Markela, the owner of On A Journey Counseling Center, was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. She attended Tennessee State University where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology in 2005 and Master of Science degree in Counseling Psychology in 2008. She obtained her license with the state of Tennessee in 2015. As a licensed professional counselor she's had experience working with adolescents/teenagers, young adults, and families

Markela has worked in the mental health field for over 17 years.  She has experience working for a community mental health agency as a Child/Adolescent, and Family Case Manager, an Intake Clinician, Residential Counselor in Diversion Services, and a School-based Therapist.

Markela has a specialized set of skills, with training in the use of evidence-based modalities that enable her to utilize an integrative approach to therapy. With this skill set it allows her to walk beside each individual on their journey to change.

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Markela has extensive experience in treating behavioral and emotional issues including but not limit to depression, mood disorders, self-esteem, impulse control, anxiety, problem solving, communication, organization, coping skills, parent education, decision making, boundary setting, conflict resolution, stress management, and anger management.