Meet Our Team

Adam Kriese

Adam Kriese is a Master’s Level Intern at The Refuge Center studying Clinical Mental Health at Trevecca Nazarene University. He is a member of the American Counseling Association and the Tennessee Counseling Association.

Adam is passionate about facilitating a judgment free safe space and accompanying people as they journey down a path of growth and wholeness. His goal is to meeting people where they are, in the midst of their unique circumstances, and walking along side them to encourage healing.

Whether it is anxiety, depression, grief, loss, relationship issues, trauma, difficulty with transitions, feeling stuck, or other life challenges, Adam is here to help. He uses person-centered care and incorporates cognitive, acceptance based, solutions focused therapies. Additionally, Adam is trained in EMDR and Trauma Focused CBT.

Alyssa Pesavento

Alyssa Pesavento (she/her/hers) is a therapist at The Refuge Center. Alyssa is passionate about working with people of all ages, particularly children and adolescents. Her areas of clinical focus include complex trauma, posttraumatic stress disorder, attachment, mood disorders, grief and loss, LGBTQIA+ youth, and life transitions. Alyssa approaches her work with clients using the “lenses” of trauma, attachment, and brain development. She believes that every person has the potential for growth and healing across the lifespan, and that safe, supportive relationships are the cornerstone of resilience.

Alyssa holds a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Vanderbilt University and is currently pursuing LPC licensure. She has received post-graduate training in the Attachment, Regulation, and Competency (ARC) framework, Trauma-Focused Cognitive
Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and other evidence-based trauma treatment models.

Alyssa provides counseling in a safe, inclusive space. All are welcomed and affirmed. This includes, but is not limited to: race/ethnicity, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, disability status, religious/spiritual affiliation, socio-economic status, and immigration status.

Amanda Rehn

Amanda Rehn is a therapist with her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage & Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. She believes that each of us was put on this earth not just to survive, but to thrive. Amanda works from a strengths-based, solution-focused approach that is holistic and provides a space to be truly heard, supported, and accepted.  Her goal is to walk with you while learning how to discover a deeper knowing love and acceptance of the self. At the same time, bringing awareness, skills, and abilities to experience healing.

Amanda is trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), and Brainspotting.  She is informed by her meditation and mindfulness practices that allow her to integrate realizations and growth that lay the groundwork for her clients to achieve unconditional presence.  Amanda’s extensive work in culinary arts has influenced her belief that your food choices impact your overall physical and mental wellness and is influenced by the emerging field of nutritional psychotherapy.

Amanda earned her B.A. in Communications and German Studies from Illinois College.  She is a member of the APA (American Psychological Association), Psi Chi International Psychology Honor Society, and served as a Peer Mentor at Pepperdine University. Throughout her life, she has lived and worked abroad, enabling her to build the skills necessary to work effectively with culturally and linguistically diverse communities through constant and careful awareness and consideration of an individual’s culture, traditions, language, history, gender, sexuality, and class.

Amber McClurkan, LMSW

Amber McClurkan received her Master of Science in Social Work from The University of Tennessee Knoxville and is licensed as a LMSW. She is trained in EMDR and Emotionally Focused Therapy.

Amber is grateful for the privilege of partnering with clients in pursuing healing and authentic living. She believes healing happens within the context of safe relationships, and she aims to support clients by providing a space where they feel seen, heard, and celebrated.  Amber hopes to journey with clients towards increased self-compassion and deeper connection with others.

Amber combines a Strengths-Based approach with multiple therapeutic modalities in her practice in order to meet each client’s specific needs and goals. She has a passion for working with clients needing support with depression, anxiety, grief and loss, marital connection, and significant life transitions.

Amy Alexander, LMFT

Amy Alexander is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of The Refuge Center for Counseling. The Refuge Center for Counseling began in 2005 and presently provides more than 33,000 counseling sessions for over 4,000 clients annually. Services are offered on a sliding-fee scale, based on income, so that everyone has access to care. Amy believes that the counseling process empowers people to become free of the burdens, barriers and shame stories that prevent them from experiencing freedom in their lives. She believes with all her heart that every person, no matter what they can pay, where they live, or what they have been through, deserves access to the very best care for their emotional wellness. Affordability, excellence and compassionate care are hallmarks of the services at The Refuge Center. As the Executive Director, Amy encourages and supports a culture of connection, character and continuous growth within the organization.

Amy is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has been in the field for 20 years. Her areas of clinical focus include trauma, domestic and sexual violence, grief and loss, and identity work. Brennan Manning once said, “Many people between the ages of thirty and sixty-whatever their stature in the community and whatever their personal achievements- undergo what can truly be called a second journey. The second journey begins when we know we cannot live the afternoon of life according to the morning program.” Amy’s deepest passion is helping people as they begin their “second journey.”

Amy is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization (EMDR,) Brainspotting, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Trust-Based Relationship Interventions (TBRI), Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (L1), and is certified in the polyvagal theory Safe and Sound Protocol Training. She is also a Certified Grief Movement Guide. Finally, Amy is an American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) Approved Supervisor and a Clinical Fellow of the association.

Angie de Meistre, M.MFT, LMFT (temp)

Angie is a therapist at the Refuge Center. She holds her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Lipscomb University, where she specialized in play and expressive arts therapy, and is pursuing full licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist. She is a member of the AAMFT, a certified Level I Restoration therapist, and has received training in maternal mental health with Postpartum Support International and Mental Health First Aid with the National Council for Behavioral Health. Angie also holds a B.A. in Religion and English Literature from Pepperdine University.

Guided by her belief in the power of the human spirit and capacity for growth that accompanies trustworthy relationships, Angie employs an integrative, strengths-based, and Attachment-informed therapeutic framework rooted in Restoration and Narrative Therapy modalities. Angie is passionate about working with young adults and couples, and has extensive clinical experience working with undergraduate and graduate students in a collegiate setting. Her areas of clinical interest include: academic and performance related anxiety, issues around spirituality, core-identity work, navigating chronic illnesses and major medical diagnoses, separation and divorce, depression, life cycle transitions, grief, and conflict. Her work is deeply rooted in her recognition that every individual holds value and resilience, and she considers it an honor and a privilege to support and walk alongside her clients as they “go deep” and reclaim the authorship rights to their stories.

Anita Pringle, LPC-MHSP

Anita Pringle is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC-MHSP) and Clinical Director at The Refuge Center. Her passion is to walk with hurting people to a place of health, wholeness and hope.

Anita is a graduate of Trevecca Nazarene University with a MA in Counseling, is a Sex Addiction Therapist, a Certified Grief and Loss Counselor and is trained in EMDR. She is a member of ACA, AACC and TLPCA. She enjoys working with people who struggle with depression/anxiety, grief/loss, addiction, faith issues, codependence, trauma, boundaries and relational issues.

Arden Johnson

Arden Johnson, M.Ed., NCC, (she/her) is a therapist at The Refuge Center. She holds a Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Vanderbilt University and is currently pursuing full licensure. Arden is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Cognitive Processing Therapy. Arden also holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Virginia.

Arden is passionate about meeting all clients where they are, though her current clinical focuses are working with individuals struggling with trauma, addiction and relationship issues. Guided by her belief that every human being is worthy and capable of change and that connection is the epicenter of human healing, Arden employs a variety of techniques, catering treatment to the individual and setting goals collaboratively with the client. Arden incorporates multiple modalities of treatment into her practice, but often uses an attachment framework and existential lens to conceptualize treatment.

