Counseling Team (List)

Our Strength, Love, and Motivation Team Members

Who We Are

Dr. Amanda Davis-Buie, PhD, LPC, LBS, NCC

Founder/ Lead Clinician/ Life Consultant/ Clinical Supervisor

Hello! My name is Dr. Amanda Davis-Buie and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in PA, MD, NC, NJ and in OH, a Licensed Behavioral Specialist in PA, and a National Certified Counselor. I have been successfully counseling clients through various modalities of therapy facilitating their self-growth for over eighteen years. If you are feeling overwhelmed by life’s demands, my services aim to introduce clarity and self-motivation. I also teach techniques to better manage the emotional stress of everyday life. My team and I look forward to working with you!

My name is Dr. Amanda Davis-Buie and I would love to share with you a little about myself and my passion for empowering others. One of the most important things I do when I meet people is listen - I listen to the needs and concerns of others. I encourage, motivate, and equip individuals, couples, and families to effectively deal with and overcome personal and familial obstacles. My goal is to share evidenced-based interventions tools, techniques, and interventions that can be used effectively and independently. When you have reached your goals, you will be prepared to deal with whatever comes your way and you will feel self-sufficient and confident in your actions.

I am blessed with a foundation that has guided me in the direction of helping others find their voice, and the clarity they may be seeking. I have always been a listener and I discovered many years ago that when someone is truly listened to, it allows their mind to calm and their body to relax. Once the body is ready, communication can occur and work can begin.

I have worked as a psychotherapist and a behavioral specialist consultant for over twenty years. I work with individuals with various diagnoses, from the age of two through adulthood. My modalities vary pending the needs of the individual I am serving. I have a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Counselor Education and Supervision. I have a Master’s degree in Counseling and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and a Licensed Behavioral Specialist. I hold a certification in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). As a certified SYMBIS (Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts) Facilitator, I also work with couples working towards marriage and working to build a healthy relationship. I have a certificate in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University. I am a graduate of Leadership Lebanon Valley, and I have presented at the NCHO/NCCPA Conference discussing my thesis topic of diversifying diversity. I have also conducted several trainings on various topics including diversity, social cognitive theory, time management, person-centered therapy, behavioral therapy, reality therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and logotherapy.

I want to help individuals focus on a way of life designed for optimum health and well-being. The body, mind, and spirit work cohesively with the purpose of living life more completely. I have a passion for helping others discover and honor their self-worth and have been doing so for as long as I can remember. Sharing with others the importance of wellness through Positive Psychology/Wellness Counseling inspires me and adds significance to my life.

Tatyanna Fuller

Vice President of Operations & Clinical Intern

"Be like a tree. Stay grounded. Connect with your roots. Turn over a new leaf. Bend before you break. Enjoy your unique natural beauty. Keep growing." - Joanne Raptis.

Hi, my name is Tatyanna Fuller! I am here to applaud you on your decision to begin or renew your journey towards healing.

“Growth begins the moment you give yourself permission to feel a little uncomfortable in new experiences.”

Hello, my name is Tatyanna Fuller. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I am also a Registered 200-Hour Yoga Teacher (RYT-200). At Strength, Love, and Motivation, I serve as the Vice President of Operations and as a Clinical Intern under supervision. 

I admire your courage in seeking therapy, whether this is your first time or renewing your healing journey. As Vice President of Operations, my role is to make the first steps of therapy feel less overwhelming by providing a welcoming, supportive, and judgment-free space from the very moment you reach out.

As an aspiring Licensed Professional Counselor, my clinical interests is focus on self-efficacy, emotional regulation, motivation, and mindfulness. My goal is to empower individuals to recognize and tap into their strengths in order to become the best version of themselves. Everyone holds the potential for growth and transformation. I believe healing is possible for anyone, regardless of how big or small they perceive their circumstances to be. My job is to provide you with tools that will help you navigate challenges, reframe limiting thoughts, and embracing your inner resilience. Remember, life’s purpose is not to avoid or escape hardship; it’s about learning how to bend and adapt under pressure without breaking.

R Buie, MS

Clinical Facilitator/Clinician

Hello! My name is R Buie, and I work to build an effective team at SLM that is motivated, compassionate, encouraged, and ready to serve you as exceptional clinicians. As a clinician, I am here to help you build your confidence and own your power. It is time for you to recognize your genius and know that from your choices YOU execute great power.

