​What Sets Our Counselors Apart
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At The Oaks, our counselors don’t just offer therapy — they offer transformational care rooted in truth, compassion, and clinical excellence. Each member of our team is handpicked not only for their professional expertise but for their deep desire to walk alongside individuals and families with a heart for healing and hope.
Whether you’re navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, identity struggles, or just trying to make sense of your next steps — our counselors are equipped to help you feel seen, supported, and strengthened.
More Than a Session — A Safe Community
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From your first intake to every session after, our goal is for you to feel safe, accepted, and empowered. Many clients tell us The Oaks feels “different” — like coming home. That’s not by accident. Our counselors are committed to creating an environment that nurtures trust, encourages growth, and restores hope.
Meet Our Counseling Team
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Elizabeth Simmons
LCMHCA
Credentials that Count
Eliazbeth has been an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) for over 16 years, working in both community and hospital settings. Over time, she recognized a natural fit to expand her scope of practice by becoming a licensed counselor (LCMHCA), allowing her to better support families through both their physical and emotional needs during the parenting journey.
Why It Matters
Being a new parent is one of the most vulnerable times in life—and one of the most impactful. She is passionate about walking alongside families, helping them navigate challenges and discover their own strength. At the same time, every stage of family life matters—from nurturing connection in marriage, to parenting through the teen years, to navigating the transition into an empty nest. The way we learn to love ourselves, others, and the world is shaped by the connections we form and sustain across the lifespan. Supporting families, in all their seasons, is at the heart of my work.
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Where I Thrive
She connects most deeply with Thriving Community. Healthy families create the foundation for healthy communities, and in turn, healthy communities nurture thriving people. She finds joy in contributing to that cycle of care and growth, knowing that strong connections ripple outward into lasting change.
Katiuska Morgan
LCMHCA
Credentials that Count
Katiuska is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate and a group facilitator for the Rooted Therapeutic Day Program. She earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University in 2024 and is currently working toward certification as a Brain Health Coach through the Amen Clinics. Born and raised in New York City in a Dominican family, Katiuska has been shaped by the richness of a multicultural community and is fluent in both English and Spanish.
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Why It Matters
She believes that every person longs to be seen, heard, known, and loved. With a heart to help individuals walk in their God-given identity, Katiuska is passionate about guiding people toward true healing and wholeness in body, soul, and spirit. She has a special interest in counseling from a Christian worldview, integrating faith into the therapeutic process in ways that align with biblical principles while honoring each client’s values, goals, and needs.
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Where I Thrive
The wellness spoke that resonates most with Katiuska is Spiritual Strength. Her personal testimony led her into both ministry and counseling, where she emphasizes that we were created to glorify God with our lives and that He is the ultimate source of what we need to thrive. She believes that experiencing God’s perfect love brings lasting healing. Outside of counseling, Katiuska enjoys ministry, worship, fellowship, and spending time in the Bible and prayer.
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Tori Truhe
LCMHCA
Rooted Coordinator
Credentials that Count
Tori completed her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University in 2024 and is now a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Associate (LCMHCA). Tori serves at The Oaks as a licensed counselor and the Rooted program coordinator. She has also started developing skills in the area of equine-assisted psychotherapy. She has served others in individual, school, and group settings, incorporating both wellness and mental health practices.
Why It Matters
Tori has a heart for others to recognize their worth and identity and to find restoration accordingly. She is honored to partner with clients in their journey, offering a safe space to find healing and hope. Recognizing that each person is unique and valuable, she is ready to meet clients where they are and adapt the counseling process to their specific needs.
Where I Thrive
Considering her own wellness, Tori finds strength from her Rest/Sleep spoke. Whether in quiet time with the Lord, sitting outside in nature, or simply finding small moments of stillness in the busyness of life, Tori regains strength when she rests. Incorporating this practice into her daily rhythms equips her to love God and serve others both at The Oaks and elsewhere.
