Elizabeth Jenkins, LCSW graduated from Virginia Tech, with a Bachelor's degree in psychology and sociology. She earned her Master's degree in clinical social work from Virginia Commonwealth University. Elizabeth ls licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia as a Clinical Social Worker, and has been in private practice for more than 30 years. She has also obtained certification as an Addictions Specialist and a Cognitive Behavioral Specialist. Elizabeth grew up in Lynchburg, and has worked as a mental health professional throughout her career. Elizabeth is certified to provide supervision for license-eligible clinical social workers and counselors. She is the Mental Health Consultant for Virginia Episcopal School, and has a special interest in traumatic brain injury recovery. Elizabeth has provided numerous seminars and presentations in the areas of mental health and substance abuse. Elizabeth has been married for 30+ years and has two young adult children. She enjoys reading, American history, and involvement with her church. Elizabeth volunteers with Beacon of Hope, and is a coordinator of Social Workers of Central Virginia.

Melisa Stone, LPC graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University, with a Bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation. She earned her Master of Education degree in agency counseling from Lynchburg College. Melisa is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor. She was employed by Centra Health for 21 years and has experience working on the child/adolescent and adult psychiatric units, acute rehabilitation, skilled nursing and acute care units, and adult daycare. She had 15 years of experience at Pathways Treatment Center working with chemically dependent adults and their families. Melisa has received certification to provide clinical supervision to license-eligible counselors. She has provided numerous presentations and articles for regional publications regarding addiction and its impact. Melisa enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, reading, scrapbooking, traveling, and involvement in her church.

Kathy Kilcher, LPC was a co-founder of James River Counseling Center in 1987. She retired from the practice on May 31, 2019 . Her records will remain at the practice. If copies of records are needed, please make a request by contacting our office manager.

Melissa Wilmer is our full-time office manager. She joined our practice in 2014. Melissa is very skilled in working with insurance companies and helping clients understand and access their health insurance benefits. She is available to help our clients schedule appointments and answer any questions related to the business area of our practice. Melissa is a warm and personable presence in our office, and does an excellent job in helping our clients feel comfortable seeking counseling services.

Alayna Roman-Bates: (she/her) is an intern here at JRCC. She is a graduate student at the University of Lynchburg acquiring her M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is on the LPC track. She received her B.S. in Developmental Psychology at Liberty University in 2021 and worked in the mental health profession as a behavior technician in a school for children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder upon graduation. 

Her educational background includes an emphasis on working with LGBTQ+ clients and those who have experienced religious trauma. Other issues that she addresses in counseling include, but are not limited to: religious transitions, life transitions, stress management, grief and loss, communication difficulties, depression, and anxiety. She believes that the greatest outcome of counseling happens when the counselor and client are authentically themselves. Counseling is a safe space where clients can explore themselves without fear of judgment, and the client and counselor come together to work toward achieving the goals of therapy that they set forth. Alayna believes in taking a humanistic approach to counseling in order to help best meet the needs of each client. She also believes that counseling is a process where she and her clients can use their strengths and awareness to help better their lives.

In her free time, she enjoys weightlifting, hiking, cooking, music, spending time with friends, or going on a new adventure. She also loves curling up with a nice cup of tea, a blanket, and a good movie. 

Kathryn Toney: she is also an intern here at JRCC.  She is a graduated from Radford University, with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. She is currently working to earn her Master’s degree in clinical social work from the University of Tennessee’s online program. Within her Graduate program, Kathryn is also receiving training on the knowledge and practical experience needed to provide trauma informed care and responsive interventions. She is in her last year of the program and will be graduating in May. She plans to continue on to receive her licensure as a Clinical Social Worker. In her free time, Kathryn enjoys spending time with family, reading, walking, and traveling.