ABOUT OUR TEAM
Full-Service Expert Help
Caring & Collaborative
Find a provider that best fits your needs. Online and in-person sessions are available.
LIcensed & Experienced Counselors
Child, Tween, Teen & Family Therapists in Georgia
Customized Care Centered Around Your Family
Lauren Brown
- Licensed Professional Counselor
- Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor
- Registered Play Therapist Supervisor
- Founder & Clinical Director of Early Connections
Supporting children, teens and families has been at the center of my career from the beginning. I earned my Bachelor’s of Science in Early Childhood Education from the University of Georgia and taught in both public and private schools before attending Georgia State University for my Master’s of Education in School Counseling. I worked in education as a teacher and school counselor for 11 years before entering private practice and opening Early Connections in 2015.
I specialize in play therapy for children as young as 2 years old, counseling for teens, and personalized support for parents in finding solutions for their families. I have also offered social-emotional programming for preschools and homeschool groups, small group counseling for various ages, and workshops and outreach with schools and child care centers in our community.
In addition to my work with children and families, I also provide training and supervision for associate-licensed therapists as well as therapists working towards their Registered Play Therapist credential.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor (CPCS), and a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor (RPT-S).
Stephanie Lemmey
- Assistant Clinical Director
- Licensed Professional Counselor
- Food Allergy Behavioral Health Association, Member
I absolutely love working with clients, meeting families and offering support and guidance. I strive to work cooperatively with my clients and their parents to set and maintain attainable goals in therapy. By providing tools and coping strategies to young clients, they can feel more empowered to make healthy choices for themselves. I am passionate about helping young people through therapeutic techniques such as play, Music, Art, and books. Impactful connections between therapist and client can happen in a safe, comfortable and trusting therapeutic environment. I am interested in helping individuals who are often faced with difficult feelings and thoughts, and who may be struggling with any of the following: Anxiety, self-esteem issues, learning disabilities and exceptionalities, school-related problems and family issues, as well as OCD. I also have a special interest in helping clients who have Food Allergies by providing support, resources and safety planning, and can be found in the online Food Allergy Counselor Directory. I often work with teens and young adults as well and enjoy providing a safe, non-judgemental space to process feelings, work towards goals and to offer support and encouragement. Lastly, I offer parent sessions to discuss goals, strategies, support and resources.
I bring my strong foundation and knowledge of childhood development, social skills training, knowledge of various learning needs and styles, and child centered insight into my counseling practice at Early Connections Child & Family Counseling. I am a seasoned teacher with over twenty years of experience working with children at the preschool, kindergarten, elementary and now collegiate level and am certified as a teacher in both Georgia and New Jersey in various domains. I have a Masters of Arts Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Fairleigh Dickinson University. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (Georgia License Number LPC 013453)) and am a Nationally Board Certified Counselor.
Alex Hopkins
- Licensed Professional Counselor
- Registered Play Therapist
- EMDR trained
- Site Manager of Atlanta Office
I specialize in providing play therapy for elementary-aged children, counseling for tweens and teens, and coaching/support for parents. I am also trained in a dyadic child and family therapy called Theraplay, which I use to help kids of all ages and their parents strengthen their attachments to each other.
I love creating an authentic, engaging, and fun space where every child and teen I work with can feel safe to freely express themselves, and experience emotional and relational growth. With tweens and teens, this expression can happen verbally and creatively through the use of art, games, and sand tray. With younger children, expression most often happens through play therapy. I also love joining alongside parents and providing helpful, practical insights into raising kids and teens.
Prior to joining the team at Early Connections, I worked as a professional counselor in Nashville, TN where I helped kids, tweens, and teens (primarily boys) with backgrounds of trauma, grief/loss, and major life changes, and who struggled with challenges related to anxiety, depression, emotional regulation/anger outbursts, and ADHD. I also have experience providing crisis counseling to at-risk youth and their families.
I love to play golf, basketball, be outdoors, and listen to music (and have been known to incorporate some of these hobbies into my sessions!). I look forward to meeting you!
Mia Kim Chang
- MA, Ed.M, NCC
- Masters Level Therapist
- PhD Student in Counselor Education & Practice at Georgia State University
As a counselor, I want to serve as my client’s mirror to process their unique tapestries, empower each client to see themselves, and bring to the surface who they are and why. I strive to get a better understanding of my client’s story and development of their lifestyle through his or her personal cultural lens. My goal is to support my clients in developing insights into their belief system about themselves, others, and the world and to collaborate with parents/caregivers to best support the goals for their family.