Alicia Brown
M.S., Ed.S., LCMHCS
Founder & CEO, The Oaks Therapeutic Community
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Credentials that Count
Alicia Brown is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor with over 20 years of experience in the mental health field. Serving first as a public school counselor and then in private practice, Alicia founded The Oaks in 2017 with an incredible team of volunteers. Therapeutically, Alicia has worked with clients across the lifespan, specializing in blending The Oaks Wellness Model with a cognitive behavioral approach to increase brain health, encourage a healthy thought life, and foster meaningful, lasting change.
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Alicia holds an Ed.S. and M.S. in School Counseling from UNC Greensboro, where she was inducted into Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Honor Society, and a B.S. in Psychology from Gardner-Webb University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude and competed as an NCAA Women’s Basketball athlete.
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Why It Matters
Alicia believes every person is priceless. When individuals come to understand their worth and combine that with sound therapeutic techniques in counseling, incredible healing and purpose can follow. She is passionate about ensuring that all people have access to high-quality, compassionate therapeutic care.
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Where I Thrive
Alicia thrives in pursuing a mission and vision alongside an amazing team of passionate and exceptional teammates. She connects most with the Thriving Community spoke of The Oaks Wellness Model, believing that life is more meaningful—and even the hard things more bearable—when we walk the journey together.
Robbie Blankinship
LCMHCA
Credentials that Count
Robbie is a licensed counselor holding his LCMHCA credentials. Before obtaining his license, He graduated from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary with an MA in Christian Counseling - Clinical Mental Health. Throughout this program, He studied clinical mental health counseling, Christian theology, and the integration of the two. While he has training in Christian theological integration, He seeks to work with clients in a manner that prioritizes their values and needs. Through his studies and counseling work thus far, He has developed a skillset suited to journey with clients of various belief systems and presenting problems.
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What Matters
It is a great honor and privilege for him to journey with clients towards healing and wholeness. Pain is a part of this life. We are resilient, and we find ways to survive in the face of pain. However, these ways of surviving are often unhealthy in the long run. He finds great joy in coming alongside and working with clients as they untangle the pain they have experienced and move towards a life of flourishing. He values in sitting with clients as they begin to make sense of their personal story and take steps towards writing a new narrative.
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Where I Thrive
The wellness spoke that resonates most with him is thriving community. The web of close relationships in his life helps provide the fortitude and joy necessary for him to live well.
Tiffany Warden
Graduate Clinician
Credentials that Count
Tiffany is a graduate clinician at The Oaks. She began her educational journey with a bachelor’s degree in criminal psychology and is currently completing her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University. With a background in pastoral counseling and ABA therapy, she is eager to add the clinical perspective to her care as she pursues state licensure.
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Why It Matters
Her heart and passion for mental health are grounded in holistic healing. Tiffany believes the counseling space is sacred, as true healing is not achieved solely through the words or actions of counselor or client, but through the work of the Holy Spirit. As a counselor, she views herself as a vessel walking alongside others toward the healing the Lord is doing through therapeutic tools. She considers it an honor to sit with each of her clients and hold every story with compassion.
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Where I Thrive
When considering wellness, Tiffany connects most with the spoke of Rest. She values the body’s God-given design to work hard and accomplish great things, but also to recharge in order to do so effectively. Recognizing that rest can look different depending on the person or season of life, she enjoys exploring ways to incorporate restorative practices into everyday rhythms as an essential foundation for holistic wellness.