Arden recognizes the validity of all gender identities and expressions, sexual orientations, races and religions and aims to create relationships/spaces with her clients in which they feel free and safe to be themselves.

Ashley Ofosu

Ashley is a Therapist at The Refuge Center for Counseling. She has passion for working with adults dealing with issues of depression, trauma, anxiety, grief and loss, attachment, relationship issues, sexual abuse and domestic violence. She holds her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Trevecca Nazarene University and is currently pursuing licensure as an LPC.

Ashley believes in the process of therapy and believes that every person regardless of their background should have the opportunity to benefit from it. She has a genuine passion for helping those in need and believes that there is always hope even during times of hopelessness.

Ashley is passionate about walking alongside her clients throughout their journey of healing and transformation. Her goal is to empower her clients to become their best selves by focusing on her client’s individual stories and therapeutic needs. Ashley utilizes Cognitive Behaviorial Therapy along with other various treatments.

Caitlin Coile, LPC-MHSP

Caitlin Coile, LPC-MHSP is currently serving as a Therapist and Assistant Director of the Child and Teen Program at The Refuge Center. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Mental Health Service Provider designation, and holds a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lipscomb University. As a member of the American Counseling Association and the Tennessee Counseling Association, she is dedicated to making the human experience both constructive and meaningful for her clients by creating a warm therapeutic environment in which they can experience growth, empowerment, and support.

Caitlin has training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), EMDR for Children, Play Therapy, Brainspotting, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). She incorporates multiple modalities of treatment into her practice to give each client a unique experience that meets their specific needs. Her hope is join with her clients to achieve meaningful and deep healing, identify resources for continued growth, and develop secure attachments in their relationships. She is passionate about working with individuals and families of all ages who are dealing with life transitions, identity, relationship issues, trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, and depression.

Cara Allison

Cara Allison is a Master’s Level Intern at The Refuge Center pursuing her MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Lipscomb University. She earned a Bachelor of Social Work from Belmont University.

Cara aims to gently guide clients through exploration to discover their most authentic selves. She is passionate about walking alongside people as they find freedom and peace with who they were meant to be. She holds full confidence that all clients are capable of healing and growth when they are given space to be seen, heard, and fully accepted.

Cara developed a passion for working with children and teens during her undergraduate internships as well as her years teaching youth ballet. She has taken courses and participated in workshops and trainings centered around play therapy and expressive arts. She is interested in incorporating art and movement into the healing process with clients of all ages.

Cara values the uniqueness of each individual and is grateful for any opportunity to work with people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and sexual and gender identities.

Caroline Berl

Caroline Berl has her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Trevecca Nazarene University and serves as a Neurofeedback Therapist at The Refuge Center.

Caroline is passionate about helping individuals obtain a greater sense of peace and cultivate deeper connection with self and others. Utilizing a collaborative, integrative approach, Caroline draws from person-centered, cognitive-behavioral, and narrative approaches to explore and meet the needs of each specific client. Caroline has training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Trust-Based Relational Interventions (TBRI), Brainspotting Phases I & II, and Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) Levels 1 & 2. She has experience working with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, identity, relational issues, boundaries, addiction, recovery and grief. She is a member of the American Counseling Association.

Caroline feels truly honored to be a part of a profession, and organization, in which individuals can receive the support and space necessary for experiencing life and relationships most fully.

Caroline Camp

Caroline Camp is a Master’s Level Intern at The Refuge Center studying Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Vanderbilt University. Caroline received her Bachelor’s in Psychology from Tulane University in New Orleans, LA; where interest in psychology courses, volunteer work in ministry and at a crisis hotline, as well as life experience pointed her towards a career in counseling. She has previous experience working with women in recovery from drug addiction as well as working in the field of Neurofeedback. She is a member of the Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society and the American Counseling Association.

Caroline is honored to collaborate with clients in therapy and provide a safe and secure space to process their story and foster growth.  Her approach is warm and client-centered using a holistic, integrative approach to help clients achieve therapeutic goals.

Caroline Znachko

Caroline Znachko is a Master’s Level Intern at The Refuge Center and is currently studying Marriage and Family Therapy at Trevecca Nazarene University. She is a member of the American Counseling Association as well as the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. She first came to Nashville to pursue her BSN at Belmont University. She has been a nurse for the past three years and has worked in postpartum, nursery, and pediatrics. Through her time spent in the nursing field, although she loved caring for the physical health of her patients, she found that her heart felt called to be in a field that cared for and tended to the spiritual, mental, and emotional health of an individual.

She has a desire to help her clients have greater self-understanding and to grow in courage to engage their wounded and disengaged parts of their heart with the hope that her clients can show up more whole-heartedly to their life and relationships. She believes experiencing life giving, safe, genuine relationships can be a significant place of healing and joy for every individual. She has a passion for working with clients experiencing grief, anxiety, depression, and with families who have love ones struggling with addiction and/or mental and chronic illness.

Casey Flow

Casey Flow, MMFT, is a therapist at The Refuge Center. She holds a Master of Marriage and Family Therapy from Abilene Christian
University and is currently pursuing full licensure.

Casey views therapy as a collaborative process and is grateful for the privilege and opportunity to walk alongside clients as they navigate
therapy together. She is known for combining her skills of empathic listening and playfulness to encourage clients in sharing their stories.
She believes change happens when people feel safe and loved, which she is dedicated to creating opportunities for, so clients can feel
supported, empowered, and experience growth. She utilizes many modalities of treatment to meet each client’s unique needs. Casey has a
passion for working with adolescents, young adults, the LGBTQ+ population, and individuals experiencing various life transitions.

Cassie Bartels

Cassie is a Master’s Level Intern studying clinical mental health counseling at Trevecca Nazarene University. She graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with her B.S. in Psychology with a focus in health sciences. Cassie also works as a clinical coordinator for a local neurofeedback clinic. She is passionate about working with survivors of interpersonal violence from an approach integrating mind, body, and spirit.

Christina Reddon

Christina is a therapist for the Refuge Center for Counseling who received her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Trevecca Nazarene University and is working toward licensure. Christina is passionate about working with teens and adults who are dealing with life transitions, anxiety, depression, attachment, grief and loss, identity, and trauma.

Christina believes in the connection of the mind and body and uses techniques that helps the person learn to listen to their body to gain a better understanding of their symptoms. Christina uses an eclectic approach pulling from modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy, cognitive processing therapy, mindfulness, Brainspotting, and core emotions to help people uncover the root of their distress and learn to manage it for greater quality of life. Christina believes that through awareness and self-acceptance a person can begin to heal from their past experiences and transform their lives.

Christy Hunt

Christy is a counselor at The Refuge Center and completed her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Trevecca Nazarene University. She has completed training in clinical trauma competency and EMDR (eye movement desensitization reprocessing). Christy views most mental health concerns through a trauma-focused psychodynamic lens. She integrates various psychotherapeutic models based on each individual’s needs. Some of these models include IFS parts work, Inner Child, EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, Narrative Exposure, Cognitive, and Emotion Regulation therapies. Christy desires to guide hurting people toward an understanding that who they are matters, that their experiences do not define them, and that there is always hope for healing and growth. She is a member of the American Counseling Association and the Tennessee Licensed Professional Counselors Association.

