Meet Our Team
-
Hanna Stiltner
Founder of Soul Story Therapy, Psychotherapist, LICSW
(License #4253C) -
Tara Bradley
Psychotherapist, LICSW
(License #3947C) -
Whitney Gay
Psychotherapist, LICSW
(License #4403C) -
Lori Gardner
Counselor, MEd, LPC, NCC
(License #4538) -
Jennifer Logan
Psychotherapist, LPC
(License #3209) -
Jennifer Bradley
Counselor, MEd, LPC, NCC
(License #2175) -
Carnisha Johnson
Psychotherapist, LMSW, Supervisee-in-training
(License #5470G) -
Beth Cook
Counselor, M.Ed., LPC, NCC
(License #4972) -
Valerie Lawhon
Counselor, MA, ALC, NCC
(License #ALC04255) -
Amanda Fowler
Psychotherapist, LICSW
(License #4096C) -
Tracy Lambrecht
LPC, EMDR Certified Clinician
(License #3271) -
Piper Doherty
Supervisee-in-training, LMSW
(License #6709G)
Meet Our Support Staff
Alicia Romano & Christina Gunter
Alicia Romano, Practice Manager: Alicia has been with Soul Story since the first day we opened. Alicia oversees multiple aspects of our practice administration. Alicia is creative, organized, and people-oriented. She always looks out for the Soul Story team and ensures that the intake and billing process runs smoothly. She keeps our practice running cohesively and is a valuable team member.
Christina Gunter, Office Assistant/Receptionist: Christina is the first smile you see when you walk into our office. Her calm, friendly presence creates a warm welcome and puts our clients at ease. She approaches difficult situations with a positive attitude and is an important part of the Soul Story team.
Carnisha Johnson
Psychotherapist, LMSW,
Supervisee-in-training (License #5470G)
We have all been knocked down by life. You do not have to navigate life challenges alone. There are times when we need help organizing our thoughts and emotions to be better equipped mentally to handle day to day responsibilities. I believe you are the expert of your life. As a psychotherapist, my goal is to provide a safe space for you to work through barriers to reach your full potential for personal growth and wellness. I am compassionate about you being able to fully show up in life as the best version of yourself.
For over 15 years, I have had the opportunity of working in a variety of areas in social service and mental health. Through these experiences I have gained a strong background working with diverse populations; individuals of all ages, couples and families from different walks of life. In 2018, I began working as a therapist in community mental health and private practice counseling. During this time I have partnered with individuals and couples helping them learn healthier coping skills and resolve relationship conflicts for the best quality of life. I look forward to helping you to take back control of your life.
Hanna Stiltner
Founder of Soul Story Therapy,
Psychotherapist, LICSW (License #4253C)
In my sessions, I strive to create a safe and supportive environment where clients can openly express themselves and explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I believe that by addressing the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit, individuals can achieve a more holistic and balanced sense of well-being.
My approach is rooted in empathy, respect, and nonjudgment. I understand that each person's journey is unique, and I tailor my therapeutic techniques and interventions to meet the specific needs and goals of each client. I believe in the power of collaboration and working together with clients to develop personalized treatment plans that are aligned with their values and aspirations. I have experience working with individuals of all ages, as well as couples and families. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, or any other challenge, I am here to provide support, guidance, and evidence-based interventions.
My ultimate goal as a clinician and psychotherapist is to help individuals develop a better understanding of themselves, their patterns, and their barriers to personal growth. Together, we can work towards building a greater sense of self-worth, nurturing relationships, and achieving a healthier and happier life experience.
Piper Doherty
Supervisee-in-training, LMSW (License #6709G)
As a social worker and therapist, I am deeply committed to supporting you on your journey toward mental and emotional well-being. I strive to create a safe, nurturing environment where you feel heard and understood. I believe that true healing emerges from exploring your emotions and understanding how your environment shapes your experiences. I approach therapy with an open and compassionate dialogue, focusing on your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to uncover core issues while being mindful of how external factors influence your mental and emotional health.
