Paris Goodyear-Brown,
LCSW, RPT-S
Paris Goodyear-Brown, the founder and director of Nurture House, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor with 25+ years of experience in treating families in need. While she specializes in treating trauma (sexual abuse, physical abuse, maltreatment and neglect) and attachment disturbances, she often provides help for anxious, angry or depressed children and teens. A child development expert, she frequently provides parent consultation, dyadic assessment and parent coaching to help parents manage and resolve their children’s behavior problems. She is an Adjunct Instructor of Psychiatric Mental Health at Vanderbilt University, guest lecturer for several universities in middle Tennessee, and has an international reputation as a dynamic speaker and innovative clinician. She provides play therapy and licensure supervision and consults with various school districts, agencies and mental health organizations to help develop play therapy programs and create more developmentally sensitive programming. With trainings in Morocco, Australia, and Sweden, as well as frequent domestic presentations, she is best known for developing clinically sound, played-based interventions that are used to treat a variety of childhood problems. She has received the APT award for Play Therapy Promotion and Education. She is the author of multiple books, chapters and articles related to child therapy. Her newest books include Tackling Touchy Subjects, the Handbook of Child Sexual Abuse: Identification, Assessment, and Treatment, Play Therapy with Traumatized Children: A Prescriptive Approach and The Worry Wars: An Anxiety Workbook for Kids and their Helpful Adults. For the whole of her career, she has carried a vision of a place – a home – in which the space itself would help children and parents feel safe, nurtured and ready to do the deep work of healing. Although it looks like a playhouse – and her child clients call it “the kid’s palace” -the fun, highly playful environment helps the hard stuff go down easier.
Kelly Stephens, LPC/MHSP, RPT-S, Certified TF-CBT Provider, Florida Telehealth Provider
Katherine Faliski, LCSW, RPT
Katherine Faliski is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Registered Play Therapist (RPT). She earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University as well as a Master’s degree in Public Policy from the University of Texas. Katherine loves working alongside children, teens, families, parents, and couples to help them grow through their difficulties and strengthen their relationships. Katherine has worked with children and families to address a variety of life experiences, such as school challenges, emotional distress, behavioral issues, divorce, and grief and loss to name a few. Due to Katherine’s personal journey through adoption and her work in the Nation’s Children’s Hospital, she also feels a strong connection to families struggling through some of the highs and lows of these life experiences. Katherine is trained in Theraplay™ Level 2, Group Theraplay™, Sand Therapy, Filial and Client Centered Play Therapy, and a communication model suited for families with teenagers and couples called Relationship Enhancement Therapy. She is married and has two children. Katherine is thrilled to be a part of the Nurture House team, and considers it a true privilege to work with clients and their families.
Jennifer Rubens, Ph.D, LPC-MHSP, RPT
Jennifer completed her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in July of 2020 with a concentration in Play Therapy at Lipscomb University. She has a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology-Individual Differences from the University of Houston where she conducted research in Autism. Jennifer is a registered Play Therapist, TBRI trained (Trust-Based Relational Intervention), EMDR trained, is a Certified Creative Grief Coach and is certified in TraumaPlay. Jennifer is focused on creating safe spaces for children and family members who have been affected by trauma. She believes empowering children and building a strong foundation of connection is essential to the therapeutic process.
Jennifer is the Nurture House Practicum and Internship Director
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Claire Jergensen, LPC-MHSP
Claire is a National Certified Counselor and is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Mental Health Services Provider in the state of Tennessee. She completed her master’s degree in Art Therapy and Counseling from Springfield College in 2017 and a masters in Fine Art from the University of Connecticut. She worked in community mental health for a year and a half in Massachusetts before moving back to Tennessee. She worked in addiction counseling in Nashville running groups and working with individuals before moving to a community based practice in Franklin. She will soon be a Registered Art Therapist and loves working with children and families to work through the difficult times to move forward in a happier healthier way together. She is excited to work with Nurture House, and when not at work Claire likes to read, make art, play games, build things, and spend time with her family.
Scarlett Bacon-Taylor, M.A., ATR-P
Scarlett, is a highly trained and compassionate art therapist who has dedicated her career to improving the mental health and well-being of children and LGBTQ individuals. Scarlett received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Lipscomb University and went on to earn a Master of Arts in Art Therapy from Southwestern College and New Earth Institute in New Mexico. During her studies, she developed a strong passion for working with children and marginalized communities, particularly those who identify as LGBTQ. As an art therapist, Scarlett uses a variety of creative techniques to help her clients explore their emotions, express themselves, and gain insight into their experiences. She often incorporates drawing, painting, and other art forms into her therapy sessions, allowing her clients to tap into their innate creativity and access their innermost thoughts and feelings. In her work with children, Scarlett has developed a deep understanding of their unique challenges, including anxiety, trauma, and behavioral issues. She is known for her ability to build strong and trusting relationships with her young clients, helping them to feel comfortable and supported as they work through their challenges. In her work with LGBTQ individuals, Scarlett is committed to creating a safe and affirming space where clients can explore their identities and work through the unique challenges they face. She deeply understands the impact that discrimination and marginalization can have on mental health and works tirelessly to support her clients in achieving their goals and living authentically.
