Autumn Ray, Licensed Professional Counselor, Diakonos Counseling, Kansas City, Mo.
Derk Hanna, PLPC
Derk Hanna served as a care pastor for 12 years prior to entering full-time counseling. He holds a BA in Political Science from UCLA, a Juris Doctorate from the University Missouri-Kansas City and a Master’s in Counseling from Central Baptist Theological Seminary. Derk has a wide range of experience working with adults, couples and adolescents. Areas of focus include couples counseling, affair recovery, treatment for depression, communication issues, anxiety, addiction, and treatment for past traumas.
Derk offers Christian counseling to those clients who wish to incorporate their faith into their counseling process, but is happy working with clients who do not.
Rosanne Liechti, LPC
As a licensed professional counselor and certified substance abuse counselor, my journey in counseling is fueled by a deep-seated passion to guide and support individuals on their paths to success.
Family is at the core of my values, influencing both my personal and professional life. As a dedicated family-oriented person, I understand the importance of fostering connections and creating a supportive environment for growth.
My faith as a believer in Christ is a cornerstone of my life, instilling values of compassion, understanding, and empathy. In my professional journey, I've had the privilege of working with clients from all walks of life, diverse cultural backgrounds, adolescents, couples, and adults navigating mental health concerns.
Beyond the counseling room, you'll find me pushing my physical boundaries with CrossFit, indulging in the creative joy of building with LEGOs, and immersing myself in the storytelling magic of movies. These interests provide a well-rounded perspective that enriches my approach to counseling.
I am committed to making a positive impact on the lives of those I encounter, blending professional expertise with genuine care and understanding.
Connie Baker, LCSW
Doug Vaughan, LCP
Dr. Doug Vaughan received his M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from Rosemead School of Psychology at Biola University in La Mirada, California and his B.A. degree in psychology from Indiana University. His doctoral training focused on the integration of psychology and Christian theology. He has been a licensed clinical psychologist for over three decades and has been licensed in Missouri since 1994. His professional experience includes various clinical settings, such as private practice and clinics. He retired from the Veteran’s Administration in 2022 after 13 years with the West Texas VA and Kansas City VA where he received advanced training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for depression (CBT-D), Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.
He has taught graduate and undergraduate psychology courses and served as a psychology consultant and examiner for Social Security disability.
He is listed in the National Register of Health Service Psychologists and is a member of the American Association of Christian Counseling. He developed a professional association for Christian counselors in Nashville and has been active in his local church leading a caregiving ministry. He has presented at a number of Christian counseling professional conferences as well as church and community seminars.
He focuses his clinical practice on individual therapy with adults for depression, anxiety, anger management, self-esteem issues, trauma, codependency and dysfunctional family of origin, and spiritual application related to mental health. He has had psychology related articles published, such as for Focus on the Family.
Jenny Farrow, LPC
Jennifer Anderson has completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Missouri at Kansas City. She also has a Masters of Science in Counseling Psychology from Avila College. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri and a member of the American Mental health Counselors Association. Jennifer has worked in the mental health field for over 20 years. She has experience working with adolescents, children, and families in the areas of behavioral disorders, depression, grief, substance abuse, and trauma.
Derek Faulkner, LPC
Derek has a Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology from William Jewell College and a Master’s of Arts in Couples and Family Counseling from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, a CACREP accredited program. He is a Nationally Certified Counselor member and a recognized associate substance abuse counselor (RASAC-II).
Derek was drawn to the counseling profession through personal experience. A proponent of transparency, Derek often shares the story of how the course of his family relationships were changed because of counseling. This experience led him to find his purpose in life – helping couples, families and individuals realize a better life. In addition to helping couples and families in a church setting, Derek has experience with clients who are struggling with addiction and those who have suffered from trauma, helping them through the lifelong process of recovery.
Brenda Dahlhoff, LPC
Brenda Dahlhoff is a Licensed Professional Counselor with Epic Counseling Group. She obtained both her BS in Education and MS in Counseling from the University of Central Missouri. Her education includes accreditation by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), which maintains the highest standard of accreditation in the field of professional counseling.