I am a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and am currently working towards earning my Associate Professional Counselor (APC) license and Registered Play Therapist (RPT) credential. I am an active member of the American Counseling Association, Association for Play Therapy, and Clinical Supervision Research Collaborative. As a masters-level therapist, I am working under the supervision of Lauren Brown, LPC, NCC, CPCS, RPT-S, who is also the owner and director of Early Connections Child & Family Counseling.
Some of my specialties include anxiety, trauma, depression, emotion regulation, social skills, anger management, ADHD, and self-esteem. I use a variety of techniques and interventions in my work with children, including play therapy and creative expression techniques.
I work to create a safe place for my clients to talk about their personal struggles, find ways to understand and navigate them, and connect clients and families to additional resources when needed.
Prior to my internship at Early Connections Child and Family Counseling, I was a school counselor at the high school and elementary levels. Through my 9 years of experience, I provided individual as well as group counseling services to children and adolescents in the areas of social/ emotional awareness, academic planning, and college/career readiness.
During my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, reading, and hiking. I look forward to meeting you!
Stephanie Smith
- Licensed Professional Counselor
- National Certified Counselor
- Certified Clinical Trauma Professional
I completed my Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of North Georgia. During my time as a counseling graduate student, I participated in training in areas such as motivational interviewing, child-centered play therapy, Darkness to Light’s Stewards of Children, as well as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I was also a counseling intern at both Mount Sinai Wellness Center located in Dahlonega, GA and Children’s Center for Hope and Healing in Gainesville, GA. Before coming to Early Connections Child and Family Counseling, I began my post-graduate counseling practice at Thrive Counseling Center in Kennesaw, GA. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Georgia.
My professional counseling experience includes working with adult clients who struggle with addiction and dual diagnoses, those of all ages who have endured childhood sexual abuse either directly or indirectly, adolescents with sexual behavior issues, and children/adolescent clients, their families, and couples with a variety of mental health concerns related to anxiety, depression, academics, family dynamics, low self-esteem, trauma, and beyond.
I use inventive, yet effective therapeutic techniques while encouraging my clients to engage in healthy coping skills, emotion regulation, self-care, and mindfulness to help them feel more in charge of their current situation. I practice primarily from a cognitive behavioral therapy perspective, but also frequently borrow from dialectical behavior therapy, person-centered therapy, and strengths-based therapy, as deemed appropriate for the individual, family, or group.
My ultimate goal is for clients to transform their cognitive distortions into more positive thoughts, experience themselves as “the expert” of their own lives worth living in a safe space filled with counselor empathy, unconditional positive regard, and congruence, and build upon their strengths and sense of empowerment, in the world at large. Of course, I also hope that you genuinely enjoy attending therapy and finding healing via the tools gained while on the therapeutic journey!
I take great pride in advocating for my clients whenever needed, especially those who belong to marginalized populations, such as communities of color and the LGBTQIA2S+ community. I am also a professional member of the American Counseling Association.
In my personal time, I enjoy being with my loved ones, cuddling with any of my six cats, and going to pop and rock concerts.
Ultimately, my life experiences have created a highly dedicated and passionate therapist out of me, particularly when it comes to trauma cases. I truly believe that counseling, when paired with a person’s unique resilience and constant support network, has the power to change the lives of oneself and others for the better.
I am thrilled to be a part of the ECCFC Therapist Team and cannot wait to start having a positive influence on you and your family!
Shannon Wallon
- Licensed Professional Counselor
- National Certified Counselor
- Intensively Trained in DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy)
I have always had a passion for helping people, especially children, teens, families, and young adults. I provide a safe place where you can be heard and validated. Together, in a warm, caring, collaborative atmosphere, we will work towards developing a plan that meets your needs and helps you and your family build meaningful and long-lasting relationships.
I have more than 40 hours of comprehensive training in dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that identifies and changes negative thinking patterns while pushes for positive behavioral changes. DBT may be used to treat suicidal and other self-destructive behaviors.
I am a former teacher at Boston & Fulton County public and private schools and I homeschooled my 4 children from elementary through high school. I bring extensive knowledge, background and experience in working with and understanding the issues and concerns of children, teens, tweens, their parents and young adults.
Since therapy, like life, doesn’t come in a one-size-fits-all approach, I believe in utilizing various modalities including play therapy, person-centered talk therapy and DBT approaches. My treatment plans can include art, sand tray, books, music and role play to assist individuals in getting to the heart of the matter by accessing, connecting to and expressing their deepest feelings.
