Our Team

Lauren Butler

Lauren is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) specializing in working with children (ages 3-12), their families and parents struggling with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). Lauren believes that from the very beginning, families deserve the absolute most support available to them, and she understands this can look very different from family to family. Her desire is for every client she works with to feel empowered to create the life that they deserve. She specializes in working with children who have experienced trauma, anxiety, ADHD, & sensory processing disorder as well as postpartum mental health. She has been trained by Postpartum Support International, in play therapy, & has completed TF-CBT training! She offers Christian counseling, upon request.

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Lauren received her Master of Social Work from the University of New England in 2016, and her Bachelor of Social Work from NC State University in 2014. She is the founder, creator, and owner of Parent Like It Matters, PLLC!

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Kelly Knapp McCray

Kelly is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA) whose goal is to provide an inclusive, judgement-free, safe space for self-exploration as you move toward positive changes. She specializes in working with children, teens, and parents to learn coping skills, emotional co-regulation, social skills, as well as managing chronic illnesses. Incorporating new skills with your strengths will help you move toward your goals. She is a neurodivergent affirming and an LGBTQIA+ ally.

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Using an eclectic therapy model, she often incorporates mindfulness, art, play, and music therapy techniques in sessions to help clients explore and express emotions. She also uses evidence based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. She have completed additional training and certification in managing ADHD.

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Kelly received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Regent University. She has worked in non-profit settings, crisis centers, and group practices in Virginia and North Carolina.

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MK Boone

MK is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA) specializing in woking with children, teenagers, parents & couples. She is a familiar face to many as she served as an intern with Parent Like It Matters from November 2023 to April 2024. In addition to her LCMHCA credential, she is also a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and Licensed Recreation Therapist. Movement and physical exercise are important parts of her treatment approach. Her theoretical orientations include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy. In addition to her work with children and families, she is interested in helping separated or divorced parents navigate coparenting difficulties. She offers Christian counseling, upon request.

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MK received her Master of Health Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Catawba College. Throughout her educational and professional experiences, MK has worked with several populations including children, adolescents, adults as well as children with disabilities and their parents.

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Emma-Lee Rush

Emma-Lee is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate specializing in working with children and adolescents ages 0-17. She is passionate about supporting young clients with ADHD, low-needs autism, and OCD. Emma-Lee’s approach is rooted in evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Play Based Therapy and elements of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). She is passionate about helping pre teen/teens with defiance and behavioral concerns related to neurodivergence. She is also currently undergoing training in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) to further enhance her skills in treating OCD for teens. Emma-Lee is dedicated to creating a compassionate and collaborative environment for children, teens and parents supporting kids. She tailors to each child’s unique needs to help them thrive at home and school. She can provide Christian counseling upon request as well.​

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Emma-Lee received her Master of Social Work from University of West Florida, and her Bachelor of Social Work from Liberty University where she served populations ranging from children to geriatric in outpatient, inpatient, in home and crisis environments.

Ashlyn Arnold

Ashlyn is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA) who provides individual and family therapy to children ranging from ages 3-12 years old. She utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) & play therapy interventions to create a warm, inviting therapeutic environment for children to thrive. In addition, she is trained and accredited in the Triple P Positive Parenting Program (Level 4) and understands the importance of collaboration between parents and children. Ashlyn strives to provide a non-judgmental space where both children and parents can learn how to be the best version of themselves. She offers Christian counseling, upon request.

Ashlyn received her Master of Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, and her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Louisiana State University. She has gained experience by working with Smart Start of New Hanover County as a Triple P Facilitator. 

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Tracey Walton

Tracey is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA) that specializes in working with children ages 3-12 using a child-centered play therapy approach. She is committed to helping children navigate emotional and behavioral challenges through creative and expressive techniques. Tracey’s approach is grounded in empathy, patience, and a deep respect for the therapeutic process, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for all clients. She is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their families, one play session at a time. For more information on Tracey's style of play therapy, please click here.

Tracey received her Master of Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke while also obtaining a Graduate Certificate in Play Therapy. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from East Carolina University. She has experience working with children and adolescents in various settings including non-profits, group environments, and schools. 

Lisa Getz

Lisa is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA) specializing in young children, teens, and families. She also enjoys working with postpartum & new moms. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by each of these groups, Lisa employs a holistic and client-centered approach to foster healing and growth. Her professional journey has equipped her with a rich background in addressing a range of issues including anxiety, emotional regulation, family conflict, and stress management. She believes in the power of building strong, supportive relationships with her clients and their families and collaborates closely with families to develop practical strategies for managing challenges and fostering a nurturing home environment. Her work is guided by a commitment to empowering young people and their families, promoting resilience, and supporting positive development.

Lisa earned her Master of Clinical Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, where she focused on trauma-informed care, family dynamics, and parent-child relationships. She is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Play Therapy, and Functional Family Therapy (FFT), among other evidence-based practices. She is currently continuing her education through the Play Therapy program at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke.

Olivia Horne

Olivia is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA) specializing in working with young children, adolescents, teenagers and their parents & families. She is also proud to be the school counselor at Cape Fear Center for Inquiry. With over 5 years of experience in this field, in addition to her clinical expertise, she brings a wealth of knowledge in helping children & parents collaborate with the school system when dealing with a mental health diagnosis. From a therapeutic perspective, she utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy and play therapy among other evidence-based modalities.

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Olivia earned her BA in Psychology with a Minor in Family Studies from James Madison University, and her M.Ed in School Counseling from George Washington University. She previously worked for a K-8 school in Virginia before moving to Wilmington, NC. 

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Olivia offers a limited number of evening appointments to accommodate busy schedules!