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.
Brooke Johnson
Brooke serves as the Director of Art It Out Therapy Center’s East Cobb and Alpharetta offices. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a Master of Social Work from Kennesaw State University, specializing in Children and Family Services. She also is an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS). Prior to joining Art It Out, Brooke was the Children’s Program Director at Cherokee Family Violence Center. Brooke is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and is a Certified Positive Discipline Parent Educator. Brooke is an active member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).
With a strong passion for making a meaningful and genuine impact, Brooke is dedicated to supporting clients and also, fellow therapists and our community. She is committed to fostering growth and development in others, offering supervision and consultation to help therapists grow their clinical knowledge and provide a supportive environment for learning.
Brooke brings a wealth of experience in working with a diverse range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, social skills difficulties, low self-esteem, behavioral issues, parenting strategies, family dynamics, grief, and life transitions. Through her work, Brooke consistently strives to create a safe, nurturing environment where individuals and families can heal, grow, and thrive.
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.
Britt Sperry
While earning her Master’s degree, Britt enhanced her clinical experience by completing a practicum at Carolina Family Services in Greenville, SC. She then served as an intern at Converse College Wellness Center, providing individual therapy to college-aged students.
Britt leverages the power of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and expressive arts techniques to help her clients and their families achieve their goals. She believes in the importance of taking a person-centered approach to therapy, creating a climate for growth and healing. Britt’s mission is to help clients to regain control and face their challenges. She enjoys helping upper elementary, adolescents, teens, and adults as they navigate through various issues, including anxiety, depression, anger, emotional regulation, poor self-esteem, family or relational issues, life transitions or major life changes, and grief and loss.
Britt’s dog, Iggy, is also ready to provide support as a certified therapy dog! Iggy’s calming presence helps ground clients and makes discussing difficult topics a little bit easier. Her presence is always optional, as some clients have allergies or prefer not to be around animals.
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.
Haleigh Bauldwin
For many years, Haleigh’s interest has been providing mental and behavioral health treatments. Haleigh’s understanding of behavior as a language has grown as a result of her training role and experience dealing with young children who have been diagnosed with autism and ADHD. She has also assisted in improving the quality of life for families dealing with emotional difficulties by working with a nonprofit organization for the school systems in North Georgia. She has been able to create an environment for her clients that enhances their emotional regulation abilities, self-esteem, resilience, and heightened awareness of life’s situations by working with children, teens, and adults. She thinks that, like art, life is all about perspective.
Haleigh assists in fostering a mentality where one can grow and practice being kind to oneself despite obstacles in our lives by using the framework of CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), and Strength-Based Interventions. She specializes in working with anxiety, depression, autism, ADHD, grief and loss, relationships, and self-esteem.
Haleigh is supervised by Brooke Johnson, LCSW and Teresa Woodruff, LPC, ATR-BC, CPCS.
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 is finishing her last semester of her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Wake Forest University. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Delaware State University. Jia is passionate about working with children and families, as well as advocating for underrepresented groups. She believes in the importance of fostering strong therapeutic relationships and creating safe, compassionate spaces within diverse communities. Jia is committed to being an accessible resource, helping to destigmatize therapy and break down barriers faced by underserved populations. In her spare time, she enjoys creating art, sewing clothes, and spending time in nature, and she hopes to incorporate these passions into her work with children.
Jia employs modeling techniques to assist clients in reframing, problem-solving, and decision-making. Her areas of interest include anxiety, depression, emotion regulation, building self-confidence and self-awareness, as well as grief and loss. Dedicated to lifelong learning, Jia is eager to foster healing and personal growth in a creative, supportive environment.
Kelley Staley
Kelley has experience in a variety of clinical settings with children, adolescents/teens, young adults, and adults. She has a passion for working with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, anger, grief/loss, negative self-talk and much more. While some clients may present with similar goals or presenting concerns, Kelley believes that each client’s journey in therapy is unique and requires an individualized d comprehensive approach. Kelley strives to help clients recognize their strengths, build emotional awareness, improve self-esteem and body image, establish assertive communication, define self-care habits, and develop effective coping strategies & social skills. She works to ensure each session is tailored to the client’s specific needs and various goals through use of Person-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness, and expression using art techniques. Kelley enjoys incorporating creative interventions throughout therapy as she believes that art has the power to inspire, motivate, and express what is often so hard to put into words.
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.
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 master 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.
Sam Savage
Samantha is a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC) and a National Certified Counselor (NCC). She received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Kennesaw State University and her master’s degree in Clinical Counseling Psychology from Brenau University. Her clinical experience includes working with children, teens, and adults in multiple settings, providing individual, family, and group counseling. Samantha has extensive training in both Positive Discipline Education and Hypnotherapy. She has focused her work on building resilience, coping skills for anxiety and frustration, recognizing and challenging automatic negative thoughts, improving prosocial behaviors, enhancing self-esteem, improving body image, managing mood disorders, and coping with grief, trauma, and other significant life changes and transitions.
