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Who We Are
Our Mission
To support, empower and strengthen all ages and all ability individuals in our community through therapies and life skills classes provided by our integrative care team.
Our Vision
Through the use of various therapies, groups and life skills classes, our patients will build confidence, self-esteem, personal awareness, and independent living skills while becoming mentally stronger for a better quality of life.
Our Values
We prioritize kindness and respect for our clients, our co-workers and our community.
We offer loving encouragement for every individual to achieve their goals and improve their overall quality of life.
How It All Began
2021 was a busy year for me and my son Vladek. He graduated from high school in May and then he turned 18 in July. In looking for programs, therapies, and social skills opportunities for him, I quickly realized there was a lack of resources in our community for those 18 and up with special needs.
The more I began to research, I learned that those in our special needs community under 18 have been on wait lists for 6 months to a year or even more for therapy services like PT, OT and Speech.
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Flashback to 2020 and then continuing into 2021, these years taught me a lot during the pandemic. We all know too well how difficult life had been- filled with personal loss and heartache. Add to that the loss of human contact where smiles and hugs were replaced with masks and waves from 6′ apart. But through all the difficulties of that time, I think it has also allowed us to see how precious time is, how important it is to find joy, how lucky we are to have those in our circle, and how loved our family and friends truly are.
In October of 2021, still reflecting on finding joy and helping those with special needs find the therapies they need to live their best life (including Vlad), I was determined to make major life changes! I sold my home, left an executive job with a company that I had been with for several years, and formed Sunny Days Therapeutics!
I knew life was short and I knew my new mission was finding joy in helping others. Selling my home gave me the startup funds that were necessary to get Sunny Days off the ground, and leaving my job gave me the time to find my joy and network within the community to help others learn about Sunny Days.
I am extremely grateful to be on this journey and beyond excited to see how we can help those of all neurotypes within our community.
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My Purpose:
This is my son Vladek- he is my world. He graduated from high school in May of 2021, works for JavaJoy, volunteers at Athens Humane Society, and is on the Autism spectrum. I adopted Vlad from Poland in 2005 when he was 2. The minute I met Vlad, I knew there were “problems” but had no idea what challenges we would be facing to get him the services he would need.
I can tell you that through the years, Vlad has received a variety of therapies that have shaped him into the wonderful young man he is today.
My passion has always been helping others. After seeing first-hand the amazing progress that Vlad has made throughout the years, I’m beyond excited to bring some of these wonderful therapies to the individuals in our Athens and surrounding communities.
Meet Our Team
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Amber Buchanan
Practice Admin; Owner
Amber Buchanan
Amber Buchanan, founder and CEO at Sunny Days, has had a passion for helping others since she was a child. She began volunteering at the age of 13 as a candy striper for the local hospital where she lived in WV. She went on to volunteer at a teen suicide hotline, the animal shelter and at various locations with her youth group throughout her teen years.
Even though Amber obtained her Bachelor of Science in Business from a small private college in WV, she continued with her passion of helping others in her spare time during her business career, but it didn’t feel like enough. During the pandemic, Amber realized that she wanted to focus all of her time on helping others. She left her full time Executive role and formed Sunny Days in January of 2022.
Amber cannot wait to see the great things the Sunny Days will do for Athens and the surrounding area!
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Michelle Edwards
Office Manager
Michelle Edwards
Michelle Edwards is the Office Manager of Sunny Days Therapeutics. She supports scheduling, insurance billing, communication with families, and much more to help our office run as smoothly as possible. She has been an integral part of administration teams since 1997- working in both the medical and mental health fields, and winning awards for her stellar customer service.
Michelle has always had a passion for working with people searching to improve their mental health, as well as those with special needs. She has a caring heart, and works hard to ensure a positive experience for everyone at Sunny Days!
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Jennifer Smith
Administration
Jennifer Smith
Jennifer currently lives in the Athens area, where she enjoys spending time with her three children and three fur babies. She enjoys keeping active with outdoor activities such as swimming, kayaking, and tubing. She also enjoys refurbishing old wooden furniture- considering it a personal form of therapy.
Jennifer has worked in medical administration for many years, and she loves her career and helping others!
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Amy Simmons
LCSW
Supervisor
Amy Simmons
Amy Simmons is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who has a passion for serving and genuinely loves helping other people. She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Concord University in Athens, West Virginia in 2013 and Master’s Degree in Social Work from West Virginia University in 2015. She completed internships in both out-patient and in-patient settings. Her background includes working with adult and adolescent patients. She most often conducts individual therapy sessions but also has experience with couples and groups.
