Meet The Team
KATHERINE L. MIDDLETON, LCSW-S
Owner/Therapist
I am a mental health therapist that specializes in Trauma. I graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Master’s Degree in Social Work. I have been providing therapeutic services to a diverse population since graduating in 2011.
My career path and personal journey has led me to focus primarily on trauma due to a personal experience from a traumatic event, a car accident, and witnessing the effects of trauma on military individuals and their families. My parents served in the Air Force for 30 years allowing me to be raised in diverse environments, travel all over the country, and witness the impact of PTSD and trauma.
I have worked in many therapeutic settings with various populations. The common factor tends to be trauma related. I provide an environment that is non-judgmental, inviting, and laid back. I am human with human emotions and experiences. I believe in being relatable, normalizing, and validating experiences, feelings, and situations. I understand the demands of life and recognize seeking help is hard at times and requires you to place trust in someone with your hurts, pains, and secrets. I want you to know that my role is to make you feel safe and comfortable in a non-judgmental environment. My team is dedicated to being of services to you.
I currently provide therapeutic support to local human trafficking agency. I am a team member with the Kentucky Community Crisis Response Board.
JOHN “CHRIS” RISNER MA, LPCC-S, NCC
Clinical Director
I attended Berea College for my undergraduate studies, double majoring in philosophy and psychology, graduating in 2010 with two Bachelor’s Degrees. Following graduation, I took some time to do a little bit of soul searching. I worked in carpentry, with traumatic brain injury, and as a teaching assistant. Ultimately, I found that in each of these positions I gravitated towards the role of a mentor for the people around me. Psychology has always been my passion so in 2013, I began my trek into the world of mental health in Eastern Kentucky University’s Master’s program for clinical mental health. I graduated in 2016 with my Master’s Degree from EKU’s program. I have been a therapist since 2016 beginning in the field of Substance Abuse Counseling. I found that in order to treat substance abuse and addiction, I had to encompass a great variety of life stressors and factors for successful treatment. After two years as a substance abuse therapist, I broadened my focus to include trauma, grief, and other more general mental health issues.
My approach to counseling is client-centered drawing from CBT, REBT, existential therapy, and several humanistic theories. It is my personal philosophy that I do not treat disorders , I treat people. People come with a variety of complex issues, trauma, depression, anxiety, and grief to name a few. I work with individuals with a strong emphasis on healing from trauma, goal orientation, behavioral redirection, and addressing issues with self-esteem and negative thoughts. Our sessions will cover a plethora of values including interpersonal and personal values, familial relationships, thoughts, feelings, and beliefs and how these things, in turn, affect your attitudes, behaviors, and overall quality of life.
My central philosophy is this – you are not broken, you do not need to be fixed. You need only to work towards making appropriate changes to help you to live a life that helps you to become the best version of yourself. Therapy is a roadmap , a GPS on life’s highway. It’s my job, as your GPS, to assist you, the driver, in reaching your destination. With time, effort, and a little direction, I am confident that you will find your way. When the brain and the heart reach an agreement on where they need to be, healing begins. ~Your Friendly Neighborhood Therapist
ELISHA JOHNSON LPCC, CSAT
Therapist
I work with a variety of clients to help them improve their relationships and quality of life. The majority of my work is in relationships with others and self, along with general issues and situations life brings our way.
I offer couples counseling and specialize in working with sex addiction and partners who have experienced infidelity. Betrayal of any kind is painful. The damage associated with finding out that what you believed about your life is no longer your reality and not knowing how to start to put your life back together is traumatizing. You are not alone. It is truly my heart to see people experience the freedom, hope, and healing that I know is possible.
Ka'Sondra Brown
Targeted Case Manager, Outreach Coordinator
Ka'Sondra Brown joins Voices of Hope with an established history as a dedicated public servant who is passionate about disparities that affect families, including children and seniors. Brown serves on several boards and committees throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Additionally, she has been Commissioner of Community Volunteerism, a governor-appointed role, and most recently been appointed as vice chair for Serve Kentucky. Brown, a certified target case manager throughout the state of Kentucky, is a credential early childhood education trainer. She is dedicated to her work in the community and
her advocacy for those in need. Brown holds a bachelor of science from Kentucky State University. She also holds a certificate in Family Development from Cornell University.
