Meet Our Team
A Path to Peace Counseling is a group practice dedicated to emotional wellness and healing. Our caring therapists provide psychotherapy, individual counseling, and marriage counseling in our Detroit, Michigan office.
Saulena Brown, Administrative Assistant
With a strong passion for mental health and a commitment to assisting clients with their mental health needs, I am dedicated to helping our clients embark on their path to peace. As the first point of contact at our practice, I strive to ensure smooth operations by providing exceptional support to both therapists and clients. My goal is to create a warm and welcoming environment where clients feel comfortable and supported from their initial interaction with the practice. I am proud to be a part of A Path to Peace and look forward to continuing to provide exceptional administrative support, contributing to the success of the practice and its clients. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and children, engaging in various activities that help me maintain a balanced life and enhance my ability to support others effectively. I am committed to making a positive first impact and supporting clients on their journey towards mental health and well-being.
Violida Barnett, MA , LPC
I’m passionate about empowering individuals to be their personal best. Throughout our lifespan, we all experience emotional challenges. It takes courage to ask for help, but the rewards of doing so can lead to greater self-awareness, self-esteem, and most importantly, a more fulfilling life. Working in collaboration with each client, we will cultivate growth by understanding the difficulties that you face and develop solutions that can help you gain control of your life and achieve your goals. My person-centered style is customized to individual needs of each client. My primary goal is to help you to reach yours. I look forward to the opportunity of working with you.
Alexandra Burrel, PhD, LPC, NCC
I remember beginning my counseling and mental health support journey in 2008. Although my physical location and the populations in which I serve has evolved over the years, one thing that remains is my commitment and attention to supporting persons reach their full potential. It is my desire to develop and maintain a genuine and supportive connection with my clients that sets the foundation for growth and development. I believe that honest commitment to understanding self and openness to the transition to greater, creates space for unlimited possibilities. My method of therapy is determined by the clients’ needs and always involves a person-centered approach. We will work together to create a safe space for you to process, unpack, set, and reach goals. In addition to my work with A Path to Peace Counseling, I serve as the Associate Vice President and Chief Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Officer at the University of La Verne. For the past 16 years, my professional career has been focused on the development and growth of students, faculty and staff persons while working with institutions of higher education. I also work to provide educational advising, counseling referral as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion consulting services under my Limited Liability Company (LLC), Peaces of Cake. I also support organizations that provide services in alignment with my LLC and A Path to Peace such as Caleb’s Kids as a member of the Board of Directors. I hold a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Higher Education Administration from Morgan State University, Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Master of Arts in Counselor Education: College Counseling both from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI. I am dedicated to meeting the needs of my clients and all those that I support, while continuing to work daily to add to the success and development of myself and others.
Ricky Cherry, Intern
Growing up as the eternal peacemaker, I often felt like I was doing the heavy lifting of a counselor “without the paperwork.” When 17 years of rough marriage and generational trauma drew me to seek counseling for my mental health, I realized that people can only do their best with the tools given to them. Armed with that realization and personal inspiration from my emotional work, I set out to begin the journey that would inspire me to become a counseling psychologist. With my master’s degree in psychology from the University of Arizona, I am obtaining my Master’s in Limited License Psychologist (LLP) with an additional Graduate Certificate in Addiction from Purdue Global. I will use education and expertise to guide clients into healing, peace, and understanding. Some of my other experience includes certifications and training in areas such as Human Trafficking and Michigan Implicit Bias. Beyond my academic training, I am working on completing an internship at A Path to Peace Counseling. My mission has been to find a way to reach the underserved, underrepresented, and those intimidated by the complicated beast of mental health care today.