Last, but not least, I teach individuals and families the skills they need to weather the storms of life in the present moment and create a “Life That is Truly Worth Living.”
Shira Preiser
- Licensed Master Social Worker
The stories we tell ourselves shape not only our everyday life, but influence the choices we make in the future. Using play, art, and humor, I guide clients as they discover their stories, examine their choices, and imagine new possibilities.
My approach draws from my background in performance studies by emphasizing role-play, metaphor, and improvisation. In my work with teens and young adults, I use my love of geek culture, anime, video games, and TTRPGs as therapeutic tools.
I also have many years of experience in the field of early childhood education, particularly the Emilio Reggio approach. I bring the ethical and theoretical emphasis of child-centered education into my therapy practice, helping clients of all ages learn and grow in their own way.
I am supervised by a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor, Lauren Brown, LPC, NCC, CPCS, RPT-S, owner and director of Early Connections Child and Family Counseling in Roswell, GA.
Belén Guasch
- MA, Clinical Counseling with Child & Adolescent Emphasis
- Associate Professional Counselor
- National Certified Counselor
“People are just as wonderful as sunsets if you let them be” -Carl Rogers
I received my Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University, with an additional emphasis in working with children. I provide a holistic approach to helping children, adolescents, and their families (as well as adults) using cultural context, a developmental lens, and a wellness perspective. I believe we are born with a natural tendency towards growth, healing, and unique potential, which can be enabled to unfold in each of us under the right conditions. Neuroscience supports this as we are learning that the experience of counseling can actually open up new neural pathways in the brain! I view my role as a collaborator and facilitator of this growth, whether working with an adult, family, or child. I am EMDR-Trained and have certification as a Grounded Kids yoga instructor, as well as in yoga nidra. I have a background as an early childhood teacher, as well as five years as an art instructor. My heart is in advocacy work for children and childhood, believing that what you know first stays with you.
I am passionate about helping people through therapeutic techniques such as play, music, art, sandtray, books, somatic work, and nature-based interventions. I help clients who are feeling stuck, alone, or faced with difficult feelings and thoughts, and who may be struggling with grief, sadness, anxiety, big feelings, self-esteem, life transitions, and school/family concerns to name a few. I am also adoption and trauma-informed. I like to bring an appreciation for each client’s unique strengths and challenges to all the work I do, utilizing a strengths-based approach that honors each person’s style, needs and subjective experience.
I am a National Board Certified Counselor and Associate Professional Counselor (Georgia License Number APC 009580). I am also an active member of the Licensed Professional Counselors Association of Georgia, the American Counseling Association, and the Association for Play Therapy. I am supervised by Licensed Professional Counselors and Certified Professional Counselor Supervisors Lauren Brown, LPC, NCC, CPCS, RPT-S and Laura Ladefian, LPC, RPT-S, CPCS.
In my free time, I can usually be found somewhere outdoors, on a search to add to my growing sandtray collection or hanging out with my family. I look forward to working with you!
Kathleen Goodman
- M.Ed, LPC, NCC, RPT
- Licensed Professional Counselor
- National Certified Counselor
- Registered Play Therapist
My desire to help others started as a summer camp counselor in high school then tutor and mentor throughout college and graduate school. I received my BA from Wake Forest University and my Masters degree in Counseling from Vanderbilt University. I spent 10 years working as a school counselor at elementary, middle, and high schools in Tennessee and Washington. During my time on the West Coast in Seattle, I served on the adjunct faculty at Seattle University and ran a small private practice.
I am licensed in both Georgia (LPC014529) and Washington (LH60578256) and have recently moved back South to Atlanta. I discovered play therapy while in graduate school and went to my first Association for Play Therapy conference in 2010. I had never been to a conference where people had so much fun! I knew I wanted to use play as part of my counseling techniques so after many years of training I became a Registered Play Therapist. I also have Level 1 and 2 training for Emotionally Focused Family Therapy.
I enjoy working with children, adolescents, and their families. I also have worked with college students and young adults as they navigate new life transitions. Additionally, as a former athlete myself, I work with a lot of female athletes around body image and performance anxiety.
In my free time I love to run, travel, and try new restaurants with my friends.
Morgan Sanchez
- M.Ed
- Masters Level Therapist
With an understanding of the unique challenges children face, I create a safe and nurturing environment where children feel valued and heard. I encourage children as young as 3 to explore and express their feelings, thoughts, and experiences through play, movement, and art. I serve as a guide, believing children have the intrinsic capacity to heal and grow within a compassionate and empathetic therapeutic relationship.
