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CLINICIANS

Maria Curran, M.Ed., Ph.D., LCMHCS
Master's-Level Counselor 

Maria Curran, Phd.  Mental Health Counselor
Maria Curran, Phd.  Mental Health Counselor

Maria Curran, M.Ed., Ph.D., LCMHCS, founder and director of TCCH, is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor (Master's level) and play/expressive arts therapist with over 29 years of counseling experience working with children and adults in a variety of settings including; private practice, residential facilities, schools, community agencies and partial hospitalization.

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Maria holds a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences with a concentration in creativity, learning and human development, and her doctoral research focused on character/affective education. Maria also holds a master's degree in counseling and a bachelor's degree in psychology. In addition, she has a certificate in Child and Family Forensic Studies and a certificate in Open Studio Process Facilitation. Maria is also credentialed to provide telehealth services to South Carolina residents.

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She was a Teaching Artist with the N.C. Wolf Trap program for three years, and her teaching and professional training experience includes serving as adjunct faculty for three and a half years at CPCC in the Human Services Program and for four years in the Teacher Education program.

 

Maria facilitates workshops for counselors, family law attorneys, educators, parents and community agencies both at TCCH and on site. Her areas of expertise include creativity/personal growth, domestic violence, sexual trauma, child abuse and interpersonal relationships, parenting, character education, reunification/reconnection therapy, filial therapy, divorce/blended families and adoption and expressive arts/arts integration. She also provides consulting for mental health professionals and family law attorneys.

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Maria offers classes in OSP, visual journaling, stress and anxiety management. She is happy to design a class or workshop for your group ranging from two hours to an entire weekend.

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Additionally, she provides consultation and coaching for parents and co-parents, divorce coaching, and serves as a child specialist with the Charlotte Collaborative Divorce professionals.  Maria also served on the NC AFCC Chapter Steering Committee and is a current board member.

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Effective June 2024, Maria is now licensed in North and South Carolina.

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Lucy,
Maria's co-therapist & official office
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Kelsey Cahill, 
M. Ed, LCMHCA

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Kelsey Cahill, M. Ed, LCMHCA is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in North Carolina. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science and a minor in Applied Youth Development. She went on to earn her master’s degree in Counselor Education at The Citadel in 2017. Kelsey has additional training in trauma-informed practices, play therapy and mindfulness. 

 

Kelsey has experience as a school counselor, working closely with children ages 4 to 14 in individual and group settings around issues of anxiety, family changes, grief and loss, behavioral challenges and social skills. She also has a history of working collaboratively with parents and families to reach their short- and long-term goals. Kelsey worked as a case manager for social services, assisting children and families who experienced abuse and neglect.

 

Kelsey incorporates a Rogerian approach to therapy and believes each client has unique needs and goals. She often utilizes Cognitive Behavior Therapy, mindfulness, self-regulation and play therapy into sessions.

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Ashley Shaffer,
M.A., LCMCHA

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Ashley Shaffer, LCMHCA, is a licensed clinical mental health counselor associate in North Carolina. She holds a B. A. in Psychology with a minor in Spanish and M. A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Her experience includes working with children and adults struggling with acute behavioral and emotional diagnoses in residential facilities.

 

Ashley’s therapeutic approach is based in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as well as other modalities including Client-Centered Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Play Therapy. She has special training in Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnostics and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and is currently completing a certification in ADHD assessment and treatment. Ashley works with a wide range of clients, including families, children, and adults. She often works with court-involved therapy clients, providing reunification therapy, child therapy, and visitation services. She enjoys working with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, ASD, ADHD, relationship problems, and behavioral problems.

Keegie Berger,
Counseling Intern

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Keegie Berger, Counseling Intern is a graduate student pursuing a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Play Therapy at the University of North Carolina Charlotte.  She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Miami University of Ohio.  After graduating from Miami, she worked for the Juvenile Court in Cincinnati, Ohio as a Behavioral Health Specialist.  At the Court, Keegie worked with troubled youth struggling with mental health disorders and their families. After working for the Juvenile Court, she accepted a position at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Hospital in the Neuropsychology Department.  At Atrium, she was a psychometrist and conducted neuropsychological testing on a variety of individuals which mainly consisted of children and older adults.  At The Center for Creativity and Healing, Keegie is eager to work with her future clients to help them navigate their challenges and support their emotional well-being through creative and therapeutic techniques.

  

CONTACT

The Center for Creativity & Healing

4728-C Park Rd.

Charlotte, NC 28209

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Emailofficeadmin@tcfch.org

Phone: (704) 523-5567 ext. 5

IG: @TCFCHCharlotte

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Maria Curran, LCMHCS

M-Th 11-6

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Kelsey Cahill, LCMHCA

M-Th 1-6:30

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Ashley Shaffer, LCMHCA

M-F 10-6

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Keegie Berger, Counselor Intern

Tu/Th 11:30-6

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Darabeth Childers, Office & Programs Coordinator

M-F 10-2

For inquiries. please fill out the form below. Someone will be in touch with you in 24-48 hours. If you prefer, please call 704-523-5567 ext. 5 between 10-2 Monday-Friday.

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