Tu’Rone Elliott, MS, SCL, LPC
My passion is fighting the stigma of mental health in the black community. I aim to re-frame the way therapy is defined in inner city communities and provide an individualized integrative approach. I have provided mental health counseling services for over 11 years and have an extensive background in counseling adults and school-aged students. My goal is to encourage and support clients through their experiences and aid them in discovering and reaching their full potential! As your therapist, I genuinely understand how it feels to experience the highs and lows of life while trying your best to balance family, work, personal interests, and friendships. Together, we will discover the roadblocks that are preventing you from having the quality of life you want and work as a team to determine the best solution that works for you. My approach to therapy is tailored to your specific needs and abilities. However, the outcome is primarily based on the amount of time and effort you put into doing the work to help create the change you desire. Change is not always easy, but the reward is priceless. My areas of expertise are experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, and relationship issues.
Deja Moore-Grant, MA, LLPC
Today, with so much going, it is important that we take time out of our busy lives to cater to our mental health. As a clinician, I believe spreading mental health awareness and breaking the stigma of mental health are very important, that’s why I have made it my goal to do so. My mission is to help individuals to the best of my professional ability while providing a safe, open, and nonjudgmental outlet to express oneself and work on interpersonal issues. I believe everyone deserves some level of grace and empathy, no one is perfect, but we are all capable of bettering ourselves in some way. My therapeutic approach is typically based on Client- Centered, Solution-Focused, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. However, the specific approach that I will ultimately choose will be based upon the presenting problems and goals of the client. I have always had a passion and interest in helping people feel good about themselves. Life can be complicated, and we should try our best to genuinely understand one another instead of judging things we don’t know. I have been working in the mental health field since 2016. I graduated from Wayne State University with my bachelor’s degree in Psychology and my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I have worked in various mental health settings, such as hospitals, private practice, community mental health agencies, and more. I have a wide range of experience working with individuals from various walks on their “mental health journey”. I specialize in working with adults with anxiety, depression, acute stress, and interpersonal relationship issues. If you are reading this, that means that you have at least taken the first step in catering to your mental health and for that I commend you! Let’s get to work!
Shy'Lexia Hill, Intern
As a dedicated therapist, I am passionate about creating a compassionate and understanding environment where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences to foster meaningful change. Therapy became my passion because, as a teen, I struggled to find a therapist who truly understood me or looked like me, and I realized how important it is for people to feel seen and heard in their most vulnerable moments. This personal experience fuels my commitment to helping others. I combine Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with Person-Centered Therapy to provide a supportive space where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. I guide my clients in exploring their thoughts and behaviors while ensuring they feel heard and valued throughout the process. This combination allows me to help clients uncover their strengths, challenge unhelpful patterns, and build a more fulfilling life. My goal is to empower individuals to break free from unhelpful patterns and to build a life that reflects their true selves.
Kiesha Jackson, MS, MHA, LPC, NCC
My deep passion in mental health is fueled by my lived experiences in supporting loved ones and others around me. My clinical priority is to help youth live, thrive, and accomplish their goals in life by helping them work through the everyday stressors and distresses that, if not addressed, can cause one to contemplate positive choices. I work with children, youth, families, and adults. I am a people person and have a knack for connecting and building trust. No client is treated the same. My clinical approach is person-centered in that I work with each person as an individual to learn the style, approach, and therapeutic tools that will help them achieve the best outcome. I am patient, caring, and empathetic to the critical mental health needs in today’s stressful environment. I know that sometimes seeking help can be difficult. But, I am here, ready and eager to help.
Jessica May, MA, LLPC
Asking for help can be really hard! Talking to a stranger can be uncomfortable. So, I strive to make this process a little bit easier by creating a safe and comfortable space that puts you at ease. Feeling stuck? Overwhelmed? Depressed? Anxious? Struggling with self-esteem? Whatever it is that you are going through, my goal is to empower you! I believe that you have what you need within you. My goal is to help you bring that out. I work with you to take your expertise in your life and combine it with my clinical knowledge and skills to tailor techniques and strategies to you and your goals. I view therapy as a gateway to positive change. The great thing about change is that it’s based on you. Change happens with your thoughts, your actions, your desires, and your goals. I will hold a space for you to believe in yourself again and honor who you are in real time. I will support you in transforming your life and fulfilling your purpose. The therapeutic process is not a sprint but a marathon, and I am willing to support you every step of the way. I will use a strength-based, trauma informed approach to help you unpack the root causes to your challenges. I have experience working with depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, self-esteem, embodiment/self-image, stress management, and the more serious and persistent mental illnesses. I am passionate about reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and mental health care.
