
ABOUT US
Company Beginnings
Welcome to Rise Up Counseling & Consulting PLLC
After working for large behavioral health organizations that evaluate success on quantity rather than the quality of treatment, I began to feel as if I was doing a disservice to my clients. Additionally, these agencies did not ensure clients were efficiently matched with therapists who were skilled to address their cultural and unique needs. Hence, I decided to start Rise Up Counseling & Consulting PLLC in 2016 to have the freedom to provide quality therapeutic services so my clients get what they need to Rise Up and achieve all the goals they set for themselves.
MEET THE TEAM
My passion and personal experiences led me to work in the human service field for approximately 20 years in various settings including, residential, inpatient, outpatient, and schools. I obtained my Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from the University of North Carolina At Charlotte (UNCC) in 2013. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS), and a Certified Life Coach.
I am not only knowledgeable, resourceful, and relatable, but also extremely passionate about helping others to recognize their strengths, learn effective symptom-management strategies, and utilize their internal/external resources to Rise Up from their circumstances, accomplish their wellness goals, and reach their highest potential. I do not use a cookie-cutter approach to treatment and am able to adapt to each of my client's unique needs to best support them in their journey to healing. Some of the principles and practices I incorporate into treatment include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy, person-centered therapy, psychotherapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness to say the least.

Shakeena Speller
Founder, Clinical Director

Crista Brown, LCSWA
Lead Clinician
As a licensed clinical social worker associate, I am passionate about supporting children and young adults as they navigate life’s challenges. I strive to create a safe and supportive environment, utilizing evidence-based practices to help clients develop coping mechanisms, enhance self-esteem, and navigate complex situations. I bring over 20 years of experience working with children in educational settings, which has shaped my understanding of their unique needs and challenges.
I earned my Master’s in Social Work from Winthrop University, building on a foundation of Bachelor of Arts degrees in Sociology and Elementary Education. My approach to therapy is multidimensional, exploring each individual’s biological, psychological, and social needs. I tailor interventions to meet each client's specific needs, fostering positive growth and resilience.
I am committed to helping clients heal from trauma and negative beliefs of self-worth, improve communication in their relationships, and achieve their goals. Using a strengths-based adaptive approach, I evaluate each person in their environment, offering practical support to address life’s challenges effectively. With compassion and understanding, I empower individuals to build on their strengths and achieve personal growth. My greatest passion lies in working with school-age children. I am dedicated to supporting those who face academic, social, or emotional difficulties, collaborating with families and educators to promote their overall well-being and success.
I have been working in the human service field for the past 20 years. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist Associate (LCASA). I have experience working with diverse populations in various treatment settings including the geriatric population, (over 65); military families, active duty members & veterans, children, adolescents, adults and individuals diagnosed with immunodeficiency disorders.
Some of the challenges I had the privilege of assisting my clients with over the years relate to: depression, anxiety, substance use, self-esteem, oppression/privilege issues pertaining to race; homelessness, anger management, trauma, and co-occurring disorders. I love to help my clients accomplish their mental wellness goals. Based on each client's preferences and needs, I often employ the following treatment modalities: Person-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, Psychoanalytic Therapy, Gestalt therapy, Play/Music/Art therapy, and Transactional analysis.

Tova Woullard
Lead Clinician