We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Brooke A. Jones and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Jones, what do you attribute your success to?
I like to see Fresh Start, the business, as a “house” when answering this question. What that means is that the foundation of Fresh Start is being true to who I am. As the business owner, the foundation includes my faith, strong family background, and life experiences. The puzzle pieces of who I am is what I want to see in my company. These aspects have influenced our guiding principles — faith, family, life balance, self-integrity, and ethical practice; and the principles have created our mission statement, which explains our purpose for understanding and having compassion for others, utilizing our skills and education to provide quality mental health treatment, and respecting every patient who puts their trust in our services. Then you have the walls of the “house,” which comprise of a consultation group and other quality businesses, all of whom provide wise counsel, business and financial advisement, and strategic planning. These trusted people or businesses have helped Fresh Start avoid many pitfalls or mistakes that some businesses unfortunately experience. Having consistent and changing goals WITH accountability and discipline has been a major factor of Fresh Start’s success. The greatest pride of Fresh Start are those who occupy the “house.” Our providers and staff are top-notch. While it’s great to have a strong foundation and sturdy walls, if no one trusts the people inside or are not experiencing change in the areas of life they need, then all you have is a strong building without a purpose. The providers of Fresh Start comprise of psychologists, a psychiatrist, counselors, coaches, and a dietitian — they see people as people and not just an appointment; we are changing lives daily. Also, our administrative and supportive staff are helpful, aware, kind, and confident in guiding patients (new and established) through the process for receiving quality services. Our providers and staff are not just working, but living out their purpose and calling, and this major factor makes Fresh Start successful and unlike any other mental health practice.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am originally from the best small town, Maysville, Kentucky, which strongly shaped my foundation and values; and attended the prestigious Hampton University, an HBCU located in Hampton, Virginia for my undergraduate studies. I received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and then attended graduate school in Atlanta, GA. Moving to Atlanta was one of the best decisions of my life. I still love it here! I obtained my Master’s and Doctorate degrees at Georgia School of Professional Psychology. After two short years in the field, I pursued and opened Fresh Start (February 2013). Since this time, Fresh Start has grown to over 30 staff and three locations in the surrounding Atlanta area. The company is well known and respected for providing consistent and quality services. I’m beyond grateful for this journey!

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
Visit: National Center for Civil and Human Rights; Georgia Aquarium, Parks: Piedmont and Centennial; Restaurants: Two Urban Licks, Viva La Vegan

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Consultation group: Dr. Brianna Gaynor, Dr. LaRonta Rush, Kristen Fraser; Spouse/Co-Owner: Terry Jones; Businesses: David Morrow of Mass Mutual; Bill McDermott of McDermott Financial Solutions; Brady Ware & Company; Samantha McElhaney and CenterState Bank; Colleen Wolf and StaffMetrix HR; Metafour Marketing

Website: www.freshstartmind.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjones1/
Facebook: @FreshStartForTheMind