Avanlea Chaney, LAC

Hello, my name is Avanlea Chaney. I grew up in Mena, Arkansas originally where I met my high school sweetheart, David Chaney. We have been married for almost 5 years and have a wonderful son that we cherish and love, Nathanael. We moved to Fort Smith, Arkansas in 2024 for my husband's new job as a youth pastor in the area. We love spending our time outdoors, exploring new foods, finding unique thrifted items, and I personally love taking on challenging projects that test my creativity such as home renovations and art.

In 2025, I founded Resilient Youth Counseling LLC which is located at Fort Smith Therapy and became certified as a Licensed Associate Counselor LAC. Before becoming an LAC, I was a School Counselor for 3 years serving students ranging from kindergarten to twelfth grade and have prior experience through other positions supporting children in different stages of their life. My education experience began at the University of Central Arkansas where I completed the Bachelor’s of Science in Family Consumer Science in 2019 and the Masters of Science in School Counseling in 2024. I then completed additional courses from Southern Arkansas University in 2025 to become licensed to do clinical counseling. I am working towards becoming a Registered Play Therapist to further my skills and knowledge. 

At Fort Smith Therapy, I offer Arkansas therapeutic in-person and telehealth services while specializing in working with children and adolescents to give support during crucial developmental stages as early intervention care. My primarily therapeutic approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and person-centered therapy as part of the treatment plan for the clients I serve. I work closely with children to help guide them through challenges and trauma to build resilience and to provide the skills necessary for prevention care. I am so thankful to be a part of making an impact in the lives of the Fort Smith community within this position.