Hi! I'm Kelly!

Why I Do This Work

I didn’t take the traditional path into social work. Before earning my MSW, my background was in psychology and criminal justice. Coming from a background in psychology and criminal justice before social work, I learned early on that people rarely fit into neat, tidy categories. Real life is nuanced, messy, and deeply personal. I chose social work because it is inherently rooted in systemic social justice, advocacy, and meeting human beings exactly where they are, rather than asking them to shrink or conform.

 

As a therapist and practice owner, I view my role as a companion and advocate. Whether I am supporting a neurodivergent client unlearning a lifetime of masking, helping someone embrace their queer or gender-affirming identity, or walking alongside someone navigating non-traditional relationships, my goal is the same: to create a space where you never have to edit yourself to be understood.

 

My Approach to Therapy

I believe therapy works best when we can drop the sterile, robotic expert persona and just be human together. I bring my full, authentic self into the room—humor, warmth, sci-fi references, and all.​

• Radical Authenticity: I don't expect you to sit in a polished, formal box, because I don't either. Therapy can be deep, hard, and transformative while still having room for laughter, ease, and absolute realness.

• Continuous Curiosity: I consider myself "professionally curious." I never assume I am the expert on your lived experience, and I stay dedicated to constant learning so you never have to spend your session time educating me on your community.

• Attachment & Relational Safety: How we connect, guard ourselves, and navigate intimacy is deeply shaped by our past experiences. I focus on creating a grounded, secure therapeutic space where you can explore these relational patterns without fear of judgment.  One of my prevailing clinical and personal philosophies is meaningful change happens in secure relationships.

• The Geek/Nerd Life: I am an unapologetic sci-fi fan and massive nerd. Don't be surprised if we end up using pop culture metaphors, memes, video games or fictional character arcs to make sense of real-world dynamics.

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Leading Nova Telemental Health

As the Founder and Executive Director, my work is deeply rooted in systemic social justice and removing barriers to behavioral healthcare:

• Radical Accessibility: We accept insurance and actively reject gatekeeping models in healthcare. Providers should be facilitators, not obstacles.

• Unapologetic Competence: I actively push back against "that's not my demographic." Continuous specialized training ensures every client feels seen, validated, and safely held.

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LCSW Supervision for Supervisees in Social Work

I offer individual and group clinical supervision for social workers pursuing licensure in Virginia and Ohio.

• Supervisory Approach: Systemic, neurodivergent-affirming, and sex-positive.

• Focus Areas: Complex identity cases, alternative relationship structures, ethical boundary setting, private practice business foundations, and preventing clinical burnout.

• I am not currently taking on Supervisees at this time.

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