Defying Limitations, Creating New Experiences and Leading by Example
“ Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus”
Phillipians 3: 13-14 ESV
Meet the Team
Natalie Samuels, MA, LCMHC, LPC
Natalie is not currently accepting new clients. She is the founder of Upward Call Counseling PLLC and both practice owner and therapist. Natalie, is dedicated to helping you reach your goals and reach your full potential. As a Christian Counselor and Life Strategist, her unique approach combines a deep understanding of Christian principles with practical strategies and tools to help empower her clients to make positive changes in their lives. She is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment in which you can explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences. Her goal is to partner with the Holy Spirit to help you find the courage and strength to become your best self. She also provides traditional counseling options for those that do not want Christian-based counseling. She is rooting for you every step of the way and look forward to partnering with you on your journey of growth and transformation.
ELIANA DE LA ROSA, LCSWA
Eliana (Ellie) is currently accepting new clients! Click here to schedule. She is a dedicated therapist passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and achieve healing, growth, and self-discovery. She specializes in anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship conflicts, working with both individuals and couples. Ellie believes in everyone’s potential for positive change.
She holds a BSW and MSW from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and a Bachelor of Theology from Universidad Nuestro Pacto Internacional. Ellie is also fluent in Spanish.
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In addition to her clinical work, Ellie serves as a local youth pastor, working with children (ages 6+), adolescents, young adults, and married couples. She integrates biblical principles into counseling for individuals who seek a faith-based approach to mental health. From a clinical perspective, she believes incorporating a client’s spiritual beliefs can enhance coping strategies, providing comfort, resilience, and a sense of hope and meaning—crucial in overcoming depression, anxiety, and trauma. Biblical teachings also emphasize forgiveness, grace, and healing, which can be powerful tools for reconciliation, processing past hurts, resolving relationship conflicts, and fostering self-acceptance. She also believes a faith-based approach can reinforce an individual’s sense of identity and intrinsic value, helping to counter negative thought patterns and promote self-compassion.
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Ellie takes a holistic, client-centered approach, integrating evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Trauma-Informed Care, tailoring treatment to each client's unique needs. She emphasizes the importance of a strong therapeutic relationship, providing a safe and supportive space for clients to explore their thoughts and emotions. Whether addressing past trauma, relationship difficulties, or personal growth, she is committed to guiding clients toward a more fulfilling life.
AMBER DILLARD, LCSW
Amber is currently accepting new clients! Click here to schedule. She earned a Master of Social Work from East Carolina University in 2002 and is an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker). She enjoys meeting with clients of various ages and backgrounds. She has worked primarily with older children and adults providing individual, family, couples counseling and Christian Counseling. Amber has worked with those struggling with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, adjusting to life challenges and stressors, as well as other emotional, relational and spiritual issues.
Amber is trained in both EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and TF-CBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy).
Grayce Bunch, LCSWA
Grayce is currently accepting new clients! Click here to schedule. She tailors her approach to therapy to meet each client where they are in their unique journey, incorporating evidence-based practices such as mindfulness, CBT, somatic experiencing, and elements of EMDR, along with Christian counseling for those seeking faith-based support.
Specializing in working with children and families, Grayce also welcomes clients of all ages and backgrounds. As a U.S. Navy veteran and someone who has personally navigated grief, loss, and family challenges, she brings empathy, authenticity, and a client-centered focus to the therapeutic process. Clients often describe Grayce as approachable and compassionate, creating a safe, supportive space for healing, self-discovery, and spiritual growth. Serving clients across North Carolina via telehealth, Grayce is dedicated to helping individuals achieve emotional wellness, resilience, and a deeper sense of peace.
Bushra Ebneof, MS, LCSWA
Bushra is currently accepting new clients! Click here to schedule. He holds a BA in Sociology, an MBA from Saint Leo University, and a Master’s in Social Work from USC. He served five years in the U.S. Army and speaks Sudanese Arabic.
