Pathways to Peace

Counseling & Consulting Agency

Our Story & Team

Pathways to Peace was founded by a group of cohorts who found family within each other. Sometimes support comes from those you least expect.

Vision

We believe in the transformative power of positive mental health practices. Through a combination of therapy, coaching, and mindfulness techniques, we empower our clients to overcome challenges, build resilience, and find peace amidst life’s uncertainties.

Meet the Team

Our team of licensed mental health counselors are dedicated to empowering and educating individuals through proven enrichment techniques. We are committed to helping individuals and families navigate life's challenges, while fostering personal growth and resilience. Our goal is to empower, preserve, restore, and enhance well-being, by bringing balance to the mind, body and soul.

Owner

Dionne S. Edmond-Dunn

Dionne has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. With over 30 years of experience in the medical field, primarily in nursing, Dionne transitioned her expertise to specialize in marriage and family counseling. Her mission is to leverage her diverse skills and experiences to advocate for and give back to her community.

In addition to her counseling work, Dionne is an accomplished entrepreneur, singer, songwriter, and author. She has written four books available on Amazon and has a song on iTunes. Recently, she was honored with an Honorable Mention for the 2024 Innovator Award by the Department of Social Services (DSS).

Dionne continues to serve her community by working as a Trainer and Content Specialist for the state Department of Social Services, while also providing counseling services to a diverse population. Through her multifaceted approach, she is committed to making a lasting impact both locally and beyond.

Owner

Dorissa Thompson

Dorissa Thompson has a strong background in social work and education. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Work and a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. With over six years of experience, Dorissa has developed a specialized focus on working with children, adolescents, and young adults.

Throughout her career, Dorissa has demonstrated a deep commitment to advocating for her clients' needs, ensuring that they receive the support and resources necessary for their well-being. Her experience as a social worker includes providing case management and advocacy services, while her role as a middle school social studies teacher allowed her to connect with students and promote their academic and emotional growth.

In addition to her clinical practice, Dorissa is actively involved in the community as a board member for Warrior Connections, an organization that provides psychoeducation and support for individuals affected by sickle cell disease.

Dorissa’s passion for empowering others and fostering resilience makes her a dedicated and compassionate mental health professional.

Owner

Eric Portee

Eric L. Portee, LPC-A, ADC-IP is a Counselor for pathways to peace. He is a member of the National Society of Pershing Rifles, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., the American Counseling Association, and Chi Sigma Iota which is an international honor society of professional counseling. Eric is not only an advocate for mental health, but he is also a Military Veteran.

It was not until he returned home from the military that he observed the shortage of mental health professionals that were available in certain communities. This was the reasoning for his pursuit in education as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from South Carolina State University, and later his Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from South University’s Columbia Campus. Enthralled with the concept of continuous improvement and mental health, he has worked as a psychological operation specialist in the Army, a case manager for The Department of Social Services, a residential counselor for the Department of Juvenile Justice and for Three Rivers Midlands. Eric has also worked as a counselor and case manager for Sumter Behavioral Health Freedom House.

Eric understands that he is in the business of change and that all people have potential and the ability to change. It is from this way of thinking that he has adopted the practice of being person-centered in his approach of helping people. When he is not working on bringing awareness to mental health in underserved communities, you will find Eric occasionally playing golf, working out, traveling, or spending quality time with his family.