Our Team
Home / team
Our Team
The Experienced Team
Dr. Bertrina Olivia West Al-Mahdi, LPC "Dr. O"
International Psychologist, Founder & Clinical Director
Her/She
[email protected]
EMDR Trained
Brainspotting Trained
Hypnotherapy
Certified Reiki Practitioner
Cigna, Aetna, Anthem/BCBS, Humana, CareSource, United Healthcare, Medicaid, Out-of-Network
Dr. O holds a Doctoral Degree in International Psychology. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Coach, and Consultant who specializes in systemic, complex, and developmental trauma, regulating emotional distress, helping individuals reach their personal and professional goals, minority and race-based issues, and nonprofit business development. Dr. O is passionate about human and civil rights equality and takes a Global approach incorporating a persons’ culture, belief system, and values into individualized services provided.
Dr. O has traveled the world for leisure and conducting research on diverse populations and topics. In addition to international travel, Dr. O enjoys reading, riding her bike, skating, working out, writing and reciting poetry, exploring new restaurants, and spending time with her husband and two children.
Her/She
[email protected]
Cigna, Aetna, Anthem/BCBS, Out-of-Network
Amara Onuorah is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Her background includes child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry. Amara’s clinical career took her on a journey through the healthcare system, from inpatient to outpatient settings, managing the care of children with autism to older adults with chronic depression. Her expertise lies in psychopharmacology and crisis management.
As a Nigerian immigrant, Amara is passionate about serving the community and improving healthcare access for all individuals. She is a strong advocate for empowering nurses, and she fiercely believes that nurses should play a pivotal role in shaping modern health care. She is passionate about providing holistic care, encompassing the mind, body, and spirit. Amara possesses strong clinical skills and a natural ability to build genuine rapport with clients and families.
Amara enjoys hiking, bowling, and cooking authentic Nigerian cuisines in her free time.
Amara Onuorah, PMHNP
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Nicole Shakespeare
Office Manager
[email protected]
Subha is an Administrative Intern that assists with all of the general office duties. He strengths in this industry is solid knowledge for customer service and eagerness to continuously learn. He is a part-time teacher who utilize his time connecting with others through effective communication and planning. Subha enjoys boating, football, and all variations of water sports.
Subha Sundaram
Administrative Intern
Dr. Obsidian Night
Certified Therapy Dog
Ozzy/Dr. Oz/ (the other) Dr. O
Obsidian “Ozzy” is a wonderful 80+ lbs Saint Berdoodle (yes, Saint Bernard and poodle mix). He was born Feb. 12, 2022 and joined OOTB May 2022. He is lovable, energetic and full of cuddles! He is very friendly and enjoys meeting new people. If you like animals Ozzy is a great addition to any therapy session. His office hours vary. Please let your clinician know if you love dogs, are allergic, or dislike/afraid, so we can make the proper arrangements for you in-person session. Do worry he will not take it personal.
Her/She
[email protected]
Brainspotting Trained
Cigna, Aetna, Anthem/BCBS, Humana, United Healthcare, Medicaid, Out-of-Network
Alexia received her Master’s in Social Work from Clark Atlanta University with a concentration in Health/Mental Health. Post Master’s, Alexia has worked in both public and private agencies and has provided therapeutic services to person’s of various, ethnicities, socio-economic status, gender and age groups.
In 2018, Alexia obtained a dual Masters in Divinity and Master’s in Practical Theology from Columbia Theological Seminary. It is with the culmination of education and experience that Alexia is able to provide a holistic approach by collaborating mind, body and spirit.
Alexia has over 10 years of experience in providing psychotherapy and she specializes in both traditional and non-traditional therapeutic interventions such as CBT/DBT, Solution focused, client-centered focused therapies as well as using sage, crystals and stones for spiritual/energy clearing purposes.
