Community Wellness Partners of NC Professionals
If you'd like to schedule an appointment please call 704.284.0554
Marie Franklin M.A., LCMHC, NCC
Clinical Director
Marie Franklin is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and is the Clinical Director of Community Wellness Partners of NC. She completed her undergraduate studies at Appalachian State University and obtained her Masters of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from Gardner-Webb University. Marie is also a National Certified Counselor. Marie has worked with individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, psychosis, substance use, anger management, grief and has worked in couples therapy. Marie has worked with a range of ages from children to adults and various ethnicities and sexual orientations. Marie’s theoretical approach to counseling is focused mainly around Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which focuses on thought patterns and behaviors linked to those thoughts. Some techniques that Marie uses most often are: Negative thought blocking, Re-framing irrational thoughts, focus on self-awareness, and mindfulness. When asked why she wanted to become a counselor Marie stated, “It wasn’t a matter of want, it was a calling. I felt called to help individuals by providing them with empathy, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard, which is the cornerstone of counseling.”
Executive Director
Fran Waters is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor who works with individuals and families. As counselor, Fran has a special interest in helping adults and adolescents with depression, anxiety, personal growth, and family issues. She has also worked with couples experiencing marital difficulties. Her general counseling approach is integrated, utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. She uses inventories, scaling, and decision balance exercises. Fran believes that therapy should target the whole person; psychological, physical, social and spiritual. She holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University.
When Fran is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family and miniature schnauzer. She is mother to four grown daughters and was blessed with a bonus adult son in her recent marriage. She is dedicated to her family, husband and their fur baby, Paisley. Fran enjoys binge watching documentaries, crafting, cooking and painting.
In 2015, founder Michele Blackman established the Shelby Wellness & Therapy Center in response to a growing need within the community. As part of its ongoing commitment to service, the center offers educational and support groups, as well as affordable counseling for individuals without insurance.
Although Michele is no longer seeing clients, she remains central to the mission of Community Wellness Partners of NC. Our team is dedicated to carrying forward the important work she began.
I am a licensed clinical mental health counselor specializing in treating depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, and complex trauma. My background studying biblical theology left me with a call to walk alongside those suffering with broken hearts and troubled minds. I work with individuals to explore current challenges by looking at the origin of negative thoughts and feelings. Our beliefs about ourselves and the world is determined by our past experiences. As a professional helper I help clients gain the courage to reflect on unhelpful beliefs and begin to challenge them while learning to implement more helpful ways of thinking and being. It is my privilege to partner with you on your journey to hope and healing. Call us at 704-284-0554 to schedule an appointment today!
Be blessed,
Gabrielle Montez
I earned my master's degree from East Carolina University in 2023 and am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA), Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist-Associate (LCASA), and National Board-Certified Counselor (NCC). I work with teenagers, couples, and adults aged 13 and older. I use a holistic approach incorporating therapeutic techniques such as person-centered therapy, mindfulness-based, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and acceptance and commitment therapy. I have experience working with clients who are experiencing different mental health issues, marital problems, substance/alcohol use, life transitions, and chronic health issues that are affecting mental well-being. My goal is to create a secure, judgment-free space for clients to feel comfortable taking risks to achieve their goals. I currently offer virtual sessions only.
In my free time, I enjoy watching comedy shows, cooking, spending time with my partner and his pets, and traveling, especially visiting family in my home country in Africa.
To schedule an appointment, please call 704-284-0554 or email me at [email protected]. I look forward to working with you!
Have you ever wished you could talk to someone about what’s on your mind—without fear of judgment? My goal is to offer that kind of space: a place where you can feel heard, supported, and understood while you work through life’s challenges.
I’m passionate about helping people strengthen their mental and emotional well-being. My work focuses on guiding individuals through the effects of trauma, stress, anxiety, and depression, and creating a safe environment where healing and growth can take root.
Over the past five years, I’ve supported clients from childhood through late adulthood as they’ve faced grief, addiction, and other complex life experiences. It’s been a privilege to work with people from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds and sexual orientations, and I deeply respect the unique story each person carries.
My background is boy mom, EMS and volunteering for various things. I have 2 teenage boys that I spend much of my time with. Being outdoors as much as possible is vital to me and I have done walking therapy sessions if that’s your thing! I also have two dogs and love a good weekend adventure on the trails 
I believe we all have an innate capacity to heal. Together, we can uncover your strengths and chart a path toward resilience, renewal, and lasting change.
To schedule an appointment email at [email protected] or call 704-284-0554.
Anna Boykova, LCMHC
Do you feel like something isn’t working in your life? Or perhaps you’re seeking greater sense of purpose and fulfillment? I’m here to help! Let’s work together to discover the root of the issue, uncover your strengths, problem solve, and develop effective skills & strategies for overcoming the hardship. My goal is to help you feel and function better, so you can spend less time feeling overwhelmed and more time enjoying your daily experiences, relationships, and internal mindset.
