About Dr. Penny
Thirty years of walking
with people through
the hard parts.
Rev. Dr. Penny Njoroge is a counseling psychologist, Board Certified Chaplain and ordained minister who pairs clinical training with a warm, unhurried presence — and, for clients who want it, a faith-informed perspective.
30+ years experience
Ph.D. psychologist
Faith-informed
30+
Years of
Experience
"Let us allow God to turn our scars into stars."
— Dr. Penny
Biography and story
She knows hard seasons,
because she has lived them.
Dr. Penny grew up the eldest of ten children in Kenya, at a time when girls in her family were not allowed to go to school. Her father gave up his family inheritance so that she could learn. She started school at eleven, earned a place at Alliance Girls High School, and promised her parents they would never regret their sacrifice.
In 2000 she came to Birmingham to train as a hospital chaplain, working in nursing homes as a nursing assistant to support her children. She went on to serve as a trauma, critical-care and hospice chaplain, and in 2009 — 41 years after leaving high school — she earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Christian Counseling Psychology, summa cum laude.
"Let us allow God to turn our scars into stars bright enough to light a path for others."
Dr. Penny
Having walked through her own hard seasons, she is a passionate advocate for unmasking mental illness and removing its shame and stigma, so people can come out of hiding and get help. Today she offers in-office and telehealth counseling through Ask Dr. Penny, the brand name of her private practice, Angel Counseling Services, LLC.
The path so far
2000
Arrived in Birmingham
Resident chaplain at Carraway Hospital, serving cardiac, critical-care, psychiatric and Level I trauma units.
2003
Ordained and hospice chaplain
Hospice chaplain and bereavement coordinator at St. Vincent's East, walking with grieving families.
2009
Earned her Ph.D.
Clinical Christian Counseling Psychology, with a focus on mental illness, addiction and grief therapy.
2011
Lead Psychologist
Led group and individual therapy in an 80+ bed Behavioral Health Center for clients aged 19 to 90+.
2018
Private practice and telehealth
Opened her own practice, Angel Counseling Services, LLC, offering in-office and secure telehealth counseling; Certified Mental Health Coach since 2022.
Credentials and experience
Trained clinically. Practiced humanly.
The education, certifications and memberships behind every session.
Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology
Clinical Christian Counseling Psychology, Cornerstone University (2009). MA Counseling Psychology, Carolina University of Theology (2005).
Certified Death and Grief Therapist
Backed by years as a hospice chaplain and bereavement coordinator.
Certified Marriage and Family Life Therapist
Also a Certified Mediator and Certified Substance Abuse and Addiction Therapist.
Board Certified Chaplain (BCC)
Ordained minister since 2003, chaplain to the Armed Forces, and US Chaplain Corps first responder for national disasters. Commissioned to counsel across the United States and beyond under The Anglican Church of North America.
Certified Telemental Health Specialist
Secure telehealth sessions, plus certification as a Life and Mental Health Coach (Liberty University, 2022).
Professional memberships
Member, American Psychological Association. Fellow, American Institute of Stress (FAIS). Diplomate, National Center for Crisis Management.
30+
Years of experience
25+
Years in ministry and chaplaincy
4
Practice areas
2
Formats: in person and telehealth
Counseling philosophy
Care that meets you as a whole person.
Four commitments guide every session.
Listen first
Before any technique, Dr. Penny makes sure you feel heard.
Judge never
"I'm here to help and support you, never to judge you." Whatever you bring is welcome.
Your pace
Healing does not run on a schedule. We move when you are ready.
Faith on your terms
Spiritual perspective is there when you ask for it, and absent when you do not.
Areas of specialization
Where Dr. Penny's work goes deepest.
Each area connects to a service, so you can read more or ask a question.
Individual counseling
Stress and depression
Anxiety and overwhelm
Self-esteem and getting unstuck
Substance abuse and addiction
Grief and loss
Loss of a loved one
Life after divorce or loss
Pregnancy and infant loss
Helping children grieve
Family and couples
Couples and marriage
Parents and teens
Empty nest and midlife
Aging parents and dementia
Faith and meaning
Faith and doubt
Spiritual crisis
Prayer-informed sessions
Hope after suffering
Inside the practice
A calm place to do difficult work.
Professional portraits and photos of the office, so you know what to expect before you arrive.
Dr. Penny, professional portrait
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Session room
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Waiting area
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Dr. Penny speaking at an event
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Community workshop
RECOGNITION
Award-winning, and known for hope.
Honored in Alabama and Kenya for her care, mentoring and humanitarian work.
Awards
Alabama and Kenya
Alabama Hospital Heroes Award, Birmingham Professional Caregiver of the Year, Birmingham Mayor's Hidden Heroes Award for Youth Mentoring, and Kenya's Head of State Commendation (HSC).
Speaker and author
Keynotes and workshops
International Most Motivating Woman of the Year (2015). Author of Healing Hope For Your Grief and Bereavement. Speaks on mental health, grief and domestic violence.
In the media
TV, radio and magazines
WVTM 13 TV, WDJC, Alabama Baptist, Trussville Tribune, Discover The Essence of St. Clair, and Lakeside Daily Life.
Ready to take the next step?
Sessions available in person in Birmingham, AL and by secure telehealth. Most first appointments happen within a week.