Meet Pursuing Peace Mental Health & Wellness Inc
How We Got Started
We hold the strong belief that people are perfectly imperfect. They are beautiful and spectacular but can also become stuck, unhappy and unable to live a fulfilling life. Old patterns of thinking and behaving lead to the same old outcomes, and that’s where we come in.
With our background in counseling, social work and ministry , our experience allows us to understand the best ways to address each client’s needs in an effective manner. We use a flexible approach and use collaboration as the basis of therapy. Browse our services and book a session today!
Executive Director
Chris Chiarino MS LPC NBCC MMIN
With over 15 years of experience in therapy, child welfare, and ministry, Chris has dedicated his career to serving others and bringing hope to those in need. Since 2009, he has had the privilege of helping over 1,000 families in our community, offering compassionate therapy and guidance during some of their most challenging times.
Chris has a deep passion for helping individuals and families find peace, healing, and restoration in their lives. His extensive background includes more than five years of experience in child welfare and over twelve years in ministry, equipping him with a unique skill set to support those facing complex life situations.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Crime and Society from Southwest Missouri State University, a Master of Science in Counseling from Missouri State University, and a Master of Ministry from Harding University. Chris is committed to offering a safe and supportive environment for people to explore their challenges, discover hope, and pursue lasting peace in their lives.
Director
Jennifer McBride LMSW
Our director, Jennifer, has spent nearly 20 years working as a social worker. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice at Central Missouri State University and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Missouri State University. She has had experience working with domestic violence survivors, child welfare, substance abuse/treatment, adult acute medical care, and home health/hospice. She is compassionate, intuitive, intelligent, and direct. Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family, watching sports, hiking, camping, and traveling. Jennifer enjoys working with people to improve their coping skills and increase their resilience, leading to increased confidence, coping, and improved relationships.
Therapist
Hannah Mills LMSW
Hannah has been providing therapy and case management through the MSU counseling Clinic. She has a Master’s degree in Social Work from MSU. She is passionate about Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Solution-Focused therapy, and has a Person-Centered approach. Her specialties include building relational skills, anxiety, depression, and women’s issues.