Who We Are
Kat Cahill, Clinical Director
LCPC, LPC, RPT™
Kat has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in the individual, group, family, and residential setting. She believes in approaching each client individually and tailors treatment to meet each client and family where they are from the first session. Kat strongly believes in approaching each client from a strengths-based and trauma-informed lens, recognizing resiliency, and utilizing the client’s individual strengths to encourage progress. Kat adapts with her clients as they grow and make progress toward their goals and works to incorporate clients and families into their treatment planning. In addition to seeing her own clients, Kat supervises staff therapists on the Creative Connections team and manages the intake process for new clients in the role of Clinical Director.
Kat uses a combination of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Theraplay, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Play Therapy, and the Attachment Regulation Competency (ARC) framework of trauma treatment.
Kat received her Bachelors degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from the University of Kansas, and holds a Masters degree in Community Counseling from Loyola University-Chicago. Kat is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Kansas and a Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri. Kat also obtained her Play Therapy Certificate through Heartland Play Therapy Institute and maintains the Registered Play Therapist (RPT™) credential through the Association for Play Therapy.
In her downtime, Kat enjoys swimming, hiking, reading, traveling, patios, cheering on the Jayhawks and Chiefs, and spending quality time with loved ones.
Laura Lester
LSCSW, LCSW, RPT™
Laura@creativeconnectionskc.com
Laura Lester has been working in the social work field for over 10 years. She holds a clinical social work license in both Kansas and Missouri. Laura has experience working in hospital social work, community mental health, case management, and in private practice counseling. Laura enjoys working with children, teens, and adults who have experienced trauma, loss, major life changes, as well as difficulty managing worry, anger, sadness, and other intense emotions.
Laura graduated from Northwest Missouri State University with a degree in Speech and Organizational Communication. Deciding that she would like to use her communication skills in a helping profession, Laura went on to the University of Missouri where she earned a master’s in social work. In addition, Laura has earned a master’s degree in business administration from Western Governors University.
Laura utilizes an integrative approach to her practice. Laura received her certificate in play therapy from Heartland Play Therapy Institute. In addition to play therapy, Laura has received extensive training in solution focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), and in crisis intervention.
In her free time, you can usually find Laura spending time with her family, reading, baking, or cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs.
Stephen Mockry
LCMFT
Stephen@creativeconnectionskc.com
Stephen is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and has experience working with couples, kids, adolescents, families, and adults. Stephen uses techniques from Emotionally Focused Therapy, Play Therapy, Theraplay, Narrative Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Stephen is working towards obtaining his Play Therapy Certificate from Heartland Play Therapy Institute.
Stephen received his bachelor’s degree in Applied Behavioral Science from the University of Kansas and his Masters in Counseling from the University of Colorado. Stephen started his career as an intern at JS Therapy Group where he was hired right after graduation. Stephen worked with couples and families to build connection, improve communication, explore attachment needs, and create a sense of emotional safety in the relationship. Stephen was also an intern at Safehome. Stephen joined with survivors of domestic violence as they healed from trauma, developed safe and healthy relationships, and reclaimed their independence. Stephen then worked at Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center on the Children and Family Therapy team. Stephen joined with kids and families and used the power of play to build connection, learn coping skills, and learn to express needs in a healthy way. Stephen is honored to be at Creative Connections. He works with couples, families, children, and adolescents.
Stephen values therapy built on empathy, trust, respect, and collaboration. Stephen strives to create an experience free from judgement where people feel safe to explore the most vulnerable parts of themselves. Stephen values a culturally responsive approach and always learning, growing and understanding himself and others in a cultural context.
In his free time, Stephen enjoys taking photos with his film cameras, making music, collecting records, and going on adventures with his wife and dog.
Marcia B.
LCPC
Marcia@creativeconnectionskc.com
Marcia has been working with children, teens, and adults for nearly 35 years. She has worked in multiple settings helping people who are struggling with trauma, domestic violence, sexual assault, substance use or behavioral addictions; as well as anxiety, depression, grief and loss, ADHD, ASD, and the concerns of the LGBTQ+ community. She is licensed as a clinical professional counselor (LCPC) and an addictions counselor (LAC) in KS. In addition, she is nationally certified as both an Art Therapist (ATR-BC) and a National Certified Counselor: https://www.credly.com/badges/d7461526-bec2-459a-8dbe-
64da99d7ca9d/public_url
Marcia integrates several approaches into her treatment, depending on the needs of each client. She is trained in Object Relations Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. The creative process, Art Therapy, and Play Therapy are interwoven throughout treatment.
Marcia believes that therapy is a shared journey wherein the client is the expert on his/her/their own life and Marcia’s role is to help each person to visualize, realize, and actualize his/her/their own preferred life. With a strong therapeutic relationship, hard work between sessions, and the instillment of hope, Marcia believes that healing and change can not only be achieved; but also, it can be maintained over time.