Brooke Boothe
Graduate Clinician
Credentials That Count
Brooke is a graduate clinician with The Oaks completing her clinical internship on the journey towards licensure as a CMHCA. Her background is rooted in mental health and youth development, with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from West Virginia University and progression towards a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. She has worked previously in ABA, Intensive In- Home care for adolescents, and therapeutic support and case management in a residential setting. Her experience has provided a strong foundation for a diverse set of clients, including neurodivergent care and behavioral management.​
What Matters
Her passion in the therapeutic space centers on effective communication, with an understanding that it exists in a different capacity for each individual. She seeks to aid in clients’ navigation of communication skills, including creative expression, conflict resolution, and verbal processing. Working alongside children with a variety of capabilities has taught her that communication and self- expression is deeply personal and can look significantly different across individuals. Through tools such as art and
play therapy, she seeks to guide clients towards effective communication and a reliance on personal strengths.​
Where I Thrive
In the realm of wellness, she finds much of her strength in the spoke of Thriving Community. Having a strong social support system and the skills to navigate interpersonal relationships provide a depth to life that is difficult to replicate. Leaning on others in her community, including family, friends, and spiritual community members, is a significant aspect of who she is and how she navigates the world. Finding new ways to incorporate community and mutual support is a top priority in her life.
Dr. Karen Meadows
LCMHCA
Credentials that Count
Karen Meadows has brought over 20 years of counseling experience to The Oaks. She earned her Master of Science in Counseling from North Carolina A&T State University and hold a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA) credential in North Carolina (License #10682). I obtained my School Counseling license (#51954) and National Certified Counselor (NCC) certification in 2001, and I am also licensed as a K-12 school counselor.
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Throughout her career, she has been actively engaged in professional leadership and service. She is a former member, board member, and Program Conference Committee Chair for the North Carolina School Counselors Association (NCSCA), and I also served for several years as a member of the American Counseling Association (ACA).
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In practice, she primarily utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). Through CBT, she helps clients “think about their thinking,” uncover irrational assumptions, and reframe harmful thought patterns—often rooted in early life experiences—so they can create healthier emotional and behavioral outcomes. With SFBT, she works collaboratively with clients to identify strengths, clarify goals, and develop practical solutions to address their current concerns.
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Additionally, she integrates The Oaks Wellness Model into every treatment plan, addressing the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual needs of each client to provide truly holistic care.
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Why It Matters
Dr. Meadows strongly believes in the service and upliftment of others. Growing up with a strong maternal circle, she knows the power of having someone in your corner and having a confidant and listening ear. Her goal is to extend these same treasures to her clients. She strongly believes in and understands the power of a “no judgement” zone. She primarily uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy approaches to help clients reach their goals and move forward in their lives no matter the circumstance.
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Where I Thrive
The Oaks Wellness Model is a foundational element in supporting clients. While all of the Wellness Model spokes are critical and work in tandem, spiritual strength and/or one’s belief system/belief in self has tremendous power. She connects most to this tenet of the Wellness Model. Spiritual strength/belief in self is the oil to all other spokes of the Wellness Model. As a clinician who uses a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approach, this concept that thoughts/beliefs have the power to change/create positive behavioral change are in perfect alignment. As a clinician, she is dedicated to helping you “move your mountain(s)”, to encourage you even if your belief is wavering. We’ve all been there, so I encourage you to start your healing process.
Kathy Clayton
MSW, LCSW, Clinical Supervisor to Graduate Clinicians
Credentials that Count
Kathy has been working as a Clinical Social Worker for 28 years, receiving her undergraduate at UNC-Greensboro and her Graduate degree at the University of South Carolina @ Columbia. She has experience in a variety of settings including residential treatment for adolescents, the adoption and foster care field and an employee assistance program serving hospital personnel and their family members, including children. Having served as a clinical supervisor in each of these settings, she recognizes the value of giving back to new clinicians in the field of counseling and enjoy growing together through the shared experiences with clients. She has worked extensively with children and adults dealing with trauma, supporting clients dealing with grief and loss and have trained parenting classes since 2001.
Why It Matters
In 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 the Bible speaks of "The God of All Comfort, Who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." This is the foundation of what Kathy does and why she is in this field. Having personally been comforted through multiple tragedies and losses in her childhood and early adulthood made quite an impact on her. She is so grateful for wise, loving and compassionate people and counselors, solid educational training, and much prayer and wisdom from His Word, to be able to journey with others needing support and comfort.
