Michelle Mays, LPC, CSAT-S
Michelle Mays is a Licensed Professional Counselor and expert in treating sexual betrayal and trauma. She is the author of the new book The Betrayal Bind: How to Heal When the Person You Love the Most Has Hurt You the Worst and she is the founder of the Center for Relational Recovery in Northern Virginia outside of DC.
Bruce Butler, LPC, CSAT-S
Bruce is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Virginia. He is a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist and is also in the process of completing his certification in Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples.
Bruce specializes in working with couples who are struggling with issues such as communication problems, betrayal or infidelity, and sexual addiction. Bruce works from an attachment perspective helping couples to create emotional safety, deep bonding and connection within the relationship.
Bruce received his Masters in Counseling in 2010 from Liberty University. He is a member of the International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals, the Northern Virginia Licensed Professional Counselors Association, the American Association of Christian Counselors, and the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy.
Tonia Manning
Meet Tonia Manning, a dynamic and compassionate woman thriving in the vibrant community of Northern Virginia. As a dedicated mother, Tonia has navigated the joys and challenges of raising her (almost grown) children, finding fulfillment in every stage of their development. Her nurturing spirit extends beyond her family as she works as a certified life coach, specializing in supporting betrayed partners. With a heart full of empathy and a wealth of life experiences, Tonia has dedicated her career to helping individuals navigate the challenging journey of healing and rebuilding after betrayal.
With a 30 year background as a nurse, Tonia brings a unique blend of empathy and expertise to her coaching practice. Her profound understanding of human relationships, coupled with her healthcare background, allows her to guide individuals through the complexities of healing, rebuilding trust and connecting to oneself.
When she’s not providing invaluable support to PartnerHope clients, Tonia finds solace and joy in the great outdoors. Whether it’s hiking scenic trails, exploring local parks, or simply enjoying the changing seasons, she embraces the beauty that Northern Virginia has to offer. Her love for nature is only rivaled by her affection for her four-legged companion, a loyal dog, who accompanies her on many adventures and adds warmth and joy to her daily life.
Aaron Tempel, LCPC, CSAT
Aaron is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Certified Sex Addiction Therapist, National Certified Counselor, and Attachment-Focused EMDR trained clinician. He enjoys working with those struggling with unwanted sexual behaviors, attachment wounds and trauma, anxiety and shame, as well as men’s issues and healthy sexual functioning.
Aaron has experience working in both inpatient and outpatient treatment centers. His focus of work is on the therapeutic relationship with his clients, allowing them space to be seen and accepted, experiencing joy, loss, and disappointment with them, all the while teaching skills to enhance and improve their lives.
Angela Cook
Angela Cook is the Business Operations Manager for the Center of Relational Recovery and Braving Hope™. With a remarkable track record of over 15 years in Operations Management and Leadership, Angela is a driving force behind the team’s success. She is highly skilled in motivating individuals to envision and execute their goals, and she shares her gift freely with her colleagues and the clients she interacts with during Braving Hope™ Clarity Calls. Her commitment to excellence and her empathetic approach ensure that each connection is not just a call, but a transformative experience in their journey towards healing and empowerment.
Angela holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Radford University. She currently resides in Winchester, Virginia where she enjoys time with her husband (Mike), cat (DK), and 2 dogs (Chip, a German Shepherd, and Bella, an Olde English Bulldog).
Melissa Howard
Melissa handles much of the marketing and communications for Michelle Mays and the Center for Relational Recovery. Her range of experience includes roles in higher education, mental health advocacy, and healthcare facilities large and small. Melissa is incredibly goal-oriented and thrives in connecting individuals around the world with important resources to help them grow and heal.
Melissa holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Master of Science in Strategic Marketing from Bellevue University. She lives with her husband and two children in Richmond, Virginia.
Shelby Deem
Shelby is the Client Care Manager for the Center for Relational Recovery and Braving Hope™. Shelby dedicated 14 years of her career in the legal field as a legal assistant. Her passion intersected with life experiences and she found herself desiring a change. Shelby joined the team in early 2023 supporting the clinical team and members of Braving Hope™. Shelby is passionate about supporting others however she can, and her dedication shines through the success of every client she cares for.
She lives in Oklahoma with her very energetic son and two dogs, Hope and Patrick.
Kristen Smith
Kristen Smith is an artist, teacher, coach and mother. Kristen is a professional potter with over 20 years experience creating beautiful works of art in her studio and 13 years teaching pottery in Kennesaw Georgia. Kristen also has experience providing elder-care and worked in an assisted-living facility during the Covid-19 pandemic caring for those who could not access their loved ones and needed support. Kristen is a Clarity Call Coach for the Braving Hope™ coaching program offering care and support to each individual she talks to who is reaching out for guidance and direction during a critical moment of need.
Kristen lives in Georgia with her husband and his luxurious beard, her two rockstar children and two weird cats.
