Meet The Team
Administrators
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Kathleen Bready, M.Ed., LCMHC, QS
Kathleen is the owner and manager of Southeast Child & Family Guidance. After putting herself through undergraduate and graduate school working as a restaurant server, legal secretary, and paralegal; she is prepared for the hard work it takes to run a business. With 25-plus years experience working as a psychotherapist in various private practices, Kathleen brings the best of what she’s learned to Southeast Child and Family Guidance.
Diane Monroe, BA
Nancy Nicholas, BA
Nancy Nicholas earned her bachelor of arts degree in journalism from the University of Rhode Island and worked for nearly 20 years as a reporter and editor of weekly, community newspapers in Connecticut, New York and Massachusetts before relocating with her family to the Waxhaw area. While raising her two daughters and son, Nancy volunteered at their schools and extracurricular activities as well as The Hospitality House of Charlotte, which provides housing to families with loved ones in nearby hospitals.
She aids our clients in verifying insurance benefits and connecting them to the right therapist as well as other clerical tasks and marketing strategies.
Lorraine Berkowitz, BBA
Lorraine Berkowitz earned her bachelor of business administration degree in marketing from Hofstra University and worked for 15 years for several retailers on Long Island before relocating with her family to the Waxhaw area. While raising her son and daughter, Lorraine volunteered at their schools and extracurricular activities, as well as currently volunteers on several committees serving her neighborhood HOA. She aids our clients connecting them to the right therapist in verifying insurance benefits and as well as other clerical tasks and record keeping.
Therapists
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Kathleen M. Bready, M.Ed., LCMHC, QS
Kathleen earned her master of education degree from the University of North Florida in 1995. She specialized in mental health counseling, and participated in two practicum programs. One focused on biofeedback, stress management, and wellness promotion; and the other focused on sexual abuse with both victims and perpetrators. Since graduate school, Kathleen has worked in residential treatment facilities and hospitals, but she has spent most of her time working in private practices. Over the years she has narrowed her focus to specialize in three areas: anxiety and stress management, teens and parents, and couples. Kathleen uses emotionally focused therapy when working with couples and families and is working toward her certification in this. When working with clients who suffer with anxiety, she uses cognitive processing therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness therapy, and relaxation therapy.
In addition to in-person sessions, Kathleen is able to provide telehealth behavioral health sessions to residents of South Carolina (registration llr.sc.gov).
Kathleen accepts the following insurances: Aetna, BCBS, CBHA, Cigna/Evernorth, Coventry PPO, Humana Military/TriCare, MedCost, United HealthCare.
This therapist is not taking new clients at this time.
Emily Abernathy, MSW, LCSW
Emily is a licensed clinical social worker and has been a therapist since 2017. She earned her master’s degree at University of North Carolina Chapel Hill’s nationally ranked School of Social Work and has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, also earned at UNC Chapel Hill.
Emily loves to help children and teens transform from feeling overwhelmed and stuck to feeling calm, capable, and confident to be themselves. Emily uses non-directive therapy, including child-centered play therapy and sand tray therapy, to create a safe, and engaging space in which kids and teens can work through challenges and grow toward greater confidence and self-esteem, break free from problematic symptoms and patterns, and begin to confidently manage stress and difficult emotions.
Emily commonly treats anxiety, depression, trauma, overwhelming stress, difficulty managing emotions, adjustment difficulties, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, and motivation challenges. Before becoming a therapist Emily loved working with children and families as an elementary school teacher, which has given her a unique understanding of the intersection of the social, emotional, behavioral, and academic factors which affect school-age children. Emily is passionate about how therapy can help children, teens, and families experience hope and confidence.
Emily accepts the following insurances: Aetna, BCBS, CBHA, Cigna/Evernorth, Humana Military/TriCare, MedCost, and United HealthCare.
Angela Alimi, MSW, LCSWA
Angela Alimi is a licensed clinical social worker associate (LCSWA) who has worked with adolescents and young adults in a variety of capacities including, child welfare, foster care, substance abuse, and at mental health facilities. She has a passion for working with clients who have experienced trauma related issues, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and identity development. She is open to all identities and is an advocate for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ youth and young adults. Angela uses holistic therapies and psychotherapies for clients’ individual needs. Her therapeutic skills include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapies (TF-CBT), trauma-informed therapy, and has an interest in becoming certified in eye, movement, desensitization, and reprocessing therapy (EMDR). Angela also uses holistic therapies such as meditation and other mindfulness practices, breathwork, and sound therapy.
