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Graduate Intern
Therapists
We have Graduate Student Interns from a variety of schools. Our interns are typically with us for 12 months. Click here to apply for a graduate internship or to learn more about joining our team as an intern. We are now accepting applicants for Spring 2024!
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KAREN LONCKE
GRADUATE INTERN
Karen is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Mercer University. She earned her bachelor’s degree from LaGrange College in both theatre arts and psychology. Karen has experience working with children with autism spectrum disorder, children with ADHD, and children with a dual diagnosis. She spent 2 years working at Hopebridge Autism Therapy Center and 1 year working as a paraprofessional in K - 3rd grade classrooms. Karen has always believed in the therapeutic nature of art and hopes to help clients understand themselves and their lives better through it. With her experience in working with children, she would gladly help you on your journey through life as you navigate transitions, learn more about yourself and your emotions, and grow into your true self.
BRIANA THOMAS
GRADUATE INTERN
Briana Thomas is in the clinical mental health program at Mercer University. She is from Cedartown, Georgia. She completed her bachelor’s at Georgia State University with a degree in Sociology. Georgia State University is where she found her passion for counseling. She became intrigued with working with individuals in underserved areas.
After graduating, Briana worked for two years as a behavioral specialist at a residential mental health facility with children dealing with depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, ADHD, and ODD. She has also worked for almost two years as a registered behavioral therapist with children with ASD.
For Briana, building a relationship and rapport with a client is the most significant aspect of the counseling process. She works from a CBT and Adlerian approach. Her clinical interests are behavioral issues, emotional regulation, anxiety, interpersonal relationships, and ASD.
MEGAN MATHIS
GRADUATE INTERN
Megan is enrolled in Mercer’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling masters program and will graduate in December of 2023. She is an East Cobb native, where she attended Dickerson Middle School and Walton High School. Megan earned a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Music from Berry College in Rome, GA. After graduation, she worked with children in a variety of settings as a nanny, preschool teacher, and a violin and piano teacher. These different experiences led her to pursue her masters in Counseling, so that she may be able to help children through the different stages of life.
She believes in establishing a safe and supportive therapeutic environment for her clients by using a person centered approach combined with techniques of CBT and creativity. Having grown up playing violin, she sees the value and therapeutic benefits of including music and art within the counseling process, and believes that providing a safe space for creativity will help children navigate the different stages of growing up.
HALEIGH BAULDWIN
GRADUATE INTERN
Haleigh is enrolled in the Clinical Mental Health Program at Mercer University. She is a native to Chickamauga, Georgia. She received her B.S. in psychology from the University of West Georgia. Since then, she has gained experience working with children with ASD and ADHD through creative expression, mindfulness, and emotional regulation techniques.
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She hopes to facilitate change within others by creating a safe space for individuals to find ways to become more attuned to life’s experiences. She believes that life is about perspective, just as art is, which gives way to a connection that can lead to increased self-awareness, self-confidence, and interpersonal relationships through reframing thoughts as in CBT to overcome life's struggles.
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Her primary therapeutic interests include anxiety, depression, grief and loss, self-identity, and ASD. She looks forward to working with individuals in all walks of life.
JENNA LONG
GRADUATE INTERN
Jenna is obtaining her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Mercer University. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Georgia Southern University. She previously used art therapy while working with older adults diagnosed with dementia which led to her interest in wanting to utilize art therapeutically.
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Jenna wants to help children improve their overall well-being by building a trusting therapeutic relationship, working on issues related to anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and emotional regulation, and learning how to use coping mechanisms. Jenna believes that giving children the tools they need to reframe their way of thinking and behaving when they are young can be beneficial in helping them grow as healthy individuals.
CARTER DAY
GRADUATE INTERN
Carter is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health from Mercer University. She received an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from Clemson University. Upon graduation, she worked as a kindergarten and first grade teacher in the public school system. During this time, she received specialized training to instruct children diagnosed with learning disabilities. After her time in the classroom, she held an administrative role at a nonprofit organization whose goal was to support mothers and their children.
Carter values providing a safe, nurturing environment and building a strong therapeutic alliance. She prefers a strengths-based approach and utilizes techniques pulled from cognitive behavioral therapy. Her interests include Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, anxiety, grief and loss, self-esteem issues, and trauma. She respects all individuals and the unique qualities they bring to the therapy room!
AMBER CARTER
GRADUATE INTERN
Amber is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Kennesaw State University. She also obtained her undergraduate degree from KSU in the Human Services program. Her education has been supported by internships completed at Cherokee Family Violence Center, Foster4Love, and the Douglas County School System. These experiences allowed her to gain knowledge and skills to work with individuals at different stages of life.
Amber is passionate about the value of art and music as therapeutic tools. Her main goal is to empower children and teens by providing strategies and skills that will help to navigate any of life's challenges.
