our team

"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 of 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.

"The most precious gift we can offer is our presence. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers." -Thich Nhat Hanh

My beliefs are greatly influenced by the philosophy that all people are capable of change and growth, and deserve to feel joy in this world. My primary theoretical orientation is grounded in the post-modern, Narrative Therapy approach, which examines the rich experiences of my life and the way I share my story with others and reflectively view it myself. In the words of Anderson and Goolishian, "it is my responsibility as a therapist to cultivate a growing awareness of the dominant (and potentially dominating) stories in our society and to develop ways of collaboratively examining the effects of those stories when I sense them at work in the lives and relationships of the people who consult with me."

I have used much of my teachings of yoga to ground my work with mindfulness, which is proven to help people live more fully and presently, engaged in connecting with themselves and others. I utilize polyvagal theory and somatic experience when working with clients to regulate their nervous systems and communicate their needs in various environments and relationships. I have found this to be particularly powerful when working in the intersections of trauma, neurodivergence, and gender diversity. I have found a passion in serving folks in the queer community, seeking affirming and safe relationships. I provide support to those looking to embrace their authentic selves and loved ones by writing letters for gender-affirming treatment, attuning to unique needs and experiences, and holding an accepting and non-judgmental space to process pain and pleasure. I also have a passion for working with families to promote understanding and compassion for gender-expansive children and have specialized training in providing child-led gender-affirming play therapy.

I continue to follow my love for providing mental health care to individuals who seek to learn and embrace themselves and their relationships. I'm working towards a certification in sex therapy, specializing in queer and kink-affirming relationships, relationships with partners who have experienced sexual and incestual trauma, and individuals with medical barriers to sexual fulfillment. I have Level 1 & 2 Gottman Method Couples Therapy training and practice in using Emotion Focused Therapy to empirically support and guide relational work with couples and families who may seek healing, understanding, or pre-commitment work. I am currently participating in an 18-month sex therapy certification program at the Modern Sex Therapy Institute and am a member of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists. I specialize in working with partners or individuals who struggle with compulsive sexual behaviors, porn addiction, and betrayal trauma. I will help you hold onto hope and healing by guiding you to safely confront feelings of shame, align with integrity to your values and beliefs, and rebuild intimacy with yourself and in your relationships.

Sav spent 6 years at East Carolina University, studying Recreational Therapy in their undergraduate degree, pursuing minors in addiction studies, human development and family relations, and psychology. Sav became interested in the significance of relationships, identity formation, and biopsychosocial-spiritual systems, which led her to pursuing their Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy and certification in medical family therapy. Sav worked in various clinical settings applying skills from their 200 RYT yoga training, mindfulness, and adventure recreation to the psychological healing of individuals after physical and mental traumas. Sav continues to apply knowledge from the concentration of Medical Family Therapy to help individuals create Biopsychosocial-spiritual balance, as they navigate comorbidities in their encompassing health.

I’m an experienced, passionate, enthusiastic, counselor with over 8 years of counseling experience working with students in Union and Mecklenburg County schools. I am a Charlotte, NC native, but consider Charleston my second home after attending college and meeting my husband there!

As your counselor, I am here to support you in creating meaning, finding comfort, and uncovering resources to help you be your best self. I enjoy working with a diverse population of high school-aged teens and young adults. My areas of specialty include anxiety, depression, grief, career struggles, and life transitions.

I have an eclectic approach drawing on multiple theoretical orientations and techniques including Solution Focused-Brief Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Person Centered, and Gestalt therapies. During sessions we will use the most effective methods to address your individual needs. I believe that all the answers are within you, and, together, we will create a plan to discover what you need to live a meaningful, healthy and purpose filled life. During sessions some unique approaches we may use include play therapy, mindfulness activities, interactive games and tools, and going outside.

Outside of the therapy office I enjoy traveling, live music, cooking for others, and running. I have an ambitious goal of running a half marathon in every state (I’ve done 13 already)! For self-care I enjoy sleeping in, treating myself to iced coffee, comfort watching television, and long walks around my neighborhood listening to music and podcasts.

Carlee Wetzler, LCMHCA graduated from Lenoir Rhyne University with a Master of Arts in Counseling after completing a BS in Sociology from Charleston Southern University. She has 8 years post-graduate experience working with children, teens, and families. She has advanced certification as a Grief Specialist. She loves working with teens and adolescents as well as adults.

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.

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

Taking the first step into therapy can be intimidating. My aim as a therapist is to provide you with a safe, judgment-free space where you can address your pain and work towards healing. I approach therapy with a person-centered, trauma-informed perspective, striving to create an environment where vulnerability feels both 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 passionate about working with people of all ages as they navigate the challenges associated with identity formation and the unfolding story of their lives. I have experience working with a wide range of issues, including trauma, eating disorders, attachment-related struggles, behavioral concerns, and life transitions. I am particularly dedicated to working with children, adolescents, and adults who have experienced trauma and are seeking support.

I utilize various techniques, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), internal family systems (IFS), child-centered play therapy, and sandtray therapy to support clients in their therapeutic journey. My goal is to make therapy accessible, meeting the unique needs and preferences of each client. To achieve this, I collaborate closely with my clients to establish a therapeutic environment that aligns with their needs and goals. I strive to create a safe, affirming environment for clients of every age, race, gender, and sexual identity.

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

"Just because no one else can heal or do your inner work for you, doesn't mean you can, should, or need to do it alone." - Lisa Olivera

Challenges in life are inevitable and can hinder how one may take care of him or herself, grow and thrive. Through these challenges, you may become stressed or overwhelmed and seeking solutions on how to overcome these difficulties. Everyon deserves the opportunity to experience joy and to find their true selves. It is my passion to genuinely connect and support you in your journey, so you can find those solutions and get the most from your therapeutic experience.

Robin Boulware-Abraham, MA, LCMHC-A, graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with her Master's of Art in Counseling and Graduate Certification in Gerontology as well as her Bachelor's of Science in Psychology. Robin specializes in Child Centered play therapy and has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in various settings. She is working towards becoming a Registered Play Therapist to broaden her training and experience working with children, families, and adults.

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.

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.

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.

"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.

"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.

"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.

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.

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.

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.

"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 .