Brenda was an educator in the public school system for 16 years. While teaching, she always had a desire to enhance relationships with students and parents and believed that strong and supportive communication would assist students to strive toward his or her potential. She desires to carry this belief into the field of counseling.
Brenda strongly believes in the value of each individual. She believes that each person is unique and uses a person-centered approach to assist individuals in healing. Brenda holds firm in her belief that hope can be offered in any situation and strives to provide support toward everyone. She considers it an honor to provide counseling support to those who may be struggling and desires to walk with each client throughout his or her personal journey of life.
Kelsey Reger, PLPC
PROVISIONALLY LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
Thank you for taking time to consider me as your potential counselor. I predominately work with those who have experienced relationship difficulties including communication issues, grief, boundary issues, conflict resolution, life transitions, anxiety, depression, marriage issues, and affair recovery. I desire for every client that I interact with to experience hope in the midst of life’s storms and a healing, collaborative counselor - client relationship. As a Christian counselor, I know that faith and spirituality is very important to some people and I respect each person’s own beliefs and values in therapy. If clients choose, I am able to incorporate faith as a part of the counseling sessions. I earned my master’s degree in counseling from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2016 after interning at Abundant Life Counseling Center. I have worked in a couple Christian nonprofit ministries, helping people experience support during lonely times in their lives. While there I intentionally cultivated an environment that was emotionally and physically safe for people to discuss difficult life circumstances. I have provided treatment for those presenting with grief, anger, anxiety, depression, and affects of sexual, emotional, psychological, and/or physical abuse. It would be an honor to work with you in achieving your goals for therapy.
Rebecca Bagunu, PLPC
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
Rebecca is a Provisionally Licensed Counselor. She often says she is a lifelong learner, and finds herself constantly looking to learn something new. She completed her Bachelors of Science in Psychology at a Western Carolina University, a small school in the mountains of North Carolina before moving to Southern Missouri to complete her Masters of Science in Counseling at Missouri State University. Rebecca’s family fostered children throughout her adolescent years. Her experience living with children who had experienced extensive trauma in various ways ignited her passion for mental health and ultimately led her down the path of counseling. She knew from a young age that somehow she would help people find healing and resiliency. Rebecca has had experience counseling in schools and a community mental health setting working with clients and students experiencing: grief, depression, anxiety, and trauma. Rebecca focuses on a person-centered, individualized approach, believing that despite experience, symptoms, or diagnosis, every person experiences life differently. Rebecca considers it a great privilege to walk with clients through the seasons of life, and she’s eager to extend a safe space for anyone who she encounters.
Rebecca moved to Kansas City in 2021. She has grown to love the city because of the people she has met and the welcoming and fun culture! She’s excited to plant her roots here.
McKenna Farren, LPC
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
McKenna is a LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) for Epic Counseling Group. McKenna has always loved learning about people and culture. She has a completed bachelor's degree in Anthropology, from the University of Missouri. Through this program, she discovered her desire not to just know how people work, but to help people heal. McKenna has her Masters of Arts in Counseling from Midwestern seminary and takes a holistic and warm approach with clients. McKenna is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Her experience with clients includes anxiety, depression, grief, boundaries, and trauma/PTSD .
McKenna has experienced deep grief in her life and has seen the effect that pain can have on a person. In this, she desires to meet people in their pain and help them feel seen and known. McKenna desires to help people live life to the fullest, and hopes to partner with them in their journey.
McKenna is a small town Iowa native, but has come to love Kansas City and its culture.
Allie Garrett, PLPC
PROVISIONALLY LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
Allie is a Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor with Epic Counseling Group. She received her Bachelors of Science in Communication Studies at the University of Central Missouri and her Masters of Arts in Counseling from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. From the KC area, she has a heart for ministry and helping others to find hope and healing. Allie is passionate about integrating evidence based counseling theories and techniques alongside a spiritual approach. She is trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and has experience working with clients with trauma/PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief, and boundaries. Wherever you may be at in life, Allie provides a listening ear and a non-judgmental atmosphere in the counseling process.