My areas of expertise include anxiety and depression, stress and trauma, focus issues and ADHD, increasing self-esteem, motivation, and purpose. I also have extensive experience working with bipolar, schizophrenia spectrum, personality disorders, and PTSD diagnoses.
I tailor my therapy style to your specific issues and goals by integrating: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and internal family systems (IFS), and eye movement & desensitization reprocessing (EMDR).
I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) with 8 years of experience. I work with all populations ages 16 and up, both in person and virtually. Reach out to our office, I’d love to connect with you and hear your story.
To schedule an appointment please contact the office at 704-284-0554 or email at [email protected] 
I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHC-A) in North Carolina. I earned my Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University and hold a Bachelor of Science in Human Services from Gardner-Webb University.
I work with all populations but primarily specialize in supporting Black and Brown men, women, and children who are carrying the often-unspoken emotional weight of identity, family expectations, faith, and systemic injustice. My clinical focus includes anxiety, depression, grief, masculinity, substance use, and generational trauma. I approach therapy through a culturally responsive, person-centered lens, integrating techniques from Reality Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
My goal is to create a safe and affirming space where clients can be heard, challenged, and empowered to heal on their own terms. I believe in the power of storytelling, cultural reflection, and honest dialogue to bring about meaningful change.
Outside the therapy room, I enjoy writing, working on creative projects, and spending time with my wife and family. I am passionate about creating spaces where healing feels like home.
To schedule an appointment, please call 704-284-0554 or email [email protected]. I look forward to walking alongside you on your healing journey
My name is Madeline Wray, LCMHCA. I am a licensed clinical mental health counselor associate with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University and a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Gardner-Webb University. I provide counseling to individuals across the lifespan and have a particular passion for working with children, neurodivergent clients, and those navigating anxiety, depression, or life transitions.
As an autistic therapist, I bring both professional training and lived experience to my work. I strive to create a space where clients feel safe, understood, and free to show up as their full selves, without the pressure to mask or explain their way of being. My approach is person-centered, creative, and flexible. Therapy with me may include talk, play, or expressive arts techniques, depending on what best supports your unique needs and goals. Outside of my work as a counselor, I have been married to my husband for five years. In our free time, we enjoy baking, gaming, and crocheting together.
If you are seeking a warm and affirming environment to explore healing and self-discovery, I would be honored to connect with you. Please call the office at 704-284-0554 or email [email protected] to schedule an appointment.
Navigating life can be difficult. When you add the complexities of understanding who you are and finding direction, it can quickly feel overwhelming. Many people face challenges with their mental and emotional health, along with the pressures of life and relationships, and may struggle to find clarity or relief. There is hope. You can learn to navigate these challenges, discover new directions, and feel empowered in the face of life’s complexities.
I bring over 25 years of experience working with individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds, helping them find meaning and direction in their lives. Over the past six years, I have applied this experience in a professional counseling setting. I earned my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University.
My therapeutic approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Solution-Focused Therapy, mindfulness practices, Narrative Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). Together, we create a person-centered approach tailored to your unique needs and goals.
I am committed to offering unconditional positive regard and creating a safe, supportive environment where you can explore, grow, and move toward the life you want. To schedule an appointment call 704-284-0554 or email [email protected]
Christin Napier, Gardner Webb-University Intern
I am an intern currently pursuing my master's degree in clinical mental health counseling at Gardner-Webb University. I am also working on a concentration in marriage and family Therapy.
I am passionate about supporting individuals, couples, and families as they navigate life’s challenges and transitions. My approach is grounded in empathy, collaboration, and respect for each person’s unique story. I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard and empowered to explore their experiences and work toward meaningful change.
As an intern, I work under the supervision of licensed professionals who support my development and ensure that I provide high-quality care.
Thank you for considering me as part of your journey toward healing and growth. I look forward to walking alongside you.
To schedule an appointment please call 704-284-0554 or email [email protected]
I am currently pursuing my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Gardner-Webb University. As a counseling intern, I work with individuals from all walks of life, facing a variety of life challenges, offering a supportive and nonjudgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, or goals.
I believe meaningful change begins with feeling heard and understood. Whether you are navigating stress, life transitions, relationship concerns, or seeking personal growth, counseling can provide insight, and practical coping strategies, that everyone can benefit from.
As an intern, I work under the supervision of licensed professionals who support my development and ensure that I provide high-quality care
Thank you for considering me as part of your journey towards a better you. I look forward to supporting you as we move together toward growth and lasting change.
To schedule an appointment:
Call: 704-284-0554
Email: [email protected]