Ka'Sondra has a long history of helping individuals with service placement as well as operate an emergency food pantry in collaboration with God's Food Pantry. She has been very instrumental in advocating for those who seem without a voice. Ka'Sondra Brown serves on numerous boards in Fayette and Jefferson County. Such boards as Voices of Hope, Food Chain Inc. Weathering Storms Inc., Tates Creek Middle School Youth Service Center Advisory board, as well as the Citizen's Foster Care Review board. She has recently joined the board of a non-profit, Weathering Storms Inc as Public Relations Director, as she is a pillar in the community and a bridge to various resources.
Ka'Sondra was awarded the Hannah Eimers, United States Transfiguring Adoption “Best Foster Parent of the Year,” for 2021. Ms. Brown also was awarded at the 17th Annual Coretta Scott King Spirit of Ivy Award for 2021, Outstanding Single Mother from the distinguished women of AKA (Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority Inc.).
One of her favorite quotes is "As
you grow older you will discover that you have two hands- one for helping yourself, the other for helping others." -Audrey Hepburn.
DAVE THOMAS, LCADC
Substance Abuse Counselor
Dave Thomas is a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor. He has been working in the substance use field for ten years. He has a BA in History from Hanover College, where he played college football, and a MS in Addictions Counseling from Grand Canyon University.
In addition to counseling, Dave is also the head football coach at Woodford Co Middle School, and lives in Versailles with his wife Melissa, and their three children, Zia, Buan, and Corbin.
ROBERT CROCKETT, M.A. LPCA
Clinical Mental Health Therapist
Hello! My name is Robert and I’m an LPCA at LionHeart working on obtaining my LPCC and becoming independently licensed. I got both of my degrees from Eastern Kentucky University, my Bachelor’s is in Psychology and my Master’s is in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Before coming to Lionheart I worked in substance abuse for a year in an inpatient/outpatient treatment center and before that, I completed my internship at an outpatient substance abuse treatment center. When it comes to my counseling style I am laid back during sessions but still remain professional which can help my clients feel more comfortable and help in building rapport. During the session, I focus on the person using techniques such as person-centered, CBT, solution-focused, and REBT to help the client express themselves, process their emotions/feelings, and allow them to know that they are heard and valued as a person.
While my background is in substance abuse and recovery my main focus and interest is working in the field of trauma and clients who are in the LGBTQ+ community. As a member of the community myself I want to be able to help others who are in the community who would prefer to be seen by someone who can understand the unique struggles and problems that come from being LGBTQ+. I also have experience working with a variety of mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar, as well as helping others through grief and loss.
During sessions, I will meet you where you’re at and work from where you are in that moment and what you want to work on. I am working for you and to help you so you get to decide where our sessions go and the focus of them. I want my clients to leave my sessions with new insight and have learned something about themselves that they did not know before.
ROBBIE MCGEHEE, MSW, CSW
Therapist
I am a 2014 graduate of Western Kentucky University, where I obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. After working in different social work positions, I returned to WKU and graduated with honors in 2021 with a Master of Social Work degree. Both my personal and professional values align with those of the National Association of Social Workers, meaning my primary mission is to enhance the well-being of others.
I believe we live in an ever-changing world and are frequently exposed to events that alter the way we regulate our emotions. Therapy is a safe place to explore and improve emotional regulation. I utilize a strength-based approach, as well as CBT, DBT, and TF-CBT. I believe my clients are their own experts. I am simply here to guide them in becoming the best versions of themselves. I have experience working with those who have been subjected to traumatic events, depression, and anxiety, among other mental health symptoms/disorders. I have a special interest in working with persons facing substance abuse challenges and disrupted attachments (such as foster care, adoption, child/parent loss), as well as first responders and immigrants. I am fluent in Spanish. I enjoy hosting therapy sessions utilizing the Spanish language when it is in the client's best interest.
KELLI MORRISON MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC
Nurse
I reside in East Tennessee and provide medication management and brief, person-centered psychotherapy services through telemedicine for the patients of Lionheart Trauma Support Services. I have been a registered nurse for the last eight years and have been an advanced practice nurse for almost four of those eight. I started my nursing career in the emergency department where I discovered I would much rather listen to a patient’s story than seek out an adrenaline rush; thus, my love for psychiatry was born.
