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.

Anne had a goal to include an emotional support therapy dog into her practice. Anne felt clients need to be able to relax, feel safe, and allow themselves to tell their stories. Jewel, a Golden Doodle, has joined Anne. Jewel is a puppy and will start training the first of October 2024. Jewel will be practicing with Anne and other therapists at Doors of Hope Counseling.

Hanson Briggs is a Licensed Professional Counselor and has received his Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Avila University. He has always expressed an interest in philosophy, psychology and the arts, and carries a deep desire to help others recognize their capacity for transformation.

Hanson is passionate about personalizing individual treatment through the lens of well-being and naturopathy. He prefers to look at problems from a holistic perspective—incorporating physiological and psychological analysis into his clinical theory. He wants to thoroughly understand the problem and support clients through every emotion. Anxiety, depression, addictive patterns, nihilism, family dysfunction, relational intimacy, and sexual health are issues that Hanson has walked through with clients.

Problems with communication is one of the most common reasons couples have reached out to Hanson for counseling. He continues to work alongside couples through issues of infidelity, pornography use, divorce, sexual intimacy, and finances.

He also serves kids ages five to seventeen, fostering their ability to understand emotionality and improve their familial relationships. Collaborating with parents on family dynamics and lifestyle changes is a central part of Hanson’s approach to children’s therapy.

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.

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 25 years in the education world as both a K-12 Educator and then Elementary Counselor after receiving her Masters Degree in Counseling from Emporia State University in 2011. She has since become a Licensed Professional Counselor joining Doors of Hope. She has a wide range of experiences working with all ages, treating issues with anxiety, depression, family transitions, school issues, self-esteem, trauma, identity development (cultural, spiritual, sexual, gender identity, etc.), religious trauma, deconstruction, self-awareness/esteem/acceptance/love, including being an open and affirming LGBTQIA+ Ally. She works with individual children, ages 5 and up, as well as adolescents, teens, and adults. She utilizes client-centered and collaborative approaches, including Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness techniques, and more. Also, a Certified Yoga Teacher (RYT 200), she integrates Polyvagal Theory and gentle, somatic movement, along with breathwork techniques to help with mindfulness, calming, and focus. 

Faith has personal and professional competence working with individuals navigating infertility issues, cultural identity, faith reconstruction, adoption, grief/loss, and recovery. She is passionate about creating a welcoming therapeutic space where clients can feel seen, safe, and affirmed. 

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.

Recieving her BA in Psychology from KU and her MS in Clinical Counseling with an Addictions concentration from ESU, Tara is a fully licensed LPC in Kansas. She is also working towards her second degree, Art Therapy in Counseling from Emporia State University to become a KS registered Art Therapist (ATR). Additionally, her PLPC license and MAADC II credential, allow Tara to work with Missouri clients struggling with substance use disorders and a variety of mental health issues.

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!

Mason Clegg, a proud lifelong resident of Kansas City, is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology at Avila University. With a deep curiosity about how things work, Mason has a particular passion for neuroscience and psychology. This interest drives a desire to understand the complexities of the human mind and behavior,
enriching Mason’s approach to therapy.

Mason is passionate about fostering personal growth and well-being, viewing counseling as a collaborative journey where clients, who have the deepest insight into their own lives, chart the path. He is dedicated to helping individuals achieve their life goals in a balanced and meaningful way. Mason believes in taking a holistic approach that emphasizes mental, physical, and spiritual health, understanding that these aspects are interconnected in promoting overall well-being.
Mason sees clients of all ages but is particularly interested in working with individuals aged 13-24, a formative period often marked by significant personal and developmental changes. By supporting clients on their unique pathways, Mason aims to provide a safe and empathetic space for exploring challenges, building resilience, and achieving
personal aspirations.

Cameron Rozean is currently completing his master’s degree in Counseling Psychology at the University of Kansas. Prior to this, Cameron completed his BS in Behavioral Neuroscience at the University of Kansas. Growing up in western Kansas,
he is now beginning his “big city” adventure.

Cameron has professional experience working with depression, anxiety, substance-use disorders, addictions, enhanced life stress, trauma, grief, and self-confidence as well as working with adults and children. Cameron also has
experience working with people of diverse backgrounds and identities. Cameron has training in Positive Psychology, Motivational Interviewing, and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Cameron realizes that we live in a multi-cultural world, meaning that everyone that enters the therapeutic room has a unique story. Spirituality plays a dynamic and distinctive role in each person’s life ensuring that no two experiences are the same. Understanding this, Cameron welcomes and invites any and all beliefs and practices. Cameron strives to create a room where an individual feels comfortable being fully and completely themselves.

Emma is completing her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Catholic Anthropology from the University of Mary. Prior to her graduate work, Emma received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Benedictine College.

Emma practices from an experiential approach, believing that the therapeutic relationship is the source of healing. After all, we are not made to walk through life alone. As humans we were made for community and relationship. She is dedicated to fostering a non-judgmental, authentic, and safe environment for each of her clients. Emma cherishes the idea that every person she encounters has a unique story worth listening to and exploring. Her concentration in Catholic Anthropology enriches her perspective, allowing her to see each individual as inherently dignified and beautiful.

Through the therapeutic relationship, Emma hopes her clients can achieve self-understanding and reconnect with lost parts of themselves. As Emma begins her career, she remains open to working with diverse populations. During her graduate studies, she gained valuable experience working with children and adolescents in crisis settings, enhancing her ability to connect with teenagers and young adults. However, she is equally enthusiastic about working with adults. Her special interests span a wide range, including but not limited to relational trauma, religious trauma, spirituality, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, shame, unwanted sexual behaviors, women’s issues, parenting, premarital counseling,
addiction, sexual trauma, obsessive-compulsive disorder, scrupulosity, loneliness, ADHD, coping skills, mood disorders, personality disorders, self-harm, and suicidal ideation.