Hello! My name is RL Buie, and I am dedicated to helping individuals unlock their inner power, build confidence, and embrace their unique genius. With a passion for coaching, my mission is to guide you in discovering - The Power Within You!

Nyla Buie

Director of Operations

Hello! My name is Nyla and I welcome you to Strength, Love, and Motivation! I keep our practice running smoothly behind the scenes so clients, patients, and clinicians can focus on what matters most - healing and growth. With a heart for people and an eye for detail, I make sure every experience here feels supportive, welcoming, and stress-free.

Kayla Evelyn Cunningham, MA, LPA

Clinician - Licensed Psychology Associate

Hello! My name is Kayla Evelyn-Cunningham, and my focus when facilitating groups or individual sessions is self-empowerment and challenging negative perspectives with more positive outlooks. We may not always be able to change a situation, but we can help transform your perspective of your circumstances.

We may not always be able to change a situation, but we can help transform your perspective of your circumstances. Hello! My name is Kayla Evelyn-Cunningham, and my two master’s degrees are in forensic psychology and clinical psychology, and I am a Licensed Psychology Associate. I am currently pursuing my doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology.

I attended the illustrious Morgan State University for my bachelor’s in psychology. At Morgan State, I was involved in many organizations, but one in particular, focused on confidence. This organization allowed me to travel to numerous schools, mental health facilities, and other settings to speak to individuals about self-confidence, self-motivation, and self-compassion. Since then, I began shaping my practices around the importance of an individual’s sense of self. I have found it lays the foundation for every aspect and element within their lives. As a certified SYMBIS (Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts) Facilitator, I also work with couples working towards marriage and working to build a healthy relationship.

My passion in the field of mental health grew immensely in 2015, when I began working in various correctional facilities and detention centers to help those within the incarcerated population. Since then, I have also gained much experience working with individuals who have experience with substance abuse, juveniles within the school systems, and many other individuals of all ages in various therapeutic settings. I interned for a year working with highly experienced clinicians who helped guide and shape my skill set to properly assist those who experienced trauma, depression, anxiety, bipolar, and borderline personality disorder.

My focus when facilitating groups or individual sessions is self-empowerment and challenging negative perspectives with more positive outlooks. Life can sometimes feel overpowering, and obligations that need to be met can also seem unbearable at times. Still, I believe there will always be some good in what may all seem bad at the moment. I have found my theoretical orientation - cognitive behavioral therapy has helped many of my previous clients reduce stress levels, cope with untimely life changes such as relationships and other losses, and ultimately feel more grounded within their circumstances. We may not always be able to change a situation, but we can help transform your perspective of your circumstances. I look forward to assisting you!

Darryl McClish, MS

Clinician

I am here to help you to believe in your abilities! My name is Darryl McClish, and I graduated from Lebanon Valley College with a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology, and I have my Master’s in Professional Counseling.

I am here to help you to believe in your abilities! My name is Darryl McClish, and I graduated from Lebanon Valley College in 2017 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology, and I am now a pre-licensed clinician with a Master’s in Professional Counseling.

Throughout my life I have been interested in listening to others as they discuss their struggles and hardships. Helping others in this manner has always come naturally to me, and it is rewarding to be able to serve others in this capacity. I made the determination that I would pursue a career in counseling during my senior year of high school. Since I made that decision, I have done everything in my power to prepare myself to serve others utilizing several tools such as reflective listening, various modalities, and cultural competence.

In both New Jersey, where I grew up, and Pennsylvania, where I have lived for most of my adult life, I have learned from my experiences working with children and families. Through different employment opportunities, I have had the opportunity to interact with many adolescents and work with them to understand their stories. They spoke about their lives and explained what decisions led them to where they are now. While working at a juvenile detention center and rehabilitation center as a residential aide, I felt limited in my position as I was unable to provide the type of treatment the adolescents needed. This experience fueled my desire to continue my education and training to prepare myself to help other individuals like them, increasing my motivation to become a counselor. Through my job in the court system, I worked with many young adults who just needed someone to talk to and a resource to help them process through difficult decisions. I strive to go beyond what the job requires of me as I have found what I am passionate about and that is helping young adults enhance their futures, because I know that there are no limits to what they can achieve.

I am deeply motivated to help others recognize their potential and become the person they want to be. I seek to help young adults and adolescents in need. I will be the listening ear and the voice of reason needed, and I aim to listen to and support others as they navigate the turbulent waters of life.

