Cassandra Kennell, Psy.D., LCP

Cassandra Kennell, Psy.D., was born in Sarasota, Florida and received her B.A. in Psychology from the University of South Florida. She moved to the Shenandoah Valley in 2004 to earn a Master of Arts degree in Counseling. Dr. Kennell worked as a child and adolescent substance abuse therapist before pursuing her doctorate in psychology. She completed her internship at Philhaven Hospital in Mt. Gretna, PA. Her training experiences included placements at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, DeWitt Army Community Hospital, James Madison University, and Western State Hospital.

Dr. Kennell specializes in working with college-age women who have depression or anxiety. She works with clients to address recurring patterns of negative interaction, as well as the underlying thoughts and emotions that drive these patterns. She also integrates attachment theory, working with new parents as they navigate the emotional and practical aspects of parenting.

Location: Cassandra Kennell is at the Harrisonburg office

Barbara Jerichen, MS, LPC

I am a licensed professional counselor who was born and raised in the Shenandoah Valley and am a wife of a truck driver and mother to a middle school son. I have a Master’s of Science in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University and Bachelor’s and Master’s from James Madison University in teaching. I have served children in the educational setting in the U.S. and abroad for over 20 years, through teaching, coaching, and counseling.

Using active and reflective listening, I assist individuals to change their thought patterns, re-frame their choices, and create accountability to empower new life choices and direction. I enjoy working with people of all ages using strategies of affirmation, behavioral management, solution focused, motivational interviewing and cognitive behavior therapies. I especially enjoy helping children and helping their parents to better understand and meet the developmental, emotional, and social needs of their children. I strive to assist individuals in building resiliency to work through life’s challenges, to remain grounded and persevere in various circumstances through hope and joy.

Location: Barbara Jerichen is at the Harrisonburg office

Tamala K. Gilardi, MSW, LCSW

Welcome! I am Tamala Gilardi and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a board-certified supervisor in Virginia. I have had the honor of working in a variety of settings providing quality comprehensive mental health services in the Harrisonburg & surrounding areas.

I specialize in working with Adults, Children, Adolescents and Families. My goal is to provide a therapy experience that is predicated upon compassion, enthusiasm and creativity. I understand that change can be uncomfortable and my treatment philosophy is to provide a supportive and safe therapeutic environment.

It has been my privilege and passion to practice in the Shenandoah Valley for the past 30+ years assisting individuals with needs involving Mood Disorders, Anxiety, Trauma, Anger Management, Self Esteem, Transitional Issues, Serious Mental Illness, Childhood & Developmental Issues, Parenting, Family Systems.

I promote therapeutic approaches that are tailored to the need, to include: Cognitive Therapy, Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Informed Therapy, Art Therapy, Play Therapy, Attachment-based Therapy, Family Structural Therapy, Experiential Therapy, Reality Therapy, Brief Solution Focused Therapy, Eclectic Therapy, Group Therapy.

Location: Tamala K. Gilardi is at the Harrisonburg office

Stephanie Morehead, B.A., QMHP-A, Graduate Counseling Practicum Student

I am a graduate counseling student in Mental Health Counseling through the University of the Cumberlands. I grew up in Maryland and came to the Shenandoah Valley to attend Mary Baldwin College, where I received a Bachelor’s with honors in Psychology in 2012. Since then I have worked in the field of mental health for five years primarily working with those afflicted with severe and persistent mental illnesses to achieve their potential and live happily in their community.

My background is in the person-centered therapeutic model and I am skilled in working with adults of any background who struggle with severe mental illness. I have worked with individuals with Schizophrenia, Bipolar, OCD, Borderline Personality Disorder, as well as clinical depression and generalized anxiety.

I fell in love with the Shenandoah Valley which is why I have made it my permanent home, and I look forward to helping those in the community become the best version of themselves. I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship and having unconditional support for my clients through empowerment, learning, and growth.

Location: Stephanie Morehead is at the Harrisonburg office

Alyson Garnet, MA, LPC

Hello! I moved to Harrisonburg, VA, to receive my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at James Madison University. I fell in love with the scenery and decided to make this my home. I then received my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of the Cumberlands. My experience is working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and low self-esteem.

I believe that the therapeutic environment should be free of judgment and a place for individuals to feel safe. I work from the therapeutic techniques of person-centered, cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, existential therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy I believe that clients are the experts in their lives, and I look forward to helping clients achieve well-being through unconditional positive regard, support, and empowerment.

