Teresa Woodruff
Teresa is the founder and owner of Art It Out Therapy Centers. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Board Certified Registered Art Therapist (ATR-BC), and Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor (CPCS). Teresa earned her Bachelor’s degree in Art Education from the University of Georgia and her Master’s in Counseling & Art Therapy from the University of Louisville. With extensive experience in working with children and families, she launched Art It Out in 2009 to provide a space where individuals of all ages could use creativity to enhance their social and emotional well-being.
Teresa is deeply passionate about the transformative power of art as a means of self-expression, a way to communicate difficult or complex emotions, a method for gaining insight into hidden thoughts and feelings, and a tool that provides a concrete reminder of coping strategies. She mentors other therapists in integrating art-based techniques with psychotherapy to help clients improve self-esteem, manage anger, reduce anxiety, navigate life transitions, process grief, and strengthen communication skills. Teresa has worked extensively with clients facing challenges such as low self-esteem, anxiety, adjustment to parental divorce, ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, developmental disorders, and chronic or acute medical conditions.
Active in the Atlanta therapy community, Teresa has also served on the board of Kate’s Club, a non-profit organization supporting grieving children and families. While Teresa is currently not accepting new clients, she oversees and trains other clinicians at Art It Out.
Abbie Broms
Abbie is an art therapist and Associate Professional Counselor Licensure (LAPC) and Art Therapy Registration (ATR). She received her Bachelor of Arts degree(s) in Psychology and Studio Arts from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and her Master of Arts degree in Art Therapy & Counseling from the School of the Art Institute of
Chicago. Abbie has clinical experience working with children, adolescents, and young adults in various settings, including therapeutic day school, college counseling, and wilderness therapy.
She has worked with a wide variety of presenting mental health concerns, including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, relational issues, self-esteem, trauma, grief, and more. Abbie defines her art therapy practice as an integrative mental health approach that highlights the potential for art and creativity to be utilized as tools for therapeutic communication and expression. She believes that the inclusion of art within the therapeutic process can facilitate growth, change, and insight through the act of art-making itself and overall creative thinking. Abbie’s therapeutic practice is rooted in meeting her clients where they are. She primarily utilizes a person-centered approach, prioritizing the subjective needs of the client at hand. That being said, she may integrate a variety of theoretical frameworks into her work, including Strengths-Based interventions, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Systems Theory, and more. Abbie’s primary goal is to promote positive change and growth within each and every client. To do so, this may include increasing one’s ability to identify, communicate, process, regulate, and cope with a variety of emotions, both positive and negative. By developing a comprehensive treatment plan with every client, Abbie strives to promote all-around wellness through achieving client-driven goals, working closely with family systems, and promoting feelings of success in all areas of a client’s life.
Alicia Bittle
Alicia earned her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Mercer University, where she cultivated her passion for supporting children and adolescents through evidence-based and creative approaches. Before pursuing counseling, she completed both a Bachelor’s Degree in Studio Art with a focus on Sculpture and a Master’s in Business Management at Brenau University.
After several years in the corporate world, Alicia felt called to make a more meaningful impact by helping others navigate life’s challenges. She is particularly interested in teaching emotional regulation and coping skills, recognizing the vital role these abilities play in a child’s overall well-being.
Alicia brings an empathetic, creative, and collaborative style to her work, focusing on identifying and nurturing each child’s unique strengths. She believes deeply in the therapeutic power of creativity and often incorporates expressive techniques to support growth, resilience, and self-discovery. Her areas of interest include anxiety, depression, self-esteem, ADHD, and ASD.
Dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment, Alicia strives to help children build confidence, strengthen emotional skills, and develop a strong foundation for a healthy and fulfilling life.
Alisha Mascioli
Alisha believes that by providing a safe space for her clients and by being authentic, that she can aid them in surmounting behavioral and mental health struggles. Alisha utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy with an integration of art expressive therapy to help identify and challenge intrusive thoughts, develop coping skills for life changes, anxiety, and depression, and identify how to healthily manage & express emotions.