Rachel Fatherly, MS, LAPC

Clinician - Licensed Associate Professional Counselor

Hello! My name is Rachel Fatherly, and I am a graduate of Pennsylvania State University. I am excited to work with you! My goal is to create a warm and safe environment for you to grow.

Taking small steps consistently in the right direction will eventually yield big results. - George Mumford.

Hello! My name is Rachel Fatherly, and I am an associate-licensed clinician. I completed my undergraduate degree at The Pennsylvania State University. I majored in Human Development and Family Studies and received a Bachelor of Science degree; my Masters Degree is in Professional Counseling.

At Penn State I was a member of the Women’s Track and Field Team. This experience helped mold me into a great listener and helped me become a person who advocates for self- confidence, autonomy, individuality and to become the best person you can. Being a member of Division I athletic organization has helped me learn the importance of dedication, self -motivation and hard work. These tendencies will be the foundation of a strong therapeutic relationship. I am passionate about helping others explore and identify stressors within their lives. As a certified SYMBIS (Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts) Facilitator, I also work with couples working towards marriage and working to build a healthy relationship.

My goal is to create a warm safe environment for you to grow. The focus within the professional relationship is to create an environment for individuals to share their trauma, stressors, or everyday events. I believe my role is to help the client identify strategies in order to help the individual improve their confidence, autonomy and gain strength to promote positive changes in their lives.

In the past I have worked in areas of identifying ways within the human development process for individuals to grow. I am passionate about working within individuals and will work with the client in order to help them achieve their goals. The most important part is taking one step forward. I look forward to assisting you!

Kiwanis Anderson, MA, LAPC, LBS

Clinician - Licensed Behavioral Specialist & Licensed Associate Professional Counselor

Hello! My name is Kiwanis Anderson, and my goal is to assist others in navigating through challenges that may be preventing them from excelling in certain areas of their life. My goal is to assist others with navigating through various stages of life.

My goal is to assist others with navigating through challenges of life. Hello! My name is Kiwanis Anderson, and I am Licensed Behavioral Specialist and a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor with a Master’s in Clinical Counseling earned at Eastern University.

A career in counseling chose me! I have always been an individual that believed everyone has uniqueness within and a purpose, no matter the size. Throughout my life I have always found myself being either someone’s ear, motivator, encourager, support, or inspiration.

My experience dates back to the many years of mentorship with adults and kids, volunteer time at Special Olympic events, working in Early Childhood Education as a Summer Program Director and School-Age Teacher, assistance with building youth programs, tutoring, and helping others with their walk towards their aspirations in life. These experiences led me to pursue a degree in psychology. In 2018, I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from the University of South Florida.

My goal is to assist others with navigating through challenges that may be preventing them from excelling in certain areas of their life or situations that are too overwhelming to from which to move forward. I plan on executing this through a variety of interventions and/or techniques designed to reduce symptoms, unhealthy behaviors, maladaptive thoughts, and more; the goals created in my work are specifically catered to each unique individual.

Peta Xavier, MS, LAPC, LBS

Clinician - Licensed Associate Professional Counselor & Licensed Behavioral Specialist

Hello! My name is Peta Xavier, and I absolutely love working with people of all ages, backgrounds, and all walks of life and hold true to a multicultural faceted approach. I have a background in behavior analysis and I have always been intrigued with human behavior. I chose to advance my career in clinical counseling because I have a strong passion in serving and helping others reach wellness.

Hello! My name is Peta Xavier. I began my education at Penn State University, achieving a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and Family Studies in 2007 followed by the completion of a Master’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Phoenix in 2010 in conjunction with a Behavior Specialist License in 2014. I recently obtained an additional Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in late summer 2023 from the Walden University and currently working towards my clinical hours.

Always intrigued with human behavior, I chose to advance my career in clinical counseling because I have a strong passion in serving and helping others reach wellness. Prior to pre-licensure in counseling, I have a background in behavior analysis and mobile therapy where I had the opportunity to work in various homes, schools, and community settings with assisting children and families in therapeutic behavioral interventions. During my time working as a foster care therapist in 2017, this experience not only propelled my journey but fortified my “why.” Working with children and youth impacted by trauma and intergenerational symptoms of family patterns have placed me in a role that I am honored to serve and help them navigate. Years within this field allowed me to be sharp-witted, adaptable, and flexible with clients.

