Our Clinicians & Supervisors

LMFT, AAMFT Supervisor & Mentor

Client Interests: Couples, Pre & Postnatal Moms, Adult Issues, Personal Growth, Christian Based Therapy

Payment for Services: Private Pay & Insurance Options

Insurances Accepted: BCBS of NC & Aetna

Format of Therapy Sessions: Virtual only

More About Dr. Crooms and Booking a Session!

My understanding of mental health resource disparities and my belief that relational support is essential for every human’s development drives my passion to contribute towards advancement within the Marriage and Family Therapy field. While utilizing a systemic approach, I collaborate with clients to identify measurable goals and develop effective treatment plans to demonstrate best practices. While serving as a mental health clinician in a post-graduate program, I acquired training while working with various presenting issues as I accomplished my LMFT-A licensure. I am excited to obtain my LMFT licensure in North Carolina while expanding my expertise.

Education: I obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English from Wofford College and continued my education while obtaining a Master of Marriage and Family Therapy from Converse University.

Populations Served: Adults, Adolescents, Children, Couples and Families

Clinical Interests: Systems theory, Emotionality, Intergenerational Family Therapy

Treatment Interests: Anxiety, Depression, Emotionality (stress, anger management, etc.), phase of life issues/life transitions, PTSD, Relational issues, Harm Reduction

States Served: NC & SC

Therapy Format: Virtual

I use an integrative approach from evidence-based foundations to uncover intergenerational and relational dynamics, and provide ways to identify strengths in individuals, couples, and families.

I recognize the vulnerability, commitment, and courage it takes to properly heal and acknowledge how intimidating it might feel to entrust an “outsider” with details of your life. I believe developing a good therapeutic relationship early is necessary in the healing journey.

My eclecticism is nourished by multicultural awareness and sensitivity, travel journeys and appreciation for holistic wellness. 

Education: I obtained a BS in Business Administration/Marketing, MA in Strategic/Organizational Communication and a MA Marriage Family Therapy.

PopulationServed: Adults 21+ for individual therapy, Children and teenagers in family therapy, 18+ for premarital and couples counseling

Clinical Interests: Integrative, systems theory, collaborative communication, EFT, CBT, Narrative, experiential, existential.

Treatment Interests: Premarital counseling, “marriage checkups,” symptoms from emotional wounds, infidelity, separation, divorce, custody issues, grief and other life transitions. 

States Served: NC

Therapy Format: Virtual

I work with individuals, couples, and families who are facing life's challenges and know that they have to make some changes to move forward. My ideal clients are ready to be vulnerable, want to look at their inconsistencies, desire feedback, want to utilize the tools provided, and learn how and why they are making improvements in their lives and overall mindset. I also acknowledge that my style may not be the best fit for people who are doing this process under duress and as such, it is my goal to help you find the best therapist for your needs if we are not a good fit for one another.

Populations Served: Children, Adolescents, & Teenagers, Adults (all ages), Religious Leaders, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+

Treatment Interests: Marital/Premarital (including divorce and infidelity), Relationship (including intimacy, emotional issues, and peer relationships), Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Family Conflict, Grief & Trauma, Life Transitions, Men's/Women's Issues, Racial Identity Issues, School Issues, Self-Esteem, Sex, Sexuality, & Gender (including sex abuse and sex addiction), Stress, & Suicidal Ideation

States served: NC 

Therapy format: Virtual

I believe that you, your relationships, and your concerns fit together and “make sense” in the overall shape of your life. My job is to listen with curiosity, be present with you, and support you in making manageable shifts, mindful of the overall context and systems in and around you. I come to the field of Marriage/Couple and Family Therapy after many years as a music therapist in hospice, grief, and women’s mental health care. I started work in the healthcare field in 2005, as a direct care provider, and am still as excited and passionate about showing up and being present as the day I started. I like to integrate creative approaches, and connect with what feeds your sense of wholeness. 

Populations served: Older adults, Adults, Teens, Women, Children, those with serious illness, Caregivers.

Treatment interests: Dementia care (including The Validation Method), caregiver strain, serious illness, grief and life changes, mental health concerns, couple and marriage counseling. 