It is Alexia’s hope to create a welcoming, nonjudgmental space in order to develop a relationship of trust and care to all who show up. Alexia is a huge Marvel and DC fan and enjoys watching movies in her spare time with her husband and two son, reading, journaling, and spending time with her extended family.
Alexia Ford, LCSW, M.Div., MAPT
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Alexis Solomon, MA, APC
Licensed Master Social Worker
[email protected]
Cigna, Aetna, Out-of-Network
Alexis Solomon, MA, is an Associate Professional Counselor who holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from George Fox University in Portland, OR. Alexis strives to help clients holistically through dialectical behavioral therapy, along with person-centered approaches, relational cultural approaches, and art therapy. Although these consist of her main approaches, she employs various treatment modalities based on her clients’ unique needs and preferences. She is passionate about working with marginalized individuals and communities, as well as providing support for diverse populations in every aspect of her life. She hopes to continue to build on her past experience of working with individuals who identify as a part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Alexis has been working in the mental health field since 2018 which has consisted of experience working in a crisis stabilization unit, as well as experience working as a clinical mental health therapist for adolescents and adults. She has experience working with people who struggle with major depression, anxiety, sexual offense behaviors, bipolar I and II disorder, borderline personality disorder, and ASD. Alexis is a firm believer that a diagnosis never defines a person and should only be used to help guide each client towards their best and unique treatment and healing. Alexis is originally from Nashville, TN. Her hobbies consist of anything to do with Halloween, including watching horror films and playing horror video games. However, when she is not watching horror films, she is usually re-watching Parks and Rec with her kitty and fiance.
Them/They
[email protected]
Cigna, Aetna, Out-of-Network
Blair is an associate Licensed Master of Social Work from the University of Denver, specializing in Mental Health and Trauma. They are currently working towards their Clinical Licensure. Blair has worked primarily with young adults who have experienced childhood trauma, PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, and Substance Use. Blair has worked with adolescents exploring their gender identity and has provided support to these clients and their families throughout their gender exploration. Their experiences come from community mental health agencies, hospice care, and outpatient substance abuse programs.
Blair uses a variety of approaches and treatment types and incorporates a trauma-informed, client-centered lens while using dialectical behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, art therapy, and mindfulness. As someone who is a half-Taiwanese, able-bodied, neurodiverse member of the LGBTQIA+ community, Blair is passionate about providing an affirming and safe space for clients to explore identities and expression of self.
In their spare time, Blair enjoys watching way too many YouTube videos and spoiling their two cats. Blair loves to try new crafts, make art, and cook up new recipes for their partner to try.
Blair Holleman, LMSW
Licensed Master Social Worker
Briona Kerr, LMSW
Licensed Master Social Worker
Her/She
[email protected]
Cigna, Aetna, Out-of-Network
Briona Kerr is a LMSW who obtained her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work from Georgia State University. She has been in the social work and counseling fields for over 7 years and has worked in for-profit as well as non-profit spaces. Briona has a great passion for the combination of the social and clinical sides of social work. She has worked with families and children through her role as a case manager before beginning her career in counseling.
Briona specializes in working with adolescents, young adults, and adults, with specialty areas in treating depression, anxiety, self-esteem, PTSD, ADHD, conflict resolution, parent-child relationships, and couples therapy. She believes in whole health and uses a range of interventions based on each client’s needs and goals. Briona empowers her clients by helping them realize they are the expert of their body and mind and she is just the assistant to help them get back in control.
In her spare time, Briona enjoys being a boy mom to her son as well as spending time with her family and friends. She loves to travel, exercise, and eat at her favorite restaurants and cook her favorite meals.
Her/She
[email protected]
Cigna, Aetna, Out-of-Network
Constance Fields is an Associate Professional Counselor with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. With a background in the performing arts, Constance often incorporates expressive arts techniques to help her clients facilitate working through everyday life challenges, process grief and loss, and begin to heal from traumatic experiences. In addition, she is trained to counsel clients who may be experiencing anxiety, depression, phobias, and couples and families.
