Who We Are
Kat Cahill, Clinical Director
LCPC, LPC, RPT™
Kat has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in individual, group, family, and residential settings. She approaches each client as a unique individual and tailors treatment to meet clients and their families where they are from the very first session. Kat works from a strengths-based, trauma-informed perspective, emphasizing resilience and using each client’s inherent strengths to support meaningful progress. She adapts alongside her clients as they grow, and incorporates them—and when appropriate, their families—into collaborative treatment planning.
In addition to providing therapy, Kat supervises staff clinicians on the Creative Connections team and teaches Attachment: Creating Connection through Play Therapy for Heartland Play Therapy Institute, supporting the development of emerging play therapists.
Kat integrates a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Theraplay, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Play Therapy, and the ARC (Attachment, Regulation, and Competency) framework for trauma treatment. She is trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and uses this modality when working with clients who may feel stuck due to past trauma or negative beliefs.
Kat received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from the University of Kansas and holds a Master’s degree in Community Counseling from Loyola University Chicago. She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Kansas and a Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri. She also earned her Play Therapy Certificate through Heartland Play Therapy Institute and maintains the Registered Play Therapist (RPT™) credential through the Association for Play Therapy.
Outside of her clinical work, Kat enjoys swimming, hiking, reading, traveling, patios, cheering on the Jayhawks and Chiefs, and sharing 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 15 years and has been a play therapist for over 5 years. She holds clinical licensure in Kansas and Missouri. Laura has been a Registered Play Therapist through the Association of Play Therapy since 2023.
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 masters in Social Work. In addition, Laura has earned a masters degree in business administration from Western Governors University.
Laura has experience working in hospital social work, community mental health, case management, and private practice counseling. In addition to play therapy, Laura is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). Laura is passionate about her work with neurodivergent children and adults as well as their families.
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 Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist and Registered Play Therapist. He has experience working with kids, adolescents, families, couples, and adults. Stephen uses techniques from Child Centered Play Therapy, Theraplay, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
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. He 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 children, adolescents, families, and couples.
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 playing with his kids and wife, taking photos with his film cameras, making music, and collecting records.
Marcia B.
LCPC
Marcia@creativeconnectionskc.com
Marcia has been working with children, teens, and adults for over 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.
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. Demetria has been a Registered Play Therapist through the Association of Play Therapy since 2024.
Jordyn Lowry
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.
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!