Counseling done, creatively
Christopher Longoria, lCSW, RPT-S
Chris was born in Corpus Christi, Texas and later moved to Elizabethtown, where he has resided for over 20 years. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a minor in Criminology from Western Kentucky University and his Master’s Degree in Social Work with a specialization in Mental Health from the University of Louisville.
He has spent the past 12 years working with children and families in school and home-based settings and regularly leads group therapy for children and adolescents. A Type 1 diabetic since the age of 13, Chris has a passion for working with kids and families navigating the complexities of having diabetes, trauma, and anxiety but is also comfortable working with most therapeutic concerns you may be facing. Chris enjoys working in the school and home setting and primarily serves kids and families within the Elizabethtown Independent School District. In his free time, Chris enjoys collecting and building Lego’s, playing and streaming video games and watching the latest movies.
He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Supervisor (LCSW) licensed through the Kentucky Board of Social Work and a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor (RPT-S) credentialed through the Association for Play Therapy. Chris is trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), basic EMDR, AutPlay and has taken more than 250+ hours of CEU's in play therapy.
Chris is the co-owner of Creative Counseling & Consultation, PLLC along with his wife Krista. Within the practice, Chris handles all things insurance, finance, and tech within the practice.
Krista mitchell, LCSW, RPT-S
Krista was born in Bloomington, Indiana and has made Elizabethtown her home. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Campbellsville University and taught preschool for a year before returning to Campbellsville University to earn her Master’s degree in Social Work.
Krista has spent the last 7 years working with children and families in the school and home settings and has been providing outpatient therapy services for 4 years. She provides school based services to Elizabethtown Independent School District and enjoys working with teachers and school staff.
Krista is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, licensed through the Kentucky Board of Social Work. Krista is credentialed as Registered Play Therapist Supervisor and is certified in TF-CBT and EMDR. She has accumulated more than 200+ CEU's of various play therapy training.
Krista is the co-owner of Creative Counseling & Consultation, PLLC along with her husband Chris. Within the practice, Krista handles supervision of staff, recruitment and therapeutic programming and general duties.
Kyla claycomb, CSW
Kyla was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and later moved to Elizabethtown where she has resided since 2005. She received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a Minor in Criminal Justice from Western Kentucky University and her Masters of Science in Social Work from the University of Louisville.
Kyla has spent the last two years working with children and families by providing out patient services through her time as an intern. Kyla also has previous experience in the school settings. Kyla provides school-based services to the EIS district at Elizabethtown High School as well as other outpatient mental health services.
Kyla is certified in TF-CBT and AutPlay Therapy and is currently training in DBT towards certification. Kyla is under the supervision of Christopher Longoria, LCSW, RPT-S and is working towards full licensure in the state of Kentucky.
Jennifer "Jen" Murphy, LPCA
Jennifer was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma before transplanting herself in Hardin County in 2008. Jennifer received her bachelor’s in Russian Language in from Baylor University followed Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling from Lindsey Wilson College.
Jennifer’s experience includes working in outpatient services for adolescents, adults and their loved ones who struggle with substance abuse. Jen works primarily at Helmwood Heights Elementary, working with students and staff within the school setting and providing intervention to kids and adults in the outpatient setting. Jennifer is certified in TF-CBT and has completed Seeking Safety curriculum.
In her free time, Jennifer enjoys hiking and spending time outdoors. She also has a deep passion for rescue dogs and spoiling them with unconditional love.
Jennifer is currently under the clinical supervision of Virginia Schrooten, LPCC-S and is working toward full licensure in the state of Kentucky.
MELISSA FINCHER, LPP
Melissa was born in Hardin County, Kentucky and has lived in Kentucky all her life. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, with a minor in Sociology, from the University of Louisville. She then went on to receive a Master of Science in Counseling from Campbellsville University and a Master of Arts in Psychology from Spalding University, where her classes focused on Pediatrics.
Melissa is a Licensed Psychological Practitioner (LPP), licensed through the Kentucky Board of Examiners of Psychology. Melissa is currently focused on providing psychological testing to this area. She enjoys testing individuals for intellectual disabilities, learning disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and ADHD, as well as differentiating between diagnoses.
Melissa has spent the last 12 years in the mental health field, mostly providing therapy. Melissa has enjoyed working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, families, and groups. She has worked in outpatient, school, home, and residential settings. She has specialized in treating trauma, depression, anxiety, and health-related issues. She has experience in working with relationship and family issues, including parenting difficulties. She believes her therapeutic experiences help her during the testing process.
In her spare time, Melissa enjoys spending time with her husband and two boys, as well as extended family and friends. She also likes to read, dance, sing, and cuddle with her two fur babies.
