Meet The Team
Lisa Johanns, LPC
Clinical Director, Co-Owner
I have been a therapist for over a decade, and have worked in all levels of care. My passion is working with individuals who are traumatized. Friends and acquaintances often ask how I can do this work. The answer is simple: when I meet a person who has experienced trauma, I don’t see the tragedy, I see the resiliency.
I originally was trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and have used that model successfully with children and families. When looking to expand my trauma toolbox, I sought training in EMDR. Although initially skeptical of the model, the neurobiological evidence appealed to the part of me that was a biology teacher before I was a therapist. By untangling traumatic memories, we can build positive connections between our emotions and thoughts to create a more whole, positive self-image.
As an EMDRIA approved consultant, I am passionate about helping EMDR clinicians grow in their skills to become not only competent, but confident in using EMDR. I have seen the benefit my clients have gained from this work, and know we need more therapists out there to help clients on their journey towards healing.
Charlotte LaForest, LMSW
Therapist
I love working with people of all different ages, and have done so in clinical, medical, and faith community settings. I am passionate about the work of trauma healing in all aspects of the self—mind, body, and spirit. Trauma impacts all of these areas, but the great news is that each one has unique resources to offer in the work of healing.
I am trained in several modalities for trauma healing, including EMDR, Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga, and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction.
I have particular expertise working with those who have experienced religious and spiritual trauma, perinatal loss, narcissistic abuse and domestic violence, as well as those living with cancer, complex medical issues, and chronic or terminal illness.
In addition to my therapeutic work, I am a priest in the Episcopal Church, a mom of three, and the owner of a very extroverted Spinone Italiano named Benny. I’m an avid reader, a writer, a knitter always looking for an interesting pattern, and a lover of single-origin coffee.
I look forward to hearing your story and journeying with you on the path toward healing.
Nicole Kidd-Taylor, LPC-A
Therapist
Amazon best-selling author, publisher, philanthropist, educator, mentor, and counselor are just some of the traits that describe Nicole. She also holds a B.A in Psychology and a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health with a specific focus on trauma. She specializes in anxiety, depression, trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance use.
Nicole provides a safe, empathetic, and judgment-free space for self-exploration by adopting a holistic approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. Nicole seeks to empower clients with the tools and insights needed to navigate life’s obstacles and create lasting, positive change. She is a clinician with a deep commitment to inclusivity who seeks to create a therapeutic environment that is culturally sensitive, affirming, and inclusive. By understanding the unique experiences and perspectives of each client, she utilizes a tailored approach to meet a client’s specific needs. Her approaches include evidence-based practices, mindfulness techniques, and collaborative goal-setting.
Nicole was recently awarded the Cheryl Leary humanitarian award which is a distinguished award that is given once a year to a student that exemplifies excellent human service throughout the community. With a commitment to ongoing learning and a genuine passion for supporting others, she fosters lasting, positive changes.
Bajah Shaheed, LPC-A
Therapist
Bajah holds a Master of Science in Counseling and Human Services and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Her interest is enabling children, and young adults to feel more secure in themselves while developing an understanding of how to minimize the negative impressions of trauma, anxiety, depression, and other potential long-term issues. She is actively dedicated to decolonizing the course of healing. Her methods are centered on advocacy, dignity, positive regard, and empathy, using collaborative goal-setting, mindfulness exercises, and evidence-based strategies.
She is aware of the connection between realities, emotions, and the body, and works to empower others with means for managing intersectional stressors. Her approaches are grounded in support, respect, compassion, and humanity. She also applies data-supported customs, partnership, and seeks to incite awareness development. Bajah aims to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills to cope with life’s challenges and bring about long-lasting, constructive wellness. In addition, she fosters identity development while supporting safe and healthy lifestyle practices.
Fred Johanns III
Executive Director, Co-Owner
Fred trained professionally as a software engineer and always had a interest in team psychology specifically what environments enable teams to do their best work. Luckily he married a clinician so perhaps it’s no surprise that his last several executive leadership positions where ones where he worked to create high performing teams and psychologically safe, diverse environments.
Fred runs all of our background operations- from “IT Guy” to marketing, finances, floor sweeping, and generally anything not clinically related.