Meet The Team

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Have you ever felt like you wish you knew how to help your kids with their big feelings? We all need a little help from time to time, and I’m passionate about helping kids work through their feelings, traumas, and grief in a fun, playful way. I have been an elementary school counselor for 20+ years and in those years have had the privilege of helping many children and their families learn how to navigate developmental issues, depression, anxiety, ADHD, gender identity, traumas, learn about their brains, coping skills, and so much more, all while having fun and playing, which is the way kids learn, work, and process.

I am also trained in EMDR and Ego States, and am a Certified Child and Adolescent Trauma Practitioner. I use play, brain based interventions, mindfulness, expressive arts, Sand Tray, and EMDR to help children explore and learn about themselves and feel empowered to tackle their “stuff” with more confidence. I believe in the power of proactive intervention and that if we can give our kids the gift of therapy in a playful, early way, we are setting them up for so much success throughout their whole lives. I will be completing my residency at Heart and Mind under the supervision of Amy Reamer, LMFT, RPT-S.


It’s my honor to get to work with you and your kids, and I’m so excited to help your family grow and thrive together!

I believe therapy is a collaborative process. Having someone walk with you along the journey of self-discovery makes the process easier. I feel honored to work with anyone who takes the courageous step to get to the heart of their struggles, their pain, or their desire to grow as a person.

I take a holistic approach to the therapy process and believe the mind/body connection is vital to a sense of wellbeing and wholeness. I enjoy using different modalities with different clients to help each unique person find their voice in a way that is comfortable for them.

I have experience working with traumatized adolescents, but enjoy working with clients of all ages. Therapy is hard work, but the outcome can bring about the positive changes you want in your life.

I am a Counseling Intern earning my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and am completing my internship with Heart and Mind.

“Looking for a better understanding of yourself or your relationship? Having trouble with managing your own self worth?”
The process of healing takes time and can sometimes be hard when going through it alone. I collaborate with individuals and walk alongside them during the journey. Helping others recognize the strengths that reside within themselves is what I enjoy.

I work collaboratively with young adults who value insight, connection and are open and honest about their needs and concerns. I utilize CBT, psychodynamic modalities and play therapy techniques with my clients.
If you are ready to begin your journey toward self healing, I am ready to walk with you.

“Are you looking to heal from grief and trauma that has been affecting your life for some time now? Are you looking to find peace and freedom from your past?”

Healing from past grief and trauma can be scary at first and I understand this. I provide support by taking the necessary time and steps that allow individuals to feel safe during the healing process. Trauma and grief can compound and healing can take time, but the process can be enjoyable and eye-opening. I work to create a comfortable environment with sincerity and patience at the individuals preferred pace to promote change.

If you are looking to begin your healing journey, I am looking forward to working alongside you. I am trained in EMDR and utilize CBT, DBT, Psychodynamic and holistic modality approaches.

"Being seen, heard and known is the greatest gift we can receive."

Growing up is a lifelong journey and knowing how to effectively navigate and interpret the world around us can have a huge impact on our behaviors and how we feel about ourselves. All too often, our "issues" are masks for feelings of frustration, hurt, sadness, guilt, shame and unclear expectations. For children, especially, behavior is communication and listening to the underlying message is key.

I have 14 years of experience as a school counselor and have worked with children and their families to support their success in school and in life, particularly managing challenges stemming from trauma, gender identity, ADHD and ASD. I use a culturally competent, strengths-based, creative approach to counseling with experiential, hands-on techniques tailored to the individual.

I maintain my licensure as a school counselor, am a Certified Clinical Trauma Practitioner and am trained in Parts Work, Play Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I am currently in my Residency working towards full licensure as a LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) in VA under the supervision of Amy Reamer, LMFT, RPT-S.

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"I believe everyone has the ability to find healing and you are the expert on you!"

I have earned licensure in another state and am now working toward licensure in the state of Virginia. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, incarceration, dissociation, psychosis, sexual behavior issues, trauma and abuse, PTSD depression, coping skills, career challenges, OCD, and eating issues. I have a special interest in working with LGBTQIA+ clients with specialized training for supporting transgender clients.

My therapy style is person centered. My role is to support you and provide resources as you find your way to healing. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, as well as narrative and solution focused therapy. I will tailor our work together to meet your specific needs based on my training in Polyvagal Theory, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Ego States, IFS, Attachment Based, Strength Based, Trauma and Abandonment, EMDR, and Gottman's Couples Therapy.

It takes courage to reach out and ask for support towards a happier and more fulfilling life. That courage will serve you well.
I look forward to working with you!

“Are you feeling trapped in limiting beliefs about yourself? Do you have difficulty maintaining rich, meaningful relationships?”

I enjoy helping individuals to grow toward a more embodied and connected way of being in the world. I am interested in an interpersonal process approach to therapy through which we can work on your goals in the context of our relationship in the here and now.

I use attachment theory as an organizing framework and believe in the power of working directly with emotion to reintegrate the parts of ourselves that have become cut off. As a longtime practitioner of yoga breathing, meditation, and mindfulness, I am open to incorporating spirituality into the work that we do together.

I am currently on track to earn a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Wake Forest University and am under the supervision of Jettie Norfleet, LPC.

Pat keeps our administrative systems running. She handles billing processes, keeps our office areas presentable and handles other administrative tasks. If you have billing questions Pat can help you.

Amy is passionate about helping others heal their hearts from past hurts - through the use of research and evidence based practices infused with the latest neuroscience research. She has personal and professional experience with adoption, developmental trauma and other developmental disabilities. She is a self-proclaimed "brain geek" and continuously finds fun ways to incorporate the latest neuroscience research into evidence-based practices specializing in the effects of early trauma or neglect on the brain and the best ways to help children and teenagers heal. She is the author of "Toby the Tiger Tamer" and the developer of the Tame Your Tiger Brain Training Program.​ Amy is the 2021 Play Therapist of the Year for the state of Virginia. Additionally, Amy will hold a 2021 Endorsement from The Virginia Association for Infant Mental Health; Category III Infant Mental Health Specialist (IMHS).

Amy is not currently taking new clients. She is supervising the Heart & Mind team, providing workshops, adoptive parent coaching, and supervision for therapists for licensure as a MFT in VA, play therapist and consultations.

“Has your life story taken a twist lately? Has the unexpected left you feeling lost or overwhelmed?”

Life is a journey full of changes and transitions which offer us constant opportunities to learn about ourselves, better respond to our circumstances, become more truly who we are, relate to others in healthy ways, and experience greater well-being.

I have many years of professional experience as a recreation therapist and enjoy working with healthcare professionals, as well as individuals with disabilities and their families. Adjustment to disability, caregiver concerns, and navigating the impacts of disability and illness on family members are areas of particular interest. I also enjoy working with clients in the areas of stress management, anxiety, grief and loss, transition and adjustment concerns, and self-esteem issues.

I offer a calm and steady presence and will come alongside you as you process your life story and experiences. I will partner with you to identify your strengths as you move towards a more hopeful, fulfilling, and meaningful future. I use a holistic approach to counseling with attention given to mind, body, and spirit. I also have training in Christian counseling and can incorporate your faith into our work together if you would like.

I am currently working towards my license in Clinical Mental Health Counseling under the supervision of Jettie Norfleet, LPC.