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.  

Jennifer Rubens, Ph.D, LPC-MHSP, RPT

Jennifer completed her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in July 2020, with a concentration in Play Therapy, at Lipscomb University. She also holds a Master of Science in Psychology from the University of Houston–Clear Lake and a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology–Individual Differences from the University of Houston. Her doctoral research examined the effects of contextual influences on stress levels among caregivers of children diagnosed with autism. Jennifer is a Registered Play Therapist™, an EMDR Certified Therapist, a certified TraumaPlay™ Therapist, a Senior Trainer for the TraumaPlay Institute, and is trained in Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®). She is passionate about creating safe, connected spaces where children and families can heal, grow, and build resilience through play-based and trauma-informed interventions. Jennifer co-authored the chapter, “Camp Nurture: An Immersion in Key Components of TraumaPlay,” in Implementing Play Therapy With Groups.

 Jennifer is the Nurture House Practicum and Internship Director

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Scarlett Bacon-Taylor, ATR-BC®, LPC-MHSP (Initial Approval; Ratification Pending Sept 11)

Scarlett is a board certified art therapist (ATR-BC®) and licensed professional counselor LPC-MHSP (Initial Approval; Ratification Pending Sept 11). As a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDCS), Scarlett has a passion for working with children and families on the neurodivergent spectrum. She has a gift for walking through difficult life transitions with families, and provides guidance during sticky conversations. Scarlett brings a client centered approach to working with a variety of populations, such as LGBTQ+ individuals and families, military families, those going through divorce or adoption, grief, self harm and suicidal ideation, and trauma. 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 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.

Tiffany Ritz, 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

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

Mary Alston Whitaker, Clinical Intern   

Mary Alston is under the supervision of Jennifer Rubens, LPC-MHSP #5323 

Shannon Woods, Clinical Intern 

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

Cecilia Contreras, Clinical Intern 

**TAKING CLIENTS STARTING AUGUST 2026**

Cecilia is currently pursuing her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Lipscomb University and is specializing in Play Therapy and Expressive Arts. She earned her undergraduate degree in Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology from the University of Tennessee – Knoxville and moved back to Nashville following graduation. Her passion for working with children has been developed through her 16 years of experience as a Professional Nanny for different families and as the older sister to 4 siblings. These experiences taught her the power of connection and safety that allows children to heal. Cecilia is passionate about creating a space where clients feel welcome to be themselves completely and find healing.

In her free time, you can find her playing with her 18 chickens on the farm, baking, working out, traveling, reading a good book, spending time with her family, or doing yard work with her Dad.

Cecilia is under the supervision of Jennifer Rubens, LPC-MHSP #5323

                   Office Staff

                  Qiana Hayes

                 Office Manager