Alisha believes that increased emotional knowledge at a young age can provide a strong foundation for a healthier and happier life in adulthood. She believes that art can be a vehicle to aid in expression of inner workings of the mind that cannot always be verbalized. Alisha strives to provide a warm and empathetic counseling setting to assist clients in achieving their goal. She enjoys helping clients of all ages who struggle with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, ADHD, behavioral challenges, grief/loss, identity formation, communication & social skills, and interpersonal struggles.
Catherine Ellis
Catherine has experience working with children, adolescents, and adult clients in a variety of settings including inpatient hospitals, partial hospitalization programs, and intensive outpatient programs, providing individual and family therapy. She is most passionate about working with individuals who are struggling with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety, depression, school-related stress, and low self-esteem. Catherine utilizes an eclectic therapeutic approach drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). She has also received extensive training in Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD and social anxiety and is certified as a Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral therapist.
Overall, Catherine creates an atmosphere where clients feel supported and at the center of their own treatment, heard & understood, and well-equipped with skills they can utilize in everyday life.
Emily Roberts
Emily’s main goal in her therapeutic relationships is creating safety and trust while incorporating expressive art techniques as a tool that allows children and adolescents to fully express themselves. She uses a person-centered framework to create a non-judgmental, empathic space that allows flexibility to meet each client’s unique needs. She also pulls from CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), and Adlerian Theory to fully serve the kids, teens, and adults that she works with.
Izel Ochoa
Izel earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of North Georgia. As a Mexican-American therapist who is fluent in both English and Spanish, she is passionate about providing culturally responsive care and creating a space where clients from diverse backgrounds feel seen, understood, and supported. Her commitment to serving her community is deeply rooted in her collectivist cultural background and her experience growing up in a large, close-knit family. From an early age, she developed a strong passion for caring for others and offering meaningful support during times of need.
Izel takes a holistic and relational approach to counseling, recognizing the importance of understanding the whole person—mind, body, culture, and community. She prioritizes building authentic, trusting connections with her clients and believes that a strong therapeutic relationship supports deeper healing and fosters healthier relationships in clients’ everyday lives.
She draws from evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Person-Centered Therapy (PCT). Izel also integrates art-based interventions to support emotional expression and insight, helping clients explore experiences that may be difficult to put into words. In addition, she incorporates mindfulness and somatic practices, teaching children and adolescents practical strategies to regulate their nervous systems. These strategies may include breathing exercises, gentle movement, grounding skills, and body awareness to help manage stress, anxiety, and overwhelming emotions.
Izel works with children, adolescents, and young adults. Her clinical focus includes supporting clients in processing grief and loss, navigating trauma, adjusting to parental divorce and family transitions, and strengthening social skills. She also works with concerns related to anxiety, depression, self-esteem, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Her goal is to create a safe, compassionate environment where clients feel heard, supported, and empowered to grow.
Izel feels honored to be part of the mental health profession and deeply values the opportunity to support the resilience, healing, and well-being of the individuals and families she serves.
Jen Aliff
Jen uses a person-centered approach with her clients often pulling from both CBT and solutions focused modalities. Leading with a growth mindset, Jen has a heart for individuals struggling with big feelings, behavioral issues, ADHD, ASD, anxiety, as well as gender identity and sexuality. She has a wealth of experience professionally, but also personally having nine children. Jen aspires to build a space of safety and understanding where her clients can grow and thrive.
Jia Dixon
Jia Dixon holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Wake Forest University and a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Delaware State University. She is deeply passionate about supporting children, families, and underrepresented communities through compassionate, culturally responsive care.
Jia believes meaningful healing begins with a strong therapeutic relationship. She is committed to creating safe, inclusive spaces where clients feel heard, valued, and empowered. With cultural humility and deep respect for each individual’s lived experience, she works collaboratively with children and caregivers to foster resilience and lasting growth.
Her approach is strengths-based, relational, and grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She incorporates modeling and developmentally appropriate techniques to help children identify and reframe unhelpful thought patterns, strengthen emotional regulation, and improve decision-making skills. Jia values meeting each client exactly where they are and tailoring interventions to support meaningful, sustainable change.