Scarlett is under the supervision of Angela Scruggs, PhD, LPC-MHSP/S #3813
Tiffany Gee, M.S., Candidate for LPC-MHSP
Tiffany completed her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Lipscomb University in May 2022. During this time, Tiffany received a specialization in Play Therapy and Expressive Arts. Before graduate school, Tiffany worked closely with children, adolescents, and young adults, helping them build their social skills and self-confidence while connecting with peers. She also has experience working with blind and autistic children within the classroom setting. While in her master’s program she gained extensive experience working with college students, adults, and families providing high quality mental health care within the Tennessee community. Tiffany has helped clients with feelings of anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, relationship issues, and substance use.
Tiffany is passionate about working with children and their families by helping them rekindle the roots within themselves and within their own relationships.
She believes that every child and family has the power to heal through play, connection, and support, learning for the client to accept and understand their own feelings is finding the magical key that opens up the gates to the child’s inner world through self-healing. Tiffany is a candidate for LPC-MHSP. She is trained in sand tray therapy, and play therapy, and she is currently training to become certified in trauma focused play therapy. Her professional memberships include the American Counseling Association (ACA), Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Honor Society. In her free time, Tiffany enjoys yoga, hiking, baking, trying different cultural foods, and spending time with family and friends.
Tiffany is under the supervision of Kelly Stephens, LPC-MHSP #2187
Riley Clark, M.S., Candidate for LPC-MHSP
Riley completed her master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lipscomb University in July 2024. She gained experience through their play therapy specialization and has received training in sandtray and expressive arts. Prior to her studies at Lipscomb, Riley studied psychology and Spanish at Berry College where she conducted research investigating the different approaches and techniques to play therapy with children and adolescents who have experienced trauma. She also worked at a child development center where she saw how play could become a tool for communication and healing for children. By fostering a collaborative and supportive environment, Riley strives to create a space where both the individuals and their families can navigate their challenges with compassion and resilience. Riley has helped clients with trauma, grief, anxiety, behavioral problems, and relationship issues.
Her professional memberships include the American Counseling Association (ACA), Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Honor Society, and the Association of Play Therapy. In Riley’s free time, she enjoys playing soccer, hiking, painting, reading, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.
Riley is under the supervision of Kelly Stephens, LPC-MHSP #2187
Kait Thomas, M.S., Candidate for LPC-MHSP
Kait graduated with her masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Lipscomb University in 2025, where she specializes in Play Therapy. Her love for the city of Nashville brought her back after earning her bachelor’s in Psychology with a minor in English from Tennessee State University. During her time away, she worked at an Early Childhood Center in St.Louis, MO where she worked as a Teacher’s Assistant. This is where she first learned about Play Therapy and its effect on children. She quickly fell in love with the idea of creating spaces where children can express themselves without constraint and curating a relationship where they are seen and accepted as they are.
As well as a student, Kait is an Associate Behavior Health Specialist at Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital working with children aged five to seventeen. Her experience at the hospital has only increased her passion for working with children. She hopes to use her therapeutic skills and education to facilitate relationships with patients, similarly as she does with clients.
When she is not at work or in class, Kait spends her time writing, blasting music as loud as the speakers allow, and occasionally pretends she’s on “Iron Chef America”. She also loves a good nap when time permits! She cannot wait to begin this new journey with Nurture House and is so excited about what the future holds.
Kait is under the supervision of Kelly Stephens, LPC-MHSP #2187
Natalie Wu, M.S., NCC, Candidate for LPC-MHSP
Natalie graduated with her Masters Degree in 2025 from Vanderbilt University (with concentrations in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling) and is a National Certified Counselor (NCC). She holds a Bachelor of Science and Arts in Biology from the University of Texas at Austin and a teaching license for secondary English in Tennessee. Prior to Nurture House, Natalie worked in early childhood education and addiction recovery, and served as a school counseling intern across K-12 in public and private schools around Nashville. She also served as a Mental Health Specialist at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. Her counseling philosophy is rooted in a child-centered, strengths-based approach – she believes in harnessing children’s resilience to help them cultivate connections and a deep sense of self while delighting in the whole person of the child.
Natalie enjoys reading, spending time with friends and family, and serving in the local community She is thrilled to walk alongside children and families at Nurture House!
Natalie is under the supervision of Kelly Stephens, LPC-MHSP #2187
Jessie Gettys, AMFT, Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, Candidate for LMFT
“If we share our story with someone who responds with empathy and understanding, shame can’t survive.” – Brené Brown
Jessie completed both her bachelor’s degree in Family Science with a concentration in Child and Family Services and her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy with a focus in play therapy at Lipscomb University. She is passionate about working with children and families to strengthen connection, communication, and healthy attachment through a family-focused and compassionate approach.
