Clinical Staff
Kristy Ledford, MA, LPC, CTP
Clinical Director
As a professional counselor and certified trauma professional, Kristy is deeply committed to providing specialized, evidence-based care that addresses the unique challenges faced by law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics, and other first responders.
A graduate of Liberty University with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Kristy brings extensive experience in trauma-informed care, addiction recovery, and mental health treatment. She previously worked in community mental health, providing outpatient substance use treatment, and later in private practice, specializing in trauma and addiction. In 2022, Kristy was awarded the Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) for Addiction Counseling through NBCC and NAADAC, completing a year-long fellowship with intensive training focused on trauma and addiction in marginalized and underserved communities. This experience reinforced her passion for addressing the complex interplay between trauma, substance use, and mental health recovery.
Driven by a deep passion for healing and a firm belief in the power of recovery, Kristy is dedicated to fostering a safe and compassionate environment where first responders can process their experiences, develop coping strategies, and reclaim their well-being. With a commitment to evidence-based interventions and a deep respect for the first responder community, Kristy is honored to walk alongside these heroes on their path to recovery. At Valor Station, she is proud to be part of a mission that prioritizes the mental health and well-being of those who dedicate their lives to protecting others.
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Jennifer Sharpe RN, MA, APC
Therapist
Jennifer Sharpe is an Associate Professional Counselor dedicated to supporting first responders through evidence-based therapeutic practices. Holding a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology, she brings a unique blend of clinical competence and trauma-informed care to her work.
With a background as a registered nurse (RN, BSN), Jennifer integrates medical and psychological knowledge to provide holistic, person-centered care. She holds certificates in Narrative-Focused Trauma Care through The Allender Center, which is led by Dr. Dan Allender, a pioneer of a unique and innovative approach to trauma and abuse therapy. Her approach prioritizes the power of storytelling, resilience-building, and deep healing.
Jennifer has a growing understanding of the unique challenges faced by first responders, including the psychological and emotional toll of high-stress, high-risk environments. She is committed to creating a safe, supportive space where first responders can process trauma, foster emotional well-being, and build long-term resilience.
Currently working toward full licensure as a professional counselor, Jennifer is dedicated to walking alongside those who serve their communities, offering compassionate and effective mental health support.
Outside of her professional work, she enjoys fishing, mountain biking, and spending quality time with her family and friends.
Dr. Becky Abell
Dr. Becky Abell is a board-certified emergency medicine physician with subspecialty certification in Emergency Medical Services. She serves as Program Director of the Emergency Medicine Residency at Doctors Hospital of Augusta and as Professor of Emergency Medicine at Mercer University School of Medicine.
A graduate of the Medical University of South Carolina, Dr. Abell completed her emergency medicine residency at Brooke Army Medical Center and an EMS fellowship at the Medical College of Georgia. She served as a Medical Corps officer in the United States Army from 2003 to 2014, with assignments spanning clinical care, combat support, and medical direction.
Her career bridges clinical practice, prehospital medicine, and medical education. She has directed EMS agencies, fire department medical programs, and air medical services, and currently serves as a volunteer firefighter in Belvedere, South Carolina. A Fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians, she has published and presented widely on EMS scope of practice, disaster preparedness, and wilderness medicine. Her commitment to prehospital care reflects a career dedicated to strengthening the connection between hospital and field.
Rob Manning, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
Nurse Practitioner
With over 15 years of dedicated experience in high-acuity Emergency Medicine and a foundational background in military medicine, Rob is a highly skilled Nurse Practitioner specializing in the unique healthcare needs of first responders. As an Iraqi War veteran and former combat medic, Rob brings an unparalleled, firsthand understanding of the physical, psychological, and environmental stressors faced by frontline personnel. Combining clinical training from Duke University with a deep-seated commitment to the first responder community, Rob focuses on resilience, recovery, and long-term wellness.
