Al Areheart, Life Coach

LIFE COACH
Working through obstacles and transitional issues to better days

I am a native South Carolinian, but had the privilege of living in Emporia, KS for many years. I have undergraduate and graduate degrees from Columbia International University in Columbia, SC.

My wife and I are the parents of two sons and eight grandchildren. My hobbies include anything outdoors, reading, and time with family and friends.

My pathway has always included one-on-one time with real people with real challenges. It has alway energized me to see people get better. We all face obstacles and transitional times that seem insurmountable. But I believe that the future is not static and that we can make choices that move us forward into better days—days of freedom and hope.

Darcy Keeffe, LPC

THERAPY
Specialties: Children, Teens, Families

Darcy Keeffe is a committed professional counselor who has over ten years of expertise in child counseling. Currently serving as a high school counselor, Darcy has been instrumental in guiding and supporting students through their academic, social, and emotional challenges. Darcy holds a Master's degree in School Counseling and is a licensed professional counselor.

Her empathetic approach and ability to build strong, trusting relationships with her young clients have made her a successful counselor. Throughout her career, Darcy has developed a deep understanding of the unique issues faced by children and adolescents, including anxiety, depression, peer pressure, and family dynamics.

In addition to her work with high school students, Darcy is eager to extend her services to clients of all ages. She believes that counseling is a lifelong journey and is committed to helping individuals of all backgrounds achieve mental and emotional well-being.

In her free time, Darcy loves to be outside and spend time with her family. Her two children are highly involved in sports and school activities, which keeps the entire family busy. 

Steve Blocker, LPC

THERAPY

I grew up in a military family and am originally from Southern California. Although I’ve had the opportunity to live in Virginia, Arizona, Missouri and Iowa I have found Emporia to be the place to raise my family and to call home.

After coaching collegiate track & field for 20 years, I have moved into counseling to continue to serve people and help others attain their best and healthiest life.

I attended the University of Northern Iowa and have a master’s degree in Exercise Science as well as multiple coaching credentials, including a USA Weightlifting level 1 certification. With over 25 years of working with athletes of different levels and sports, I have experienced first-hand the necessity of a strong mental health perspective, and the powerful relationship of human movement and mental well-being.

I work as a faculty member at Emporia State and teach classes in Health & Human Performance and Sports Leadership. I have always enjoyed working with young people and helping them through the challenges that life presents.

I enjoy doing nearly anything active and outside, and love mountain biking and strength training. My wife Erin and I have two boys, and we love spending time together with family and friends and working and living in the Emporia community.

Austin Thurman,
LMLP-T

THERAPY

I was born and raised in Dallas, Texas, with strong family roots in the Wichita area. I’ve always been drawn to understanding people’s stories, which led me to earn my B.A. in Psychology from Arkansas Tech University and my M.S. in Clinical Psychology from Emporia State University.

In therapy, I focus on creating a space where you feel truly heard and supported. My approach blends client-centered care with solution-focused strategies, Adlerian perspectives, and DBT skills. I believe therapy works best when it’s a collaborative process, where we’ll work together to build insight, set goals, and find practical ways to help you move forward.

Outside of my work, I love making and writing music, as well as building computers. Both give me a mix of creativity and problem-solving that I also bring into the office.

I look forward to walking alongside you in your journey toward growth and change.

Melchizedek Ntim, LMLP

THERAPY

Melchizedek Ntim is a Licensed Master Level Psychologist (LMLP) with a deep commitment to helping individuals navigate life’s mental and emotional challenges. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a Minor in the Study of Religions from the University of Ghana, and went on to receive his Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Emporia State University.

Mel began his clinical work in 2016 during his internship, and has since developed a broad range of professional experience. He has worked in adoption and foster care agencies, outpatient mental health centers, and a community nonprofit organization—each setting enriching his ability to support clients from diverse backgrounds. His experience allows him to effectively work with individuals of all ages dealing with a wide variety of mental health concerns and psychological struggles.

Mel takes a compassionate, client-centered approach to therapy, with a strong emphasis on practical solutions that support real-life change. He is especially passionate about integrating clients’ faith and beliefs into the therapeutic process when desired, creating space for healing that aligns with their values.

Above all, Mel is dedicated to serving his community by offering care, support, and guidance that lead to positive, lasting impact.

When he's not working, Mel enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, playing soccer, making music, and being with friends and family.

Anna Black, LPC

THERAPY

My path to counseling has been shaped by both personal and cross-cultural experiences. I grew up in Thailand, where my parents worked cross-culturally. Later, I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology in Virginia and spent two years in Uganda serving Sudanese refugees. These experiences deepened my understanding of resilience, loss, and the importance of supportive relationships while growing my desire to care for others. 

During a difficult season in my own life, I experienced firsthand the impact of a counselor who offered presence, care, and genuine connection. That experience ultimately led me to pursue my master’s degree in counseling at Emporia State University, and it continues to shape how I show up for clients today.

With influences from Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy, solution-focused strategies and strength-based therapy, I believe healing and change happen in the context of safe, caring relationships. My goal as a counselor is to create a space where you feel genuinely seen, understood, and supported as you navigate whatever life brings your way. Whether you’re facing loss, life transitions, relational struggles, or simply feeling overwhelmed, having someone walk alongside you during those moments can make them feel less isolating and more manageable.

Outside of the counseling room, I enjoy baking, reading, kayaking, pottery, and spending time with others. Connection and community are deeply important to me, and it is a privilege to walk alongside clients as they move toward healing and change.

Monica Brooker, LP

THERAPY

Monica has lived in South Central Kansas her entire life. During her career, she has worked in a variety of settings, including over nine years in community mental health, three years at a correctional facility, and over nine years in private practice. Throughout these experiences, she has discovered she works well with adults and adolescents, who have experienced trauma, depression, anxiety, grief/loss, and parenting issues, along with adolescents (14 and up), who engage in self-harming behaviors. She utilizes a variety of therapeutic practices, including CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, ACT, and Solutions-focused techniques to help her clients achieve their goals. She believes everyone is different and therapy must be personalized to address those differences.

Monica is passionate about empowering her clients to live their lives to the fullest. She believes it is important to meet her clients where they are and works to help them progress toward the goals they identify as important to them. She recognizes the difficulty clients may experience in sharing their story with someone they have just met and walks her clients through the process to help ease any anxiety they may feel. In addition, she works very hard to keep her office a "judgment free zone," which allows her clients to feel welcomed and valued.

In her spare time, Monica enjoys talking, laughing, and spending time with her family, which includes her dogs. She loves walking, hiking, baking, 1000 piece jigsaw puzzles (minimum), and laughing, all of which she personally finds therapeutic.

Weronika Wrzesinska, Psychology Intern

I was born and raised in Poland and earned my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. As a college student-athlete, I came to appreciate the importance of accessible mental health care and developed a deep interest in understanding the human mind. These experiences inspired me to pursue a career in psychology so I can support others in their personal growth and well-being.

Currently, I am pursuing a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at Emporia State University. My goal is to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives and contribute to the well-being of the Emporia community.

Outside of my academic and professional work, I enjoy outdoor activities, strength training, and reading.

Ready to schedule an appointment or have a question?