Meet Our TeamFIND A PROVIDER TO COLLECTIVELY WORK WITH
Lara Allen, LICSW-S
Over the years, I have found myself having a heart that yearns to have a relationship with others, so I can have the opportunity to walk through different seasons of their life collectively. Whether it be from your past, present or future, I have found the beauty of being able to walk through these seasons of life with individuals because I have seen how God makes everything beautiful in His time (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
Having my Bachelors and Masters degree In Social Work from Troy University, Alabama is home to me. Going through years of Inpatient and outpatient training, I have served children, families, those suffering from terminal Illnesses and have conducted group therapies. This has allowed me to see first-hand, just how challenging and difficult times are becoming, ultimately leaving many people emotionally unwell.
After being Licensed In Social Work, I have equipped my clients with adequate tools from the principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Lifespan Integration which has enabled them to have remarkable accomplishments.
When not In a therapy session you will probably find me playing mahjong, outdoors, spending time with my family, baking, reading or watching a good Netflix show.
My hope and desire is that you will reach out to begin taking the steps needed to heal from the season of life you are in, while being in a safe, accepting and understanding atmosphere.
NOW ACCEPTING CLINICIANS FOR CLINICAL SUPERVISION
THERAPIST, CO-OWNER
Kim Evans, LICSW-S PIP
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Huntsville, Alabama. It’s my honor to serve individuals and families through the therapeutic process. I am passionate about helping individuals experience healing and restoration.
I graduated from Alabama A&M University with a Bachelor of Social Work in 2006, and my from The University of Alabama with a Master of Social Work in 2007. Since that time, I have served children and families in various capacities. Having experience in community mental health, pre and post adoption education, support, and counseling, as well as foster care.
I use a trauma-informed, attachment focused approach to therapy. I am certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Theraplay Level 1, Constructed Awareness Levels 1 and 2, DDP (Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy), and TF-CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). Operating from a person centered approach, I often use a collaboration of these therapeutic models to create an individually catered therapeutic experience. As each person’s life experiences are unique, their therapeutic process should be as well.
THERAPIST, CO-OWNER
Alyssa Martin, M.S., LPC
Hi! So proud of you for being here. Asking for help is often the hardest part of any growth process.
My name is Alyssa Martin, and I have a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I am licensed in the beautiful state of Alabama as a Licensed Professional Counselor. I have three years of experience providing counseling services.
I love working with adults who are ready to show up as they are, whatever that may look like. If you’re going to live the rest of your life inside your head, you might as well make it a nice place to be. My goal is to create a safe, supportive, and judgment-free space where you can feel heard and understood.
When I’m not in the therapy room, I love spending time with family and friends, exploring new places, making something sweet, and occasionally pretending I belong at Hogwarts. I look forward to getting to know you and being part of your journey!
THERAPIST
Anna L. Baylis, LICSW-S
I believe in the restoration of hope. I am passionate about working with all people including those from a diversity of backgrounds and cultures. I have great compassion and a special heart for women who are or have been challenged with substance abuse and traumatic experiences. After several years of finding my place in the world, I returned to school in 2001. I attended Barry University in Miami Shores, FL. I received a BSW and MSW from their school of Social Work. I was fortunate and blessed to have graduated with honors. My recent work, for the last six-years, has been in a rural community setting in Alaska. I have experience working in school settings with children on the Autism Spectrum, Substance Use Disorders, various forms of complex trauma, group therapy, individuals and couples.
I have utilized my extensive skills related to CBT, DBT, Somatic Therapy and Vagal Nerve Activation, Trauma-Informed Interventions, group therapy, Attachment Theory and EMDR. I have been open to learning more about Native American, Alaska Native Culture and the diversity of all individuals. I have honed my ability to listen but also to challenge the individuals that I have worked with in becoming, their best selves; fostering unconditional positive regard and internal locus of control, no matter the background or culture. In addition to these professional skills, I have provided group and individual supervision for clinicians who were acquiring professional licensure hours.
In addition to my therapy skills, I recently participated and was engaged in the first "Alaska Just Transition Collective Community Convening", as an expert contributor, related to mental health conditions and specialized needs of those living in rural communities. During times of leisure, you will find me greatly excited, while engaging in games of pickle ball, hiking, swimming, singing, attending church and fishing.
THERAPIST
Mary Kate Viall, ALC
Counseling is all about connection. As a therapist, I strive to create a safe environment for you to discover where you are, determine where you want to go, and identify the steps to get there. All parts of you are welcome in therapy; whether you feel mad, sad, embarrassed, or scared, we are here to welcome you. I work with clients to explore the cast of characters in their story, untangle stuck relationship patterns, and make choices that align with their values. I love working with couples who find themselves having the same argument, parents who want to show up differently for their kids, and individuals who want to change anxious thoughts or need support to face problems they've been avoiding.
I am an Associate Licensed Counselor (ALC) under the supervision of Lacey Amos, LPC-S. I am trained in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Emotionally Focused Family Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy. I have also been trained in Gottman Level 1 and 2, EMDR, and I am certified in Prepare/Enrich premarital and marital counseling.