Demetria Lawson-Residor
LSCSW, LCSW, RPT™
Demetria@creativeconnectionskc.com
Demetria is a clinical therapist working with children, teens, families, and adults to heal from trauma, repair ruptured attachments, integrate strategies to manage ADHD, develop insight, walk through grief, build courage and achieve their life goals. Throughout her career as a therapist, Demetria has pursued and integrated a variety of therapeutic models including Play Therapy, Sandtray Therapy, and Child-Parent Psychotherapy. Demetria is passionate about working with individuals of all ages. Vulnerability is often avoided and negatively viewed because of the consequences that may follow good or bad. Demetria likes to see vulnerability as a gift. Demetria believes that partnering in a therapeutic relationship has the power to be transformative and turn vulnerability into one’s superpower.
Demetria obtained two Bachelor’s of Arts degrees, one in Psychology and one in Human Services from William Penn University in 2018, her Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and her Child Parent Psychotherapy Certification in 2023. Demetria is licensed as a LSCSW in the state of Kansas and LCSW in the state of Missouri.
Jordyn Hasbrouck
LMSW
Jordyn@creativeconnectionskc.com
Jordyn is a therapist who completed her Master’s degree in Social Work at The University of Kansas. She is licensed as an LMSW in the state of Kansas. With a strong commitment to providing compassionate care, Jordyn works with children, adolescents, adults, and families to create a supportive, empathetic, and playful environment where healing and positive change can flourish.
Jordyn has completed a year-long therapeutic clinical internship where she gained hands-on experience in play therapy, deepening her understanding of the therapeutic needs of children through developmentally appropriate, expressive modalities. Prior to pursuing her graduate degree, she worked in the child welfare system for 3.5 years, where she gained valuable experience in prevention work with biological families, foster families, and foster youth. These experiences have strengthened her commitment to trauma-informed care and shaped her holistic, systems-informed perspective.
Driven by a passion for empowering others, Jordyn helps individuals find their voice, encouraging them to reach their fullest potential. Her approach is client-centered and collaborative, walking alongside individuals on their journey to discover effective tools and strategies for growth and well-being. Jordyn believes in fostering strong therapeutic relationships, where clients feel heard, understood, and valued as they work towards meaningful, lasting change.
Grace Zhu
LMFT
Grace@creativeconnectionskc.com
Grace is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works with children, adolescents, adults, and families through a collaborative, compassionate, and trauma-informed lens. With experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings, she tailors therapy to each client’s unique goals, drawing from a range of evidence-based approaches including Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Structural Family Therapy, and Experiential Family Therapy. Grace is currently completing the Heartland Play Therapy Registered Play Therapist Certification program and is receiving both clinical and play therapy supervision while completing this program.
Grace is especially passionate about supporting clients in building emotional regulation skills, understanding relationship dynamics, and fostering deeper, more authentic connections—with themselves and with others. She is dedicated to creating a supportive and affirming space where clients of all backgrounds and identities feel seen, safe, and empowered to grow. Grace holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and human services from Friends University and a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Oklahoma State University. She brings warmth, curiosity, and respect to her work, grounded in the belief that meaningful change happens when people feel truly supported and understood.
Outside of her clinical work, Grace enjoys unwinding with a good book, solving puzzles, building Legos, playing video games with her wife, and catering to the ever-evolving demands of their cat—who kindly allows them to share his home.
Anna
Clinical Intern
Anna@creativeconnectionskc.com
Hi! My name is Anna and I am a student clinical therapist at Creative Connections.
I utilize play therapy, an approach that fosters emotional wellness, enhances social relationships, increases personal strengths, and facilitates communication. My training in Marriage and Family Therapy allows me to understand the broader context of you and your child’s lives, enabling me to better understand your needs and collaborate with you for positive change. I am trained to work with individuals, couples and entire families across all ages and life stages.
I aim to meet clients where they are and deeply appreciate the effort involved in considering and starting therapy. My hope is for each of my clients to feel valued, seen, and capable while working with me. My goal is to provide supportive challenges that promote progress toward growth and healing.
I am a graduate student clinical intern in the Master of Science in Family Therapy program at Friends University. I am under the supervision of a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist and an AAMFT-approved supervisor, and I also receive clinical mentorship from the staff at Creative Connections.
Jessica Baker
Clinical Intern
Jessica@creativeconnectionskc.com
Jess is a student clinical therapist at Creative Connections and is currently completing her final year in the Master of Social Work program at the University of Kansas. Jess offers over ten years of experience supporting children and families within diverse environments, including community mental health, educational institutions, child welfare services, and veterinary social work.
Jess is a strong advocate for the therapeutic relationship, collaborating with clients to identify and leverage their inherent strengths in pursuit of their objectives. She is particularly passionate about assisting children who have experienced trauma, focusing on fostering healing and strengthening family bonds.
Her clinical approach integrates techniques from Play Therapy and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. Jess is enthusiastic about her role at Creative Connections, where she will continue her professional development under the supervision of Demetria Lawson-Residor, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist.
In her personal time, Jess enjoys exploring the world of play with her one-year-old son. She also finds pleasure in playing board games, reading, and spending quality time with her husband and other family members.