Constance is passionate about guiding people through understanding that they are not tied to unhealthy narratives that they have adopted. Her theoretical approach is grounded in Psychodynamic, Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Constance believes that each person is a fallible human being, and that we are not bound by our past, nor should we allow our past to control our future; thus we are capable of learning how our past experiences influence our current thoughts and behaviors. Allowing for space to create new patterns in the process. Clients can expect a collaborative and often creative experience, as they gain the tools necessary to aid in their journey toward mental wellness.
Constance is an LGBTQIA+ ally, and is passionate about social justice. She enjoys spending time with her family, acting, listening to music, watching movies (including anything paranormal), and trying to impress her kids on Tiktok.
Constance Fields, M.A., APC, NCC
Professional Counselor
Elizabeth Angel, MA. APC
Professional Counselor
Her/She
[email protected]
English/Spanish
Cigna, Aetna, Out-of-Network
Elizabeth received her master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Mercer University. Her passion for counseling began through realizing the need for Spanish-speaking clinicians to assist clients and bring awareness to mental health needs. Elizabeth’s experience includes working with a nonprofit to provide individual and family therapy to children and adults who are seeking asylum in the United States.
Elizabeth is passionate about providing culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate mental health care in a safe and welcoming environment. Elizabeth utilizes person-centered and evidence-based approaches in therapy as well as other modalities like CBT and DBT. Through her experience, she has worked with individuals on anxiety, depression, trauma-related issues, cultural adjustment, and self-esteem. Elizabeth looks to help promote overall well-being and resilience in diverse communities.
In her free time, Elizabeth also enjoys reading and trying new coffee shops around Atlanta.
Her/She
[email protected]
English/Korean
Out-of-Network
Eunyoung Grace Han, Ph.D., M.MT., M.Ed., is a multidisciplinary certified music therapist as well as a music educator and a clinical researcher in Korea and USA. Dr. Han is currently working as a clinical therapist for development disabilities, ADHD, ASD, trauma/PTSD, psychiatric, emotional disorder, and neurodegenerative patients as well as non-disabilities people at the national organizations, schools, hospitals, and prisons in USA, Korea, and UAE. She is currently teaching as an adjunct professor of music education and a clinical supervisor of music therapy in the university. Her clinical fields are focused on voice, singing, interconnectivity of cognition, emotion and motor, and neuropsychological approaches with therapeutic and educational musical intervention. She published several SCI(E) research articles related in depression, cognition, Dementia, Parkinson’s disease, singing therapy, musical stimulus, and music related health IT devices. She is an editorial review board member of Music and Medicine research journal.
Dr. Eunycoung "Grace" Han
Music Therapist
Faith Settipani, LMSW
Licensed Master Social Worker
She/They
[email protected]
Cigna, Aetna, Out-of-Network
Faith Settipani has obtained her Master of Social Work Degree from the University of Georgia. Faith has a background in individual, family, and couples counseling. They also have experience working in advocacy and nonprofit arenas, specializing in domestic violence work and trauma-based counseling.
Faith believes that each person’s individual needs require different approaches, and she often focuses on person-centered and empowerment-based approaches to therapy. They also have experience with modalities such as CBT and motivational interviewing. Faith is passionate about working with individuals in marginalized populations, and believes in therapies that acknowledge and address the unfair societal structures that affect those populations.
Faith has experience in working with individuals looking to work through anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, LGBTQIA+ specific concerns, and chronic illness. They are passionate about advocacy and addressing disparities in the mental health care field.
When outside of session, Faith loves to get into nature, play on her Nintendo Switch, and have quality time with her friends and family.
He/Him
[email protected]
Cigna, Aetna, Out-of-Network
Glenn is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, as well as a Master of Divinity both from Mercer University. Glenn has worked in the mental health field since 2017 providing individual therapy, family therapy, group work, and community services. He focuses on behavior concerns, anxiety, depression, identity issues, life transitions and religious trauma. He works largely with adolescents and young adults. Like a lot of therapists, he tends to be eclectic with his theoretical approach but he favors Client-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral ,and Existential approaches.