I received my MSN from the University of South Alabama in 2017 and have completed the majority of my DNP at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. I am a member of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association and Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society and hold certifications as a Family Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and a Certified Emergency Nurse.
While I enjoy all aspects of psychiatry, I especially enjoy working with emotional trauma and conditions involving a neuro-traumatic or neurodegenerative etiology such as post-traumatic stress disorder, dementia, and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), among others. I am at present time attempting to develop the remainder of my doctoral capstone, focusing on routine screening of athletes in contact sports for symptoms of CTE.
When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband and son, my four cats (Boo-Boo, Blossom, Schrodinger, and Murray the Tri-Pawed) and my dog Layla. I am also a musician and self-proclaimed nerd. I love to sing, remix music, and am attempting to learn the ocarina. I also enjoy Dungeons and Dragons, painting minis for gaming campaigns, and have an affinity for digital mysteries such as Cicada 3301.
I treat all my patients with respect and compassion and attempt to maximize positive outcomes through the latest evidence-based practice research and collaboration.
I look forward to working with you!
DAWN SEAMANDS, MSW, CSW
Therapist
I have been working with individuals and families in crisis for over 20 years. I have been able to work in a variety of settings but my true passion is to be in a clinical environment, where those suffering from trauma, unhealthy relationships, thoughts or behaviors, are able to find hope, maybe for the first time. I understand that it takes courage to trust someone enough to let them into the very private and painful parts of life.
Life is not easy. There can be obstacles and challenges. But healing and change are possible and you are not in this alone. I am committed to providing a safe environment where clients can be open and honest with what they're going through. It is my desire to offer genuine warmth and compassion to every person I have the privilege to work with. Each person has a story - and as I seek to understand yours, you will be accepted and heard, encouraged and supported. The counseling process is a partnership and I look forward to partnering with you in your journey.
When I am not in the counseling room, I enjoy being home with a good book and a cup of coffee and spending time with my family. I have been married for 21 yrs. and have an 18 yr. old son and a 17 yr. old daughter.
BEN HUNDLEY, MA, LPCC
Therapist
My primary focus in counseling centers on Anxiety and Depression along with Relationships. As human's I believe that we are relational beings and therefore are in a constant process of always relating every second of the day. I believe we relate to; People, Objects, Circumstances, Thoughts, and Feelings. Depending on how we relate I believe it can lead to an assortment of forms of painful thoughts emotions that hinder us. Or it can lead to freedom and true peace of mind. I take great joy in inviting people to examine the ways they "relate" and coming to a different way of relating that leads to freedom and serenity.
I have expertise in the following primary areas; Anxiety, Depression, Relationships(Single, Romantic, Family), Struggles with negative moods and thoughts, Spirituality.
As a person that struggles with; anxiety, depression, codependency, and negative mood and thoughts, I have a full complete understanding that the journey to freedom takes courage and sacrifice. With that, I wish to walk alongside you in it. (Ben Hundley is an LPCC here in Lexington, KY. I have a Masters in Counseling and is pursuing a MA in Theology at Asbury
Paige Van Til, M.A., LPCA
Therapist
Hello! My name is Paige, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate at Lionheart’s Lexington office.
I received my master’s in counseling and human development from Lindsey Wilson College in 2022. Previously, I have worked as Community Living Support for individuals with disabilities, in inpatient psychiatric, and as a Targeted Case Manager.
As therapy is not one size fits all, I take a person-centered approach, and pull from different treatment modalities (most often Humanistic, DBT, CBT, and REBT), based on my client’s individual needs. I feel it is important to bring my authentic self to our sessions and I am open about my own struggles with anxiety.
Mental health and psychology have been long standing passions of mine. Learning the different theories and obtaining the language to better describe and understand patterns of behavior has helped me attempt to experience the world with curiosity and empathy.
Life comes with struggles and obstacles that we may never have anticipated. Navigating these challenges can be daunting but it can be easier with the right support. For a lot of people, reaching out for help can be just as difficult as the healing process itself. This is another reason why it’s important to me that I am authentic with my clients.
I am passionate about supporting individuals with Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, and those leaving abusive relationships. I currently work with individuals ages eleven and up and lead DBT group therapy. I see clients both in person and via telehealth.
