Kathleen Schaaf is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner (ANCC) who enriches her practice with a broad range of culturally diverse experiences gained from years of international healthcare service. She earned a master’s degree in nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham after a long career as a registered nurse. Her clinical expertise encompasses a wide spectrum of mental health issues, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar mood disorders, PTSD, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Kathy’s approach transcends medication management, as she advocates for a comprehensive, holistic strategy that addresses lifestyle factors—such as sleep patterns, dietary habits, and physical activity—as well as personal challenges that influence mental health.

Brittany is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Registered Play Therapist, and a National Certified Counselor in Georgia. Her passion is helping children, age 3 up to young people age 25 and their families restore and rebuild the peace they’ve lost in their lives. She believes humans are designed to be intimately connected with others in loving and secure relationships. When that connection and safety become absent or broken because of life’s difficulties, emotional pain and behavioral issues often arise that are difficult to navigate alone. Brittany’s focus is on providing individuals (ages 3–25) with the tools they need to overcome their inner struggles, navigate challenges, and develop resiliency. Some of her specialties include working with anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, self-harm and suicidal ideation, ADHD, low self-esteem, divorce, grief, social skills/peer relationships, behavioral issues, transitional issues, and parent-child attachment work (helping parents connect with their children to build more meaningful relationships). She loves partnering with parents and other important professionals to help children reach their goals and succeed! Brittany has worked as a counselor in a variety of settings, such as nonprofit organizations, animal-assisted therapy programs (utilizing dogs, horses, and dolphins), private practice, and the school system. She primarily uses play therapy and cognitive-behavioral approaches to help her clients achieve self-awareness and emotional healing. In her free time, Brittany enjoys spending time with family and friends, being outdoors, traveling, and playing sports.

Calin is a professional counselor who earned his master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Liberty University in 2023. Calin also earned an MDiv and PhD in theological studies from Trinity International University. Calin has a unique and diverse ethnic background and has almost twenty years of experience working with teens, college students, and adults in various settings, cultures, and situations where he facilitated educational, spiritual, multicultural, and mental health goals.   Calin is enthusiastic about working with teens, emerging adults, and adults on their journey from loss and trauma to happiness and success. He is available to support and inspire you as you find purpose, direction, and well-being. He focuses on working with anxiety, anger, depression, trauma, and relationship issues, improving overall functioning, helping marriages/families heal relationships, and creating space for individual flourishing.    Calin uses evidence-based practices such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, solution-focused therapy, emotional-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, and existential therapy as effective modalities for processing and healing from trauma and emotional distress. He is client-centered and develops interventions that balance challenging thought processes without feeling shame. Calin is also sensitive to his clients’ spiritual needs and values and can integrate faith-based perspectives into counseling if desired.   Calin and his wife, Estera, have been married since 1994 and have two children. They enjoy hiking, reading, finding good food experiences, watching movies, and traveling to new places.

Nicole Thaxton, PhD, LPC, CPCS, is the co-founder and clinical director of Atlanta Wellness Collective with locations in  Roswell /Alpharetta, Marietta, and Acworth, Georgia. She is known for creating meaningful relationships and treatment plans with her clients and has worked with children, teens, adults, and families in private practice since 2016. Dr. Nicole understands “high-achieving” individuals and families and the unique challenges they face related to anxiety, stress, pressure, perfectionism, grief and loss, divorce, relationship issues, and trauma. When appropriate, she enjoys working with clients who wish to incorporate their faith into counseling. Dr. Nicole is highly effective at working with parents to set goals and better understand the challenges their teen is facing. Contact Dr. Nicole at www.atlwell.com.

This may not be your first step toward change, but it could be one of the best decisions yet!  Jessica will work alongside you on your journey toward wellness and the healing you desire. She has experience with a variety of specialties and works with clients based on their unique needs. Whether you are struggling in school or work; with relationships; or with anxiety, depression, or obsessive thoughts, she works with you to achieve the change you’re seeking. Therapeutic Impressions was created with a desire for helping others—specifically you! Jessica's mission is to provide you with a comfortable and compassionate atmosphere that caters to your needs and helps you achieve your goals. Let's work together to find a therapeutic style that suits you and your lifestyle. With over 10 years of experience, Jessica uses a variety of techniques to foster a healthy therapeutic relationship. She provides motivation and encouragement and ultimately promotes change for children, teens, and adults. She looks forward to working with you and thanks you in advance for entrusting her with your care.