Samantha has conducted extensive research in building resilience, major mood disorders, eating disorders, positive body image, and healthy habits. She is passionate about helping young girls and women appreciate their bodies and learn to love themselves for their positive characteristics. Samantha helps her clients recognize their inner strengths and resilience to improve self-esteem, reduce negative self-talk, and find motivation. She integrates creative forms of therapy and incorporates art into many sessions, using Positive Psychology and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
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.
Brooke Gray
Brooke is currently completing her Master’s degree in Social Work at Kennesaw State University. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Kennesaw State University. Brooke’s counseling approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Behavior Modification strategies. She has experience working with child survivors of abuse, children with behavioral issues in an academic setting, parents of children who have experienced abuse, adult survivors of domestic violence, and children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. She works alongside parents to promote positive behaviors and resiliency in children.
Brooke is passionate about helping children and their support systems navigate challenges such as trauma, anxiety, depression, OCD, and major life transitions. Brooke is known for her warm and compassionate approach, creating a safe space where clients feel genuinely heard, understood, and supported. She believes that healing begins with a trusting relationship and strives to meet each person with kindness, empathy, and respect.
With a gentle, client-centered style, Brooke tailors her approach to meet each individual’s unique needs, drawing on evidence-based practices to help clients navigate challenges, build resilience, and foster personal growth. Whether working with children, teens, adults, or parents, she is committed to creating an environment where clients feel empowered to explore their thoughts and emotions at their own pace.
Her goal is to walk alongside each client in their journey, offering both encouragement and practical tools to build resilience and coping mechanisms to promote lasting change and emotional well-being.
Ej Madigan
“Creativity takes courage.” – Henri Matisse
As mental health awareness continues to rise and the stigma surrounding it diminishes, EJ is deeply passionate about advocating for those facing mental health challenges. Her goal as a future counselor is to foster a safe and supportive environment where individuals feel comfortable and empowered to share their struggles. EJ recently graduated from Kennesaw State University with a major in Psychology and a minor in Sociology. She is now completing a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, from Agnes Scott College.
EJ aspires to work with children and adolescents, aiming to help ease the discomfort that often accompanies their life-altering experiences. She understands that this stage can be both challenging and transformative as children transition into adulthood, and she wants to be a positive force for change during this critical time.
EJ recognizes the significance of mental health and is a strong advocate for the transformative benefits of Art Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Internal Family Systems Therapy. She is committed to guiding children on a path of self-discovery, assisting them in recognizing their emotions, and encouraging them to explore their creativity, allowing art to express what words cannot.
Eva Jenkins
Eva earned her Bachelor of Science in Anthropology at Kennesaw State University and is currently in her final year of the Master of Social Work program at Kennesaw State University. She has extensive experience working with children and teens in both the educational system and at home with her own children. Her passion is helping youth develop skills they can use to gain confidence in meeting life’s challenges, as well as life’s joys. Her background in art has given her a keen appreciation for the unique role it can play in supporting therapeutic interventions for depression and anxiety, ADHD, regulating emotions, and developing self-awareness, self-esteem and resilience.
Eva’s experience includes working with children and teens with developmental and physical disabilities, as well as with those considered gifted and talented and twice exceptional, and their families. She believes in a strengths-based and holistic approach in applying the concepts of cognitive behavior therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and motivational interviewing that is tailored to the individual needs of each child. At Art It Out, she is excited to combine her love of art and passion for helping children and teens!
Isabella Lowery
Isabella Lowery is currently completing her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology from American Public University. Isabella’s counseling approach integrates holistic methods, behavioral therapy, and family systems therapy. She has experience working with neurodivergent children in academic settings, focusing on emotional and behavioral regulation using the Zones of Regulation framework.
Isabella is passionate about helping children, adolescents, and adults navigate challenges such as trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, eating disorders, and major life transitions. Isabella is committed to supporting her clients in building resilience and facing life’s challenges with compassion and understanding.
Izel Ochoa
Izel is currently completing her M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of North Georgia and is a passionate student, driven to absorb as much knowledge as possible from her education. Her interest in helping her community comes naturally to her. Her desire to work with children and adolescents stems from her collectivist culture and large family. She has always been passionate about caring for others and offering help when needed.
Izel takes a holistic approach when working with clients. She sees the value in truly getting to know the person sitting in front of her. Building this connection can help foster deeper, more meaningful relationships in clients’ personal lives and communities. She draws from theoretical orientations such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Person-Centered Therapy (PCT). Through art interventions, she believes clients can discover much about themselves and experience deep emotional expression. She also incorporates mindfulness-based and somatic practices, helping children learn simple techniques to calm their minds and bodies, including breathing exercises, gentle movement, and noticing what they feel in their bodies to better manage emotions and stress.
