MS, LMHC, Clinical Supervisor
Melissa Rowell
River Park Counseling was founded by Melissa Rowell to provide professional Christian counseling services to individuals residing in Saint Lucie and Martin Counties.
​
As a native Floridian Melissa saw first hand the need for quality Christian counselors in this area. Her passion for helping others and work in ministry led her to pursue a Master's of Science Degree with a double major in Mental Health Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy from Palm Beach Atlantic University. She has had over a decade of experience working with adults, children, teens, and couples in ministry and counseling settings. Her experience as an elementary school teacher, and MOPS leader also helped to shape her desire to specialize in women's issues and couple's therapy.
She has a passion for helping couples move from feeling resentful, frustrated, and more like roommates to connected, fulfilled, and rejuvenated in their love for one another!
​
Melissa is a certified Prepare Enrich Facilitator, EMDR trained, a certified Couples Communication Instructor, Level 1 Gottman Trained Couples Counselor, and Clinical Supervisor for Mental Health Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy. Melissa resides in Port Saint Lucie with her husband of 20 years and 3 children.
MS, Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Terri Thedford
​​Terri Thedford is passionate about empowering clients to unlock their potential and achieve meaningful results in both their personal and professional lives. She enjoys collaborating with you as you gain clarity, set realistic goals, and develop actionable plans to overcome obstacles and to successfully achieve your identified goals. Her approach is rooted in empathy, active listening, and a deep appreciation of the unique experiences each person brings to every session.
She believes in the power of faith and resilience, and strives to create a safe, supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment. She has over 25 years of ministry experience that have equipped her to help individuals and couples as they navigate life’s challenges with a Christian worldview.
She has a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is an EMDRIA approved EMDR specialist. This evidenced based treatment is used to help you heal from symptoms and emotional distress that are a result of trauma. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or simply seeking to enhance your overall well-being, Terri can support you on your journey as you work toward creating a more fulfilling and balanced life, grounded in faith, and guided by a compassionate, holistic approach to mental health.
​
Terri is a certified Prepare Enrich Facilitator, a certified Couples Communication Instructor, Level 1 Gottman Trained Couples Counselor, and certified EMDR Specialist.
Shelby Alber
Shelby offers a collaborative, empathetic approach to therapy. Shelby works with teens, college students, and young adults to navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, transitions, relationship concerns, and the pressures of daily life. She will tailor therapy to you, using a blend of evidence-based practices that best support your needs.
Shelby integrates Christian faith into therapy for clients who desire it, incorporating prayer, Scripture, and a Christ-centered perspective into therapy. ​
She also works with couples using the Gottman Method, an evidenced-based practice that helps couples manage conflict, establish trust and mutual understanding, and improve connection and friendship. She believes that with the right support, everyone has the capacity to heal, grow, and create a more peaceful, fulfilling life. Shelby promises to meet each client with empathy and non-judgement, and to hold space for every issue.
​
Shelby is a masters-level intern completing her Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree at Palm Beach Atlantic University. She has a B.S. in Psychology and a background in Applied Behavior Analysis therapy.
She is EMDR trained and a Level 1 Gottman Trained Couples Counselor. Shelby lives in Jupiter with her husband. She loves cooking, thrifting, and being in nature. She is excited to partner with you on your healing journey!
Masters Level Mental Health Intern
Masters Level Mental Health Intern
Mary Stuart Rice
​​Mary Stuart Rice is a master’s level mental health counseling intern who is passionate about helping individuals and couples experience inner healing, restore interpersonal connection, and rediscover peace and purpose. She is dedicated to creating a therapeutic space where clients feel genuinely heard, understood, and validated.
​
With a deep belief in the transformative power of both knowledge and lived experience, Mary Stuart works collaboratively with clients to identify unhelpful patterns, process emotional wounds, and build tools for lasting change. She integrates faith and practical strategies, empowering clients to navigate life’s challenges with clarity, resilience, and hope.
​
Whether working with individuals navigating anxiety, grief, or other life challenges, or couples seeking to repair trust and communication, Mary Stuart seeks to bring warmth, curiosity, and hope in your sessions.
​
Mary Stuart is a master’s level Clinical Mental Health Counseling student at PBA, specializing in Marriage and Family. She also has 10 years of ministry experience alongside her husband in churches, which has fueled her passion for helping people move toward healing.
​
Mary Stuart is EMDR trained, a certified Prepare Enrich Facilitator, and Gottman: 7 Principles of How to Make Marriage Work Workshop Leader.