Influential Woman · Mental Health Care
Tina Naylor
CEO and Owner, Grace Counseling and Wellness Center
Laurel, MS 39440
Her Story
About Tina
Dr. Tina Naylor is the CEO and owner of Grace Counseling and Wellness Center and Grace Counseling and Recovery Center in Laurel, Mississippi, where she provides leadership in mental health counseling and wellness services. She began her career in the mental health field in 2002 with the Mississippi Department of Corrections and has since developed extensive experience across clinical practice, education, supervision, and organizational leadership. For the past 15 years, she has also served part-time as a clinical mental health supervisor in private practice. Her professional work includes supporting individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, and abuse, as well as working with autistic children. She is a provisional certified mental health therapist through the Mississippi Department of Mental Health, has passed the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination, and serves as an adult abuse mandated-reporter trainer and suicide prevention coordinator.
Dr. Naylor's commitment to education has been a defining part of her professional journey. She earned an Associate of Applied Science focused on Pharmaceutical Sales and an Associate of Arts from Jones County Junior College, followed by a Bachelor of Science through the College of Education and Psychology at the University of Southern Mississippi. She also earned a Master of Education and an Education Specialist degree from William Carey University, as well as a Master of Science in Human Services from Capella University. She continues to pursue her passion for developing future mental health professionals through the University of West Alabama and serves as a field instructor for Walden University, volunteering her time to mentor interns. In addition to her mental health leadership, Dr. Naylor is an entrepreneur who owns TLN Cleaning Services, a boutique, and New to You Tax Refund, reflecting her broad interests in business and community service.
At the heart of Dr. Naylor's work is a commitment to helping people recognize their potential and find opportunities to begin again. She credits her upbringing for shaping her dedication to truth, honesty, compassion, and service, and she actively supports initiatives involving crisis intervention, suicide risk assessments, and advocacy. She also values the growth and success of the people around her, particularly the staff at Grace Counseling and Recovery, whom she describes as an important part of her own journey. She takes pride in watching members of her team pursue advanced education, launch businesses, and grow professionally and personally. Outside of her professional responsibilities, Dr. Naylor enjoys traveling, trying different foods, and watching shows such as Law & Order, The First 48, and Nancy Grace. Through her leadership, mentorship, and service, she continues to focus on creating opportunities for others to heal, grow, and move forward.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Tina
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my upbringing and the values instilled in me by my parents, aunt, and grandmother, especially the importance of grace, mercy, and faith. I believe every day is an opportunity to start over, learn from our experiences, and grow. My childhood experiences shaped my resilience and helped guide my path, while the leadership I surround myself with continues to challenge me to develop. I also believe in investing in others, giving them opportunities to grow, and empowering them to become as strong—or even better—than I am.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to remain compassionate, encourage others, and give people opportunities to try again. I’ve learned that showing people they are valued, supported, and never alone can have a lasting impact. My faith also reminds me that challenges are part of the journey and that difficult seasons can lead to growth and brighter days. I strive to use that perspective to strengthen and empower those around me.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering mental health is to keep going, keep pushing, and remember the importance of the three L’s: live, laugh, and love. Mental health work requires compassion, resilience, and the ability to support people through both their difficult and joyful moments without carrying their struggles home with you. When someone trusts you enough to say they are struggling and need help, recognize the courage it takes to ask for support. Be present, remain compassionate, and never give up on the people who are counting on you.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges for me is learning when to say no because I naturally want to help everyone and find ways to help people grow. In mental health, I see a tremendous opportunity to remind people that they are not alone by bringing together families, parents, schools, correctional and child welfare systems, and other support networks. By creating a collaborative team around each individual, I can help build stronger support systems, develop leadership, and create meaningful, lasting outcomes.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are truth and honesty. I believe genuine relationships require the courage to be truthful, even when it is difficult. To me, honesty demonstrates love, respect, and compassion, especially when someone is willing to acknowledge when they are wrong and take accountability.
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