Lauren Spencer
Lauren has a passion for guiding children and adolescents through their journey while encouraging and supporting them along the way. She believes creating rapport, giving her clients unconditional positive regard, and identifying their strengths are the foundations of the therapeutic relationship and working towards change. Lauren believes that counseling can be beneficial and unique to each client and strives to stay creative to find the best method for them! She approaches therapy with a collection of theoretical perspectives including Person-Centered Therapy, Expressive Therapy, and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. Lauren is a Certified Positive Discipline Parent Educator. Lauren has worked in schools as well as private practice.
She works with a diverse range of stressors and diagnoses including anxiety, depression, ADHD, Autism, trauma, behavioral challenges, disconnection, and social skills. Lauren aspires to combine art with traditional therapeutic methods as art often encourages us to express ourselves in ways we cannot put into words. Lauren pushes herself daily to stay curious and provide a genuine environment where her clients can thrive.
Leah Lang
Leah has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in a variety of settings. She believes in establishing a strong, therapeutic relationship that allows the client the freedom to be true to themselves. Leah draws from a person-centered approach to find the best individual fit for each client. She utilizes CBT and art when working with clients to develop coping skills as well as a deeper self-awareness. Leah is a Certified Positive Discipline Parent Educator and enjoys working with parents to cultivate successful strategies for their families. Her clinical interests include grief and loss, anxiety, depression, ADHD, emotional regulation, and interpersonal relationships.
Maciej Glod
Maciej earned his Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling from Brenau University, where he also served as Secretary of the Licensed Professional Counselor Association’s student affiliate organization. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from University of Georgia.
Following his undergraduate studies, Maciej worked as a case manager at The Journey Clubhouse, a recovery program for adolescents struggling with substance use disorders. During his two years there, he developed a strong clinical interest in supporting adolescents and families navigating life struggles, emotional dysregulation, identity development, and co-occurring mental health concerns. These experiences deepened his understanding of the complex social, emotional, and developmental challenges many families face today and reinforced his commitment to providing compassionate, developmentally appropriate care.
Maciej strives to create a safe, collaborative, and nonjudgmental therapeutic environment where children, adolescents, and young adults feel empowered to explore their emotions, strengthen self-awareness, and build healthier coping strategies. He values a relationship-centered approach to therapy and integrates creativity, curiosity, and authenticity into his clinical work. He is particularly drawn to expressive modalities such as art, play, and music therapy to support emotional expression, communication, and connection with younger clients.
His clinical interests include anxiety, depression, self-esteem, interpersonal and relationship dynamics, communication skills, addiction recovery, men’s issues, sports psychology, multicultural counseling, expressive therapies, and family systems work. Maciej is passionate about helping clients increase emotional insight, improve relational functioning, and develop the tools needed to navigate life transitions and challenges with greater confidence and resilience.
Madelyn Chianis
Madelyn earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Agnes Scott College and her Bachelor’s degree in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from Georgia State University. With more than a decade of experience working with children and adolescents, Madelyn brings extensive knowledge of child and adolescent development to her clinical practice. Her background has provided her with a nuanced understanding of the emotional, cognitive, and social factors that shape young people’s lives, allowing her to offer developmentally attuned and responsive care.
Madelyn is deeply committed to inclusive, affirming therapy that honors each client’s unique identity, lived experience, and strengths. She recognizes the transformative impact of a strong therapeutic alliance and intentionally cultivates a space where children, adolescents, and young adults feel seen, heard, respected, and empowered to grow.
Her clinical interests include anxiety, self-esteem, emotional regulation, depression, trauma, identity development, family dynamics, and supporting young people through significant life transitions. Madelyn is continually inspired by the resilience and capacity for growth she witnesses in her clients. She believes that with compassionate support and practical skill-building, every young person can overcome adversity, strengthen self-confidence, and build a foundation for lasting emotional well-being.