Glenn has a particular interest to help those who feel at odds with institutionalized religion or the church. Glenn believes everyone has their our own spirituality, whether we choose to belong to a religion or not, and we all seek to find a place. Religion is a source of redemption, direction, community, and empowerment. However, when grace, justice, and individual value are missing there arises a system of abuse and judgment that shuts down a central part of the human experience.
Glenn lives with his wife, new born son, and little dog, Layla. He loves running and binge-watching shows with his wife on the weekend.
Glenn Gray, LPC, M.S., M.Div.
Licensed Professional Counselor
Julious Fletcher, BFA
Certified Dance Therapist
He/Him
[email protected]
Cigna, Aetna, Out-of-Network
Julious Fletcher, also known as “JuJu,”is a dancer, actor, model, producer, director, writer and dance teacher. He has traveled domestically and internationally teaching dance, drama and cheerleading at summer camps as well as conferences and workshops. He obtained his BFA in Theatre Performance from Columbus State University and is currently pursuing his MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (with honors) at Troy University and his MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Expressive Arts Therapy with an emphasis in Dance/Movement Therapy at Lesley University.
Julious has worked with children (ages 3-12) for five years, including his time as an after- school teacher at an international school in the Buckhead-Atlanta as well as a dance expressions intern at an after-school program in the East Lake-Atlanta. He used his talents and skills to help the children to develop communication skills socially, emotionally and mentally along with homework assistance. His last internship was working with the adult homeless population, specifically those who struggle with substance abuse.
Julious is also a certified life coach; he is a conference presenter, which he presented on topics such as Dance Movement Therapy for Male Sexual Assault Survivors and Counseling the LGBT+ Population; and published author of “Ministry of the Sacred Artist” (a manual about the liturgical arts ministry on where the arts came from in a biblical and historical aspect and how to apply it into today’s modern world) and “Lessons from the Human Body” (a holistic self-help book by breaking down the human body systems and viewing how they apply to our daily lives).
Her/She
[email protected]
Cigna, Aetna, Out-of-Network
Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples/Individuals
The Gottman Method Trained
Nikisha Douge has obtained her Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy (MAMFT) at Northcentral University, with a specialization in couple therapy. Nikisha operates from a systemic, attachment oriented, emotions focused therapeutic lens. She wholeheartedly believes our emotions and attachment histories are directly tied to our identity and how we interact in relationships with others.
Nikisha specializes in Couple therapy and is determined to help couples manage and navigate interpersonal discomfort, relationship distress in efforts to help realign the building blocks of love between two people.
Even though Nikisha works primarily with couples, Nikisha still empowers all her clients, including adults and children, to find solutions to their emotional distress. She creates a safe space for emotional deepening and discovery of what makes us uncomfortable and what ultimately prevents us from being the best version of ourselves.
In addition, Nikisha is originally from New York, owns a Pitbull and loves a good mystery.
Nikisha Douge. MA, AMFT
Marriage Family Therapist
Shirley Jenkins, MA, APC
Professional Counselor
Her/She
[email protected]
Cigna, Aetna, Out-of-Network
Shirley Jenkins obtained a Master of Arts degree in Counseling. She enjoys working with individuals and families until they get the desired results by creating a safe place for the client to be able to express one’s thoughts and work through needed processes. She utilizes various therapeutic approaches, including art therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, person-centered therapy, and psychodynamic therapy.
He/Him
[email protected]
Cigna, Aetna, Out-of-Network
Terrell “TK” Johnson is a Licensed Master Social Worker who empowers family cohesion and resilience through skill building, family gestalt therapy, and personalized approaches to supporting client goals. He is a northern states native and lifetime community servant who strived to make a meaningful impact in lives touched by Autism Spectrum Disorder, Homelessness, Military Life, Human Trafficking, and Adverse Childhood Experiences. TK is a two time graduate of Clark Atlanta University where he earned his Bachelors of Arts in Philosophy and Creative Writing, and his Masters in Social Work. As a Narrative Therapist, TK centers his client as the authority and expert of their lives and collaborates to assess and resolve trauma that clients experience.
