Our Experts

Discover our Kansas City team of top-quality therapists and counselors. Door of Hope’s team of therapists can help you build on your strengths, and develop the skills necessary to grow, heal and recover from anxiety, depression, and other psychological problems. We serve Kansas City, Overland Park, KS, and the surrounding areas.

Anne Mercer is a Licensed Professional Counselor and received her Master of Arts in Counseling from Mid America Nazarene University, with an emphasis in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling. Anne also holds a Master of Science in Nursing and spent forty years practicing and teaching nursing before transitioning to the counseling profession. Anne has a diverse experience in community counseling clinical setting working with individuals and couples who are experiencing stress, conflict, relationship difficulties and other types of therapy such as anxiety, depression, and life changes.

Anne utilizes evidence-based practices in her work including client-centered, emotion-focused therapy. Anne has experience working with women through different transitions of life, working with healthcare providers, and working with couples. Anne believes there is no one-size-fits-all approach, using different counseling theories to match each individual client. The goal is to help clients work towards a future in which their challenges and difficulties are resolved.

Hanson Briggs is currently completing a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology at Avila University. Hanson has always expressed an interest in philosophy, psychology and the arts, and carries a deep desire to help others recognize the heroism in their stories.

As an intern, Hanson desires to get experience with anything a client presents wanting help with but is especially interested in adolescent and young adult males (16-24), engaged couples in pre-marital counseling, and married couples. Issues he’s most excited to see include anxiety, depression, joblessness, nihilism, and in marriages he is training to treat infidelity, finances, religion, sex, communication problems and more.

Hanson is passionate about well-being and naturopathy. He prefers to look at problems from a holistic perspective—incorporating physiological, psychological, and spiritual analysis into his clinical theory. Rooted in a humanistic approach, Hanson values empathy and sincerity. He wants to thoroughly understand the problem and support clients through every emotion.

Dreams are a significant part of life, and proved to be an integral component in Hanson’s own therapeutic journey. He has become fascinated by the role that our dreams play in shaping our worldviews, and wants people to feel the courage to explore their deepest imaginations in a trustworthy and nonjudgmental setting. He has studied dream analysis for many years, and has developed a keen interest in the symbolism of dreams.

 

Michael received his Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. He is also a Licensed Masters Addiction Counselor and has over 25 years of clinical experience treating dual diagnosis clients. It is important to Michael that each person who walks through his doors receives thorough assessment and treatment that fits their real-life circumstances.

Over the last 25+ years, Michael has worked with a diverse population of clients as a residential counselor (i.e. dual diagnosis, homeless and low SES, LGBTQ+ population, intergenerational trauma, etc). Although Michael is competent in treating a wide variety of diagnoses, the most common concerns he treats are Substance Use Disorders and Addiction, Family Members of Addicts, Trauma, Grief, Severe Persistent Mental Illness, Personality Disorders, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Schizophrenia, and Cognitive Disorders.

Michael is passionate about providing an effective, integrated, and client-centered approach to the treatment of all mental health concerns and strives to provide to you a safe and comfortable space for the healing to begin. Michael is familiar with and uses a unique and personalized combination of many theories, including but not limited to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.

Kaela received her master’s degree in Couple and Family Therapy from Purdue University and has worked in Chicagoland for the past few years while earning her degree. She also received certificates of completion for Level 1 and Level 2 Gottman Couples training. Kaela created an educational program for university students who have experienced sexual violence for her master’s thesis- in which she provides permanent and free resources focused on the well-being of the victims. She has worked with diverse populations in age, race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. She practices affirmative care and always strives for safety in the therapy room. Kaela believes that each person has their own unique strengths that can be utilized in therapy. She believes that each person’s experience in therapy will differ based on their own needs, life stories, struggles, and goals. She cultivates personalized care to meet her clients where they are. Kaela likes to make therapy a warm and welcoming environment and meets emotions with compassion. Kaela is a cheerleader for her clients, but also emphasizes collaboration in order to make lasting change.

Maleah Banker received her master’s degree in Counseling from Avila University, where she honed her skills and passion for helping others navigate life’s challenges. For over seven years, Maleah has been a part of the ITCD team at University Health in downtown Kansas City. During her time there, she dedicated herself to providing services to clients with co-occurring disorders.

During her time at University Health, Maleah has specialized in working with clients facing co-occurring disorders, demonstrating her experience in navigating complex mental health challenges with sensitivity and understanding. Her experience spans a diverse spectrum of diagnoses, including but not limited to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Antisocial Personality Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Borderline Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Schizophrenia, and many more.Through her professional experience, Maleah has received training in methods such as trauma informed care, risk assessment, ongoing assessment of behavioral and psychosocial needs, motivational interviewing, client and family education, coordination of services with various providers, and assistance with learning necessary skills to promote wellness across life domains.

Maleah is a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and it is important to her to foster an inclusive and affirming space for individuals of all backgrounds and cultures. Her unwavering dedication to providing support and guidance to clients from diverse walks of life reflects her commitment to equity and accessibility in mental health care.

Maleah’s therapeutic approach combines evidence-based techniques with a client-centered philosophy, empowering individuals to explore their innermost thoughts and emotions in a safe and non-judgmental environment.

 

Jenna Barton received her Master’s and Education Specialist degree in Counseling from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She utilizes a person-centered, integrative, collaborative, and holistic approach to work with clients to establish and reach their goals in healing and treatment. She strives to create a warm, welcoming, supportive, and empowering therapeutic environment in which clients can navigate any unique challenges they are facing.