Christy desires to be a source of hope and encouragement for people in need. She believes that every human being deserves unconditional kindness and that every person has the resources within themselves to reach their full potential.

Collin Smith

Collin Smith received his degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Trevecca Nazarene University. Collin also holds a license in Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling (LADAC) where he brings a wealth of experience from working at a prominent residential treatment center in Nashville. Collin is a member of American Counseling Association and NAADAC, Association for Addiction Professionals.

Collin believes that every person deserves to be heard and is capable of change. His approach to therapy is empathetic, collaborative, and creative. Collin loves creating a safe and compassionate space in which his clients feel comfortable. He uses an eclectic approach to therapy, pulling components from Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Skills, and Motivational Interviewing. Collin is also trained in EMDR.

Connor Anderson

Connor is a Master’s Level Intern at The Refuge Center pursuing his degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Trevecca Nazarene University. He holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology and is a member of the American Counseling Association, the Tennessee Counseling Association, and Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society International.

Connor is collaborative by nature and views counseling as an opportunity to explore meaningful topics with someone who cares. Throughout his life he has experienced the value of being able to share in an environment free of judgment and aims to help his clients feel safe, understood, and valued as unique individuals. He enjoys working with people of all ages and backgrounds and loves hearing the perspectives of others. He uses an eclectic approach to therapy, pulling components from Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. Connor also offers therapy to Spanish-speaking clients and is trained in EMDR levels I and II.

Cory Bishop

Cory Bishop is a Masters Level intern pursuing his M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Belmont University.

Cory cares deeply about people from every walk of life. He understands that everyone deserves to feel safe, seen, heard and secure—and that self-awareness and self-acceptance are keys to transformation, autonomy and optimum growth. His belief is that healing and healthy thriving are tied to your connection to yourself, to others, to the natural world, and to spirituality. Cory is passionate about working with couples, families, adults, children and teens of all backgrounds who are struggling with anxiety, depression, OCD, family dysfunction, relationships, communication, boundaries, addiction and spiritual development.

Daniel Stewart, LMFT

Daniel Stewart is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  He is passionate about working with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, grief, emotional abuse, and sexual health. He works with couples working to develop more secure and loving relationships.

Daniel has a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Trevecca Nazarene University. He is trained in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and EMDR.  He is certified to use the Prepare-Enrich assessment for pre-marital and couples counseling.  Daniel is a Clinical Fellow of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.

Daryn Thompson

Daryn Thompson is a therapist at The Refuge Center who provides counseling for adults, couples, and teens. Daryn values relationship building in counseling and helping you find customized and practical solutions to the challenges you face. He also promotes a growth and exploration approach to self-discovery that strengthens your foundation in continued growth beyond counseling.

Daryn has worked with individuals struggling with anxiety and depression, couples disillusioned in their relationships, and teens who just need someone to talk to outside their family and friend groups. Most of all he wants to assist you in getting on with what matters most to you and building a life you want.

Daryn received his undergraduate training at LaGrange College and holds a double major in psychological science and sociology. He completed his graduate studies in clinical mental health and human development at Vanderbilt University, and his internships include child forensic interviewing, inpatient addiction recovery, and outpatient counseling with adults and teens.

Diana Casella, MA, LMSW

Diana graduated with her master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Tennessee in 2016 and is a Licensed Master Social Worker. She served as a counselor and treatment coordinator in the field of addiction treatment before joining The Refuge Center in 2019. Diana believes that effective communication skills, supportive relationships, healthy habits, and a work/life balance are some of the keys to mental health and wellbeing. She has experience treating individuals suffering from addiction, ptsd, co-dependency, depression, anxiety, and grief. She also enjoys working with people who are managing challenging life transitions. She provides compassionate, trauma informed care and is trained in EMDR. She often incorporates elements of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Internal Family Systems into her work with clients. Her authentic, non-judgmental, and supportive approach helps create a safe space for her clients to heal.

In addition to her passion for helping others, Diana has also had a lifelong interest in cultural diversity. She has a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and master’s degree in Latin American Studies. She enjoys seeing clients from diverse backgrounds and makes a special effort to work within her clients’ cultural framework during the therapy process.

Donna Thompson

Donna is a Master’s Level Intern at The Refuge Center for Counseling pursuing her degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Trevecca Nazarene University. She is a member of the American Counseling Association, Tennessee Licensed Professional Counselors Association and is trained in CAMS. She enjoys working with individuals from various backgrounds needing support with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, life transitions, and abuse.

Donna is guided by her desire to be a source of hope, compassion, and encouragement to those in need. She is passionate about walking alongside her clients on their journey to experience growth, healing and freedom in their lives and relationships. She values creating a safe space where clients feel heard, understood, and valued. Using a collaborative, person-centered approach, she draws on multiple psychotherapeutic models which include Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive-Based Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing to create a strengths- based plan unique to each individual.

Dre Sanders

Dre is a Masters Level Counselor that earned his M.A. from Tennessee Tech University in Clinical mental health counseling. Dre has five years of experience working with adolescents and families that present with anxiety, depression, addiction, physical aggression, and trauma. Dre is currently pursuing LPC licensure.

Dre believes that he is called to help people in need by lending an ear. Dre has a passion for working with families and believes it takes a village to help people grow outside of session. Dre believes that building strong rapport and using a client centered approach helps clients feel comfortable to express themselves in a therapeutic setting. Dre’s favorite quote is by the late Kobe Bryant “The most important
thing is to try to inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do.”

Elizabeth Schuler Edwards, LPC-MHSP

Elizabeth Schuler Edwards, LPC-MHSP, is a therapist at The Refuge Center and serves as the Director of Contract Therapists. She holds a Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Middle Tennessee State University. Elizabeth is a published author in the 3rd edition of Crisis Assessment, Intervention, and Prevention (Jackson-Cherry & Erford, 2017) textbook. She is trained in EMDR, Brainspotting, TBRI, and Trauma-Focused CBT.

Elizabeth has a passion for working with children, adolescents, and young adults. She utilizes a variety of techniques to explore the relationship between thoughts, behaviors, and emotions to facilitate client growth and awareness. She views herself as a collaborator, advocate, and nurturer in the counseling relationship. Elizabeth seeks opportunities to better support and empower clients on their journey towards a more hopeful, healthier life.

As part of a collaborative partnership with The Refuge Center for Counseling, Elizabeth also provides counseling services for staff at the Hope Family Health clinic in Westmoreland, TN.

Elle Hartness

Elle Hartness is a Master’s Level Intern at The Refuge Center studying Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Vanderbilt University. Elle received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Furman University in Greenville, SC. Through her experience in youth ministry, Elle understands the power of connection and the importance of building trust to allow room for growth. She is a member of the Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society and the American Counseling Association.

Elle desires to walk alongside adolescents and young adults with a focus on areas including anxiety, depression, disordered eating, identity formation, and relationships. She seeks to offer a safe and secure space for clients to process their story and grow towards holistic flourishing while affirming their unique experiences.

Emily Neilson, LPC-MHSP (temp)

Emily Neilson, LPC-MHSP (temp) serves as a Therapist at The Refuge Center. She obtained her Master’s degree in counseling from The University of Edinburgh in Scotland and is working towards full LPC-MHSP licensure.