As a social worker, TK devotes his time, experience, and expertise, to the profession of dismantling barriers to success as defined individually by everyone he meets. He promotes every capacity of his clients to continue becoming the person that they enjoy.
As a young Black Man, TK is fulfilled knowing that he plants seeds for people to “Know Thyself.”
Terrell "TK" Johnson, LMSW
Licensed Master Social Worker
Timothy Whailen, LCSW
Master Social Worker
[email protected]
Cigna, Aetna, Anthem/BCBS, Out-of-Network
Timothy has been practicing psychotherapy for 3 years currently under the clinical supervision of Shannon Mathis Meyer, LCSW. His holistic approach to therapy is grounded in neuroscience and systems theory. Timothy combines traditional practices with the latest research to help his clients grow beyond the obstacles they currently find in their paths, but also to ensure clients have tools that they can use on a daily basis to effect measurable change in their lives. Timothy is well versed in helping adults, young adults, families, couples, and groups, experiencing symptoms of ADHD, depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. He is also experienced with helping clients with stress management and relationships-related concerns. Timothy employs evidence-based treatment modalities including DBT, CBT, and Mindfulness practices. Timothy believes in providing a safe environment for people of all walks of life. He is familiar with and support clients in the LGBTQIA+ community, non-traditional relationships, and those of non-mainstream religious affiliation. He takes pride in helping clients build stronger positive relationships, renew perspective, and step out of the box.
Her/She
[email protected]
Cigna, Aetna, Out-of-Network
Vanessa Guerrier is an Licensed Professional Counselor with a Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Clark Atlanta University. Vanessa’s passion for mental health counseling thrives from her own mental health journey. Vanessa made the decision to no longer face life challenges alone, after realizing how powerful it was to talk to someone about the struggles she was experiencing.
Since, Vanessa has intentionally worked in positions from groups homes, long-term residential, schools, private practice and most recently hospital setting to have a first hand look at what is it like to struggle with mental health in this society while perfecting her craft to provide services to those who have suffered the most. Vanessa has also continued to work with children and expanded her expertise and knowledge in working with adults and geriatrics populations.
Vanessa has devoted herself to using her knowledge and techniques to help clients gain coping skills and other strategies to overcome their traumas, disorders, negative emotions and help them in setting and accomplishing their own goals. Providing them hope and healing on their journey to happiness.
Vanessa Guerrier, LPC
Professional Counselor
Malika Boyd, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Her/She
[email protected]
Cigna, Aetna, Out-of-Network
Malika Boyd is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience working with adults across the lifespan. Malika, a Georgia native, obtained a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Georgia.
Malika has a strong healthcare and mental health background, having worked in hospitals, hospice units, home-based medical care, and behavioral health hospitals. Malika understands that wellness includes mental, physical and spiritual wholeness, and she aims to help clients reach their wellness goals.
Malika has worked extensively with adults living with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and prolonged grief. She adopts a strengths-based perspective when working with clients, helping them draw on their own strengths to make changes in their lives.
In her spare time, Malika enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading, exercise (Zumba and cycling are her favorites!), and taking care of her large collection of houseplants.
Alcira Osayi, LMSW
Licensed Master Social Worker
Her/She
[email protected]
Cigna, Aetna, Out-of-Network
Alcira Osayi is a Licensed Master Social Worker in the state of Georgia. She is a seasoned therapist with over 15 years of experience with diverse populations, cultures, and age groups. Alcira helps people make peace with their thoughts and experience inner healing through counseling, spirituality, and self-reflection. She builds a solid relationship with her clients through open communication and counseling and helps them learn solutions to their problems.
