Hamlet Smith, MSW, LICSW, DCSW:

Hamlet Smith leads Life Strategies with 20 years of experience in adult, adolescent and children’s therapy. He received his Masters of Social Work from West Virginia University. Hamlet has received his Diplomate of Clinical Social Work from the National Association of Social Workers and has been licensed by the West Virginia Board of Social Work Examiners at the level of Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. He is also a member in good standing of the National Association of Social Workers. Hamlet’s undergraduate work is in Bible and Theology from Appalachian Bible College.

Hamlet’s number one objective is to see family relationships restored. To accomplish this purpose he specializes in marital, child, and adolescent issues. Depression, anxiety, anger, chemical dependency, and abuse issues frequently complicate family interaction and weaken the overall effectiveness of the family unit. Hamlet is very comfortable using clients strengths to help them navigate the difficulties of life. In addition to counseling he is also available for workshops, seminars, and motivational speaking.

Hamlet works as a mental health therapist in the Fayette County school system. He has also previously worked as a therapist in Beckley Appalachian Regional Health Sciences Center and with FMRS Health systems. He, his wife, and children reside near Beckley, West Virginia.

 

Nancy Carlson, MSW, LGSW:

Nancy Carlson is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker with a background in addiction counseling and women’s issues. She also was director of a therapeutic wilderness treatment program for teens through the Virginia Juvenile Justice System. She enjoys being a homemaker, and loves people, outdoor activities, animals and reading.

Nancy has a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Phys-Ed from Old Dominion University and a Masters of Social Work from West Virginia University. She received her Licensed Graduate Social Work license from the West Virginia Board of Social Work Examiners.

Nancy and her husband have a special interest in foster care and adoption. She resides in Fayette County with her family.

 

Amanda Thomure Dowdy, MSW, LGSW:

Amanda received her Bachelors in Social Work from Concord University. She has her Masters of Social Work from West Virginia University. She is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker and a member in good standing of the National Association of Social Workers.

Amanda’s previous work has included In-Home Services with children and adolescents as well as with veterans and youth aging out of foster care systems and the Division of Juvenile Services.

Amanda has a heart for children and adolescents, and enjoys working alongside all sorts of people as they deal with life’s challenges. She is involved with the children’s ministry and the Upward sports programs at her church.

 

 

Crystal Knight, MA, Licensed Psychologist:

Crystal Knight is a Licensed Psychologist, licensed by the West Virginia Board of Examiners for Psychologists. Crystal has served Webster and Nicholas counties for seven years. At Life Strategies Counseling Services, Crystal specializes in performing Psychological evaluations for adults, adolescents, and children for things like bariatric surgery, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, mood disorders, and behavioral disorders.

Crystal enjoys her role at Life Strategies Counseling Services assisting therapists in honing their diagnoses to provide the best possible treatment.

Crystal is pursuing her Ph.D. in General Psychology from Capella University. She received her M.A. in Psychology from Marshall University and earned her undergraduate degree at Mountain State University. She is a member of the American Psychological Association.

 

Joy Napier, MSW, LGSW:

Joy Napier is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker, licensed by the West Virginia Board of Social Work Examiners. She has a Bachelor’s of Psychology from Mountain State University and a Masters of Social Work from West Virginia University. Joy’s background includes work with addictions and problem gamblers. She enjoys working with a wide variety of issues, and has a special interest in treating PTSD.

 

 

 

 

Kerri White, MSW, LICSW:

Kerri White joined Life Strategies in 2006 with experience in substance abuse counseling. She specializes in women’s issues such as relationships, fibromyalgia, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Kerri’s lifelong passion has been to see others improve their lives. Kerri also works as a mental health therapist in both the Raleigh and Fayette county school systems.

Kerri received her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Georgetown College, Kentucky. She completed her Masters of Social Work at West Virginia University. Kerri is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, licensed by the West Virginia Board of Social Work Examiners. She is also a member in good standing of the National Association of Social Workers and the American Association of Christian Counselors.

Kerri, a lifelong native of Oak Hill, is an active member of her church. Most recently she has been a part of a team of people who work with both children and adolescents. She enjoys music as both a vocalist and pianist.