Our Team

Cara Thompson

LCSW

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with experience working with children and families across a variety of settings. I earned my MSW from the University of Georgia in 2021 and have worked in school systems, child welfare, child advocacy, and community mental health.

My therapeutic approach is trauma-informed, relational, and skills-based, with an emphasis on creating a warm, supportive space where clients feel safe and understood. I believe clients are the experts of their own experiences, and I value collaboration, authenticity, and appropriate humor in the therapy process. My goal is to help clients build practical tools, strengthen emotional insight, and feel more empowered in their daily lives.

Kennedy Inman

APC

Kennedy Inman earned her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Public Policy, and her Master of Arts (M.A.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Richmont Graduate University. With trauma certifications through both Richmont Graduate University and the Green Cross Academy of Traumatology (GCAT), as well as field experience through Children’s Center for Hope and Healing in her M.A. internship, Kennedy specializes in working with kids, teens, and young adults who struggle with life after trauma. Kennedy utilizes therapy modalities such as Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), which uses eye movements and narration to enable cognitive reprocessing. She tailors treatment to fit a client’s needs and strengths, and works with the client to develop the skills needed to live resilient lives and grow from what happens to us, rather than letting it define us. Kennedy enjoys reading, writing, and Dungeons and Dragons, and often infuses treatment with pop culture metaphors and humor.

Dr. Nina Marie Carter

DBA, LPC

Dr. Nina Marie Carter is a Licensed Professional Counselor, healthcare executive, and clinical educator with over 13 years of experience in behavioral health. With a Doctor of Business Administration in Healthcare and multiple graduate degrees in counseling and management, she brings a rare blend of clinical expertise, strategic leadership, and systems-level insight to the field of mental health.

Dr. Carter has served in hospital-based crisis settings, Intensive Outpatient and Partial Hospitalization Programs (IOP/PHP), private practice, and nonprofit leadership. Her work spans comprehensive psychiatric assessment, trauma-informed care, evidence-based psychotherapy, and multidisciplinary collaboration. She is deeply committed to clinical excellence, ethical practice, and measurable outcomes.

Beyond direct clinical work, Dr. Carter is a thought leader passionate about bridging the gap between research and real-world application. She creates engaging psychoeducational content for clinicians and communities alike—translating complex psychological concepts into accessible, practical insight. Her work centers on emotional regulation, trauma-informed practice, leadership in behavioral health, and sustainable clinician development.

Known for her warmth, clarity, and strategic mindset, Dr. Carter believes that knowledge should not remain siloed—it should empower. Whether leading teams, supporting clients, or engaging global audiences, her mission remains consistent: to connect knowledge with need and expand access to transformative mental health education.

Natasha Dhannani

APC, NCC

Natasha earned her Psychology degree from the University of Georgia and her Master’s in school counseling from Mercer University. She is a former elementary school counselor, she is currently pursuing certifications in Dialectal Behavioral Therapy (DBT). She is described as understanding and approachable. Natasha meets patients where they are, fostering a nonjudgmental, person-centered environment. She specializes in working with children, teens, and adults navigating life transitions, emotional regulation, and stress. She helps her clients work towards their strengths, build resilience, and take meaningful steps toward personal growth and healing.

ages: 4+

Mary Grace Mitchell

LMSW

Mary Grace is passionate about providing accessible mental health support. She sees clients individually, including those who may not otherwise afford therapy, as part of Creative Center for Wellness’ commitment to breaking down barriers to care.

In her practice, Mary Grace incorporates evidence-based therapeutic approaches and techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), motivational interviewing, and strengths-based approaches. While not fully certified in these modalities, she draws on their foundational knowledge and training to support clients in navigating life’s challenges. She is especially dedicated to working with individuals and families facing emotional, relational, and environmental difficulties, offering a safe, non-judgmental healing and growth space.

Guided by values of autonomy, empathy, compassion, integrity, and cultural competence, she is committed to empowering clients to live life to their fullest potential. With experience supporting clients of diverse backgrounds and needs, Mary Grace is honored to be part of a practice that inspires, connects, and advocates for individuals in their journey toward well-being. Outside of her work with the office, Mary Grace continues to deepen their understanding of clinical practice and ethics through ongoing supervision, and reflection.

ages: 8+

Mandy Miller

MS in Early Childhood Development, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, C-DBT, TF-CBT, EMDR, Theraplay

Waitlist of 4-6 Weeks

I have over 15 years of experience in providing mental health services to individuals in need. I first graduated from Erikson Institute, in Chicago IL, in 2006 with a Masters in Early Childhood Development. A year later, I graduated from the Loyola University Chicago’s Clinical Social Work program. This combination of degrees allows me to understand both healthy and unhealthy patterns of human development, factors that can affect human development negatively, and a deeper understanding of how to recover from these experiences.

In addition to these degrees, I have worked in many capacities, developing a deeper understanding of the needs of individuals and communities. Most of my work has focused on addressing severe and comprehensive trauma, including trauma from singular incidents, repetitive trauma, and complex trauma. Trauma can look like depression, anxiety, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Personality Disorders, and many other mental and emotional health problems or concerns.

