Adair Hill, ALPCCounselor
Adair Hill is a dedicated graduate intern at Impact Family Counseling. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Sciences from Auburn University and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health at the University of Montevallo. With a profound passion for supporting individuals through their hardships, Adair is committed to creating an environment for her clients to process their experiences and discover their true identity and purpose. She values meeting them right where they are in a nonjudgmental, accepting manner. Adair practices an integrative method that includes techniques from Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Child-Centered Play Therapy, Sand Tray Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Expressive Arts Therapy, among others. She collaborates with clients to tailor their therapy journey according to their unique needs and preferences. Adair works with clients of all ages. Adair is on the path to becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Registered Play Therapist. In her free time, she enjoys being outside, spending quality time with family and friends, watching movies, listening to music, trying out new restaurants, and attending concerts. Currently, Adair accepts and private pay clients on a sliding scale and Medicaid
Kandace VanWanderham, LPCClinical Coordinator
Kandace is a Licensed Professional Counselor who is a retired educator, administrator, and counselor. Kandace spent 25 years in education, most recently as the Mental Health Services Specialist with Hoover City Schools. This included supervising a team of clinical professionals. She holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and masters degrees in Special Education, School Counseling, and Educational Leadership from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the University of Montevallo. With a strong background in counseling and commitment to youth and families, Kandace worked in partnership with IMPACT Family Counseling for many years. She believes in community-based mental health services and empathically knows the impact of trusting therapeutic relationships. She believes in normalizing mental health issues and knows that IMPACT’s therapists are committed to the agency’s mission and providing a safe space for individuals to grow. Kandace accepts insurance with Blue Cross Blue Shield of AL.
When Kandace is not working, she spends her time with her friends and family, especially her husband Paul and sweet dog Sophie. Kandace also enjoys reading, writing, cooking and gardening.
Amy McMahan, MSW, LICSWTherapist
Amy earned her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa. She is a licensed independent clinical social worker with 20 plus years of experience. Over the years Amy has empowered countless clients to navigate rough waters in order to create their best life. Recognizing the courage it takes to step out of your comfort zone and share concerns with someone, it is her goal to provide a safe space for her clients to thrive.
Amy specializes in anxiety, depression, divorce, grief/bereavement, communication skills, self-esteem, relationship issues, and stress management. By utilizing an eclectic approach, she incorporates cognitive behavior therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness, person-centered, and strength-based modalities. She considers it a privilege to join with clients in their unique journey towards reaching goals.
Some of Amy’s hobbies/interests include:
swimming, reading, enjoying laughter, and cooking
Tamela Hughes, LPCTherapist
I currently ONLY provide Teletherapy for virtual clients. I am a passionate advocate for mental health, with a deep commitment to supporting Black moms and addressing mental health challenges within the Black community. I embarked on my journey as a licensed counselor after earning my master’s degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in the spring of 2021.
My professional interests encompass maternal and women’s health, parenting/co-parenting, support for teenagers and young adults going through life transitions, and professionals with high-stress careers. I am also a dedicated suicide prevention advocate, striving to provide essential resources and support to those in crisis. Additionally, I have experience conducting groups focused on anger management and other crucial mental health topics. My ultimate goal is to empower individuals to discover and embrace their authentic selves, fostering a healthier and more resilient community.
With a heartfelt dedication to mental health advocacy and a profound commitment to supporting Black mothers and the broader Black community, I strive to continue being a driving force for positive change in the field of mental health, coaching, and consulting.
Lauren Arnold, MA, ALCTherapist
Lauren holds a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Wake Forest University and is an Associate Licensed Mental Health Counselor at Impact Family Counseling. With over 10 years of experience in healthcare, Lauren has worked in adult medicine and pediatrics, most recently at Children’s of Alabama. Her extensive healthcare background provides a unique perspective that complements her counseling work, allowing her to offer holistic, empathetic care to her clients.
In addition to her clinical practice, Lauren is currently pursuing a PhD in Counseling, further deepening her knowledge and expertise in the field of mental health. She specializes in working with children, adolescents, and adults, focusing on a range of concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, Autism, ODD, conduct disorder, C-PTSD/PTSD, a history of sexual abuse, sexually reactive behaviors, and personality and mood disorders. Her therapeutic approach is rooted in person-centered and existential therapy, with an integration of cognitive and dialectical behavioral techniques to help clients navigate challenges and connect with their most authentic selves.
Lauren’s professional experience includes working in residential treatment, where she developed strong crisis counseling skills and the ability to support clients in managing challenging behaviors. She is also trained in Lifespan Integration, a psychotherapy approach that helps clients process and integrate past trauma in a meaningful way.
Outside of counseling, Lauren enjoys reading, writing, traveling, music and theater, hiking, and spending time outdoors. She values the importance of self-care and brings a balanced, compassionate approach to her work.