Reconnect, Balance, Heal...

Our Mission

At Nashville Emotional Wellness (NEW) Counseling, we have a passion for inspiring growth, nurturing healing and encouraging change that allows people to stand in their truth and be their best self. Ours is a mission of service. One in which we strive to live what we give. We take no path that we usher another onto lightly, knowing that we have or potentially will be walking on the same road at some point.

Our Purpose

Our purpose at NEW is to provide every single client, couple, family and group with a welcoming, comfortable, safe and caring place to heal. Our motto at NEW is real people, helping real people with real problems. It is our aspiration and intention to embody this daily. It is with unbridled hope and deep gratitude that we welcome you here to the NEW family.

Our Values

NEW aids in creating emotional safety, acceptance, forgiveness and gratitude that strengthens well-being and helps to release hurt that might prevent healing. Our belief is that this that we do is beyond work...it is living and it is the intentional act of living that we do each time we sit with a client. It is through the vessels of knowledge, clinical wisdom and experience that we move. It is with the tools of love, compassion, reflection, authenticity and humility that we center our client care.

Our Connections

Nashville Emotional Wellness also believes that in order to achieve wholeness its necessary to address various other aspects of wellness. For this reason we continue to find ways to nurture relationships with our current community partners and any future community partners.

ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM

Jamila J Walker, MSSW, lcsw
Founder & CEO/Director of clinical Practice Administration/therapist
(pronouns - she, her, hers)

I was born to walk this path. I wholeheartedly believe that we were all born with the capacity to heal ourselves but that at times we could use a helping hand. I embrace an approach to counseling that considers adverse childhood experiences as well as the impact that everything in a person’s environment historically may have on their overall well-being. My intention is to provide a supportive space that nurtures a sense of emotional safety and allows clients to explore pain, release blockages and heal wounds.

I received my Bachelors degrees from Tennessee State University in Psychology and Africana Studies and my Master’s of Science degree in Social Work from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. I specialize and am passionate about work with adolescents, women, couples and families and I have diverse background and experience working with elderly victims of crime, pregnant and parenting teens, and at-risk youth nationally and abroad.

I love this work and find joy, peace and purpose as both the owner of Nashville Emotional Wellness Counseling and as a therapist for the practice. In addition to working as a therapist, I teach as a professor at the University of Tennessee, School of Social Work, When I am not working I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, dancing, traveling and writing.

Melissa Gordon, mssw, LMSW, LSSW, RYT
Grants, COntracts & DEI Initiatives Coordinator/Therapist

“I believe we are all born to create legacies”. The world needs a perspective, idea, insight, talent, and gift that only you can give or bring. Different adversities attempt to diminish our belief that this is true. I am a therapist whose focus centers on client self-empowerment and determination. My passion is working with individuals and groups to help them ritualize peace by creating coping mechanisms to face challenges and achieve goals. My practice aims to promote healing by facilitating the creation of new road maps to personal wellness.

I received my Bachelors of Science in Social Work from Tennessee State University and my Masters of Science degree in Social Work from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. I am a macro grounded social worker with clinical expertise. My path has been shaped by advocating for public policy change and empowering individuals to navigate systems with success. I have a diverse background and experience working with juvenile sex offenders, domestic violence survivors, incarcerated students domestically and abroad, and at-promise youth in various settings.

Through the use of creative arts, yoga, and mindfulness I help clients work through past trauma, challenges with self esteem, self doubt, anxiety and depression. When I am not in the office, I enjoy traveling, exploring nature, and live music

Jameyuh Walker, mSSW, LMSW
Intern Field Supervisor/Client Care coordinator/Therapist
(Pronouns - She/her)

I embody kindness, care and empathy and helping others comes natural to me. As a woman nurtured heavily by my family and community, I learned early on the importance of support, guidance and self care. “I believe barriers can be broken with awareness, accountability, education, and resources.” I believe that with proper connection and effort toward change, growth and wholeness is possible for anyone. I understand letting a stranger into your most intimate issues can be unsettling, but it is my hope that by extending myself fully from a genuine belief in collaboration, that you will feel you have the support you need to walk through your greatest challenges.

As a Licensed Master Social Worker, my educational background and work experience have enhanced my ability to treat various challenges throughout the life span. I have experience providing care along the spectrum of mental health diagnoses, including trauma, anxiety and depression. I use various evidence-based techniques in a confidential and safe environment and the therapeutic relationship is the foundation for the work that we do. I am motivated and committed to successful outcomes for my clients by bringing dedication, passion and advocating for mental health as a lifestyle!

