Shalom Kester – Resident Intern

Shalom entered the counseling field as a second career after more than 20 years in early childhood education, most recently serving as a preschool director. Through her work, she discovered a strong ability to connect with children on a deeper level. She has completed her graduate studies and is currently in her clinical residency, offering low-cost therapy services.

While Shalom works with both adults and children, she has a particular affinity for preschool and early elementary-aged children. Her approach may include play therapy, creative arts, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), with EMDR training currently in progress

Christine Winkler – LCSW-C

Christine works with individuals experiencing stress, pressure, or conflict within school environments, including both educators and students. She has a particular passion for supporting educators, teachers, and school staff, drawing from her professional experience in school social work and her deep understanding of that environment.

She also works with teen girls and adult women who are navigating stress, anxiety, painful experiences, or trauma. Christine helps clients break cycles of task anxiety and procrastination while reducing stress levels and building a healthier sense of self. Her approach includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy, and EMDR to help the mind and body process past experiences. Through this work, individuals can experience a meaningful reset—one that may not change external circumstances but can transform how they feel about their experiences.

As a believer, Christine is also happy to incorporate Christian faith into therapy upon request.

Emma Parks – LGSW

Emma works primarily with children, teens, and families and is trained in Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI). Known for her relaxed yet goal-oriented style, she helps young clients feel comfortable while building practical skills for growth. She believes therapy should involve parents, provide new tools and insights each week, and be engaging—especially for younger children.

She often incorporates creative arts, play, games, and interactive activities into sessions. Emma frequently works with children experiencing anxiety, behavioral challenges, ADHD, trauma, or disconnection from caregivers, including those involved in foster care or adoption. Her approach includes attachment-based therapies such as TBRI and Theraplay, along with TF-CBT, DBT, and CBT-informed strategies. Christian counseling is available upon request.

Parents also have access to training in “therapeutic parenting” provided by senior therapist Sara Rodriguez, LCSW-C.

Allison Anderson – LGPC

Allison works with women, children, and teens who struggle with perfectionism, people-pleasing, anxiety, mood changes, or grief. She helps clients understand the patterns that drive self-pressure and supports them in building greater self-acceptance and emotional resilience.

With children and teens, Allison may incorporate play, music, or art therapy depending on the child’s age and preferences. Sessions may be creative or conversation-based, and parent coaching is included when helpful.

She also supports adults who feel pressure to be perfect or worthy but struggle to truly feel it internally. Drawing in part from the Enneagram framework, she helps clients better understand themselves so they can shift how they think, feel, and respond to stress. Her work focuses on developing unconditional self-acceptance and healthier ways to handle distress. Faith can be incorporated into counseling upon request.

Sara Rodriguez – LCSW-C

Sara is the founder of Creative Counseling Connections and an independently licensed clinical social worker with specialized training in trauma and attachment-focused care. Her post-graduate certifications include Cognitive Processing Therapy for Trauma through the National Center for PTSD, Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) through the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development, Adoption Competent Counselor certification through Adoptions Together/C.A.S.E., and Trauma-Focused CBT through the University of South Carolina.

Sara’s approach focuses on creating a supportive space where clients feel heard and understood while also gaining practical skills they or their children can apply in everyday life. Her goal is to help clients build healing, connection, and hope through the therapeutic process. As a believer, she is also happy to incorporate spirituality into therapy upon request.