Meet the “next generation of counselors” Supervised by Suzanne Sanford, M.Ed., LPC

Katie Ooten, M.Ed., Resident in Counseling

License 0704017905

Contract Provider Therapist

Katie graduated from the University of Lynchburg with a bachelor’s degree in Psychological Science in May of 2021. She has continued her academic pursuit at the University of Lynchburg where she has completed a Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. During her undergraduate experience, she co-conducted an IRB-approved study that observed the correlation between intrapersonal intelligence and sexual openness. She has experience as an intern working with opiate use disorders, anxiety disorders, and trauma-related disorders. The therapeutic modalities that she leans towards are person centered, and CBT, but she considers herself to be more eclectic. Her certifications include CAMS (Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality; suicide prevention and risk assessment) as well as in Child Abuse and Neglect (recognizing and reporting signs of abuse and neglect).

Katie believes that a combination of nature and nurture both heavily influence how people develop and grow. A wide range of factors affect a person’s development, including their biological predispositions as well as their environment. Recognizing that there is a relationship between the two ensures that you are looking at internal as well as external forces on a person’s behaviors and personality. 

Katie has always been interested in play therapy and hopes to increase her overall counseling skills and knowledge of play therapy techniques. She hopes to provide a safe and inviting space where clients can feel comfortable and reach their therapeutic goals. 

Katie provides services to children/youth of all ages and sees clients under the supervision of Suzanne Sanford, LPC. She is working toward licensure as a Professional Counselor in the state of Virginia.

Katie sees clients in the office Monday, Wednesday & Thursday

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John Kinlaw, Graduate Student Intern

Contract Provider Therapist

John is a dedicated and compassionate emerging mental health professional. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Liberty University in December 2022 and is currently pursuing a Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty as well.

As a Graduate Student Intern at Find Your Way Counseling, John looks forward to deepening his understanding of play therapy and refining his counseling skills in a hands-on, supportive environment. While he has extensive experience working with older adolescents, he is eager to expand his practice to include younger adolescents and children.

John leans toward Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Systemic Therapy in his approach but remains enthusiastic about exploring and integrating new therapeutic modalities. His ultimate goal is to create a safe, welcoming space where children feel free to express themselves and work toward meaningful therapeutic growth.

John sees clients in the office Monday and Wednesday

​Victoria has her Master of Art degree in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program from Southern New Hampshire University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Liberty University and has a background working with adolescents. Victoria’s goal is to increase her knowledge of play therapy and build on her counseling skillset while at FYWCPT. She has developed a specific interest in Art Therapy so has begun training in this area. Victoria believes that each person is the expert in their life. Her focus is to provide a welcoming and safe environment so that each client feels secure throughout the counseling process. Victoria has an integrative approach to counseling which includes a relational-cultural approach that is used to empower clients and help them reach their therapeutic goals. Her graduate education was focused on multicultural competence, child development, family systems, and sexuality. Victoria is a Licensed Resident in Counseling with FYWCPT working toward Licensed Professional Counselor status in the state of Virginia.

Victoria provides therapy services for youth of all ages as well as young adults. She sees clients in the office Monday, Wednesday, Thursday

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Kaylynn Eagle, Graduate Student Intern

Contract Provider Therapist

Kaylynn graduated from the University of Lynchburg with a bachelor’s degree in English in May 2022. She is currently pursuing a Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University. Although her academic journey did not begin in psychology, her background, especially her work over the past three years as a substitute teacher and teacher’s assistant at James River Day School, has provided her with invaluable firsthand experience in working with children and adolescents and understanding their unique development and needs. Kaylynn’s goal is to integrate her passion for working with young people with the counseling skills and techniques she has been developing through her graduate studies. Kaylynn is especially drawn to growing her understanding of play therapy because it offers a meaningful way to connect with children in a language and modality they understand. She believes that creating a space where children feel seen, heard, and safe is the first step toward healing and growth. Kaylynn’s greatest strength is empathy, and she strives to meet every client with warmth, understanding, and genuine care. She believes that a strong therapeutic relationship is foundational to meaningful change, and she is honored to walk alongside her clients as they navigate life’s challenges and discover their own path forward. Kaylynn leans towards Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) but is committed to remaining open and curious about other therapeutic modalities. She looks forward to learning a variety of techniques and refining her therapeutic skills in order to best meet the individual needs of each client she works with. Kaylynn looks forward to growing both personally and professionally during her time with FYWCPT as she learns to work with and support the children, adolescents, and families she serves.

Kaylynn sees clients in the office Monday & Wednesday