ABOUT OUR TEAM
Rickell Green, MSW, LCSWA (She/Her/Hers)
Licensed Mental Health Therapist-Matthews location
Licensed Mental Health Therapist-Matthews location
Rickell Green is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA) with over 10 years of experience in the social work field. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work from Kentucky State University and her Master of Social Work from Campbellsville University. Rickell has worked across several areas of practice including child protective services, foster care with children, therapeutic facilities, bereavement support, and as a death doula. These diverse experiences have shaped her compassionate and holistic approach to supporting individuals and families through some of life’s most difficult transitions.
Rickell’s therapeutic approach focuses on what is happening in clients’ lives in the present while also exploring how past experiences may influence current relationships, emotions, and choices. She works collaboratively with clients in a strengths-based and supportive environment, helping them build self-awareness, develop coping skills, and create meaningful and lasting change.
Rickell is passionate about meeting clients where they are and creating a safe, non-judgmental space where individuals feel heard, understood, and empowered in their healing journey.
Outside of her professional work, Rickell enjoys spending quality time with family, traveling, and embracing life’s joyful moments through genuine love, laughter, and connection.
Rickell’s therapeutic approach focuses on what is happening in clients’ lives in the present while also exploring how past experiences may influence current relationships, emotions, and choices. She works collaboratively with clients in a strengths-based and supportive environment, helping them build self-awareness, develop coping skills, and create meaningful and lasting change.
Rickell is passionate about meeting clients where they are and creating a safe, non-judgmental space where individuals feel heard, understood, and empowered in their healing journey.
Outside of her professional work, Rickell enjoys spending quality time with family, traveling, and embracing life’s joyful moments through genuine love, laughter, and connection.
Master Level Interns
Why To Choose an Intern?
- You have a TEAM of seasoned professionals supporting all interns! Cases are being reviewed and collaborated on a 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.
- 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
Janett Hernandez
Master level Intern-Waxhaw & Matthews location
Hi, my name is Janett Hernandez. I am a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master’s program at Wingate University and I am passionate about supporting individuals through life’s challenges with compassion, empathy, and cultural understanding. As a bilingual therapist fluent in both English and Spanish, I strive to create a welcoming and supportive environment where clients feel heard, respected, and understood in the language and
cultural context that feels most comfortable to them.
My passion for mental health comes from witnessing the meaningful impact that emotional support, healing, and self-discovery can have in people’s lives. I value the importance of culturally sensitive care and recognize how personal experiences, family values, and cultural beliefs shape each individual’s journey. I also understand that no single therapeutic approach fits every individual, and I strive to center each client’s unique needs through a holistic, compassionate, and personalized approach to care.
My therapeutic approach incorporates evidence-based practices, including Acceptance and
Commitment Therapy (ACT), to help clients develop emotional awareness, resilience, and
greater alignment with their personal values. I have experience working with clients in different
stages of life and supporting them through concerns related to stress, anxiety, life transitions,
relationships, self-esteem, and personal growth.
I am committed to providing a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space where clients can
explore their experiences, build coping skills, and work toward meaningful and lasting change.
Outside of the therapy space, I enjoy spending time with family, baking, gardening, sharing
coffee with friends, and taking mountain trips. I believe these moments of connection, creativity,
and balance help nurture mindfulness and personal well-being, values that I also encourage in the
therapeutic process.
cultural context that feels most comfortable to them.
My passion for mental health comes from witnessing the meaningful impact that emotional support, healing, and self-discovery can have in people’s lives. I value the importance of culturally sensitive care and recognize how personal experiences, family values, and cultural beliefs shape each individual’s journey. I also understand that no single therapeutic approach fits every individual, and I strive to center each client’s unique needs through a holistic, compassionate, and personalized approach to care.
My therapeutic approach incorporates evidence-based practices, including Acceptance and
Commitment Therapy (ACT), to help clients develop emotional awareness, resilience, and
greater alignment with their personal values. I have experience working with clients in different
stages of life and supporting them through concerns related to stress, anxiety, life transitions,
relationships, self-esteem, and personal growth.
I am committed to providing a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space where clients can
explore their experiences, build coping skills, and work toward meaningful and lasting change.
Outside of the therapy space, I enjoy spending time with family, baking, gardening, sharing
coffee with friends, and taking mountain trips. I believe these moments of connection, creativity,
and balance help nurture mindfulness and personal well-being, values that I also encourage in the
therapeutic process.
Alice Van Staalduinen
Master level Intern-Waxhaw & Matthews location
Hello! My name is Alice Van Staalduinen and I am a graduate-level intern pursuing a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. I graduated from Wingate University in May 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Biology. I have experience in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) working with children (ages 3-10) who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. I also have experience working as a caregiver for children with disabilities. Working with children who have special needs has opened my eyes to the various physical and mental difficulties individuals and their families face every day.
My counseling approach draws from principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, and motivational interviewing. My approach allows clients to lead sessions, discovering more about themselves in the process and empowering them on their journey through life.
My counseling approach draws from principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, and motivational interviewing. My approach allows clients to lead sessions, discovering more about themselves in the process and empowering them on their journey through life.
Argentina "Tina" Harris
Master level Marriage and Family Therapy Intern-Matthews location
Hi! My name is Argentina “Tina” Harris, a Marriage and Family Therapy intern who believes people are more than the challenges they face. I use a Narrative Therapy approach to support individuals, couples, and families in exploring stories that shape identity, relationships, and emotional well-being.
With over 20 years of experience supporting women through life transitions, my professional journey began in the beauty industry, where I built trusted relationships with clients navigating hair loss, medical challenges, and confidence concerns. As a U.S. Army veteran and licensed cosmetologist, I witnessed firsthand how deeply identity, culture, and relationships are connected to lived experiences.
Through my volunteer work in the community, educational institutions, and government agencies, my commitment to supporting the emotional and relational impact of life transitions has been strengthened. My role is to create a collaborative space where clients can explore how life experiences have influenced their sense of self. Together, we work to uncover strengths, challenge limiting narratives, and create room for stories rooted in resilience, dignity, and possibility.
With over 20 years of experience supporting women through life transitions, my professional journey began in the beauty industry, where I built trusted relationships with clients navigating hair loss, medical challenges, and confidence concerns. As a U.S. Army veteran and licensed cosmetologist, I witnessed firsthand how deeply identity, culture, and relationships are connected to lived experiences.
Through my volunteer work in the community, educational institutions, and government agencies, my commitment to supporting the emotional and relational impact of life transitions has been strengthened. My role is to create a collaborative space where clients can explore how life experiences have influenced their sense of self. Together, we work to uncover strengths, challenge limiting narratives, and create room for stories rooted in resilience, dignity, and possibility.
Crystal Knight
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.
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.
Tracy Ziemer
Master level Mental Health Intern-Waxhaw location
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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
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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
Owner & Clinical Director- Waxhaw & Matthews Location-Bilingual Spanish speaking
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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). 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. |
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EMAIL: admin@lavidacounseling.com
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