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Where I Thrive
The wellness spoke that resonates most with her is Spiritual Strength. She is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors and receive the majority of my continuing education on issues seen through a spiritual lens. Her goal is then to edify and encourage others based on this foundation.
Monica Jones
LCMHCA
Credentials that Count
Monica graduated from Liberty University with a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling. Her special interests include working with clients struggling with self-esteem issues, stress management, anxiety, depression, spirituality, caregiver stress, chronic illness, grief, and women’s issues including infertility and pregnancy loss.
Why It Matters
Growing up as a PK (pastor’s kid) in Chicago, IL, Monica learned at an early age what it meant to serve others. It was through that time of serving that she became passionate about walking alongside others, especially women, in their journey to healing and wholeness. In line with the Oaks’ mission, Monica counts it an honor to walk alongside clients, to empower and inspire them, as they find worth and wellness. She would like to see all of her clients walking in the truth that they are God’s masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10). She is passionate about incorporating faith into the therapeutic experience but is intentional about meeting each client where they are.
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Where I Thrive
Monica most closely connects with Spiritual Strength within our Wellness Model. As a therapist who enjoys utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with her clients, she sees a strong connection between this approach and our identity in Christ. Monica believes that while the world sends many messages that shape our thoughts and emotions, true transformation comes from aligning our minds with God’s truth of how we are loved and valued. By focusing our minds on who God says we are, and embracing who He has called us to be, we open ourselves to the limitless work He can do in us and through us as we walk in His purpose.
Lake Buseth
CMPC, FAFS
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Credentials that Count
He is currently pursuing his M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at North Carolina A&T State University, building on my previous graduate training in Sport and Exercise Psychology at UNC Greensboro. He is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) and have experience applying CBT, play therapy, and faith-based approaches in a variety of settings. His background spans ABA therapy, youth mentorship, patient care, and community outreach, giving me a well-rounded perspective in supporting individuals’ mental, emotional, and spiritual growth. At The Oaks, He brings both academic training and hands-on experience with diverse populations to serve clients with compassion and care.
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What Matters
What led him into this field is a deep desire to walk alongside others in their healing and growth journey. As an athlete most of his life, he saw a deep need to support individual athletes, teams, coaches, and parents in the ups and downs of performance. Throughout his experiences—from mentoring youth at summer camps to providing behavioral support for children with autism to serving within his church community. He has seen how powerful encouragement, empathy, and faith can be in transforming lives. He loves being part of those moments when someone begins to find hope, resilience, and purpose again. What motivates him most is the opportunity to use both his training and his heart for people to help clients feel seen, supported, and empowered to step into who they were created to be.
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Where I Thrive
The wellness spoke that resonates with him most is community. He believes we are created for connection, and that surrounding ourselves with safe, supportive, and loving people is one of the most important parts of living a healthy life. For him, community is where encouragement, accountability, and growth happen. He has seen in his own life and in the lives of others how being present with family, friends, or a faith community provides strength during challenges and joy in times of celebration. At The Oaks, he values the opportunity to help foster that same sense of belonging and support for others as they walk their journey toward healing and wholeness.
Stephanie Gumbas
Graduate Clinician
Credentials that Count
Stephanie graduated from Appalachian State University in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and began pursuing her master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of the Cumberlands in 2024. She is now entering the clinical phase of the program, building on the strong foundation of my coursework. Under the supervision of Alicia Brown and with the support of the counseling team at The Oaks, she has also gained valuable experience through volunteer and internship work with organizations such as the Western Youth Network and the Children’s Council of Watauga County. These opportunities have prepared her to offer compassionate, evidence-based care to the individuals and families we serve.
