Team

Rachel is a group facilitator for KCCS, and also sees individual clients remotely. Rachel holds an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Antioch University, New England, as well as an MBA and a BA in speech communication from California State University, Fresno. Rachel works with adolescents, teens, and families, and specializes in behavioral issues, anxiety, ADHD, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Rachel uses a wide range of evidence-based approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), and play therapy. Rachel is also trained in the use of the Nurtured Heart Approach and Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE).

Rachel has experience with crisis and trauma counseling, and has led substance abuse treatment groups in addition to counseling individuals and families impacted by drug and alcohol addiction. She utilizes tools of mindfulness, expressive arts, and play to support the growth and development of her clients in an atmosphere of warmth and acceptance. Rachel lives in a jungle of houseplants, enjoys hiking, experimenting in the kitchen, and loves to foster animals.

Kori Saunders is a group facilitator at KCCS, and is also the owner and founder of Saunders Psychology and Assessment located in Washington D.C. They completed their undergraduate program at the University of Nebraska, and attended The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (Chicago, IL) to obtain their doctorate degree (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology, in addition to their Master’s in Forensic Psychology. They also completed their APA internship at UC Davis Children’s Hospital.

Dr. Saunders specializes in providing compassionate and comprehensive support to neurodivergent and gender-expansive youth and young adults. As a non-binary and neurodivergent psychologist, Dr. Saunders has valuable insights into the nuanced needs and experiences of these distinct populations. They are committed to increasing awareness of Autistic affirming and gender affirming approaches, and dedicate their career to promoting mental health and well-being within these communities.

In addition to providing group and individual therapeutic and diagnostic services, they facilitate a mentor program and author a children’s book series. Dr. Saunders lives in Washington D.C. with their wife and 2-year-old child.

Laura is an individual therapist at KCCS and sees clients both in-person and remotely. She has been providing mental health services to both adults and adolescents for the last 19 years. Laura completed her undergraduate degree at The College of William & Mary, and completed her graduate program at George Mason University. Laura specializes in working with adults and adolescents struggling with anxiety, depression, gender, sexuality, identity, learning differences, trauma, and body image issues.

Laura believes every client is unique, and therefore has an eclectic person-centered approach in working with clients. Laura uses Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Creative Art Therapies, and mindfulness strategies, to help those in her care reach their treatment goals. Laura’s goal is to provide a safe and nonjudgmental environment, where individuals can safely express and process their feelings, as well as learn how to regulate their emotions with healthy coping strategies.

Laura has two dogs, two nephews, and two nieces. She has several hobbies she enjoys, such as traveling, reading, and watching movies. She also likes to practice mindfulness, and is very active as she enjoys yoga, soccer, and hiking in nature. Additionally, she enjoys various artistic medium such as music, painting, collaging, and ceramics.

Lisa is a certified Life Coach with KCCS and also the owner of Love Creek Coaching, based in Delaware. Her coaching practice is guided by the core competencies and ethics of the International Coaching Federation (ICF).

Lisa has a passion for coaching individuals as they navigate issues related to relationships, parenting, work and other of life’s challenges. Her approach helps clients connect to their core self in a way that feels safe, meaningful and has a lasting impact. Lisa employs a variety of tools in her practice but is always guided by the client’s goals and preferred approach.

Lisa graduated from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA. and then accumulated nearly 20 years of applied experience with individuals and families in animal behavior consulting and training. Lisa supported individuals and families that often came to her in crisis about their family dog. She discovered her talent for connecting with people, and discovered that, “For every dog that needed help, it was the shift in the human being that was the most effective tool.”

Lisa and her family recently moved to Delaware where she is adjusting to a slower pace of life. She is always up for an adventure and if it includes animals, she’s the first in line.

Jessica Pavela graduated in August of 2023 from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. They earned a Bachelors of Science in Applied Psychology with a minor in LGBT Studies. Jessica is pivotal in the operation of KCCS, providing administrative support by tracking registrations, sending invoices, and researching resources to support our clients. In addition, Jessica co-facilitates group therapy sessions with Heather Kirby and runs several recreational activities.

Jessica lives in Richmond, Virginia with their partner and their cat, Franklin the Feline. Franklin is a playful girl that keeps Jessica and their partner on their toes. Aside from caring for Franklin, Jessica is known for making various crafts, watching classic TV shows with home brewed cups of tea, and exploring Richmond with friends.

Marissa is a remote Administrative Assistant for KCCS, and handles many things from billing to creating newsletters to keep the KCCS Community in the loop. She offers support for many mental healthcare practices in the DMV area, as well as in New York City, where she lives. She enjoys assisting while keeping teams organized and efficient.

Marissa attended Spalding University (Louisville, KY) for Fine Arts, Painting and Drawing. In her spare time, she enjoys creative pursuits and exploring what NYC has to offer. She’s often at art galleries, broadway shows, and out enjoying time with friends. Her home life includes her partner and their two cats, Clove and Chickpea, who provide plenty of entertainment.