our team

"I am not what happened to me. I am what I choose to become." - Carl Jung

Many people have had scary or terrible things happen to them; trauma isn't just what happens to you - it's how you experience it.

Maybe - as is the case with many others - you haven't told anyone. Maybe you have told people what happened and their response was confusing, hurtful, or dismissive. Maybe you feel like you just want it to be over or you should have gotten past it already. You might have reminders of what happened impacting your life through nightmares, flashbacks, or trying to avoid any mention or reminder of the events. You might feel numb. Maybe you are a parent and are completely lost on how to help your child recover.

I work with adolescents, adults, and families - helping individuals that are struggling not only with trauma, but with depression and anxiety as well.

During our first visit, we will talk about what is bothering you now and what you want help with. You do not have to tell a stranger everything at the first visit - we'll get there together.

Jessie Ogienko, MSW, LCSW graduated from Emory University with Honors in Psychology and from Hunter College at the City University of New York with a Masters of Social Work degree with a specialty in Clinical Practice and a special focus on Interdisciplinary Practice. She is trained in EMDR, is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), holds the Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 1 certification, is a PREPARE/ENRICH Certified Facilitator, has graduated the accredited C.A.S.E. Training for Adoption Competency (TAC) certificate program, is certified to perform Local Certified Forensic Evaluations, and is a Family Centered Treatment (FCT) therapist and trainer.

Jessie is currently offering consulting services, including Clinical Supervision for LCSW-A therapists pursuing full licensure, through Caladrius Consulting .

Feeling uncomfortable is a signal that it is time for us to start our own process of change. Starting this path of working through difficult or emotional challenges sometimes requires deep vulnerability. Opening up and being vulnerable with someone else can be intimidating, but once practiced, it can also be liberating! You may have had things happen to you that were unfair and painful, causing conflict within yourself or with others. It is especially difficult when you feel alone without someone you can talk to, who will listen without judgment. When you feel overwhelmed and you are experiencing trials that are difficult to navigate, it is time to reach out for support.

I started my journey towards becoming a therapist because I know that life can be hard and sometimes it feels like a never-ending uphill battle. I am here to provide added support during this time, to give you the space to be vulnerable, heard, and to share tools that can be helpful to you. My goal is to help you feel empowered to seek growth, acceptance, and peace within yourself. Sometimes you just need someone to talk to, and other times you might need help learning new coping skills. I hope to be that trusted person you can share your thoughts and feelings with, as well as practice new skills to be implemented in your everyday life.

I look forward to being a part of your journey towards self-discovery and self-empowerment.

Kacey Scheuerman, MSW, LCSW-A graduated from University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Kacey is trained in EMDR and Sand Tray Therapy. She is experienced with working with adults and adolescents.

Motherhood (and fatherhood!) looks different on everyone. My passion for maternal mental health sparked after having my daughter and I was able to fully appreciate the challenges and range of emotions that surface within parenthood from a lived experience. I then sought to specialize in Perinatal Mental Health to shift my focus from counseling children to counseling parents. When most people hear about Perinatal Mental Health, they often think of postpartum depression- but Perinatal Mental Health encompasses so much more than that! I work with women in all stages of parenthood including infertility, grief, and loss. I am here to help you navigate challenges and emotions that may arise in pregnancy, birth, and parenthood- including helping you explore bonding with your baby, navigating those terrible twos, parenting threenagers, and staying true to yourself as a parent through the child and adolescent years.

Becoming a parent often changes your identity, but it should never feel like you've lost yourself. Each stage brings new challenges and new things to enjoy and it seems as soon as you adjust to one stage, a new one is just around the corner! Those of us parenting without clear role models of the kind of parent we want to be face additional challenges and can benefit greatly from support to make their parenting goals and vision a reality. I am here to partner with you to maintain your sense of self, your mental health, and provide support as we navigate it together.

As well as providing support to parents, I want to continue my work providing care to children and adolescents. During my five years of experience working as a school social worker, I have experience providing children with support identifying and naming their emotions, positive coping skills, working through depression, self harm, and suicidality, and providing crisis support. I enjoy working with children going through family transitions, parent separation, and social anxiety.

Emily Lee, MSW, LCSWA, PMH-C graduated from Winthrop University with her Master's of Social Work degree. Emily received her Bachelor's of Social Work from Western Carolina University. Emily has several years of experience as a school social worker with grade school children. She is certified in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders through Postpartum Support International.

Growing up a queer kid in a rural area shaped the person I am today. In my adulthood, I became aware of the power of my own resilience, and the protective factors that enabled me to get to where I am today. I want to help other people who have been through difficult experiences discover the power of their own resilience as well.

