Lauren M. Cestare, LPC, NCC
I was born in New York and moved to South Carolina when I was in middle school. Growing up, my parents set the standard on selflessness and raised myself and my siblings to always be willing to help others in need, leading by example. I have always been destined to be in the helping profession and I have always had a passion for working with children and adolescents.
I graduated from the College of Charleston in 2006, with my undergraduate degree in Psychology. After undergrad, I went to Webster University, where I obtained my Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling, in 2008. I knew without a shadow of a doubt that I wanted to work with children and adolescents, in the school setting, to help them reach their fullest potential, to help them to be successful, and to help them get through whatever life may be throwing at them in that moment.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of SC, as well as a Nationally Board-Certified Counselor. I have worked for Horry County Schools for the past 15 years. I have held different positions, within my organization, working from an intern, to a behavior interventionist, then becoming a lead counselor. I am currently one of two Clinical Services Coordinators for our entire School-Based Mental Health Program in Horry County. We have a team of 96 staff members and serve students in all 54 of our schools.
In my years working for Horry County Schools, I have worked with parents and children from all different backgrounds and in many different capacities. Some of the services that I have provided include, but are not limited to: family therapy, individual therapy, group therapy, family support, social skills training, crisis management, behavior modification, grief counseling, and crisis counseling.