

Hello, please feel free to call me Jay! I am a counselor dedicated to helping people navigate life's transitions with a sense of calm and purpose. I hold an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University, but my perspective is also shaped by a decade of service as a Firefighter EMT-B. Having worked in everything from emergency services and healthcare to the Walt Disney Company and local business management, I specialize in helping others navigate career transitions, school preparation, and life pivots. My diverse background allows me to meet you exactly where you are, no matter your professional or personal path.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Army veteran, I specialize in working with young African American veterans who are navigating depression, anxiety, military transition, identity shifts, and the challenges of civilian life. I understand that life after service is not always straightforward. Many people, including veterans, find themselves struggling with purpose, relationships, career decisions, and mental health concerns while trying to adjust to a new chapter.
As a female veteran, I bring both professional expertise and lived experience to my work. Those experiences help me create a space where clients feel understood, respected, and empowered.
My name is Shelly-Ann Jmaes-Perelion, and I have over 20 years of experience in education and 12 years of experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor. I served as a high school counselor for seven years and am currently in my sixth year as a Mental Health Intervention Counselor in the CFISD school district.
I consider the power of connection to ourselves and others a key component to fulfillment and stability in life. As humans, we just aren’t designed to go through challenges alone.
So whether you want to overcome anxiety or depression, are struggling with trauma from the past, or dealing with relationship issues, seeking therapy is a courageous decision to create a secure and supportive space to explore what’s going on in your heart and head and begin healing.


Headway makes it easy to find support for your mental health — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.