APAC Counseling Services

Buddy is the Clinical Coordinator for APAC. He earned his BS in Psychology from Alabama Christian College before it became Faulkner University and his Masters in Social Work from the University of Georgia. His clinical focus is child-centered/family-focused trauma-informed services. He is trained in adoption competency having completed C.A.S.E’s TAC Trainer’s program in 2019. He has worked with foster and adoptive families in Alabama for many years and has a heart for children and families.

“This is the journey. It’s all a win for us, pushing gently and trying to get beyond a former spot of challenge…” – Becky Rosenberg; mother of an autistic child.

John joined APAC as Family Counselor in June 2010 with his first day taking place during Camp APAC! Prior to joining APAC John was a counselor with Impact Family Counseling and United Methodist Pastoral Care and Counseling. He began a Counseling and Family program at Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church after serving 12 years as Youth Director for 6th—12th grades. John graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Arts and received his Master of Arts in Agency Counseling from the University of Alabama in Birmingham. He completed two years of post-graduate work in Pastoral Marriage and Family Therapy. John is a Licensed Practicing Counselor with the state of Alabama. He is trained in adoption competency having completed C.A.S.E’s TAC training program in 2019. John grew up in Birmingham. John is a member of the University of Montevallo Counseling Program Advisory Council. His community activities include: Past Leadership Vestavia Hills Board of Directors, Vestavia Hills Board of Education Strategic Planning Team, Past League Director for Vestavia Hills Youth Baseball, and currently serves as a Youth Sunday School teacher at Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church. He and his wife have 2 sons. John enjoys spending time with his family, attending his son’s sporting events, traveling, wildlife management, and being part of a barbecue club.

Rakeisha is an LMSW and serves as the Family Therapist at the APAC Huntsville office of Children’s Aid Society of Alabama (CAS). She earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of North Alabama and completed her Master’s degree in Social Work in 2014 at Alabama A&M University. Engaged in the mental health field since September 2013, Rakeisha joined CAS in October 2022. Her clinical approach revolves around a child/family-centered person-in-environment perspective. Currently undergoing training for certification as an adoption-competent provider through C.A.S.E’s Training for Adoption Competency (TAC) program, she anticipates completion in 2024.

Debra is the APAC Family Therapist in Mobile. She has a Master’s in Social Work and is certified as a Trauma and Loss Consultant and School Specialist. She is trained in adoption competency having completed C.A.S.E’s TAC training program in 2019. Debra has worked as an administrator of non-profit programs and has extensive experience working with families and children providing individual, family, and group clinical services as well as in crisis intervention, assessment services, screening for psychiatric hospitalizations, and educational instruction. Throughout her career, she has worked collaboratively with social service agencies, the court system, schools, and medical providers.

Tiffany is the Family Therapist for Children’s Aid Society of Alabama’s, (CAS) APAC Montgomery office. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Bishop’s University in Quebec and received her Master’s degree in Social Work in 2022 from Boston University in Massachusetts. She has been working with children and families in crisis and in need of mental health resources since June 2015. She moved to Alabama in June 2022 and has been with CAS since February 2023. Tiffany believes in the healing power of family connection as well as the importance of integrating play and fun in our lives to support our overall well-being. She is currently training to receive her certification as an adoption-competent provider through C.A.S.E’s Training for Adoption Competency, (TAC) program, with a planned completion in 2024.