Our team.
Marie is a Licensed Professional Counselor, holding a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling. Marie is the CEO/ Clinical Director at Wellness 8. After many years of providing mental health services in her community, Marie wanted to expand her reach, looking at mental health from a broader lense including eight (8) components that she believes impact an individual's overall well-being.
Marie is invested in her community; she is currently in her 9th year on the Winchester Public Schools Board. The Virginia School Boards Association recently appointed her as the Valley Regional Chair, with 135 schools under her jurisdiction. She served in the United States Army for 9 years, finishing her military career in Fort Hood, Texas. She and her husband have raised three children in Winchester.
Donna joined Wellness 8 in February 2022. A Winchester native, Donna strives to bring wellness to our community members seeking assistance. Donna holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from The University of Tennessee. Donna’s unwavering commitment to the W8 team shines through, with all of her hard work. She has been married to her husband, Chip, for over 30 years and they have three adult sons.
Lawrence Johnson or LJ as the community calls him is the Director of Community Relations at Wellness. He truly loves to help people and feels that it is an honor to be invited into people's lives when they need help and to be a support for those in need during some of their most difficult times. LJ has worked in the mental health field for over 25 years and still loves what he does.
LJ is an avid gym goer and loves to take vacations when he has the opportunity especially when food is involved. LJ enjoys cooking and baking for others and teaching while also learning new things himself. He is constantly seeking knowledge that he can share with the people that he has the pleasure to work with. LJ has a nursing degree, an exercise science degree, and a social work degree. He feels that we are all connected and by helping others you inadvertently help yourself.
In February 2022, Jenny joined W8 as the Director of Family Support and Services. Jenny has been in the mental health field for over a 10 year career, specializing in Parent Coaching and Trauma associated with family dynamics. She is extremely passionate about assisting families being the best versions of themselves that they can be. She firmly believes that it is her calling to support families and individuals' mental health wellness by helping them find solutions to improve their relationships, mood and find more happiness within themselves. When Jenny is not working, she is spending time with her loved ones. Jenny has been married for 25 years and has a son at JMU (GO DUKES!).
Delitza, a native of New York City, embarked on a transformative journey when she relocated to Virginia in 2014. Developing her operational skills in the course of 10+ years, Delitza honed her skills by immersing herself in various business systems and strategies. With a deep-seated passion for mental health advocacy, she found herself perfectly positioned when she became the executive assistant to Marie Imoh and joined the thriving Wellness 8 team.
In Addition to indulging in being part of W8’s expansion , Delitza finds solace and creativity in the kitchen, experimenting with new recipes and indulging in the joy of cooking.
Bryan is a dedicated professional with a diverse background in human services and mental health counseling. Growing up in Minnesota, Bryan found his passion for helping others early on. His journey took him to Winchester in 2003, where he pursued his college education while playing football. After earning his Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Bryan furthered his education with a Master's in Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
With over 20 years of experience in the field, Bryan brings a unique perspective shaped by his own troubled childhood. He understands the challenges his clients face because he has walked a similar path. Bryan believes that his faith has given him the ability to empathize deeply with his clients, seeing in them reflections of his own journey. Ultimately, Bryan is on a mission to foster positive change through his dedication, advocacy, and determination to make a lasting impact and create a legacy of compassion and empathy.
Da'Shawn is a faithful professional with a profound commitment to serving his community. Raised in the heart of Winchester, Da'Shawn's journey into the mental health field was not merely a career choice but a calling, forged through personal experiences and a deep sense of purpose. With a Bachelor's degree in RBA and a Master's in Higher Education from Shepherd University, Da'Shawn possesses a solid academic foundation.
For the past four years, Da'Shawn has immersed himself in the mental health field, honing his skills and nurturing his passion for making a meaningful impact. His mission is clear: to be a beacon of light in his community and to effect lasting change within every family he encounters.
Jordan is a proud Winchester native. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a minor in Juvenile Justice from Kaplan University, which he obtained in 2014. He continued on to obtain his Masters of Criminal Justice with a specific Concentration in Leadership and Executive Management from Purdue University Global, in 2017. Jordan is currently working towards a Master of Social Work from Capella University. His professional goals are to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Substance Abuse Counselor, and Trauma Therapist.
He entered the social work field to be a voice for the people. Ethical Standards of practice,Compassion, Empathy and Consistency are among his core values both professionally and personally. Jordan’s hobbies are centered around cars and his love of Hondas from the 1990’s, keeps him busy during his downtime.
Denise is a Winchester native, whose journey into this profession was deeply influenced by her own challenging upbringing. With 37 years of experience under her belt, Denise is driven by a passion for helping individuals overcome their difficulties and providing them with the necessary tools to navigate life's challenges. She firmly believes in empowering her clients to develop resilience and lead fulfilling lives.
One of Denise's career aspirations is to establish a group therapy program that leverages the unique insights of individuals who have overcome adversity. In addition to her professional pursuits, Denise is deeply involved in her community. In her free time, she coaches basketball and softball, using sports as a platform to instill confidence and teamwork in young athletes.
Raughn Carter is a zealous professional with a Bachelor's degree in Recreational & Leisure Studies, specializing in sports marketing, earned from Shepherd University. Driven by a profound desire to make a positive impact and help others, Raughn sees his work as an incredible opportunity to meet both individual and community needs. His love for sports, reading, exercise, and continuous learning fuels his commitment to expanding his horizons within the mental health arena.
Beyond his professional aspirations, Raughn's life purpose is deeply rooted in his faith. He sees his mission as serving God and fulfilling His will, striving to align his actions with this higher calling. Through his work and personal endeavors, Raughn is committed to enhancing the lives of others while continuously working towards fulfilling his own purpose.