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Our Team

Meet our dynamic team of therapists in Wilmington, NC specifically trained in child & family therapy techniques!

Oleander Drive Office

Randall Pkwy Office

Hampstead Office

Virtual Office

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Working from Home
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Oleander Team

Oleander Team
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MSW,LCSW, Owner

Oleander Drive Location

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. Lauren utilizes evidence-based approaches including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Integrative Play Therapy based on the goals of each client.

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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 as well as a graduate certificate in play therapy from UNC-Pembroke. She is the founder, creator, and owner of Parent Like It Matters, PLLC!

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MSW, LCSWA

Oleander Drive Location

Cassie Holtzapple

Cassie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA) who specializes in working with children and adolescents ranging from ages 5-18 years old. Cassie addresses challenges such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, behavioral issues, trauma, communication difficulties, and life transitions. She utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) & play therapy interventions to assist clients in improving emotional well-being and strengthening their relationships with others. Cassie believes that therapy is a collaborative process, where both children and their families can feel heard, understood, and empowered. Cassie is committed to creating a welcoming and safe environment where children and families can feel comfortable addressing their concerns, building resilience, and developing healthier ways to connect and thrive together.

 

Cassie received her Master of Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, and her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Pennsylvania State University. She has gained experience by working with Clarvida as a school based mental health therapist. â€‹

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MSW, LCSWA

Oleander Drive Location

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. 

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MSW, LCSWA

Oleander Drive Location

Lisa Getz

Lisa is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA) specializing in children ages 10+, 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.

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M.Ed., LCMHCA

Oleander Drive Location

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!

Randall Pkwy
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Randall Pkwy Team

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MHS, LCMHCA, LRT

Randall Parkway Location

MK Boone

MK is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA) specializing in woking with children ages 6+, 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, Solution-Focused Therapy and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). 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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MSW, LCSWA

Randall Parkway Location

Alyssa German

Alyssa German is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA) with over five years of experience supporting children, teens, and young adults. She specializes in treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, self-esteem challenges, trauma and Christian faith-based needs, using a strengths-based and CBT approach. Alyssa also utilizes the use of play within therapy as well.  In addition, Alyssa is proud to provide compassionate care for women experiencing Postpartum Anxiety (PPA), Depression (PPD), and Psychosis (PPP).

 

Alyssa offers both in-person and telehealth sessions to meet clients where they are.

 

Alyssa earned her MSW from Marshall University in 2023 and has worked in school systems, emergency shelter care, and trauma-informed settings. She is passionate about creating a safe, supportive space for healing.

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MSW, LCSWA

Randall Parkway Location

Mackenzie Quinton

Mackenzie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate specializing in working with children ages 5+, teens, families, and parents. With a focus on trauma-informed treatment, she offers expert care in addressing challenges such as anxiety, school avoidance, family conflict, life transitions, and the unique challenges faced by adoptees. Utilizing a combination of evidence-based approaches including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Directive Play Therapy, and Structural Family Therapy, Mackenzie provides an individualized approach to healing and growth.

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Mackenzie especially enjoys working with elementary and middle school aged children and their families. She is deeply committed to helping families heal together and providing support to parents as they work through challenges in their relationships with their children, or on how to parent children who are experiencing mental health challenges. She is particularly skilled in supporting adoptees or those experiencing attachment concerns, having worked with a variety of adoption stories including through foster care, overseas and private adoption, and kinship adoption or guardianship. 

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Mackenzie received her Master of Social Work and Bachelor of Psychology degrees from Brigham Young University. Mackenzie offers a limited number of evening appointments to accommodate busy schedules!

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MSW, LCSWA 

Randall Parkway Location

Emma-Lee Rush

Emma-Lee is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate specializing in working with children and adolescents ages 3-17. 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.

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MSW, LCSW

Randall Parkway Location, Virtual Therapist

Jackie Sabella

Jackie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) specializing in working with children, families and individuals. With over 5 years of experience in the field, she believes in creating a comfortable space where everyone—whether it’s kids or adults—can talk openly, learn to manage their emotions, and strengthen their relationships. ​

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Jackie earned her Master of Social Work from UNC Wilmington in 2020. She has experience as a private practice therapist, providing mental health therapy in a detention center as well as implementing Functional Family Therapy (FFT) to children and families in a home-based setting.

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Jackie is trained to provide Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Family Systems Therapy with a strength-based approach in order to allow for a setting where clients can talk openly, learn to manage their emotions, and strengthen their relationships. 

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Jackie offers Friday & Saturday appointments as well as virtual appointments for extra scheduling flexibility!

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Hampstead Team

Hampstead
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MC, LCMHCA

Hampstead Location, Virtual Therapist

Kelly Knapp McCray

Kelly is a licensed mental health counselor associate who specializes in helping children (ages 6+) and teens learn coping skills, emotional regulation, and social skills. Autism, ADHD, Anxiety and Chronic Illness are her areas of special interest. Her approach is an eclectic therapy model of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Brief-Therapy, Positive Psychology, ACT, and Narrative Therapy. She often incorporate mindfulness, play therapy, art, and music therapy techniques into sessions to help you increase self-awareness.

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Kelly received her Bachelor of Science degree 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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Kelly offers a limited number of virtual appointments!

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Virtual Team

Virtual Team
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MSW, LCSW, LCAS

Virtual Therapist, Clinical Supervisor

Heidi Esparrago Zeppelin

Heidi is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) & Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS). She has been practicing in the field of clinical therapy for over a decade in various settings with children, adolescents, adults & families. She specializes in working with clients that have experienced trauma, and she values supporting her clients in their healing journeys. She also enjoys working with parenting clients & postpartum women.​

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She is originally from New York where she received her Master’s Degree in Social Work in 2012, and relocated to North Carolina in 2015. She is certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and takes a trauma-informed approach with clients.

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Heidi offers a limited number of virtual appointments and also serves as clinical supervisor for many on the PLIM team!

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MC, LCMHCA

Virtual Therapist

Kelly Knapp McCray

Kelly is a licensed mental health counselor associate who specializes in helping children (ages 6+) and teens learn coping skills, emotional regulation, and social skills. Autism, ADHD, Anxiety and Chronic Illness are her areas of special interest. Her approach is an eclectic therapy model of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Brief-Therapy, Positive Psychology, ACT, and Narrative Therapy. She often incorporate mindfulness, play therapy, art, and music therapy techniques into sessions to help you increase self-awareness.

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Kelly received her Bachelor of Science degree 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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Kelly offers a limited number of virtual appointments!

Call or Text

910-707-4160

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We believe that therapy for children and proper support for their caregivers creates an environment for parenting to feel like it matters (because it really does).

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