WE DO THIS BECAUSE WE LOVE IT
Our business is built on love. We’re dreamers and doers who believe in relentlessly exploring what’s possible. We’re passionate, playful and deeply invested in following our clients along on their wellness journey to living a life they love.
Jonathan Atkinson
LMFT-A
Jonathan Atkinson, LMFT-A
Jonathan is a graduate of Pfeiffer University with a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2021 and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2015. He is an NC Associate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. He has prior experience with older members of the blind and visually impaired community during his time working as a counselor at Camp Dogwood. He assisted the campers with their enjoyment of the camp through various activities from arts and crafts to mini golf and the occasional trip to nearby museums. He completed his clinical internship at the Adult Rehabilitation Center of Charlotte provided by The Salvation Army assisting men with a better understanding of their anger and other emotions as they work through their recovery from addiction. He recognizes the impact and role of addiction on the individual and the family system. He utilizes elements of cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, Bowenian, and structural-based therapy interventions with his clients. He enjoys working with teenagers, adults, and couples who are experiencing struggles as they attempt to work through the various challenges that come with life or living with anxiety and depression. When he is not working, Jonathan enjoys spending time at the gym, hanging out with friends, enjoying the latest Marvel film, and spending time in nature.
Sheena Beach
MSW, LCSW, LISW-CP
Sheena Beach, MSW, LCSW, LISW-CP
Sheena is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte-School of Social Work with a Master’s degree in Social Work in 2015 and a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work in 2014. She is an NC Licensed Clinical Social Worker and an SC Licensed Independent Social Worker. Sheena is an alumnus of the SAMSHA and CSWE Minority Fellowship Program-Youth which provided training on emerging, evidence-based practices in the clinical treatment of children, adolescents, and transition-aged youth with behavioral health concerns. She is passionate about the treatment of youth and young adults and provides services for clients aged 10 and up. Sheena has prior experience as a school-based mental health therapist providing therapeutic care to school-age children and their families. She has an affinity for supporting multicultural communities, the LGBTQ+ population, and working with neurodivergent teens and adults. Sheena has nonprofit experience from interning and volunteering with Communities in Schools where she served children at risk for dropping out and their families. She completed a clinical internship with Mecklenburg County working with children and families who have experienced domestic violence. Sheena is a Behavioral Tech Intensively-trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Radically Open-DBT (Level 1) trained, and EMDR-trained. She utilizes elements of cognitive-behavioral, expressive art, mindfulness, and acceptance-commitment-based therapy interventions with her clients. Sheena also enjoys serving adults having trouble adjusting to life’s difficulties or living with anxiety, depression, or personality disorder. When she is not working, Sheena enjoys crafting, spending time with friends and family, being outdoors, yoga, and reading.
Taylor Brant
MS, LMCHC, CRC
Taylor Brant, LMCHC, CRC
Taylor received her Master of Science degree in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Honors Psychology from Stony Brook University in Stony Brook, NY. Taylor is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHC-A) and a Clinical Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) who has worked with individuals with eating disorders, PTSD, and serious mental illnesses. She has experience in a wide range of clinical settings, including psychological research studies, residential treatment facilities, and community mental health services.
Taylor views therapy as a collaborative and open space – where our deepest hurts, fears, and hopes can be expressed freely, and where we can better understand ourselves, our relationships, and life’s challenges. She utilizes techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy but enjoys incorporating a variety of therapeutic approaches to meet each client’s unique situation and goals. She is passionate about working with adolescents and young adults (14+) who experience low self-esteem, life transitions, eating disorders, and trauma/PTSD.
