Hello!
I'm Stacy.
If there's one thing I have learned over the years it's this:
Kids and teens want to be understood just as much as they want to feel better.
The young people I work with are often carrying around worries they don't know how to explain. Emotions that feel too big. Or experiences that have left them feeling confused, angry, or like something is wrong with them.
One of my favorite parts of this work is helping kids and teens to realize they're not "too much" or "too sensitive" or "bad".
They're human.
And with the right support, healing is possible.
Why I Do This Work
My own life has taught me that every child deserves to feel heard, understood, and accepted for who they are.
As an adoptee, someone who grew up with undiagnosed ADHD, and a parent who has experienced profound loss, I know firsthand that our experiences shape how we see ourselves and the world around us.
Those experiences don't define my work, but they do remind me every day how important it is to create a space where people don't have to pretend they're okay or carry difficult things alone.
That perspective continues to shape the therapist I strive to be.
When I'm not being a Therapist:
-
I never say no to a good chai tea latte
-
I've watched every episode of New Girl about 100 times
-
I believe humor belongs in therapy because healing and laughing should exist together
-
I have been lovingly called the "Teenage Whisperer" and I'll happily take that title
-
I genuinely enjoy getting to know teenagers, even the ones who "don't want to be here"
-
Ruby, my dog in the picture, loves coming to my office and getting pets and occasionally stealing stress balls
Qualifications
-
Licensed Professional Counselor (Virginia)
-
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (North Carolina)
-
Over 15 years of experience working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families
-
DBT trained and certified
-
TF-CBT Certified
-
Extensive trainings for children and adolescents who have experienced trauma, adoption, and home transitions