SERYE KIM
GRADUATE INTERN
Serye was born in South Korea and moved to the United States when she was young. She is currently a master's student at Agnes Scott College in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. She graduated from Hendrix College in Arkansas with a bachelor's in Psychology and Spanish. Serye is passionate about mental health and well-being for children and teens, and hopes to provide a safe space in diverse settings. She loves to create art and make crafts in her free time, and would like to incorporate her interests with helping young children.
Serye's counseling interests include anxiety, depression, emotion regulation, ADHD, and increasing self-confidence and self-awareness. She is always open to learning more and continues to look for opportunities to serve children and families in need.
EUGENIE HALE
GRADUATE INTERN
Eugenie has spent the past four years since college graduation teaching young children in a local charter school and preschool. She is currently a graduate student at Agnes Scott College pursuing her degree in clinical mental health counseling. Eugenie is passionate about helping support children who struggle with anxiety, depression, and situational crises.
CLAIRE KAUFMANN
GRADUATE INTERN
Claire is currently pursuing dual master’s degrees in Social Work and Business Administration from Kennesaw State University. She graduated from Kennesaw State with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Child Advocacy in 2022. She found her passion for helping children learn and grow while working as an after-school care provider at a daycare during college.
Claire takes a holistic, strengths-based approach and believes every child is unique and deserves individualized care. She considers building a solid therapeutic relationship with each child essential, based on empathy, understanding, and collaboration. She aims to establish a secure and encouraging space where children can freely express their ideas and emotions and collaborate to overcome obstacles. Her clinical interests include supporting children who struggle with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, grief and loss, and situational crises.
KYLIE JENKINS
GRADUATE INTERN
Kylie Jenkins is a student at Mercer University in the Rehabilitation Program. She graduated from Georgia Gwinnett College with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and from there she knew she wanted to take the counseling route. She has always enjoyed working with children and had a passion for mental health.
ABIGAIL "ABBY" SHANNON
GRADUATE INTERN
Abigail is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Agnes Scott College. She received her BS in neuroscience from Dickinson College in 2021. After graduating, Abigail worked as an assistant teacher in the pre-K classroom at the Emory Autism Center.
Abigail is passionate about helping children and adolescents grow by providing a safe and creative space. She also believes in the importance of a holistic and strengths-based approach to counseling. Her clinical interests include ASD, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and emotional regulation.
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CAROLINE HARPER
GRADUATE INTERN
Caroline is pursuing her Master’s in Counseling and Art Therapy from Pennsylvania Western University. She is an East Cobb native where she attended Shallowford Falls Elementary School, Hightower Trail Middle School, and Pope High School. After graduating from the University of North Georgia with a Degree in Psychology and a minor in Art, Caroline worked as a behavioral therapist for children with ASD. It was there that she discovered her passion for incorporating art into the therapeutic environment which led her to pursue a career in Art Therapy.
Caroline has experienced the therapeutic benefits of art in her own life and hopes to share it with others. She believes everyone should have a safe and supportive environment to work through life’s challenges. She hopes to come alongside her clients and their families promoting healing, growth, and resilience as they grow closer together.
Her clinical interests include behavioral issues, emotional regulation, coping skills and techniques, and ASD.
ASHLEY WILLIAMSON
GRADUATE INTERN
Ashley is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work degree from Florida State University, where she also earned an undergraduate degree in Psychology. Upon graduating, she worked as a Youth Specialist for an emergency youth shelter, serving adolescents and teens. She has been a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) for two years, working with individuals of any age diagnosed with ASD and/or other intellectual or developmental differences.
Ashley is passionate about helping others become the best version of themselves and hopes to provide a safe, supportive environment to foster positive change. Her therapeutic interests include anxiety, depression, self-esteem, identity, stress, trauma, and LGBTQ+.
JESSICA COTTO
GRADUATE INTERN
Jessica is enrolled in the Clinical Mental Health Program at Mercer University. She is a native to Boston, MA. She received her B.S. in psychology from the Illustrious Clark Atlanta University. Since then, she has gained experience working with children with ASD and ADHD through creative expression, mindfulness, and emotional regulation techniques, and ABA therapy. Jessica also has gained experience working with adolescents through her time working at Hillside as a behavior specialist working with the Dialectical Behavior Therapy. She hopes to help children and adolescents work through any struggles they may experience to help them have a healthy life. She believes that life is about perspective, just as art is, which gives way to a connection that can lead to increased self-awareness, self-confidence, and interpersonal relationships through reframing thoughts as in CBT to overcome life's struggles.
Her primary therapeutic interests include anxiety, depression, grief and loss, self-identity, and ASD. She looks forward to working with individuals in all walks of life.