Abby Brown
MA, LCMHC-A
Abby Brown, MA, LCMHC-A
Caila Carter
MA, LCMHC-A
Caila Carter, MA, LCMHC-A
Sarah Causey
MA, LMFT
Sarah Causey, MA, LMFT
Lalanea Chastain
MPA, MSW, LCSW-A
Lalanea Chastian, MPA, MSW, LCSW-A (Licensed Social Worker)
Courtney Craven
MA, LCMHC-A
Courtney Craven, MA, LCMHC-A
In 2017, Courtney graduated from Liberty University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology of Counseling and Human Development. She completed her Master of Arts at Lenoir-Rhyne University in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2021. Courtney is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in the state of North Carolina. She recognizes the courage it takes to seek help. Because of that, she strives to create a safe and inviting atmosphere for all of her clients. She believes that people have the capacity to change. Her approach to therapy revolves around meeting people where they’re at to help them build the support they need to make changes. Courtney views therapy as an equal working relationship between individuals. She believes that everyone who makes the courageous decision to sit in front of her should be met with kindness and empathy. She incorporates Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) according to her client’s needs. Courtney’s expertise is working with those who have a hard time putting words to what they are experiencing through experiential therapy. This could be a good fit for those for whom traditional talk therapy has not worked well. She also provides faith-based therapy from a Christian perspective upon request. This could be a good fit for someone who is struggling with their faith and wants a safe place to work through it or in need of encouragement with their faith. Courtney has experience working with males and females aged 15 years and up. In her downtime, she enjoys rock climbing, playing with her dog, and reading.
Lisa Donnellan
LCMHC-S
Lisa Donnellan, LCMHC-S, Trauma-Focused CBT Therapist
Lisa Donnellan graduated from Northeastern University with a Bachelor in Science in Criminal Justice in 2002 and a Masters in Counseling from Suffolk University with honors in 2006. Lisa is a North Carolina Board-Certified Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor (LCMHC-S) and a certified trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapist. She has over 15 years of counseling experience working with children, adolescents and families. Lisa has experience working in a variety of settings to include private practice, public and charter schools and managed care. In the school setting, Lisa was a behavioral interventionist and Autism specialist and is available for educational consultation.. Lisa specializes in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, behavioral concerns, low self-esteem, social skills deficits, high-functioning Autism, changing family dynamics, ADHD and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Lisa offers a safe, non-judgemental, caring environment for her clients and views the counselor/client relationship as a collaboration. Her theoretical approach is Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral, Cognitive Behavioral, and Person-Centered. Outside of work, Lisa enjoys spending time with her husband, two girls and dog, Wilmer, as well as Burn Boot Camp, running and skiing. Lisa’s goal is to empower clients to make healthy changes for a happy, fulfilling life.
Apiffany Gaither
MS, LCMHC
Apiffany Gaither, MS, LCMHC
Jonathan Hardin
MA, NCC, LCMHC-A
Jonathan Hardin, MA, NCC, LCMHC-A
Elnora Heller
LCMHC-A
Elnora Heller, LCMHC-A
Corday Johnson
MA, LCMHC-A
Corday Johnson, MA, LCMHC-A
Kayla Kaesmeyer
MA, LCMHC-A
Kayla Kaesmeyer, MA, LCMHC-A
Bethany Kahoe
MA, LCMHC-A
Bethany Kahoe, MA, LCMHC-A
Bethany earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marymount University and her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Rowan University. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA) in North Carolina.
Bethany is a person-centered therapist who incorporates DBT and expressive art techniques into her practice. She has experience working with clients of all ages in private practice as well as residential settings. Bethany specializes in working with people facing challenges with pregnancy, fertility, and postpartum depression and anxiety. Bethany also works with many young adults dealing with anxiety, depression, life transitions, trauma, and identity issues. In her spare time, she enjoys painting, photography, cooking, and spending time with her family.
Kimberly B. Krueger
MSW, LCSW, LISW-CP, DBT-LBC
Kimberly Krueger, MSW, LCSW
Cahner Manns
MSW, LCSW-A
Cahner Manns, MSW, LCSW-A
Leona McLean
M.Ed., B.A.