Herold McClellan, LCSW
LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER
Thank you for considering us as possible providers for your care. Here is a little about me. I have professional, educational as well as personal experience. After successfully completing a treatment program myself in 1996 I knew becoming a counselor was my next goal. I earned a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Missouri Western State University and Master of Social Work degree from the University of Missouri at Kansas City while working as a counselor in a substance use program. When some people hear ‘social worker’, they think of professionals who work in hospitals, helping with transition care, or even child services. However, there is a segment of social workers who are trained to provide psychotherapy. Social workers may be a LCSW (licensed clinical social worker), LICSW (licensed independent clinical social worker) or LSW (licensed social worker). In my case I am a LCSW. After two years of supervision and many counseling hours I received my clinical license. Since then, I have worked as a Provider in Mental Health Services and in Addictions Treatment. I have provided care for people in inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment programs as well as Community Mental Health and Behavioral Health settings. I have a Clinical License in the State of Missouri and Kansas and I am a member of the National Association of Social Workers.
My areas of experience include treating depression, anxiety, couples/family counseling, trauma, and addictions of all kinds. From a Christian perspective or not it is my desire to use my knowledge and experience to help you find solutions for your problems and enjoy positive and fulfilling lives.
Dennis Doyle, LPC
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
There are times when all of us need to have safe people to talk to about the realities of life and hopefully faith. I believe that the redemptive love of God will always move us towards hope, regardless of what our circumstances may be. So by nature I tend to be tenacious, and I think God is too.
I’ve had time to accumulate my own life experiences. I’m seasoned. I think I can offer practical and biblical insight that you might find beneficial. Here are some examples:
Parenting
My wife Karen and I have raised 4 children, so while I may not be an expert on helping you parent your child, I can share some wisdom about parenting. We’ve seen our children excel and become independent.
Marriage
Karen and I have been married for more than three decades. I think much of an enduring marriage is the determination to make it work one day at a time and live in grace with each other. If you are looking for someone to talk about how to relate to your spouse, I think I have some wisdom to offer.
Relating to Senior Adult Parents
Karen and I have seen our parents pass away. Life is unmistakably different when you say good-bye to your parents. We did the best we knew how to honor them.
Following the Leadership of Others
Few people get to call their own shots in life. I’ve worked with a variety of leaders. Some have been fantastic, others could have been better. What’s tough is when someone in authority makes a decision that impacts your life, and it has dramatic consequences. Have you learned that institutions are rarely loyal to people?
Ministry
I can provide some perspective on serving in the ministry without losing your soul. I have experienced the extremes of the great and the horrible. Much of ministry is simply being faithful in the day-to-day experiences.
I think that Jesus wants to use us; perhaps the more pressing issue is how you and I can be useful?
Military Life
While I have never been in the military, most of my friends are people who have served in the Air Force at Whiteman Air Force Base. I have watched and admired them as they sacrificed for our country, but it’s not easy.
Living A Virtuous Life
We all find ourselves in situations that require making difficult decisions. It’s one thing to make a pragmatic decision, but often the best decisions require more courage and sacrifice. I would enjoy helping you to strive for virtue!
Miscellaneous
To me “miscellaneous” means, “whatever you want to talk about.” I will do my best to walk through your situation with dignity, non-judgment, and wisdom.
About Me
I grew up in Austin, Texas, as the son of a high ranking police officer who had no use for faith and a mom who was a devoted Baptist. I came to faith in Jesus at age 10 and have served as a pastor since 1986. I served for 15 years as a Collegiate Minister working with students at the University of Central Missouri. That was a great experience! In 2001, I made a transition in life and began serving as the Pastor of Adult Ministries at First Baptist Church in Warrensburg, MO. FBC is a larger church in a smaller town. I am still serving at FBC, but I’m beginning to make some transitions in life, which include joining Epic Counseling and working on my master’s degree in counseling.
Family
My wife Karen is on the faculty at Cleveland University in Overland Park, KS. Our oldest son Nathan is a writer. Our oldest daughter Landry lives in Los Angeles with our son-in-law Adam. Landry is a researcher for a financial security firm. Katelyn, our youngest daughter, recently graduated and has her first full time job in public relations in Kansas City. Austin, our youngest son, is a student at UCM and enjoys serving at a local church for students.
