About Us
Meet The Team
Our Mission
Suns Up Counseling advocates for accessible mental health counseling and wellness for all that is centered in clinical excellence, faith based values, and hope.
Our Values
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Authenticity
We believe in the power of genuine connections and real, unfiltered experiences. Everything we do is a commitment to transparency, honesty, and a celebration of individuality.
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Collaboration
At the heart of our practice lies a profound commitment to equal participation between the client and counselor, recognizing its transformative power in guiding individuals towards effective growth and self-discovery.
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Innovation
We relentlessly pursue the highest levels of quality, creativity, clinical training, and service, ensuring that every interaction with our practice reflects a commitment to clinical excellence.
“A slight change in your daily habits can guide your life to a different destination”
—James Clear, Atomic Habits
Meet the Team
Megan Taylor, LAPC
Licensed associate professional counselor
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Megan is a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor that comes with many areas of experience. Megan received her Bachelor’s in Psychology, with a minor in Child & Family Development from Georgia Southern University in 2021. Megan went straight into her Master’s program at University of West Alabama & received her MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2023. Megan is currently getting her post-graduate certificate in trauma from Grand Canyon University, which she will receive in March 2024. Megan has experience with individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and autism. Megan has a passion for helping individuals of all populations deal with anything & everything life throws at them. When not at work, Megan enjoys hanging out with her dog, golfing, scrapbooking, & cheering on the dawgs! Megan looks forward to working with you on a personal level in an open, safe environment. Megan is excited to meet you!
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Springfield
Skylar Haak, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
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Skylar works with children, teenagers, and adults. Skylar is particularly passionate about coming alongside teenagers as they navigate the difficulties of this world. She has experience working with a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, & ADHD, high risk behaviors. Before she was a counselor, Skylar worked in the adoption field and has a unique understanding of adoption triad issues. Skylar believes their is hope for every person, no matter their circumstances. When she is not at home cuddling her dog, Skylar enjoys exploring Savannah coffee shops with her husband and daughter.
Skylar is also trained in EMDR and specializes working with clients who need this additional service for their counseling care.
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Pooler
West Chatham
Whitney Merritt, LAPC
licensed associate professional counselor
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Whitney enjoys working with clients of all ages and is passionate about walking alongside girls and women as they heal from trauma, lack of self-esteem, and overcoming worries and fears. She believes changing the narrative we tell ourselves enables us to live the life we hope for. She has lived in 12 countries around the world and believes her time abroad provides cultural awareness and sensitivity when working with diverse clients. She is a 200-hour certified yoga instructor and believes in the mind, body, and spiritual connection to healing. Whitney enjoys a good cup of coffee, walks on the beach with her family, reading memoirs and hanging with her dog, Sailor.
**under supervision with Mieke Kramer, LPC
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Downtown Savannah
Lyndsey Smith, LAPC
LICENSED ASSOCIATE PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
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Counseling is an area where I believe it is possible to assist clients with navigating some of the most tumultuous landscape that we can encounter in life – ourselves. This field of work affords us the opportunity to empower clients to build the skills and confidence to make and feel content in making life decisions, realizing the potential within themselves, and encouraging them to seek out the versions of themselves that they desire to be. I want my clients to know that they are not alone. Instead, I seek to let my clients know that their counseling experience is a journey that we will both embark on to reach their goals. I enjoy working with clients of all ages and backgrounds. I am especially passionate about helping teenagers and young adults navigate the season of life they are in.
When I am not at work I enjoy spending time at coffee shops with friends, being on the beach, or being outdoors with my dog Finnley.
**under supervision with Mieke Kramer, LPC
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Pooler
Kimberly Safranek, LAPC
LICENSED ASSOCIATE PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
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Kimberly is has a Master of Arts degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University and is a Licensed associate professional counselor in the State of GA. She is a play-based therapist that works with children as young as 5yo. She provides counseling services for children, teens, and adults. She has an extensive history of working with children in both the school system and after school programs like gymnastics.
**under supervision with Mieke Kramer, LPC
Check out Kimberly’s children’s book :
Melody Jane: Safranek, Kimberly: 9781980478980: Amazon.com: Books
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West Chatham
Pooler
Hillary Parker, LAPC
Licensed associate professional counselor
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Hillary is a certified trauma professional and a Symbis Facilitator specializing in pre-martial assessment. She holds a master’s in professional counseling from Liberty University. Hillary works with individuals and couples, encouraging a holistic approach to healing. She is a compassionate counselor who empowers clients to overcome challenges, discover their inner strengths, and build resilience.
Hillary provides support to clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, grief, PTSD, and complex traumas. Before and during her counseling journey, she has been a dedicated caregiver for close family members. This firsthand experience has become a powerful source of inspiration for stress management.
Her life is a tapestry of experiences, enriched by her three children, ranging in age 3 to 16. As an outdoor enthusiast, she believes in the importance of self-care and finding peace in nature. She is an avid reader and writer who appreciates the value in expressive arts. Hillary is eager to connect and support others on their path to a brighter future!
**under supervision with Mieke Kramer, LPC
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Richmond Hill
Mikki Thomas, LAPC
Licensed associate professional counselor
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Mikki is dedicated to helping couples learn to navigate life challenges with compassion and hope. Mikki seeks to journey alongside couples to help them find the redeeming parts of their story, build dreams together, and bring about healing to hurting places. She is a graduate of Liberty University (M.Ed. in School Counseling) and is a licensed associate professional counselor in GA. She has a passion to see families grow and thrive. She has worked for several years with adolescents and their families in the school system to bring about positive solution focused changes. Mikki has completed Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 1/Level 2. She uses Gottman Couples therapy for married couples seeking counseling. Mikki loves time with her husband and three children. She enjoys local coffee shops, good books and relaxing with her puppy Jax.
