Our Team
April Towell, LCSW, Owner
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker that helps people who have a vision of where they want to go but are stuck and unable to turn the next page of their lives. I most enjoy working with clients that have a desire to make the changes necessary for transformation. I enjoy empowering my clients towards a greater self-confidence and learning skills that help reduce their symptoms and struggles.
“After years of assisting others reach their goals, advocating for their needs and actively listening to their stories, I realized early on I have a great respect and admiration for my clients. I would feel honored to be a part of your healing and growth, adding another chapter to your life story.”
Josh Everett, LCSW, Clinical Supervisor
I am here at Open Book Wellness Center as a registered play therapist and internationally certified sand-tray therapist. I grew up right here in Paragould. Both of my parents worked in mental health growing up, so I have been around it for a long time. I played baseball at Ouachita Baptist University where I also received my bachelor’s degree in psychology. I loved psychology enough I decided to stay in the field and pursue a master’s degree in social work. I have been in this field for 8 years now and have enjoyed the precious journeys I get to go on with my clients. I have a beautiful wife, Kayla, who is always supporting me in everything I do, along with 3 wild children, Knox, Nash, and Nora.
I find that in therapy we are often times learning together how to live a life that can be full of enjoyment; after all we know that life is not a destination, but rather a direction that we choose to go in. The people who walk through my door, do not come in because they are doing well in life, but enter because they feel defeated, broken, or let down. My therapy focuses around the whole bodied person, and what that must include is not only a mental health component but also a spiritual, and physical component to become your best self. I specialize in children, but I enjoy working with teenagers through geriatrics to help everyone with their specific needs.
Virginia Willis, LCSW
Virginia is a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, Credentialed Sand-tray Therapist and has completed training for Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. We've all known and loved Virginia for a long time and are thrilled to have her come on board.
Emalee Scott, LMSW
I am a Licensed Master Social Worker that enjoys meeting clients where they are at. Many of us have become disconnected from ourselves and others as a result of the hardships or traumas that we have experienced in life. I focus on helping others reconnect with themselves, growing in clarity, self-compassion, confidence, courage, calmness, and cultivating a more purposeful life. I strive to provide a safe environment, free of shame or judgement that allows my clients to feel comfortable and proud of showing up exactly as they are. Brene Brown says it well, “Shame corrodes the very part of us that believes we are capable of change. If we can share our story with someone who responds with empathy and understanding, shame can’t survive.”
Jane Pitcher, LCSW, JSOTS, TF-CBT
Courtney Floyd, PA-C
Ashlie Williams, Psychologist
“You have the power to influence and change the lives of everyone you share your world with, it is your choice to use words that inspire and build or destroy and tear down.”
-Roxanne Parks
Hello! My name is Ashlie Williams and I am a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of Arkansas. I have over 11 years of experience working with clients from ages 4 years and up coming from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and races. I earned my master’s degree in route to my doctorate degree in clinical psychology from the SchooI of Professional Psychology at Forest Institute. I hold a certificate of specialization in child and adolescent therapy.
My therapy style rests on a foundation of client centered approaches through which the client is defined as the expert on self. From there, I am as eclectic as it gets, pulling tools and interventions from a wide variety of therapy approaches based on unique client needs including CBT, DBT, ACT, ERP, Interpersonal, and Brief Solution Focused therapy.
My confidence as a clinician comes from the realization that I will never have all of the answers, yet I am dedicated to a lifetime of learning as I join with my clients on their journey of self-discovery and healing. Whether you are needing short-term support to get through a challenging transition or life phase or are in need of more intensive, long-term therapy, I would love to meet with you to see if I can help.
My hope is to assist clients with finding lasting solutions rather than temporary fixes.
* A note to parents… being a parent, can be one of the most rewarding, challenging, and humbling experiences of a person’s life. When you bring your child to therapy, it is my goal to provide both you and your child with as much relief, support, and quality information as possible. You as a parent will have an active role in your child’s therapy and be expected to implement recommendations and participate in regular family sessions. In order for meaningful and lasting change to take place, you must be invested in the therapy process along with your child.
Issues and/or Diagnoses treated
Behavioral issues
Attachment issues
Emotional dysregulation
Adjustment disorders
ADHD
Inappropriate expressions of anger
Relationship issues
Grief/loss
Major depressive disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder
Social phobia and other phobias
Bipolar disorder
PTSD
Schizophrenia
Schizoaffective disorder
Personality disorders
Becky Palma, Administrator
Joining the Open Book Wellness team as a secretary in June has been a blessing. I have always been a people person so I love the interaction with the clients and therapist. Having a healthy mind is the beginning of healing, it is wonderful to be able to see that happening every day. Every therapist in the office has the same goal in common, to help people navigate through life. I love to be a part of this team
Kayla Everett, Administrator
I am a proud member of the administrative team at Open Book Wellness Center, where I support the mission of helping others thrive. Outside of work, my world revolves around my amazing family. I have three wonderful children whose activities and achievements bring me endless joy, and I adore spending time with my husband, who is my greatest partner in life. Family time is my favorite, whether it’s cheering at my kids’ events or simply creating memories together. Life is full and fulfilling, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
