Pelican Counseling Services, PLLC

Meet Isadora Girardi, LCMHC, NCC

Sometimes life can feel challenging, confusing, or even paralyzing—but it doesn’t have to stay that way. Reaching out for help can be difficult, especially if it’s something you’ve never done before. Maybe you’ve talked with a friend or family member about what’s been happening, but still feel stuck. That’s where a counselor, such as Isadora, can help. Her role isn’t to push or pull you toward change, but to walk alongside you—offering guidance, understanding, and empathy along the way.

Isadora is a licensed clinical mental health counselor, therapist, and the owner of Pelican Counseling Services. Her purpose is to provide a safe and supportive space where clients can share their experiences, feelings, and emotions openly. Isadora’s hope is that, through working together, you’ll discover greater happiness, improved self-esteem, a more positive outlook, and deeper self-compassion as you move toward the goals that are set at the start of your journey.

During sessions with Isadora, you’ll experience a person-centered approach, because she believes you are the expert of your own life. You can also expect plenty of psychoeducation, as Isadora sees it as her responsibility to share the knowledge that she has gained through her training and experience. Finally, Isadora also used a solution-focused approach, helping you build the skills and confidence to navigate life’s changes independently.

Meet Marchelle Nixon, LCMHCA

Marchelle earned her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Mount Olive. As a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate at Pelican Counseling Services, she provides compassionate, person-centered care to individuals navigating a wide range of emotional and behavioral challenges.

With prior experience supporting high-risk young adults, Marchelle is dedicated to creating a therapeutic environment rooted in respect, trust, and authenticity. A lifelong resident of Wilmington, NC, and a proud native of Castle Hayne, she is deeply passionate about promoting mental health awareness within the Black community. Marchelle understands the stigma that can accompany discussions around mental health and believes that reaching out for help is a powerful act of courage and self-care.

Marchelle’s counseling approach centers on collaboration, empathy, and genuine connection. She uses talk therapy to help clients explore their experiences, build resilience, and foster personal growth. By offering a safe, nonjudgmental space, she empowers each client to feel heard, valued, and supported as they move toward healing and positive change.

Meet Sophia Aimone, LCMHCA

If life feels especially heavy or difficult to navigate right now, you’ve found a soft place to land. Whether you’re adjusting to a chronic health diagnosis, managing anxiety or stress, moving through a life transition, or working to strengthen communication and boundaries within your relationships—you don’t have to carry it alone. Sophia approaches therapy as a collaborative, human experience. Together, you’ll look beyond labels and create space for your story to unfold with honesty, curiosity, and compassion while developing tools for meaningful, lasting change.

Sophia shows up as a therapist who is present, honest, and continually growing. She is committed to doing this work alongside you. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, chronic illness, grief, or relationship challenges, it would be her honor to support you as you move towards healing, clarity, and meaningful change. With a background in neuroscience, Sophia also incorporates somatic awareness to strengthen the mind-body connection and support overall mental health. She’s eager to get to know you and start working together!

Meet Chelsea Chiltoskie, Clinical Intern

Chelsea is a counseling intern with the University of Mount Olive in North Carolina and is expected to graduate in May 2026. She has experience working with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance use concerns.

Chelsea takes a compassionate, client-centered approach to therapy and integrates solution-focused techniques and elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She is committed to creating a supportive and collaborative space where clients feel heard, empowered, and encouraged to work toward meaningful change.

As a mother of three, a lifelong learner and member of the community she serves, Chelsea is passionate about supporting individuals as they move toward healing and living more fulfilling lives.

Meet Apollo

Meet Apollo, our favorite co-worker. He’s the best at sleeping through every telehealth session!