Phanie Mills

MA, LPCA, NCC

Phanie completed her Bachelors of Fine Arts degree from Grand Valley State University in Allendale, MI in 2010. She discovered ‘the power of play’ while managing visitor services and facilitating educational programming at The Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine from 2017 to 2021. This led to opportunities in the Outdoor Behavioral Health field, combining play, nature, and mental health services. 

Phanie earned her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Spalding University in Louisville, KY in 2025. During her graduate studies, she worked in the Louisville area to support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities as a mentor, instructor, and certified direct support caregiver. She believes that prioritizing and providing accessible, effective mental healthcare for all is key for a healthy community. Phanie also began practicing Adlerian Play Therapy at Phoenix Preferred Care with school-aged children as a professional intern in the summer of 2024. 

Outside of work, Phanie is passionate about spending time outdoors. She loves hobbies like kayaking, hiking, and camping. In 2021, she completed her lifelong goal of thru-hiking the entire 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. Phanie is also an artist and craftswoman who enjoys creative projects with various materials and mediums. She loves to share the joy of nature and creative expression with family, friends, and even the clients she works with. 

LICENSURE/ CERTIFICATIONS/ TRAINING

•  Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPCA)
•  National Certified Counselor (NCC)
•  EMDR Training (in progress)
•  Play Therapy training to earn the Registered Play Therapist (RPT™) credential (in progress)
•  Trauma Informed Care trained
•  Wilderness Therapy & Outdoor Leadership Certification