Outside of the office, I enjoy reading, watching movies, thrift shopping, and making art. I love buying gifts for people, discussing nerd culture, and playing Mario Kart! I am married and have a rambunctious dog, nieces and a nephew, and some amazing friends and family.
JESSAMYNN LITTLE, MSW, CSW
Therapist - Accelerated Resolution Therapy Provider
Asking for help isn't easy and I believe that what we cannot do ourselves, we can do together. Life can be challenging and painful at times. I choose this work because I believe there is strength in support, connection, and community. I am interested in helping individuals find hope and meaning in their lives, build resiliency, and ignite their full potential. Collaboration to seek empowerment and engagement in your own therapeutic experience is vital. I pursue this by providing a safe, non-judgmental space to share yourself authentically and explore what you want to accomplish for your mental wellbeing. I don’t believe in the word ‘normal’ and I love to help people see those qualities in themselves and apply them in positive and useful ways.
I am a veteran, so I am familiar with the military lifestyle. While serving I worked with victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. I also have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and those suffering with addiction. I tend to use a cognitive-behavioral, client-centered, and systemic
approach in my practice to reach wellness. My personal experiences provide insight on how to honor the unique qualities of each individual I work for. When clients choose to work with me, they gain an automatic ally who is ready to listen with unconditional acceptance and offer support in this journey we call life!
DANNY FLEISCHER, MA, LCPA
Therapist
I have a warm, personal approach & value the chance to help you see yourself from a strength-based perspective. Everybody is unique; therefore, I am dedicated to tailoring our work to your needs. With over 32 years in law enforcement & first-hand accounts of cumulative stress, traumatic stress, mental health, trauma, & grief, I know how to support individuals & families in managing the often-incomprehensible response to traumas. Counseling is your opportunity to gain emotional & cognitive strength, get back in touch with what’s good in life, & be at your best for yourself, your loved ones, & your friends.
Danny’s goals are to give you a beacon of hope, empower you, and equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to find health, wellness, and joy in your life.
KATHERINE DAVIS, LCSW
Therapist
Hello! I am Katherine and I am a Licensed Clincical Social Worker with 18 years of experience in a variety of settings working with individuals of all ages from diverse backgrounds and communities. My goal and passion is to provide “real life solutions for real life problems.” My approach is meeting each client where they are and approaching each individual’s treatment according to their own unique needs.
Titus Covington, MSW, CSW
Therapist
Hello, my name is Titus. I’m a clinical social worker and I’m currently working on obtaining my full LCSW license. I graduated from Eastern Kentucky University in 2014 with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. I then, graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2021 with a Master’s degree in Social Work. I have previous experience working as a Severe Mental Illness(SMI) Case Manager and as a Substance Use Disorder counselor.
My love for the social work field started when I was around the age of 12 years old. I use to volunteer at my mother’s job over the summers working with adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. My mother has been in the social work field for around 27 years now.
When it comes to my counseling style, I take a person-centered approach. I believe that all of my clients are capable of overcoming tough challenges or barriers, coping with their anxiety (or depression), and healing from their past trauma experiences. During my sessions, I like to use Motivational Interviewing methods, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approaches, and Solution-focused therapy techniques. I try to accommodate my clients as best as I can. I wantmy clients to leave my sessions with increased awareness and have learned something about
themselves that they did not know before hand. Also, I really want to break the stigma around receiving therapy and counseling for one’s mental health concerns. I want to help empower, strengthen, and teach my clients the skills they will need to help improve their quality of life. When I’m not working, I engage in several different hobbies and activities. These hobbies normally include playing basketball, hiking, traveling, and cooking. I have a pretty diverse background and I have three adopted younger brothers who each have a different ethnicity.
Additionally, I have 7 years of cooking experience in the restaurant business. I’m also a huge fan of sci-fi and horror movies.
NICK PORRITT , Marriage and Family Therapy - Associate
Therapist
I work with individuals, children/teenagers (3-17), families/supports, and couples. I believe that people are able to work through the difficulties in life easier when they have consistent and empathetic support around them. My goal is to provide people with the skills necessary to effectively work through their difficulties both in and out of the therapy session. In the session, you can expect a space that is non-judgmental, collaborative, and focused on personal growth.
