Meet Our Team
Decades of care and life experience!
Nurture and Light leads with power that has been gained from walking through the fire and having the courage to turn around and help someone else walk out. Our staff is weel trained and qualified for any mental health need and we feel blessed to get to be a part of your journey!
Lacie Martinez, LPCC - S
Chief Executive Officer / Licensed Proffessional Clinical Counselor - Superviser
Lacie Martinez, LPCC-S, is the Chief Executive Officer and Clinical Director of Nurture and Light Counseling. With an extensive background in behavioral healthcare, she has served in clinical, operational, and leadership roles across both mental health and substance use treatment programs. Her experience includes clinical direction, operations management, business development, and program implementation, allowing her to bridge quality clinical care with strong organizational leadership.
Lacie is passionate about developing programs that expand access to care while creating supportive environments for both clients and professionals. She believes that healing is not a journey anyone should take alone. Her philosophy is rooted in walking alongside individuals, meeting them where they are, and empowering them to discover hope, resilience, and lasting recovery.
She believes we should walk with clients where they are, stay on the front lines, until they are empowered to take up space and feel strong by their purpose.
Nikki Turner, CADCA II
Owner, COO
Nikki Turner is a behavioral health leader, recovery advocate, and business owner based in Bowling Green, Kentucky. She owns and operates Malta Recovery and Nurture and Light Counseling, drawing on her lived experience with justice involvement, homelessness, and addiction to create person-centered programs that support long-term healing.
Since 2020, Nikki has worked across peer support, career services, and program development, and she remains actively involved in several community initiatives and Kentucky recovery housing efforts to strengthen community-based support systems.
Since 2020, Nikki has worked across peer support, career services, and program development, and she remains actively involved in several community initiatives and Kentucky recovery housing efforts to strengthen community-based support systems.
Kenneth Amburgey, LPCA
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in volupat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim idest laborum.
Hope King, LPCA
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in volupat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim idest laborum.
Stephanie Belt, LPCC
I have been a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor since 2021. I have a person-centered approach to therapy allowing the client’s presenting concerns and personal goals for therapy to lead the direction of what therapeutic techniques and interventions are used.
I have worked with clients ages 4 – 60s whom have had a variety of diagnoses. I have worked with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and other mood disorders, PTSD and other trauma related disorders, adjustment disorders, ODD, ADHD, autism spectrum, personality disorders, and polysubstance use disorders. I have worked with clients to complete CPS case plans and clients enrolled in DOC to complete required programs. I have experience coordinating services with case workers, social workers, CSA’s, probation officers, drug court, and mental health court to provide the most ethical and beneficial services and treatment for clients.
I strive to offer a safe space for all my clients to express themselves and work through whatever obstacles life has presented them. I do my best to connect my clients with appropriate wrap-around services and referrals to help meet their mental health, physical health, and needs.
Ron Butler, LPCA
Ron Butler, LPCA, is a dedicated mental health professional who earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Western Kentucky University. He has more than 10 years of experience supporting individuals affected by trauma, substance use, anxiety, depression, and major life transitions.
Ron is passionate about creating a safe, respectful, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel heard, valued, and empowered. His approach focuses on helping individuals recognize their strengths, overcome barriers, develop healthy coping skills, and create meaningful change. He believes every person has the ability to heal, grow, and rediscover their purpose.
Through compassion, encouragement, and accountability, Ron works to restore hope and breathe life into those he serves. His mission is to empower clients to move beyond their past, embrace their potential, and build healthier, more fulfilling futures.
“Your windshield is bigger than your rearview for a reason, because where you are going is bigger than where you’ve been.”
Director of Targeted Case Management
Steve Amrein
Steve Amrein is the Director of Case Management at Nurture and Light Counseling, where he oversees coordination of services, care planning, and linkage to community resources for clients across our programs. In his role, Steve leads the case management team in supporting housing, benefits, legal, and recovery-related needs so that clinical care is connected to real-life stability. He is passionate about helping individuals navigate complex systems, advocate for their goals, and build sustainable support networks that honor each person’s strengths and story.
My name is Alexzandra Curry I am a dedicated recovery professional, Targeted Case Manager, and Director of Victory Lane Women’s Sober Living with a passion for helping women rebuild their lives after addiction. Since achieving sobriety on February 22, 2018, I have devoted my career to walking alongside women as they navigate recovery, healing, and personal growth.
With a bachelor’s degree and extensive experience working with individuals experiencing co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, I combine professional knowledge with lived experience to provide compassionate, evidence-based support. I believe lasting recovery is built through accountability, structure, and hope, and I am committed to creating safe, supportive environments where women can rediscover their purpose and independence.
Outside of my professional role, I am a proud mother who considers my children to be my greatest accomplishment and motivation. I strive to lead by example, showing them that resilience, faith, hard work, and perseverance can transform even life’s greatest challenges into opportunities for growth. My commitment to recovery extends beyond my career it’s a way of life that influences how I serve my community, leads the program, and loves my family.
Ali Curry
Targeted Case Manager (TCM)
Hey everyone! My name is Cole Smiley. I am originally from Princeton, Kentucky, and moved here to Bowling Green a few years ago with my family. I graduated from Lindsey Wilson University in 2024 with a B.A. in Psychology, and a minor in Business Administration. I went to LWU to play Basketball, which is still a big hobby of mine. I also enjoy watching collegiate and professional football, and hanging out with friends in my downtime.
I have been with Nurture and Light Counseling for almost 1 year now, where I have worked as a Targeted Case Manager and Intake Specialist. Seeing and helping Nurture and Light, as well as our clients, grow and flourish has been a blessing.
I am currently in the Masters of Social Work Program at Western Kentucky University. I believe it is my calling to help those in need struggling with mental health, and I intend to do just that through my degree.
Cole Smiley
Targeted Case Manager (TCM)
Hi, my name is Cassandra Byrd. I am a BSW, TCM, and TCADC, and I’m passionate about using both my professional education and personal experience to support individuals on their journey toward recovery and a healthier, more fulfilling life.
I earned my Bachelor of Social Work from Murray State University and am currently pursuing my Master’s degree at Capella University, with hopes of graduating in December.
My “why” is deeply personal. I have a passion for helping individuals rebuild their lives and discover a future free from substance use. As someone who identifies as a person in long-term recovery and has been in recovery for 11 years, I understand both the challenges and the hope that come with the journey.
My lived experience, education, and passion for helping others have shaped my commitment to supporting individuals as they work toward healing, growth, and a life they can be proud of. I believe recovery is possible, and I’m honored to use my experience and education to help others see that possibility for themselves.
Cassandra Byrd
Targeted Case Manager (TCM)
Admissions Department
Super Stars
Meet the Admission Department Superstars at Nurture and Light Counseling — the team that makes your first step into care feel less overwhelming and more supported. Our admissions crew is usually the first voice you hear and the first smile you see; they help you schedule, gather paperwork, answer questions, and coordinate with providers and referral partners so you don’t have to navigate the process alone.
They are experts at turning complex forms and insurance details into a simple, human conversation, making sure every new client, family, and court or community referral is welcomed with respect and clarity. From the moment you reach out, our Admission Department Superstars are behind the scenes and at the front desk, keeping things organized, communicating with your treatment team, and making sure you feel seen and cared for before your very first appointment.