ABOUT BALANCED LIFE COUNSELING SERVICES
SALISBURY MD
Our Mission Statement
Our mission is to provide quality counseling services to individuals, couples, and families in a safe, respectful, and supportive environment. We are committed to empowering our clients to work toward stronger connections and healthier relationships, thereby, improving their overall wellness and optimal quality of life.
When life throws obstacles in our way, we can become stuck in unhealthy patterns and our relationships with ourselves and with others can suffer. Attending sessions with a non-biased, supportive therapist can help you find positive solutions and gain coping skills that will help restore balance to your life and help you reach your full potential.
Balanced Life Counseling Services is a locally owned business, so contact us today and see how we can help you! We are members of the NASW (National Association of Social Workers) and the Salisbury Chamber of Commerce. In addition, we have been recognized by Coastal Style Magazine as the 2020 and 2021 Best Counseling Center in Wicomico County.
Meet Our Team of Therapists, Counselors, Licensed Social Workers, & More!
Our Founder, Laura Harrison, LCSW-C
With over twenty years of experience as a mental health therapist, Laura Harrison has extensive training and experience working with trauma, depression, mood issues, anxiety, and family or couple relationship issues.
She specializes in working with adults and adolescents. Laura utilizes a variety of therapeutic techniques to ensure each client receives the most effective, individualized treatment possible.
Laura received her MSW with a clinical concentration in families and children from the University of Maryland at Baltimore. She is certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) and is also a Certified First Responder Counselor.
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Jessica Drejka, Office Manager
Jessica Drejka is our Full-Time Office Manager. She has been a part of the Balanced Life Team since 2019 and has worked hard to create a welcoming environment for both new and existing patients. Her strong organizational skills keep the office running smoothly while handling a variety of administrative tasks. She has been able to tailor her talents to the various needs of Balanced Life as it has grown and changed over the years. Jessica resides on the Eastern Shore with her family and pets.
Kelly Hawkins, LCSW-C
Kelly Hawkins is a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical. She comes to us with over 15 years of Behavioral Health experience. Kelly has specialty training in early childhood mental health and substance abuse. She also has a wealth of experience working with depression and other mood disorders, anxiety, life transition, families, trauma, and the special care and concerns associated with working with members of the military and public safety and their families. Kelly is now a certified First Responder Counselor.
Morgan Wixon, LCPC
Morgan Wixon is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. She has several years of experience providing therapy services to children, adolescents, families, and adults. Prior to becoming a licensed clinical professional counselor, Morgan spent 9 years as a Special Education teacher in the public school system.
Morgan primarily utilizes a Cognitive Behavioral approach, also incorporating some biofeedback techniques into her practice. She has experience working with people who have depression and other mood issues, anxiety, ADHD, and those that have experienced traumatic events in their lives. Morgan is also certified in EMDR.
Tina Oakley, LCSW-C
Tina comes to us with over 25 years of post-Master’s degree experience providing therapy to children, adolescents and adults. Her areas of professional interest include women's issues, blended families, grief, adjustment issues, dealing with chronic illness, improving academic/occupational success and faith-based counseling. Tina has experience diagnosing and treating a range of mental health conditions including: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder(ADHD), Anxiety Disorders, Depressive Disorders and Bipolar/Related Disorders. Building rapport and joining with the patient to collaboratively problem-solve and address symptoms for best outcomes is central to her approach to treatment.
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Tina received her Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from Salisbury University and her Master's in Social Work from the University of Maryland at Baltimore and has been providing therapeutic services to the community on the Lower Eastern Shore since 1997.
P. Annette Brown, LCSW-C
P. Annette Brown is an LCSW-C with over 17 years of experience providing mental health therapy for children, teens, and adults. Annette is a native of the Eastern Shore and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Washington College in Chestertown, MD. She later received her Master of Social Work degree from the University of MD, Baltimore.
Annette received her clinical specialization in mental health and substance abuse, and primarily uses cognitive behavioral therapies to assist her patients. She has a wealth of experience treating various conditions, most specifically depression, anxiety, trauma, mood disorders, and relationship issues. Annette is also passionate about providing education and training in the community regarding mental health. Annette provides services in a relaxed, caring, and non-judgmental manner.
Angela Blake, LCSW-C
Angela is a licensed certified social worker – clinical specializing in providing therapy to families and children. In 2003 Angela earned her Master’s degree from the University of Maryland at Baltimore. After coordinating youth programs for the Salvation Army and directing the Family Center at East Salisbury School, Angela has been a therapist in local mental health agencies, both private and public.
Angela’s specialties include: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Brief Therapy, Expressive Art Therapy, Mindfulness, and other Mind-Body Therapies. Angela works with adults, children, families, and groups addressing a range of needs from depression, anxiety, stress, self-esteem, relationship concerns, and life adjustments. As well as, organizing students for optimal success in school.
Michelle Bannister, LMSW
Michelle Bannister transitioned to psychotherapy following successful careers in the performing arts and executive coaching/organizational development in the DC Metro area. She has experience working with anger, anxiety, depression, childhood trauma, and a variety of relationship issues. Michelle’s special focus is adults (individuals and couples) and teens using primarily psychodynamic, Relational Life Therapy, and emotionally focused techniques to help clients experience greater levels of safety, acceptance, clarity, confidence, and connection.
Michelle earned her MSW with a clinical concentration from Salisbury University.
Keesha Holden-White
Keesha Holden-White is a highly skilled and dedicated Nurse Practitioner with 27 years of experience in the healthcare industry. Specializing in family practice and psychiatric mental health Keesha is committed to providing exceptional patient care and promoting health and wellness in the community. Keesha is a nationally board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). Keesha obtained her Master of Science in Nursing, Nursing Leadership, from Wilmington University. Keesha continued to advance her career and obtained her Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Post-Masters Certificates at Wilmington University. Keesha can provide quality healthcare services to pediatric and adult clients across the lifespan. Her core values include developing strong relationships, both professionally and personally, and improving health outcomes and access to services.
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Keesha is known for her compassionate approach, attention to detail, dedication to clients, and interest in lifelong learning. Passionate about patient education, preventative care, and bridging physical and mental health needs, Keesha strives to make a positive impact on patients' lives. When not practicing family medicine and psychiatry, Keesha enjoys spending time poolside, at the beach, soapmaking, and enjoying quality time with family and friends, which contribute to a well-rounded and balanced lifestyle.
Heather Sikora, LMSW
Heather Sikora, LMSW, is a dedicated social worker with a passion for mental health, trauma processing, and breaking cycles of generational trauma. Alongside earning her master's in social work with a clinical concentration from Salisbury University, Heather has focused on research, policy reform, and advocacy for kinship caretakers, with a special emphasis on adult siblings caring for their minor-aged brothers and sisters.
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Heather's approach to treatment centers on building strong rapport with clients and collaboratively addressing symptoms to achieve the best possible outcomes. Her commitment to mental health extends beyond individual practice, as she actively works to improve support systems for families in need.
Rylee Parsons, Office Support Specialist
Rylee Parsons is our Office Support Specialist. She has been a part of the Balanced Life Team since May of 2024. She has many years of customer service experience as well as management experience. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Salisbury University in 2020 during which she had an opportunity to intern at Hudson Health Services. Her goal is to pursue her Master’s degree in Social Work in the near future. Rylee and her family reside on the Eastern Shore.