Meet Chelsea King, a dedicated mental health advocate and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice. Chelsea earned a master's degree in psychology and counseling from Troy University and a bachelor's degree in psychology and sociology from Albany State University. She holds the esteemed National Certified Counselor (NCC) certificate. Chelsea's specializes in treating clients facing depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance abuse. She also specializes in adolescent therapy and premarital support.  Chelsea's passion for mental health extends beyond her work in private practice, Therapeutic Impressions Counseling. Chelsea serves as a clinical assessor for Clayton County, where she conducts comprehensive assessments to diagnose clients and facilitate appropriate clinical treatments. This work reflects her deep commitment to helping others achieve mental and emotional well-being. Chelsea's dedication to serving the Lord through helping others extends to her entrepreneurial endeavors. She founded The Yoni Company, a small business dedicated to feminine health products. Her products can be found in small businesses across Atlanta, Georgia, and Columbus, Mississippi. Demonstrating her heart for missions and charitable initiatives, Chelsea donates reusable pads to communities in Uganda, Africa, in an effort to positively impact women's health globally. In her free time, Chelsea indulges her creative side with pottery, tends to her beloved plants, and explores nature trails with her faithful canine companion, Ghost.  

Molly is an Associate Professional Counselor (APC) with Therapeutic Recovery Network in Cumming, Georgia. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Jamestown in North Dakota. Molly then earned a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling from Grand Canyon University. Molly is licensed in the state of Georgia as an APC and as an LAC in the state of Arizona.    Molly is an EMDR-trained therapist and works with clients of all ages experiencing trauma, depression, grief, substance use, and relationship conflict. Molly utilizes a variety of therapeutic modalities including EMDR, CBT, DBT, attachment-based therapy, somatic integration, and inner child work.    A former teacher, Molly is passionate about helping others establish purposeful and meaningful lives. She believes and counsels through the metaphor, “Your life is a canvas, and you are the artist.”    Molly seeks to establish a therapeutic relationship that allows the client to feel accepted and safe. Clients are encouraged to “come as they are,” wherever that may be. Her approach to therapy involves compassion, authenticity, and nonjudgment. She works with each client to identify their values and what they hope to achieve in therapy. 

Do you struggle with anxiety that affects your day-to-day life? Do you feel overwhelmed by your relationship and worry you’ll make the wrong decision? Have you had life changes that have been difficult to accept? You’re not alone. While you may feel isolated, you’re not the only one experiencing anxiety and uncertainty. And things can get better. I help clients learn healthy coping skills to explore and manage anxiety, life changes, and relationship issues. I use mindfulness techniques (breathing skills), CBT, and narrative therapy. For every session, I seek to create a warm and inviting space where clients feel at ease to be vulnerable and discuss and explore change. It’s important to me to provide a safe place for cultural diversity and differences in gender and sexual orientation.  I believe that anxiety doesn’t have to control your life or change your dreams. If you’re ready to take the next step, reach out today for your first appointment!

Throughout the last 10 years, James has enjoyed working with children, teens, young adults, couples, and families in numerous settings. For the past 20 years, he has served in various leadership positions in church and non-profit agencies. James and his beautiful wife, Saba, moved to Atlanta, Georgia early in 2020. James is Jamaican-American and was born and raised in Miami, Florida. As a youth pastor, his passion for counseling blossomed and led him to pursue a master of arts in clinical mental health counseling through his denomination of origin at the Pentecostal Theological Seminary in Cleveland, Tennessee. He later developed a holistic theological approach to counseling that incorporated Baptist and reformed insights integrated with clinical theory through a biblical perspective. James completed his doctorate in education at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2019. He is an assistant teacher there and shares a diverse voice in higher education. His dissertation focused on resilience and spiritual maturity. James integrates his passion for discipleship, leadership training, and strengthening believers to overcome life’s obstacles to help you practically experience the abundant life that Christ came to give us. He has served those who have experienced hurt, loss, anxiety, depression, anger, abuse, race-related issues, and trauma through insights provided by the Word of God. He is an advocate for those who desire to pursue truth and seek healing from setbacks and encourages clients to consistently apply what they learn and set accountability systems to maintain lasting joy. James is available to help those who desire to make change happen. He believes in second chances. We all fall short at times, but it takes courage, dedication, and patience to work through hard circumstances.

Finding your own path and becoming “the person you were meant to be” is exactly what Carol set out to do with the support of her family when she left the business world and enrolled in graduate school, earning two counseling degrees and becoming a licensed professional counselor (LPC). Before beginning her second career in counseling, she interned in an employee assistance program (EAP) environment and conducted a depression and alcohol screening program in conjunction with the National Institute of Mental Health. As the director of Hillside Counseling Center, she serves in a vibrant, faith-based community that reaches those in need, primarily in Cherokee, Cobb, and Fulton counties. Carol describes Hillside as a place that speaks peace, hope, and healing. It is the perfect spot to provide counseling to those who are hurting and struggling with real, everyday problems. She has developed a staff of other licensed clinicians to greater serve children, adolescents, individuals, couples, and families. Carol is a good listener and a gifted diagnostician. She specializes in helping individuals and couples define what their problems are and creates an environment where strategies are defined so change can occur and goals can be achieved. Carol has specialized training in working with trauma, addiction, depression, anxiety, positive psychology, and couples work. When Carol is not in the office, she cherishes time with family and friends. She enjoys travel, exercise, the mountains, the beach, eating healthy, and learning something new every day.