Our Amazing Team
Meet our dedicated team of mental health professionals who are passionate about supporting holistic well-being and committed to helping you and your family to cultivate change.
Carla Vaughn, therapist
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Hello! I am a licensed psychotherapist with a Master's degree in Counseling from University of Houston- Clear Lake. I dedicated the last 18 years to education, including 9 years as a teacher and 9 as a school counselor across both elementary and high school settings. I’ve had the privilege of working with diverse individuals and challenges. During this time I also worked in the private practice setting specializing in treating depression, anxiety, stress management, and trauma.
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My area of specialties include veteran mental health, LGBTQIA+ mental health, and women's mental health.
I take a person-centered approach to therapy, working collaboratively to overcome life’s obstacles.
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My background in education has provided me with unique insights into family systems, emotional development, and social dynamics. I’m dedicated to helping you find solutions to the difficulties you’re facing. I believe that being comfortable in your own skin is essential.
Outside of work, I love to travel, spend time with my loved ones, attend concerts, watch movies, and, above all, enjoy plenty of laughter!
Mackayla Thomas, therapist
Graduate Intern
I am a graduate student at Grand Canyon University studying Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I am passionate about offering a steady support system to clients, helping them navigating through life’s challenges and transitions.
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I believe in creating a space for people where they feel safe, understood, and empowered to grow throughout their own unique path. I believe my teaching background has helped strengthen my empathy and patience, which are both qualities that I bring into my counseling sessions.
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My special interest include family, marriage, children, and adolescents.
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When I am not working within the classroom or in sessions, you can find me catching up on the latest Netflix shows (probably watching rewatching This Is Us or Gilmore Girls for the 100th time), reading a good book, or going to concerts with my friends!
Ashayla Thomas, therapist
Graduate Intern
X. Sherry Zhang, therapist
Licensed Clinical Social Worker-Supervisor (LCSW-S)
Perinatal Mental Health Certified (PMH-C)
I am a graduate student at Grand Canyon University working toward a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I am passionate about providing clients with a reliable support system as they navigate life’s challenges and transitions. My goal is to create a space where individuals feel safe, valued, and empowered to grow on their unique paths.
As an educator, I bring empathy, patience, and adaptability to my counseling practice. My teaching background has given me the opportunity to connect with diverse individuals, understand their unique needs, and foster growth in challenging situations. Combined with strong communication, active listening, and problem-solving skills, these qualities enable me to cultivate a safe and supportive environment where clients can thrive.
My areas of interest include working with families, couples, children, and adolescents.
When I’m not in the classroom or counseling, I enjoy tackling my never-ending TBR list and spending quality time with friends and family.
Hi! I’m a millennial (in case you were wondering) mental health therapist with a passion for helping people navigate the ups and downs of life. My approach? It’s a blend of empathy, humor, and straight talk. Therapy can feel heavy, but that doesn’t mean we can’t laugh along the way. I value the importance of connection (we gotta like each other for this to work) and authenticity. I understand the unique challenges that can come with balancing cultural expectations, identity, and mental health.
My experiences span from working with veterans, survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, pain management, and community mental health working in primary care and speciality care clinics. I trained as an expert witness in court for cases related to domestic violence and sexual assault. While working in community health care I provided continued education training and consultation to physicians completing their residency, participated in community advocacy, and case management.
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My areas of specialties include OCD, trauma, and chronic pain. I am a certified perinatal mental health provide. I am an advocate for veterans mental health, BIPOC mental health, and LGBTQIA+ mental health.
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In my spare time I enjoy spending time with those I love, being outdoors (especially close to the water), watching a good movie/show (sometimes bad reality TV shows), and making terrible jokes (I think I'm pretty funny).