Santana Delano Freeman

I am Santana Delano Freeman. I was born, raised, and currently reside in Abbeville, SC. My wife and I are currently raising two sons. Abbeville is my foundation. I completed high school and started my army and professional career within the 29620 zip code. I have served as an elected official, with sixteen years as a City Council Member and four years as Abbeville’s first Mayor of African-American descent.

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I recently retired from GLEAMNS Head Start after 27 years of service. My roles included Case Worker and Area Manager. My career with Head Start began immediately after graduating from Clemson University in December 1996, with a BA in Psychology. I am also a Commissioned Officer in the South Carolina Army National Guard serving as Lieutenant Colonel and Battalion Commander. My career started as Private and I made it to Sergeant. I attended Officer Candidate School and earned the rank of Second Lieutenant in 2003. I have served in many roles in several different types of commands. I am also an Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan veteran.

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My interest in Mental Health Counseling started in high school. People have shared some of their issues, concerns, and problems from an early age. I worked with people who considered suicide, grief, trauma, and relationship issues well before I considered getting a license. I completed my MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Troy University in July 2023. Now, I am able to answer this calling to help others in this manner.

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My experiences allowed me to work with many different types of people and ages. My belief and keys to success, as it relates to counseling, start with the counselor/client relationship. This is the foundation and will lead to success or failure. My focus is to build a strong foundation filled with trust. Next is commitment to the goals set by the client and the work required to meet them. A major factor is truth. I will be truthful and will admit when the situation is beyond my skills or abilities.

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Please let me know if I can assist you with your journey. There is always a bright side, and the sun will come up in the morning. Let us find your victory among the drama or pain. Sometimes, we are our own worst enemies and spend our time fighting ourselves. As a person thinks, so is he. It is time to change those thoughts of despair, negativity, and hopelessness, to joy, positivity, and optimism. Best wishes in your journey in that we only have one life to live.