I view children holistically and approach each child’s unique experiences within the context of their family, school, and community. Therefore, I collaborate with families, schools, and any other important members of a child’s care team to better understand and support the child’s challenges in their world. All behavior, whether desirable or not, is a form of communication that can provide valuable insights into a child’s needs and beliefs, and through play and collaboration, we will work together to identify what the child is communicating to us. I aim to empower the child and their caregiver(s) with practical tools to foster healthy emotional and social development.
Some of my areas of interest include anxiety, social skills, self-esteem, family changes, trauma, grief, and big feelings that often manifest in undesirable or unexpected behaviors. I have a particular love for supporting children with disabilities and their families.
Prior to joining the team at Early Connections, I served as a school counselor, special education teacher, and general education teacher in the metro Atlanta area. As a school counselor, I provided individual and group counseling services to children to support their social/emotional well-being and academic success and consultation/coaching services for caregivers and school staff. As a special education teacher, I provided differentiated instruction for students with Individualized Education Plans (IEP), as well as served as a case manager for students qualifying for special education services under the eligibility categories of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Emotional Behavior Disorder (EBD), Significant Developmental Delay (SDD), Speech Language Impairment (SLI), Specific Learning Disability (SLD), and Other Health Impairment (OHI) such as ADHD. During my time in education, I also served as the Response to Intervention (RTI) and 504 Coordinator. I am passionate about helping caregivers ensure their child is set up with the appropriate support systems at home and school so that every child has the opportunity to thrive.
As a masters-level therapist, I am currently working in our Roswell, GA office under the supervision of Lauren Brown, LPC, NCC, CPCS, RPT-S, who is also the owner and director of Early Connections Child & Family Counseling. I received a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in School Counseling from Georgia State University and a Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed.) in Elementary/Special Education from Mercer University.
In my free time, I find moments of delight when I am with my loved ones, sipping a warm cup of tea, spending time outdoors, singing along to music, playing games, lighting a cozy candle, or being creative.
Sarah Streitmatter
- MA, M.Ed
- Masters Level Therapist
- PhD Student in Counselor Education & Practice at Georgia State University
As a former high school counselor, I encountered my fair-share of anxiety-filled, doubt-swirling questions of, “Who am I? What do I value? Who do THEY think I am?” I truly believe within these questions is where the beautiful magic called change happens for our students. In my work as a therapist, I aim for my students to feel empowered and confident as the author of their own story. I assume a posture of humility, curiosity, celebration, and sensitivity with every student I encounter. My motto is simple: Every student has a story – a story worth being heard.
I believe we as people (and especially our tweens, teens, & young adults) are inherently storytellers. We develop stories about ourselves that serve as a template; one that organizes past experience, influences future behavior, and makes meaning of our lives. Our stories are populated with settings, themes, and characters who are chosen to perform certain roles in our constructed stories. These stories are built over time as we attempt to connect events in our lives and experiences we have, and from there, make meaning of those moments. Identifying the dominant stories we tell ourselves, and where they might be problem-saturated, is the first step in re-authoring the story we want to write.
I received my BA from Wake Forest University, and hold an MA in Counseling Psychology and an M.Ed. in School Counseling, with an advanced certificate in College Advising from Columbia University. I am currently working towards my NCC (National Certified Counselor) and RPT (Registered Play Therapist) credentials. As I pursue my PhD from Georgia State University, I will be working as a masters-level therapist under the supervision of Lauren Brown, LPC, NCC, CPCS, RPT-S, who is also the owner and director of Early Connections Child & Family Counseling.
My goal is for my tween, teen, & young adult clients to encounter a safe, yet challenging space that equips them to feel empowered, confident, and most importantly, uniquely themselves. Lastly, I believe family collaboration is at the root of change – I look forward to walking alongside you with resources, guidance, and support through your student’s journey. I can’t wait to meet you!
Breon Gaines
- MA, LPC, NCC
- Licensed Professional Counselor
- National Certified Counselor
Throughout my journey as a therapist, I have found a strong sense of purpose in therapeutic work with kids and adolescents. I believe that when provided a nurturing and empathetic environment, children and/or adolescents are able to work their way towards establishing their sense of self. One’s identity is important to fostering healthy relationships, attaining one’s internal/external goals, and navigating the challenges we all experience throughout life.
I am dedicated to providing a therapeutic environment that is accepting, relationship-focused and fosters self-growth. I lead with the belief that we are all uniquely shaped by cultural, environmental, racial, and social factors.
