Master Level Interns
 Why To Choose an Intern?
  • You have a TEAM of season professionals supporting all interns! Cases are being reviewed and collaborated on weekly basis with a  Certified Site Supervisor in addition to the interns Supervisor's from their Master Program. Interns meet with their supervisors to discuss interventions and theories to best fit the client's needs. Therefore, the client is receiving support from more than one counselor and having more than one set of eyes interpreting the case.
 
  • Up to Date Research: Interns are exposed to most modern theories of practice due to coursework requirements. Therefore, they are required to stay up to date on new interventions and are well versed in researching empirically supported treatment options. 
 
  • Less Burnout: Interns experience a lesser workload than full-time clinicians during their internship experience. This allows the intern to spend more time dedicated to their client caseload and have more energy to go above and beyond for their clients. 

  • Greater Flexibility: Interns typically have a lighter workload in comparison to full-time staff. We understand that scheduling conflicts may come up when attending sessions. Due to a lesser workload, interns typically have greater room for working with clients when they need to reschedule to another day or time for a session. 

Crystal Knight
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Master level Mental Health Intern-Matthews & Waxhaw location

Hi! I’m Crystal Knight, a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Masters program.  With over 20 years of experience in education and higher education, I bring a strong understanding of life transitions, identity development, and the relational challenges individuals and families face across the lifespan.

I have extensive experience supporting adolescents navigating behavioral challenges, family disruption, trauma, and identity concerns through work in youth ministry, children’s home settings, boarding schools, and community-based programs. Coming from a military family, I also offer a culturally informed, trauma-aware perspective and have deep respect for the unique experiences of service members, veterans, and their families.

My approach focuses on what’s happening in your life right now and how past experiences may affect your relationships and choices today. I work in a collaborative, strengths-based way, helping clients better understand themselves, build awareness, and create meaningful change. I’m especially passionate about supporting couples and families, adolescents navigating complex transitions, and veterans seeking meaning, connection, and healing.
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During my free time I cheer on my sports family and spend time with loved ones. I enjoy reading, walking outside and taking time for self-care.  I love finding ways to be creative through art and expressing thankfulness and journaling. Most time you will find me next to my family with my cats and my doodle, Steven.

Maria Pacheco

Master level Mental Health Intern- Matthews  & Waxhaw location
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Bilingual Spanish speaking

​My name is Maria Pacheco and I’m a graduate student at Capella University, working toward my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC), and I am currently an intern providing counseling services in both Spanish and English. I also hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Mental Health from Southern New Hampshire University.

My love for therapy started at a young age, as I witnessed firsthand the stigma and lack of understanding surrounding mental health in my community. This experience inspired me to pursue a career where I can provide compassionate, culturally sensitive support to individuals and families who might not otherwise feel understood or heard.
I take a solution-focused approach to counseling, helping clients identify goals, explore strengths, and develop practical strategies to create positive change. I also tailor my approach to meet each client’s unique needs and circumstances. I have a particular focus on working with individuals coping with trauma and anxiety, and I have experience supporting children, adolescents, and adults. My goal is to create a safe, welcoming space where clients feel valued, empowered, and understood.
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Outside of therapy, I enjoy reading, traveling, and spending quality time with my family. I am committed to providing a supportive and welcoming space where you can navigate life’s challenges, build resilience, and grow toward your personal goals.

Tracy Ziemer

Master level Mental Health Intern-Waxhaw location

Welcome! I'm Tracy, an intern currently pursuing a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling from Colorado Christian University. I consider myself a native of Waxhaw, having lived here for 28 years after earning a Bachelor of Music degree from Belmont University in Nashville, TN. My journey toward counseling emerged many years ago out of a passion for people and their stories. Shortly thereafter, that path was diverted by a variety of both wonderful and devastating life experiences that have served to infuse greater depth, understanding, and compassion into my life as a mother, friend, and, now, counselor-in-training.

Life is hard. Even if we have loved ones to lean on, sometimes we need an unbiased ear or a private space to speak freely. I would be honored to provide that space for you, to join you as a companion, sounding board, mirror, and cheerleader. You have the resources within you to face whatever has come your way, and I will help you to discover and access them through a solution-focused integration of acceptance and commitment therapy, motivational interviewing, and a person-centered approach to our therapeutic relationship. The tools you collect during our time together will not only equip you to take on the challenges of today, but to face the struggles of tomorrow as well. Let me provide you with a place of respite while you work through what has you stuck, hurting, or confused.

Life is hard, but you don't have to do it alone.

Elizabeth Beebe-Gallo

Master level Mental Health Intern- Matthews location


​​Hello, my name is Elizabeth Beebe-Gallo. I am a counseling intern currently pursuing a Master of Education in Counseling and Development with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Winthrop University. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. My experience includes supporting individuals living with mental illness, substance use disorders, and socioeconomic hardship. Working with people who have experienced trauma has deepened my commitment to creating a safe, confidential space where thoughts and emotions can be acknowledged, explored, and understood. I meet clients where they are, with empathy, respect, and a collaborative spirit that honors their lived experiences. My counseling approach draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, and Narrative Therapy to foster insight, resilience, and lasting change. In my free time, I find joy in the company of my beloved pets, expressing myself through writing, music, and art, and grounding myself through meditation.

Jessica Beyer, LCMHCS, LCAS (She/Her/Hers)

Owner & Clinical Director- Waxhaw & Matthews Location-Bilingual Spanish speaking

​I am the owner of La Vida Counseling, PLLC. I graduated from UNC-Charlotte with a Masters degree in Counseling in 2009. I am licensed by both the North Carolina board of  Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor-Supervisor and North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board. I am also fluent in Spanish. 

Currently, in addition to having the role of Clinical Director and supervising interns, I also conduct immigration evaluations (see Immigration evaluation page for more details).
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Our goal is to be able to provide mental health services to our community and provide a positive experience from the first call of making the appointment and all throughout your treatment. I take pride in being able to expand our group practice to be able to provide affortable mental health care services.

If you would like to know more about Jessica Beyer and how La Vida Counseling was started, we invite you to listen to the podcast below.