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Why It Matters
Her passion for counseling is deeply personal. As a teenager, she faced her own mental health struggles yet often felt dismissed by adults who underestimated the weight of those experiences because of her age. That season shaped my calling to be a strong advocate for children and adolescents. She believes their voices, feelings, and challenges deserve to be heard and taken seriously. Creating a safe space where young people can process their struggles, discover their strengths, and learn strategies to support their lifelong wellness is one of the greatest privileges of her work.
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Where I Thrive
Of the Oaks’ wellness spokes, the one that resonates with her most is mental wellness. Mental health influences every part of life—how we think, feel, act, and even how we see ourselves. Nurturing mental wellness is not only about addressing struggles but also about cultivating resilience and wholeness. Helping others care for their minds is, to her, the first step toward helping them care for their whole selves.
Kimberly Jordan
Graduate Clinician
Credentials That Count
Kimberly is a graduate intern counselor at Richmont Graduate University in her last year of becoming a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. Before pursuing an LCMHC degree, she graduated from Pensacola Christian College with a BS in Mathematics Education and went on to graduate from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with an M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction. She has also completed a two-year Spiritual Formation program through the Transforming Center in Chicago. She has 15 years of experience teaching high school mathematics and have also started a successful business.
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Throughout her life, she has developed diverse relationships with parents, students, and my community which have taught her the importance of relationships. Life experiences combined with formal education and training has prepared her to show up for clients and go alongside them on their personal journey, whatever that may look like.
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Why It Matters
She considers it a great privilege when she is invited to journey with clients to discover healthy patterns for healthy living. Life can bring unexpected circumstances, hurts and brokenness into our journeys. Many times, we are just trying to survive and in that surviving we attempt to make sense of what is happening and often choose unhealthy ways to cope with the pain. Journeying toward health, healing and wholeness takes time, but it is worth it! Peeling back the layers of pain and processing those layers can lead clients from surviving to thriving. She loves experiencing the moments of discovery with clients and watching them begin to take steps into a new way of thinking, living and thriving on their healing journey.
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Where I Thrive
The wellness spoke that resonates most with her personally is spiritual strength. Her attachment to God is the ocean from which all the other rivers in my life are sustained.
Vanessa York
LCMHC-S
Clinical Supervisor
Credentials that Count
Vanessa York is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor with more than a decade of dedicated service in the mental health field. Her career began as an adolescent intensive in-home therapist, where she provided critical support to young people and their families. She later served as an assessment therapist in a hospital setting, gaining valuable experience in acute care. Vanessa then transitioned into private practice, counseling individuals and supervising interns, while also teaching pastoral counseling at the university level. She is a sought-after speaker and trainer on mental health topics, known for her ability to connect with diverse audiences.
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Throughout her career, Vanessa has worked with clients across ages, races, and backgrounds. She is highly skilled in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Trauma-Focused Therapy, and she is deeply committed to treating the whole person—mind, body, and soul. This holistic approach aligns seamlessly with The Oaks Wellness Model, reflecting her belief that true healing comes from addressing every dimension of human experience.
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Vanessa’s academic foundation is equally impressive. She holds bachelor’s degrees in psychology, Christian ministry, and theology, as well as a master’s degree in professional counseling from Liberty University. In addition, she earned a Christian Leadership certificate and has served in ministry leadership for over 30 years, including her ordination as a minister in the Wesleyan denomination. She also maintains a supervision license as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor, equipping her to mentor and guide the next generation of therapists.
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Why It Matters
Vanessa believes that when life feels overwhelming, painful, or uncertain, no one should have to face it alone. Therapy offers a pathway to healing, peace, and renewed strength. With compassion and expertise, Vanessa helps clients navigate challenges, discover resilience, and embrace healthier ways of living. Her mission is to walk alongside individuals as they create meaningful change and reclaim hope.
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Where I Thrive
Vanessa thrives in empowering others to reach their fullest potential. She is most energized by building thriving communities, recognizing that her work is part of a greater mission. She believes the most impactful way to pursue this mission is by multiplying her efforts—pouring into others so they, too, can flourish and live out their true giftedness.