States served: NC

Therapy format: Virtual & In person

NC Office Location: 

307 N. Main Street Suite 9-10

Hendersonville, NC 28792

Personal Info: In addition to being a student intern, I am also a 6 year licensed and certified teacher who has pushed my students to excellence, with the help of their families, by simply believing that each student can achieve academic success and by holding each student accountable for their education. Doing so has awarded me to be classified by the state of NC as a highly qualified math teacher. Additionally, I have been a community advocate, working with children, adolescents, parents, and families since 2005. 

As a Marriage & Family student intern, I believe that each individual is the powerful agent towards their positive, productive, and consistent change. I provide personalized care to all individuals, believing that with positive psychology the clients I serve will see their best selves and will strive towards achieving the goals that they set for themselves. I specialize in getting to know my clients so that I am able to tailor treatments that address their specific concerns. I operate out of integrity, showing dignity towards those I serve, and maintaining a safe, warm, and comfortable atmosphere is imperative for your growth. In my spare time I enjoy relaxing with my animals and being a parent.

Populations served: Children, Adolescents, Teenagers, Adults, Families, Parents, Teachers, Principals, Counselors, Ministers, & Pastors

Clinical Interests: Solution Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, & Bowen Family Systems Therapy

Treatment Interests: Compulsive Sexual Behavior, Family Conflict, Child Crisis, Suicidal Ideations, Racial & Social Injustice Issues, School Issues, Self-Esteem/Self-Worth Issues, Peer Relationship Issues 

States Served: NC

Therapy Format: Virtual 

Pronouns: She/Her

Education: I graduated from the University of Georgia with Bachelor's degrees in Psychology and Child & Family Development. I completed my Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy at Appalachian State University.

Internships: Graduate assistantship in Student Support Services with first generation college students, and community mental health with a concentration on Addiction Recovery's impact on individuals and their family members.

Clinical Interests: Family of Origin, Attachment Theory, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused, Narrative Therapy and Internal Family Systems.

Therapy Style: A systemic therapist that considers the interactional impact of events in one's life, and the benefit of working collaboratively towards healing.

Supervision Style: Meeting the supervisee where they are in their journey, and embracing who they desire to be as a Systemic therapist through authenticity. Encouraging confidence building through curiosity and collaboration.

In my spare time I enjoy reading, movies, travel, and volunteering.

States served: NC, GA

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Education: I graduated from East Carolina University with a B.S. in Child Development and Family Community Services, concentration in Family  Studies, and minor in Psychology. I earned my M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Capella University. I am a fully licensed marriage and family therapist and licensed clinical  addiction specialist associate. Additionally, I am currently working  towards becoming  certified in perinatal mental health. 

Relevant Experiences: With over seven years in the mental health field, I have worked in both community agencies and private practice settings. As a former intern, I have had the opportunity to engage in various therapeutic settings, gaining diverse experience. I completed a year as an MFT Intern with Bridges Family Life Center and another year at Southlight Healthcare as an FCT (Family Centered Treatment) intern and group facilitator for the ACE program. I am proficient in addressing dual diagnosis, intellectual disabilities, crisis intervention, and various mental health challenges. I specialize in cultural competence, perinatal mental health, family conflict, trauma, individual and relational challenges, and mental health disorders. My extensive experience spans diverse mental health settings, allowing me to work successfully with clients ranging from young children to geriatrics.

Clinical Interests: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Collaborative Therapy, Attachment Theory, Dialectical Behavior Therapy  (DBT), Gottman Method, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

Therapy Style: As a systemic and collaborative therapist, I am flexible in my approach, tailoring individualized experiences that foster a holistic view of each client's unique needs and assisting clients through their journey in therapy. 

Supervision Style: My supervision style provides a safe and confidential space that fosters authenticity, collaboration, and effective communication. I view my role as a supervisor through the lens of teacher, mentor, coach, and administrator. Developing competence through building a strong working alliance between my supervisees and myself is key. I want to ensure that I foster growth amongst my supervisees in both a professional and personal way. 

States served: NC

Meet  Christine Smith

Provides MFT supervision under AAMFT mentoring

Pronouns: She/Her

Education: After a first career as a newspaper reporter, I went back to school to earn a bachelor of science degree in psychology from the University of Phoenix, a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northcentral University, and am currently in the dissertation process for a Doctorate of Marriage and Family Therapy from National University.  I am also all-but-dissertation for a PhD in General Psychology.

Internships: My primary internships involved treating individuals, couples and family in a private agency, under the guidance and tutelage of my supervisor Dr. Tia Crooms.  In addition, I completed internship hours involving children and their families participating in an intensive in-home therapy program via a mental health agency in my local area.

