WHY I DO WHAT I DO
Because feeling seen and heard starts with who’s listening.
GET TO KNOW ME
So happy you’re here — I’m Kelly.
I juggle many roles in my day-to-day - as a mother, wife, sister, daughter, counselor, and practice owner. I am also an artist, gardener, bookworm, and a great person for a coffee date (in my biased opinion), and the person who will always find a way to get silly. I share daily moments of frustration, guilt, overwhelm, gratitude, peace, and laughter. You can often find me dancing to loud music with my kids one moment, followed by me putting on some noise-cancelling headphones and seeking out a quiet space to reset my nervous system.
I have always found myself aching for more connection with others, while simultaneously finding it difficult to stay in the constant hustle of social demands, whether that be with family, friends, or work. I enjoy new experiences, but also hold tightly to the things that feel safe and predictable.
I used to feel like a walking contradiction -- unsure of myself and my own needs, but through my own therapy, I have learned that this is the most beautiful part of myself.
I have walked through seasons of life where nothing felt the way I thought it would. I expected to feel secure and grounded, but instead I felt unsettled and out of place. Then, I decided to throw parenting into the mix, and that opened a whole new set of contradictions to navigate.
What I have learned, both personally and through my work, is that feeling unsettled during these times doesn’t mean you are failing. It means you’re human. These moments are invitations to pause, reflect, and reshape the way you see yourself and your relationships.
My approach is warm, collaborative, and non-judgmental. I don’t believe in quick fixes or telling you who you “should” be. Instead, I create a safe space where you can bring your questions, your doubts, your guilt, or your shame. Together, we’ll make sense of what feels so heavy and discover new ways to move forward with clarity and confidence.
You don’t have to do this on your own. I am here to walk alongside you as you find your place in a life that feels steadier, more connected, and authentic to yourself.
This is George, a gentle soul and a proud part of Pando Counseling. He is a frequent visitor in sessions if desired by the client. His main job is napping, but he is not shy to hugs & treats. He is also a great listener.
The Experience Behind My Work
LEARNING & GROWING
Background
After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2012, I began my work as a Registered Nurse.
For most of my years as a nurse, I worked in the Behavioral Health Field. Working in Crisis-Stabilization, Emergency Services, and Inpatient Behavioral Health. I finished out my nursing career as the Nursing Supervisor of an Inpatient Medical-Behavioral Health Unit.
After pausing to start a family, I found myself longing for a more tailored, one-on-one setting with clients in the mental health field. I continued work on my education in the field and completed my Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at UNC Charlotte.
In the private practice counseling setting, I have worked individually with adults between the ages of 18 and 71. I helped individuals in the perinatal and post-natal stages of parenthood, during challenging life transitions from college age to empty nesters, navigating relationships and self-identity after trauma, sexual abuse, and/or substance use issues.
In my practice, I have utilized a variety of modalities tailored to each client’s needs, including the Internal Family Systems Theory approach, Attachment-based Therapy, Creative and Expressive Arts Therapy, Sand-Tray Therapy, and Somatic/Body-Focused work. I plan to continue working towards my certifications in Internal Family Systems Therapy and EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy).
Education
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MACMHC
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, BSN
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, BAPSY
Recent Conferences & Continuing Education:
UNC Charlotte’s Multicultural Play Therapy Center Conference - June 2024
VA Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-5) Clinical Training - Certification 2024
Licensure
Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor, CMHC-A
Licensed by: North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors License
National Certified Counselor, NCC
Certified by: National Board for Certified Counselors