Madelyn integrates a range of evidence-based approaches into her work, including Person-Centered Therapy (PCT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), alongside intersectional and strengths-based frameworks. She also incorporates creativity into her practice, using art in the therapeutic process to help clients explore their experiences in ways that feel accessible and meaningful. Through this process, creative expression becomes another avenue for reflection and insight, supporting clients in strengthening their sense of self and cultivating more grounded, authentic connections with themselves and others.
Mandy Goodwin
Mandy has training in several different modalities with all ages, including Trauma-Focused Grief Therapy, Attachment Theory, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Filial Therapy. Mandy worked as a School Social Worker for Cobb County School District for 8 years. She is also a leader in an Atlanta-based arts non profit organization. She has spoken nationally and internationally on using the arts for healing and wellbeing.
Mandy loves a good walk. She seeks out quirky, out-of-the-ordinary roadside attractions and good SciFi/Fantasy stories. She, her partner, and their two pinball machines live in Marietta, Georgia.
Mary-Beth Archer
Mary-Beth Archer is a licensed clinical social worker who is passionate about working with children and families to help them thrive. She specializes in working with young children and their families using the power of play-based techniques and expressive arts. She is currently in the process of obtaining her Registered Play Therapist credential. Mary-Beth has experience working with children who have experienced death and loss, major medical procedures, and serious illness, and who have experienced big life events as well as everyday challenges. She has additional training and experience in grief and loss and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy.
Mary-Beth earned both her bachelor and master’s degree in social work from The University of Texas at Austin. She has worked as an international children’s social worker with children and families in an asylum-seeking community overseas, a clinical research coordinator and monitor on international research projects, and as a trauma therapist in a rural setting. She is an active member of the National Association for Social Workers and the Association for Play Therapists.
Mim Long
Mim is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Certified Child and Adolescent Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP-CA) and a National Certified Counselor (NCC), Mim received her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Mercer University and her undergraduate BA from Duke University. Over her many decades of life experience, Mim has discovered her passion for therapy and the importance of helping people, both young and old, with the struggles of today. This includes but is not limited to: anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, emotional regulation, social skills, grief and loss processing, and trauma.
Embracing a person-centered, holistic approach with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and emotional focus techniques, Mim’s ultimate foundation rests in developing a safe space and trusting the therapeutic relationship between clients and herself. Mim provides help, supports and encourages emotional development, builds positive social skills, navigates crises and trauma, as well as finds and focuses on strengths to help clients through the tough times. Mim is a cheerleader at heart with a healthy sense of humor and thrives on the unique interactions with clients both individually and in group.
Mim has experience working with children, teens, and adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationships, managing frustration and emotions, grief or loss, and who need a safe supportive environment to process life’s stressors. Mim has received extensive certification in treating anxiety and anxiety related issues including generalized anxiety, OCD, panic attacks, bedtime worries/ challenges and intense worry issues.
Mim is also skilled at working with parents and the myriad issues they face in supporting their children in these challenging times with positive parenting guidance and family focus. Mim is a Certified Positive Parent Educator. In individual parenting sessions, she uses this training to help parents learn to connect with their children, reduce power struggles, learn to help their children during moments of emotional struggle, and improve positive behavior.
Her talents also serve to help our adult clientele who find themselves struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, self-care, relationship struggles, emotional regulation, and trauma.
Nakia Lewis
Nakia is a Georgia native who has built a strong foundation of compassion, commitment, and leadership within her community. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Jacksonville State University and went on to dedicate nearly eight years to law enforcement. Through her work in this field, Nakia developed a deep interest in counseling and recognized the need for providing comprehensive support to individuals who require more than just traditional law enforcement services.
Nakia pursued her passion further by earning a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of West Georgia. She approaches her clients with warmth, empathy, and an emphasis on their strengths, believing that focusing on these strengths is key to helping them achieve their goals. Nakia incorporates creativity into her practice, using art alongside traditional counseling methods to help clients develop new skills in an engaging and enjoyable way.