Carmy Goodwin, Co-Owner
LSCSW, LCSW, RPT-S™, RST-C/T
Carmy@creativeconnectionskc.com
Carmy is a bilingual clinical therapist seeing adults, teens, children and families that have experienced trauma, grief and loss, relationship problems, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. Carmy uses Play Therapy, Sandtray, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and TF-CBT (Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) as her primary therapeutic modalities, but is also skilled in utilizing Theraplay techniques, Psycho-drama, Group Therapy, and Expressive Art Therapies.
Carmy began her career working in the public education system, first in the Olathe School District as an interpreter and then in the Independence School District as a Family School Liaison. After gaining experience in early childhood behavioral, emotional and psychological evaluations and intensive in-home case management, Carmy’s interest in clinical social work blossomed and she began looking for opportunities to transition to a clinically focused practice. In 2011, Carmy was hired on at SAFEHOME, Inc. and became a full-time Bilingual Clinical Therapist for 7 years. In addition to her work at SAFEHOME, Carmy expanded her experience by working part-time as a Bilingual Clinical Therapist at the Child Abuse Prevention Association in Independence, MO and by facilitating play therapy workshops all across the Midwest.
Carmy supervises individuals pursuing their Kansas and Missouri clinical social work licensure and registered play therapy credential, as well as served on the Kansas Association for Play Therapy (KSAPT) board as Conference Chair and President. Carmy is co-owner of Heartland Play Therapy Institute and believes that Play Therapy is an essential tool for understanding and processing trauma through the eyes of the child.
Carmy obtained her undergraduate degree in Spanish from Kansas State University, her Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and her Play Therapy Certification from KC Play Therapy Institute.
Amber Johnson, Co-Owner
LCPC, RPT-S™
Amber@creativeconnectionskc.com
Amber obtained her Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology from John Brown University, her Master’s degree in Counseling from Mid America Nazarene University and her Play Therapy Certification from KC Play Therapy Institute.
Amber began a love of helping others in high school, dedicating summers to being a camp counselor with inner city children, youth camps and adolescent girl camps. During her graduate program in Counseling, Amber completed her internship at SAFEHOME, providing therapy to victims of domestic violence. Shortly after completing her graduate degree, Amber was hired as a full time Clinical Therapist providing individual, family and group therapy for adults and children. Amber was the Clinical Director at SAFEHOME prior to transitioning to Creative Connections. She now sees adults, children and adolescents at Creative Connections. Amber has expanded her experience by teaching workshops for Heartland Play Institute, providing Play Therapy supervision and providing Clinical Supervision for individuals pursuing clinical licensure.
Throughout her career as a therapist, Amber has pursued training in a variety of therapeutic models including Emotional Transformation Therapy, Resonance Repatterning, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Psychodrama, Play Therapy, Theraplay and Art Therapy. Amber especially enjoys working with adults and utilizing various techniques to explore inner child processing. She is dedicated to helping clients understand and overcome whatever is getting in their way of who they want to become. She believes that with the proper therapeutic relationship, hard work and counseling, healing can be achieved. She believes that the deeper you are willing to process into your struggle, the greater the change you will see!
Lori Peterson, Co-Owner
LSCSW, LCSW, RPT-S™
Lori@creativeconnectionskc.com
Lori has been working with adults, teens, children and families for more than fifteen years to heal from trauma, overcome anxiety, conquer depression, understand unhealthy relationship patterns, walk through grief, integrate strategies to manage ADHD symptoms, strengthen families, develop insight, build self-esteem and achieve their life goals. Throughout her career as a therapist, Lori has pursued training and integrated a variety of therapeutic models into her practice including Play Therapy, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF CBT), Expressive Art Therapy, Sandtray Therapy, Theraplay Attachment Therapy, Psychodrama, Emotional Transformation Therapy, and Resonance Repatterning. Lori is passionate about working with individuals of all ages and believes that the therapeutic relationship has the power to be transformative.
Lori obtained her Bachelors of Arts degree in Social Work with a secondary major in Women’s Studies from Kansas State University in 1999, her Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Kansas in 2002 and her Play Therapy Certification from KC Play Therapy Institute in 2006. Lori is licensed as a LSCSW in the state of Kansas and an LCSW in the state of Missouri. She also maintains the Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor (RPT-S™ ) credential as provided by the Association for Play Therapy.
Favorite Therapy Quote: “Sometimes I must first struggle before I can discover a strength, and I may never discover that strength if I never have to struggle.” – Garry Landreth
Mackenzie Ashmore, Intake Coordinator
Mackenzie@creativeconnectionskc.com
Mackenzie is a mother of two boys and a crazy puppy. She is a crafter and enjoys all types of art, especially crocheting. She loves to host family game nights and family kickball tournaments where everyone gets to show off their competitive spirit. Mackenzie and her family enjoy spending time with nature and taking walks–especially if there are flowers and cute animals around. She loves to spend time with children and families and that’s where she found her spot here at Creative Connections, a place where play and fun can happen in a professional setting!