Jenna has experience treating issues related to anxiety and depression, motherhood, adjustment/life transitions, children and childhood trauma, challenges of poverty, and more. Since working at a Title I elementary school and child advocacy center, she enjoys working with families, school professionals, and other community stakeholders in a collaborative manner. Working as a multi-systemic therapist in St. Louis also confirmed her desire to work collaboratively and from an integrative mindset.

Faith Scott spent 24 years in the education world as a K-12 Educator and then Elementary Counselor after receiving her Masters Degree in Counseling from Emporia State University in 2011. She has since gone on to complete her course work at Mid-America Nazarene University to become a Licensed Professional Counselor before joining Doors of Hope.  She has a wide range of experiences working with children, teens, and families, treating issues relating to social skills, anxiety, depression, family transitions, school issues, self-esteem, trauma, identity development (cultural, spiritual, sexual, gender identity, etc.), empowerment, religious trauma and deconstruction, self-awareness/esteem/acceptance/love, including being an open and affirming LGBTQIA+ Ally. She utilizes the client-centered and collaborative approaches, as well as, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness techniques, and more. She is also Certified Yoga Teacher, and utilizes the breathwork techniques and gentle, restorative movements to help with mindfulness, calming, and focus.

Reshma Freeman is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a Clinical Complex Trauma Professional who has been practicing since 2017. Reshma graduated with her Masters of Science in Counseling Psychology at Avila University. She completed her internship at the Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assaults and at Crittenton Children’s Center.  Additionally, Reshma is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (pursuing consultations for certification), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Reshma welcomes cultures and ethnicities of all backgrounds. Reshma works with children between the ages of 5-12 years old, adolescents between the ages of 13-18 years old, and all adults. She hopes to continue to evolve as a clinician and a human being. Lastly, Reshma hopes to learn from her clients to serve them the best she can on their journey.

Rachael DeKoning received her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Kansas State University. She has been actively helping clients since 2011. Her training allows her to provide individual, couple, family, and group therapy with all ages.

Rachael has experience treating issues related to depression, anxiety, trauma, couple and family relationships, child-behavioral problems, family of origin problems, blended families, life transitions, chronic illness, women’s issues and much more. Rachael has specialized experience treating addiction and has received her License in Addiction Counseling (LAC). She is also considered an expert in one of the most up to date mental health theories-Acceptance and Commitment Therapy but uses a wide variety of research proven theories based on individual client needs.

Other areas of specialization and interest include military family issues, conflict resolution and mediation, severe anxiety disorders including OCD and comorbidity, couples therapy including infidelity and domestic violence, and faith integration and recovering from religious trauma.

Adam Clement is a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist (LCMFT). He received a B.S. in Personal Financial Planning at Kansas State University and a M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy at Abilene Christian University.  He has been practicing in Kansas City since 2014.

Adam has had experience and training working with couples, families, and individuals with a wide range of presenting problems including trauma, addiction, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, marital conflict, divorce, and adjustment disorders. Adam has had additional training in Emotionally Focused Couples’ Therapy (EFT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Gottman Method Couples’ Therapy, and is Prepare/Enrich certified.

Joanna Ramirez received her Master of Arts in Counseling from MidAmerica Nazarene University, focusing on Marriage, Couple, and Family counseling. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and completed her internship at Abundant Life Counseling, where she integrated faith and research based theories. Joanna meets clients where they are at theoretically while operating largely from an emotion-focused and cognitive behavioral therapy lens. Joanna has spent 8 years in the medical field, which offers a unique and specialized view to those who may be working in the medical field or currently facing medical issues. Joanna mainly works with individuals ages 12 and up and has experience in couple and family counseling as well. She works with a variety of concerns including but not limited to addictions, depression, anxiety, couples, burn out, and more. Personal and professional experience has led to Joanna is especially passionate about working with anxiety, premarital couples, teens, identity concerns (LGBTQIA+, cultural, spiritual etc), and chronic illness.In the counseling room, Joanna tries to create an environment that is open, accepting, and peaceful. Her goal is to make sure her clients feel safe to share all their thoughts, even the most difficult ones. All emotions are welcomed in her space and explored and examined.

Amanda is completing her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Emporia State University and looking forward to obtaining her license in professional counseling upon graduation. She has a completed certification in Trauma Informed Education: Social Emotional Learning and Psychological Well-Being from Emporia State University as well and brings passion to these areas of peoples lives. She is interested in working with a wide range of client problems and populations but especially preteens, teens, adults, and couples who are looking for a safe place to discover more about themselves.

Amanda offers person-centered counseling by integrating multiple approaches to the therapy session based on the clients specific needs and desires for their own therapeutic journey. Her aim is to present knowledge, skills, and a reflection of behavior patterns to further the client’s “toolbox” outside of the counseling session. Amanda believes in not just treating the symptoms a client presents with but getting to the root of the problem.

Amanda’s future goals post-graduation include continuing to see clients at Doors of Hope Counseling and obtaining a PhD in Developmental Trauma.

Tara is completing two master’s degrees, Clinical Counseling with an Addictions concentration and Art Therapy in Counseling from Emporia State University. She currently has her MAADC II for work with Missouri clients struggling with substance use disorders and upon graduation, she will obtain the License for Professional Counseling (LPC), the Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC), and become a registered Art Therapist (ATR) in the state of Kansas.

Tara enjoys individual psychotherapy, guiding clients through the healing benefits of art making, and facilitating group therapy. With a passion for working with individuals pursuing recovery from substance abuse or healing from the various forms of trauma (physical, mental, or sexual abuse), Tara looks forward to building strong therapeutic alliances with individuals, families, and couples. From youth to the old elderly, from marginalized communities living with daily oppression or individuals struggling with eating disorders, Tara hopes to a meet the mental health and well-being needs of a variety of individuals in different life stages. Tara is so grateful to join Doors of Hope Counseling!