I specialize in seeing kids who are seen as being “too or highly sensitive” in addition to, Autism, anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, and identity concerns. I have experience working in hospitals, an alternative/special needs school, and private practices. These settings provided experience with those who were grappling with various types of trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD, disordered eating, school challenges, suicidal thoughts, and disabilities.
I have a Masters of Arts Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The George Washington University in Washington, DC. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia (License Number Virginia-0701013476), LPC-eligible in Georgia awaiting final approval from the Board, and a National Certified Counselor. I am also working towards my Registered Play Therapist credential with the Association for Play Therapy.
James Hulett
- Ed.S.
- Masters Level Therapist
I have spent nearly a decade supporting students’ growth and development, with a focus on fostering both social-emotional well-being and academic success. Before joining Early Connections, I served as a Middle School Counselor in Sandy Springs, where I provided individual and group counseling and worked closely with school staff to enhance student well-being. I also served as a 504 Coordinator, helping families navigate their child’s educational journey.
As a therapist, I believe in a collaborative approach to counseling, involving parents and caregivers in the process. My goal is to create a support system that extends beyond the therapy space, ensuring families play a key role in their child’s progress. I draw upon Relational-Cultural Therapy (RCT) to help clients build stronger, healthier connections with others and the world around them.
I specialize in working with tweens and teens, particularly in areas such as anxiety, depression, crisis management, LGBTQ+ issues, and school-related challenges. I believe the therapeutic relationship is a powerful tool for creating a safe, supportive space for clients to explore their thoughts and experiences. Together, we work on building self-awareness and developing more meaningful relationships.
I hold a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Professional Counseling and an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in School Counseling from the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!) and am currently working under the supervision of Dr. Cindy Murphy, LPC, NCC, CPCS, as I pursue full licensure.
Outside of the office, I am often spending time outdoors, going on a run along the river, or watching the newest binge-worthy TV show.
I’m excited to be part of the Early Connections team and look forward to working with you and your family!
Erin Ernst
- Licensed Master Social Worker
I am a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with a Bachelor’s in Social Work from the University of Georgia and a Master’s in Social Work from Louisiana State University. My career has been shaped by a deep commitment to supporting clients through life’s challenges and helping them build meaningful, fulfilling lives.
Before joining Early Connections, I gained extensive experience working in a variety of settings, including as a social worker in court and community settings, as well as in schools as a middle school teacher and a school-based therapist working with all ages. While I do work with clients of all ages, I have a particular passion for helping tweens, teens, and young adults navigate their unique journeys. I am experienced in working with a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, self-harm, oppositional defiant disorder, anger issues, grief and loss, trauma, and interpersonal relationship issues.
My therapeutic approach integrates narrative therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and expressive arts therapy. I strive to create a safe, supportive environment where clients feel empowered to explore their stories and build resilience. My professional practice is grounded in strengths-based theory, person-centered theory, and trauma-informed care. I use humor and empathy to build trust and rapport, fostering collaborative and authentic relationships with my clients. My social work background has cultivated a love for working on interdisciplinary teams, and I enjoy collaborating with teachers, school staff, and medical providers to find the best ways to support my clients.
I am currently working under the supervision of Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor, Lauren Brown, LPC, NCC, CPCS, RPT-S, owner and director of Early Connections Child and Family Counseling in Roswell, GA.
When I am not at work, I enjoy listening to vinyl records, learning to play guitar, walking/running/hiking outdoors, and baking.
Sarah Lambert
- Practice Manager
- Billing Support
As the Practice Manager, it is my pleasure to provide assistance and support to our families with any billing or practice concerns. My role is to make sure your experience here at Early Connections goes smoothly and positively. Mental health is such an important part of our everyday lives, especially for those of our children, so I strive to create an environment that prioritizes comfort and compassion throughout your time with us. It is my sincere desire that I can provide a feeling of safety and support during our conversations. Welcome to Early Connections, I’m so glad you’re here!
Fun fact about me: I live in League City, TX! In my free time, I enjoy reading, doing puzzles, and spending time with my family and friends.
Emily Zimmerman
- Client Care Coordinator
- Scheduling Support
- Consult Calls with New Clients
My role allows me to connect each family who reaches out to our dedicated team of therapists, which is incredibly rewarding. Effective communication and empathy is crucial in fostering a supportive environment where families can feel safe and understood. It’s fulfilling to play a part in helping them find the resources and support they need to thrive. I feel thankful to be a part of this first step towards helping others be their greatest self.
No more waiting and hoping for things to get better.
Take the next step and connect with our Client Care Coordinator, Emily Zimmerman. She will answer your questions and assist you in finding the right therapist.
