Hello! My name is Shantel Cooper. Helping others is my number one passion. In my personal life, I enjoy spending time with my family, collecting plants, and giving back to my community. I was born and raised in Petersburg, Virginia. Petersburg is a small city with limited resources. This is where my passion for children from low socioeconomic backgrounds originated. I earned my Associates in Human Services at John Tyler Community College, and my B.A. from Virginia State University in Sociology with a minor in Political Science. I am currently enrolled in the Clinical Mental Health Master’s program, also at Virginia State University. I am a member of the American Counseling Association. In counseling, I am passionate about families with low socioeconomic backgrounds, teen parents, children with incarcerated parents, and child survivors of sexual trauma.

Hi! My name is Kiana, and I’m currently an intern with Centering Elements. I was born and raised in Apex, North Carolina, and relocated to Short Pump, VA, in 2016 to attend Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). I graduated from VCU in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Currently, I’m pursuing a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the College of William & Mary, seeking to become a Licensed Professional Counselor. I am a member of the American Counseling Association. My client populations include but are not limited to: children, adolescents, teens/young adults, LGBTQIA+ individuals, adults, athletes &, students. I employ the use of cognitive-behavioral therapy and the client-centered approach to treatment. When you enter the therapeutic space, you are the most important person! I am passionate about ending negative stigmas related to mental health treatment in our communities. And culture. My hobbies and activities include Football; I am the quarterback for a women’s professional football team; a Central Virginia soccer referee; and a recording artist. 

My name is Tatyana, and I have a passion for helping others. I am an avid traveler, food enthusiast, and family woman. I grew up in Virginia Beach and moved to Richmond to attend Virginia Commonwealth University in 2012, attaining my Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. I currently attend The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and am in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master’s program, seeking licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor. I am a member of the American Counseling Association and the Theta Chi Sigma chapter of Chi Sigma Iota where I am the presiding treasurer. My passions in this field include incarcerated persons and their families, grief work, athletes, and individuals with eating disorders.

Hello! My name is Kendall Nibbs; I am currently a student in Walden’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling master’s program specializing in Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling. I am a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University (Go Rams!) with a degree in Psychology and am a member of the American Counseling Association (ACA).

My professional background includes clinical and behavioral research in adolescent behavioral disorders, HIV/AIDS, and other infectious diseases; oncology; nicotine dependence and withdrawal; and chronic illnesses. My true passion is helping others live their best lives while impacting my community. My professional interests include blended families, partners navigating conflict; sexual health and education; and trauma.

My approach is to meet clients in their lives and help them heal by fostering healthy relationships. I wholeheartedly believe in empowering individuals to actualize their full potential. My focus in counseling is on the importance of intra- and interpersonal relationships. My goal is to work with individuals, couples, and families to achieve healthy relationship dynamics while processing and healing from trauma.”