My education and life experiences have been transformative periods that have elicited positive changes for me as a therapist. I absolutely love working with people of all ages, backgrounds, and all walks of life and hold true to a multicultural faceted approach. My therapeutic orientation entails Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy CBT (MBCT). As a certified SYMBIS (Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts) Facilitator, I also work with couples working towards marriage and working to build a healthy relationship. My goal is to achieve wholeness and wellness by cultivating not only a comfortable environment but to advocate for you to the best of my abilities! I look forward to meeting you!

Dr. Karl Liedtka, PhD

Clinician

Hello! My name is Dr. Karl Liedtka. My goal in counseling is to assist individuals in overcoming challenges and to reach their full potential. I believe progress toward individual goals cannot be met by a singular focus on the negative aspects of life, and that we cannot build on holes. To reach our full potential, we need to identify and expand on our strengths, and transform our challenging experiences into future motivation and growth.

Katherine Lewis, MS, LAPC

Clinician - Licensed Associate Professional Counselor

Hello! My name is Kathy Lewis; my goal for counseling is to guide individuals as they maneuver through life experiences. I want to help you develop skills to utilize as you build your mental well-being and become the best version of yourself.

Hello, my name is Katherine Lewis and I have a master’s degree in clinical psychology. Early on in life, from time to time, I would wonder what it was that would allow individuals to feel comfortable enough to approach me, while divulging some of the most sensitive situations that were occurring in their lives. While earning my undergrad degree, the realization presented itself and I discovered part of my purpose and passion was to help individuals with their mental well-being.

Being a single mother has also contributed to enhancing my listening skills and aided me in understanding the importance of mental well-being in adults as well as with the youth of today. With the many challenges individuals face on a day-to-day basis, I am dedicated to providing a safe space to assist clients in their therapeutic process.

At Strength, Love and Motivation, LLC, my goal is to contribute to a welcoming environment for individuals by helping them maneuver through life experiences. I aim to aid in the development of skills for our patients to utilize as they work to build their mental well-being. My role in the therapeutic process is to walk alongside each individual as they work to become the best versions of themselves.

Destiny Williams, LCSW-S

Lead Clinician/ Clinical Supervisor

Welcome! I'm thrilled that you're embarking on this journey. As a licensed clinical social worker, my focus lies in aiding tweens, teens, and adults grappling with trauma, anxiety, depression, and chronic illness/pain.

Victor Cabral, LCSW

Clinician / Profesional de la salud mental

Hello! My name is Victor Cabral, LCSW (He/Him), and I have dedicated my career to supporting vulnerable and historically excluded populations. My goal is to meet you where you are and, together, co-create a safe container that supports empowerment, healing, and self-leadership. I am deeply grateful and honored to have the opportunity to hold space for others as they discover themselves and walk their path.

¡Hola! Mi nombre es Víctor Cabral, LCSW (Él), y he dedicado mi carrera a apoyar a poblaciones vulnerables e históricamente excluidas. Mi objetivo es encontrarte donde estés y, juntos, co-crear un espacio seguro que promueva el empoderamiento, la sanación y el liderazgo personal. Me siento profundamente agradecido y honrado de tener la oportunidad de sostener un espacio para que otras personas se descubran a sí mismas y recorran su propio camino.

Hello! My name is Victor Cabral, LSW (He/Him), and I have dedicated my career to supporting vulnerable and historically excluded populations. My goal is to meet you where you are and, together, co-create a safe container that supports empowerment, healing, and self-leadership. I am deeply grateful and honored to have the opportunity to hold space for others as they discover themselves and walk their path.

I am an Afro-Latinx bilingual (Spanish) licensed social worker and therapist in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, with training in IFS Level 1, Psychedelic Harm Reduction and Integration, and MDMA/Ketamine/Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy. I chose to pursue a career as a social worker and therapist after spending several years working in community mental health in various capacities. I wanted to provide culturally responsive care to my community in Reading, PA. After graduating, I was offered a fellowship with the Pennsylvania Governor’s Office, which expanded my work into the policy and regulatory arena. For the past several years, I have been working at the direct service, community, and systemic levels nationally and internationally to make alternative, innovative, and effective treatments available to historically excluded communities. This work involves contributing to policy development, academic research, community outreach, training and education, and community mental health.

My goal as a therapist is to co-create a safe space with my clients that addresses their needs and to show up in an authentic, compassionate, and responsive way that helps the client feel safe, cared for, and supported. In my work, I utilize evidence-based interventions from a variety of therapeutic approaches to offer clients unique and holistic approaches that center them as the experts of their own experience.