Education
The University of Texas - B.A. in Business Management
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary- Masters of Divinity
Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary- Currently enrolled
Jennifer Anderson, MS, LPC
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
Jennifer Anderson has completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Missouri at Kansas City. She also has a Masters of Science in Counseling Psychology from Avila College. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri and a member of the American Mental Health Counselors Association. Jennifer has worked in the mental health field for over 20 years. She has experience working with adolescents, children, and families in the areas of behavioral disorders, depression, grief, substance abuse, and trauma.
Julia Tribelhorn, MA, LPC
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
Sometimes the hardest step is to make that first phone call. Knowing how difficult it is to reach out for help, I promise to meet you with kindness, understanding, and compassion. I want therapy to be a safe and non-judgmental place for you.
After spending two years mentoring young women at a college ministry, I gained a new found passion for helping people through the most difficult times in their lives. As a result I pursued and earned a Master’s in Counseling from Midwestern Seminary. I have had experience counseling in community mental health, school settings, as well as homeless shelters. Moreover, I have a Bachelor’s in Education and a thorough understanding of the school system having spent two years as a school based therapist.
I counsel from a Christian perspective, and enjoy incorporating faith into my practice if that is something you desire. However, I see clients of all ages and from all walks of life. My areas of specialty include: children and adolescents, trauma, depression, anxiety, family issues, school issues, and parenting challenges. I have specialized training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and play therapy.
Glen Nash • Coaching & Consulting, Diakonos Counseling
Certified Leadership Coach and also a Certified Life Coach
While serving six churches for almost four decades, Glen Nash has provided counsel, guidance, and encouragement to people of all ages. Focused on Biblical counseling and the application of the scripture towards mental and spiritual wholeness, he has been a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) since 2001. In addition to counseling experience, he is also a Certified Advanced Grief Counseling Specialist (CAGCS). He is a Certified Leadership Coach and also a Certified Life Coach through Professional Christian Coaching Institute (PCCI); and, a member of Christian Coaching Network International (CCNI). He has been a long-term leader of Teaching God’s Infinite Wisdom (TGIW.org) and is now a staff member of Character That Counts, a Lee’s Summit (MO) ministry encouraging integrity, accountability and Christ-centered character development.
Glen has a Master of Arts in Religion degree from Emmanuel Christian Seminary (Johnson City, TN) and an undergraduate degree from Manhattan (KS) Christian College. Trained as a Prepare/Enrich Facilitator (Assessment & Insight for Married or Engaged Couples), as a Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts (SYMBIS) Facilitator, and in the use of the Taylor-Johnson Temperament Analysis (T-JTA), Glen has many years of hands-on participation helping individuals and couples with relationship challenges, preparing for marriage, divorce considerations, and marital repair. In church settings, he has also led marriage ministries, divorce recovery ministries, and grief support ministries.
Currently, Glen serves as a Chaplain for three community groups: the Blue Springs (MO) Police Department, Central Jackson County Fire Protection District, and HeroFund USA, as well as serving on a rotating basis as an Emergency Service Chaplain (BSPD). He is a graduate of the Blue Springs Citizens Police Academy, a member of the Alumni Advisory Board for Manhattan Christian College, a member of the Board of Directors for Living Foundations Ministries in Blue Springs, and is the 2022 Chairman of the Blue Springs/Grain Valley Advisory Board for the Truman Heartland Community Foundation.
Glen and his wife, Kathy (a public-school educator), have been married since 1980 and have one son and daughter-in-law, plus three grandchildren nearby in Liberty, MO. Contact Glen, set up counseling or coaching appointment, and begin steps of opportunity and growth.
Sara Howard, BSN, RN, Diakonos Counseling
Board Certified Advanced Christian Life Coach
Life coaching, a booming field, benefits all people even when there is not a specific problem or life issue. You and I will assess and build on your strengths and gifts to help you move forward at a realistic pace to meet your life goals. Well-known research has found only approximately 25% of people will make a lasting change without a plan and accountability. However, research suggests, 95% of people will follow through on change if they schedule an accountability appointment with a professional regarding their plan for success.
