For more than a decade, The Balanced Life has been a provider of counseling, training, and practice building services. Founded in 2014, we have steadily grown and expanded our services to better meet the needs of our community. From children to older adults, to couples and families, we are here to help people deal with the variety of challenges we may face at different points in our lifetimes.
Why choose The Balanced Life?
We have a therapeutic team consisting of talented and seasoned clinicans who are skilled in working with different clinical needs and client populations. When you make your first phone call to us, you’ll realize that we are a warm, engaging group of profesionals who are committed to client well-being and support. When you come to our office you’ll immediately feel peaceful and welcome. We strive to provide an environment that is conducive to personal exploration and growth.
What you will gain from working with us…
We have helped countless people consider their values, determine goals, then motivate them to see those goals through to success. We will listen to your needs and partner with you to come up with a plan to help you reach your potential. Our strength focused approach helps the counseling/client relationship be growth-focused and inspiring. If you’re ready to live the life of purpose and peace, give us a call. 256-258-7777. We’re here for you!
Meet Our Team of Professionals
Holly Walker, LPC-S, NCC
Holly is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC) and often says she did not choose the counseling profession, it chose her. Holly holds a Master of Arts degree in professional counseling from Argosy University, Nashville, which paved the way for her to help others through life’s challenges. She believes that acceptance and a trusting therapeutic relationship is the key to any progress or growth.
Dana Hampson, LPC-S, MBA
Dana founded The Balanced Life in 2014 with her husband Randall to continue the journey she began over 25 years ago as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) helping people make positive changes in their lives. From her experience working with a wide array of clients, she has seen firsthand how small changes can make a big difference.
Maggie Minsk, LPC, NCC, CHt
Maggie is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), a National Certified Counselor (NCC), a Certified Hypnotherapist (CHt) and Certified Instructor (CI) with the National Guild of Hypnotists. She has also been intensively trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) through Behavioral Tech. Maggie loves sharing what she’s learned on the topics about which she is passionate!
Jessica Daschle, LPC
Jessica is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). She earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Milligan University in 2017. Jessica believes that positive change happens when the therapist and client work together, through mutual trust and a safe, authentic space, to understand life’s challenges. She hopes to help to eventually work herself out of a job by helping her clients develop healthy habits they can rely on no matter what life brings.
Casey Harris, LPC
Casey is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in psychology with a minor in marketing at Alabama A&M University in Normal, AL and earned her Master’s Degree in community counseling at the University of North Alabama in Florence, AL in 2012. Casey’s key areas of interest include issues specific to adolescence, family dynamics, and self-esteem.
Mackenzie Boothe, LPC
Mackenzie is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the states of Alabama and Virginia. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in criminology and sociology from the Ohio State University in 2005 and a Master’s Degree in professional counseling from Liberty University in 2016. Mackenzie is passionate about helping people get through life’s difficulties. She specializes in treating ADHD, depression, anxiety, trauma and dissociation, as well as navigation of life’s troubles.
Gina Mullins-Lima, LPC
Gina is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) as well as a Registered Play Therapist. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from The University of Alabama and completed her master’s in clinical psychology at Auburn University Montgomery in 2009. She has an array of experience working with adolescents, teens, adults, and couples. Gina views counseling as a relationship with the goal being to help clients be the most authentic version of themselves.
Felicia Thompson, LPC
Felicia is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a certified relationship enhancement instructor (RE) with ‘Mastering the Mysteries of Love’ and ‘LoveThinks’ programs. She is certified in Levels 1 and 2 of The Gottman Method. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in psychology at Athens State University in Athens, AL and earned her Master’s in community counseling at McDaniel College in Westminster, MD.
Cierra Washington-Kelly, ALC
Cierra is an Associate Licensed Counselor (ALC) with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of West Alabama. She holds a B.A. in Communications with a minor in Psychology from Belhaven University. Cierra is dedicated to fostering a non-judgmental and supportive environment for clients to navigate their mental health journeys.
April Hallwell, ALC
April is an Associate Licensed Counselor (ALC). has a special interest in an integrative approach to counseling and is naturally passionate about helping people achieve their goals. April has a BA in Electronic Media Communication Production with a minor in Psychology and Real Estate and a Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of West Alabama.
Lacy Pezzaniti, ALC
Lacy is an Associate Licensed Counselor (ALC). She earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of North Alabama in 2024. She works with individuals seeking not only relief from difficult experiences, but also a deeper understanding of the strengths that can emerge through them. Lacy has experience with general anxiety, social anxiety, depression, self-esteem concerns, trauma, addiction recovery, and LGBTQ+ affirming identity exploration.
Amanda Sloane, ALC
Amanda is an Associate Licensed Counselor (ALC) with a background that spans the emergency room, newsroom, and start-up world, giving her firsthand insight into high-pressure environments and the cost of constantly pushing through. Amanda takes a thoughtful, insight-oriented approach, helping clients explore what’s beneath the surface so they can better understand themselves and create meaningful, lasting change.
Anna Themas, LPC
Anna Themas is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Iowa, and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Alabama. She earned her bachelors degree in Psychology from St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa and her Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Western Illinois University-Quad Cities. She began her career in community mental health before transitioning to private practice in 2020. Anna is passionate about supporting those who carry a great deal for others and are ready to pursue greater healing, balance, and fulfillment in their own lives.
Chris Herrin
Chris is a counseling intern at The Balanced Life, LLC, completing his Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of West Alabama under the supervision of Dana Hampson. He offers a warm, grounded space for people to be honest about their stories, including the parts that feel heavy, the ones that have changed, and the ones still unfolding. Chris works with clients navigating grief, trauma, fatherhood, and major life transitions.
Sara Willhite, LICSW
Sara is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Nationally Certified Cognitive Processing Therapist. She has also been trained in Brainspotting Level 2 and is a Certified Financial Coach. Sara was formerly a police officer before transitioning to counseling which helps her identify with those working in the first responder fields and the military. She earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Alabama in 2008. Sara has a passion for learning and passing that learning along to help clients learn about their strengths and how to pull from those in difficult times.
Zakia Lott
Zakia is a counseling intern at The Balanced Life, LLC, completing her Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of West Alabama under the supervision of Mackenzie Boothe. She offers a thoughtful, grounded space for women and high-capacity individuals navigating identity shifts, relationship stress, and major life transitions. Zakia helps clients explore relational patterns, reconnect with themselves, and move toward lives that feel more aligned and intentional.
Ethan Caselberry
Ethan is a counseling intern at The Balanced Life, LLC, completing his Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of West Alabama under the supervision of Mackenzie Boothe, LPC. He offers a calm, reflective space where clients are invited to slow down, look honestly at where they are, and begin moving toward where they want to be. He works with individuals ages 13 and up and couples navigating anxiety, depression, self-esteem, trauma, relationship issues, and major life transitions.