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Editor’s Note: This feature originally ran in the annual 20 Under 40 magazine which was a part of the LaGrange Daily News July 31 edition. If you would like to pick up a copy of the 20 Under 40 magazine, please visit our office at 115 Broad Suite 101.

For Madison Alford, helping others is a privilege, one that runs in the family.

Alford, 29, is a clinical mental health counselor having been in practice for almost four years and in LaGrange since 2021. She currently works at The Veal Group in Lagrange, under Meredith Key and Dr. Kelly Veal, serving adolescents to adults. 

Madison said her favorite thing about her current job is her clients.

“It is an honor and a privilege to sit with my clients in their darkest times, while also celebrating their wins. Watching a client grow, meet their goals and learn more about themselves is the greatest honor in the world. I am so proud of them every day,” Alford said.

Though her family is originally from LaGrange, Madison was born in Macon, Georgia while her dad, Terry, was in residency after medical school. Dr. Terry Alford owns Hometown Family Medicine. Her mother, Lisa, owns The Inner Path Yoga Studio, where Madison teaches yoga from time to time.

Madison grew up in LaGrange but moved to Auburn for undergraduate school in 2013 before moving back to LaGrange in 2020. Madison earned her bachelor’s degree from Auburn University in Political Science and a minor in Women’s Studies. She also earned a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University.

In addition to serving the community through the Junior Service League of LaGrange, Madison and her mother host the annual Turkey Trot each Thanksgiving. The Turley Trot is a walk/race held each November on Thanksgiving morning. Every year they choose a nonprofit or cause to raise money for with donations from the race. donations for.

“My mom and I throw this together each year and it has become one of my favorite holiday traditions,” Madison said.

Alford recently completed training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). EMDR is a therapeutic intervention that involves bilateral stimulation or moving your eyes at a specific pace while processing traumatic memories and clearing out negative cognitions.

“I have absolutely fallen in love with this therapy intervention and look forward to continuing to use this skill with my clients,” she said.

When she’s not helping clients or teaching yoga, Madison dreams about writing a book one day.

“I have been through many seasons of life that have taught me about life, myself, the type of person I want to be, and how to overcome difficult moments in life. I know I have a lot to share, that could help someone who maybe is going through something similar that I have, this is definitely a long-term goal and would be therapy-focused,” Alford said.

Madison is not married but described herself as a “happily a chosen solo parent.” Her daughter, Penelope is two and a half years old.

“Penelope is my world and the reason why I continue to work hard, grow into better versions of myself, and strive to make a difference where I can. Though I love my job, Penelope is the most important thing to me. Penelope and I love to go on mommy-daughter dates throughout town, visiting our favorite local coffee shops, sharing a hot dog at Charlie Josephs, or walking the Thread.”