Angela earned her master of social work from the University of Southern California. During her time there she focused on the needs of Middle Eastern and South Asian diaspora in the United States. Angela is very welcoming and provides a safe space for her clients to express themselves in a therapeutic setting.
Angela accepts the following insurances: Aetna, BCBS, CBHA, Cigna/Evernorth and MedCost.
Tolu Ayoola, MSW, LCSWA
Tolu is a licensed clinical social worker associate, having received her undergraduate degree in social work from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte; and her masters from Walden University.
She has more than 15 years of experience working in the areas of child welfare, mental and behavioral health and community services. Tolu enjoys working with adolescents and teens creating programs and activities to help them manage behavioral and environmental challenges. Drawing on her years helping children and their families in residential and community settings, Tolu works with children with behavioral issues, trauma, anxiety, depression, self-worth and changes in family dynamics. She also supports families in managing conflicts by developing coping strategies. She utilizes various therapeutic skills, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), to support each individualized need.
Tolu is married with three children. She loves to travel, cook and read novels.
Tolu accepts the following insurances: Aetna, BCBS, Cigna/Evernorth and MedCost.
Angela Beachkofsky, PhD, LP, HSP-P
Dr. Angela Beachkofsky is a seasoned psychologist with more than 20 years of experience in helping individuals, couples, and families navigate their way through life. She helps her clients draw on their strengths and identify any areas in need of change. Angela is both encouraging and challenging as she works to help her client’s in strengthening relationships and building healthy emotions.
Her clinical interests have grown from general therapy issues into more niche areas such as couples, anxiety, obsessive compulsive behaviors, career, grief, chronic pain, substance abuse, self-injurious behaviors, personality disorders, trauma, and faith-based issues. I have also expanded into psychological testing ranging from personality, differential diagnosis, pre-surgical screening (e.g., spinal cord stimulator implants, bariatric), and cognitive assessments. Angela’s experience also includes training medical residents, supervision of masters/doctoral students, consulting, and teaching at a collegiate level.
Angela’s educational background includes a PhD in counseling psychology and master’s in marriage and family therapy. Her approach involves knowledge and utilization of evidenced-based therapies such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Acceptance and Commitment (ACT), and Metacognitive Therapy (MCT).
Angela offers self pay rates.
Eden Bozza, MSW, LCSW
Eden is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 20 years of experience, earning her master’s degree in Social Work from Adelphi University in 1989. Her work focuses on women’s issues, maternal mental health, anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, and self-worth. She works with adults, utilizing therapeutic techniques based upon the individualized needs of the client.
In addition to in-person sessions, Eden is able to provide telehealth behavioral health sessions to residents of South Carolina (registration llr.sc.gov).
Eden accepts the following insurances: Aetna, BCBS, CBHA, Cigna/Evernorth, Humana Military/TriCare, MedCost, and United HealthCare.
London Bradshaw, MS, LCMHCA
London is a licensed clinical mental health counselor associate in the state of North Carolina as well as a licensed K-12 school counselor. She earned her master of arts degree in Counseling from Appalachian State University and has a variety of experience working with children and adolescents in the elementary school setting.
London’s passion lies in creating a nurturing environment where young minds can flourish. With a playful and empathetic approach, she brings a unique blend of clinical and school-based support. Her goal is to create a safe space for children and adolescents to explore their challenges, fostering resilience and empowering them to thrive academically and emotionally.
London accepts the following insurances: Aetna, BCBS, CBHA, Cigna/Evernorth and Medcost.
Juliene Cook, MS, LCMHC
Juliene earned her master’s degree in Counseling from Canisius College in Buffalo NY in 1999. She is a licensed clinical mental health counselor as well as a licensed school counselor. With more than 20 years experience as a middle school counselor, she specializes in working with children (ages 10+) and adolescents. Juliene also offers individual counseling services for adults. Her therapeutic basis is from the Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavioral approach. She believes that everyone has the innate ability to overcome obstacles and challenges presented in their lives. She believes that by establishing goals with the client and their family, and through the use of specific counseling interventions, clients gain an increase in self-awareness, self-regulation and self-worth. She is also a Therapy Dogs International Handler and may employ the use of her 7-pound Yorkipoo, Chloe to assist in the therapy process, when necessary. Juliene is also able to guide parents to access appropriate school interventions and support plans (IEP and Section 504).