When working with Jessie, you can expect a creative and engaging therapeutic experience, including the use of sand tray, expressive arts, movement, coping-skill building, emotional-literacy development, emotion-focused work, and a safe haven to land each time you meet with her. Jessie is dedicated to helping families rekindle the stability and hope that trauma or pain may have taken away.
In her free time, Jessie enjoys hiking, spending time with friends and family, seeing live music, and exploring new restaurants around Nashville. She is honored to continue her work at Nurture House after completing her internship and training on-site, and she is truly grateful for the trust families place in her as she is welcomed into their stories
.Jessie is under the supervision of Lacey Ryan, LMFT, RPT-S #105573
Ashley Wellander, M.S. Candidate for LPC-MHSP
Ashley received her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Lipscomb University, with a specialization in Play Therapy and Expressive Arts in December 2025. Prior to her time at Lipscomb, she earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Tennessee Knoxville. Throughout her academic journey and professional career, Ashley has gained extensive training and hands-on experience working with individuals across the lifespan, from children to adults, and those from diverse backgrounds facing crises. This background in crisis intervention has ignited her passion for creating a safe, compassionate space where clients can authentically express themselves, process their emotions, and feel supported.Her professional memberships include the American Counseling Association (ACA), Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Honor Society, and the Association of Play Therapy. In Ashley’s free time, you can find her spending time with family and friends, exploring new spots in Nashville, exercising, or curling up with a good book.
Ashley is under the supervision of Kelly Stephens, LPC-MHSP #2187
Luke Sorrell, Clinical Intern
Luke is pursuing a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy with a concentration in the treatment of trauma at Abilene Christian University. After graduating with a double bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Spanish, Luke journeyed to Texas, where he began his work with individuals diagnosed with C-PTSD, among other diagnoses, at Bob’s House of Hope, the first safe house in the nation for adult male survivors of sex trafficking. Throughout his time there, he has seen the power of unconventional therapies such as animal-assisted therapy, experiential therapy, and play therapy. It quickly became apparent that safety, trust, and connection were necessary building blocks for treatment and progress to take place, especially when a background of trauma is present. Because of this, Luke aims to ensure that each of these components, as well as autonomy and empowerment, are non-negotiables in client and systemic care.
Luke continues to provide consultant work with Bob’s House of Hope, providing advocacy and case coordination to trafficking survivors of all backgrounds across the United States. His experience navigating various systems gives Luke an understanding of the roadblocks and injustices many face systemically, which informs his approach to treatment and care. Luke is passionate about engaging clients in this systemic-informed approach, working with families and larger systems.
His professional membership includes the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). Outside of his professional and academic responsibilities, Luke loves spending time in nature, reading and writing, attending the local symphony, and playing with his dog, Bexter.
Luke is under the supervision of Jennifer Rubens, LPC-MHSP #5323
Mary Alston Whitaker, Clinical Intern
Mary Alston is under the supervision of Jennifer Rubens, LPC-MHSP #5323
Shannon Woods, Clinical Intern
Shannon is currently enrolled in Lipscomb University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master’s Program and is completing it with the Play Therapy and Expressive Arts specialization. She earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Sociology from the College of Charleston and pursued various volunteer and internship opportunities at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and beyond during those years. Some of these experiences included volunteering in the Child Life unit at Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital as well as interning in a neuroscience lab at MUSC. These opportunities provided her with experience working with a wide range of children, their families, and in conducting academic research. Following graduation, she became a Registered Behavioral Technician and worked in behavioral therapy with autistic children and their families.
Academically, Shannon enjoys research and completed her undergraduate thesis about the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on college students and their behaviors toward specific health services. She is conducting research in her graduate program as well and hopes to continue into her professional career. In the future, Shannon intends to apply for Ph.D programs while pursuing licensure as a counselor and play therapist. In her free time, you can find her painting or finding a new expressive art to try out, walking some dogs, or hanging out with her friends and family.
Shannon is under the supervision of Jennifer Rubens, LPC-MHSP #5323
Shannon is also under the supervision of Lipscomb University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling faculty who are licensed mental health providers in Tennessee.
Sophie Hughes, Clinical Intern
Sophie is currently pursuing her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Trevecca University while taking specialization classes in Play Therapy at Lipscomb University. Prior to her time at Trevecca, she earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Tennessee Chattanooga. She discovered a passion for working with children and families through her time as a childcare provider, camp counselor, pre K teacher, and volunteer in after-school programs. Working in early education programs, Sophie witnessed first hand the power of play. These experiences, along with her study of Child-Centered Play Therapy, have shaped how she sees children—as inherently capable of positive self-direction, resilient, unique, and worthy of respect.
In her free time you can find her walking the white trail at Percy Warner, shaping clay in pottery studio, experimenting with contrast therapy through sauna and cold plunges, trying new restaurants, dancing, laughing, spending quality time with friends or one of her seven siblings. A Nashville native Sophie is passionate about supporting the emotional growth and wellbeing of children and families in her community.
Sophie is under the supervision of Jennifer Rubens, LPC-MHSP #5323
Office Staff
Qiana Hayes
Office Manager
Kristen Evans
COO / Operations Manager