Natelie Mitchell, Intern
A healthy part of growth as a person can involve therapy. As we collaborate, I am thrilled to be a part of that journey with you. My name is Natelie, and I am a counselor intern here at A Path to Peace counseling. I am currently enrolled at Wayne State University, my goal is complete my master's degree in clinical mental health counselor to become an LPC. I plan to graduate in May 2025. Being a first-generation graduate who has experienced a wide range of challenges and developed independent coping mechanisms is what drew me to this field of mental health. My own journey has impacted my goals to include assisting individuals in overcoming obstacles in their daily lives by offering a safe environment that is beneficial to all. Creating a safe space for clients to heal is a top priority in my approach. This path may involve dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, and other challenges that are interfering with your life. As a counselor-in-training, I strive to meet clients where they are throughout our sessions. I utilize strategies like always being person-centered, cognitive behavioral therapy tools, and solution-focused brief therapy. A client is the expert of their own life, therefore in addition to the numerous tools I gained from my educational journey, I intend to use what is crucial to the client's healing and that is the clients experience. I intend to learn more about additional therapeutic techniques as the collaboration relationships grows. I've worked in diverse populations in the past such as LGBTQ plus and women of all ages. I hope to expand to grow in many different populations. In addition to providing a safe space and empathy, my goal in our therapeutic approach is to make sure that during our sessions you can communicate your emotions, thoughts and behaviors that have shaped who you are today through talk therapy.
Deandra Morris, MA, LLPC
Empowering others to reach their fullest potential is my driving passion. Having witnessed firsthand the transformative effects of counseling, I felt compelled to enter the mental health field. Through my own life experiences, I've come to appreciate the daily challenges we all face. That's why I'm committed to providing a safe, confidential space where individuals can explore these challenges and develop effective coping strategies. My approach is rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a method that empowers clients to identify and understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Through CBT, I aim to equip clients with the tools they need to navigate life's complexities and gain insight into their behavior. Currently pursuing my Masters in Clinical Mental Health at Wayne State University, I am enthusiastic about guiding you on your journey towards healing and self-discovery.
Autumn Shelton, Intern
Everyone deserves a compassionate listener, and I am here to lend you that empathetic ear. I am a Detroiter, born and raised, and have learned that resilience, patience and kindness can take you a long way in this world. It has been my passion to help others for as long as I can remember; since childhood, my lifelong passion for aiding others stems from childhood, where I naturally found myself as a confidant. Serving my family, friends and community in this way has provided me with a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose. This skill has led me to pursuing education in counseling and mental health. I am currently completing my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Wayne State University, with an anticipated graduation in December 2024. In my practice, I prioritize creating a safe, non-judgmental, and collaborative space. Your time is valuable, and I ensure our sessions are tailored to your needs. Drawing from an Existential theoretical framework, I emphasize personal responsibility and the power of choice. Yet, I understand that one size doesn’t fit all, and I’m well-versed in other approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused Brief Therapy. My experience extends to working with individuals, groups, and couples dealing with anxiety, adjustment concerns, generational trauma, depression, and body image/self-esteem issues. I eagerly anticipate embarking on this journey of personal growth with you. I look forward to you taking the next step to become a better you!
Raven Walker, MA, LLPC
I genuinely enjoy helping people navigate the everyday challenges we all face. Understanding yourself and finding ways to cope on your personal journey can be both incredibly rewarding and challenging. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you can explore and discover your inner peace. With years of experience working with at-risk youth, adults, and couples, I’m passionate about helping you tackle issues like trauma, anxiety, depression, and anger. By connecting with you and relating to your unique experiences, we'll work together to craft a plan focused on your healing. Your peace is something you can control, and I'm here to support you every step of the way on your journey.