Our Team

Amanda Colantonio

I am glad you decided to take the first step towards improving your mental well-being.  We all go through unique life experiences that can be difficult to navigate alone. I’m dedicated to helping individuals learn to cope with day-to-day challenges to improve their quality of life. I utilize an eclectic therapy model which allows the most effective practices available to address each client’s individual needs.

Background:

I spent 40 years living on the coast of South Carolina in the beautiful town of Beaufort; a wonderful employment opportunity brought me to Greenville, SC in 2015. During my free time, I love to travel and spend quality time with family and friends.

Education:

• University of South Carolina, Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education
• University of South Carolina, Master’s Degree in Social Work

Professional Experience:

I have worked in a variety of settings with diverse populations. My experience includes working in school systems with children experiencing behavioral challenges, in shelters with women and children experiencing domestic violence, in a community mental health center as a patient advocate and an on-call crisis counselor. Additionally, I have provided crisis intervention and support to patients in hospital emergency departments and with Veterans who are struggling with an array of issues to include – depression, domestic violence, family illness or family dysfunction, homelessness, PTSD, psychosis, substance abuse, and trauma.

Amanda Hood

“Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start.” – Nibo R Qubein

My commitment as a therapist is to work collaboratively with each client to help secure a comfortable and confidential space, where we can create real life changes through identifying the most cohesive and effective treatment strategies to address their own unique and individual needs. As we go through life, we often develop patterns, coping techniques and defense mechanisms to help navigate our own life circumstances. I seek to help clients recognize the strengths in the adaptive skills that they have already built, as well as to learn new tools and methods to address any patterns that no longer serve them well.

Life challenges can become so hectic at times that people often just don’t know what to do next. I have found that so many people these days report feeling overwhelmed, which can lead to feelings such as irritability, being frozen or just stuck. Because the physical symptoms that often accompany issues related to stress, anxiety or depression have not been generally discussed or really understood, so many people are left feeling isolated. One of the most important decisions in the therapeutic process is the choice to schedule the first appointment, allowing you to be able to take the time needed to learn new tools, resources and strategies that will help you on your path to healing and experiencing real life change.

Background:

I am a native of the Upstate of South Carolina and have a passion for not only working with people towards creating positive changes, but also through advocacy and working with our canine friends in need. As I seek to try to learn something new every day, I have found that the lessons learned from my experiences working with animals, such as dogs and horses, are truly invaluable.

Education:

• Coastal Carolina University, Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
• University of South Carolina College of Social Work, Master of Social Work
• State of South Carolina LISW-CP approved Supervisor

Professional Experience:

I have been given opportunities to work in many diverse, yet specialized practice roles and settings prior to developing my own practice with Pettigru Counseling Associates, in 2008. These experiences include working in a specialized Child Sexual Abuse unit, within the Department of Social Services to ensure treatment and safety planning, as well as working in public mental health settings, providing therapy to children and adolescents. I have served as a liaison, working with families involved with the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Department of Social Services, Family Court and the school systems. I’ve had an opportunity to work with the National Health Service Corps, a federal program designed to provide treatment to teenagers and their families living in areas where there is a critical need for mental health providers.

Alyssa Livanos

Life is often unpredictable and challenging; I believe that we all do the best we can with what we have at the time. Sometimes, the survival mechanisms and belief systems that protect us in childhood or in a challenging season of life no longer serve us well. My passion as a therapist is to help my clients recognize their self-worth and reclaim their authentic selves. I work from a client centered and trauma focused perspective that allows me to use my skills for each client, uniquely. I enjoy working with clients ages 8 and up. I will work with clients younger than 8 with parent involvement for behavioral and emotional challenges.

Education:

• North Greenville University, Bachelor’s of Science
• University of Denver, Master’s in Clinical Psychology

Professional Experience:

I have had the opportunity to work in a variety of diverse settings; including, working with refugee populations, providing developmental trauma consultation internationally, working in a psychiatric residential treatment facility (PRTF) for teens, behavioral center, community mental health center, and a domestic violence center.

