meet the team
Jerome Ford
Founder
Brittany Holland
Resident Counselor
Heather Johansen
Office Manager
Brian Best, Jr.
Intern
Nyla Ford
Marketing Intern
NINA DAWES
RESIDENT COUNSELOR
Jerome Ford, LMFT, LPC
FOUNDERHello, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor. Whatever your reasons for seeking help, I am glad you are here. I have been providing counseling for 16 years. I focus almost exclusively with helping married couples and families restore the joy and happiness they once experienced. Additionally, I have experience working with clients who struggle with addictions and depression. I utilize a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused Brief Therapy. Click the tabs above to read descriptions of these treatment modalities above.
Marriage can be challenging, complex and difficult to navigate. It is by far one of the most difficult relationships to maintain when you consider the words “Till death do us part”, that is so often cited when couples decide to get married. Marriage is unlike any other, in that no other relationship enters into such an arrangement. Such an arrangement requires an unwavering commitment and willingness to work hard to develop and maintain a healthy marriage. Do you want a better marriage? A better relationship with your children or your parents? Are you tired of fighting? If you are willing to work hard, there is hope. Navigating through this life can be difficult at times and no one should have to do it alone. I cannot offer you a magic pill to improve the health of your marriage or family conflict. But I can walk along side you and provide you with the necessary tools to equip you to do the work that is needed to restore your marriage and family to good health.
Brittany Holland
RESIDENT COUNSELORHello and welcome. My name is Brittany Holland, and I am a Marriage and Family Therapist Resident dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families maneuver through life’s challenges and build stronger, healthier relationships. With over 7 years of experience in the mental health field, I provide a compassionate, supportive space for clients to explore their feelings, understand patterns, and discover new ways to connect.
I believe that every person, relationship, and family system is unique. My therapeutic approach combines evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and solution focused techniques. I work collaboratively with my clients to identify strengths, foster resilience, and develop practical solutions tailored to their specific needs.
I hold two master’s degrees which include Psychology with a concentration in child and development and a degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. I am committed to ongoing professional development and regularly attend workshops and training to stay current with best practices in the field.
In my free time I enjoy spending time with my husband, young son and our Labradoodle, Egypt. I am an avid reader of fiction novels and share my love of reading with my book club. I love spending time with my family and will often host Sunday dinners.
Heather Johansen
OFFICE MANAGERHi, I am Heather Johansen, and I find joy in the simple blessings of life. My world revolves around my faith, my family, and the farm that keeps me grounded. Being a wife and mother to two energetic teenage boys keeps me on my toes, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I find solace and fulfillment in the care of our farm animals. Each day brings new experiences and lessons, fostering a deep appreciation for the natural world.
My life is a vibrant tapestry woven with the threads of love, dedication, and a passion for helping others. My commitment extends beyond my family and farm; I am driven by a profound desire to care for the mental health needs of others. I believe in empowering individuals with the tools they need to achieve success and lead fulfilling lives. Witnessing their growth and resilience is the greatest reward.
In my role, I am dedicated to administration, ensuring that the systems and processes are in place to support the delivery of exceptional care. I am passionate about creating an environment where individuals feel safe, supported, and empowered to take control of their mental well-being. My goal is to make a positive impact on the lives of those I serve, fostering hope, resilience, and a brighter future.
Throughout my career, I have consistently sought opportunities to refine my leadership skills and expand my knowledge base. I believe in a collaborative approach, empowering individuals to reach their full potential while working towards a common goal. My leadership style is characterized by clear communication, strategic thinking, and a commitment to fostering a positive and productive work environment.
I am adept at navigating complex challenges, identifying innovative solutions, and implementing effective strategies. I am driven by a desire to inspire and motivate others, creating a culture of continuous improvement and unwavering dedication.
I strive to lead with compassion and understanding, drawing strength from my beliefs and the unwavering support of my loved ones. I am passionate about leadership and dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of those around me.
Brian Best, Jr.
INTERNIt is with grace and peace that I welcome you. My name is Brian Best, Jr., a native of Charleston, South Carolina, and a graduate student at Hampton University. I am driven by faith and good works and am a proud first generation college graduate who has persevered despite the social stigmas and challenges placed before me. I am a scholar who has challenged my educational capacity by earning two bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice, with a minor in Political Science.
I currently serve as a Student Ambassador and Graduate Assistant in Residence Life, where I have developed a deep love for education, mentorship, and student development. Through this work, I have discovered a passion for guiding and uplifting others both academically and spiritually.
Answering the call of Christ upon my life, I am committed to serving with compassion, humility, and purpose. As it is written in Matthew 17:20, faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains, and this truth continues to ground me as I navigate both personal and professional challenges. My desire to help individuals, families, and communities heal, grow, and walk in wholeness led me to pursue enrollment in Hampton University’s Graduate School of Counseling with a concentration in Pastoral Counseling.
I aspire to be an effective leader and counselor in the community, promoting education, spirituality, health, and overall well being through faith centered service and guidance, while walking alongside others as they discover healing, hope, and purpose. “The Best is Yet to Come!”
Nyla Ford
MARKETING INTERNHi, my name is Nyla Ford, and I am thrilled to be part of the Marriage Family Works team as a Marketing Intern. I am passionate about mental health and believe everyone deserves equal access to care and support. In my role, I work to ensure that our media and communications are thoughtfully tailored to each individual, creating a personalized and meaningful experience for everyone we serve.
I am also preparing to attend Hampton University as a psychology major on the pre-med track, with the goal of becoming a Nurse Practitioner. My experiences in healthcare and mental health advocacy have inspired me to combine my professional skills with a commitment to making a positive impact in people’s lives. I am excited to grow both personally and professionally while contributing to our mission of supporting families and individuals in meaningful ways.
NINA DAWES
RESIDENT COUNSELORAs a Marriage and Family Therapy Resident, I am dedicated to guiding clients toward healing by fostering authentic connections with themselves and others. I utilize an integrated therapeutic approach that combines relational therapy, cognitive-behavioral techniques, and experiential learning to establish a supportive and effective environment.
This comprehensive framework encourages clients to explore their inner experiences, understand how their thoughts and behaviors influence their lives, and engage in practical exercises that promote sustainable growth. Whether working with individuals, couples, or families, I strive to create a warm, collaborative atmosphere where clients are empowered to identify patterns, develop healthier interpersonal skills, and strengthen their relationships. My principal objective is to assist clients in deriving valuable insights and establishing effective coping strategies, thereby enhancing their emotional well-being and paving the way for a more fulfilling life.