Leona McLean, Counseling Coach, 504 and IEP Consultant, and Parent DBT Coach
Leona obtained her Masters degree in Counseling at Liberty University and is a Licensed Counselor. She is a member of the American Counseling Association (ACA) and the North Carolina School Counseling Association (NCSCA). She is a North Carolina and International Licensed Teacher and has a Certificate in Education from St. Martin’s College in Lancaster, England. She has 22 years experience teaching in London, England and Public, Private, and Charter schools in North Carolina. She also has a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Waterloo, Canada. With her experience in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School Based Counseling, and completing her internships both at Southlake Counseling and in North Carolina Schools, Leona is excited to offer clients:
DBT Skills Coaching for Individual and Groups;
504, IEP, BIP, MTSS Consultant;
Parent and Family Coaching;
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Teens Groups;
Mom’s Support Group;
Emotion Coaching;
Couples Coaching;
High conflict divorce/separation Coaching;
New Ways For Families Program;
Mental Health Coaching.
She is foundationally trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) through Behavioral Tech. created by Marsha Linehan. She works with DBT adolescent, parent, and adult groups, individual DBT skills, and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction for Teens groups. She is a certified Symbis Facilitator which allows her to conduct couples therapy and assessment. She has been trained in Autism awareness, neurofeedback, brain mapping, seizure protocol, suicide prevention, and cyberbullying.
Her experience as a Clinician and an Educator have strengthened her skills to communicate and develop a rapport with parents, families, and students of all ages. These relationships are instrumental in confirming her desire to pursue a career in counseling.
Leona has experience working in schools as an Educator and a School Counselor. She is Licensed in both fields and conducts 504 and IEP consultations with families and the school. She can work with the family and go through the steps and make sure the student’s needs are being met in the school environment. Packages are available.
She enjoys working with children 7 and up as well as teens, young adults, parents, adults, and families. She has experience working with anxiety, depression, suicide, personality disorder, post traumatic disorder, substance abuse, divorce/separation, neglect and abuse, childhood trauma, family dysfunction, grief, eating disorders, and self esteem. Her approach is using Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Family therapy, Person Centered therapy, Solution-Based therapy, and mindfulness techniques. She uses her skills to assist clients on their journey of self-discovery, so they have positive self-esteem, independence, and strategies needed to tackle different issues. Her clients can feel reassured, cared for, and understood that their needs are a priority. She is compassionate and committed to helping others to achieve their goals and find fulfillment in their life’s journey.
When she is not working, she enjoys traveling, cooking, supporting her children in their sports activities, spending time with her family and playing with her dog, Chewy.
Nimisha Merchant
LCMHC-A
Nimisha Merchant, LCMHC-A
Nimisha graduated from East Carolina University with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience
and a minor in biology in 2019. She then obtained her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health
Counseling from Wake Forest University in 2022. Nimisha is a North Carolina board-certified
licensed clinical mental health counselor associate (LCMHC-A). She has also completed her 200
hour- yoga teacher training to deepen her understanding of the mind-body connection. Nimisha’s
aspiration to become a counselor is rooted in her desire to assist individuals in dealing with their
everyday life, to normalize expressing feelings, and to eliminate the negative stigma that relates
to therapy and mental health. Nimisha draws from a few differential theoretical bases, including
mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, person-centered therapy, and existential therapy
approaches. She has experience working with individuals suffering from grief, anxiety,
depression, substance use disorders, relationship issues, and life transitions. Her approach to
therapy is to help individuals reach their fullest potential, and that journey begins with self-love.
In Nimisha’s free time, she enjoys spending time with her loved ones, yoga, working out,
gardening, reading, cooking, and being out in nature with her dog.
Johnia Murray
MA, LCMHC-A
Johnia Murray
Johnia graduated from North Carolina State University with her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2015. She is also a 2022 graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with her Master’s in Counseling with a Clinical Mental Health concentration and worked as a graduate assistant for the University Center of Academic Excellence with a focus on Learning Strategies and Instruction. Johnia is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor – Associate in the state of North Carolina. Johnia understands the struggle that people face to acknowledge and then seek help. With this in mind, she recognizes the importance of having a safe haven to approach vulnerability and creates such a space for all of her clients. While believing that people have the capacity to change, Johnia believes that the individual must want it first. In order to get there, Johnia approaches therapy in a way that is compassionate and empathetic, yet firm so that clients are empowered to show themselves their own strength. She is a person-centered therapist who blends skills and techniques from various forms of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to the needs of each individual client. Johnia has experience with clients aged 13 years and up. Her experience includes, yet is not limited to, working with depression, anxiety, trauma, life adjustment, stress, self-esteem, and body image. When Johnia isn’t in the office, you can find her baking something sweet or savory in the kitchen, enjoying a good book on the patio, and spending time with loved ones.
