Aimee Copeland, a Gwinnett County native who survived a flesh-eating bacteria after a ziplining acccident, is beginning her career as a psychotherapist, she announced on Facebook.

Copeland fell from a zipline into the Little Tallapoosa River in May 2012, severely injuring her leg, and was later diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis, a bacterial infection caused when contaminated water entered an open wound in her calf. She lost parts of all four limbs due to the infection and doctors told her she had little chance of survival.

Copeland was a student at the University of West Georgia at the time, studying for a master’s degree in psychology. She finished that degree after the accident and then earned a master’s in social work online through Valdosta State University.

Now a licensed clinical social worker, Copeland announced Monday that she would start work as a psychotherapist at Heartwork Counseling Center in Atlanta’s Inman Park neighborhood.

"This placement will prepare her to provide services for people of all ages and abilities at her inclusive nature park and therapy center,” the Facebook announcement said.

Why Aimee Copeland is grateful:

Like Gwinnett County News on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter and Instagram

About the Author

Keep Reading

Eleanor Bowles was killed Dec. 10, 2022. She was 77. (Courtesy)

Credit: Family photo

Featured

Ceudy Gutierrez reads a book to her 2-year-old son, Matias, at their home in Buford, GA, on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. Ceudy Gutierrez is struggling to make ends meet for herself and her three young kids following her husband’s ICE arrest earlier this fall. (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez