JOHNNY LEONARD, MA, LCMHCS, MAC, LCAS, CCS, SAP, CFMHE
Availability in person & online
Email: jleonard@healingmindsnc.com
Johnny Leonard is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor and Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist. He obtained a Bachelor of Science (2006) in Psychology and a Master of Arts (2010) in Counseling Psychology from Fayetteville State University. He has come to believe that therapy, in the simplest terms, is a safe place for self-reflection and personal growth. Within a trusting, nurturing, and nonjudgmental environment, people are finally free to first realize and then actualize their best selves. His therapeutic style includes: Scheme Therapy, Clinical Hypnosis, Play Therapy, Sandplay Therapy, Emotional Freedom Technique aka Tapping, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy. He enjoys traveling and learning.
SARA PENNEY, MA, NCC, LCMHC, LCAS
Availability in person & online
Email: spenney@healingmindsnc.com
Sara Penney is an 11-year veteran of the US Navy. After leaving the Navy, she began attending college to become a licensed counselor. She recently graduated with her Master’s in Counseling Psychology from Fayetteville State University in May of 2018.
Sara firmly believes that counseling is a safe and judgement free place for people to voice their concerns. In a world where we are constantly judged, she feels that counseling provides a unique place to allow for personal understanding and growth, while reflecting on what drives our concerns, emotions and behaviors. She views the counseling journey as a joint partnership to help the client realize their own potential for growth. Sara’s therapeutic style relies mainly on Person-Centered focus while referencing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing Therapy. She also relies on implementing Positive Psychology in order to highlight client’s inner strengths to assist in personal growth.
Sara has experience with individual, couples and group counseling. She has also counseled individuals with a wide variety of diagnoses to include: depression, anxiety, Bipolar disorder, terminal illness, substance abuse, sexual assault, and gender identity. Sara sees clients ages 13+.
KIRBY PENNEY (RIP 07/23/2025)
Co-Therapist with Sara Penney
KIMBERLY SMITH, MSW, LCSWA
Availability online
Email: ksmith@healingmindsnc.com
Kimberly (Kim) Smith is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate. Kim is a proud alumna of Fayetteville State University where she obtained her Bachelors and Masters Degree in Social Work. Kim is a firm believer in the benefits or receiving therapy services. A therapeutic relationship with Kim can include benefits such as exploring and implementing positive coping skills, promoting the improvement of relationships, support with setting and working towards goals, supporting clients on their road to resilience, grief support, etc. As an ordained minister (and by request only), Kim is willing, ready and able to incorporate Christian-based aspects and resources within therapy sessions. Outside of work, Kim enjoys being involved with church activities, traveling and spending time with family and friends.
LATONYA " TONYA" HEMMINGWAY, MS
Availability in person & online
Latonya “Tonya” Hemmingway graduated with a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Mount Olive on December 2025. With over 20 years of service in both Active Duty and Reserve components of the U.S. Air Force, Tonya is soon to retire. Her extensive military experience, combined with her academic training, has prepared her to work effectively with diverse populations, adapt to complex situations, and approach each client with empathy and cultural sensitivity. Tonya is passionate about integrating a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy, to provide comprehensive and individualized care. As an advocate for different populations, she ensures that her therapeutic work addresses the unique needs of each client. Tonya is committed and has a passion to help others overcome their challenges by meeting them where they are, supporting their healing journeys, and empowering them to improve their well-being. In her personal time, she enjoys spending quality moments with her children and family, relaxing through prayer, crafting, and baking, and brightening others’ days with her warm smile.
GLORIA CADET, INTERN
Gloria Cadet is currently pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University, with an expected graduation date of August 2026. Most of her experience stems from her role as both counselor and lead counselor at the Summer Treatment Program at Florida International University, in which she utilized behavioral intervention techniques to teach a diverse population of children with learning disabilities and neurodevelopmental disabilities self-regulation and social-emotional skills. Gloria is excited to work with clients of all ages, backgrounds, and cultures. With the usage of a cognitive-behavioral approach, Gloria aims to help clients confront and take control of dysfunctional thoughts and dysregulated feelings to foster adaptive behaviors that promote personal growth and development. She seeks to develop a “think good, feel good, do good” mentality with her clients as she helps them achieve their goals and become their best selves. In her free time, Gloria enjoys dabbling in creative writing and multimedia content creation. Her love of nature has developed into a personal hobby of bird-watching, botany, and gardening. Her favorite activity is traveling.
HEATHER BOCKS, INTERN
Heather Bocks is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Methodist University, with an expected graduation in December 2026. Heather is an Army retiree. Heather earned her Bachelor of Science in Global Studies from Methodist University. Her academic training, military experience, and love of learning about different people and cultures have prepared her to navigate complex situations and work with diverse populations with cultural sensitivity by meeting them where and as they are. Heather is an advocate for human rights, diversity, and equity with a passion for helping others. Heather tailors counseling to the individual needs of each client using a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Schema Therapy. Outside of work, Heather enjoys spending time with her children and fur baby, reading, crafting, music, learning, and researching random topics that pique her interest.
ADRIANE FOX, MS
Availability in person & online
Adriane Fox graduated with a Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Mount Olive University on December 2025. Her academic journey is driven by a deep passion for understanding and addressing the complex challenges associated with mental well-being. Within her program, she is also obtaining a Licensure in Clinical Addiction Specialist. Adriane earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Science from Keiser University and brings a wealth of experience from her extensive 25-year career in the medical field. She has worked in various specialities, including dermatology and ophthalmology. This diverse background has provided her with a broad understanding of patient care and the complexities of health, which inform her counseling practice. Adriane's ultimate goal is to create a supportive and nurturing environment for her clients, where they can explore their mental health challenges and work toward healing and growth. She is dedicated to fostering a safe space that encourages open dialogue and personal transformation for those seeking guidance and support. In addition to her academic pursuits, Adriane enjoys spending time with her family and fur babies, as well as crafting and cooking.
HUSNIYA SMITH, INTERN
Husniya Smith is a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern at Walden University, expected to graduate in August 2026. She has several years of experience supporting youth and their families through case management and direct care roles, where she developed a compassionate presence and a deep respect for each person’s lived experience. Her work helping families navigate complex challenges has shaped her belief in the power of mentorship, support, and creating space for people to feel genuinely seen. Husniya brings a warm, culturally aware approach to counseling and prioritizes emotional safety and authentic connection. She draws from Person-Centered, Cognitive-Behavioral, and Trauma-Informed practices to help clients understand their experiences, build coping skills, and feel supported throughout the process. She values collaboration, trust, and working to build an environment where clients feel supported. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, learning new things, and exploring creative projects.