We might be a good fit if you're struggling with personal relationships or feeling alone in your journey. You may be stuck in a painful past or struggling with sorting out who you are. You might be searching for a different perspective or someone to validate your experience. I believe in the power of building up your resiliency toolbox and finding light at the end of the tunnel together. Each life stage and relationship offers different rewards and challenges that I enjoy working with. Navigating those life stages can be more complex for those struggling with identity and social ostracization. The LGBTQIA+ community is the most near and dear to my heart.

I offer a unique clinical and lived experience with a wide variety of complex issues and populations. My clinical instinct operates through a systemic lens. I come from a background working with families to address tough issues related to juvenile justice and DSS involvement. I enjoy helping people find relief and a better way forward. I also enjoy going deep and helping people make sense of their root traumas that may be holding them back. I enjoy practical application and skill-building through CBT and DBT modalities. Much of my experience has been assisting people with finding and practicing communication and coping skills to strengthen their relationships with family, friends, and themselves. I am passionate about helping families and couples have difficult, but necessary conversations. I often challenge my clients to consider circumstances from different angles and guide them out of their comfort zones.

Tatim Lace, MSW, LCSW-A graduated from Marywood University in Scranton, PA with a BA in communications and from Appalachian State University with a Masters of Social Work degree and a dual focus in community and clinical social work. He is experienced in training others on best practices for working with the LGBTQIA+ community across different settings. Tatim is trained in Family Centered Treatment (FCT) and Functional Family Therapy (FFT).

Tackling all that may be thrown your way can be incredibly difficult, especially if you take on the challenge alone. My goal is to support and hold space for you on that journey. If you are experiencing anxiety, grief, or life transitions, I will stand beside you as we work to process the impact of those stressors on your day to day life. I am here to provide encouragement and space to verbalize your frustrations while offering helpful coping skills, increased insight, and empathy.

I am especially passionate about working with women who are struggling to protect and maintain their mental health. There are times where we feel silenced or bothersome for advocating for ourselves. One of my objectives is to walk with you as you find your voice and embrace your strengths.{" "}

I operate from a person-centered lens which allows the client to lead sessions at a pace that makes sense for them. We may be a strong fit if you are in need of someone to process or explore parts of your identity with. Asking for help is a brave step in and of itself!{" "}

Hannah Wagers, MA, LCMHCA, graduated from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte with her Master's degree in Counseling. She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte as well. She has experience working with teens, young adults, and adults.

"Perhaps one did not want to be loved so much as to be understood." - George Orwell

There are times for all of us when we feel helpless or powerless over our situation. I'm here for those moments to walk alongside you - not in front, behind, or to the side. I believe the therapeutic relationship is based on compassion and empathy. True empathy is when someone seeks to understand you and meet you where you are. My goal is to help people figure out how to use their strengths to thrive in their existing environment. Our thoughts, feelings, and actions all affect each other. If we can find the strengths in our narratives, we can redefine the way we tell our stories.

My hope and belief is that therapy should be fun! I aim to show up as a genuine and authentic version of myself and often utilize humor to build trust. I enjoy working with people in all stages of their therapeutic journey. I feel confident that we will be able to build a working relationship to address your therapeutic goals.

I offer services in English and Spanish! Ofrezco servicios en inglés y español!

Zach Saint, LCSW-A, LCAS-A, specializes in trauma, substance use/addiction, anxiety, and depression. He has experience with a wide range of concerns from working in the psychiatric environment to working in opioid treatment. He enjoys working with adults, adolescents, and couples. Zach currently offers both in-person and telehealth sessions.

Ebony S. Brown, LMSW, is a dedicated Licensed Master Social Worker with over 7 years of experience exemplifying an unwavering commitment to serving marginalized individuals. Ebony obtained her masters of Social Work at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia and has developed a robust skill set that encompasses the ability to manage numerous cases, synthesize information and navigate complexities to achieve success in the field. Ebony is a Hartford, CT native and recently moved from Dallas, Texas to the Charlotte area and is looking forward to the new connections and wonderful opportunities Charlotte has to offer.

"The most important thing we can do for the healing of the world is to hear inside ourselves" - Thich Nhat Hanh

Therapy is a transformative journey. It is one in which we begin to take off the masks that we are afraid of living without but know we cannot live within. Together, we will gently remove old and new masks, allowing for the opportunity to get to know our truest, inner selves. From witnessing how personal challenges - past and present - can impact individuals in distinct ways, I have grown increasingly passionate about helping individuals to reconnect with life through self-discovery. I use a person-centered, trauma informed approach that recognizes and respects you, in all of your glorious uniqueness. I believe you are the expert in your lived experiences and I work to create a space where you can share your journey, challenges, and hopes for the future.