HANNAH KUHN, CSW
Hannah joined Creative Counseling & Consultation, PLLC as it's first Community Support Associate in January of 2023 and has now transitioned into being a licensed therapist. Prior to coming into the practice, Hannah worked four years working with youth and providing therapeutic support services in an inpatient facility. Hannah is trained in Seeking Safety and is currently training in Internal Family Systems and EMDR. Hannah has an interest in working with teens, adults and couples.
In her free time she enjoys hanging out around the house with her son, her dog, spending time with family, trying new and different restaurants, creating art, and writing.
Hannah is supervised by Krista Mitchell, LCSW, RPT-S.
SHELBY PENNICK, LPCC, NCC
Shelby was born in Louisville, KY but has called Lexington her home since 2019. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from University of Louisville with a Minor in English Literature. She then obtained a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northern Kentucky University.
Shelby’s experience includes working with children, teens and adults in individual therapy as well as providing counseling to couples in outpatient settings. She enjoys working with pre-teens, teens and adults healing from trauma, coping with anxiety and dealing with difficult life transitions. She believes in the importance of making each person feel safe, supported and accepted in session. She uses person-centered, narrative, mindfulness, and trauma informed approaches that she personalizes to the needs of each individual client.
Outside of the office, Shelby enjoys reading books of all genres, taking her dog to the park, crafting and exploring museums.
ABIGAIL "ABBE" KESSINGER, LPCA
Abbe was born in Bowling Green, KY and moved to Hodgenville, KY in 2019. Abbe studied
Mental Health Counseling at Lindsey Wilson College and completed her Master’s in August 2023. Her passions include adolescents through adults with ADHD and anxiety. She also enjoys school-based therapy for middle and high schoolers. She plans on continuing her education in grief counseling and LGBTQ affirming practices.
In her free time, Abbe enjoys gaming with her husband, collecting Pokemon cards, and spoiling
her cat.
Abbe is supervised by Kimberly Khadoo-Baynham, LPCC-S and receives additional clinical supervision from Christopher Longoria, LCSW, RPT-S.
Kelcie Davis, LPAT, ATR-BC
Kelcie is a Licensed Professional Art Therapist. She received her bachelor’s degree in studio art and minored in psychology at the University of Southern Indiana. She relocated to Louisville when she enrolled in the University of Louisville's Master of Education program in 2016. She graduated with her MEd. in Counseling and Personnel Services in 2018 with a concentration in Art Therapy.
While her specialty is in expressive arts therapy, she know's that not all people feel confident making art. She enjoy's weaving expressive therapies into her therapeutic approach with the focus being to make you feel like you are getting what you need from therapy. Kelcie is experienced in working with individuals struggling with PTSD, anxiety and chronic pain & illness. Her approach is client-centered, expressive, and existential.
Kelcie has a passion for helping others and enjoys international travel. Her goals include pursuing the opportunity to practice art therapy on a worldwide scale. She has studied Italian Renaissance art abroad on two separate occasions in 2015 and 2018, as well as the impact of substance abuse in Ireland in 2017. She is also very compassionate towards the geriatric population, as she worked in senior living as a Life Enrichment Director for 6 years.
Maureen worden, CSW
Maureen was born in Detroit Michigan and moved to Louisville at age 11 where she has resided with her family and many pets. She obtained her masters degree at Spalding University in social work and have over 15 years in client advocacy. Maureen has worked in positions of advocacy and case management as well as inpatient and outpatient settings. She is experienced in working with adults and kids ages 5+, in her free time she enjoys all things sports.
She is supervised by Tracey Carson, LCSW and receives additional clinical supervision from Christopher Longoria, LCSW, RPT-S.
SARAH MANNING, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, SANE
Sarah Manning is board certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). She began her training at McKendry University, earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing. Sarah then earned her Master’s of Science in Nursing from Eastern Kentucky University, where she received a Post Master’s certificate as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
For over 20 years, Sarah has provided compassionate care for patients in a variety of settings, including emergency medicine, outpatient and forensic services. She has dedicated much of her nursing career working with individuals who experienced and endured maltreatment. “I worked in an extremely busy emergency department where individuals presented in need of victim services but access was scarce. I was inspired to develop a program solely dedicated to providing medical and forensic services to victims of violence. I developed a great connection to community and inspiration to continue my career in becoming a mental health provider.”
