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


fatema harianawala, lpc, rpt, NCC

she / her

I have over 20 years of experience in working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families, providing a safe and supportive space to navigate life’s challenges. As a Registered Play Therapist, Certified Anger Management Specialist, and Trauma Specialist, I bring a wealth of experience in behavior management, ADHD, anger regulation, depression, self-esteem building, behavior issues at school, autism support, and improving family dynamics through structural  family therapy.

Fatema can be reached at
fatema@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


Leigh Scott, apc

she / her

I am a Certified Forest Therapy guide with a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Agnes Scott College. I work with adolescents and adults utilizing Synergetic Play Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and nature-based interventions through a relational-cultural theoretical lens. I offer play and talk therapy on-site at Gaia, and forest therapy walks.

I have experience working with children and adults coping with generational trauma, anxiety, neurodivergence, depression, school refusal, and anger.

Leigh can be reached at
leigh@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


ugonna love, LPC

she / her

My focus lies in working with adolescents, teens, and families, providing a holistic approach to counseling that is rooted in compassion and fidelity.

I am particularly skilled in areas such as play therapy, trauma-informed care, anxiety and depression counseling, support through divorce or incarceration, faith-based counseling, and multicultural counseling.

Ugonna can be reached at
ugonna@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


Katie Bell, PhD, LPC, ACS, NCC

she / they

I have a thriving passion in helping couples and individuals alike reach their health and healing goals as we face life’s challenges together. Using a person-centered lens with a holistic, and evidence-based approach, I strive to fully attend to each client’s needs, beautifully interweaving clear presence with practiced skill.

Katie can be reached at
katie@gaiacounseling.com


Erin Burch, master’s level intern

she / her

I believe that humans have an incredible capacity for growth, and my passion is helping others along in their journey in creative ways that are uniquely meaningful for them. I am currently a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at Agnes Scott College. I have 11 years of experience working with individuals ranging from toddlerhood through late adulthood as a dance educator and choreographer. My work with children, paired with my love of supporting the growth and well-being of my students, has led me to pursue the path of mental health counseling.

Erin can be reached at erinburch@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

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