Specializing in working with children, adolescents, and teens, Nakia helps those struggling with emotional regulation, flexible thinking, social and emotional skills, ADHD symptoms, and the challenges of navigating life and peer influences. She also has experience working with first responders, supporting them through the unique emotional and psychological demands of their roles. Nakia is dedicated to continually expanding her knowledge and skills to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those she supports throughout their therapeutic journeys.
Taylor Weaver
Taylor earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work from the University of Georgia and has applied for licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She is passionate about helping children, adolescents, teens, and families navigate life’s challenges through a compassionate, collaborative, and creative approach to therapy that actively involves parents throughout the process.
Taylor specializes in supporting children and teens experiencing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, life transitions, ADHD, and other emotional or behavioral challenges. She has a particular passion for working with neurodivergent youth and helping families better understand and connect with their child’s unique strengths.
Drawing from evidence-based approaches such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Taylor provides individualized, goal-oriented care tailored to each client’s needs. With experience across public school systems, private practice, and intensive outpatient settings, she brings a well-rounded and informed perspective to her work.
Believing that healing occurs through connection, creativity, and collaboration, Taylor incorporates artistic and expressive interventions to help clients explore their thoughts and emotions in meaningful ways. Her goal is to create a supportive and inclusive environment where every child and family feels understood, valued, and empowered to grow together.
Graduate Interns
Kaytie Eastin, Intern Program Director
Kaytie’s goal is to have the client succeed and thrive in all areas of their lives. Kaytie utilizes a strengths-based approach, as well as motivational interviewing and mindfulness techniques, to support her clients in learning and utilizing coping skills to help them navigate through challenging transitions and events in their life. She also believes in utilizing creative approaches to interventions with clients to provide individualistic care and practice.
Prior to coming to Art It Out, Kaytie worked in providing therapeutic care coordination to youth who have experienced commercial child sex exploitation as well as for youth in foster care with severe mental health and behavioral challenges. Kaytie additionally has extensive experience in providing educational wraparound support and advocacy for youth, as well as supporting families and youth with navigating school systems to ensure youth are appropriately supported in their school settings based on their individualized needs. Kaytie is passionate about working with youth and families and enjoys building a trusting relationship with youth to create a safe space for them to express themselves and progress towards their self-identified goals.
Ash Gregory
Ash is currently finishing their masters in counseling at the University of North Georgia. Ash earned their bachelors in psychology, with a clinical concentration and a minor in women and gender studies at Alfred University in 2022. They are also a member of Psi Chi.
Ash is dedicated and motivated to work with clients of all ages. They strive for every client to feel safe, comfortable and heard in every session. Ash wants to create a space where every client feels secure enough to show up as their true, authentic self. They encourage and support growth, self exploration and finding sustainable change for every client.
Ash is a first-person therapist that believes that their clients are the expert of their own lives. Their clinical framework is built through a trauma-informed, feminist and multicultural lens. Using an intersectionality lens, Ash looks at how systems affect individuals, couples, and families and how multiple identities overlap. Ash integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, art and creativity, and mindfulness based interventions into their therapy. Ash also has a strong passion for working with clients through topics of grief/loss and self exploration/identities. Their clinical interests surround depression, anxiety, anger, grief, ADHD, ASD, OCD and LGBTQIA topics/identities.
Ben Hershel
Ben Hershel is originally from Tallahassee, Florida and relocated to the Atlanta area about six years ago. He completed his undergraduate studies at Florida State University and, after gaining additional life and professional experience, made the intentional decision to return to school to pursue a career in counseling.
Ben is currently a graduate student at Capella University in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program and is beginning his internship as he works toward graduation. As a graduate intern, he approaches this stage of his training with curiosity, openness, and a strong commitment to continued learning and professional growth.
Ben is passionate about supporting children and their families through compassionate, developmentally informed care. He values collaborating closely with caregivers and believes in creating a safe, supportive therapeutic environment where children feel understood and families feel empowered. Ben is committed to building strong therapeutic relationships and tailoring his approach to meet the unique needs of each child and family as he continues to grow as a clinician.
