ADMIN TEAM

AMANDA

BILLING & OPERATIONS COORDINATOR
Amanda brings several years of experience working in healthcare settings, with a background in client care, office coordination, and medical billing. Amanda is excited to be part of the team at MCG by helping keep administrative processes organized and running smoothly while ensuring clients receive clear and supportive communication. She takes pride in being detail-oriented and dependable. Please reach out for any billing questions.
KATE

HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR
Kate serves as a Healthcare Administrative Coordinator at Mindful Communication Group, helping support the day-to-day administrative needs of our clients, clinicians, and practice. With several years of experience in healthcare administration and a professional background in nursing, Kate brings a strong understanding of both the clinical and administrative sides of healthcare.
In her role at MCG, Kate assists with client inquiries, referrals, scheduling, insurance verification, intake coordination, and other administrative processes that help clients navigate their care from their first interaction with our practice.
Known for her attention to detail, organization, and commitment to providing a positive client experience, Kate works behind the scenes to help ensure that communication is timely, processes run smoothly, and both clients and clinicians receive the support they need.
Kate is proud to be part of the MCG team and to contribute to an environment where clients feel welcomed, supported, and connected to care.
YAHAIRA

INSURANCE & CREDENTIALING COORDINATOR
Yahaira is an experienced healthcare administrative professional with more than 14 years of experience supporting clients and healthcare teams. Her background includes insurance verification, credentialing, electronic health record management, scheduling, client intake, and HIPAA-compliant administrative support. Bilingual and highly organized, Yahaira brings a detail-oriented and collaborative approach to helping MCG's administrative processes run smoothly and supporting clients as they navigate insurance and access to services.
Originally from Puerto Rico, Yahaira has called Washington, D.C. home since 2023. She is married and a proud mother of three boys. Outside of work, Yahaira enjoys dancing, exercising, cooking, traveling, and spending time with her family. Her favorite seasons are spring and fall, and her favorite color is pink.

MENTAL HEALTH THERAPISTS

STEPHANIE BARKSTER, LPC

Clinical Supervisor | Licensed Professional Counselor
Newport News, VA | In-Person & Virtual Services in Virginia
Stephanie is a Licensed Professional Counselor and MCG's Clinical Supervisor with more than 15 years of experience in behavioral health. She earned her master's degree in Counseling from Hampton University and works with children, adolescents, adults, and families experiencing a variety of emotional and mental health concerns.
Stephanie takes a supportive, collaborative approach to therapy, helping clients better understand their experiences, develop effective coping strategies, strengthen emotional wellness, and work toward meaningful change. She strives to create a therapeutic environment where clients feel heard, supported, and empowered throughout the counseling process.
In addition to providing therapy, Stephanie supports clinical quality and professional development as MCG's Clinical Supervisor.
Works With: Children Ages 8+ • Adolescents • Adults • Families
Areas of Focus: Anxiety • Depression • Trauma
ROSHAWN HICKLIN-FRANKIE, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor
Newport News, VA | In-Person & Virtual Services in Virginia
Ro is a Licensed Professional Counselor who works with adolescents, adults, and couples navigating emotional, behavioral, and relationship challenges. She earned her master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Regent University.
With a warm and approachable style, Ro creates an individualized therapy experience designed to help clients better understand themselves, recognize their strengths, develop effective coping strategies, and make meaningful changes in their lives. Her therapeutic approach may incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and creative interventions based on each client's needs and goals.
Ro is passionate about creating a supportive space where clients can explore difficult experiences, build confidence, and develop skills that support healthier relationships and overall well-being.
Works With: Adolescents • Adults • Couples
Areas of Focus: Anxiety • Depression • ADHD • Social & Play Skills • Trauma
DR. KEBA GREEN, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor
Douglasville, GA | In-Person & Virtual Services in Georgia
Dr. Keba Green is a Licensed Professional Counselor who works with teenagers, adults, and families experiencing emotional, relational, and life challenges. Her clinical areas of focus include trauma, depression, and anxiety.
Dr. Green provides individualized care within a supportive therapeutic environment where clients can explore their experiences, identify strengths, develop effective coping strategies, and work toward meaningful change. Her approach considers each client's individual needs, relationships, experiences, and goals while supporting emotional wellness and resilience.
She is passionate about helping clients develop greater insight and practical tools that can support their well-being both within and beyond the therapy setting.
Works With: Teenagers • Adults • Families
Areas of Focus: Trauma • Depression • Anxiety
TYSHAWNA HANKERSON, RESIDENT IN COUNSELING