While she is interested in working with all populations, her specific areas of focus include anxiety, depression, self-esteem, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Izel is honored to be part of the mental health field and deeply values the opportunity to support and contribute to the well-being of others through her work.
Lauren Walker
Lauren is a dedicated mother of four and has been married for 20 years. After earning her undergraduate degree from Clemson University, she returned to school almost two
decades later to pursue her passion for helping others through art. She is currently in the final year of her master’s program in Art Therapy at PennWest University.
With experience as a substitute teacher at the elementary level, she loves working with
children and believes in the power of creativity to foster self-expression and healing. She is deeply passionate about people’s stories and approaches her work with empathy, kindness, and a desire to create a sense of clarity and belonging.
Lauren’s areas of interest include anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, self-confidence, self- awareness, and cultivating a positive mindset. She is eager to bring her warmth and dedication to an internship where she can support children in their emotional and
psychological growth through the transformative power of art in therapy.
Madelyn Chianis
Madelyn is a Master’s student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Agnes Scott College, where she is deepening her expertise in providing support to children, adolescents, and teens. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from Georgia State University, which informs her approach to therapy with a focus on intersectionality, empowerment, and social justice.
With over 10 years of experience as a nanny, Madelyn has developed an invaluable
understanding of child and adolescent development, which she integrates into her therapeutic practice. Madelyn is dedicated to offering inclusive care that centers each individual’s unique experiences and needs.Madelyn believes in the transformative power of a strong therapeutic relationship and strives to make therapy a space where young people feel seen, heard, and empowered.
Her areas of clinical interest include anxiety, depression, trauma, identity exploration, family dynamics, and supporting adolescents through life transitions. Madelyn is continuously inspired by the resilience and strength of young people and is
committed to offering care that centers each individual’s unique experiences and needs. She believes that every young person has the capacity to heal and grow, and that with the right support, they can overcome adversity and build a foundation for lasting growth and self-confidence.
Maciej Glod
Maciej is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling at Brenau University, where he also serves as Secretary of the Licensed Professional Counselor Association’s student affiliate organization. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the 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 passion for supporting youth and an interest in the field of psychology. His experiences reinforced his belief that many of today’s teens face unique challenges that are often misunderstood or overlooked, especially by those from previous generations.
Maciej is committed to creating safe, nonjudgmental spaces where children and adolescents can explore their emotions, thoughts, and experiences freely. He is particularly drawn to modalities such as art, play, and music therapy as methods of expression and communication when working with children and adolescents.
His clinical interests include personal growth, relationship dynamics, communication, self esteem, addiction recovery, depression, anxiety, men’s issues, sports psychology, multicultural counseling, expressive therapies, and family systems. Maciej is passionate about helping clients navigate their inner world, strengthen their relationships, and thrive across all areas of life.
Marissa Pinto
Marissa earned her Bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Kennesaw State University and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health at the University of North Georgia. She has experience working with children in the foster care system, neurodivergent youth at a summer camp, and applying Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) with children on the autism spectrum. Additionally, she has worked as a caregiver for women with dementia.
Passionate about supporting adolescents, Marissa brings both warmth and creativity to her work. Her clinical interests include anxiety, self-esteem, identity formation, social skills, and emotional regulation. She is committed to helping clients develop self-awareness, confidence, and a strong sense of agency.
Marissa strives to create a welcoming and supportive environment where individuals can express themselves freely and feel truly understood. She often incorporates creative approaches—such as art, writing, or interactive activities—into sessions to help clients explore their thoughts and emotions in ways that feel engaging and safe. Her therapeutic style emphasizes empowerment, validation, and fostering hope for meaningful change, ensuring each client feels encouraged and equipped to navigate life’s challenges.
Mecca Jordan
Mecca holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology from Georgia Southern University and is currently completing her Master’s degree in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling at Mercer University. With more than a decade of experience working with children in diverse settings—including roles as a Lead Camp Counselor, Site Supervisor for an after-school program, and Lead Teacher in a preschool—she brings extensive knowledge of child development and a strong commitment to supporting emotional well-being.
Mecca has a particular interest in helping children develop emotional awareness and effective coping strategies. She utilizes a warm, creative, and collaborative counseling style, often incorporating art and other expressive techniques to provide children with a safe and engaging space to process their emotions.
A Marietta, Georgia native, Mecca is dedicated to fostering resilience, confidence, and self-expression in every child she serves. Her goal is to create an environment where children feel valued, understood, and empowered to grow into their most authentic selves.