Chloe Skiles
Chloe Skiles is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University and is completing her internship as she works toward becoming a professional counselor. Chloe is passionate about working with children, adolescents, and families and strives to create a supportive environment where clients feel safe, understood, and encouraged. Through her experience working with children and families, Chloe has developed a strong appreciation for the emotional, social, and developmental needs of children and teens. She values building authentic therapeutic relationships and believes that connection, creativity, and emotional safety are important parts of the counseling process.
She is especially interested in supporting clients through challenges such as anxiety, emotional regulation, self-esteem, life transitions, behavioral concerns, and family stressors. As a graduate intern, Chloe approaches counseling with empathy, intentionality, and a desire to continue growing in her clinical skills and understanding of client care. Her goal is to help clients build confidence, develop healthy coping skills, and feel empowered as they navigate life’s challenges and personal growth.
Danyelle Hurley
Danyelle Hurley is a counselor-in-training in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Agnes Scott College and completed her undergraduate degree in psychology at Augusta University. With a background as a Registered Behavior Technician, she has supported children of diverse backgrounds in developing emotional regulation skills, improving communication, and confidence building. Her clinical interests center on trauma-informed care, emotional wellness, and creative approaches to healing.
Danyelle finds her greatest purpose in helping individuals navigate the complexities of identity and self-expression. She has a special passion for supporting individuals facing challenges such as ADHD, Autism, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. As a self-published author, she is particularly drawn to the power of storytelling and creative expression as tools for healing and helping clients rediscover their inner narrative and strength. She believes that healing is not one-size-fits-all and values creating a space where clients feel safe, seen, and empowered to express themselves in ways that feel most authentic to them.
Danyelle’s goal is to provide a warm, supportive environment where individuals can build the confidence and resilience to thrive in all areas of their lives. She aims to expand her work within diverse communities, promote accessible, culturally responsive mental health care, and reduce stigma around emotional wellness.
Francesca Garcia
Francesca is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Social Work at Kennesaw State University, where she also completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She has experience working with children in educational, caregiving, and community settings and is passionate about supporting children and families through emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges. She previously worked as a Lead Teacher in a preschool setting, primarily with children ages 1–2 years old, where she supported early childhood development, emotional regulation, and social skills. In addition, she has over six years of babysitting experience working with children of various ages and backgrounds, which has strengthened her ability to build trusting relationships and create safe, supportive environments for children and families. Through her overall experience, Francesca has worked with children experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Francesca’s approach is rooted in empathy, patience, and compassion. She values working collaboratively with children, families, and support systems to promote resilience, confidence, and emotional well-being. While much of her experience has been with younger children, she is excited to continue growing professionally and looks forward to gaining hands-on experience working with adolescents here at Art it Out. She is eager to expand her clinical skills while continuing to provide warmth, encouragement, and individualized support to every child and family she works with.
Known for her compassionate personality, Francesca creates a welcoming space where children and families feel heard, respected, and supported. She believes that every child deserves encouragement, consistency, and a positive support system to help them navigate life’s challenges. Her goal is to walk alongside children and their families while providing practical tools, emotional support, and guidance that foster long-term growth, resilience, and success.
Gianna Vitale
Gianna Vitale is a Master’s-level intern in the Family Therapy program at Mercer University, where she specializes in working with children, families, and couples. She is passionate about partnering with parents to support their children’s emotional, behavioral, and relational growth.
Gianna’s background includes sports coaching and Montessori child-led principles, which shape her belief in meeting children where they are developmentally and honoring each child’s unique strengths. She approaches therapy from a holistic, mind-body perspective, recognizing the deep connection between emotional well-being and physical regulation.
In sessions, Gianna incorporates intentional movement, breathwork, art, and play-based techniques alongside traditional talk therapy. These engaging, developmentally appropriate approaches allow children to express themselves in ways that feel natural and safe, while helping parents better understand and support their child’s needs.
She also integrates mindfulness strategies to help children calm their nervous systems, build emotional awareness, and strengthen self-regulation skills. Using a solution-focused framework, Gianna works collaboratively with families to identify goals and create practical, achievable steps toward positive change. Her goal is to equip both children and parents with meaningful tools they can carry with them beyond the therapy room to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and connection.