Emily takes an integrative approach to counseling: often pulling from Person-Centered, Psychodynamic and Somatic therapies with a particular interest in the body-mind connection. She is passionate about working with adult individuals coming with issues surrounding trauma and anxiety and enjoys helping couples work through difficulties in their relationships. Emily is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), has completed Gottman Level 1 and training in Experiential Therapy. Emily is a member of The American Counseling Association.

Erika Jackson

Erika graduated from Pepperdine University with a masters degree in clinical counseling and marriage and family therapy. She is a member of the International Society For Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS) as well as the American Association For Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). Erika has clinical training in a multi-cultural community mental health clinic specializing in substance use disorder, domestic violence, trauma, and PTSD.

Her approach to counseling is integrative, combining various forms of psychotherapy to adapt to client needs. Some of the techniques she uses are rooted in Cognitive behavioral therapy, Family Systems, Attachment based theory, Trauma informed therapy, and Somatic therapy. Erika believes that the mind, body and spirit are all connected. She works with clients to achieve a greater awareness of the physical response to stress. We develop and use self regulating strategies to work through events or experiences that have resulted in emotional or physical harm. Her clinical training along with life experiences and the belief that a therapeutic relationship is grounded in mutual trust, respect and understanding serve to provide a safe space where healing can be achieved.

Erika is passionate about working with adults, couples, families and older adults. We all have moments in life when we struggle with difficult transitions, relationship conflicts, grief/loss, identity crisis, career changes, empty nest, blended family issues, remarriage or divorce and she
appreciates the opportunity to work with clients as they address these types of issues.

Evon de Meistre

Having travelled extensively and lived abroad, Evon brings a wealth of lived experience, stories, and compassion to her role as Hospitality Assistant at The Refuge Center. Evon is passionate about making all Refuge clients and guests feel and experience that they matter and are worthy of safety and understanding. Evon is thrilled to be a part of the Refuge family, a place where she believes anyone can find compassionate care and support to navigate life’s many challenges. She considers it an honor to be able to be a source of light in people’s lives and allow them to feel they are in a safe place.

Hannah Gaxiola

Hannah Gaxiola is proud to be serving as an administrative assistant at The Refuge Center. She is currently pursuing an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Trevecca Nazarene University, and has a Bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt University in Psychology and Community Health. She spent a few years working in customer service and corporate recruiting after college, and later worked in a skilled nursing facility as a rehabilitation technician. In 2019 she decided to return back to school to pursue her first love: psychology and counseling.

Hannah Owens, LCSW

Hannah Owens, LCSW, serves as the Director of Groups and Intensives. She believes in the power of group therapy for healing through connection with others and by knowing that you’re not alone. With experience in a variety of treatment settings, Hannah aims to integrate the whole person into the healing process- mind, body, and spirit. Holding a strong belief that every person is capable of change and healing, she is excited about helping people live as their true selves by working through barriers to authentic living.

Hannah is a Certified Grief Counseling Specialist, certified in EMDR (Level I & II), and has received training in SomEx and Family Reconstruction. She integrates these models of treatment as well as a variety of approaches that include the strengths-based model, experiential therapy, DBT principles/skills, and somatic work.  She has experience working with addictions and co-occurring disorders, trauma survivors, mental health problems, and family/relationship issues. As a Mental Health First Aid Instructor, she hopes to empower community members with skills to identify and to respond effectively to mental health challenges.

India Lacerda

India Lacerda is a Master’s Level Intern at The Refuge Center and is currently studying Marriage and Family Therapy at Trevecca Nazarene University. She is a member of the American Counseling Association, the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, and the Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society.

She first came to Nashville to pursue her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Counseling at Trevecca Nazarene University. Upon graduation, India took the role of the Elementary Director at a local church centered around relational safety in addressing spiritual trauma. In her work with children, she has developed a passion for integrating attachment, emotion, empathy, and sensory play into the formation of key developmental experiences. Through her personal and professional experiences with adults, she believes quality care should be accessible to
all, and has developed a specific heart for those on the fringes of society and culture.

India has a passion for working with individuals, couples, and families experiencing identity struggles, relationship challenges, life transitions, trauma, grief, anxiety, and depression. Some common themes in her work with clients include exploring values, disengaging from inauthentic roles, cultivating self-compassion, and understanding relational dynamics. She has a desire to help her clients walk in courage towards new encounters with the wounded parts of their stories and relationships.

James Boehm

James Boehm describes himself as a passionate leader and an advocate who values collaboration and empowering others to their fullest potential. His specialties within counseling include, but are not limited to, adjustment to disability, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, suicidal ideation, and addiction. Through an integrated approach of mind and body, Boehm engages with clients to apply strategies and develop personalized goals that help them to move forward.

Boehm’s positive, solution-focused style is unique to each client. Together, James and his clients analyze thoughts and feelings that motivate behavior. If appropriate, he utilizes animal assisted therapy as part of the healing and treatment process.

James completed his master’s degree in May 2019 from Peabody College of Vanderbilt University in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. He is working towards his LPC in the mental health counseling field at The Refuge Center and Alliance Counseling, his own practice in Maryland Farms.

Boehm feels that with the proper tools, education, and supports, all individuals can live the life that they were created for.

Boehm believes strongly in advocacy and equality for all individuals, including people with disabilities. James serves on the Nashville Mayor’s Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities, as the President of the Nashville Chapter and the state VP of the National Federation of the Blind, and as Founder and President of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit You Cane Give with his wife, Wendy Boehm. He also founded and served on the TN Association of Guide Dog Users (he has an amazing guide dog named Bogey) and has been a mentor to college students with Learning Ally.

Jennie Latimer

Jennie Latimer joined The Refuge Center team in January 2020 as the part-time Marketing and Grants Coordinator. She graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in Integrated Strategic Communications. Jennie’s professional career has focused on non-profit work with the March of Dimes in Kentucky and her time in Tennessee has been in healthcare marketing and communications. Her most recent work was with middle Tennessee non-profit, Interfaith Dental, for five years as their Grant Writer and Director of Marketing and Communications. It was in this mission work that Jennie reaffirmed her passion for walking alongside the underserved to remove barriers and ensuring equal healthcare access for all.

Jill Fields

Jill Fields is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and earned a Master’s degree in counseling from the University of TN in 2005. Her experience is working with children and women recovering from trauma and historical domestic violence. She is passionate about meeting her clients where they are and empowering them to a more fulfilling life.

Thanks to collaborative grants from The Healing Trust and The Community Foundation, Jill is one of two therapists from The Refuge Center at the Center of Hope in Columbia, TN. Free counseling services are provided at this location for adult victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or human trafficking. She also facilitates a weekly domestic violence support group at Maury Hills Church.

Jordanne Clark

Jordanne is a Master’s Level Intern studying Marriage and Family Therapy at Lipscomb University, with a BA in Theology and Christian Ministries. She is also a member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT).

Jordanne is passionate about working with individuals and couples struggling with relational conflict and seeks to offer clients a comfortable place to experience healing and reconciliation. Using a common-factors approach, she draws on multiple evidence-based models which include Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Restoration Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy and The Gottman Method to create individualized plans catered to each client’s needs. Upon request, Jordanne also takes joy in integrating faith based client care and spiritual practices into sessions.