Addressing mental health issues can be sensitive and triggering; however, we can work collaboratively to break barriers and continue create ways of managing life challenges.  

VICTORIA MCGOWAN, MS
BUSINESS ADMINISTRATIVE PROJECT ASSISTANT

In my two-decade journey in healthcare, each step has been more than a career move; it's been a personal commitment to improving lives through accessible and quality healthcare. Starting in 1999 with my undergraduate degree in Health Care Administration, I immersed myself in the world of Medicare billing rules, driven by a passion for making a difference.

After earning a Master's in Health Services Administration in 2005, I embraced roles that went beyond titles—they were avenues to create real impact. As a Medicare fraud investigator, collaborating with the Office of Inspector General, I felt a deep sense of duty to combat fraud and abuse.

Transitioning into a billing manager role, I not only fine-tuned my skills but also gained a profound understanding of the financial intricacies shaping healthcare operations. Later, in health economics, I focused on maximizing savings and crafting cost-effective strategies, aligning my skills with my heartfelt commitment to accessible healthcare.

Through these experiences, I've blended strategic insight and financial acumen with a genuine passion, always guided by the belief that everyone deserves quality healthcare.

COUNSELING TEAM

Samantha Barstack, Med, LPC/MHSP
Therapist
(Pronouns - She/her/hers)

I believe that when we can recognize and talk about our feelings they become more manageable. I’ve had varied life experiences which have allowed me to create connections with diverse individuals across the world. I have found that through my dedication to understanding nuance, appreciation for individuality, commitment to critical thinking, and compassion, I can provide a pathway for growth and healing.

In my practice as a clinician, my goal is to create a firm connection that provides a foundation for healing, self-reflection, change, and empowerment for the individuals that I work with. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon and earned a Masters of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Vanderbilt University. I have worked in a variety of fields including adolescent and young adult behavioral health, substance treatment and research, and community mental health policy management. These positions have provided me with a unique perception of the systems that impact the human experience. 

I use a strengths-based integrated approach to support clients through processing, life transitions, and healing. My aim as a counselor is to create an authentic space so that I may walk alongside my client on their journey to mental wellness.

Baylie Sheffield, MSSW, lmsw
Therapist/Intern Task Supervisor
(Pronouns - She/her/hers)

I want to meet my clients where they are and for them to see me as human. I believe high-quality care is a right and should be accessible to everyone regardless of socioeconomic status, race, and gender identity. I believe empowered people, empower people. As a therapist, I aspire for my clients to leave my office feeling empowered and able to utilize the skills and tools learned in therapy to grow, heal, and begin to build their own life, as they see fit. 

I am a Nashville native but obtained my Bachelor of Art in Psychology and a minor in Sociology from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. I received my Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Tennessee, Nashville Campus where I also worked as a graduate research assistant. I have experience working with children during my undergraduate internship in a behavioral health clinic using ABA therapy. In addition to that, I have experience working with adolescents experiencing trauma and utilizing trauma-informed therapy. I have a burning passion for leaving the world better than I found it. 

Maya Angelou once said, “ I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” My hope is that my impact is unforgettable.

Jonathan Ailsworth, MSSW, LMSW
Therapist/Intern Task SUpervisor

"Keep a little fire burning; however small, however hidden." ―Cormac McCarthy. I believe we all have a little fire burning within us and with the right support that little fire can become a roaring flame. It is my intention to help you navigate the path of fueling your flame and achieving your goals and your dreams.

I utilize a holistic approach that combines elements of CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, and Motivational Interviewing. I bring years of experience working with a variety of clients including school-aged children, adolescents, young adults, adults, and families. I am a Licensed Master Social Worker and I earned my Master's in Social Work from the University of Tennessee, with an emphasis on clinical services. I enjoy helping clients navigate depression, anxiety, anger management, and life transitions that includes job changes, breakups, PTSD, grief, recent graduation, & health changes.

I love seeing the transformation in clients when they learn coping skills and strategies that help them feel better. It is my hope that our work together will allow you to identify unhealthy behavior patterns, be more transparent, and cope with life's stressors better. I will walk alongside you as we work toward you being able to navigate this path on your own. Together we can navigate and create a healing path that strengthens your capacity to unpack the gamut of your lived experiences.