Resident in Counseling
Newport News, VA | In-Person & Virtual Services in Virginia
Tyshawna is a Resident in Counseling and School Counselor who works with school-age children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Her experience across counseling and educational settings gives her a unique perspective on the ways emotional wellness, relationships, family dynamics, school experiences, and everyday stressors can affect clients at different stages of life.
Tyshawna takes a collaborative, strengths-based approach to therapy and strives to create an environment where clients feel comfortable expressing themselves and exploring the challenges they are experiencing. She helps clients develop practical coping strategies, strengthen emotional regulation, recognize personal strengths, and build skills that support healthier functioning in everyday life.
Her approach is individualized based on each client's age, experiences, concerns, and therapeutic goals.
Works With: School-Age Children • Adolescents & Teens • Adults • Couples • Families
Areas of Focus: Anxiety • Depression • Trauma & PTSD • Emotional Regulation • ADHD & Executive Functioning • Behavioral Concerns • Life Transitions • School-Related Concerns • Relationship Issues
ASHLEY STEWART, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Newport News, VA | In-Person & Virtual Services in Virginia
Ashley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with adolescents and adults across the lifespan, as well as couples. She supports clients experiencing emotional, relational, academic, family, and life challenges and strives to create a warm, affirming environment where clients feel comfortable exploring their experiences.
Ashley believes clients are the experts on their own lives and views therapy as a collaborative process. She helps clients identify strengths, increase self-awareness, develop practical coping and emotional-regulation strategies, and build skills that can support meaningful change in everyday life. Her individualized approach may incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, mindfulness-based strategies, and other interventions based on each client's needs and goals.
Ashley is committed to providing inclusive, affirming care and supporting clients from diverse backgrounds and identities.
Works With: Adolescents Ages 13+ • Adults Through Age 70 • Couples
Areas of Focus: Anxiety • Depression • Trauma • Emotional Regulation • ADHD & Executive Functioning • Life Transitions • Family Stress & Parent Support • School-Related Concerns • Relationship Issues • Mild Substance Use Concerns • LGBTQIA+ Clients
VENISSA NELSON, MSW

Supervisee in Social Work
Newport News, VA | In-Person & Virtual Services in Virginia
Venissa is a Supervisee in Social Work who provides mental health therapy to children, adolescents and adults navigating emotional challenges, relationship concerns, life transitions, stress, self-esteem concerns, and other challenges that can accompany different stages of life.
Venissa takes a warm, compassionate, and collaborative approach to therapy. She believes clients are the experts in their own lives and views her role as walking alongside them as they better understand their experiences, recognize their strengths, and develop practical tools to support meaningful change. Her approach incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused techniques while remaining responsive to each client's individual experiences, culture, needs, and goals.
Venissa earned her Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University and is committed to continued learning and professional growth. She strives to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where clients feel comfortable showing up authentically, being heard, and working toward meaningful change at their own pace.
Works With: Children • Adolescents • Adults
Areas of Focus: Emotional Wellness • Relationship Concerns • Life Transitions & Adjustment • Stress • Self-Esteem & Confidence
RACHEL SMITH, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor | Child Therapist
Newport News, VA | In-Person & Virtual Services in Virginia
Rachel is a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in working with children ages 3 and older, adolescents, and families navigating anxiety, trauma, behavioral challenges, and developmental transitions. She uses a child-centered, play-based therapeutic approach to help young clients explore emotions, process experiences, and develop healthy coping skills in a safe, supportive environment.
Recognizing that children often communicate through play, creativity, and behavior, Rachel provides a therapeutic space where children can express thoughts and feelings they may not yet have the words to communicate. Her approach emphasizes meeting each child at their developmental level while respecting their individual needs and experiences.
Rachel believes that supporting children also means partnering with the families who care for them. She incorporates regular caregiver consultations to encourage collaboration, strengthen understanding, and support progress beyond the therapy room. She strives to create a welcoming, imaginative environment where children feel comfortable expressing themselves and families feel supported throughout the therapeutic process.
Works With: Children Ages 3+ • Adolescents & Teens • Parents & Caregivers • Families
Areas of Focus: Child-Centered Play Therapy • Anxiety • Trauma • Behavioral Challenges • Emotional Regulation • Developmental Transitions • Parent & Caregiver Support

SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT

SPEECH THERAPISTS

KARIIN HESTER, MA CCC-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist
Newport News, VA
Kariin is a certified and licensed Speech-Language Pathologist who provides individualized speech-language therapy for children and adults. She earned both her Master of Arts and Bachelor of Arts in Communicative Sciences and Disorders from Hampton University and has clinical experience across public schools, skilled nursing facilities, and private practice.
Kariin works with clients with a variety of communication needs, including speech sound disorders, receptive and expressive language difficulties, fluency, social communication, and cognitive-communication concerns. She also provides swallowing therapy for adults.
Kariin strives to create a supportive, engaging, and collaborative therapy environment where clients feel encouraged and confident as they work toward meaningful goals. Her approach emphasizes functional, individualized care that helps clients strengthen communication skills and participate more fully in everyday life at home, school, work, and in the community.
Works With: Children • Adults
Areas of Focus: Speech Sound Disorders & Articulation • Receptive & Expressive Language • Fluency • Social Communication • Cognitive-Communication • Adult Swallowing
SAMARIA DARLINGTON, MA CCC-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist
Douglasville, GA
Samaria is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist who provides speech-language therapy to children and adults. She earned her master's degree from Southern University A&M College and is passionate about creating a supportive and engaging therapeutic environment where clients feel encouraged as they work toward their communication goals.
Samaria uses evidence-based, individualized approaches designed around each client's unique needs, strengths, and goals. She values collaboration with clients, families, caregivers, and other members of a client's support network to promote meaningful progress that extends beyond the therapy setting.
Whether helping clients develop new communication strategies or strengthen foundational skills, Samaria strives to help individuals communicate more effectively, build self-advocacy, and participate more confidently in everyday life. She approaches therapy with empathy, encouragement, and a commitment to helping each client make meaningful progress toward their goals.
Works With: Children • Adults
Areas of Focus: Speech & Language • Functional Communication • Communication Strategies • Self-Advocacy

SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT

EARLY INTERVENTION

DR. KORI JOHNSON, OTD, OTR/L, BCP, DIR-P

Occupational Therapist
Early Intervention | Chesapeake, VA
Kori is a pediatric Occupational Therapist with five years of experience supporting young children and their families. She earned her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Mary Baldwin University in 2021 and has developed particular interests in infant and toddler feeding, sensory integrative processing, and parent and caregiver coaching.
In 2025, Kori earned her AOTA Board Certification in Pediatrics as well as her DIRFloortime® Proficient Certification. Her approach is developmental, individualized, and relationship-based, with an emphasis on helping families understand their child's needs and incorporate supportive strategies into everyday routines and interactions.
Kori values collaboration with parents and caregivers and strives to provide practical, family-centered support that promotes children's participation and development within their natural environments.
Outside of her work as an occupational therapist, Kori enjoys writing comedy, working on puzzles, practicing on her longboard, and spending time with her senior cat, Lincoln.
Works With: Infants • Toddlers • Parents & Caregivers
Areas of Focus: Early Intervention • Infant & Toddler Feeding • Sensory Processing • Developmental Skills • Parent & Caregiver Coaching • Relationship-Based Intervention