Amy has experience working with individuals with special needs and issues including but not limited to depression, anxiety, PTSD, grief, low self-esteem, LGBTQ+, gender identity and sexual orientation. She has experience is using a variety of treatment modalities and is excited to schedule an appointment to conduct an initial assessment and develop a person-centered treatment plan, that will help you meet your mental health goals. At this time, therapy sessions will be conducted via telehealth.
When not working, Amy enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter and family. She enjoys spending time outdoors, trying new things and going on adventures.
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Rebekah Gunter
LMSW
Therapist
Rebekah Gunter
Rebekah Gunter is a Licensed Master Social Worker who graduated from the University of Georgia with a Master’s degree in Social Work in May of 2023, and holds a certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling. Rebekah completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Georgia, earning a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.
Rebekah enjoys working with a wide range of clients, from children to older adults. She has experience working with clients who are struggling with depression, anxiety, self-harm, self-esteem, life transitions, trauma, substance abuse, and recovery.
Rebekah strives to create a warm, inviting, and safe space for all her clients. She works with clients to find the best treatment options for them and their needs. Rebekah strives to be an empathetic therapist who will be a supportive and encouraging partner in her clients’ healing journey.
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Alexia Johnson
Master of
Social Work
Alexia Johnson
Alexia Johnson, Master of Social Work (MSW), received her education in her home state of Wisconsin. Through over nine years of experience, she has worked with children and families in the child welfare system and adults with disabilities. Other demographics she has served are survivors of abuse and human trafficking.
Alexia has a passion for serving her community and vulnerable populations. In addition to her degree, she is also certified in trauma-informed care, and in various trauma modalities. Alexia has served as an intern for both an inpatient substance abuse clinic and a domestic violence shelter.
Outside of clinical settings, she enjoys reading the Bible, books, spending time with her family and friends, listening to music, and working as an esthetician. Her personal favorite is naps!
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Krystal Kenneth
Child
Therapist
Krystal Kenneth
Krystal Kenneth obtained her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from Boston University in 2023, and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree from The University of Georgia in 2020. While at Boston University, Krystal pursued the clinical track of her program and specialized in Children, Youth, and Families.
Krystal has experience working in a domestic violence shelter, a high school, a teen center, and an LGBTQ+ mental health clinic. Through her work and educational experiences, she has learned how to engage with clients in a trauma-informed and age-appropriate manner. Through a combination of treatment modalities like CBT, DBT, TF-CBT, play and art therapy, social emotional learning, and more, Krystal is prepared to guide clients to their goals.
When she’s able to spend time outdoors, Krystal enjoys gardening flowers and vegetables, hiking, skateboarding, roller-blading, and taking on DIY projects. When she’s hanging out indoors she enjoys cooking, baking, rock tumbling, and spending time with her cats and family.
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Tyler Lewis
Life Skills
Instructor
Tyler Lewis
Tyler Lewis is a current student at the University of Georgia studying Communications. Tyler has previous experience working as an After School Director for the YWCO, and has years of experience working with individuals with disabilities and neurodivergent individuals.
Tyler is also currently working on a start up called Hailey’s Healthy Hangout: a company seeking to create a thriving social network for neurodivergent individuals to connect and socialize with other neurodivergent individuals. Inclusivity is huge for Tyler, and he strives to make sure all feel welcome and heard.
In his spare time, Tyler loves all things soccer and plays every weekend in an organized league. He also loves being outside and exercising.
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Amber Miller
Licensed Professional
Music Therapist
Amber Miller
Amber began her career as an elementary school music teacher in 2014 after graduating Georgia Southern University. She continued teaching until 2017, when she moved to Athens to pursue her Bachelor’s Equivalency in Music Therapy at the University of Georgia. This culminated in an internship at The George Center in Roswell, GA.
Amber has experience leading music therapy in groups and with individuals from many walks of life. She has worked with seniors in memory care, children and young adults with Autism, preschool-aged children, and more. Additionally, she is trained in Remo’s HealthRHYTHMS program. She is passionate about making music accessible to anyone, and in presuming competence in her clients.
When not making music, Amber enjoys snuggling her pugs, geocaching, and playing D&D with her friends.
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Rachel Parker
LMSW
Therapist
Rachel Parker
Rachel Parker is a neurodivergent therapist who enjoys working with individuals 7 and older who have Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, anxiety, issues with healthy communication, or those who just need someone to talk to about the stresses of life.
She enjoys incorporating art and play into her sessions with children, and uses an eclectic approach combining principles of CBT, motivational interviewing, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) in her work with adults.
In her free time, she enjoys hiking, playing video games, and baking.