¡Hola! Mi nombre es Víctor Cabral, LSW (Él), y he dedicado mi carrera a apoyar a poblaciones vulnerables e históricamente excluidas. Mi objetivo es encontrarte donde estés y, juntos, co-crear un espacio seguro que promueva el empoderamiento, la sanación y el liderazgo personal. Me siento profundamente agradecido y honrado de tener la oportunidad de acompañar a otras personas mientras se descubren a sí mismas y recorren su camino.

Soy un trabajador social clínico y terapeuta afrolatinx bilingüe (español) con licencia en el estado de Pensilvania, con formación en el Nivel 1 de IFS (Internal Family Systems), Reducción de Daños e Integración Psicodélica, y Psicoterapia Asistida con MDMA, Ketamina y Psilocibina. Elegí seguir una carrera como trabajador social y terapeuta después de varios años de trabajo en salud mental comunitaria en diversas funciones. Quería ofrecer atención culturalmente sensible a mi comunidad en Reading, PA. Tras graduarme, recibí una beca con la Oficina del Gobernador de Pensilvania, lo cual amplió mi trabajo hacia el ámbito de las políticas públicas y la regulación. Durante los últimos años, he trabajado a nivel de servicio directo, comunitario y sistémico tanto a nivel nacional como internacional, con el fin de hacer que tratamientos alternativos, innovadores y efectivos estén disponibles para comunidades históricamente excluidas. Este trabajo incluye la elaboración de políticas, investigación académica, alcance comunitario, formación y educación, y salud mental comunitaria.

Mi objetivo como terapeuta es co-crear un espacio seguro con mis clientes que responda a sus necesidades, y estar presente de una manera auténtica, compasiva y receptiva que les haga sentir seguros, valorados y apoyados. En mi trabajo, utilizo intervenciones basadas en evidencia de diversos enfoques terapéuticos para ofrecer acompañamiento único y holístico, que coloca a cada persona como experta de su propia experiencia.

Karelis Torres Cotto, MA, LAPC

Clinician

My name is Karelis Torres Cotto, and I am a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor dedicated to supporting vulnerable populations.

Mi nombre es Karelis Torres Cotto y soy Consejera Profesional Asociada Licenciada, dedicada a apoyar a poblaciones vulnerables.

Hello! My name is Karelis Torres Cotto and I am a bilingual mental health counselor from Puerto Rico, with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Messiah University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Puerto Rico. Helping others has always been central to my personal and professional life, and I’m deeply committed to advocating for individuals from all walks of life.

Throughout my work in Puerto Rico and Pennsylvania, I’ve supported people facing life transitions, emotional challenges, and barriers to care—especially in community-based settings. I believe that we are our most important life project, and that investing in ourselves through self-care, understanding, and empowerment allows us to live fulfilling lives aligned with our values.

My counseling style is eclectic and collaborative. I draw from a variety of therapeutic approaches to meet your unique needs, always with a holistic and flexible mindset. I’ll honor your lived experience and walk beside you as you become the expert of your own healing journey.

If you're seeking a safe, supportive space to grow and heal, I'm here to help. Reach out—I’d love to work with you.

¡Hola! Mi nombre es Karelis Torres Cotto y soy una consejera de salud mental bilingüe de Puerto Rico. Tengo una Maestría en Consejería Clínica de Salud Mental de Messiah University y un Bachillerato en Psicología de la Universidad de Puerto Rico. Ayudar a los demás siempre ha sido una parte central de mi vida personal y profesional, y estoy profundamente comprometida con abogar por personas de todos los contextos y trayectorias.

A lo largo de mi trabajo en Puerto Rico y Pensilvania, he acompañado a personas que enfrentan transiciones de vida, desafíos emocionales y barreras en el acceso a servicios, especialmente en contextos comunitarios. Creo firmemente que somos nuestro proyecto de vida más importante, y que invertir en nosotros mismos a través del autocuidado, el entendimiento y el empoderamiento nos permite vivir una vida plena y alineada con nuestros valores.

Mi estilo de consejería es ecléctico y colaborativo. Utilizo diferentes enfoques terapéuticos para adaptarme a tus necesidades individuales, siempre con una mentalidad holística y flexible. Honraré tu experiencia de vida y caminaré a tu lado mientras te conviertes en la experta o el experto de tu propio proceso de sanación.

Si estás buscando un espacio seguro y de apoyo para crecer y sanar, estoy aquí para ayudarte. No dudes en comunicarte—sería un honor trabajar contigo.