Our Team

Susan Tankersley, MMFT, LMFT, LMFT-S

Susan Tankersley has dedicated three decades to supporting families, starting in church ministries. She holds a Bachelor's in Psychology from North Greenville University and a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy from Converse College. Susan completed a two-year Fellowship with WestGate Training and Consultation Network and began teaching at North Greenville University's Psychology Department in 2010, opening her first private practice the same year.

Susan's commitment to education led her to mentor graduate student interns, ultimately inspiring the founding of Heritage Institute in 2019, where she serves as Supervisor and Executive Director. She specializes in high-conflict couples and families, developing a Parenting Coordinator Certification to train professionals working with such families. Susan is currently researching trauma and betrayal healing for couples, reflecting her ongoing dedication to learning and improving her practice.


leo newman, MA, LPC-S, ch

Leo Newman, LPC, LPCS, is a Clinical Supervisor at Heritage Institute with over a decade of counseling experience across diverse settings. Leo holds licenses as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor. Leo's therapeutic approach is grounded in evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), clinical hypnosis, and mindfulness-based approaches. Throughout Leo's career, he has worked with individuals spanning ages 4 to 65, demonstrating a commitment to serving a wide range of clients. His professional journey has included roles in community mental health centers, outpatient private practice, and non-profits, providing them with a rich and varied background in the field. Leo is deeply passionate about his work and considers it a privilege to accompany individuals on their journey to wellness. His dedication to his clients and his breadth of experience makes him a valuable asset to the Heritage Institute team.