My passion for mental health was sparked during my time at Mississippi State University, where I volunteered at several crisis pregnancy centers. These experiences inspired me to pursue a master’s degree in Social Work with a clinical focus on children, youth, and families at Boston College. I am now thrilled to return to Alabama, eager to connect with and support the community I deeply care about. I’ve had the privilege of working with individuals across the lifespan, from young children to adults, addressing a wide range of concerns including anxiety, trauma, anger, attachment issues, ADHD, depression, and life transitions.
My goal is to partner with you in developing personalized strategies that foster resilience and a deeper understanding of yourself. If you’re ready to take the next step toward a more fulfilling and balanced life, I would be honored to walk this path with you. Please feel free to reach out—I look forward to meeting you and taking the next step together!
Valerie Lawhon
Counselor, MA, ALC, NCC (License #ALC04255)
As a therapist, it genuinely brings me joy to guide those who may be struggling mentally. I provide a comfortable and open space for us to explore what you would like to work on. As someone with an intuitive nature, I will always match your energy on how you would like sessions to go. My goal as your therapist will be to help you develop effective tools and skills to have the quality of life that you deserve. Together, we can make positive changes together so that you can become the best version of yourself.
I previously worked for four years in the healthcare/research field at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) where I discovered my passion for mental health. I went on to complete my master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at UAB and have loved being a therapist ever since. I have worked with a wide variety of ages, including adults and teens, primarily dealing with anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, grief, ADHD, and OCD.
I believe in a person-centered approach where you are the writer of your story. Life should be lived to the fullest, and I would love to help get you there. If you are interested, reach out to see if we would be a good fit! I would be honored to walk alongside you as your guide.
Lori Gardner
Counselor, MEd, LPC, NCC (License #4538)
Counseling is more than just venting. It's a process that requires commitment, transparency, and honesty – for the client and the counselor. As your counselor, I can guide you towards increased self-awareness, a better understanding of behaviors and patterns, and peace regarding your past. I can help you discover your purpose, improve relationships, develop effective coping skills, and find hope in stressful situations.
My philosophy stems from person-centered counseling where unconditional positive regard, empathic understanding, and congruence between counselor and client take precedence. My approach is unique for each client and I pull from various modalities to best serve a client's needs.
I enjoy working with individuals, from the teenage years through older adults, treating a variety of concerns including depression, anxiety, OCD-related disorders, mood instability, life transitions, relationship dynamics, grief, and other stress-related issues. I would be honored to help you reach your counseling goals.
Whitney Gay
Psychotherapist, LICSW (License #4403C)
As a Clinician & Psychotherapist, I am invested in helping you achieve your goals and dreams. Whether it be developing critical coping skills to fight depression and anxiety, helping you resolve issues from the past, or navigating relationship issues, I am committed to your success and health.
I have worked in women’s health social work for 9 years and have specific training on helping women combat postpartum anxiety and depression. I have had the privilege of helping women cope with the trauma and grief of losing their babies due to miscarriage, stillbirth or post delivery death. This is a loss like no other and needs to be handled with understanding, empathy, and compassion.
In this world of criticism, negativity, and self-doubt, I want to help you overcome the challenges and struggles you face and empower you to flourish and thrive. We can work together to help break down the barriers in your life and enable you to reach your full potential.
Amanda Fowler
Psychotherapist, LICSW (License #4096C)
As a dedicated clinical social worker and therapist, I harness clients' strengths, resilience, and intrinsic motivation for personal transformation. My practice revolves around empowering individuals by offering unwavering support and providing effective tools to enhance their adaptive skills, enabling them to navigate challenges such as anxiety, stress, environmental upheavals, and various other life hurdles. With a wealth of experience in various evidence-based therapies, I aim to customize treatment plans that cater to each client's unique needs while leveraging their inherent strengths.
I have had the privilege of working with diverse populations, including marginalized individuals, those navigating health changes or grieving the loss of loved ones, active duty military personnel, veterans, individuals contending with mental health and substance use disorders, and those confronting legal issues. What does this mean for you? If you are ready to earnestly confront and overcome the obstacles in your life, seeking a non-judgmental space where you can be heard and understood, or if you're weary of navigating the path to healing on your own, I am here to accompany and guide you. Together, we can forge a purposeful path toward positive change and growth.
