Our Team
Neely Haynes, M.Ed., LPC, NCC, Certified Synergetic Play Therapist®, Owner, CEO
Hello! I am Neely Haynes. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and the second Synergetic Play Therapist® in the state of Alabama. I am also pursuing my Registered Play Therapist credential. I am the owner and CFO of Harbor Counseling Services LLC. My journey as a therapist started several years ago when I began my undergraduate degree in nursing. I discovered while working with patients that I liked hearing my patients’ stories more than focusing on the medical aspect. After I realized this, I withdrew from nursing school unsure of my path, but knowing I wanted to do something that helped people. After several life changes and after experiences in my own personal therapy, I decided that helping other people the way I had been helped was something I wanted to do. I applied to The University of Montevallo’s Counseling Program, and the rest, as they say, is history! While at Montevallo, I completed my internship working with several different client bases and being trained in several theories. I have found that I work best approaching clients from the Person-Centered (aka Client-Centered) modality. This means that I view the client as the expert on themselves, and I, as the therapist, am the expert facilitator to help you along the journey. I have found a true passion working with clients who bring me into their story and allow me to collaborate with them to help them accomplish their goals. We all have had moments in our life where we need a fresh point of view, someone to listen to our story, someone to allow us to be who we are in that moment, and help facilitate a path toward growth. I have to agree with Carl Rogers (the founder of Person-Centered Theory) that the path to true growth starts with meeting yourself where you’re at; I have spent a lot of time exploring myself, learning to be with who I am, and I continue that journey daily. I am hoping to model this for you, allowing you to move down your own path of growth, whatever that looks like for you. I am not just a therapist-I am a wife, a mother, a stepmother, creator, dancer, teller of stories, lover of coffee, music, TV, and flowers. I’m slightly messy, and a little goofy. All of this comes into play when meeting with you, just like who you are does when meeting with me. Come as you are. I look forward to being the Harbor for your story.
Angie Martin, M.Ed., LPC, NCC, RPT
Hello! I am Angie Martin. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and Registered Play Therapist. I am a graduate of the University of Montevallo and have developed my skills through years of experience and training. My specialty is childhood trauma, and I am a certified therapist in TraumaPlay and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I serve on the Board of the Alabama Association for Play Therapy and frequently provide guest lectures at local universities on play therapy and childhood trauma. Another area of expertise is working with children and families who have been impacted by sexual and physical abuse, and traumatic grief. I truly believe in the important work of child advocacy and giving children a voice who often go unheard. I am dedicated to working hand in hand with those impacted by childhood trauma and walking with them on their journey toward healing. I also work with parents of my children clients as well as adults and teens who are struggling through these difficult times.
Miranda Marcano, M.Ed, ALC, NCC
Hello! My name is Miranda Marcano, I am an associate licensed counselor (ALC) under the supervision of Hallie Keel, LPC. I am also pursuing my Registered Play Therapist credential. I earned my M.Ed. in counseling from The University of Montevallo. I enjoy working with clients of all ages. My goal as a counselor is to align myself as a companion to you in whatever circumstance you are needing support. Some of the challenges my clients have struggled with are anxiety, depression, loneliness, and grief. My style of counseling is an integrative approach of theories and techniques based on what best supports my current client’s goals. My counseling style is based on Carl Rogers’ person-centered therapy. I believe you are the expert on your experience and struggles. As a team, we will cultivate the coping skills you need to thrive. I value authenticity in the therapeutic relationship, and I am committed to showing up to our sessions as my genuine self. I love to cook, paint, listen to music and watch good movies. I am a wife and mother to two sweet kiddos one of them with special needs. My whole life experience but especially motherhood, informs my work as a counselor. I am living and learning right alongside you. We will figure out each step together.
Harbor Counseling Services would like to welcome Dr. James Jackson to our practice. Dr. Jackson is a professor at The University of Montevallo where he teaches the graduate program in family counseling. He has personally taught and helped train all of the therapists we have at Harbor Counseling. Dr. Jackson is now taking new clients and accepts Blue Cross/Blue Shield Insurance as well as private pay.
He earned his Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision at The University of Alabama. James is a National Certified Counselor, a Licensed Professional Counselor and Counseling Supervisor, and a Registered Play Therapist – Supervisor. His professional experiences include serving as a training clinic director, school counselor, outpatient therapist, group and foster home therapist. James’ interests include identity development, social justice, trauma work, creative arts and play therapy, sand tray, and self-care, and he integrates creative work in his teaching and practice with students and clients.