With over five years of experience working with youth experiencing foster care, I have a special interest in helping children (and families) navigate the various emotions that arise due to the circumstances they are faced with. I help children understand and express their emotions constructively through play, their most effective language. With adolescents, I focus on establishing trust and connection while addressing challenging behaviors and developing valuable skills within, such as self regulation and self compassion. When working with adults, I focus on wellness and stability, while guiding you through your healing journey and equipping you with resources and tools to use both inside and outside of sessions. I draw heavily from CBT, responsive parenting, attachment theory, and other trauma-informed practices to meet your specific needs and desires. I also enjoy incorporating mindfulness, meditation, and body focused practices to connect the mind, body, and spirit, into sessions.

Madalyn Twist, MSW, LCSW-A graduated from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte with her Master's of Social Work degree. She received her Bachelor's of Social Work degree from The University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Madalyn specializes in working with children and adolescent's experiencing foster care as well as youth and adult adoptees. She has experience with a variety of mental health diagnoses and the impacts of trauma within both children and adults. Madalyn has a special interest in Internal Family Systems Model. She is passionate about creating a safe and affirming space for LGBTQIA+ populations.

"Be the person you needed when you were younger" - Ayesha Siddiqi

Our childhood plays a fundamental role in the development of our identity. In our childhood, we learn to navigate the world as our own person. This is not always an easy process, as humans are not stagnant beings. We are constantly changing and adapting depending on our environment and the people around us. Our world moves at such a rapid pace that we forget to cope with the things that happen in our lives. Sometimes, our past and the people around us can prevent us from blooming into the person that we want to become. I want to aid you in the journey of self discovery, as it can be difficult to navigate identity on your own. As an aspiring therapist, I aim to look deeper into one's life to help clients find the answers they are looking for. Often, the answers are around us and within us, as we are the experts in our own stories. I strive to be an authentic connection point for clients to be vulnerable and curious about their struggles. I want to help you strengthen your connection with yourself and help you trust your instincts. If you are ready to take a chance on yourself, I will help you with this by encouraging you to dig deep and ask questions that you never asked yourself before.

Alyssa Cuomo graduated Magna Cum Laude from Salve Regina University in December 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology/Anthropology and a minor in Women, Gender, Sexuality Studies. She is currently a student in the Master of Social Work program at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She is anticipated to graduate in May 2024. After graduation, she will pursue the path to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

It would be my privilege to provide you the space and support to process your experiences, thoughts, and feelings so you can move forward in a manner in line with what matters to you. My goals are to offer you a context to consider your well-being, to identify the strengths you have and the skills you can develop to support your mental health, and to help you gain increased insight, self-acceptance, healing, and ability to make desired change.

I have profound respect for those willing to reach out for support and will meet you with empathy, non-judgment, warmth, and encouragement. Currently, my approach is primarily informed by strengths-based cognitive beahvioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and internal family systems. I invite feedback and strive to create an enviroment and practice that is affirming to all and trauma-informed.

Julie Finelli is pursuing her Master of Social Work degree at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She has special interest in working with adults with ADHD, parents of children, teens, and young adults (including parents of those with special needs), and women in mid-life and beyond. She has experience with incarcerated adults and neurodivergent populations. Before pursuing her MSW, she previously earned a Master of Arts in Teaching and a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina. She is a former teacher and also spent many years as a stay-at-home parent.

I chose a career in mental health because I understand that humans are hardwired for connection but life can sometimes leave us feeling disconnected. I chose to go into clinical social work to help people through suffering, to help people reconnect with themselves and the people that matter most to them, and to help people make the positive changes they need to live the life that is most fulfilling for them. I am most passionate about helping people make connections about their past experiences/upbringing to increase their self-awareness and cultivate self-compassion for the struggles they are facing in the present moment. Giving people a place to process whatever they need to process, without any fear of judgment, where they feel understood, accepted, valued, and safe. Empowering people to take action to get their wants and needs met in their relationships (romantic, platonic, and familial). I strive to empower and support all clients to make the changes necessary for them to meet their goals through the cultivation of understanding, awareness, and self-compassion. I will meet people where they are, go as fast or as slow as they need to go and focus on the topics/issues they prioritize. I structure therapy sessions to meet the unique needs and preferences of each client because there is no one-size-fits-all. The quality of the therapeutic relationship is of the utmost importance to me, so I check in with my clients on a regular basis to invite feedback and encourage open communication.

Hannah Travis is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She earned Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Communication Studies and a Masters in Social Work, all from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. With over 8 years of experience in the field, Hannah brings a compassionate, client-centered, and holistic approach to therapy. Whether you’re dealing with stress, trauma, self-esteem issues, or simply seeking personal growth, she is here to provide a safe and non-judgmental space where you can work together to find solutions and enhance your overall quality of life. Hannah is available for telehealth sessions only.

