Nancy Holderman Smith

MSW, LISW-CP, Director

nancysmith@liveoakcounselingcenter.org

Nancy serves as Director and Counselor at Live Oak Counseling Center. Nancy works with older teens and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, family issues, and parenting issues.

Her therapeutic approach is collaborative, and patient centered. Nancy is a big believer in the therapeutic alliance as a key to healing. Nancy integrates tools from Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused therapy models.

With a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Public Relations and a master’s degree in Social Work, Nancy is a Licensed Independent Social Worker in Clinical Practice.

Nancy is married to a Presbyterian minister and has raised three children. Nancy loves to travel, cook, garden, exercise and spend time with her family.

Eric Hartley

MSW, LISW-CP/AP

erichartley@liveoakcounselingcenter.org

Eric is a Licensed Independent Social Worker for Advanced and Clinical Practice who came to Live Oak Counseling Center in 2016 after more than 30 years in the mental health field. He began this work at William S. Hall Psychiatric Institute where he worked with adolescents. He next worked for nine years in the Intermediate Care Unit at the Women's Correctional Center. After that he returned to the mental health system in community mental health as Adult Services Coordinator and then director of the Fairfield County Mental Health Clinic, a satellite of Columbia Area Mental Health Center. His most recent incarnation is working with adults and adolescents here at Live Oak. In addition to providing therapy, Eric is an approved supervisor for those seeking the license of Licensed Independent Social Worker.

He employs a broad range of therapies to address issues of daily living, depression and anxiety, but much of his focus is on addressing issues of trauma and grief. He has trained in EMDR with the EMDR Institute and has certification in clinical hypnosis by the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis.

Though he has years of experience and knowledge, these years have taught him that each client is unique and comes with his or her own knowledge, experience, wisdom and potential resources. He thinks of himself as a facilitator and collaborator for change.

As a father of two and a grandfather of four, Eric has learned a thing or two about change and how magical it can be when you get out of the way.

He is pleased to have landed here at the Counseling Center for this leg of his life's journey and very much enjoys the work with his clients and the camaraderie of his co-workers.

Tinsley Pou

ED.s., NCC, LPC-A

tinsleypou@liveoakcounselingcenter.org

Tinsley is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate with a school counseling background. Tinsley received an Educational Specialist degree in counseling at the University of South Carolina. While at USC, Tinsley was specially trained in play therapy, earning a Certificate of Graduate Study in Play Therapy. 

Tinsley works with her clients from a person-centered and cognitive behavioral approach, incorporating parent consultation and coaching as needed. She offers treatment options for children and teens experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, behavioral problems, ADHD, and/or difficulty navigating life changes and challenges. 

Tinsley believes every child is inherently capable, resilient, and worthy of being understood. Guided by the belief that behavior is communication, she works closely with families to uncover the needs behind a child’s actions to nurture their strengths. She sees each child as an individual with a unique story and emphasizes connection, trust and play as essential elements of healing and growth. At the heart of Tinsley’s work is the understanding that when children and teens feel seen, heard, and valued, they thrive. 

Susan Yelverton

MSW, LISW

susanyelverton@liveoakcounselingcenter.org

Susan works with teens and adults and enjoys collaborating with her clients to identify their strengths, values and intentions. She believes that therapy can help people to grow and heal by offering a safe place to examine their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors with curiosity instead of judgment.

Her therapeutic approach is informed by training in mindfulness-based practices, such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. As a former arts educator, she also believes that creativity can be an important part of the healing process.

Areas of special interest are: depression/anxiety, life transitions, work and home/life balance, LGBTQIA concerns, spirituality, support for educators, and adoption and attachment issues.

Susan is participating in a two-year Mindfulness Teacher Training Certification Program which is a collaboration between the Insight Meditation Society, Sounds True, and the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California/Berkeley.

Melissa Tringali

Office Manager

admin@liveoakcounselingcenter.org

Melissa’s background is in accounting and she handles all things money related. Since working at Live Oak she has seen how important it is to care for your mental health.

She believes seeking counseling should not be seen as a weakness but a wise choice. When Melissa sees friends or family suffering a loss, dealing with a diagnosis, or making their way through a new stage of life she is quick to suggest counseling, whether at Live Oak or elsewhere.