Diann sarabia, MSSW
Therapist

I am passionate about working with children and adolescents who come from a very diverse background and have struggled to receive mental health services due to the stigma it carries. Growing up in an immigrant household has allowed me to understand the barriers that come up when people are struggling due to facing mental health crises. Mental health is often ignored and avoided, especially when it comes to children and adolescents, due to the negative stereotypes it has. Children and adolescents deserve to have a voice and to be able to address the struggles they are going through. 

I received my Bachelors and Masters of Science in Social Work at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. I am trained in suicide prevention and am currently undergoing TF-CBT training (trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy). I have worked in many different mental health settings ranging from in-school to intensive in-house services. Both targeting immigrant and refugee families. I am fluent in English and Spanish which has allowed me to extend my practice to individuals that struggle with a language barrier. I enjoy working with children and their families to address life’s challenges and to be able to nurture their emotional wellbeing. 

I believe that mental health services should be readily available to individuals. I also stand with destigmatizing mental health stigmas especially in the BIPOC community. I am here to allow individuals to have a safe space in which they can acknowledge and work through their difficult times as well as plant seeds that will blossom with time.

Jordan daniel, MA
Therapist

I love caring for people, and I am deeply passionate about serving. I want to walk alongside you with empathy and understanding, offering a safe space for exploration and growth. In witnessing the damaging effects of psychological and emotional distress, I understand that there is a battle beneath the surface of every individual. I am committed to joining in the fight by offering a listening ear, authentic compassion, and helpful resources.

I received my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University, and I use a client-centered approach with components of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. By honoring each person's autonomy and lived experience, I aim to collaboratively explore and unearth meaningful insights that facilitate positive change and personal growth. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, PTSD, ADHD, or stress management, I’m here to listen to your story and help equip you with tools that truly work.

Above all, I am a man of faith who deeply loves his family. Their love and support encourage me to exhibit compassion and hard work in all that I do. In my free time, you can find me exercising, listening to music and podcasts, and spending time with my family. I am honored to serve individuals as they navigate life's challenges and triumphs.

Brendan hanover, LMSW
Therapist

Therapy with me is collaborative and holistic. Whatever brings you here, I want to work alongside you to understand your full story—your environment, history, relationships, and inner world—and help you discover tools that feel real, sustainable, and grounded in your everyday life. I do not believe in one size fits all solutions. You are unique and your therapy should be too.

I use a person-centered, integrative approach, blending evidence-based practices like CBT, ACT, ERP, and mindfulness. I earned my BA in Psychology with a minor in Women’s Studies and my MS in Social Work from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. I also completed a 200-hour yoga teacher training, which continues to shape how I understand the mind-body connection and incorporate movement and mindfulness into the healing process. Over the past few years, I’ve worked with children in foster care, teens identifying as LGBTQ+, caregivers, older adults, survivors of domestic violence, and people who were incarcerated. These experiences continue to inform my inclusive, creative, and client-centered style.

Outside of therapy, I love running, baking, practicing yoga, hiking, and making things—especially alongside my husband and toddler. I often find that creativity and movement are powerful tools for healing and self-expression, and I enjoy incorporating this into my work with clients when it feels right. If you’re looking for a therapist who brings honesty, warmth, and curiosity to the process, I’d be honored to connect.

Andrea Clemmer, BS
Therapist (Intern- Winter 2026)

I believe healing begins when we feel safe enough to listen to what our emotions and bodies are asking of us. My work is grounded in the belief that emotions carry valuable information and that healing happens when we are supported in slowing down, tuning in, and responding with compassion rather than judgment.

I am a Social Work Intern with a Bachelor of Science in Multidisciplinary Studies from the University of Texas at El Paso, and currently completing certification in Trauma-Informed Yoga. My clinical interests include trauma recovery, emotional regulation, developmental and personality disorders, PTSD, grief, LGBTQIA+ identity and sexuality, body image and self-worth, life transitions, relationship concerns, somatic and sensory integration and mindfulness-based therapy. My multidisciplinary foundation allows me to integrate evidence-based mental health practices with somatic awareness, mindfulness, and emotional insight to support clients in practical, meaningful ways.

I support individuals in identifying recurring emotional patterns, building self-compassion, and transforming overwhelm into clarity and empowerment. I strive to meet clients where they are, offering a steady and collaborative space for reflection, growth, and reconnection. My therapeutic style is relational and integrative, rooted in empathy, curiosity, and embodiment. I aim to create a space of safety and authenticity where clients can explore their inner world, restore balance, and reconnect with their innate capacity to heal and grow.