Amber Buchanan, founder and CEO of Sunny Days Therapeutics, earned her Bachelor of Science in Business from a small private college in West Virginia. Despite her degree being in business, she has always had a passion for helping others. During the onset of the pandemic, Amber engaged in some soul-searching and realized she wanted to dedicate herself full-time to helping individuals within her community and surrounding areas.
Seeing a pressing need for enhanced mental health support in her community, Amber took the initiative to make a difference. She sold her home to cover the startup costs for Sunny Days, hired administrative staff and therapists, and secured an ideal location to establish a new mental health practice.
Over the past few years, Sunny Days has evolved and expanded, becoming a vital resource for mental health support in the Athens and Watkinsville communities. The connections formed, the support from the community, the dedication of the therapists and staff, and, most importantly, the patients, are truly what makes this journey worthwhile.
Amber hopes that Sunny Days will continue to thrive and support those in and around her communities for many years to come.
Dr. Ellisha M Jones, DSW, LCSW, AFC was born in Kansas City, Mo. She is a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Georgia since 2010, and an accredited financial counselor since 2024. She attended Washburn University in Topeka, KS, where she graduated with her bachelor’s degree in history in 2002 and became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She went on to receive her master’s degree in social work from Washburn University in 2004. She also has a master’s degree in financial planning from University of Georgia (2023), and a doctorate degree in social work from Capella University (2024).
Dr. Jones retired as a Behavioral Health Major from the Army National Guard in 2023. She served in the military for 22 years, spending 14.5 years in the Air National Guard in Kansas and the remaining time in the Army National Guard in Georgia. She was the office in charge (OIC) of the Services Flight while in the Kansas Air National Guard when the flight was awarded the Air National Guard Senior Master Sergeant Kenneth W. Disney Food Service Award for the best dining facility in the entire Air National Guard. She received a combat commendation medal for her services in Iraq during her deployment from 2019 – 2020, along with other medals and accolades.
Dr. Jones specializes in the treatment of trauma and is passionate about preventing family violence. Her capstone project titled: Social Workers’ Use of Restorative Retelling to Process Intimate Partner Murder/Suicide Grief highlights her passionate work with secondary survivors of intimate partner murder suicides. In her spare time, Dr Jones is an avid reader and sports fan and loves traveling with her husband and children.
Valerie McGuinness is a licensed clinical social worker who is passionate about helping people live an authentic life that they love. By joining people where they currently are, Valerie teaches practical skills and techniques for communication, emotional regulation, and processing past traumas.
Valerie completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Georgia in 2006 and her Masters in Social Work in 2012. After working in a variety of settings, Valerie has settled into being a trauma focused therapist and mentor for developing therapists. Valerie has trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, EMDR (2019), Polyvagal Theory, Trauma Focused CBT, and completed yoga teacher training (2014).
In her free time, she enjoys crafts, gardening, memes, cats, and live music.
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.
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.
Ana Maria Alviz is a Mexican-American, Georgia native, who found her passion for Individual Therapy during her Master’s program at the University of Georgia. She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in social work (BSW) from Georgia State University in 2023 and her Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) in Spring, 2024. She incorporates cultural humility and competence into her individual sessions with elementary and middle school aged children, which are held at their schools.
Ana Maria has experience working in community-based sectors like homeless shelters, local food pantries and local cooperative ministries around the metro Atlanta area. Her preferred therapy modalities are client-centered and solution-focused techniques. She has experience working with kids, who experience a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, grief, PTSD. Her goal is to help her clients better manage their symptoms and increase their probability of positive intended behaviors.
Outside of work, Ana Maria enjoys partaking in hobbies that provide relief, mentally and physically. She enjoys reading, working out, spending quality time with family, being outdoors, exploring urban areas and playing with her dog.
Audey earned their MSW from UGA in 2014 and has worked in child and family welfare and wellbeing since. Their therapeutic approach is founded in Motivational Interviewing and Play Therapy. They also attended trainings in Filial Therapy, DBT, CBT, TF-CBT, Civil Mediation, and Diversity Informed Tenets. Audey is also completing the year-long Training for Adoption Competency in June.
Audey’s background in the arts and theatre education are also embedded in their approach. Expression and finding joy are essential to the recovery process. This also informs their creative approaches to in-person therapy and telehealth. Audey balances work with continued participation in the arts community, spending time in nature, and swimming.
Darryl Walker Jr. is a Licensed Master Social worker. He earned his Master’s of Social Work degree from the University of Alabama and received his Bachelor’s of Social Work degree from Oakwood University. He approaches each client with empathy and respect, with the goal of supporting them in navigating complex challenges. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his wife, son, and extended family, playing basketball, and going fishing.
His favorite quote is, “take everything one day at a time.”
Elisa Guzman is a client-centered social worker who offers individual therapy rooted in collaboration, empowerment, and a deep respect for each person’s lived experience.
She earned her Bachelor of Science from Georgia State University in 2019 and her Master of Social Work in 2025, where she pursued a combined focus in clinical practice and policy. She has facilitated workshops at the University of Georgia, teaching practical skills and therapeutic techniques to support emotional well-being.
Elisa is trained in DBT, ACT, CBT, TF-CBT, and other evidence-based modalities. She has experience supporting individuals navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, emotional regulation, identity development, relationship issues, low self-esteem, and stress.
Her therapeutic style is strengths-based, empathetic, compassionate, culturally sensitive, and trauma-informed. She strives to create a safe, collaborative space where clients can explore, heal, and build resilience at their own pace. Elisa feels it is an honor to walk alongside clients as they navigate life’s challenges and work toward growth.
