The Clinical Services team, led by Samantha Black, is comprised of Forensic Interviewers and Therapists who serve in a dual capacity.  They conduct forensic interviews at the request of Law Enforcement or DSS, provide video recording and written notes summarizing interview, participate in weekly case review, and testify as needed in court.  They are all certified by Child First, a forensic interview training program. In addition the staff is responsible for providing individual, family and group treatment to child and adult victims of sexual violence and their families.  Upon referral to the agency, therapist conduct an assessment and evaluate the appropriateness of the client for therapy services and will assess for risk.  Based on this initial assessment, therapist will either refer client for additional external services or develop an individualized treatment plan that is specific to the client’s needs using evidenced based counseling techniques and Animal Assisted Therapy.  Beyond Abuse is very fortunate to have such a talented team – please read below about each individual member!

Samantha Black

Samantha is the Clinical Services Manager at Beyond Abuse. She supervises the therapists and forensic interviewers while also providing therapy to child, adolescent, and adult victims of abuse. Samantha graduated with her B.A. from Presbyterian College and received her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Richmont Graduate University in Atlanta, GA. She is rostered in the state of South Carolina with Project BEST to provide Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and is a trained forensic interviewer through ChildFirst. Samantha became a LPC in 2016 and is currently working on her LPC/S. Her hobbies include spending time with family, painting, and traveling.

Jaquelynn Mueller

Jacqui joined Beyond Abuse in 2018 as a therapist and forensic interviewer. She earned her BSSW (Bachelors of Science in Social Work) at Trevecca Nazarene University and her MMFT (Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy) at Converse College. Her focus is in providing clinical services to our Laurens office. She has a passion for helping families and especially enjoys teenagers. In her free time you will find her enjoying hockey games, practicing golf and guitar, and delighting in sweets. 

Chesnee Martin

Chesnee is a 2005 graduate of Claflin University in Orangeburg SC. Chesnee graduated with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Criminal Justice. She received her Masters of Arts degree in Community Counseling from Webster University in 2011. Chesnee recently joined the agency in July 2018 and serves as a therapist. Prior to joining Beyond Abuse, Chesnee worked for the State of South Carolina Mental Health Department for 4 years. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and watching classical movies in her free time.

Zach Wilson

Zach graduated from Lander University in 2015 with a B.S. in psychology and from Augusta University in 2017 with an M.S. in clinical psychology. His primary role is to conduct forensic interviews where there is a suspicion of child physical or sexual abuse, although he also does therapy with children and adult victims of abuse. Additionally, Zach teaches as an adjunct faculty member in the Psychological Sciences department at Lander University. In his spare time, he enjoys long walks at the park with his miniature schnauzer, Kirby.

Angie Shirley

Angie began working as a part-time therapist at Beyond Abuse in 2012. She provides treatment services to adult and teenage victims of sexual abuse/sexual assault as well as Protection Clarification Therapy to non-offending caregivers of child victims. Angie enjoys facilitating a treatment group at Leath Correctional Institution. She received a B.A. in Psychology from Winthrop University and a Master of Social Work from the University of South Carolina. Angie loves reading, cooking and spending time with her family, including her Yorkie, “Louie.”

Heather Bennett

Heather graduated from Anderson University with a BA in Psychology and from Winthrop University with a Master’s in Education in Counseling. Heather is trained in Child First and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. Her primary role is to conduct forensic interviews where there is an allegation of child physical or sexual abuse, although she also does therapy with children and adult victims of abuse.