By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
During this holiday season, which is “supposed” to be so wonderful, it is almost always the case that at least one aspect of it will be tough for just about everyone. The thing is, no one wants to talk about it. Well, not no one, actually; Nancy McDonald, who is a seasoned Licensed Clinical Social Worker and her staff at Foundations Counseling Centers are ready to not only talk about it, but offer help that actually helps.
Since she was a small child, Nancy simply knew that she had been called to help. It had become “part of her DNA,” having lost her mother, brother, and sister at the age of three to a tornado that occurred in Tanner in 1971. She was understandably drawn to the field of childhood trauma, and had no idea that she would one day have two thriving clinical practices. She graduated from Tanner High, got her undergrad degree in behavioral science from Athens State University, and her LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) master’s degree from Alabama A & M. For several years, she worked with our local Child Advocacy Center, was on campus at Athens State, and then founded Foundations in 2011. As her practice grew, she had different locations near Athens Limestone Hospital, and one of the locations is still at 202 Sanders Street in Athens, just across the street from the hospital. In 2024, Foundations opened their newest location at 24127 Huntsville-Brownsferry Road. It is situated in a charming mid-century home with a red door. “I knew I was where I needed to be,” Nancy said.
“I always wanted to be in a house,” Nancy told me, and even the red door has a purpose. It is bright and welcoming, and it stays open behind a glass storm door. Clients can walk right in to the living room and feel comfortable. There is a special play room for kids that is part of their therapy. It includes a sand box, all kinds of toys, teaching aids for managing emotions, including learning the alphabet with a behavior attached to it. For example, the letter “H – hug a loved one or a pillow,” is illustrated with a child hugging a safe person. You don’t need to be a kid to love this room or appreciate its purpose.
In the early part of Nancy’s career, helping traumatized kids was the lion’s share of her practice. Over time, as the size of the practice increased, she found that she was treating more adults dealing with trauma of all kinds. Nancy herself went through a divorce, and has learned firsthand that “God takes messes and then blesses.” She understands from personal experience the challenges as well as the opportunities of rebuilding one’s life.
There are several therapists at Foundations, and they range from seasoned to just starting their careers. Foundations also has a nurse practitioner to assist with the “medical side of the house,” and Nancy is fully committed to helping clients understand that their lifestyle, nutritional choices, faith and support systems that are outside the walls of the clinic all have a part in heading toward wholeness. “We have different talents and gifts, and we are a piece of their healing. We try to see the person as a whole.” Nancy also wanted to thank her son Will, who is the Program Director for Foundations, and the organization’s “visionary.” She told me, “He is the one that has made me grow, and is always looking for ways to help us serve our clients better.”
When it comes to “Christmas Challenges,” Nancy said, “First of all, people need to understand that it is completely normal to be experiencing hard things. That’s the first step. You also have to make sure you are not running from yourself. You need to ask yourself, ‘What do I need?’ Then you do what you can to meet those needs healthfully. Be still, be aware, and reach out. There are neighbors and others who are struggling, too. Decide what you are going to join in, and remember that even if there has been loss, this is not just a time of loss, but finding new meaning and purpose.”
Earlier this year, Nancy became a part of the WKAC 1080 AM radio team and has a broadcast on Monday mornings at 9:30 called Mental Health Matters. She and veteran broadcaster Kirk Harvey discuss everything from managing mental illness to having a lifestyle that promotes mental wellness.
I asked Nancy why I should choose her and Foundations if I am in need of counseling—for any reason—and I was so pleased to hear the genuine warmth and enthusiasm in her voice when she said, “I will start where you are. It would be an honor to walk with you on your journey, and share how life can be experienced differently.”
If this sounds like the kind of support you are seeking in order to cope well with a holiday situation or embrace new growth in the new year, make an appointment today at Foundations Counseling—Trauma and Recovery, Hope and Healing. The “red door” (and their hearts) is waiting and open.
By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