Juliene accepts the following insurances: Aetna, BCBS, CBHA, Cigna/Evernorth, Humana Military/TriCare, MedCost and United HealthCare.
Ashley Elsaesser MS.Ed, LCMHC
Ashley is a licensed clinical mental health counselor as well as a licensed school counselor who earned her master’s degree in school counseling from the University of Buffalo (Buffalo, NY). With more than seven years of experience as a School Counselor, she specializes in working with children ages six and older. She also offers individual counseling services for adults up to age 39. Ashley believes in embracing her client’s inner strengths to promote growth and positive healing. Through a client-centered approach, she utilizes solution focused and cognitive behavioral counseling techniques to meet her client’s needs. She also specializes in the use of play therapy techniques with her younger clients to develop rapport and promote change. Her approach has helped her clients to develop positive coping strategies for anxiety, ADD/ADHD, depression, trauma, family dynamic changes and various presenting concerns. She also guides parents to access appropriate school interventions and support plans (IEP and Section 504) when necessary.
Ashley provides only telehealth behavioral health sessions.
Ashley accepts the following insurances: Aetna, BCBS, CBHA, Cigna/Evernorth, Humana Military/TriCare, MedCost and United HealthCare.
Rhonda Hauge, LCSW, ATR
Rhonda is a licensed clinical social worker and registered art therapist with more than 25 years of experience working in a variety of settings including a psychiatric hospital, a residential treatment facility, schools and private practices. Before earning a master of social work degree from Fordham University in 1991, Rhonda earned her masters of art therapy degree from State College University at Buffalo in New York in 1985.
Rhonda works with children, adolescents, adults and families addressing a variety of concerns including depression, anxiety, PTSD, adjustment issues, grief, and self-worth issues. She utilizes an array of modalities including trauma focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, insight oriented therapy, mindfulness, art therapy, and play therapy. Rhonda has also conducted group therapy for trauma and anxiety issues.
Rhonda provides only telehealth behavioral health sessions for North Carolina and South Carolina residents (SC registration llr.sc.gov).
Rhonda accepts the following insurances: Aetna, Beacon, BCBS, CBHA, Cigna/Evernorth, Humana Military/TriCare, MedCost, and United HealthCare.
Teri Hipp, MA, LCMHC
Teri earned her master of arts degree in Human Development Counseling in 1992 from Bradley University and is a registered yoga teacher (RYT- 200). Teri has more than 15 years experience helping children, adolescents, and adults from diverse backgrounds in a variety of settings. As a certified TF-CBT therapist, she has extensive experience working with children and families who have experienced trauma.
She has worked in residential treatment programs with young victims of sexual abuse, and to reunify families by empowering parents and improving communication and coping skills. She has a strong background in developmental psychology and utilizes this in working with children and adolescents as they work through transitions. Teri also counsels couples, incorporating emotionally focused therapy during sessions as she works toward certification in this therapeutic model. After completing her yoga teacher training in 2007, Teri began incorporating yoga as a treatment modality in group and individual settings. Most recently, Teri has concentrated on utilizing yoga in helping women who struggle with anxiety, and in helping teens who struggle with body image.
Teri provides only telehealth behavioral health sessions.
Teri accepts the following insurances: Aetna, BCBS, CBHA, Cigna/Evernorth, Coventry PPO, MedCost, and United HealthCare.
Larry Liebgold, MA, CGP, LCMHC
Larry has been a practicing psychotherapist since 2005. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Tennessee and his master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health from Adams State University in Colorado. Larry has advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples, is a Certified Gestalt Therapist and a Certified Group Psychotherapist. Larry uses his years of training and experience to help individuals, and couples, identify and remove the road blocks to satisfying lives and relationships. Larry uses patient and compassionate connection as the pathway to discovery and change.
Larry is an active member of the American Group Psychotherapist Association and the International Center of Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples.
Larry accepts the following insurances: Aetna, BCBS, CBHA, Cigna/Evernorth, MedCost, United HealthCare, VA-CCN.
Shannon McDonough, MSW, LCSW
As a licensed clinical social worker and a mental health therapist with more than 25 years of experience, Shannon is dedicated to helping people overcome their emotional and behavioral challenges and achieve their goals. Shannon has a master’s degree in social work from University of South Carolina and a specialization in dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, and grief therapy, which are evidence-based approaches that can effectively address a range of issues, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance abuse.
Shannon enjoys working with a diverse and dynamic population of clients, and strives to create a safe and supportive environment for them to grow and thrive.