Ari Livanos

Welcome! I understand that it can be uncomfortable to reach out to someone you don’t know, with the expectation of sharing your story. I strive to create a supportive and nonjudgmental space in order to foster a safe environment for growth. I use an interpersonal approach to work to understand “how did we get here?” and “how can you get to where you want to go?” I hold the belief that all individuals have the inner resources to move towards wholeness, and growth is what happens when we are able to connect to those inner resources. I enjoy working with clients from all walks of life, experiencing a variety of challenges.

Education:

• University of North Carolina at Asheville, Bachelor of Science
• University of Denver, Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Professional Experience:

Prior to working with Pettigru, I worked at a therapeutic wilderness program for teens and an organization that worked with young adults experiencing homelessness. I also have experience specifically with addictions/substance use and with older adults in assisted living.

Katherine Loaiza

We’re all woven into an intricate web of connections—relationships with family, friends, and community that sustain us. If you’re looking to strengthen these bonds, whether with your spouse, family, or community, I’m here to help. Issues like infidelity, infertility, in-law conflicts, and blended family challenges can create holes in this web. Addressing these gaps early can enhance our relational ecosystem and boost our overall fulfillment. Let’s work together to mend these connections and build a more supportive network in your life.

I specialize in a systems approach to therapy, seeing couples, families, and individuals as interconnected parts of a greater whole. I’m training in Emotion-Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) and also use Solution-Focused and Attachment-Based methods, providing a holistic and supportive experience tailored to your needs.

Having been born in Latin America, I understand the stigma surrounding professional help. Remember, you are not alone. You don’t have to face these challenges by yourself. Even if you’re unsure of what you need, we can work together to find greater clarity, joy, and fulfillment in your life.

Education:

• Rutgers University, Bachelors in Biological Science and Minor in English Literature.
• Messiah University, Masters of Counseling in Marriage, Couples and Families.

Professional Experience:

I have several years of experience in the mental health field as a case manager in underserved communities in New Jersey, where I provided essential support and resources to individuals facing socioeconomic challenges. My work has included engaging with immigrant populations and addressing first-generation issues. I offer services in both English and Spanish, and I aspire to support the Latino community as a couple’s therapist.

Molly C. Melton

Hi there! Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me. Whether you are brand new to therapy, starting therapy again, or looking for a better fit, I am happy to help you reach your personal goals. I strive to build on strengths you already have and help you discover strengths you didn’t know you had. It has been an honor over the years to be able to work together with families to help strengthen their family bonds, communication, and relationships. I enjoy working with children (4-12 yrs. old), adults, and families!

Education:

• Winthrop University, Bachelor’s in Psychology
• Clemson University, Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (go tigers!)

Professional Experience:

I have lived in the upstate my whole life and love it here! I am a licensed professional counselor and have been in the counseling field for over 6 years. I have experience working in the school setting and in private practice.

Natasha Patino

“Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly.”

Hope is something I often hold for my clients, until they can hold it themselves. I work to foster independence in a supportive and co-created environment, allowing space (or the opportunity) for clients to find the hope they are looking for. My passion as a therapist is to be a team with my clients. I use a client-centered approach, where I empower my clients to have a voice while I guide them on their journey.

My approach to therapy is that I can be very direct yet work hard to do it in a respectful way. No matter what you are going through in your life, you are already looking for help, and that is already a major step. I am hopeful that you can find the therapist that best fits your needs to help you meet your goals and reduce your distress.

As far as my personal background, my mother is Puerto Rican, and my father is Colombian.   I was born in Lowell, Massachusetts but was raised here in Greenville.   My interests include running, hiking, reading, coffee, traveling, board games, and just spending time with my husband, my yorkie, family, and friends.

Education:

• University of South Carolina (Columbia), Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Criminal Justice
• Webster University, Master’s in Professional Mental Health Counseling

Professional Experience

I have been working in the mental health field since 2008, and have had the opportunity to work in a variety of settings including:  school-based services, intensive in-home services, intensive family services, community mental health centers, working with immigrant populations, and in private practice.  I have also been able to collaborate and work alongside various agencies to serve our community including Safe Harbor (domestic violence center), Julie Valentine Center (local rape crisis center), local police enforcement, Switch (Human Trafficking Prevention), and more.