We live in a fast-paced, busy, and stressful world where sound statistics show that the majority of health conditions result from stress and lifestyle. During my 18 years working as an RN, I often wished we would focus more on the whole person. Now I am doing just that. I will focus on each person to help them find the best balance within their physical, emotional, and spiritual lives. We will work in a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental environment. Each area in life needs a healthy balance to attain wellness. In our culture, wellness balance can be tough to find. As a mother and a wife, I know how finding balance can feel like a daily juggling act; therefore, I believe that we must continually hold each other accountable, encourage one another, and be realistic with goals. Let me help you make a plan for wellness that fits your life.
Biofeedback therapy, which promotes wellness, has impacted my life personally and professionally. The area of biofeedback can help people with multiple physical and emotional issues. This is a separate therapy from Life Coaching. For more information, please see our page on Biofeedback Therapy.
I believe that we were created to live a life full of hope and joy, and not a life of just hoping to survive each day.
It will be my privilege to encourage you along your life journey to find your best self!
I am passionate in these areas of coaching because of personal and/or professional experience:
Health and Wellness balance
Infertility
Adoption
Chronic kidney disease
Medical treatment options
Chronic pain
Feeling stuck in life
Stress Management
Family balance
Spiritual growth
EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s in Science of Nursing from the University of Central Missouri
Registered Nurse (RN) for the state of Missouri and Kansas
Certificate in Professional Life Coaching 101 and 201 from Light University
Certificate in Health and Wellness Professional Life Coaching from Light University
Board Certified Advanced Christian Life Coach through the IBCC International Board of Christian Care
Certificate from the Professional Biofeedback Program
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
18 years in the medical field working as an RN with chronic kidney disease patients and multiple other chronic health conditions
14 years as a nurse educator for patients and staff
Speaker for multiple local medical facilities and foundations for patients and staff
Speaker for churches and women’s events
Published Author
Lauren Graham LPC, NCC, Diakonos Counseling
Licensed PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
You’ve been dealing with wounds from the past and it has kept you from an abundant life. You’re on edge, burnt out, discouraged, and disconnected from those around you. There are memories and experiences you cannot shake no matter how hard you try or how much others encourage you. You are wondering if you will ever feel relaxed or happy in life.
If this resonates with you, then you find yourself in similar shoes as most of Lauren’s clients. Many of her clients have experienced a wide range of traumas and adversities which greatly impact their daily life. Coming from a divorced home, Lauren understands first-hand the difficulties of navigating life with trauma.
Lauren is experienced in the areas of depression, anxiety, helping adults heal from divorce and separation, boundaries, codependency, spiritual/religious trauma, and trauma/PTSD. She is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and works with clients from a body-focused/somatic perspective. Lauren uses a lot of body focused techniques like mindfulness, deep breathing, and other physiological techniques to assist clients in processing their trauma on a deep, bodily level. She takes a client-centered approach in that she is acutely aware of and sensitive to the individual needs of each client and the therapeutic pacing required to sustain long-term trauma recovery.
Lauren received her Masters of Arts in Counseling from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2018 and has been practicing with Diakonos Counseling ever since. She is currently working on her PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision in the hopes of teaching and training Masters level counselors alongside her regular clinical work. Lauren is a member of the Christian Association for Psychological Studies and is working towards advanced certification in EMDR.
Whatever your story or struggle may be, Lauren would consider it a great honor to come alongside you with compassion, flexibility, and gentleness as you work towards health and healing in every area of your life.
Phillip Smith, LPC
Licensed PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
I have an MA in Counseling from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, in Kansas City, MO. I have experience working with adolescent and adult clients in such areas as substance abuse, behavioral issues, anxiety, depression, as well as psychosis, and relationships. As a result of coming to Christ in college, in addition to difficult events in life, I have a heart for those struggling. My overall counseling approach is adapted to meet the needs and treatment of whomever I am working with.
I have been trained to practice EMDR which has been shown to be remarkably helpful in improving positive beliefs that have been diminished due to Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, and other traumatic experiences using the brain's natural tendency to heal itself from negative feelings.
I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which treats the underlying condition through addressing the impact between our core beliefs, which affect our thinking and behavior. I use a Client Centered Approach that considers the client at an equal footing as the therapist, both experts in this professional relationship, collaborating for effective treatment. Christian Counseling is also offered for those clients who wish to incorporate their faith and values as part of the counseling process, though I am blessed to continue to see many clients whom do not wish to incorporate faith into their treatment!