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NCG Leadership

Our NCG Leadership team has many years of expertise in the behavioral health field.
Their guidance, supervision, and insights have allowed NCG to be successful for 25 years.

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Frank Valentine, MS, CSAC

VP of Operations

I have been a part of our wonderful NCG family for the past 20 years. My background in cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational enhancement drives my work with clients in need. I have a strong passion for working with our counselors and community partners to make a difference in the lives of people we touch. I love rocking to Springsteen, working on cars, spending time with family, dogs AND cats, reading fiction, working out, and antiquing. I have long been dreaming about being on the reality show "Survivor!"

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Oliver Agee

Director of Evidence-Based Programs and Risk Management Coordinator

I have been with NCG since August of 2003. I received my B.S. in psychology and an M.S. in clinical psychology while playing and coaching baseball at Virginia State University. Over the years, I have maintained numerous roles within NCG. I am extremely passionate about assisting all people with reaching their fullest potential. Prior to NCG, I worked for Crater Youth Care Commission as a community service officer and worked in a group home. My hobbies include semi-pro baseball and engaging in anything competitive. I also enjoy spending time with my 12-year-old son, Jon.

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Joe Pratt

Director of Business Operations

Bio coming soon!

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Don Edwards, BSW, MDiv

Senior Community Outreach Coordinator

I am a New York native who loves all that Virginia has to offer. I have a unique education background, with degrees in social work and Divinity from Virginia Union University. With more than 25 years in the human services field, I enjoy collaborating with like-minded individuals ensuring that the community is receiving quality mental health services. You can find me anywhere in the mental health community, from participating in community events to being a NAMI board member. Want to know more about how we can serve your mental health needs? Lunch on me! Let's connect and discuss how you and I can make a difference together! 

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Kara Chevlin, LPC, CAMS-II

Director of Community Regional Crisis Response (CR2)

I graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice with my MA in Forensic Mental Health Counseling. Starting in the field, my passion began with helping those with substance use disorders. I became involved in group work for adolescent males in a local correctional facility and anger management services. I obtained my certification as a Certified Anger Management Specialist (CAMS-II) in order to apply those skills to others areas of practice.  I went on to work in private practice with adults and children suffering from serious persistent mental illness and co-occurring disorders, as well as working with adults with intellectual disabilities as a behavior intervention specialist, providing direct therapeutic services in group homes. It was in these roles I spent my time enjoying and developing my approaches to treatment through cognitive behavioral therapy with emphasis on mindfulness and the role that our overall health plays in our mental health. Once becoming an Assistant Director, providing oversight to vast number of group homes for a nonprofit that supports adults with intellectual disabilities, I was able to truly appreciate the larger role I could play in improving the lives of the clients, while also utilizing my clinical skills. I’m excited to have the opportunity to combine all of my knowledge and skills to work with NCG in continuing to provide quality mental health services to those that rely on us during their greatest times of need!

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Paul Scardino, LCSW

Director of Winchester, Harrisonburg, Annandale, and Manassas Sites

I have been with NCG since August 2006 and have a Bachelor's in Psychology, a Master's in Social Work, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I love meeting people and learning about their interests and perspectives. I believe everyone is motivated towards something, and it's our job to guide and support them in finding what that something is. Using pop culture to connect with others has been an effective way for me to build common ground, trust, and provides insight into another person's world. When I'm not at the office, I'm spending time with my family, reading comic books, watching movies and working on my Funko Pop collection (my collection is featured in the 2021 Guinness World Record Book for being the world's largest Funko Pop collection). 

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Dana Scott, LPC

Director of Fredericksburg, Charlottesville, and Culpeper Sites

I joined the NCG community in 2015. I attended The University of Virginia for undergraduate studies and received a bachelor's degree in psychology in 2011. During my last year at UVA, I participated in the Young Women's Leadership Program, where I was a big sister to a middle school girl. This experience made a big impact in my life, and I credit this to choosing to pursue a career in counseling. I received a master's in professional counseling from Liberty University in 2014. I believe in serving the under-served populations and being a source of hope for clients and families as they learn the tools to help navigate the reasons that are leading them into services. My team and I are excited to serve the surrounding community and show them what CARE at NCG is all about!

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Holly Smith, LPC

Director of Martinsville, Danville, Roanoke, and Christiansburg Sites

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with a diverse background treating mental health and substance abuse disorders.  I received my master's degree in counselor education with an emphasis in community and addiction from The College of William & Mary. I have worked in emergency services and crisis intervention for three different Virginia community services boards. Since 2010, I have been supervising community-based programs in the New River Valley.  My current interests include clinical supervision, program management, and leadership, as well as recruiting and training future human services professionals. I have a natural love of helping people.

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Rob Hernandez, MS

Director of Petersburg and Newport News Sites

I have been with the National Counseling Group since 2010. I began as a Community Based Counselor and moved into the Site Director role in May of 2013. I have worked in the Human Services Field for close to twenty years, starting in the correctional system and then transitioning into the community based environment. I have been a lifelong fan of the Michigan Wolverines and the San Francisco 49'ers, and I'm also actively involved in local youth recreational sports leagues.

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Nakkia Grimes, LCSW, RPT-S

Director of Norfolk, Suffolk, and Belle Haven Sites

I have been with NCG since June, 2008. I started out as a Community Based Counselor II, then became a clinical supervisor, and an Assistant Site Director at the Virginia Beach site. I obtained my B.S. from Old Dominion University and my MSW degree from Norfolk State University. I am in the process of becoming a registered play therapist, and have started the Crisis Stabilization Program for children and adults at the Virginia Beach site. I also enjoy reading and watching movies.

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