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Bushra has extensive experience working with clients facing challenges such as anxiety, anger management, PTSD, depression, substance use disorder, sleep disorders, military-related concerns, low self-esteem, and other trauma-related issues. He also specializes in supporting the veteran community and their families, helping them navigate the unique challenges they may face.
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Bushra believes that therapy can be life-changing, especially during a crisis, Bushra views therapy as a collaborative process where you, the client, are the expert. Together, you’ll work to develop coping skills and solutions that are tailored to your specific needs.
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Bushra creates a relaxed and affirming environment in his sessions, where clients can openly discuss their concerns. He listens to feedback and adjusts treatment based on what works for each individual. Utilizing various therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Play Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Mindfulness, Bushra works with clients as a team to equip them with the tools needed to create positive, meaningful change in their lives.
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Katie Smart MA, LCMHCA, NCC
Katie is currently accepting new clients! Click here to schedule. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in North Carolina. She has experience working with clients in day-treatment and private-practice settings. She graduated in December 2022 with a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from UNC Pembroke.
Katie approaches each client uniquely utilizing an integrative approach using cognitive behavioral, person-centered, and mindfulness-based therapies. She specializes in working with children, adolescents, and young adults who are dealing with mental health conditions associated with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and life-transitions. Her main goal is to approach clients with empathy while providing a calm environment for her clients to grow in.
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Katie is passionate about combining Christian principles with a strong counseling foundation. Romans 12:2 says, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Katie wants to provide a safe space for you to challenge your old ways of thinking to find healing and joy. She also provides traditional counseling options for those that do not want Christian-based counseling.
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Janelle Stitt, MSN FNP-C, PMHNP-BC
Janelle is currently accepting new clients! Click here to schedule. She is a dual licensed, Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, providing medication evaluations and medication management. Janelle received her Associates in Nursing from Carolinas College of Health Sciences, Bachelors in Nursing from Winston Salem State University, Masters In Nursing with Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration from Simmons College and her Masters in Nursing with Psychiatric Mental health Nurse Practitioner concentration from Maryville University. Janelle will start her Doctorate in Nursing Practice Studies in January 2025.
Janelle is dedicated to serving others and follows the teachings of Jesus Christ. She employs a Faith-Based Integrative approach to healing the mind, body, and spirit, utilizing prayer, the Word of God, and practical resources like medications, supplements, and lifestyle changes.
Janelle has extensive experience in treating patients ages 5 and up and managing all Mental Health diagnoses, including Autism, Intellectual Disabilities, Trauma, Domestic Violence and Substance Use Disorders. Janelle also has experience in Primary Care and managing chronic diseases such as High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Obesity and High Cholesterol.
Janelle resides in Charlotte, NC with her husband and is blessed with 5 children and 1 grandson. Janelle loves to worship the Living God, travel, food, shopping and learning new things.
Cherish Fields, MSW, LCSWA
Cherish is not currently accepting new clients! She is a dedicated licensed clinical social worker associate ready to embark on a journey with you. As you navigate life's hills and valleys, Cherish offers a compassionate and listening ear to confide in. With Cherish there is no judgment—only understanding and acceptance. She believes in the power of creating a safe space where you can freely explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. With a personalized approach tailored to your unique needs, Cherish collaborates with you to craft a treatment plan that resonates with your goals. Specializing in areas such as trauma, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and family issues, she integrates mindfulness practices, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and solution-focused modalities to provide evidence-based interventions that propel you forward.
Cherish’s mission is simple yet profound: to empower you to tap into your inner strength and resilience through the lens of faith. Grounded in faith-based principles and the belief that we are all uniquely created with a purpose, she sees her role as unlocking the potential within you for growth and lasting generational impact. Inspired by Romans 5:2-5. Cherish embraces the power of faith to navigate challenges and facilitate healing.
Whether you're seeking support for yourself, your relationship, or your family, Cherish is here to walk alongside you, offering guidance and hope as you navigate life's challenges with faith as an anchor. She invites you to take a courageous step toward healing and growth.
