LAVONNA GROCE, PHD, BCCC

My desire is to lift up and strengthen individuals for everyday life by motivating them to understand that their words and beliefs are powerful.  I would like to encourage individuals and let them know that we can choose to be positive even when times are hard.  I made that choice a long time ago when I was struggling with some depression and challenges in school and during my younger years, I suffered from low self-esteem.  I also struggled academically and socially in high school.  My parents, helped me to believe in myself during that difficult time and helped me out of depression by encouraging me and always reminding me that I was the child of a King, Jesus!  They raised me to have faith in Jesus and always believe that, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13)! I learned that if you believe in God, you can succeed.  Subsequently, as a practicing counselor I believe there is always hope.  I would like to pass on the inspiration, strong faith in God and support my parents gave me to others and help them succeed in life.  

 

As an adult I have been blessed to have grown from my life lessons in my younger years. I have been married to Michael Groce, the love of my life, for over 16 years we have a faith filled, handsome, intelligent five year old son named August. They have allowed me to continue to take the lessons learned from my young life and help young people succeed as a high school counselor at Maxwell High School of Technology.  I have worked in education for over 20 years and have enjoyed counseling students who have also been an inspiration in my life.  During these years, I have received a Ph.D. in Counseling and Student Personnel Services and I was recognized as the Gwinnett County High School Counselor of The Year in 2019.  Although I have been dedicated in my work in public schools with students, I am also committed in my spiritual journey, I believe my job as counselor has been a “calling” from God, I have been placed in the world as an encourager and to help others heal.  I have been an active church member as a Sunday School teacher, speaker and youth worker.  Because of my calling and spiritual commitment, it has been a dream of mine to be able to infuse my faith within my counseling more fully, and live out my purpose of helping others to discover that they can heal, excel and overcome obstacles through Christ (Philippians 4:13). I am truly honored to join the Freedom Path Counseling agency, and I look forward to carrying on my purpose to help others live victoriously through Christ.  

​

​

Membership & Affiliations

​

The Board of Examiners for Georgia Christian Counselors and Therapists (GBOE): Board Certified Christian Counselor (BCCC) #10172045

​

Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and  Marriage and Family Therapists: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) #LPC008181

​

Georgia Christian Counselors Association (GCCA): Professional Member