My all-time favorite mantra is "Movement is Medicine".

I believe that when we move the body, we are able to understand more of how we personally feel from within; we're able to notice our emotions through our breath, release tension through stretching the body, and clear the mind for just a moment through meditation. Within a trauma-informed yoga session, we can experience different ways to not only regulate your nervous system, but most importantly find peace in the middle of your daily lives.

"The story of your life is always beginning because you are always in a new moment where you are beginning it." - Padraig O Tuama

Starting therapy can be extremely daunting. The mere act of seeking support asks us to acknowledge that something needs our attention. My goal as a therapist is to create a soft and nonjudgmental space for individuals and families to attend to pain and move towards healing. I utilize a person-centered, trauma-informed approach to create spaces where vulnerability feels accessible and empowering. You are the expert of your experience and it is my hope that you feel this throughout our time together.

I am especially passionate about working with children and families who have experienced trauma and need support. After years of working with children in schools, I saw time and time again the way trauma disrupts a child's ability to feel safe, happy, and whole. My goal in working with children and families is to create safe spaces for kids to be kids and to give parents tools to support their child's becoming.

Additionally, I am passionate about working with adolescents and adults as they grapple with challenges that come with identity formation and the unfolding story of their lives. I strive to create a safe and affirming environment for clients of every age, race, gender, and sexual identity.

Molly Carroll, MSW, LCSW-A, graduated from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with her Master of Social Work degree. She received her Bachelor of Social Work degree from Belmont University in Nashville, TN. Molly specializes in working with children, adolescents, and young adults seeking to heal from the impacts of complex trauma. Molly has a wide range of experiences from working in schools to help children regulate their behavior and emotions to supporting individuals experiencing mental health crises in an urgent care setting.

You may notice that you feel numb or helpless from a broken relationship or a new diagnosis (mental or physical). Or you may feel trapped reliving a traumatic experience. Maybe you recently lost a loved one and are grieving the life that was and could have been. Whatever it is, I'm here to support you on this journey.

I aim to meet you where you are and give you the space to flourish. My holistic and strengths-based approach combines wellness practices with trauma-informed modalities to facilitate your healing process. In addition, as a sex positive, LGBTQIA+ affirming, kink/BDSM, and ethical non-monogamous competent therapist, I value providing a safe, confidential, and supportive space for all. In our sessions, I will happily use meditation floor cushions, a weighted blanket, or snacks to create an environment conducive to processing your experiences. My ultimate goal is to guide you from a place of discomfort to a place of healing.

Kelsey Cuomo, MSW, LCSW-A, holds a Master of Social Work degree from Winthrop University and a Bachelor's in Social Work from Xavier University. Kelsey has experience working with parents who have experienced the loss of a child, prenatal diagnoses, and birth trauma in the NICU and postpartum care setting. Kelsey is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional-Level II with experience in healing from intimate partner violence, CPTSD, and more. She has also received training in trauma-informed mindfulness and somatic therapy. She is working towards her certification in EMDR and pursuing a Kink Conscious Certification, further broadening her ability to provide comprehensive and inclusive therapeutic support.

"As long as you have breath, you have options" - Imani Cohen

Progress in life is a process. To move forward, sometimes you have to look back to see how much progress you have made, but you must also look ahead to see how much more progress remains. This process doesn't come without bumps and bruises. It can produce feelings of anxiety, anger, or depression, and sometimes we may lose loved ones or damage relationships while on our journey.

No matter where you are on your journey, I am here to help you process those traumatic experiences, those sleepless nights that keep you up, and the moments that prevent you from being present.

Progress awaits you with open arms. Trust and give yourself grace along the way. Therapy can be scary. Perhaps this isn't your first time attending therapy. Or maybe, therapy is not common in your community and you never even considered it.

We all deserve the feeling of being present, inspired, and happy. I'm here to guide you along your journey to help you reach that. Together we will get to the root of your challenges to help you find clarity and embrace your authentic self.I will provide a person-centered approach that meets you where you are and allows you a space where you will have grace to process, cry, and laugh, as you come back home to yourself.

De'Erik is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Social Work at Johnson C. Smith University and earned his Masters in Social Work at Winthrop University. He utilizes a person-centered approach which involves placing emphasis on strength building, self awareness, accountability, and authenticity. He has over 8 years of experience working with individuals across all ages. His experience in the Mental Health field includes individual, group and family counseling. He provides support with Stress Management, Depression, Cultural Specific issues, and Anxiety. He offers both in person and Tele-Health services to fit the needs of each client.