Jaimie Tarleton
Jaimie earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Georgia Gwinnett College; she is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of North Georgia. Jaimie has extensive experience working with children as she was a substitute teacher for 3 years and worked various babysitting jobs growing up. Jaimie has additional experience working with athletics, as this past year was spent providing consultation services to the University of North Georgia athletes.
Jaimie desires to provide a safe and encouraging environment for children to grow into their true selves. She wants to create a space where learning can happen naturally, and she desires to foster connections amongst the youth. She is also looking forward to building the children’s confidence through a strengths focused lens that encourages and supports the children through their experiences.
Jaimie has many therapeutic interests including, ADHD, OCD, self-esteem issues, relational issues, emotional regulation, and many more. She operates from a relational-cultural approach, and desires to increase and heal social connections for children. She utilizes various therapeutic techniques; those including, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, art integration, somatic interventions, and solution focused interventions.
Laura Ardill
Laura is currently completing the practicum component of her master’s program in Clinical Counseling at Columbia International University . She spent her childhood and early adulthood in Australia, where she trained as a nurse and developed a strong appreciation for the fast-paced and demanding environment of emergency nursing.
She met her husband while serving at a leprosy hospital in Africa, an experience that deepened her commitment to supporting vulnerable, abused, and marginalized women and children. Having lived and worked across several continents for more than 17 years, she has gained extensive cross-cultural experience and a broad understanding of working with individuals from diverse backgrounds around the world. As the mother of four third-culture children, she has also personally navigated the complexities of international living, including transition, and loss.
Laura seeks to bring gentleness, acceptance, compassion, and creativity into her therapeutic approach. With a strong appreciation for art and creative expression, she values integrating these elements alongside evidence-based therapeutic techniques to support healing, foster personal growth, and equip clients with practical skills that promote well-being both within and outside of the therapy setting.
Lexi Lane
Lexi is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Agnes Scott University. She graduated with her Bachelor’s in psychology and a certificate in trauma-informed approaches from Wilmington University. She has volunteered with Paint Love and Positive Childhood Alliance Georgia, and has worked as a Registered Behavior Technician with children and adolescents on the Autism spectrum. These experiences have been invaluable, as they have enabled her to support children and their families from diverse backgrounds and contexts.
Lexi is passionate about early intervention and working alongside children, adolescents, and teens as they navigate life’s challenges. Her areas of interest include grief and loss, trauma, life transitions, body image, self-esteem, emotional regulation, and LGBTQIA+ issues. She believes in making mental health care accessible, recognizing the disproportionate amount of trauma that members of marginalized communities face. Lexi is dedicated to maintaining a safe, supportive environment for all clients and their families.
Lexi utilizes a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach, working collaboratively with clients while meeting them where they are at. With a lifelong background in art, she is a strong believer in integrating creative expression and therapeutic techniques. She strives to help clients find their voice in a way that resonates with them. Lexi operates from an attachment-based lens, blending narrative therapy, art therapy, and play therapy to empower clients and help them take control of their stories. Lexi recognizes the impact that early relationships have on our lives, and partners with children and their caregivers to promote healthy regulation, effective communication, and healing for the entire family.
Lily D.C. Fuchs
Lisandra “Lily” has over 20 years of experience providing therapy to children, adolescents, and adults in Brazil. She is confident in her abilities and dedicated to providing care. She has an excellent understanding of mental illness gained through her past experiences working in psychodynamic psychotherapy. She is currently a Master’s student of Clinical Mental Health Counselling at Mercer University.
She views therapy as a collaborative journey to improve relationships among children, adolescents, and their caregivers.
She brings a good understanding of trauma and psychopathology and the power of therapeutic alliance. She believes that play is the language children and teens use to express themselves. Integrating the arts is an effective way to communicate their unique experiences. She provides high-quality care while navigating complex client dynamics with maturity and insight. Her current studies have equipped her with a strong foundation in U.S. clinical standards, including CBT and Person-Centered approaches.