Please visit my website at natashapatino.com for more information.
Para obtener más información en español, visite mi sitio web en natashapatino.com

Meg Rigamonti

“The human tendency is to withhold or protect; yet the fruit of growth comes when you let others inside… Do not wait for change to happen, take the initiative to face what you have been afraid to know.” -Cloud & Townsend

You’re doing it!  You’re starting a journey of growth that takes a lot of courage, and I am proud of you.  It may not feel like you’ve done much yet, but this part, making the call and showing up, is the hardest step, and you’re doing it!  There are a lot of questions that we all ask ourselves from deep within, no matter what is happening around us in life: Who am I? What is my purpose? Am I even doing this right?  Why do I feel this way??  Is it worth it?  We can get overwhelmed by these questions and all that life contains.   It’s… a lot.

As a therapist my job is to come alongside you on this journey, to listen but also to ask questions to help you explore what’s going on, and make connections that help you see a solution to improve your patterns and connections with others.

Together we will approach the therapeutic process in three distinct phases.  The first phase of therapy is sorting through compound emotions so that you feel more control over your body, can communicate even while feeling triggered, and can establish healthier boundaries with the people around you.  The second phase is untangling the deception of negative core beliefs and moving towards more adaptive beliefs about yourself.  This phase may also include trauma processing, but for everyone this phase is to help clients move past stuck-points in their journey (Haven’t we passed this tree before??).  The third phase of therapy is developing new adaptive beliefs, exploring the authentic self, maintaining healthy boundaries, and helping support you as you maintain the gains you have made in therapy.

Education:

• North Greenville University, BA in Christian Studies
• Columbia International University, MA in Clinical Counseling

Professional Experience:

• Internship at the SC Department of Corrections Women’s Facility
• Therapist and Supervisor at the SCDMH, Greenville Mental Health Center
• Private Practice Therapist at Pettigru Counseling Associates

Samantha Rousey

“The one who plants trees, knowing that he will never sit in their shade, has at least started to understand the meaning of life.” ― Rabindranath Tagore

As a counselor I like to accompany my clients on their journey through life and serve as a compass. Much like my quote above, I believe in planting seeds and nurturing my clients so that they can be the best and healthiest versions of their authentic selves. Throughout the therapeutic experience we will build autonomy, explore wants and needs, explore boundaries, reveal undesired behavior patterns, and sustain change. Ultimately, my hope is that you leave your experience with me as a healthier version of yourself. I would be honored to hear your story and share in this experience with you.

 Education:

• Columbia College, Bachelors in Psychology
• Converse College, Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy

Professional Experience:

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Certified Addictions Counselor in the state of South Carolina. I have been a counselor since 2008, and enjoy working with adolescents, families, couples, and individuals with various psychiatric and/or substance use issues. I have experience working within home settings, Community Mental Health Centers, Greenville County Schools, Greenville Health Systems, Private Substance Use Treatment Centers, and Psychiatric Hospitals.

Alexa Wilton

Opening up to a stranger and processing the most vulnerable parts of yourself can feel scary. I’m committed to helping you feel safe, seen, and hopeful. Many of the clients I work with have experienced traumatic or stressful life events and struggle with feelings of deep shame or worry.

Whether you’re the parent of a child or teen who has experienced trauma or abuse, a college student struggling with self-doubt and perfectionism, or a young adult who wants to live in the present but feels stuck in the past, my hope is that through our time together you’ll find healing and the tools you need to create the meaningful life you deserve.

As a provider of empathetic and evidenced-based therapy, I would be honored to have the privilege of working with you— at your pace and on your timeline.

I’m a Licensed Independent Social Worker – Clinical Practice and practice from a strength-based, client-centered and trauma-focused perspective using an eclectic therapy model. I’m trained in Trauma Focused-CBT, EMDR, Cognitive Processing Therapy and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy.

Outside of work, you’ll find me taking trips with my sister, hosting dinner parties, spending time with my niece, reading a good book and walking in my neighborhood.

Professional Experience

I graduated from Furman University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology before attending the University of South Carolina School of Social Work where I received a Master of Social Work. I am a Licensed Master of Social Work – Clinical Practice.

I have had the opportunity to work in a variety of settings including a local community mental health center, pediatric outpatient centers, Child Protective Services, a Child Advocacy and Sexual Violence Center and a mental health and behavioral therapy center.