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 22 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
MS, RMHCI
Mary Stuart Rice
Mary Stuart Rice is a mental health counselor who is passionate about helping individuals experience healing, greater emotional freedom, and a deeper sense of peace and connection in their lives. She is committed to creating a therapeutic space where clients feel genuinely seen, understood, and safe enough to begin meaningful work and explore their faith.
Mary Stuart works with teens, young adults, and adults of all ages who may be navigating anxiety, depression, OCD, grief, anger, women’s issues, trauma, or a general sense of feeling stuck. Many of the individuals she works with are used to holding a great deal internally or trying to manage life on their own, and are looking for a place to slow down and process what they’ve been carrying.
Her approach is trauma-informed and experiential, integrating EMDR, somatic awareness, and other experiential practices. While insight and conversation are important, she also helps clients gently explore how past experiences and stress show up in their present-day lives, supporting deeper and more lasting change.
Mary Stuart approaches her work through a compassionate and curious lens, guided by the belief that it is not “what’s wrong with you,” but rather “what has happened to you.”
For clients who desire it, Mary Stuart thoughtfully integrates faith into the counseling process, creating space to explore spirituality in a way that feels supportive, grounded, and aligned with each client’s values.
She holds a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Palm Beach Atlantic University. Mary Stuart also brings over 10 years of church ministry experience alongside her husband, which continues to shape her heart for walking alongside individuals in their healing process. She is also a mom and enjoys spending time outdoors with friends and family in her free time.
Mary Stuart is trained in EMDR and is a certified Prepare/Enrich Facilitator and Gottman “Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work” workshop leader.