I received a Master's of Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling from UAB. I have a Master of Theology (ThM), a BA in English Literature, and a TESOL certificate. For fun, I love spending time alone or time with family, exercising, and reading.
THERAPIST
Laura Haymon, LICSW
I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker passionate about helping children, teens, and their families effected by special needs. I received my Bachelor’s in Human Services from Troy University and my Master’s in Social Work from the University of Alabama.
I have experience working with children/teens who are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, cognitive or developmental disorders, as well as those effected by trauma. It’s my pleasure to see individuals recognize their unique abilities and strengths through sensory friendly therapy. I love to use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques, exercises used in Play Therapy, and the Trust Based Relational Intervention to help children and teens address behavioral or mental health concerns. My new passion is learning about the amazing bodies God created us with and our nervous systems. I am a certified Safe and Sound Provider. This allows me to help patients regulate their bodies using this modality and address behavioral and mental health concerns. In all things, my goal is to honor Christ and point others to the hope of the Gospel through Christ in any therapy modality I use (Romans 1:16; Psalm 34).
When I am not in the office, I love to be with my family and be a part of my local church. I am mother to a toddler and wife to an engineer. I call myself the “emotion to his brain”. You can find me on a nice walk or trail, playing board games, and watching movies. I also love a good corny joke! I look forward to connecting and working on healing and understanding in your family.
THERAPIST
Natalie Balch, LICSW
Throughout my life, I have learned to believe deeply in the healing power of safe, attuned relationships. As both a therapist and a foster/adoptive parent, I understand the realities of early attachment disruption and bring empathy, patience, and deep respect for resilience into every session.
I earned a BSW from Harding University and an MSW from the University of Illinois at Chicago, becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in 2008. In session, I primarily use Lifespan Integration (LI), a gentle, neurologically informed modality that helps the brain resolve past experiences and strengthen a cohesive sense of self. LI has become central to my work because of its capacity to support deep, lasting change without overwhelming the nervous system.
I also draw from Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up (ABC), and motivational interviewing. My approach is person-centered and collaborative, honoring each client’s unique needs and pace.
Wherever you find yourself today, I would be honored to support you as you move toward healing, connection, and well-being.
THERAPIST
Mary Elizabeth Akinaka, LPC
My name is Mary Elizabeth. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist and Supervisor. I have been working in mental health, with a focus on eating disorders and co-occurring diagnosis for just over a decade. I am passionate about providing my clients with intentional, effective, and individualized care. I enjoy being a part of a space that allows clients to have a brave space to work on their healing journey.
I received my bachelor’s degree in Collaborative Special Education from Auburn University. I received my masters in Clinical Mental Health and Certificate of Marriage and Family Counseling from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
I love interacting with individuals from all walks of life and am a believer that a significant aspect of our growth as human beings is through interaction, specifically those whose stories look different from our own. In my spare time, I love spending time with my husband and two boys.
THERAPIST
Savannah Smith, MS, RD, LD
Hi, I'm Savannah! I am a Registered Dietitian with a bachelor's degree from Samford University and a master's degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. I deeply care about helping others find and achieve nutrition goals as well as compassionately working alongside clients with eating disorders. I approach care through a weight neutral lens and want to help clients work towards respecting their bodies.
I enjoy teaching my clients to practice honoring hunger and fullness cues, meal timing, meal balance, interoceptive awareness, mindful movement, and Intuitive Eating. I am working on my Certified Eating Disorder Specialist certification at this time. In our first session I will focus on getting to know you as a whole person, learning about your relationship with food, and more. This will help me develop a tailored individualized plan for you to meet your needs.
In my free time you will find me trying new restaurants, walking my rescue dog, traveling, cooking, gardening, and enjoying time with loved ones and friends.
REGISTERED DIETICIAN
Learn More about Savannah’s work with The Garden at The Collective
Lauren Allen
Hello! I’m Lauren Allen. I have always had a heart for people and a passion for creating spaces where others feel welcomed, loved, and cared for. I love the behind-the-scenes details that help bring a vision to life, from organization and planning to creating meaningful experiences and events that bring people together. I believe even the smallest details can make a big difference in how people feel and experience community.
I graduated from Auburn University (War Eagle!) I currently serve in children’s ministry as our Elementary Coordinator, where I have developed a love for administration, organization, and serving others in ways that help everything run smoothly. I love supporting teams, building meaningful relationships, and helping create environments where children and families can experience the love of Jesus. I am so excited to join The Collective and be part of a community that values connection, intentionality, and helping others.
Outside of work, I love spending time with my husband, Parker, and our two dogs, Winston and Daisy. I enjoy hosting friends, trying new recipes, decorating our home, and making everyday moments feel special! I love a cozy night at home just as much as getting together with friends, and I am always looking for little ways to make people feel welcomed and loved. Whether it is gathering around the table, opening our home, or simply spending intentional time with the people I love, creating community is one of my favorite things!
CLIENT CARE COORDINATOR
Reach Out Today!
info@thecollectivecounselingandconsulting.com
Office: (256) 954-5256
Fax: (256) 756-4155