Hannah Pegram
MSW, LCSW-A
Hannah Pegram, MSW, LCSWA
Shaunda Randleman
MA, LCMHC
Shaunda Randleman, MA, LCMHC
Shaunda Randleman obtained her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2019. She also has a Bachelor of Arts in psychology with a minor in women’s and gender studies from Salem College in Winston-Salem, NC. Shaunda is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) who utilizes a person-centered approach and an eclectic combination of acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy tailored to each client. Authenticity, empathy, and equity are values that drive Shaunda in her work with clients. Shaunda works with adults and teenagers 13 and up. She specializes in working with the LGBTQIAP+ population, including clients exploring sexual/romantic orientation, gender expression, and transition. Shaunda has experience working with grief/loss, trauma, crisis, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, substance abuse, and PTSD. Shaunda is affirming of all genders, races, nationalities, ages, and abilities. Shaunda loves spending time with her partner and family, including her 2 dogs and 2 cats. In her free time, Shaunda enjoys reading, dancing, and gardening. Shaunda believes deeply in self-care and finding time to do the little things in life that make you happy.
Emily Rollins
MSW, LCSW-A, LMSW
Emily Rollins , MSW, LCSW-A, LMSW
Jojo Hoffman Skinner
MA, LMFT, LCAS-A
Jojo Hoffman Skinner, MA, LMFT, LCAS-A
Dodi Wicks
RD, LDN, CNSC
Dodi Wicks, RD, LDN, CNSC
Tyiesha Watkins
MSW, LCSWA
Tyiesha Watkins, MSW, LCSWA
Ashley Turbeville
MA, LCMHC-A
Ashley Turbeville, MA, LCMHC-A
Shelby Thompson
MA, LCMHC-A
Shelby Thompson
MA, LCMHC-A
Shelby graduated from Catawba College with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, where she was a Student-Athlete on the Women’s Soccer Team. She then achieved her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2022. Shelby is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor- Associate in the state of North Carolina.
Shelby believes in creating a genuine, open, non-judgmental environment for all of her clients, understanding that each and every person is doing the best that they can. She enters the therapeutic relationship with a passion to support her clients, while withholding the foundational belief that everyone has the unique ability to reveal their empowerment and create their goals. Shelby counsels from a Person-Centered approach while implementing Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, additionally integrating the collaboration of the mind, body, and environment.
Shelby has worked with adolescents and adults ages 12+, who sought support in anxiety, sport performance, depression, grief, self-harm, relationship building, life transitions, and eating disorders. She is passionate about working with individuals facing needs within sport performance, chronic illness or pain, obesity, eating disorders, anxiety, and grief. In her down time, Shelby enjoys weightlifting, coaching, and cooking. She is extremely passionate about advocating for Mental Health within the world of Athletics, striving to create change where change is needed.
Naila McConnell
MaEd in CMHC, LCMHCA
Naila McConnell
MaEd in CMHC, LCMHCA
Naila (she/her) is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA). She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Lander University (December 2018) and a Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Degree from The University of North Carolina at Pembroke (May 2022).
Naila chose to pursue counseling after an experience that led her to seek outside help. She was able to experience the positive impacts and life changes that came from seeing a counselor firsthand. Naila chose to enter a career in mental health because she wants to help people cope with the challenges that life brings them. Naila wants her work to make a positive impact and change in society. She has an eclectic approach to therapy implementing multiple approaches to be able to connect with each client and help aid in their journey.