Julia Rogers

Julia Rogers is a Master’s Level Intern at The Refuge Center pursing her degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Trevecca Nazarene University. Julia obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from MTSU where her love for the counseling field began. She is a member of the American Counseling Association and the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.

Julia strives to create a comfortable and safe environment for all clients to uncover the keys to their healing and growth, believing that great work is done through strong client relationships. Seeing the client as the true expert on themselves, she is passionate about listening to people’s stories and bearing witness to each client’s unique journey to healing.

Justin Williams, MSSW

Justin Williams, MSSW, has a master’s from the University of Tennessee’s College of Social Work and prior to joining The Refuge Center as a therapist, Justin spent multiple years as an individual and group therapist at a residential treatment center among women seeking recovery from myriad forms of trauma and mental health challenges.

With a decade of experience in the field of holistic healing across a broad spectrum of care—ranging from community-based nonprofits engaging issues of addiction recovery, social marginalization, and spiritual wounding to an inpatient hospital setting focused on co-occurring mental health and substance use challenges—Justin has a passion for partnering with both women and men in the pursuit of authentic living and he emphasizes an empowering belief in human value and resiliency through a client-centered and strengths-based approach.

Justin has had training in EMDR (Levels I and II), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Motivational Interviewing and seeks to prioritize the relational components of wounding and healing.

Kaity Campbell

Kaity Campbell is a native of Ohio who has called Tennessee her home for five years now. She graduated from Miami University (of Ohio) with a Bachelors degree in psychology and a minor in creative writing in 2015. She then worked in social services in Cincinnati for a brief time before moving to Tennessee. For four years, she worked at a local psychiatric hospital, first as a mental health specialist on the inpatient units and then as the outpatient program assistant, which included both administrative and case management duties.

Kaity is honored to work at The Refuge Center due to its mission to provide affordable care for those who need it, and she feels blessed to be a part of helping people receive the help they need. Kaity is also a member of the Zero Suicide Task Force at The Refuge Center, which is an organization/topic that is so important to her.

Kate Moody

Kate Moody is a Master’s Level Intern at The Refuge Center studying Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Vanderbilt University. Kate first came to Nashville for her undergraduate degree, where she studied Human and Organizational Development at Vanderbilt. After graduation, she spent time in Washington, D.C. working at the creative consultancy of The Atlantic. Though she enjoyed telling brand stories, she found that she was most fulfilled when creating a safe space for her clients to tell their own stories. This led her back to Nashville to explore her longtime interest in psychology and study Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Kate is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and is a member of both the American Counseling Association and Chi Sigma Iota Counseling professional academic honor society.

Kate uses a holistic, integrative approach to mental health to help clients achieve their therapeutic goals. She is especially interested in the complex interrelationship between mind and body, and considers it a privilege to encourage clients towards mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual wholeness. Kate has a passion for working with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, and disordered eating, as well as clients who have experienced trauma.

Katelyn Lover

Katelyn Lover is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at The Refuge Center for Counseling. She works with young to mid-adult individuals, and she specializes in processing through trauma, grief, and anxiety with clients. Katelyn is trained in EMDR Levels 1 & 2, Brainspotting Levels 1 & 2, and Trust-Based Relational Interventions. She integrates Narrative Therapy with Internal Family Systems to help her clients own and author a brave new ending to their story.

Katherine Hofstetter, LMFT

Katherine Hofstetter is a Richmond, Virginia native who now calls Nashville home. After graduating with her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Religious Studies from the University of Virginia, she has spent her career working in donor engagement for several faith-based, non-profit organizations including International Justice Mission in Washington, DC, Blood:Water in Nashville, and Show Hope in Franklin. Katherine attended graduate school at Trevecca and is also a licensed marriage and family therapist in the state of Tennessee.

Kathleen Farr, LPC-MHSP

Kathleen Farr is a therapist at The Refuge Center.  She obtained her master’s degree in Human Development Counseling (Clinical Mental Health) at Vanderbilt University and is licensed as an LPC-MHSP.  Kathleen draws from a variety of therapeutic models when working with clients.  She possesses specialized training in EMDR Level 1 & 2 and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).  She is also a certified Prepare/Enrich facilitator.

Kathleen has a passion for working with adults, older adolescents, and couples.  She strives to create a warm, nurturing, and supportive space in which her clients can heal and gain new insights into their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.  Kathleen aims to empower clients as they pursue authentic, hopeful, and meaningful lives.

Katie Ledbetter, LCSW

Katie Ledbetter is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and earned a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of TN in 2011. She has experience working with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault as a counselor and an advocate, having worked in this field since 2008. She has counseling experience helping individuals with addictions and co-occurring disorders, personality disorders, and other mental health problems. She enjoys using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and mindfulness as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients with emotion regulation due to trauma. Katie believes in focusing on strengths and self-determination during the journey to healing. She feels honored and inspired to watch someone find their own path on their journey to empowerment.

Thanks to collaborative grants from The Healing Trust and The Community Foundation, Katie is one of two therapists from The Refuge Center at the Center of Hope in Columbia, TN. Free counseling services are provided at this location for adult victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or human trafficking.

Kevin Virden

Kevin is a therapist at The Refuge Center and received his Master of Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy degree from Trevecca Nazarene University. He has also earned an Undergraduate degree in Business Administration at the University of Washington (Seattle, Washington), and a Master of Business Administration from Thunderbird School of Global Management (Phoenix, Arizona). Before transitioning to a second career in Counseling, Kevin had a lengthy and rewarding career as a Human Resources professional in the Healthcare industry.

Kevin is trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy for Individuals and Couples, and is certified to administer the Prepare/Enrich Assessment, a valuable tool for pre-marital work. He also co-leads men’s groups where the focus is about reawakening to the dream that life really can be good, full, and rich; it’s also about entering into an abundant life with all of its joy, pain, and mystery. He has also studied and completed training in Internal Family Systems (IFS). He is a member of both the American Counseling Association and the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy.

Kimberly Kooy, M.MFT, LMFT (temp)

Kimberly is a therapist at The Refuge Center. She holds a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) from Lipscomb University with a specialization in play and expressive arts therapy. Kimberly is a member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT) and is currently working towards full licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist. Kimberly has received training in the Othmer method of Neurofeedback and Levels 1 & 2 training in Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR). Kimberly has a BS in Communications from Oral Roberts University and a MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from Columbia University’s Teacher’s College. Before becoming a therapist, Kimberly lived and worked in many countries teaching English as a Second Language (ESL).

Kimberly uses a client-centered, integrative and collaborative approach to help people achieve their therapeutic goals. She is passionate about working with men and women of all ages through the transitional stages of life. Kimberly’s clinical areas of interest include: parenting, divorce and recovery, trauma, identity, relationship issues, anxiety, depression and grief and loss.

Kinsey Morgan

Kinsey Morgan is a Licensed Professional Counselor Mental Health Service Provider and serves as a Therapist at The Refuge Center. She obtained her Masters of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lipscomb University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a minor in Human Services from Harding University. She is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trust-Based Relational Interventions (TBRI), and EMDR Levels I & II.

