Christy Burkett, LPC, Founder/Director,
she / her
All of us benefit from having a safe place to explore our lives without judgement. The relationship between my client and me is the cornerstone of the therapeutic process. I listen carefully to really hear the meaning in your stories so that together we can find the most effective paths for your personal goals.
Christy can be reached at
christy@gaiacounseling.com
Laura HOttel, APC
she / her
I practice Child-Centered Play Therapy because, as Gary Landreth, one of the founders says, “Birds fly, fish swim, and children play” (Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship). Play therapy is the best way to help children understand the world around them and navigate their big emotions. I help families understand and address behavior challenges due to life transitions, trauma, grief, technology use, as well as mental health diagnoses of depression, anxiety, ADHD, and others. I am bilingual in Spanish and have experience providing play therapy and parenting support in English and Spanish.
Laura can be reached at
laura@gaiacounseling.com
josh mollenkamp, ma
he / him
Each of us is continually becoming who we are. We are shaped by our relationships, experiences, culture, and the stories we tell about ourselves. I believe every child, teen, and family has a unique story worth honoring. As a counselor, my goal is to create a warm, safe, and supportive space where individuals and families can explore their experiences, make sense of challenges, and discover new ways to move forward together.
Josh can be reached at josh@gaiacounseling.com
Shannon Kintz, ATR
she / her
Creating gives those engaging in the process their own opportunity to develop and strengthen that voice. My goal is to help guide you through the creative process, so you can comfortably express yourself in a safe and non-judgmental environment. This connection with art as a means of expression became the driving force for my career in art therapy.
Shannon can be reached at
shannon@gaiacounseling.com
Carrie Fox, APC
she / her
I provide therapy for children, adolescents, and adults, as well as parent coaching. My approach integrates relational and experiential work, focusing on helping clients and parents build emotional regulation skills, deepen self-understanding, and create a foundation of felt safety and connection at home and within themselves. I hold a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Antioch University New England and a BA in English from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Carrie can be reached at carrie@gaiacounseling.com
Erin maurer, apc
she / they
I specialize in play therapy and person-centered counseling for children, adolescents and teens. I have experience working with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, gender identity and emotional regulation, and am especially interested in working with autistic, ADHD, or LGBTQ+ populations. I individualize my sessions to best help clients explore and understand themselves so that we can find the best ways to address clinical challenges. In my free time I enjoy painting, hikes and audio books. I believe that through empowerment and understanding anyone can thrive.
Erin can be reached at erin@gaiacounseling.com
Madeline thompson Smith, LPC
she / her
My work is focused on anxiety disorders, OCD, and phobias in kids and teens. I use evidence-based treatments designed specifically for anxiety, including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT), and the SPACE model (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions). These approaches help children gradually face fears, reduce compulsive behaviors, and build confidence, while also supporting parents in responding in ways that decrease anxiety over time.
Madeline can be reached at
madeline@gaiacounseling.com
Taylor jaczko, APC
they / them
I specialize in working with children, teens, and young adults by providing both play and talk therapy. I have extensive experience helping young people cope with LGBTQIA+ concerns, major life disruptions, substance abuse, neurodiversity, depression, anxiety, identity development, and emotional regulation. Therapy with me is a collaborative effort where we will work together to create a therapeutic journey that is tailored to your specific concerns and needs.
Taylor can be reached at
taylor@gaiacounseling.com
trinity jackson, intern
she / her
I am a counseling intern currently completing my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Mercer University. I have had the opportunity to work with children in a variety of settings, including as an English teacher in South Korea and as a Registered Behavior Technician providing early intervention ABA therapy to children on the autism spectrum. I am passionate about supporting children and adolescents as they navigate their unique experiences and challenges. I strive to empower young people in their growth by using child-centered and developmentally appropriate interventions that honor each child’s individual strengths and needs.
Trinity can be reached at
trinity@gaiacounseling.com
Kate Elkins, master’s level intern
she / her
I am a counseling intern currently completing my Master's degree in the Marriage and Family Therapy program at Mercer University. Before returning to school, I spent years working closely with families as both a preschool teacher and nanny, often using play-based and mindfulness approaches to support children and parents in their growth, curiosity, and emotional development.
Kate can be reached at kate@gaiacounseling.com
Hanna Kang Oh, Master’s Level intern
she / her
I approach therapy through a systemic lens, recognizing that individuals are deeply shaped by their relationships, family histories, cultural identities, and intergenerational patterns. I believe that understanding these broader contexts allows for deeper insight, healing, and sustainable change. My goal is to create a warm, safe, honest, culturally responsive, and collaborative space where individuals and families feel supported to explore, grow, or address specific concerns. I incorporate play-based and mindfulness approaches with talk therapy.
Hanna can be reached at hanna@gaiacounseling.com
Ilene Zeff, digital wellness educator
she / her
Ilene Zeff brings over 30 years of experience in education and technology to her work with families, specializing in digital wellness and screen use. She partners with parents and children to assess technology habits and provide practical strategies for creating healthier balance at home. With a deep belief that early intervention can change the trajectory for children and families, Ilene helps clients build mindful, intentional relationships with technology that support growth, learning, and connection. As both a children’s librarian and a mother of two grown sons, she also encourages families to rediscover the joy of reading together as a powerful alternative to screen time.
Ilene can be reached at ilene@gaiacounseling.com
rebekah baldwin, practice manager
she / her
I partner with people in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. Whether you are looking to achieve specific goals, invest in personal development or find a greater sense of overall well-being, I can provide guidance, encouragement, and accountability for your journey. I have a Master’s degree in Psychology from the University of West Georgia and I am currently enrolled in a 6-month coach training program through the Holistic Coach Training Institute.
I am also the Practice Manager here at Gaia Counseling & Wellness. In this role, I am dedicated to ensuring our client’s experience is one of ease and clarity.
Rebekah can be reached at rebekah@gaiacounseling.com
Loretta, Canine Therapy Assistant
Loretta was rescued from the side of the road in Whitfield County, GA by the wonderful team at Releash Atlanta when she was a young puppy. Her rescuers found out her mother is a Maltese Terrier and her father is a Chihuahua. Loretta joined Gaia Counseling in 2018 just after she was nurtured back to health by her foster family at Releash.
Loretta specializes in greeting, loving and licking clients of all ages. She earned her credentials as a Nationally Registered Service Dog in May 2018. Besides her work at Gaia, Loretta enjoys being outside in the woods chasing squirrels, playing with other dogs and climbing mountains.
*Loretta only works with clients of Christy Burkett