Alcira’s clients find that her therapeutic interventions and techniques help them tap into their inner wisdom and her meditational practices help them heal their wounds. Her approach is interactive, warm, and involves self-reflection. Her task is to give her clients the quickest relief possible by providing immediate feedback, initiating tasks to focus on between sessions, and tools to learn coping skills. Nothing gives her more joy than helping her clients feel better about themselves!
In her spare time, Alcira enjoys taking long walks outdoors, drawing artistic designs, daily meditation, and reading her favorite book.
Her/She
[email protected]
English/Spanish
Cigna, Aetna, Out-of-Network
Kimberly received her Master’s in Social Work from Kennesaw State University. Kimberly’s passion for mental health counseling is fueled by the increasing need for Spanish-speaking mental health professionals. Her experience includes working with abused children with the Georgia Child Advocacy center and working with immigrants and Spanish-speaking adults at a behavioral health clinic.
Kimberly has devoted herself to continuous learning about skills and techniques to help treat clients with depression, anxiety and trauma. She believes that everyone deserves to heal and overcome their traumas, disorders and cognitive distortions, and she has dedicated herself to helping provide them the hope they need on their healing journey.
Kimberly Rios, MSW
Master Social Worker
Olivia West, PhD
Executive Mindset Cosch
Her/She
Olivia@outoftheboxccc.com
Executive Mindset Coach
Dr. Olivia West has profound expertise in identifying and resolving unresolved trauma and negative beliefs that impedes personal and professional growth. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. O has dedicated her career to empowering leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals to unlock their full potential by addressing the deep-seated emotional barriers that often lie beneath the surface.
Dr. O’s specializes in trauma resolution, rooted in her belief that unresolved trauma can significantly impact one’s ability to thrive, and that true success comes from within. She believes by confronting and resolving past traumas, individuals can unlock their true potential and lead more fulfilling lives. As a result, Dr. O works closely with her clients to uncover hidden traumas, understand their impact, and develop strategies to heal and move forward. Her compassionate, insightful, and holistic approach addresses both the emotional and practical aspects of trauma, helping clients navigate their inner landscapes, fostering profound personal and professional growth.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Dr. O is an advocate for mental health awareness and actively volunteers with organizations dedicated to trauma support and recovery. She enjoys dancing, reading, exploring nature, and spending quality time with her family.
Her/She
[email protected]
Mindset Coach
Coming Soon!
Briona Kerr, MS
Coach
Kimberly Lee Hughes, PhD
Leadership Development Coach
Her/She
Kim@outoftheboxccc.com
Leadership Development Coach
Dr. Kim Lee Hughes is the Archivist and a Past President (2019-2022) of the Association of Multicultural Counseling & Development (AMCD), a division of the American Counseling Association (ACA). She served as a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the Department of Mental Health Counseling at Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, GA, and The University of Texas at San Antonio.
She earned her BA at Spelman College in 1991, her master’s in counseling at Georgia State University in 2008, and her PhD at The University of Georgia in 2015. Dr. Lee Hughes’ research centers on expanding social justice and cultural responsivity within counseling and related professions. Specifically, her research focuses on women of color across the lifespan, the impact and efficacy of group practices based on positionality, women in leadership, collaboration in counselor education, queer communities, and social mobility, and best practices in qualitative methodology. She published and presented in each of these domains.
Dr. Lee Hughes’ leadership is primarily informed by womanist, relational-cultural, and postmodern theory.
He/Him
[email protected]
Executive Leadership Development Coach
Coming Soon!!
Rafiq Al-Mahdi, BA
Executive Leadership Coach
Terrell "TK" Johnson, MS
Coach
He/Him
[email protected]
Mindset Coach
Coming Soon!