In addition to in-person sessions, Shannon is able to provide telehealth behavioral health sessions to residents of South Carolina (registration llr.sc.gov).
Shannon accepts the following insurances: Aetna, BCBS, Carelon, CBHA, Cigna/Evernorth, Coventry PPO, Humana Military/Tricare, MedCost, and United HealthCare.
Yasmeen Ojwang, MSW LCSWA
Yasmeen Ojwang is a licensed clinical social worker associate who specializes in working with adolescent girls and women who have anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and trauma related issues as well as self-esteem issues, family conflict and life transitions.
She uses a holistic, strength-based approach that is nonjudgmental and creates a transformational healing space for clients to be completely themselves. Yasmeen believes in partnering with her clients to help them address, process, and heal from childhood trauma and other traumatic experiences they have endured. She believes that healing your inner child opens the door to being a confident, present, and thriving individual to live a meaningful life. Yasmeen received her master of social work degree from Rutgers University, where she focused on trauma and abuse in women and children. She has more than 10 years of experience in trauma-focused counseling and evidence based therapeutic practices. Over the years, Yasmeen has provided tangible tools to adolescents, women, and families to aid in their healing process in the United States and Africa. Yasmeen pulls from various modalities to help in the work she does with her clients. She draws heavily from Cognitive Behavior Therapy, TF-CBT, Functional Family Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness. Her practice is focused on helping clients tap into the intersection between spirituality, mental health, and total wellness.
Yasmeen provides only telehealth behavioral health sessions.
Yasmeen accepts the following insurances: Aetna, BCBS, CBHA, Cigna/Evernorth and MedCost.
Jennifer Pompeii, MS, LCMHCA
Jennifer is a dedicated licensed clinical mental health counselor associate (LCMHCA) and a national certified counselor (NCC). She earned her master of science degree in clinical mental health counseling from Capella University and has more than 10 years in the mental health field.
She enjoys working with high school-aged teens and adults, and her specialties include: anxiety and stress, depression, trauma, boundary setting, and self-esteem difficulties.
Jennifer understands that every client is unique and does not believe in a “one-size fits all” approach. Instead, she uses a combination of evidence-based therapeutic approaches and interventions that would be most helpful and supportive for her clients. This may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution focused behavioral therapy (SFBT), or mindfulness therapy. Regardless of the modality, Jennifer offers a safe space full of compassion and free of judgement to help clients heal their pain, restore a sense of balance, improve their ability to experience peace and happiness, and be their most authentic selves.
Jennifer accepts the following insurances: Aetna, BCBS, CBHA, Cigna/Evernorth and MedCost.
Jenny Pierre-Renville, PhD, LCMHCA
Dr. Jenny Pierre-Renville is a licensed clinical mental health counselor associate, a certified counselor recognized by the National Board of Certified Counselors, and a certified life coach with the American Association of Christian Counselors. Jenny has a doctorate in healthcare administration with a concentration in integrated behavioral health.
Jenny has extensive training in holistic modalities, offering clients a comprehensive approach that focuses on the whole person. She holds other specializations in neurocognitive conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, mood and behavioral disorders, and trauma therapy.
She combines clinical skills with compassion to help people of diverse backgrounds reclaim their joy. Through her holistic approach to therapy, she helps navigate unique situations to restore mind, body, and spirit balance. This approach considers everyone unique and tailors treatment to the individual, developing their mental, spiritual, physical, and emotional awareness and well-being. Part of the process could include working collaboratively with a client’s primary care physician, where healthcare is integrated, and the client is supported throughout the continuum of care.
Jenny values human connectedness and enjoys working with people struggling to find their purpose and strengths or identifying their overall compass or “North.” Jenny enjoys assisting people throughout their journey to discovering who they are and finding meaning in their lives. She believes in the human spirit and that it is resilient to overcome any challenge and life obstacle. Jenny believes that there is meaning and purpose to every life. She aims to help individuals, couples, and families become empowered to fulfill their goals, thrive, heal, and live out their divine potential.
Jenny accepts the following insurances: Aetna, BCBS and Cigna.
Sandra Rice, MA, LCMHC
Sandra earned her master’s degree in mental health counseling in 2014 with a specialization in trauma and has more than 10 years of experience working in the mental health field. Sandra is a rostered Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT) clinician and has extensive training in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics from The Child trauma Academy.
