MEET OUR TEAM
SALISBURY & BETHESDA, MD
Therapists, Counselors, Licensed Social Workers & a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Laura Harrison, LCSW-C
Founder and therapist
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 has completed training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and is also a Certified First Responder Counselor.
Focus: Trauma, Depression and mood issues, Anxiety, Family and couple relationship issues
Approaches: EMDR
Works with: Adults, Adolescents
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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
Therapist
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.
Focus: Early childhood mental health, Substance abuse, Depression and mood disorders, Anxiety, Life transitions, Trauma, Military, public safety and their families
Works with: Young children, Families, Military and public safety members and their families
Morgan Wixon, LCPC
Therapist
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.
Focus: Depression and mood issues, Anxiety, ADHD, Traumatic events
Approaches: Cognitive behavioral therapy, Biofeedback techniques, EMDR
Works with: Children, Adolescents, Families, Adults
P. Annette Brown, LCSW-C
Therapist
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 Maryland, 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.
Focus: Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Mood disorders, Relationship issues
Approaches: Cognitive behavioral therapies
Works with: Children, Teens, Adults
Angela Blake, LCSW-C
Therapist
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.
Focus: Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Self-esteem, Relationship concerns, Life adjustments, School success
Approaches: Cognitive behavioral therapy, Brief therapy, Expressive art therapy, Mindfulness and mind-body therapies
Works with: Children, Families, Adults, Groups
Michelle Bannister, LMSW
Therapist
Michelle Bannister transitioned to psychotherapy following successful careers in the performing arts and executive coaching and 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.
Focus: Anger, Anxiety, Depression, Childhood trauma, Relationship issues
Approaches: Psychodynamic therapy, Relational Life Therapy, Emotionally focused techniques
Works with: Adults, Couples, Teens
Keesha Holden-White, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C
Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner
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). She obtained her Master of Science in Nursing, Nursing Leadership, from Wilmington University, and continued to advance her career with Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner post-master's 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.
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.
Focus: Psychiatric mental health, Family practice, Patient education and preventative care, Bridging physical and mental health needs
Works with: Pediatric clients, Adults across the lifespan
Bibiana D. Koh, PhD, LCSW-C
Therapist
Dr. Koh (she/her) is a clinical social worker who earned her MSW from Smith College School for Social Work. She also holds a PhD in Family Social Science from the University of Minnesota.
She has clinical experience in multiple settings including schools, community mental health, residential group homes and shelters, walk-in crisis counseling, and private practice. She is also a Maryland Board of Social Work approved supervisor.
Dr. Koh specializes in issues related to race, ethnicity, culture, acculturation, and intercountry adoption.
Focus: Race, ethnicity and culture, Acculturation, Intercountry adoption
Shelby Lewis, LGPC
Therapist
Shelby is a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC) with a passion for supporting individuals through life's challenges and promoting emotional well-being. She believes in meeting each individual where they are and helping them develop the tools and confidence needed to heal, grow, and thrive.
Focus: Life's challenges, Emotional well-being
Works with: Individuals
Rachel Cross, LMSW
Therapist
Rachel Cross is a Licensed Master Social Worker. Rachel earned her BSW from Salisbury University and earned her MSW with a clinical concentration from Walden University. Rachel has been working in the social work field since 2016 and is passionate about creating a space where people feel safe, heard, and supported.
Rachel uses a mix of approaches depending on your needs, often pulling from strengths-based therapy, cognitive behavioral techniques (CBT), and mindfulness practices. Rachel offers a warm, collaborative space where clients feel supported and understood. Her approach encourages authentic connection and helps individuals build on their strengths to create meaningful change.
Approaches: Strengths-based therapy, Cognitive behavioral techniques (CBT), Mindfulness practices
Works with: Individuals
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.