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Caleigh Koppelmann, LMFTA (She/Her/Hers)- Waxhaw location

Mental Health Therapist
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​My name is Caleigh Koppelmann, and I am a trauma-informed Associate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in North Carolina. I hold a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from East Carolina University, and I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. 

With a focus on trauma-informed care, my practice encompasses working with individuals, adolescents, adults, couples, and families facing a diverse range of challenges. These include anxiety, depression, life transitions, ADHD/ADD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, trauma, grief, stress, PTSD, and infidelity. My professional experience spans various settings, including medical facilities, clinics, school-based mental health services, and most recently, private practice. 
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My therapeutic approach integrates trauma-informed principles with Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS). By employing these modalities, I help clients explore underlying patterns within themselves and their relationships to achieve their therapeutic goals and lead authentic, meaningful lives. Central to my practice is the creation of a warm, non-judgmental, and safe space where clients feel empowered to explore their emotions and experiences. 
I am dedicated to supporting individuals and families on their healing journey and look forward to the opportunity to walk alongside you in achieving personal growth and transformation.

Suhail Morrison, LCSWA (Waxhaw location)

Mental Health Therapist 

​As a bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 12 years of experience, I am dedicated to providing compassionate and effective psychotherapy services. Fluent in both Spanish and English, I specialize in supporting individuals facing a range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, postpartum issues, and the long-term effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences, trauma, and loss.My holistic and spiritual approach to therapy integrates evidence-based techniques, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness practices, while also incorporating sensory and psycho-corporal methods as essential components of the healing journey. I believe that each individual has a unique path to wellness, and I am committed to creating a safe, supportive environment where clients can explore their experiences and cultivate personal growth.
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In addition to my therapeutic work, I assist individuals in navigating the complexities of adjustment and acculturation processes, recognizing the impact of cultural identity on mental health. Utilizing motivational interviewing techniques, I empower clients to make positive changes and achieve their goals.

Together, we can work towards a deeper understanding of your experiences and develop effective strategies for a fulfilling life.
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Rowan Buscemi, LCSWA (She/Her/Hers) (Waxhaw & Matthews location)
​Mental Health Therapist
My name is Rowan Buscemi, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate, based in North Carolina. I have my Master's in Social Work from Winthrop University, embarking on a journey dedicated to serving others through therapy.  I've pursued my passion for providing therapeutic support, committed to guiding individuals through their healing journeys. I draw from evidence-based practices such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and strength-based models to develop a unique approach to helping people navigate recovery and growth. 
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I work with adults, teens, and couples who have faced a range of challenges, including a history of trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD/ADD, mood disorders, and various behavioral health challenges, as well as survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. I base my work on a trauma-informed, person-centered perspective to create a collaborative partnership with individuals and couples that promotes success in your goals. I aim to provide a safe space to process your thoughts, feelings, and experiences to regain control over your life.
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Throughout my experience, I have delved into the complexities of trauma, exploring the intricate ways it impacts individuals physically, emotionally, and psychologically. My journey is one of dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to helping individuals reclaim their lives after experiencing the devastating effects of trauma.
                    Internship Program
 Why To Choose an Intern?
The Benefit of Supervision: Cases are being reviewed and collaborated on especially while seeing a counseling intern. Interns meet with their supervisors to discuss interventions and theories to best fit the client's needs. Therefore, the client is receiving feedback 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 typically 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. 
Fewer Assumptions From Past Cases: Interns have less mental health counseling experience which can allow interns to view cases without connecting the client to prior cases in the past. This allows for a less biased view of a client and for a new perspective on treatment.
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. Additionally, when scheduling sessions interns may have more availability allowing the client access to a time that will work the best with their schedule. ​​
INTERNS 
Jen Lyash
Mental Health Intern - Waxhaw Location
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​Hi! I’m Jen Lyash, I am an intern pursuing my Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate
degree at Wake Forest University. For my ungraduated education, I attended The University of
North Carolina at Charlotte, with a BA in Communications, and a minor in Journalism and
Psychology. I am excited that my journey has brought me full circle back to the helping field! I
am part of the Waxhaw community and love being able to serve my neighborhood this way. I
strongly believe in the power of the mind-body connection and am a trained yoga teacher. I
would be happy to work yoga, meditation, or mindfulness into a part of our sessions if you are
interested!

I want to provide a safe space for my clients to speak openly. I am open-minded, empathetic,
and non-judgmental. I am passionate about young people and the potential and strength they
hold. I believe young people can change the world and I want to protect their mental health. My
approach depends on the client. I believe each client deserves an approach made specifically
for them. I believe in a person-centered approach, a solution-focused approach, and applying
motivational interviewing.

When I am not studying or working, you can find me playing with my dogs, at the yoga studio or
snuggled up with a good book! I look forward to meeting you and working with you to achieveyour goals!

Aalia Solomon 

Mental Health Intern- Matthews Location

Hello, my name is Aalia Solomon and I am a counseling intern currently completing a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Capella University. I graduated from Stony Brook University with my bachelor degree in Health Science and have since gained experience as both a Crisis Counselor and Behavior Intervention Specialist. My experience shaped me in a transformative way that has allowed me to grow personally and professionally. It has deepened my compassion and reinforced my commitment to making a positive difference in my clients’ lives. I am dedicated to providing a safe, nurturing and non-judgmental space for my clients. My approach to counseling is solution-focused as I believe in utilizing a collaborative, goal-directed approach to identify the unique strengths each individual has to support overcoming life’s challenges. I draw from various evidence-based modalities including person-centered, dialectical and cognitive behavioral therapies. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends and being out on the lake. I look forward to beginning your therapeutic journey together.

Kendal Jimenez

Mental Health Intern-Matthews location

​Hi, my name is Kendal Jimenez. I am an intern pursuing my Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate degree from Liberty University. I completed my bachelor's degree in psychology: Christian Counseling at Liberty University. My family and I recently relocated from Naples, Florida, and we are excited to be part of Matthews community. I have experience working within the dependency system in Florida, where I advocated for abused, neglected, and abandoned children. The experience of working with families in desperate need of healing has shaped me in profound ways, both professionally and personally. I love people and believe in the therapeutic relationship to find help and deeper self-awareness. As a counselor, I seek to provide an atmosphere of empowerment and safety, and working with clients in collaboration to navigate their needs is a privilege. My approach to counseling is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy with an emphasis on client-centered focus. I believe in honoring a client's experience and expertise in their life and assisting to cultivate more adaptive ways of thinking and behaving to help my clients achieve their goals. In my personal life, I love to spend time with my family, traveling, exploring, and cooking together. I am an enthusiastic fan of theme parks and long walks.

I am committed to working with you on your therapeutic journey, providing you with the support and guidance you need to achieve your goals and improve your well-being. Your trust in me as your counselor is something I deeply value, and I am genuinely excited about the possibility of our collaboration.

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

Owner & Clinical Director- Waxhaw & Matthews Location

​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 psychological 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.