Location: Alyson Garnet is at the Harrisonburg office

Kristen Fulton-Wright, MSW, LCSW, EMDR Trained

Zach Pennington, Clinical Director, MA-CMHC, LPC

Hello, my name is Zach Pennington. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, registered LPC-Supervisor, and Clinical Director with Shenandoah Psychological Services located in Harrisonburg and Roanoke, Virginia. For relaxation, I love wandering through the woods, exploring trails, mountains, and waterways through hiking, camping, canoeing, and fishing. I also enjoy getting lost in a good book, exercising creativity through artwork, listening to live music, and treasure hunting at thrift stores and flea markets. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I enjoy working with contemporary relationships, blended families, and individuals who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, or trauma impacting their relationship or family life. My approach encourages the development of practical and effective tools to improve emotional literacy, productively manage conflict, and parent effectively. For the last nine years, I have built a strong reputation in the community for the ability to make meaningful and transformative connections. As the Clinical Director and LPC-Supervisor, I enjoy the opportunity to support and encourage an amazing team of therapists and helping professionals, as they offer compassionate and quality psychotherapy and mental health services for individuals, couples, and families in the Roanoke Valley of Virginia. I hold dual Masters’ Degrees in Marriage and Family Therapy and Clinical Mental Health Counseling. My approach to therapy is person-centered, integrative, and intuitive.

Karen Herrell, MA, LPC

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who grew up in Clarke County, Virginia and currently live in beautiful Rockingham County.

I received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from James Madison University and fell in love with the area. Then I pursued my Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Eastern Mennonite University.

After receiving my Bachelor’s degree, I worked as a Family Services Specialist at Social Services for roughly ten years while obtaining my Master’s degree. Working with at-risk youth and their birth and foster families I found my passion for attachment counseling. I saw the benefits of the work first hand. After receiving my Master’s Degree and while working as a Resident in Counseling, I worked for a local therapeutic foster care agency. There I continued to assist and counsel children with attachment, behavioral, identity and emotional issues. I worked closely with their birth and foster families, as needed.

I work from an attachment-based and trauma informed approach to counseling. I want to provide a safe space that is accepting and neutral to clients so they can feel that they are able to express their true selves. With trust and understanding of one’s experience, I want my clients to feel safe to explore their sense of self and work towards finding peace within.

I have been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Attachment Therapy, Family Systems, Mindfulness Therapy, Play/Art Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Trauma Informed Therapy, and Strength-based Therapy.

Location: Karen Herrell is at the Harrisonburg office

Trevor Haase, MA/EdS, LPC

I was born and raised in San Bernardino, CA and moved to the Shenandoah Valley in 2009. I completed my undergraduate degree in Psychology at Eastern Mennonite University and obtained my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from James Madison University. For nearly nine years I worked in a residential Crisis Stabilization Unit utilizing DBT as a primary modality to help people incorporate strong coping skills to help improve their distress tolerance and improve their emotional regulation.

I believe that everyone walking into therapy has a unique story and requires an individualized approach. Through empathy and unconditional positive regard clients are better able to understand their perspectives, beliefs, and narrative and identify ways to address their obstacles. I look to integrate different coping skills and strategies as necessary to help with emotional regulation and foster confidence in managing negative thought processes and emotions.

Location: Trevor Haase is at the Harrisonburg office

Margaret Hassett, MA, LPC

Born and raised in the Shenandoah Valley, I received my BA in Psychology from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College and my Master of Arts in Counseling from Eastern Mennonite University. I have lived in various states but have always found myself drawn back to the steady presence of the Blue Ridge. I earned my license working with college age, children and families, and individuals impacted by sexual violence.

As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I enjoy working with individuals across the lifespan and strive to collaborate with them toward healing. I believe that through safety and acceptance, we can allow for growth and insight. I am trained in EMDR and various attachment-based and trauma informed modalities, including the use of sand tray, expressive arts and mindfulness practices.

Location: Margaret Hassett is at the Harrisonburg office

Traketa Dillard, MMHC, LPC

For the last 10 years, I have been helping people experience positive change, while navigating difficult times in their lives by offering support, guidance, and encouragement. My experience is diverse, but I find the most enjoyment while working with children, adolescents, and their families. I value personal connection, compassion, and honesty in therapeutic work and appreciate the opportunity to offer direction that brings clarity during therapy.

As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I earned my Bachelor’s Degree from Ferrum College and hold a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Capella University. I have experience working with anger, ADHD, depression, PTSD, trauma, substance usage, bipolar disorder and anxiety.

I have specialized training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy. Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) addresses the mental health needs of children, adolescents, and families suffering from the destructive effects of early trauma. The treatment is particularly sensitive to the unique problems of youth with post-traumatic stress and mood disorders resulting from sexual abuse, as well as from physical abuse, violence, or grief.

Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) is a specific type of cognitive-behavioral therapy found to be effective for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in people who have experienced traumatic events. Additionally, I have experience working with adolescents and children who are struggling with emotional and behavioral issues, adjusting to change, anger management, developing focus, and improving concentration.

During therapy, I utilize a variety of techniques and strategies, including CBT, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, and trauma-informed modalities including Cognitive Processing Therapy and Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

I know that the thought of beginning therapy can feel intimidating and the task of finding the “right” therapist daunting.

