CEO and Founder of New Mercy Behavioral Health

CEO and Founder of New Mercy Behavioral Health

Demorise Barnes is a native of Gulfport, Mississippi. She has always enjoyed helping people enhance their lives through her therapy and counseling methods. Demorise continually aims to reach others through understanding her clients' needs and gaining their trust. Her morals, values and passion for her craft are what drives her in helping others. She relentlessly searches for ways to enhance her skills and talents to ensure each client receives the best quality of care. She has always been passionate about ensuring clients are able to obtain a healthy life and be the best version of themselves.

Demorise began her collegiate career at Fort Valley State University in 2004. During her sophomore year, she received an offer to travel abroad where she traveled to Europe and took the opportunity to learn about other cultures and social backgrounds. Upon her return, she continued her studies in Augusta, Georgia where she was accepted into Augusta State University. Demorise earned her Bachelor of Science in Sociology. She went on to earn her Master of Social Work degree from Alabama A&M University in May 2011. Currently, Demorise is licensed at the advanced level to practice in multiple states. In addition, she is a member of the National Association of Social Work. She is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a nationally recognized organization that aims to help the community through their community service efforts.

Demorise has over nine years of experience in social work. She is the CEO and founder of New Mercy Behavioral Health LLC. She has extensive experience in working with trauma victims, working with individuals that have a dual diagnosis and individuals who have substance abuse addictions. Demorise infuses her natural abilities with evidence-based practice therapy to make sound decisions about the care for clients. She is intrinsically and culturally competent and adept in working in the African American community as well as individuals of varied ethnicities and cultural backgrounds.

Demorise demonstrates exemplary professionalism and compassion for others and continues to search for new avenues to provide the best care for her clients. She is extremely compassionate about helping others and ensuring that they are equipped with the necessary tools to heal completely so that they can live life happy, healthy and whole.

Meet the Team at New Mercy Behavioral Health LLC

Towanna Cummings strives daily to make a positive impact in the lives of others. Professionally she brings an effective blend of experience, expertise, clarity, concern and action to the counseling process. She sternly believes in the healing and wholeness of individuals, marriages and families.

Towanna earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and a Master's of Science degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and Case Management, both from the prestigious Fort Valley State University.

Her niche is removing barriers for individuals with socio-economical disparities by connecting them with adequate resources, alleviating psychosocial stress.

She is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor through the Commission on Rehabilitation Counseling Certification (CRCC). The CRCC is the world's largest rehabilitation counseling organization, dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities. Towanna is also a Licensed Minister and is passionately pursuing a Doctorate of Ministry Degree in Strategic Growth and Leadership from Grace College of Divinity.

Towanna has over eight years counseling experience with a wide range of patients in a variety of treatment settings. Her experience includes providing counseling for clients in need of Vocational Rehabilitation services, providing in home therapy to family and children, and serving as a Crime Victim Advocate for domestic violence and sexual abuse victims.

Additionally, she has extensive experience with leading small therapeutic groups. For almost four years, she taught in Higher Education as a part-time Adjunct Instructor providing invaluable guidance to students pursing their vocational goals.

Towanna serves in her role as a Rehabilitation Counselor with passion because she believes effective therapy and counseling enables people to effectively navigate through some of the most difficult situations in life.

Daley Morera

Daley Morera was born and raised near Chicago, IL and earned a bachelors degree from Olivet Nazarene University. She relocated to Augusta, GA in 2015 to pursue a graduate degree in biomedical research. Daley loves that she is able to help people get connected to care and support through her role as administrative officer. She loves meeting new people and looks forward to serving you in the future!

At New Mercy Behavioral Health, LLC, we are passionate about mental health. New Mercy Behavioral Health has developed a mental health initiative which is powered by volunteers; we call them Mental Health Champions.

D'Ashley Lyons

Mental Health Champion

Kristin Lewis

Kristin Lewis

Mental Health Champion