Beth Cook
Counselor, M.Ed., LPC, NCC (License #4972)
I was born and raised in Birmingham, AL where I attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham for undergraduate studies, and then the University of Montevallo where I graduated with a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. During my internship, I worked with clients in recovery as well as survivors of sexual assault. I like to use blends of different techniques and treatment modalities to help clients improve in whatever areas they might be struggling with. In a world where our physical health is generally more prioritized than our mental health, I strive to help my clients take care of their mind just as they would their body. Focusing on each individual's unique strengths, I believe everyone has the power within themselves to be their best self, whoever that self might be. We all need a little help sometimes in getting there, and I would be honored to be part of your story.
Tara Bradley
Psychotherapist, LICSW (License #3947C)
As a Clinician & Psychotherapist, it is a privilege to be in partnership with you on your journey towards healing, life improvement and reaching your dreams and full potential. I have had the opportunity to serve in a multitude of settings and am comfortable meeting your needs, even if they seem overwhelming to you at this time.
In working with you, I am taking my large degree of experiences and knowledge gained and personalizing and applying these experiences towards your individual needs. One of the greatest rewards of my life's work has been the ability to facilitate and be a witness to this growth and to see my client's goals and dreams become their reality through healing and empowerment and seeing them shedding limits which have previously held them back.
Every person I meet has an abundance of potential, and it would be an honor to be an active part of your life's journey in partnering with you in order to overcome barriers, improving your confidence and inner strength and to heal in order to experience your life fully and the way that it is meant to be lived.
Jennifer Bradley
Counselor, MEd, LPC, NCC (License #2175)
Jennifer has twenty+ years of experience as a therapist and has been licensed in Alabama since 2003. Jennifer provides individual therapy to youth and adults. She has worked most often with women and adolescents. She believes firmly in a client’s ability to heal and grow. She is especially equipped in assisting clients in moving from hopelessness to hopefulness and increasing resilience. Jennifer uses authenticity, connection, and depth of insight to assist the client in healing and moving through their past issues, negative patterns, and experiencing transformative change. She feels it a privilege to be a part of the process.
In therapy, Jennifer is a proponent of teaching methods, techniques, and strategies that heal. Using insight and synthesizing both the immediate and the past issues Jennifer has the ability to understand, pinpoint the core issue, and provide therapeutic interventions that specifically target the need. Many clients heal rapidly and experience authentic change.
Jennifer is an authentic and open therapist who has experienced her own struggles with anxiety and depression and has had great success with clients who are suffering from these same issues. Jennifer’s goal with all clients is to promote growth and assist with change that increases the client’s quality of life so they may experience freedom and healing.
Jennifer Logan
Psychotherapist, LPC (License #3209)
As a Clinician and Psychotherapist, I am committed to providing a therapeutic relationship that will foster your healing and personal growth. As a Therapist I pride myself on being authentic, nonjudgmental, and deeply empathetic.
I am particularly skilled at working with addiction and family members dealing with their loved one’s addiction. I have helped individuals with a variety of other issues which include stress, anxiety, depression, women’s issues, relationship issues, and trauma. I have worked in the mental health field for over 12 years and have a master’s degree in substance abuse counseling. I believe in holistic recovery involving the mind, body, and spirit. I have dealt with my own personal struggles in this way and hope to support you in doing the same.
I hope to assist you in gaining a greater awareness of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors as well as where they stem from. I will work collaboratively with you to identify goals and track your progress. I greatly believe that through our struggles we can find our greatest strengths. Please allow me to walk beside you through this process!
Tracy Lambrecht
LPC, EMDR Certified Clinician (License #3271)
I understand the unique challenges that women face when dealing with anxiety, depression, and chronic or unexplained pain. I recognize how these conditions are interconnected and firmly believe in a holistic approach to address them. With over 20 years of experience in the mental health field, I am dedicated to my clients' well-being by creating personalized treatment plans that align with their goals and values.
One of my specialties is incorporating Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy into my practice. This powerful technique helps clients process distressing events and find relief from their symptoms. My EMDR certification allows me to offer this transformative therapy to my clients.
Grounded in empathy, authenticity, and empowerment, my therapeutic approach fosters a safe and supportive environment. By creating these conditions, I enable my clients to experience improved emotional well-being, reduced symptoms, and a sense of empowerment. Ultimately, my goal is to facilitate healing and guide my clients toward a more fulfilling life.