Our Team
Carlos Garcia MS, LPC, NCC
As the owner and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) of Southern Light Counseling, I am dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized care to individuals of all ages. With years of experience, I utilize a variety of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including:
✔ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Reshape negative thought patterns and develop healthier coping strategies.
✔ Existential Therapy – Explore life’s meaning and build a deeper sense of purpose.
✔ Experiential Therapy – Engage in hands-on techniques to process emotions and experiences.
✔ Trauma-Informed Care – Create a safe, supportive space for healing and growth.
Areas of Expertise
✔ Anxiety & Depression – Gain tools to manage emotions and enhance well-being.
✔ Trauma & Abuse Recovery – Heal from past experiences in a supportive environment.
✔ Relationship Issues – Strengthen communication and rebuild connections.
✔ ADHD & Organizational Skills – Improve focus, time management, and daily structure.
✔ Life Transitions – Navigate change with confidence and resilience.
I believe that every person has the ability to grow, heal, and thrive, and my goal is to help you develop the skills and strategies needed to overcome challenges and create a fulfilling future.
Gail Roberson-Fatino MS, LPC, LMLP
With over 30 years of experience, I am a solution-focused, interactive therapist committed to helping clients navigate life’s challenges and create the experiences they desire. My practice is rooted in evidence-based techniques, providing a personalized approach tailored to each individual’s needs.
I’ve transitioned to exclusively offering teletherapy, conducting sessions from my private office in the RV I share with my husband of 18 years and our two Tonkinese cats, Apollo and Jazzi. This lifestyle allows me to connect with nature, embrace life’s adventures, and stay centered—values I bring into my work with clients.
Through teletherapy, I offer convenient, judgment-free support that eliminates travel time and allows clients to explore their concerns in a comfortable, familiar setting. Many find that virtual sessions lead to faster breakthroughs and more effective outcomes than traditional office visits.
Areas of Expertise
✔ Trauma & Abuse Recovery – Heal from past experiences in a safe and supportive environment.
✔ Anxiety & Depression – Learn effective strategies to manage overwhelming emotions.
✔ Relationship Issues – Improve communication and strengthen connections.
✔ ADHD & Organizational Skills – Develop tools for focus, time management, and productivity.
✔ LGBTQ+ Support – Affirming therapy tailored to your unique experiences.
✔ Life Transitions – Navigate major changes with confidence and clarity.
Beyond problem-solving, I love helping clients optimize their mental health and achieve personal growth. I believe there’s no one-size-fits-all solution—each journey is unique, and my role is to guide you toward the answers that fit your life best.
Margie Hiser
With over 20 years of experience in human services, I am passionate about strengthening families and supporting communities. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Communications from Missouri Southern State University and have dedicated my career to advocating for family preservation and individual well-being.
My professional background includes roles at:
✔ Children’s Division – Supporting child welfare and family services.
✔ Day Springs Community Health Services – Providing case management and fieldwork.
✔ Jordan Valley Community Health Services – Conducting home studies and community outreach.
Areas of Expertise
✔ Case Management – Assisting individuals and families with tailored support services.
✔ Foster Parent Education – Teaching and guiding foster families through structured programs.
✔ Home Studies – Evaluating and preparing families for fostering and adoption.
✔ Community-Based Program Development – Creating initiatives, including support for pregnant women.
✔ Family Preservation – Advocating for healthy family dynamics and long-term stability.
I am deeply committed to empowering individuals and families through compassionate support, education, and advocacy. My mission is to help strengthen the fabric of our communities by fostering resilience and connection.
Cindy Drake
With almost 40 years of experience in healthcare and mental health administration, I’ve spent the past 13 years with Southern Light Counseling. This time has given me the privilege of working alongside incredible families, individuals, and a team of some of the most dedicated counselors in the field. I’m committed to connecting each client with the counselor best suited to help them reach their goals. Outside of my professional life, I love traveling with friends and family. I’m also an avid supporter of my grandchildren, attending their sports events and celebrating their academic milestones from high school through college.
Areas of Expertise
✔ Mental Health Administration and Management
✔ Healthcare Policy and Strategy
✔ Program Development and Implementation
✔ Client Care and Advocacy
✔ Team Leadership and Development
Susan Rhoads, LCSW
Clinical Supervisor
Susan is the LMSW Clinical Supervisor at Southern Light, where she provides dedicated clinical supervision to LMSWs, guiding them toward full licensure. Certified by both the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the Missouri Credentialing Board (MCB), she brings a comprehensive and tailored approach to supervision.
With a deep understanding of individual and institutional needs, Susan integrates various techniques to support professional growth. Her approach considers psychobiography, relationships, cultural influences, organizational dynamics, and economic factors, ensuring a well-rounded and insightful supervision experience.