Alcira Osayi, LMSW
Licensed Master Social Worker
Her/She
[email protected]
Cigna, Aetna, Out-of-Network
Alcira Osayi is a Licensed Master Social Worker in the state of Georgia. She is a seasoned therapist with over 15 years of experience with diverse populations, cultures, and age groups. Alcira helps people make peace with their thoughts and experience inner healing through counseling, spirituality, and self-reflection. She builds a solid relationship with her clients through open communication and counseling and helps them learn solutions to their problems.
Alcira’s clients find that her therapeutic interventions and techniques help them tap into their inner wisdom and her meditational practices help them heal their wounds. Her approach is interactive, warm, and involves self-reflection. Her task is to give her clients the quickest relief possible by providing immediate feedback, initiating tasks to focus on between sessions, and tools to learn coping skills. Nothing gives her more joy than helping her clients feel better about themselves!
In her spare time, Alcira enjoys taking long walks outdoors, drawing artistic designs, daily meditation, and reading her favorite book.
Her/She
[email protected]
English/Spanish
Cigna, Aetna, Out-of-Network
Kimberly received her Master’s in Social Work from Kennesaw State University. Kimberly’s passion for mental health counseling is fueled by the increasing need for Spanish-speaking mental health professionals. Her experience includes working with abused children with the Georgia Child Advocacy center and working with immigrants and Spanish-speaking adults at a behavioral health clinic.
Kimberly has devoted herself to continuous learning about skills and techniques to help treat clients with depression, anxiety and trauma. She believes that everyone deserves to heal and overcome their traumas, disorders and cognitive distortions, and she has dedicated herself to helping provide them the hope they need on their healing journey.
Kimberly Rios, MSW
Master Social Worker
Carita Salaam-Steele, PMHNP
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Intern
[email protected]
Carita Salaam-Steele is dedicated and enthusiastic in pursuing a career as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Passionate about mental health, Carita strives to improve the well being of patients with mental health challenges. Carita believes that a holistic approach to nursing is important, and the most effective care considers the body, mind, and spirit. Carita is currently completing an internship to obtain knowledge and skills that are required in the practical setting to excel and make a difference to individuals experiencing mental health challenges. Carita has 30 years of experience as a nurse with 18 years as a Registered Nurse providing clinical nursing care and leadership in a variety of medical settings. She has extensive experience in all aspects of nursing leadership including total patient care services, nursing staff supervision, staff development and proven strengths in acute and primary patient care and patient advocacy. Carita enjoys cooking, trying new dishes/restaurants, nature, and spending time with her husband, children and grandchildren.
[email protected]
Cigna, Aetna, Out-of-Network
Passionate about mental health and dedicated to improving the well-being of individuals facing mental health challenges, Joseph is an enthusiastic and compassionate intern pursuing a career as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. With a deep commitment to providing comprehensive and empathetic care, he is currently completing an internship to gain the knowledge and practical experience needed to excel in this specialized field. A strong advocate for holistic mental health care, Joseph is driven to make a positive impact on the lives of patients. He is honing their clinical skills, including assessments, diagnosis, and treatment planning, to offer evidence-based and person-centered care while under the guidance of experienced professionals. With a background in nursing and a sincere interest in the complexities of mental health, Joseph is working diligently to expand their expertise in pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. He is enthusiastic about promoting mental health awareness, reducing stigma, and fostering a safe and nurturing environment for those they serve.
Joseph Fernandez, B.A.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Intern
Lauryn Burton
Marriage Family Therapy Intern
Her/She
[email protected]
Cigna, Aetna, Out-of-Network
Lauryn is a Marriage and Family Therapy Intern at National University. She realized her passion for mental health in her late teens. After watching family and friends struggle with mental health, as well as children who may need mental health intervention and support, Lauryn realized she had a great passion and life goal to help others who are struggling mentally and emotionally. She enjoys working with diverse and marginalized communities (I.e. BIPOC, LGBT+, people who are of low SES and may struggle to afford therapy). She hopes to continue to provide the best mental health care by continuing to learn through experience and ongoing and in-depth supervision and research.