Sarah specializes in behavioral health and treating children and adults utilizing trauma-informed care and with a patient-centered approach. She is the founder and owner of Total Wellness Center, which delivers exceptional mental health services. Sarah is passionate about community engagement and expanding accessibility to care, including working with local school faculty and youth to improve individual and group well-being, and devoting her time to patient treatment in residential care facilities. Sarah also provides oversight of substance treatment programs and the school based IOP at Valley View.
While away from work, Sarah spends her time with her family and friends in and around the Elizabethtown area, and enjoys traveling, boating, and spoiling her dog Kitty.
Jessica arthur, BS
Jessica joined Creative Counseling & Consultation, PLLC as our first in house targeted case manager. Jessica resides in Elizabethtown and has been providing targeted case management services for 8 years. Within this capacity, Jessica's work has taken her to various schools and community settings in order to serve her clients. Jessica is passionate about advocating and working with families to provide them support.
Jessica is supervised by Krista Mitchell, LCSW, RPT-S.
Terry jackson, ba
Terry resides in Elizabethtown and is a graduate of Western Kentucky University with a degree in Sociology, and a minor in Criminology. He has been providing advocacy services for children and adults for over 12 years, with past experiences including Child Protective Services as an investigator/ongoing case worker and most recently as Silverleaf Service's Advocacy & Community Team Manager. He is also a member of Elizabethtown Community & Technical College's advisory board for their Human Services Program.
In Terry's free time, he enjoys attending concerts with his family & friends, collecting everything 80's (the best decade ever!) and singing karaoke.
Terry is supervised by Krista Mitchell, LCSW, RPT-S.
ARIEL NEWTON, MA.ED
Ariel was born in Shelby County, Kentucky and lived there until she moved to attend Campbellsville University. She graduated there with her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education. She providers targeted case management within the practice.
After 3 years teaching in Taylor County, Ariel moved to Hardin County to continue working in education. In 2020 she obtained her Master’s degree in School Counseling from University of the Cumberlands. She is passionate about collaborating with families to advocate for their needs.
She spends most of her free time with her husband, daughter, and two dogs. They enjoy being outside and exploring nature.
Ariel is supervised by Krista Mitchell, LCSW, RPT-S.
Tony Bridgers, MA.ED
Anthony "Tony" Bridgers is an accomplished Targeted Case Manager with extensive experience in coordinating care for children in the custody of Kentucky's Department for Community-Based Services (DCBS) and adopted children through the Kentucky Sky program. With multiple years of teaching children with serious emotional disabilities, he is deeply committed to supporting vulnerable youth.
Anthony holds a BA in Business Management from Northwood University in Midland, Michigan, an MBA in Strategy and Management from Western Governors University, an MAT in Learning and Behavior Disorders, and a Master's degree in Education with a focus on Literacy Education. Tony also volunteers as an advocate for families during Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, ensuring children receive the support they need.
In his free time, Tony enjoys creating beautiful woodwork, exploring historical sites, and visiting filming locations of popular movies and TV shows, with a particular passion for Civil War forts. He resides in Southern Indiana with his wife Crystal, their four children, four dogs, four cats, three parakeets, and a bearded dragon. A father of six and a grandfather of three, Anthony balances his personal and professional life with dedication and enthusiasm.
Tony is supervised by Christopher Longoria, LCSW, RPT-S
COOPER CAMPBELL, CSA - therapy intern
Cooper was born in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, where he has resided since birth. He will be receiving his Bachelors Degree in Brain and Cognitive Psychology in December at Eastern Kentucky University. He has plans to attend Masters school, but is undecided at what school.
Cooper enjoys outdoor activities, such as playing pickleball, and walking through nature. He is also passionate about fitness and physical health. Cooper is committed to the improvement of his community where he has resided all of his life. At the practice Cooper provides CSA and psychoeducational services to clients and sits in on sessions to observe therapy in action.
Cooper is supervised Christopher Longoria, LCSW, RPT-S
Titus sublett, CSA
Titus was born in Cave City but moved to Elizabethtown at the age of 6. Titus grew up in the Elizabethtown district. He is a proud alumni of Elizabethtown High School, where he graduated in 2010.
Titus went on to get the fortune ability to work in the PASS Program at TK Stone. Titus has spent the last year and a half working for Aspire Day School, where they focus on mental health and education. With eight years of experience working with adolescents in a behavioral health setting, he is passionate about supporting and guiding young people through life‘s challenges.
Titus lives in Elizabethtown with his beautiful wife, two wonderful kids (Carter and Isabella) and two dogs. In his free time, he enjoys watching his children excel in their sports, going to UofL games (Go Cards) and indulging in a round of golf—fondly referred to as “Don’t hit the ball in the water."
Titus is supervised by Krista Mitchell, LCSW, RPT-S