Kinsey developed a passion for this work after experiencing the power of healing and transformation in her own journey, and she considers it an honor to walk alongside her clients during the counseling process. Kinsey utilizes a highly relational, client-centered, Cognitive Behavioral approach. In this, she strives to foster a warm compassionate environment where clients feel safe, valued, and known. Kinsey is inspired by the individuals she has worked with in the past and looks forward to the privilege of working with others in the future. She is passionate about meeting clients where they are, but some of her areas of clinical focus are individuals dealing with trauma, life transitions, anxiety, depression, and grief/loss.

Lana Sydenstricker

Lana Sydenstricker holds her Undergraduate degree in Public Relations with a minor in English from Lipscomb University. Upon graduating, she moved to India for a year to work for the non-profit International Justice Mission. After spending time in the communications world writing stories, she learned that it is important to create space for others to tell their own stories.

Upon returning to Nashville, Lana decided to pursue her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy at Trevecca Nazarene University. As a Master’s Level Intern studying Marriage and Family Therapy, Lana hopes to help women walking through grief find hope. She understands the bravery it takes to ask for help and believes that therapy can be a holy space to discover your inner strength. She is a member of both the American Counseling Association and the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.

Lauren Riley, MMFT

Lauren Riley, MMFT, is a counselor with The Refuge Center. She completed her Master of Marriage and Family Therapy at Trevecca Nazarene University and is currently working towards licensure. Additionally, Lauren is a member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and the American Counseling Association.

Lauren has deep empathy for clients experiencing hard or heavy transitions in life. With a firm belief that vulnerability and connection are vital for people to be most authentic to themselves and the world around them, Lauren seeks to walk alongside clients on their journey. Using an attachment lens, she draws from several modalities to create safety for clients to navigate challenges and rediscover their passions for all life has to offer. Lauren believes it is a privilege to get to hear her clients’ stories and is honored to be trusted in her role as counselor.

Lisa Martin

Lisa Martin serves as The Refuge Center office manager and executive assistant. Lisa has a BS in Marketing from Lipscomb University. She comes to The Refuge Center with a diverse background, but most of all with a heart for ministry and serving others. She believes in the mission and ministry of The Refuge Center and is passionate about her role in extending support and care to the therapists and the Refuge community.

Madeleine Shore, LPC-MHSP

Madeleine Shore, LPC-MHSP serves as a therapist and the Assistant Clinical Director. She holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Trevecca Nazarene University and a license in the state of Tennessee as a Licensed Professional Counselor, Mental Health Service Provider.

Madeleine uses an integrative, trauma-informed approach to counseling, drawing from therapeutic modalities with empirical support for the treatment of PTSD and other trauma-related symptoms, such as Internal Family Systems and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. She also utilizes therapeutic techniques including mindfulness, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and skills training to provide clients with tangible resources for their symptoms. Her clinical areas of focus include trauma, sexual abuse and sexual assault, domestic violence, anxiety, relationship issues, and grief and loss. Her approach is warm, client-centered, and collaborative.

Madeleine has received training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), Brainspotting Phases I & II, and Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) Level 1 & 2. She is a member of the American Counseling Association.

Madison Moquin, LMSW

Madison Moquin, LMSW is a therapist at The Refuge Center. Madison has worked as a Licensed Master Social Worker since 2014 and is now pursuing her clinical licensure. Madison received her Bachelor of Social Work from Belmont University and her Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She received a certification in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy during her graduate studies.

Madison has valuable experience working with survivors of sexual violence, prostitution and addiction. But she has spent the majority of her career in an inpatient acute medical setting; she is especially proficient in working with clients and families navigating chronic mental and physical health issues as well as terminal illness and end of life care.

Madison is passionate about supporting and encouraging individuals and families in times of crisis and uncertainty. She is constantly inspired by the resiliency and potential of the human spirit, and believes strongly in the healing power of connectivity and relationships.

Markatá Echols

Markatá Echols is working as a Master’s Level Intern studying Family Therapy at Amridge University. Markatá received her Master’s in Education from Auburn University with a focus on Collaborative Special Education. She is a member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). She desires to provide aid to teens, young adults, couples, and families with a focus on areas including excessive worry, negative thoughts, depression, self-esteem/confidence, and relationship issues. She is a part of the Zero Suicide Task Force here at The Refuge Center for Counseling. She has been trained in Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) Training for Traumatized Children, Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM) Training, Preventing Suicide in Emergency Departments, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Suicide Prevention.

Markatá has a strong desire to reach a range of individuals and provide therapy services that will give them the tools to live healthy lives. Through her journey, she has come to understand the importance of helping individuals to develop the tools, strategies, and resources needed to reach their life goals. Markatá believes in using a person-centered approach to aid individuals in achieving their physical, mental, and emotional wellness goals.

Matt Wade

Matt Wade is a Master’s Level Intern at The Refuge Center currently studying Marriage and Family Therapy at Trevecca Nazarene University. He is a member of the American Counseling Association as well as the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.

Matt has a desire to help his clients heal from generational, religious, and sexual trauma through the power of experiential group, couples, and individual therapy. He is trained in Brain Spotting.

Meredith Parrott, LMSW

Meredith has a Bachelor of Science in Sociology with a minor in Religion from Charleston Southern University. She is a licensed master social worker by the state of Tennessee with a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Tennessee. Meredith is a therapist at the Refuge Center. In graduate school Meredith completed her concentration internship at Belmont University where she provided individual and group therapy for undergraduate students. Additionally, she has clinical experience working with adolescents and adults in healthcare and school settings. Her clinical interests include working with teenagers, young adults, adults, and student athletes undergoing life adjustments/transitions.

Meredith is known for her calm and steady demeanor. She considers self-compassion essential for change and growth. Meredith is an integrative psychotherapist who works with clients from a strength’s based perspective including elements of person-centered therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. She holds listening to clients as they vulnerably process in high regard.

Merna ElSols

Merna ElSols is a counselor with the Child and Teen Team at The Refuge Center. She earned her degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Lipscomb University. She is also a member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT). Merna has a BA in Psychology from Lipscomb University. Her bachelor’s degree has prepared her to teach and facilitate active learning in the classroom and the community as a preschool teacher, a youth servant, and a community educator.

Merna uses a person-centered, integrative, and systemic approach to help individuals and families increase their emotional expression and enhance their communication styles. She believes that the answers to many of the struggles we go through in life come from within us and that, through effective communication and emotional disclosure, we can build stronger relationships to endure any life hardship we encounter. Merna is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Brainspotting (Phase I & II), ASIST Method, and Mental Health First Aid. She is also a QPR Gatekeeper Instructor and a Prepare/Enrich Facilitator; Merna continues to receive training in Gottman Method, Restoration Therapy, TraumaPlay, and play therapy. She is passionate about working with individuals and families from all walks of life and witnessing their growth and development of self-confidence, grace, compassion, and emotional expression.

Michaelia Savage

Michaelia Savage (she/ her) is a Master’s Level Intern at The Refuge Center pursuing her degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Lipscomb University with a Specialization in Play Therapy. Michaelia earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies with a Minor in Psychology from Belmont University where her interest in psychology courses and life experiences led her to a career in counseling.

Michaelia is passionate about walking alongside individuals who have experienced developmental or relational trauma, depression, and anxiety. She values collaboration in the therapeutic relationship and strives to create a safe space for clients to find healing in an
empathetic and non-judgmental setting. She believes that each individual has unique strengths and resiliencies that bring hope through difficult times in life. Michaelia is passionate about incorporating expressive art into the healing process with teens and adults.