Lauryn’s previous experience working as a Behavior Technician was spent helping children with ASD for three and a half years. Currently her most implemented models include CBT, Narrative, and Solution Focused and Play therapy. She has worked with people with anxiety and depression as well as autism spectrum disorder.
A native of Georgia, and Lauryn enjoys traveling, reading, working out, spending time with family and friends, exploring Atlanta, as well different music and restaurants.
Samantha Saint-Fleur is a Counselor Intern and a graduate student embarking on her journey in the world of counseling at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, specializing in clinical and mental health counseling. She is committed to providing a warm, empathetic, and nonjudgmental space for individuals to explore their mental health journey. Additionally, Samantha is eager to blend her academic knowledge with hands-on experience to positively impact others’ lives. Outside of the counseling room, you can find her exploring the great outdoors on hikes, staying active with fitness routines, and diving into captivating stories as she rediscovers the joy of reading. With a deep-rooted passion for helping others and a love for personal growth, she is excited to join you on your journey towards healing, and a life lived to the fullest.
Samantha Saint-Fleur
Counselor Intern and a graduate student
Shuruq Ahmed
Intern
Her/She
[email protected]
Cigna, Aetna, Out-of-Network
Shuruq Ahmed originally hails from Somalia, East Africa. She is currently pursuing her Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner master’s degree at Walden University with plans to graduate summer 2023. Shuruq has over ten years of experience as a nurse working with diverse populations and areas within the healthcare system.She has a passion for helping people get better and improving the health of the community. Shuruq specializes in behavioral health and has experience working in in-inpatient state and private practice facilities and crisis centers. Shuruq has dedicated her life to the care and advocacy for underserved and mental health populations.
In her spare time, Shuruq loves spending time with her friends and connecting with people. She loves traveling and trying different things such as traveling and seeing new scenery, cuisine, and culture. You can always find Shuruq in her happy place at the beach, basking in warm weather.
Her/She
[email protected]
Cigna, Aetna, Out-of-Network
Yasmin Muhammad was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. She moved to Atlanta, Georgia to pursue har a BA in Psychology at Spelman College. After completing her undergraduate degree, she enrolled into the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, where she is currently a Counselor Intern and a graduate student. She specializing in clinical and mental health counseling.
Yasmin has been passionate about mental health and mental processes since she was a young child. Her lived experience in an underserved community was the catalyst for her eagerness to work with multicultural and marginalized populations. Yasmin is passionate about providing efficient, empathic, and ethical mental health services to all. Her mission is to destigmatize views of mental health and therapy in society, by exploring untapped ways to contribute to the field.
Yasmin works with clients ages 5+, however has recently become more interested in working with individuals impacted by suicide loss and other forms of grief. Yasmin is a Registered Behavior Technician and work with children and adolscent on the Autism spectrum.
During her free time from work and school, she enjoys hanging out with her two male cats, watching anime, and working out.
Yasmin Muhammad, BS
Intern
Ty'Asia "Ty" Dawson, BA
Intern
Her/She
[email protected]
Cigna, Aetna, Out-of-Network
Ty’Asia, Ty, Dawson is a 2nd year Masters student at Medaille College, mastering in clinical mental health counseling. In 2017, Ty’Asia got her associates in Psychology from Georgia Perimeter College and went on to get her bachelors degree in Psychology from University of Georgia. Ty’Asia believes that mental health is just as, if not more, important as physical health. She also believes that mental health should be readily available for anyone that needs it in order to become a better version of themselves. She’s passionate about helping people loving themselves, gaining confidence while handling the feeling of not feeling good enough.
Other than being passionate for mental health, Ty’Asia loves watching sports such as WWE, football and hockey. In her spare time, she enjoys baking or playing trivia games. She has dogs at home that she cares a lot about and consider them to be her pride and joy.
Our Partner
In Collaboration With
Etiam ac nisi tellus. Morbi at velit nisl. Donec ut felis libero. Donec ut tincidunt consequat tellus, id mattis sapien condimentum.
