Who We Are
Rhonda Kay Velders
MA, LPC-S, AAT
Rhonda Kay has trained specifically to help victims of physical and sexual assault learn to cope and heal from their horrific experiences. These victims, both male and female, children and adults, are taught to understand that setting goals for treatment is imperative to their recovery. Additionally, she has taught parenting classes for both men and women. She is seasoned at utilizing play therapy and adolescent counseling.
Rhonda Kay has been an invited speaker for high school events designed to raise awareness of abuse and how it may appear in family and dating situations as well as a motivational speaker for various age groups as well as women's retreats with various church groups. She has spoken and is available to speak on the dangers technology presents to children and their families. She is an ordained elder in the Church of the Nazarene and remains actively involved in ministry at her church.
Rhonda Kay also believes in holistic care and proper nutrition to help maintain optimal mental and physical health. As a coach she will help direct the right items for you, collaborating with your medical team, we will work hard to develop the right avenue. There are several ways she will present options, and two of those are with Juice Plus+ and with Advocare. Please note: there is no mandatory option. However, if you want to achieve your optimal health, please consider learning more about how holistic practices can address your goals.
Rhonda Kay places much value in family, and in her Christian walk. She enjoys the company of her husband, Joel, her two sons and their wives. She enjoys being “Lolli” to her granddaughter. There is much love for her dogs, Dwight and Konni, who can frequently be seen while visiting for therapy sessions. When not at work, she enjoys swimming, walks with her husband and dogs at the park, and any gathering that includes her family.
Dwight
Therapy Dog in Training
Dwight is the newest member of our therapy team! While not certified yet, clients may have an opportunity to see Dwight in the office (when available) and those who have already love him! He looks forward to meeting you, and we look forward to having him on the team as a bona fide, fully certified therapy dog in 2024!
Lydia Permenter
Front Office & Custodian of Records
Lydia Permenter brings with her an entire career’s worth of experience in handling sensitive records. Illuminated Pathways is extremely proud to have her on the team! In keeping with Illuminated Pathways’ mission, Lydia is unashamed about loving Jesus and is always very kind and professional. Her hobbies include gardening, quilting, and playing with her grandchildren.
“Focus on being a better you today than you were yesterday.”
~Rhonda Kay
What People Are Saying. . .
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I want to express my extreme gratitude to Rhonda Velders at illuminated pathways therapy. I’ve had multiple visits over many months, discussing a path forward after divorce. She listened and always had a positive outlook on my future decision making. The tools we worked on together made it very easy and helping with the process to move on. Thank you for your kindness and your professionalism.
Ted G
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I cannot Thank Rhonda enough for healing my son (age 10)! We came in with a traumatic incident that gave my son horrible PTSD and anxiety. She was able to quickly connect with him, found commonalities, gain his trust, and began the WORK to give him the tools, exercises, and confidence he needed to begin to heal. As a parent it is the most painful and helpless feeling when your child has been traumatized. However, it is the most rewarding feeling to see the healing process working, and the light back in your child’s eyes again! This is truly a gift from GOD Rhonda is a gift from GOD. I am so thankful and highly recommend her and her staff.
Ami B
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I found Rhonda through my wife. Being a veteran I did not trust therapist or therapy. My wife forced me to go the first few times but I found a person I could trust and open up to. Rhonda has helped me deal not only with my PTSD but life in general. She has become a close friend and my sounding board in rough seas. Rhonda and her family have helped me and my family deal with loss and life changes and new chapters in our lives. Rhonda is the best counselor in my opinion and her approach works with grumpy sailors even when we did not want to be there. Rhonda will always be a part of mine and my family's life.
Jeff D
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I cannot say enough wonderful things about Rhonda. From the moment we stepped into her practice, she and Kelly made my son and I feel welcome and comfortable. Kelly was so kind to greet us with a warm smile and make conversation with my son about his day. Rhonda helped my son and I navigate a traumatic situation we had recently experienced. This trauma had created unhealthy anxiety levels for both of us. With time and weekly sessions, we were both able to better process our experiences. Rhonda was able to give us to the tools needed to help us overcome these thoughts and fears. Thank you Rhonda for helping our family! Your encouragement and professional experience has made our home feel like a safe place once again.
Tara U
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Rhonda provided counseling services for my children, spanning in ages from 6 to 14. She engaged each child in the type of therapy that best suited their needs and met them where they were. My youngest daughter, having been adopted from foster care, had a great deal of trauma to overcome. Through play therapy, and using her ability to recognize my daughter’s specific needs, Rhonda found a way to connect with her and help her make tremendous progress. With my older child, I saw Rhonda apply a completely different skill set, utilizing talk therapy to break through well-built walls with my teen. I also had a great level of comfort and confidence in Rhonda’s counseling because, as a Christian counselor, I knew that my children’s spiritual well-being was important to her and that her approach to counseling was Christ-centered. I have recommended Rhonda to many of my friends and colleagues who have also had great experiences with her. If we need a counselor again, she will be my first choice.
Laura S
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I truly want to Thank Rhonda for her time, expertise, and knowledge. If I can be honest I came in a hot mess! I truly just needed some “HELP”. I had family issues that was spilling over into my marriage, causing stress, anxiety, and depression. I didn’t know where to begin but little did I know calling her office to set up an appointment was the first step to the healing process. Rhonda gives it to you straight, she is quickly able identify the pain points and drill down into the root of the issues. She provides the guidance and the tools, but YOU must want to do the WORK yourself and trust the process to heal and let me tell you the reward is so amazing. I am more confident today and equip with the tools I need not to fall back into old habits that may trigger negativity. I am human so I have my moments, but Rhonda is still there and makes time for her clients! I also love Kelly! She is a wonderful asset to the front office.
Ami B
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Illuminated Pathways provided a safe, understanding environment with a goal oriented path to emotional healing that helped promote a healthy self-worth. I found that without this kind of skilled professional support, I was not aware enough to recognize the emotional abuse I was under and how it affected my ability to function and grow as a healthy adult. It is a process, a process I am glad I began. It is not only thoughtful counselling, but also listening, providing tools, and meaningful exercises to accomplish the goal – a healthier YOU
David D
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I would like to thank Ms. Rhonda at Illuminated Pathways for helping me with my depression, guilt and anxiety after my mother passed away. With the instructions and techniques that I was taught, it helped me get through a very difficult and challenging time in my life. Thank you Rhonda! Ps. Thank you too Teddy!
Daniel B