I have experience working in residential treatment facilities for youth and young adults who have behavioral issues, trauma histories, anxiety, depression, and more. I have also had experience working with their families and other supports to help youth grow in their relationships and thrive as individuals.
For couples who are seeking to better their relationship, I use Relationship Enhancement to help couples build empathy and communication. Couples therapy allows partners to be equipped with the tools needed to develop a healthy relationship while discovering each other’s perspectives in a collaborative space.
FRANCIA GONZALEZ
Targeted Case Manager
I am an Eastern Kentucky University graduate born in Kentucky but raised in Venezuela, S.A whose native language is Spanish, I have worked with the Hispanic community as an interpreter/translator for 15 plus years. I have 5 years experience in Case Management working with the homeless community in Fayette county. I am also certified HUD counselor for first time homeowners in the US and Virgin Islands. I joined Lionheart to pursue my passion in helping the community with basic needs and linking them to resources to help them be self-sufficient. In my spare time I enjoy traveling, photography and spending quality time with my 3 kids and fur baby.
ISOLDE HILL, LPCA
Therapist
About Me!
I have been in the clinical mental health field for 8 years. I have an extensive background in Inpatient Psychiatry and Psychology. My love for the field began when I was 10 years old, I knew that I wanted to help people and save lives. My goal as a therapist is to help shape change and guide the worldview of those who have trouble and challenges in day-to-day life.
My approach in therapy is CBT and BSFT. I believe that once a person changes or alters their perception of their difficulty they take on a new form and become a new enlightened person or at least that is the hope. It is important to provide people with ways to solve their problems through resources and understanding of one’s community and society.
I have had the pleasure of working with many populations such as children ages 4-18, civilian adults, active-duty military, their dependents, and veterans who all come from a variety of cultural backgrounds. Seeking help for different reasons i.e., depression, anxiety, PTSD, sexual trauma, bpd, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, substance abuse/ addiction, TBI, and gender identities My passion for the field has allowed me to understand Multiculturalism in a newfound way. Working in an inpatient setting with active-duty military has provided an array of understanding, compassion, influence, love, admiration, and Empathy for cultural diversity.
I was born in Bavaria Germany growing up with all kinds of different people, I have learned to appreciate the differences in us all, and what makes us different not only gender, race, physical appearance, occupation or color but what our hearts say about us or our cultural differences, which brings me to say next, that multicultural counseling is an important sector in the field that I admire. There is a lack of understanding in cultural counseling today. I am here to see that all clients have a chance to see and live out social change in their own way.
ASHLEIGH DEARDURFF
Business Admin
I graduated high school with a Certification in Business Administration. I am new to the Tennessee area. I am from Ohio and currently living at Fort Campbell. My husband serves in the military and I am also a mother. I help with administrative tasks and behind the scene tasks. I enjoy helping in any way that I can.
CARLA HENRY
Office Manager/Billing Specialist
I was born and raised in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. I am very passionate about helping and providing service to the community. I have an associate in Human Resources and Nursing with a proven track record of maintaining efficient office operations. So basically that means I will do whatever it takes to help whomever that is what I have a true passion for. Trauma and mental health has affected everyone at some point in their life and I really like Lionheart’s approach to these needs.
So happy to have this opportunity to join Lionheart to serve the county and the surrounding communities.
JOY PRICE
Administrative Assistant
My name is Joy! I am a graduate from South Carolina who has fallen in love with Tennessee and its people. I am happy to be assisting the community in any way I can. I have always believed that therapy should be a positive, safe experience free from bias, and I am excited to be involved in an environment that embodies that belief. Having experienced many of life’s challenges myself, I understand how important it is to have support. Never be afraid to reach out!
AMANDA BAKER
Marketing Director
After serving 9 years in the military, I looked for a change and entered the medical field as a Nationally Certified Medical Assistant(NCMA) and Healthcare Administrator. Enjoying the opportunity to be a positive light in people's lives moved me to begin focusing on volunteer and nonprofit work.
I was able to use my experience in administration, internet protocols, SEOs, graphic/web design and writing to help multiple organizations. I have held a board position and served with my local Veteran's Museum, Warrior Woman United, Hinton Hope Foundation, and Spirit of the Horse therapy. I am excited to work with a company that has true heart and I look forward to contributing to the growth and outreach of Lionheart Trauma Support Services, LLC.