Phanie Mills

BFA, Professional Counselor Intern

Phanie Mills is a Professional Counselor Intern providing services in Jefferson and Bullitt Counties and the surrounding area.

Phanie completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Grand Valley State University in Allendale, MI in 2010. After pursuing management in the non-profit sector of the art world, 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 Phanie to pursue professional experience and education in the Outdoor Behavioral Health field, combining play, nature, and mental health services. 

Phanie completed a Wilderness Therapy certification in the Outdoor Leadership program at Southwestern Community College, Sylva, NC in 2023. Since this time, Phanie has been a student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate program at Spalding University in Louisville, KY. She is slated for graduation and licensure in the fall of 2025. 

During her graduate studies, Phanie has 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 has also been practicing Adlerian Play Therapy at Phoenix Preferred Care with school-aged children as a professional intern since the summer of 2024 and plans to work toward earning the Registered Play Therapist credential after licensure.

Outside of work, Phanie is passionate about spending time outdoors. She loves hobbies like trail running, 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. She loves to share the joy of the natural world with family, friends, and even the clients she works with. Phanie is also an artist and craftswoman who enjoys creative projects with various materials and mediums.