Kyoko Funabashi, M.Ed., CTP, NCC, LCMHCA
Kyoko is currently accepting new clients! Click here to schedule. She is passionate about working with individuals who are experiencing stress, depression, trauma, transitional life issues, low self-esteem, and other emotional barriers. Kyoko’s primary approach to counseling is an integration of Christian principles, along with solution-focused, mindfulness-based, and cognitive-behavioral therapies. This integrative counseling approach strives to bring balance, mindful awareness, and a genuine and empathic relationship with her clients. This process is collaborative effort between the therapist and clients, identifying what initial changes one could work towards to minimize emotional and behavioral disturbances in their current life.
Kyoko has experience working with individuals, parents, and families in overcoming a variety of issues such as abuse and dealing with daily life challenges. Kyoko has worked closely with at-risk youth dealing with concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and family hardships. She has also provided counseling services at a crisis center helping women
experiencing and/or recovering from domestic violence and other traumatic situations. No matter where she is serving, her passion is always to teach practical ways to manage stress and trauma symptoms, learn healthy coping mechanisms, and ultimately offer empowerment for others. She is ready to meet you where you are, and to help you start writing the next chapter of your life.
Temesha Clark, MSW, LCSW
Temesha is currently accepting new clients! Click here to schedule. She has been in the helping profession for over 5 years and has experience working with many different groups, including veterans, refugees, adolescents, adults and individuals with intellectual disabilities. She has a solid background in therapy and has witnessed substantial changes in the lives of those she has counseled by the empowering of God’s spirit. She believes that joy is a gift from God and will therefore encourage you to find hope in the face of challenges yet welcomes the raw emotions that come with life’s ups and downs.
Temesha believes the word of God is the foundation; but also integrates various therapeutic models and remains open and empathetic to listening to your perspective and gaining a better understanding of your experiences. She cultivates a warm and inviting environment so that you can feel that the therapeutic session is a safe space. She utilizes several theoretical strategies to help change the way you think, improve the way you view yourself, and encourage you to make positive changes in your life. Ultimately, Temesha wants to see you reach your full potential and discover your God-given purpose because it is her belief that you are meant to do amazing things in this world.
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Christien Armour, LCMHCA, LCASA
Christien is not currently accepting new clients. She is a seasoned mental health professional with over a decade of experience, specializes in helping adults facing a variety of challenges, including developmental disabilities, behavioral health, career development, and substance abuse. She's worked with veterans, individuals experiencing homelessness, and underserved populations in individual and group counseling settings.
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Christien's approach is personalized and compassionate. She uses Christian principles with a strong counseling foundation. She believes in your unique journey and uses a warm, nonjudgmental style with a touch of humor. As your partner, she aims to empower you to make lasting changes through open and honest communication, emphasizing your strengths and challenging negative beliefs. You're not alone on this path to personal growth and well-being with Christien by your side.
Meet Donna Cobb, LCMHCA
Donna is not currently accepting new clients. She is a skilled Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, combines Christian principles with a strong counseling foundation. With 24 years of teaching experience, she specializes in helping teens facing various challenges. Her expertise spans adolescents dealing with self-image, anxiety, depression, and adults coping with various mental health conditions. Donna holds certificates in multiple therapy approaches and employs a client-centered approach, guiding individuals towards strength and resolution in their emotional and relational struggles.
She is an authentic, unbiased, supportive, and professional clinician who walks alongside the
client to help them find strength and courage to face and overcome obstacles and effectively
resolve emotional and relational conflicts.
Practice Areas
At Upward Call Counseling PLLC, our team of experienced professionals are here to provide you with the support you need to navigate life's many challenges. Our unique approach to counseling is 100% virtual, offering convenient and accessible solutions for all our clients. We offer specialized services to help you cope with
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Church hurt
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Trauma
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Addiction
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Breakups
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Self-worth
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Separation
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Divorce
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Communication
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Boundaries
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Infidelity
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Career stress
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Unexpected life events
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Identity crisis
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Rejection
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Transitions
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Relationships
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Self-esteem
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Professional burnout
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Coping strategies
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Abandonment
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Self discovery
Our compassionate, non-judgmental approach will provide you with the emotional support, understanding and guidance you need.