Michaelia is a member of Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society, Association for Play Therapy, and the American Counseling Association.

Michelle Nagy, LPC-MHSP

Michelle Nagy, LPC-MHSP is a therapist at The Refuge Center and serves as the Director of Compassionate Care. She received her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Vanderbilt University. She attended Denison University in Ohio for her undergraduate degree, where she majored in Psychology and minored in Education and Spanish.

Michelle has found the driving force in her life to be seeking and understanding human connection. From fostering meaningful one-on-one relationships with her students as a teacher, to caring for babies and toddlers in a church nursery, she believes everyone needs to feel heard and loved. She enjoys working with individuals, couples, and families.

She uses a client-centered, relational approach that allows flexibility for adapting to each of her client’s needs. Michelle is passionate about working as a team with her clients as they gain a better understanding of themselves and approaches for attaining their goals. She is also trained in EMDR and Brainspotting.

Nicole Beuchler, MMFT

Nicole Beuchler is a Therapist at The Refuge Center for Counseling. She graduated from Trevecca Nazarene University with a M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2020 and is currently working towards licensure as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Nicole is a member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT). Nicole is trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and is certified to administer the Prepare/Enrich Assessment. She enjoys working with adult individuals, couples and families.
Nicole believes each one of us has the capacity to grow and change in order to become the person we were created to be. Her areas of focus include those individuals challenged by anxiety, depression, grief and loss, pre-marital and couples work as well as family therapy.

Nicole works from a systemic and strengths based approach while integrating other modalities such as Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and emotion focused and attachment based approaches.

Nora Balint, LPC-MHSP (temp)

Nora Balint, LPC-MHSP (temp) is a Therapist and serves as the Task Force Leader for the Zero Suicide Initiative at The Refuge Center. She obtained her masters degree in counseling from Georgia State University, is a Nationally Certified Counselor, and is working towards full LPC-MHSP licensure in Tennessee.  Nora is a member of the Tennessee Licensed Professional Counselors Association, and is an exam writer for CE-Credit.com, a Continuing Education resource for counselors.

Nora believes that people are capable of amazing growth and positive change, leading to a rich and fulfilling life.  She is honored to be able to walk through this process with her clients, offering support and encouragement along the way, and helping them identify and utilize the strengths and resources that are uniquely available to them as they work towards their goals.  Nora believes that we all live and breathe in community with each other.  We each have our own individual tendencies, needs, preferences, personalities, gifts, and weaknesses.  But all of these factors are also influenced by the family, social, and occupational groups to which we belong.

Nora uses a Family Systems perspective and developmental psychology to help couples, families, and individuals understand and navigate the complexities of their relationships. She is trained in Brainspotting, Play Therapy, QPR, EMDR, and CAMS. Some of her areas of focus include parenting, relationship issues, grief and loss, stress, anxiety, LGBTQIA+, gender identity, life transitions, hoarding, and peer relationships.

Olivia Stevens

Olivia Stevens is a Master’s Level Intern at The Refuge Center studying Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Vanderbilt University. Olivia received her B.A. in Educational Studies with coursework in Psychology from Furman University in 2017. Her passion for working with people and applying her growth-mindset led to professional experiences in higher education and community development, where she recognized her fascination with human development and desire to pursue counseling. She is a member of the Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society and the American Counseling Association.

Olivia’s work with clients is grounded in her belief that all facets of wellbeing are essential for promoting personal success and leading a meaningful life. Using an integrative approach, she works with clients to optimize their unique strengths and empowers them to work through life’s challenges to find healing and joy. Olivia is passionate about working with individuals, couples, and families of all ages who are dealing with relationship challenges, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, identity development, life transitions, anxiety, and depression.

Peggy Plunkett

Peggy Plunkett is the Operations Manager at The Refuge Center for Counseling. Peggy is responsible for day-to-day operations, managing the organizations human resources, and helping create organizational and program budgets in collaboration with the Executive Director. She plays a critical role in keeping the office and staff functioning smoothly, supporting the ED and all administrative and clinical staff.

Peggy is a Kentucky native and has called Nashville home since 1987. Peggy earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism/Advertising at the University of Kentucky. Early in her career, she worked in property management and real estate. She brings 16+ years of experience in the non-profit arena.

Penny Brotz

Penny Brotz is the Senior Staff Administrative Assistant/Bookkeeper at The Refuge Center and learned business in the trenches. Good bookkeeping practices became a normal part of life while running her own faith-based massage studio for 13 years. Prior to massage, Penny earned her BA in Management and Communications from Concordia University, WI and worked as an office manager in a variety of fields.

Once a volunteer at The Refuge Center, she returns with a passion for any work that furthers the mission and ministry of The Refuge Center.

Pike Williams, LMFT

Pike Williams is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and enjoys working with adult individuals, couples, and families. He also leads men’s groups to help build emotional awareness and healthy processing throughout the year.

He has completed advanced training in EMDR, a proven approach for helping clients to process unresolved trauma, is certified in trauma-focused cognitive behavior therapy (TFCBT) and has completed training with Brainspotting. Pike has also studied and completed training in Internal Family Systems (IFS) an evidence-based approach that has been shown to be effective for treating a variety of conditions and their symptoms, such as depression and anxiety as well as improving general functioning and well-being.

Pike is certified to administer the Prepare/Enrich Assessment, a valuable tool for pre-marital work, and is trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy. He is a member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and the American Association of Christian Counselors.

Rebeca Molina

Rebeca is a therapist at The Refuge Center and graduated with her master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Lee University. She is currently working for full MFT licensure and is a member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy. She is certified in Prepare/Enrich, a good tool for couples. Rebeca has also been a volunteer crisis pregnancy coach at New Hope Pregnancy Care Center.

Rebeca believes everyone deserves to be heard and that people have more power in their situations than they realize. She is ready to serve and work with people from different walks of life. Rebeca is honored to be a resource to the Latino community.

Richard Burlenski

Richard is a Master’s Level Intern at The Refuge Center, and is enrolled in Vanderbilt’s Human Development Counseling program. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Ohio State University. He takes a person-centered existentialist approach to therapy, meaning that he believes the key to good therapy is developing the client’s sense of meaning in life through connections with others. Richard has prior experience working with children, adolescents, and adults at a community clinic.

Sally Croft, LMFT (temp)

Sally Croft, LMFT (temp), is a counselor who enjoys working with individuals, couples, and families. She is honored to work alongside people who are experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, and more. Sally has a deep care and concern for clients. Using an attachment lens, she uses several modalities to create safety for clients to explore and navigate their journey.

Sally has a Masters of Marriage and Family Therapy from Trevecca Nazarene University. She has completed clinical training in Brainspotting Phases I and II and an Externship in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). Sally is certified with Prepare/Enrich Assessment for work with pre-marital couples. She looks forward to meeting each new client.

Sam Smith

An Iowa native, Samantha (Sam) Smith is a community-minded professional and graduated from Northwestern College of Iowa with a Bachelor’s of Social Work and a minor in Public Relations. Sam has worked in residential substance misuse treatment with adolescents in Iowa, and in Colorado, worked with individuals, seniors, and families experiencing homelessness in several settings, including emergency sheltering, permanent housing assistance and mentoring, and transitional housing.