Clinical Interests: I have specific additional education and training in applying the solution-focused methodology to treating a broad range of clinical issues to include anxiety, depression, adjustment, post-traumatic stress disorder, and family systems issues. A special area of interest is in treating PTSD in military service members and veterans, while also supporting their spouses/partners.  In addition, I have an interest and broad range of experience in assisting clients in growth and development, viewing each person through the systemic lens of context and relational dynamics.

Therapy Style: Strongly systemic, I approach each client with an ongoing view of their interactions with other people and their experiences in the world.  Taking a non-judgmental approach, I value each client’s autonomy and assist them in deciding upon their best hopes for outcomes and helping them navigate the pathways to achieve them.

Supervision Style: Much like my therapy style, I want to hear about supervisees best hopes for their development as therapists, guide them through gaining expertise in their preferred models of therapy, and help them to recognize their therapist-of-the-self so that they may move forward in their journey honoring who they are while gaining strong therapeutic skill.

States served: NC

Meet  Mandy Middleton

Provides MFT supervision under AAMFT mentoring

Pronouns: She/Her

Education: I graduated from Trevecca Nazarene University with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. In 2010, I earned my Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from TNU as well. I am a fully licensed marriage and family therapist.

Clinical Interests: Attachment Theory, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) as well as Experiential methods like inner child work.

Therapy Style: I am a systemic therapist who uses warmth, humor and my humanity to connect with clients and support them as they identify the sources of their discomfort and ways implement value based changes that will lead to a rich and fulfilling life. I strive to strike a balance between experiential and behavioral methods. 

Supervision Style: I am Person-of-the-Therapist focused and, much like in therapy, I prefer working collaboratively with supervisees as they confront their own challenges in becoming an effective therapist and how to use those challenges to build a professional identity and career. 

States served: TN

Meet  Walanda Johnson

Provides MFT supervision under AAMFT mentoring

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Education: I obtained a BS in Organizational Leadership from Azusa Pacific University before moving forward to complete an MS in Marriage, Family and Child Counseling from University of Phoenix. I am currently completing my PhD in International Psychology from The Chicago School.

Relevant Experiences: The past 15+ years in mental health has provided me with experience across a variety of populations. My early career experiences including working with adolescents with high-risk behaviors and parents in dependency court and residential care for substance abuse. I then moved to in-home community mental health, providing Wraparound and behavioral health strategies for children with high-risk behaviors. I have led teams, facilitated groups and parenting workshops, provided local and international attachment and social anxiety trainings, and helped create Couple Enrichment courses to support couple dynamics and reduce instances of domestic violence for military families. While much of my career was spent in nonprofit and community settings, I currently work in private practice working with adult populations.

Clinical Interests: Adult Attachment, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Solution-Focused, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Gottman, Person-Centered, Emotional Freedom Technique 

Therapy Style: Self-awareness and meaning making is paramount in my work, thus, I use quite a bit of Socratic questioning. I work to partner in creating a space in which ideas and values can be respected and openly shared. I cater to the uniqueness in every individual and the belief that every person has the ability to create solutions for life challenges. 

Supervision Style: My upmost priority is fostering a working alliance where there is safety in learning, being one’s authentic self, and diversity thrive. Through the various supervisory roles, I endeavor to foster a space of growth, openness, and collaboration, to support the development of therapeutic competency and cultural intelligence, personally and professionally. 

States served: NC

Meet  Kelly Clarke

Provides MFT supervision under AAMFT mentoring

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers 

Education: I hold a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Denver, where I  also pursued double minors in Biology and History. I then advanced my expertise with a Master  of Science in Psychology from Our Lady of the Lake University, specializing in Family,  Couples, and Individual Psychotherapy. My academic journey has equipped me with a robust  foundation to help clients navigate life’s complexities. 

Relevant Experience: I’ve had the privilege of working with a diverse range of clients, from  guiding teens through adolescence to supporting adults as they navigate life’s challenges. My  journey began with internships where I worked with individuals, families, and couples,  addressing issues like anxiety, trauma, and relationship challenges. I’ve honed my skills in both  nonprofit organizations, such as the Rape Crisis Center, and for-profit settings like Starlite  Recovery Center. Now, I lead a private practice focused on creating a safe, supportive  environment for all my clients. My approach is client-centered and strengths-based, utilizing  techniques like Solution-Focused Therapy and Narrative Therapy to foster resilience and growth. 

