic partnership with each client, ensuring they feel heard, supported, and empowered throughout the therapeutic process. She enjoys working with couples, families, and individuals of all ages. Rachel is currently a Marriage and Family Therapy Intern under the supervision of William-Glenn Hollingsworth, PhD, LMFT #441.
Brooke Bentley, MA, LPC
Brooke is a native of the area who spent the last 18 years traveling the country as a military spouse. Brooke received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Mobile and a Masters in Professional Counseling at Liberty University.
Brooke spent the last 8 years of her career, internship and post degree, at a Children’s Advocacy Center. During Brooke’s time at the CAC, she specialized in working with families who have experienced different types of trauma and grief, such as child sexual abuse, child physical abuse, neglect, children within families of domestic violence, human trafficking and child exploitation, children with problematic sexual behaviors, children exposed to alcohol and drug abuse and traumatic loss due to homicide. Brooke is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a therapeutic style that is client centered and trauma informed.
Rachel Williamson, MA, MFTI
Rachel is a native Mobilian who graduated with an undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of South Alabama. After which, she spent about a decade moving around the country and serving her family as a stay-at-home mom for 14 years. Over those years, she discovered a deep passion for supporting marriages and families, which inspired her to pursue a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of Mobile. Rachel views each couple, family, and individual as unique and tailors her approach to the specific needs of the client. Rachel strives to provide a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their concerns and work toward meaningful change. She is dedicated to fostering a collaborative and empathetic partnership with each client, ensuring they feel heard, supported, and empowered throughout the therapeutic process. She enjoys working with couples, families, and individuals of all ages. Rachel is currently a Marriage and Family Therapy Intern under the supervision of William-Glenn Hollingsworth, PhD, LMFT #441.
Brandie Hopkins, MA, LMFT
Brandie is an enthusiastic and dedicated mental health professional who earned her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and her graduate degree in Marriage and Family Counseling from the University of Mobile. After a 14-year career as an educator, she felt compelled to redirect her passion for human services toward the mental health field. Brandie is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has spent much of her therapeutic career working with couples and families encountering extreme conflict, adolescents exhibiting antisocial and criminal behaviors, and individuals (youth and adults) experiencing difficulties with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and a variety of other life challenges. Brandie is passionate about her work as a therapist and looks forward to building a therapeutic alliance with her clients through client-centered and evidence-based approaches.
Rachel Whiteley, M.Ed., CRC
Rachel is a dedicated mental health professional with a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling from Auburn University. With a strong foundation in evidence-based therapeutic practices and a deep commitment to client-centered care, Rachel specializes in supporting individuals facing physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges on their path to recovery and personal growth. Drawing on a background in rehabilitation counseling, she integrates clinical expertise with compassion to help clients navigate life transitions, manage mental health conditions, and achieve greater independence. She is particularly skilled in working with diverse populations, including individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, and co-occurring disorders. Rachel's approach is grounded in empowerment, advocacy, and holistic wellness, aiming to foster resilience and improve quality of life through collaborative, culturally sensitive care.
Sedija Davis, M.Ed., ALC
Sedija, an Associate Licensed Counselor under the supervision of Lorian Kriner, LPC-S #3200, graduated from the University of South Alabama with a Master of Education in School Counseling. Her goal is to provide a safe and supportive space for individuals seeking mental and emotional wellness with over eight years of experience working with students in an alternative school setting. Her areas of expertise include helping clients with ADHD, coping skills, anxiety, depression, trauma, and parenting. She has compassion for people going through life’s challenges and feels privileged to work with those seeking support. She is committed to helping clients learn to make changes and provide them with tools and techniques to reach their full potential.
Wanda Fox-Pierre, MS, ADC
Wanda is a native of Louisiana, born and raised in Baton Rouge. Wanda moved to Alabama 20 plus years ago to make a better life for herself and her two boys. Wanda received her bachelor’s degree in Human Services from the University of South Alabama and went on to earn her master’s degree in Community Counseling from the University of South Alabama. Wanda has had a great desire to help others in life through tough times and complicated situations. Wanda has experienced tough and complicated situations and was able to work through these situations with the help of others and wanted to give back. Wanda has worked with adolescents and adults in the substance abuse and mental health field for over 30 years. Wanda believes a positive attitude makes all the difference in any situation and she says to remember to keep smiling.
Marshall Metz, CRSS
Marshall is a Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS), certified MRT (Moral Reconation Therapy) instructor, and nationally certified intervention specialist. He has worked the addiction recovery field for six years, helping others find the strength to rebuild their lives as he once did. He also co-founded the Baldwin County Drug Court Mentor Program, where he continues to support individuals on their recovery journey. His story is one of redemption, resilience, and purpose. From addiction to advocacy, he has transformed his life and now dedicates it to helping others do the same. Through his work, he aims to shed light on the challenges of addiction while fostering a message of hope and possibility. Whether in the courtroom, the community, or one-on-one mentoring, he believes recovery is real—and worth fighting for.