Sam was first drawn to the Refuge Center while researching community-oriented services in the Nashville area prior to her move. She was particularly compelled by the values of hope, affordability and excellence – values that aligned with her own. Her core passion is being a part of empowering folks to work towards their own healing and recognize their unique strengths.

Samara Silvester

Samara Silvester is a Master’s Level Intern at The Refuge Center studying Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Vanderbilt University. Samara is passionate about embracing each client’s unique story. She favors a client-centered and integrative approach, providing empathy and unconditional positive regard to facilitate healing and growth.

Samara holds a Master’s degree in Teaching and a B.A. in International Relations and Politics. While Samara is passionate about teaching, she found that her strength was in the ability to provide a safe holding environment for her students. Samara has experience working with clients in crisis who have experienced traumas which contribute to addiction and suicide ideation. She is a member of the Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society and the American Counseling Association.

Shelby French

Shelby French is a Master’s Level Intern at The Refuge Center and is currently studying Marriage and Family Therapy at Trevecca Nazarene University. She is a member of the American Counseling Association as well as the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.

Shelby believes everyone has a unique story that matters. She believes everyone is capable of having a life full of meaning and wholeness regardless of where their journey has taken them. She has a passion for walking alongside individuals and couples who feel stuck or are having trouble adjusting to a new season of life. Shelby’s goal is to create a safe environment for her clients to feel known and accepted, and to help them find the tools needed to create the change they long for.

Shelby is trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy, and uses Emotionally Focused Therapy in her work with individuals and couples.

Stacy Paich

Stacy Paich is a counselor at The Refuge Center who completed her Marriage and Family Therapy degree at Trevecca Nazarene University, Nashville. She is a member of both the American Counseling Association and the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy. She earned an Undergraduate degree in Business Administration at California State University, San Bernardino and a Graduate degree in Business Administration at the University of La Verne, California. After a long corporate career supporting healthcare professionals in their efforts to care for patients, she is thrilled to be helping others directly, on a more personal level.

Stacy believes in the resilience of the human spirit and the power of healthy relationships. She is passionate about walking with others in a way that they feel seen, heard, and known as they face challenges and work toward possibilities for personal well-being. She works with individuals and couples and is trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

Stellan

Stellan is our therapy dog at The Refuge Center for Counseling. Stellan is a Scandinavian name that means “calm, peace, at rest,”- fitting for a therapy dog!

Stellan is a male F1B Mini Petite Goldendoodle and he is at The Refuge Center each day for Animal Assisted Therapy. Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a goal-directed intervention in which an animal that meets specific criteria is an integral part of the treatment process. AAT is designed to promote improvement in human physical, social, emotional, and/or cognitive functioning. Stellan is in training for AAT.  His trainer is Stacy Paich with My Polite Pup. Stellan has a calendar and email address at The Refuge Center and therapist’s sign up to have him in sessions where clients are interested in having him present. Stellan can help clients feel joy and calm. Look him up on social media with #refugestellan. We look forward to you getting to know him when you visit The Refuge Center.

Sydney Watson Pritchard

Sydney serves as a counselor on the Child and Teen team at The Refuge Center. She is working towards licensure as an LPC-MHSP and obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Ashford University and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialty in play therapy and expressive arts from Lipscomb University.

Sydney has extensive experience working in the mental health field. She founded and directs her own non-profit that works with children with different abilities and their families that utilizes equine, art, theatre, and music therapies and activities. She has experience as a Behavior Therapist for children on the spectrum, has worked at a psychiatric rehabilitation home for adults recovering from severe mental illness, and has volunteered her skills at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. 

She is passionate about working with individuals and families of all ages and needs who are dealing with life transitions, relationship issues, trauma, anxiety, depression, and grief and loss. Sydney incorporates multiple treatment modalities into her practice to enhance clients’ individual experiences, including connecting one’s physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. She believes that every individual has the strength within themselves to overcome any life challenge and deserves a helping hand to encourage and support them along the way on their path to growth to self-discovery.

Tara Dembowczyk

Tara is a Master’s Level Intern counselor studying clinical mental health counseling at the University of the Cumberlands. Tara holds a bachelor’s degree in Individual and Family Studies from the University of Kentucky. She is seeking Tennessee licensure with a mental health service provider designation. Tara is a student representative for the Tennessee Licensed Professional Counseling Association and a member of the American Counseling Association.

Tara is passionate about working with individuals who experience depression, anxiety, grief/loss, and those with faith concerns. Her goal is to provide a safe place for individuals to share their pain, emotions, struggles, and joys without judgment or condemnation. Tara is trained in EMDR and utilizes various research-based modalities depending on the client’s needs.

Taylor Borck

Taylor Borck is a counselor at The Refuge Center. Taylor completed his undergraduate degree at Trevecca University where he majored in Psychology and a minored in Biology. He is a member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and the American Counseling Association. Taylor graduated from the Marriage and Family Therapy program at Trevecca University.

Taylor strongly believes that grace, kindness, humility, and mercy are incredibly powerful—even powerful enough to change the worst situation into something beautiful. From personal experience, he knows some things that seem impossible at the time are only the next step into something better and more beautiful. He has found support in others during his most difficult time of need, and it is his desire to offer the same support to others on their journey. One of his favorite quotes is by Eleanor Roosevelt, which says, “You must do the things you think you cannot do.” Taylor seeks to journey with those who are facing their impossible tasks.

Tina Taylor Goode, LPC-MHSP

Tina Taylor Goode, LPC-MHSP, NCC, DARTT, CET I, is a therapist and serves as Director of the Master’s Level Intern Program. Tina believes that counseling is a sacred calling and offers hope as she journeys with clients to find the growth, healing and wholeness they desire in their own lives. Her unique combination of life experience and professional training allow Tina to create a safe, empathic, non-judgmental and compassionate space for clients.

Tina is a trained EMDR-Level II therapist. She is also certified as an Experiential Therapist and a Developmental and Relational Trauma Therapist. Tina has interned at Onsite workshops and has experience working with 12 programs. Tina has worked with the Wounded Hearts Group (a group for women who have experienced childhood sexual abuse and sexual assault) at Refuge since 2015.

Tina is passionate about walking with individuals, families and groups to as they find healing and wholeness from developmental trauma, sexual abuse, addiction, co-dependency and grief/loss. Tina believes in the inherent resiliency in each individual and that transformational growth can result from our most painful struggles and complex traumas. Her desire is to walk with clients as they journey towards this freedom.

Outside of The Refuge Center, Tina is a recovery advocate within the community. Tina earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Trevecca Nazarene University. She is a National Certified Counselor and member of the Tennessee Licensed Professional Counselors Association.

Valéria Hyer

Valéria Hyer is a Master’s Level Intern studying Marriage and Family Therapy at Lipscomb University, and has a BA in English from Middle Tennessee State University. She is also a member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT). She believes that our lives are intricate pieces of a story worthy of redemption and love.

Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Valéria served the immigrant community in Nashville, where she taught English and worked as a healthcare advocate. Her work with this population taught her that joy is possible in the midst of the most traumatic events and that human resilience is a gift.

She has found that healthy human connection and attachment can bring much healing to a broken heart. By seeking internal reconciliation, one can reconcile with the external world and personal relationships. Valéria incorporates Internal Family Systems, somatic interventions, and mindfulness to her practice. She also seeks to build secure attachment through deep bonding and connection.