When she’s not in session, Elisa enjoys spending time with her son, baking, reading, building Lego sets, gardening, coloring, and appreciating nature, especially the rain.
Joyce Hethcox obtained her Master of Social Work degree (with a clinical focus) from the University of Georgia in 2025. She also holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from Georgia State University.
Joyce has experience co-facilitating remote psycho education for couples, providing group and individual therapy in women’s residential treatment and recovery, providing individual therapy with children, teens and adults in the public mental health sector and has worked in providing arts education with children and teens in under-resourced communities. Her education, work and life experiences have taught her about trauma-informed practices, CBT, DBT, EFT, narrative therapy and art modalities as pathways to creating safety and access to healing growth towards personal goals.
Outside of therapy rooms, Joyce is an artist who uses a camera to explore the subject of complex relational dynamics through photographing dogs. She also enjoys knitting, building fires, drinking coffee, listening to audiobooks and walking in the woods.
Kayla began her career in Social Work in 2013 after receiving an Associate’s of Arts degree in Social Work. To further her education she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology, with a minor in Psychology; while receiving certificates in Social Services and Cultural Diversity all from the University of West Georgia. Soon after she received her Master’s Degree (MSW) from University of Southern California with a concentration in Children, Youth, and Families.
She is a mental health therapist and social worker with 10+ years of experience working with at- risk youth and young adults in residential, behavioral health, and supportive housing settings. Her work is grounded in trauma-informed care and evidence-based approaches including CBT, DBT, and Motivational Interviewing, with a strong commitment to DEI and ethical practice. She has also held leadership roles in operations and lead multidisciplinary care teams. She is always striving to further strengthen her clinical practice, leadership skills, and ethical foundation in social work.
In her free time to enjoys reading, watching true crime documentaries and going to the gym & pilates.
I am a dedicated mental health professional driven by the belief that healing is a holistic journey. With a Master of Social Work and a background in high-acuity clinical settings. I specialize in helping individuals navigate complex emotional landscapes through evidence-based practices like CBT and DBT. My approach is grounded in empathy, empowerment, and a deep commitment to destigmatizing mental health care, ensuring that every person feels seen and supported without judgment. I believe that balance is the cornerstone of well-being. My practice is informed by the principles of holistic living, and I strive to help clients find harmony between their mental, emotional, and physical selves. Whether we are working through immediate crises or long-term growth, my goal is to provide a safe, modern space for you to blossom and evolve.
Personal Interests & Inspiration: To maintain my own balance, I lean into creative and restorative practices that keep me grounded: – The Great Outdoors: I find immense peace and clarity spending time in nature, which often inspires my perspective on growth and renewal. – Creative Expression: I enjoy a varied creative practice. You can often find me working on a detailed cross-stitch project, experimenting with watercolor, or exploring art galleries and museums to find fresh inspiration. – Family & Connection: Spending quality time with family and friends is my greatest joy and keeps me centered. – Continuous Learning: I am always looking to learn new things, whether it’s a new therapeutic technique or have a new cultural experience.
I look forward to connecting and supporting you on your path to wellness.
Ramou is a client-centered social worker who provides therapeutic support grounded in collaboration, empowerment, and respect for each individual’s unique life experiences. She is committed to helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges while fostering emotional growth, resilience, and overall well-being.
She earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Services from the University of North Georgia and her Master of Science in Social Work from Walden University, where she obtained a certification in Medical Social Work. Ramou has experience working in behavioral health, child welfare, educational settings, and community-based services, supporting diverse populations across the lifespan. She has also obtained her Associate’s degree with Early Childhood Education with The University of North Georgia .
Ramou is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, trauma-informed care, and motivational interviewing. She has experience supporting individuals navigating trauma, life transitions, emotional and behavioral challenges, stress, and difficulties with emotional regulation and social functioning. Her clinical work includes group therapy, supporting crisis-prevention interventions, and implementing client-centered strategies that promote practical coping skills and personal growth.
Her therapeutic style is strengths-based, compassionate, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed. She strives to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel heard, valued, and empowered to explore their experiences and build resilience at their own pace.
Outside of her professional work, Ramou enjoys doing word searches, watching movies, listening to podcasts, and completing puzzles. She values activities that promote relaxation, curiosity, and balance, which help her remain grounded and present in the work she d
Sentoria is an Army veteran, a wife, and a mother of four. After serving in the military for nearly 11 years, she returned to education as an adult learner. She earned an Associate in Arts degree from Midlands Technical College in 2020, a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Columbia College in 2022, and a Master’s in Social Work-Clinical Track from Campbellsville University in 2023.
With a deep passion for service, Sentoria is dedicated to empowering individuals and communities. She combines a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy, to help clients navigate their challenges and reach their full potential. While she has experience working with children and perinatal populations, she welcomes clients from all walks of life.
Outside of her professional life, Sentoria enjoys crocheting, reading, listening to true crime podcasts, and exploring nature trails.
Hi, I’m Tashara, a Licensed Master Social Worker from New Jersey. I earned my degree from Clark Atlanta University, and I’ve always had a passion for helping others grow and discover their inner strength. Over the years, I’ve worked as a crisis counselor, group facilitator, and behavioral health therapist, supporting individuals through life’s challenges with compassion and understanding. My approach is rooted in empathy, authenticity, and creating a safe for a supportive space where clients feel heard and empowered. Outside of my work, I enjoy watching sports and taking part in adventurous activities that keep me active and grounded. I truly believe in the power of connection, self-discovery, and personal growth. I’m dedicated to helping others build the confidence and tools they need to thrive.