As a native Portuguese speaker and someone who has worked across diverse cultural contexts, she is prepared to serve the growing immigrant community.
Lore Ruttan
Lore grew up all over the world and identifies as a third culture kid. She originally moved to Atlanta to teach at Emory University and she raised her two sons here. Lore’s background includes an undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of Chicago, a Ph.D. in Evolutionary Anthropology from the University of California at Davis, and they also studied nature illustration at the University of California at Santa Cruz. They are currently a Master’s degree student in Clinical Mental Health at Agnes Scott College.
For the last ten years, Lore has been teaching art to teens and prior to that, they taught art to elementary children. Her experiences as a parent and a teacher in a Montessori setting have helped her understand that children flourish when they are supported in being themselves. She is also appreciative of the need to help parents learn how best to trust and support their child, and she has experience helping parents negotiate the challenges of supporting teenagers.
Lore is an engaging and thoughtful practitioner who is able to put both children and parents at ease. In her teaching, she discovered the power of art and creativity to help children and teens unlock difficult to express emotions and finds these techniques incredibly helpful in a therapeutic setting. Her training in tai chi informs her work in helping children develop their ability to self-regulate through mindfulness and breathwork. Lore is committed to supporting children and families grow in authentic and positive directions. She does so through the use of creative expression, motivational interviewing, and an attention to family dynamics.
Nola Ornelas
Nola Ornelas is originally from Little Rock, Arkansas. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee, and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Mercer University.
Nola is especially passionate about working with children experiencing anxiety and other emotional challenges. As someone who was once an anxious child herself, she understands how important it is for young people to have a safe space where they feel heard, supported, and understood. This personal experience inspires her to create a warm and compassionate environment where children feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings.
Nola is particularly drawn to Narrative Therapy because she believes each client’s story is meaningful and deserves to be honored in the counseling process. She values helping clients explore their experiences, build confidence, and recognize their strengths.
For the past two years, Nola has worked as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) supporting children with autism. Through this work, she has developed a deep love for working with children and finds great joy in watching them grow, learn new skills, and build confidence over time.
Outside of counseling, Nola enjoys cooking and baking for friends and family. She also loves expressing her creativity through activities like coloring and painting.
Sophia Hom
Sophia is a passionate and curious graduate student pursuing her Master’s in Clinical Mental HealthCounseling at Agnes Scott College. Having also earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology at Agnes Scott. Sophia’s liberal arts foundation has given her a deep appreciation for social justice, creative thinking, and collaborative advocacy that is evident in her work with clients. She has over two years of experience working and volunteering in the mental health field, as well as over five years of experience working at a dance studio with students of all ages. Sophia also has a background in psychological research on identity, self-development, trauma, and emotional safety.
Because of this, she brings a unique curiosity and dedication to her counseling that is directly informed by her work, volunteer, and research experiences. Sophia takes a primarily person-centered, humanistic approach to counseling. This means she prioritizes building a supportive therapeutic relationship in which clients feel seen, empowered, and valued. She also enjoys coming up with creative ways to connect with her clients and strives to foster a warm, compassionate environment where clients can show up as their authentic selves. Sophia believes everyone already has the ability to create and embody the change they wish to see in their life and views her role in counseling as being a “fellow traveler” on the client’s journey, offering guidance, encouragement, and support.
Sophia is passionate about helping adolescents, teens, and young adults through significant life changes and is eager to support clients experiencing adjustment challenges, trauma, anxiety, depression, acute and chronic medical conditions, and grief. As a dancer for over 15 years, she is particularly interested in working with athletes, especially folks dealing with injuries, rehabilitation, performance pressure, and elected or involuntary retirement. She personally understands the healing power of creativity and firmly believes that art therapy can be uniquely supportive for clients with sports backgrounds. Sophia is also a proud member of the queer community and is dedicated to creating a safe, affirming space for folks exploring their identities. Outside of session, Sophia enjoys cooking, creative hobbies such as painting, collage, and cross-stitch, and making music. She is also an avid film lover and is a frequent patron of the Tara Theatre in Atlanta as well as her local AMC.