Naila likes to utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Evidence-based Interventions. She operates from a strength-based approach, which empowers individuals to develop a stronger sense of self. She has experience with crisis intervention, outpatient therapy, individual therapy, family therapy, and group therapy. Naila is passionate about promoting overall wellness and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health.
She enjoys participating in activities that incorporate self-care and focus on the wellness of one’s body. Naila enjoys being with her dogs and loved ones, exercising, traveling, sports, outdoor activities, spending time near water and nature, as well as going on new adventures.
Administrative Staff
Susie Alvarez
Susie Alvarez joined the Southlake team in August of 2017 and has helped make our front office team complete. Susie ensures that each patient’s needs are met and can answer almost any question she is asked! When you arrive at Southlake, you will be greeted with her smiling face, and cheerful attitude. She plays a critical part in the billing, office administration, and scheduling for Southlake Counseling! She is responsible for much of the “behind the scenes” work that allows Southlake’s therapists to focus on our #1 priority – our clients! She loves coming to work everyday to see all of the change and growth that happens with each patient. Susie is such a critical component of our office here at Southlake, and we are so thankful for all that she brings to the team! When not at work, Susie love to spend time with her dogs, working on her flowers outside, and trying new restaurants.
Nikki Coffey
Nikki Coffey
“When I look into the eyes of an animal, I do not see an animal. I see a living being. I see a friend. I feel a soul.” — A.D. Nikki is an administrative assistant with Southlake Counseling and has a passion for mental health and animals. After attending Rowan-Cabarrus and Arizona State University, she hopes to graduate with her associate’s degree in the Fall of 2022. Her dream is to someday pursue a bachelor’s degree in Mental Health Counseling. Being a lover of all animals, she will be the first one to tell you that dogs hold a special place in her heart. She aspires to someday own and operate an animal sanctuary. In her spare time, you can find her drawing and painting while mellowing out to music.
Taylor Fick
M.Ed., B.A.
Taylor Fick
Taylor, who joined in January 2021, is a part of the administrative team here at Southlake Counseling, carrying out duties such as scheduling, billing, insurance verification, and marketing. Taylor graduated from East Carolina University in December 2020, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Alcohol and Drug Studies. Since graduating, Taylor has not only obtained her job at Southlake but has received her certificate as a Health and Life Coach and has become a Licensed Be Body Positive Facilitator; a group that is a part of Southlake’s Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for eating disorders. In August 2021, she started graduate school at Arizona State University where she is obtaining her master’s degree in Psychology. Taylor plans to continue to receive her Ph.D./Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, in hopes of becoming a Clinical Psychologist working in-patient with individuals who have DID, Schizophrenia, Personality, and eating disorders. In her free time, she likes to hang out with friends and family, travel, go to festivals, watch movies with her dog Turbo, and cook/bake!
Dawn Aquino
Dawn Aquino
Dawn is our billing specialist and, in a word, is awesome! There aren’t adequate words to express what she brings to our office. Her warmth and genuine concern for our clients is easily felt by all who come into contact with her. Her friendly smile and laugh make working with her a complete joy––one she extends to each and every client. Dawn provides the Southlake team with professional yet approachable front office staff, so when you walk through our doors, you feel like you matter. Dawn believes every client matters and takes her job seriously. Many of our clients comment that she is the “icing on the cake” here at Southlake. Dawn is skilled at all aspects of billing and her knowledge and ability to work with insurance companies is unparalleled. She can answer most billing questions and if she doesn’t know the answer, she will research to figure it out. Her smile and consistent positive attitude are reassuring from the moment our clients walk into the office.
Natalie Yager
Natalie Yager
Natalie received her bachelor’s in Psychology from UNCC. After college, she worked in Animal Welfare for a few years before deciding she was ready to make the switch back to using my degree. As the Client Care Coordinator here at Southlake, Natalie reaches out to potential clients who are seeking our services and tries to match them with a therapist who best fits their needs as well as follow up with our new clients after their first sessions. She enjoys working with people and animals so in her free time Natalie likes to volunteer at the Humane Society of Charlotte as well as spend time with her cat, friends, and family.