Take the first step and know, we will work together to create change, encourage growth, and improve self-esteem.

Location: Traketa Dillard is at the Roanoke office

Katie Lewis, MS, LPC

Welcome! My name is Katie Lewis, and I have been serving the community through mental health care for over eleven years. My passion for helping others and witnessing people grow increases with every client I serve. I am so glad that you’ve taken the challenging first step toward creating a better life by seeking therapy. It’s an honor for me to provide guidance to those who may be struggling.

What I’ve found to be especially helpful for my clients is being their biggest supporter. I believe it’s important that you feel truly heard while we explore your needs and understand the barriers that have “held you back” from creating a better life. What I like to incorporate most in my therapeutic practice is strong, consistent validation, humor, and transparency.

I find that continuing to improve my practice through further education while remaining humble helps my clients feel they are receiving quality care. It’s one of my top priorities to uphold strong ethical standards while fostering safety, creating comfort, and building a connection.

Rather than using one treatment method with everyone, I believe it’s critical to adapt my interventions to your specific personality, history, goals, and interests. These evidence based practices include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, Reality Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, amongst others.

The population I serve includes individuals ages 18+ from any socioeconomic level, and I’m an allied supporter of the LGBTQ+ community. I have extensive experience treating those who struggle with a history of trauma and abuse, substance abuse/addiction, self-esteem, anger management challenges, eating disorders, bipolar symptoms, depression, anxiety, interpersonal challenges, personality disorders, psychotic symptoms, and more.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my profile and consider me as a potential candidate that can help you reach your goals.

Location: Katie Lewis is at the Roanoke office

Stephanie Morehead, MA, LPC

Stephanie is a LPC and has over nine years of experience working with individuals who struggle with trauma and severe mental illness. She has extensive experience helping individuals with anxiety, depression, and grief; including pet loss. She operates from a strengths-based perspective and believes in equipping clients with the tools they need to help themselves learn, heal, and grow. Stephanie is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). She enjoys teaching clients about how symptoms of trauma, anxiety, and depression live in the brain and the body and uses creative and exploratory ways to help clients strengthen their relationships with themselves and those around them.

With Stephanie, the client sets the stage for counseling and sets the pace. Sometimes we need to vent or cry and have a space for our deepest thoughts, and sometimes we need to work hard and make concrete progress towards our goals during sessions. Stephanie believes that clients know what they need, and she provides gentle guidance with whatever someone might need at that time. Therapy with Stephanie is interactive, it’s collaborative, and it’s transformative.

Stephanie received her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of the Cumberlands and obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Mary Baldwin College. She is culturally inclusive and LGBTQ-affirming.

Location: Stephanie Morehead is at the Harrisonburg office

Brynne Fretwell, MSW, LCSW

Hello, and welcome! My name is Brynne, and I would be honored to play a part in your journey. I have my B.A. in Social Work from Christopher Newport University, and my M.S.W. from Virginia Commonwealth University. I completed my clinical supervision hours through a combination of more crisis intervention settings with children and adolescents. I finished my L.C.S.W in 2017. I’ve been lucky to work in the Harrisonburg/Rockingham community for almost ten years now with a variety of age groups, cultures, genders, and needs. I am a native of the southside of Richmond, but I’ve found my home in the rural area of Rockingham County. I spend most of my free time with my three children, and I have a lot of compassion for parents/caregivers and the various challenges that come with that role.

I know how hard it can be to try counseling, and it is important to me that my clients feel validated and heard during our time together. You might hear me use terms or phrases like “attachment style” “boundaries” “resiliency” “radical acceptance” or “mindfulness.” I offer a lot of reflective listening to build your self-awareness and ask questions to help you find new perspectives/insights. I try to keep things down to earth, and I sprinkle in some humor at appropriate times. I want you to feel comfortable enough to share your experiences honestly and authentically.

I would say that I am most comfortable working with people struggling with anxiety, and/or depression. I have a lot of experience working with adolescents and their families, college aged individuals, female specific issues, older adults, military families, children with ADHD, blended families, and trauma. I have a special interest in victims of intimate partner violence and talking about healthy relationships with young people.

Location: Brynne Fretwell is at the Harrisonburg office

Dani Peyton, MA, LPC

Hello, my name is Danielle Peyton. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who received an undergraduate degree in Psychology from EMU and my Masters of Professional Counseling through Liberty University. I have been working with youth and adolescents in mental health settings since 2010. During that time, I have gained knowledge and experience working with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, conflict, behavior modification, as well as other difficulties young people face. I believe that each individual deserves a safe place to explore and process their journey. I strive to work with clients to help them understand their own perspectives and behaviors, and how to overcome difficulties.

*Scheduling clients for August*

Location: Dani Peyton is at the Harrisonburg office