About Me
Finding Inspiration at Every Turn
Growing up, not having an example of a female therapist impacted my decision to become a therapist. Due to the lack of access and finances, this was not a luxury afforded to me. Since then, I have been able to impact meaningful change in my community, and this is my why!
My Story
Ms. Buffie is a former Navy spouse, author, and service entrepreneur (Licensed Professional Counselor and Yoga/meditation Instructor). Ms. Alloway has 22 years plus experience in leading, supervising, administration, training, evaluating and has expertise in yogic exercise, diversity and inclusion, and various other counseling of military connected families and non-military related counseling and academic education on graduate and undergraduate levels to include training roles in the board room, classroom, and on-line domain.
She is currently a Military Family Life Counselor at Maxwell/Gunter Air Force Base. She has completed presentations for deployment and reintegration groups to include Active Duty, Guard, Reserve, Civilian DoD, and members from various other branches of the military and federal government agencies and youth classes.
Prior to her current role, she was a Program Coordinator/Curriculum Coordinator at Troy University, Coordinator of Instruction and Guidance at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College for federal TRIO programs and adjunct instructor for on-site and online courses. Before becoming a contractor under the Department of Defense in 2016, Ms. Alloway served her community in private practice. Her practice led her to take a personal pilgrimage to complete the Camino Frances in Spain which broaden her exposure to a variety of cultural settings.
The Camino Santiago de Compostela (the Way of St. James) is a large network of ancient pilgrim routes stretching across Europe and coming together at the tomb of St. James (Santiago in Spanish) in Santiago de Compostela in north-west Spain. Yearly, hundreds of thousands of people of various backgrounds walk the Camino de Santiago either on their own or in organized groups. People who want to have peace of mind will benefit from an organized tour or a self-guided tour while many will opt to plan the Camino on their own. The most popular route (which gets very crowded in mid-summer) is the Camino Francés which stretches 780 km (nearly 500 miles) from St. Jean-Pied-du-Port near Biarritz in France to Santiago.
Ms. Alloway completed her certificate in Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide at Trenholm State Community College. She has gone on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Journalism/Advertising, a Master of Science in Community Counseling and Psychology at Troy University and completed 36 hours of Doctorial work at Nova Southeastern University in Higher Education and Organizational Leadership. She has also been the host of the syndicated radio show “The New Heights Show on Education” for the New Heights Education Group in Defiance, Ohio and is the proud mother of two children and one grandchild.
Meet the Team
WHAT TO EXPECT IN YOUR FIRST SESSION
The purpose of your first session is for you and consultant to get to know each other and to start building a foundation for your journey together. They will ask questions to understand where you struggle, identify your strengths, and learn about your goals. This initial conversation is crucial for developing a tailored strategic plan that aligns with your needs.
It's important to answer honestly, as this helps your consultant provide effective guidance. If you have questions, this is the perfect time to ask them. Think about whether you feel comfortable with your consultant and if they seem knowledgeable about your concerns. Establishing trust and building a strong rapport early on is vital for your progress.
For those entering private practice or seeking to enhance their leadership skills, this session also offers insight into the strategic aspects of the counseling business. Your consultant will discuss the importance of leadership in mental health, including how to create a supportive and ethical practice. You'll learn about the benefits and challenges of different practice settings, whether it's an agency, group practice, or private practice.
Additionally, the session will touch on private practice development, emphasizing the significance of building collegial networks and integrating effective self-care practices. Understanding these elements early on will help you navigate your professional journey with confidence and resilience.
In summary, the first session is an opportunity to lay the groundwork for a successful counseling experience, both for personal growth and professional development. Let's take this step together and make the most of your journey ahead!
Our Clients
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