Therapy Style: I see myself as your go-to sidekick for all things therapy. Whether you’re  grappling with life’s ups and downs, confronting anxiety, or just seeking direction, I’m here to  support you. Think of me as the Robin to your Batman, the Sam to your Frodo, or the Ron to  your Harry—ready to stand by your side. I'm a proud geek who loves movies, books, games, and  Disney magic because they remind us that imperfection is part of the beauty of life. My approach  to therapy is client-centered, meaning it’s all about you. Therapy with me is a collaborative  process—I’m here to help you uncover your own insights, with a bit of Socratic questioning to  keep our conversations engaging. My goal is to create a safe environment where your ideas are  respected and where we can work together to develop solutions to the challenges you face. 

Clinical Interests: My therapeutic toolkit includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for  reshaping unhelpful thought patterns, Solution-Focused Therapy for keeping our eyes on the  future, Narrative Therapy for rewriting your personal story, and Cognitive Processing Therapy  (CPT) for addressing deep-seated trauma. I’m committed to helping you overcome anxiety, lift  the weight of depression, heal from trauma, and navigate the complexities of relationships. 

Supervision Style: As a State Approved LMFT Supervisor in Texas, I'm here to guide the next  generation of therapists in a safe and supportive environment where you can be your authentic  self. My supervision blends systemic thinking with approaches like Solution-Focused,  Collaborative, and Narrative Therapy, helping you grow as a clinician while embracing diversity  and cultural intelligence. Whether you're starting out or enhancing your skills, I’m dedicated to  helping you build the expertise you need to succeed, all while keeping the process engaging and  fun. 

States Served: Texas

Meet  Margaret "Maggie" Bean

Provides MFT supervision under AAMFT mentoring

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers 

Education: I hold a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Denver, where I  also pursued double minors in Biology and History. I then advanced my expertise with a Master  of Science in Psychology from Our Lady of the Lake University, specializing in Family,  Couples, and Individual Psychotherapy. My academic journey has equipped me with a robust  foundation to help clients navigate life’s complexities. 

Relevant Experience: I’ve had the privilege of working with a diverse range of clients, from  guiding teens through adolescence to supporting adults as they navigate life’s challenges. My  journey began with internships where I worked with individuals, families, and couples,  addressing issues like anxiety, trauma, and relationship challenges. I’ve honed my skills in both  nonprofit organizations, such as the Rape Crisis Center, and for-profit settings like Starlite  Recovery Center. Now, I lead a private practice focused on creating a safe, supportive  environment for all my clients. My approach is client-centered and strengths-based, utilizing  techniques like Solution-Focused Therapy and Narrative Therapy to foster resilience and growth. 

Therapy Style: I see myself as your go-to sidekick for all things therapy. Whether you’re  grappling with life’s ups and downs, confronting anxiety, or just seeking direction, I’m here to  support you. Think of me as the Robin to your Batman, the Sam to your Frodo, or the Ron to  your Harry—ready to stand by your side. I'm a proud geek who loves movies, books, games, and  Disney magic because they remind us that imperfection is part of the beauty of life. My approach  to therapy is client-centered, meaning it’s all about you. Therapy with me is a collaborative  process—I’m here to help you uncover your own insights, with a bit of Socratic questioning to  keep our conversations engaging. My goal is to create a safe environment where your ideas are  respected and where we can work together to develop solutions to the challenges you face. 

Clinical Interests: My therapeutic toolkit includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for  reshaping unhelpful thought patterns, Solution-Focused Therapy for keeping our eyes on the  future, Narrative Therapy for rewriting your personal story, and Cognitive Processing Therapy  (CPT) for addressing deep-seated trauma. I’m committed to helping you overcome anxiety, lift  the weight of depression, heal from trauma, and navigate the complexities of relationships. 

Supervision Style: As a State Approved LMFT Supervisor in Texas, I'm here to guide the next  generation of therapists in a safe and supportive environment where you can be your authentic  self. My supervision blends systemic thinking with approaches like Solution-Focused,  Collaborative, and Narrative Therapy, helping you grow as a clinician while embracing diversity  and cultural intelligence. Whether you're starting out or enhancing your skills, I’m dedicated to  helping you build the expertise you need to succeed, all while keeping the process engaging and  fun. 

States Served: Texas