"First responders spend their lives running toward the crises that others are fleeing. They deserve healthcare providers who understand the specific toll that duty takes on the mind and body. My mission is to provide proactive, comprehensive care that respects their unique culture, prioritizes their operational readiness, and supports their long-term quality of life."
Outside of clinical practice, Rob walks the talk of active, resilient living. A passionate advocate for physical and mental wellness, he practices Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and is an avid outdoorsman who recharges through camping, hiking, and embarking on outdoor adventures with family.
Linda Gould LPC
Linda Gould is a Licensed Professional Counselor and founder of Ironwood Therapy and Training whose career has been shaped by a deep commitment to serving first responders, public safety professionals, military members, veterans, and their families.
Linda spent six years working directly within a law enforcement agency, where she provided confidential counseling to officers and their families and helped develop a comprehensive wellness and resiliency program. For five years, she also assisted the Georgia Office of Public Safety Support by providing clinical support for Post Critical Incident Seminars (PCIS), supporting public safety professionals following critical incidents and cumulative exposure to trauma. These experiences gave her a firsthand understanding of public safety culture, the cumulative impact of high-stress work, and the unique challenges first responders may face both on and off duty. She has also provided critical incident response, consultation, training, and peer support education to public safety agencies and professionals.
Linda holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Sociology from the University of Georgia, a Master of Arts in Education, and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Trauma and Crisis. She is also a GA POST-certified General Instructor. Her clinical training includes Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), crisis intervention, grief recovery, and other trauma-focused and nervous-system-informed approaches.
Linda believes healing does not require first responders to leave behind the strength, identity, or values that have helped them survive difficult experiences. Her approach is compassionate, practical, culturally informed, and grounded in respect for the individual behind the uniform. She is honored to be part of Valor Station’s mission to create a place where first responders can receive specialized care from professionals who understand the demands of the work.
Outside of her professional life, Linda enjoys traveling, exploring nature, trivia, movies, and experiencing new places through their local food and culture.A graduate of the Medical University of South Carolina, Dr. Abell completed her emergency medicine residency at Brooke Army Medical Center and an EMS fellowship at the Medical College of Georgia. She served as a Medical Corps officer in the United States Army from 2003 to 2014, with assignments spanning clinical care, combat support, and medical direction.
Her career bridges clinical practice, prehospital medicine, and medical education. She has directed EMS agencies, fire department medical programs, and air medical services, and currently serves as a volunteer firefighter in Belvedere, South Carolina. A Fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians, she has published and presented widely on EMS scope of practice, disaster preparedness, and wilderness medicine. Her commitment to prehospital care reflects a career dedicated to strengthening the connection between hospital and field.
Chris Young
Counseling Intern
Christopher “Chris” Young brings nearly two decades of real-world experience, leadership, and heart to his work with first responders. Since entering law enforcement in 2008, he has developed a deep understanding of the unique pressures faced by those who serve in high-stress, high-stakes environments. His firsthand knowledge of the emotional and psychological demands placed on officers, military personnel, and their families allows him to connect with clients from a place of authenticity and shared experience.
A licensed minister since 2006, Chris has long felt called to walk alongside others during some of life’s most challenging moments. He has also served the Augusta area as a law enforcement chaplain, providing spiritual care, crisis response, and steady support to fellow officers and their families. These roles, combined with his lifelong background in construction work beginning in his teenage years, have shaped his grounded, practical, and approachable style. He understands the culture of service, hard work, and resilience that defines the first responder community.
Chris earned his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Faulkner University and is currently pursuing a master's degree in clinical Mental Health Counseling at the same institution. His decision to enter the counseling profession was shaped by witnessing—and personally understanding—the hardships associated with military service and first responder's life. He is passionate about bridging the gap between mental health and public safety, working to reduce stigma and make support both accessible and culturally competent.
Chris is committed to being a steady, trustworthy presence for those who spend their lives serving others. His dedication to both law enforcement and mental health is rooted in a genuine love for people and a desire to help first responders build resilience, find healing, and thrive both personally and professionally.