I am currently trained in Thera-play, EMDR, IFS, KAP and certified in Clinical Hypnotherapy, DBT, and TF-CBT as my passion is the recognition and treatment of trauma of all types. I was recognized as the Social Worker of the Year in 2017 by the CSWA-S. People describe me as intelligent, creative, and passionate about her work to create a world where each individual feels good about themselves and the lives they lead. She is constantly searching for new information and new resources for patients and colleagues alike.

ages 0+

Kelly Dickerson

Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified in CBT, DBT, KAP, and EMDR

Waitlist 2-4 Weeks

Kelly has over 12 years of experience in providing mental health services to individuals, families, and groups. She has studied social work at both Georgia State University and the University of Georgia, graduating with her Masters in Social Work in 2014. She has experience working with a variety of evidence based practices and curriculums, including Thinking for a Change (T4C), Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT), EMDR, Cognitive Behavior Interventions (CBI-SA), Motivational Interviewing, Seeking Safety, Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy, and Strengthening Families.

Additionally, Kelly’s experience has provided her many opportunities to increase her knowledge of how to best serve those around her. While much of her early work focused on the impact of substance abuse on individuals and their families, she also enjoys working with children of all ages and adults experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, ADHD, grief and trauma, as well as other behavioral or emotional concerns. Kelly utilizes aspects of traditional talk therapy, solution focused therapy, CBT, DBT, and play therapy in sessions, allowing for more control of the session environment and increased comfort for her clients. She has found that expression through art and creativity gives her clients increased insight into their thoughts and feelings and improvement in wellness. Kelly is great at finding resources , local events, and other information to assist her clients in finding new ways to work towards their therapeutic goals both in-and outside of the therapy room. Her friends and loved ones would describe her as an intelligent, dedicated, and creative individual who works hard for her clients, regardless of their situation, Kelly loves a challenge and enjoys opportunities to learn about new ways to serve her clients and those around her.

ages: 8+

Jillian Best

MSW Intern

As a second-year Master of Social Work intern, I am committed to offering compassionate, grounded, and empowering mental health care for my clients. While I work toward full licensure, my practice is informed by evidence-based behavioral therapies including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), motivational interviewing, and strengths-based approaches. I approach my work with strongly rooted values of integrity, authenticity, and respect for each client’s self-determination and personal autonomy. I believe in meeting people where they are, empowering them with fresh tools and perspectives, and walking alongside them as they build lives that feel meaningful, joyful, and fulfilling.

As a certified trauma-informed yoga teacher, I’m also passionate about the mind-body connection and hope to one day integrate yoga therapy and somatic practices into my clinical work. Outside of the office, you can find me in a yoga class, hiking to a North GA waterfall, singing at karaoke, or creating art through crochet and crafts.

Aaron Earl

MSW Intern

Therapy is, above all, a collaborative process. As a second-year Master of Social Work student at the University of Georgia, Aaron is passionate about partnering with clients to address challenges such as anxiety, depression, stressful life changes, and other personal concerns. With prior experience in admissions and assessment for mental health programs, he brings a strong understanding of how trauma and everyday struggles can affect a person’s sense of safety, identity, and overall well-being.

Aaron draws on a range of therapeutic approaches—including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Internal Family Systems (IFS)—to support clients in letting go of burdens from the past, finding stability in the present, and building toward a meaningful future.

Outside of his clinical work, Aaron enjoys reading, hiking, and playing video and board games, seeking out good food, coffee, and friends along the way.

Lee Phillips

Ph.D, LCSW

Not Currently Accepting New Patients

Anxiety and depression rob us of moments in life, stress our relationships, and hold us hostage in time. Haunting memories from the past stir us to run, fight, or shut down whenever we are reminded. The demands of life barrel on as we struggle to find a window to rest and to heal. The great news is, there is hope. Hope to better understand the parts of us that are healthy and those parts that are hurting. And hope that by working together we can strengthen your relationship with yourself and lighten your load. Let’s unburden, learn to cut anxiety off before it builds or shut it down when it does, lift the fog of depression, repair relationships, heal trauma, and become the healthy and whole persons we long to be. Let this opportunity be your window. Reclaim those moments, relationships, and time.

The old alchemist believed in turning lead into gold, but this was a metaphor for personal growth. Japanese refer to repairing a broken pottery with gold as kintsukuroi, and the piece is considered more beautiful for having been broken. How do we turn lead to gold? Or bond together the pieces? I believe my training as a social worker, trauma informed approach, and personal experiences in life have provided me with skills to help you navigate your path to a better sense of well-being. I am here to help you tackle anxiety, depression, PTSD, relationship challenges, and personal growth.

ages: 18+

Nikeria Brown

Office Manager and Appointments

Teresa Boyles

Billing Specialist

Elna Brynestad

Billing Specialist and Payroll

Anna Hill

Billing Specialist and Payroll

Who We Serve

We serve individuals from 2 - 120 years of age, of all genders, races, orientations, cultures, and experiences. Our clinicians have over 20 years of experience serving clients with multiple diagnoses.

Contact Us:

Phone: 770-599-7508
Fax: 866-734-7631

Address: 204 W. Spring St. Monroe GA, 30655

485 Huntington Rd. Athens, GA 30606 STE 192

Email: info@creativecenterinc.org

To submit an inquiry for services, please click the link below.

CALL US: 770.599.7508

If you are having an emergency please call 911, 988, or contact the GCAL line at 1-800-715-4225