
Meet The Team

Shakara Taylor
Therapist Intern
Shakara is working on completing her master's in Marriage and Family Therapy at Capella University.
She earned a bachelor's degree from the illustrious University of South Carolina, where she majored in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology. During her tenure as an undergraduate student, Shakara was introduced to various populations that ultimately fostered her desire to empower others to face, overcome, and adapt to the many challenges we face in life.
Shakara has worked in the non-profit sector for over 10 years, providing case management services to children, teens, adults, individuals, couples, and families, in numerous settings. Though her studies are centered around systemic approaches, Shakara is very person-centered and genuinely believes in meeting clients where they are and separating the person from “the problem.”
In her spare time, you can find Shakara enjoying walks with her husband and dog, spending time with family and friends, or bringing her Pinterest boards to life.
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Shakara is accepting NOW for intakes beginning October 9, 2023 - Virtual Sessions Only
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Catherine Sy
Therapist Intern
Catherine is finishing her master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy at National University. She worked as a CPA for KPMG, and then focused on raising her 6 children, lately as a single parent. Catherine is familiar with managing the Serious and Persistent Mental illnesses of close relatives. She is passionate about helping her clients get to the other side of turbulent events like divorce and other major unexpected life changes. Catherine welcomes the exploration of her client’s faith as they tackle seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Catherine is fluent in French, Creole, and English
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Catherine is accepting appointments beginning January 8, 2024
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Tia Vang, MA, LMFT
Bilingual - English and Hmong
Tia's passion is to help transform people's lives through the power of therapy. She believes a person is their own best resource, and empowering them is the most impactful way to bring about authentic and lasting change. This process can happen through strengthening one's skills, confidence, relationships, and faith/spirituality, among other factors.
Tia's experience in working through daily life challenges, acute and complex traumas, relationship issues, and various mental health disorders prepared her to walk alongside others to become the best version of themselves. She utilizes a strengths-based, collaborative, trauma-informed lens. I ascribe to a combination of psychodynamic, systemic, and CBT approaches to therapy. Tia is trained in TF-CBT, EMDR, and NET interventions
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Evelyn Mutebi, MA
Counselor
Life can come with many complexities, and sometimes those complications impede our lives, impacting thoughts, emotions, behaviors, daily functioning, and living. Desiring healthier mental, emotional, and social functioning to improve ideas, feelings, behaviors, and overall quality of life may require additional help.
My approach to counseling is holistic, considering all aspects of a person's life. I ascribe to IFS, EFIT, Psycho-dynamic, CBT, and sometimes SFT. I integrate faith & spirituality as appropriate. These approaches help you overcome challenges with; depression, anxiety, complex trauma, dissociation, abuse, boundaries, and general relationship issues.
I hope to collaborate with you on your wellness journey while creating a safe space of acceptance, peace, and empowerment for your future. While serving you to achieve personal wholeness, interpersonal competence, mental stability, and spiritual maturity.
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Ralph Simcox,
Therapist Intern
Ralph is finishing his master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy at Capella University. As an active military member (chaplain corp), he has extensive experience counseling military individuals and families.
Ralph’s background and experience include specialized trauma, suicide, and conflict resolution training. He seeks to help clients find solutions to their problems and empower them to be the best version of themselves.
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Nancy Simcox
Therapist, Intern
Nancy is also finishing her master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy at Capella University. She enters the world of counseling with a fascinating background as a military spouse, Estee Lauder sales consultant, and home school educator. As a military spouse, she is familiar with navigating deployments, reintegrating the family, creating a support network, and managing instability. As a survivor of spiritual and emotional abuse, she strongly advocates for women escaping domestic violence. Nancy’s passion is to help clients improve communication and relationship interactions.
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Cerise Lewis, PhD, LMFT, LPCC
Building confidence and empowering people is my passion. Every day, individuals face stressful issues, traumas, and problems that are difficult to manage alone. I want to help you navigate these challenges and find sustainable solutions so that you can heal, feel good, and be your best self.
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I ascribe to systemic therapy approaches, including Family Systems and Narrative Therapy. I welcome the opportunity to serve you in understanding your purpose and life's meaning while overcoming depression, anxiety, infidelity, sexual trauma, anger, parenting problems, and other challenges.
I specialize in working with individuals, couples, and families, specifically integrating your faith and biblical principles, values, and beliefs into sessions as requested.
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I am licensed in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
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