**under supervision with Misty Andrews, LPC
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Pooler
West Chatham
Nacole Ballard, LAPC
LICENSED ASSOCIATE PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
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Nacole is a dedicated licensed associate professional counselor with a Master’s degree in Counseling from Walden University. With a background as a former school counselor, she has experience working with elementary students, helping them navigate their emotions and develop healthy coping strategies. Nacole is trained in art therapy, which allows her to incorporate creative expression into her therapeutic approach, and she is working toward becoming a Level 1 certified TEAM-CBT therapist.
Nacole is passionate about empowering children and teens to work through irrational thoughts and beliefs. She believes in the transformative power of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as a means to help individuals recognize and challenge negative thought patterns, fostering a more positive and realistic self-image.
In addition to her counseling work, Nacole is a children’s book author, drawing on her Christian faith to inspire young readers. Her books, including “I Don’t Much Like Being Me,” encourages children to embrace their identity through God’s eyes and cultivate self-acceptance. Link listed below to books:
**under supervision with Mieke Kramer, LPC, CPCS
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Richmond Hill
Internships
fall 2025 position available
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Pooler
Savannah
Internships
Winter 2026 position available
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Downtown Sav
Caroline Fortier, MA
pre-licensed counselor
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Caroline has a Masters of Arts in Professional Counseling from Liberty University and is seeking licensure in the state of GA. She provides a safe and empathetic space to share your story. She has experience working with adolescents and adults facing a range of challenges. She has a passion for helping others find purpose and meaning in their lives. In her free time, you can find her spending time with family, reading a psychological thriller book, and traveling!
**under supervision with Mieke Kramer, LPC
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West Chatham
A’kosha Barnes
Master’s level intern
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My name is A’Kosha. I am currently enrolled as a graduate student at Webster University. I am eager to gain field experience and knowledge so that I may apply in real world settings. I am excited about this opportunity as I find hope by empowering others while assisting them with daily living challenges. I enjoy shopping, traveling, and spending time with my family and creating memories that will last a lifetime. One of my favorite biblical scriptures is Jeremiah 29:11, For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. I strongly believe this scripture for others and myself.
**under supervision with Mieke Kramer, LPC
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Richmond Hill
Olivia Grennan
Master’s level intern
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As a counseling intern, I am here to provide a safe, supportive space for clients to explore their unique experiences and pursue their mental health goals. I have experience working with clients of all ages and am particularly passionate about supporting individuals in recovery from eating disorders. My approach centers on building a genuine, empathetic relationship to help clients feel comfortable and empowered. I am skilled in managing crises and guiding clients through challenges. My previous roles in mental health settings have equipped me to address a range of concerns, from managing anxiety and stress to supporting personal growth. I am committed to meeting clients where they are, respecting their experiences, and working collaboratively to find the path toward healing and growth. I believe in the importance of holistic, person-centered care and strive to be an active, supportive presence as clients work toward their goals.
**under supervision with Mieke Kramer, LPC
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Pooler
Downtown Savannah
Monica Backlund
master’s level intern (bi-lingual/spanish)
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Life has taught me that time spent learning and working on yourself is never wasted. I feel honored to enter a profession where I can help others navigate life’s obstacles and learn more about themselves. I am a U.S. Army veteran who has served our country in many locations stateside, overseas, and on deployment. I understand military culture and the unique challenges of serving in the military. I look forward to working with a variety of clients. Gardening makes me happy and helps me to slow down and appreciate the little things. I also enjoy sewing, crafting, and spending time with my family. I am Latina and available to assist any clients who feel more comfortable speaking Spanish.
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Effingham
West Chatham
Mieke Kramer, LPC, CPCS, CEDS-C
Founder & practice supervisor
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Mieke is the founder of Suns Up Counseling Center and Suns Up International Programs. She specializes in working with adult women who have experienced abuse, addictions & traumas. She is EMDRIA certified in EMDR & offers both a warm and insightful therapy to her clients. She is a certified eating disorder specialist who works with women recovering from disordered eating patterns. Mieke works primarily with adult women 18 years and older.
If she is not outdoors hiking with her husband and three daughters, she enjoys reading a good mystery novel on the back porch with her three pups: Archie, Nali, and Woody.
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Pooler
Downtown Savannah
Richmond Hill
Grace Powers
Practice manager
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Grace is our Practice Manager for Suns Up. When helping patients with scheduling, finances, or coordinating care, she values compassionate communication, efficiency, and organization. In her freetime, she loves to write, read, and spend time outdoors with loved ones.
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Pooler
Jillia Kramer, MS
special PROGRAMS COORDINATOR
(doctoral candidate)
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Jillia is our special programs coordinator providing oversight to our international programs and grant writing projects. She has a BS degree in Psychology and a MS degree in Community Engaged Medicine from Furman University. She is currently a doctoral candidate at Claremont University, Doctorate of Public Health (DrPH).
When she is not writing, Jillia is enjoying the Appalachian trails with her rescue dog Louise.
Suns Up Counseling Board Members
2025
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Jeff Kramer
Chrissy Slater
Kellie Rutherford Genton
Dr. Darrent Thomas: ex officio member
Carlett Fulcher: ex officio member
Ready to Begin Your Healing Journey?
Our counselors offer specialized services including EMDR—Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing for trauma resolution.