![Beach Walkway](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_17b2ddb5f408460f948e4fb2a0b95691~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_735,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/11062b_17b2ddb5f408460f948e4fb2a0b95691~mv2.jpg)
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Therapist
Carla Vaughn, 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. My special interests 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. 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!
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Graduate Intern
Mackayla Thomas
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. 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. My special interest include family, marriage, children, and adolescents. 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!
![IMG_5582.JPG](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/16cff4_36547b3c6e7d4971b8eb73570c3497e5~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_0,w_1463,h_1229/fill/w_400,h_336,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/IMG_5582_JPG.jpg)
Graduate Intern
Ashayla Thomas
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.
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Founder/Clinical Director
X. Sherry Zhang, LCSW-S, PMH-C
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 believe in creating a safe, non-judgmental space where you can be yourself, work through what’s on your mind, and get the tools you need to grow. 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. We’ll tackle the tough stuff head-on, but I promise we’ll find lightness too. I’m here to support you every step of the way. Let's do the work and grow together! Serving in the Marine Corps helped shape my approach toward accountability and my unwavering commitment to growth. 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). My professional journey: ​ I started my career working beside veterans and their families. I continued working with adults and children experiencing domestic violence and sexual assault at a nonprofit by providing therapy and training. I then transitioned into community health care as part of the integrated behavior health team collaborating with primary care physicians and specialty physicians (OB, Pediatrics, and Geriatric ) engaging in therapy and crisis management for vulnerable populations. I trained as an expert witness in court for cases related to domestic violence and sexual assault to help the general public understand the impact domestic violence and sexual assault can have on individuals and families. 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.  Certification: Board Approved Supervisor Perinatal Mental Health-Certified Dialectic Behavior Therapy-Certified