She has experience in a variety of settings including a psychiatric treatment facility and day treatment for children and adolescents with significant trauma histories and has worked as a therapist in community, home, school and private practice settings. Sandra has worked with domestic violence shelters, child advocacy centers and resource centers for victims of sexual assault or abuse. Sandra has focused on treating depression, anxiety, trauma, and other mood, personality and adjustment disorders and works with adults, children and families.
Sandra accepts the following insurances: Aetna, BCBS, CBHA, Cigna/Evernorth, Humana Military/TriCare, MedCost and United HealthCare.
Katherine Smith, MA, LCMHCA
Katherine graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA) and a National Certified Counselor (NCC), who is working towards additional training to become an EMDR Certified therapist. Katherine is passionate about utilizing a person-centered approach while integrating elements of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT). She believes building a strong client-therapist partnership is an integral part of creating a safe space for vulnerability and growth. Katherine has experience working in private practice and college counseling environments.
Katherine works with clients from a wide range of backgrounds ranging from ages 18 to 65 and roots her work in holding a safe space for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ clients. She is passionate about supporting clients experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, sexual trauma, complex trauma, LGBTQIA+ transitions, family conflict, relationship concerns, self-worth difficulties, and work/academic pressure.
Katherine provides only telehealth behavioral health sessions
Katherine accepts the following insurances: Aetna, BCBS, Carelon, CBHA, Cigna/Evernorth, and MedCost.
Jennifer Thompson-Solis MSW, LCSW
Jennifer earned her master’s degree in social work from California State University, Bakersfield. She is a licensed clinical social worker in both North Carolina and California. With more than 12 years of experience in the behavioral health field, she has been supporting individual and families navigate unexpected life changes, traumatic events, grief and loss, and relationship difficulties.
She has experience working with specialty populations such as foster youth, incarcerated individuals, co-occurring disorders, and acute crisis situations. Jennifer also has supervisor experience, including supervising a children’s outpatient clinic and being a field practicum supervisor for Master of Social Work Students. Jennifer previously represented a California Behavioral Health Department as an expert and liaison for the Early Childhood Council of Kern, the Homeless Collaborative, and the Zero Suicide Task Force.
Jennifer’s goal is to create a safe, non-judgmental, and comfortable space for all people to navigate life’s challenges drawing on their strengths and skills. Therapy is a great tool that can help make the inevitable ups and downs in life manageable.
Jennifer accepts the following insurances: Aetna, BCBS, Carelon, CBHA, Cigna/Evernorth, Humana Military/TriCare, MedCost, and United HealthCare.
Alexis Stadler, MS.Ed, LCMHCA
Alexis is a licensed clinical mental health counselor associate in the state of North Carolina as well as a licensed k-12 school counselor in NC and NY. She has worked as an advocate for at-risk youth, college counselor, school counselor and 504 coordinator for the last 10 years in the school setting.
Alexis has helped students and their families navigate life stressors, mental illness, grief/loss, medical complexities/disabilities, homelessness and trauma. She has a special clinical interest in working with families who are navigating chronic illness in both children and adults as well as working with young adults navigating life changes.
She takes a person-centered approach to counseling and adjusts the modality being used to meet the client where he or she is at the moment. Alexis likes to provide a warm and welcoming environment where clients feel free to be themselves in order to create meaningful change in their lives. She is neurodiversity affirming and LGBTQIA+ affirming.
Alexis accepts the following insurances: Aetna, BCBS, CBHA, Cigna/Evernorth and MedCost.
Anne Velasco, MSW, LCSW, LCAS
Before earning her master of social work degree in 2010, Anne earned her master of art degree in sociology in 1999, and worked in educational research until 2008. She received both degrees from the University of North Carolina-Charlotte. She began a job in social work at a community mental health center before joining us at Southeast Child and Family Guidance. Anne is a licensed clinical social worker and is a licensed chemical addictions specialist-associate, working with adolescents and adults. Having taught women’s studies at the university level and having focused on men’s issues in her MSW capstone, she has a special interest in gender issues. She provides treatment and support to help clients modify problem behaviors, and to recover from addiction and other mental health issues. Anne enjoys working with individuals as well as facilitating groups. She has training in dialectical behavioral therapy, and specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy.
In addition to in-person sessions, Anne is able to provide telehealth behavioral health sessions to residents of South Carolina (registration llr.sc.gov).
Anne accepts the following insurances: Aetna, BCBS, Carelon, CBHA, Cigna/Evernorth, Coventry PPO, Humana Military/TriCare, MedCost and United HealthCare.