Meet Our Team
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Dr. Krystal Vaughan, Ph.D., LPC-S
I am a native of Hampton Roads. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Services and Counseling, a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy with dual license eligibility from Liberty University, and an earned Doctorate in educational psychology from Walden University. I am a licensed therapist and supervisor for the state of Virginia and have 19 years of experience working in mental health. I am passionate about building a community that is conducive to holistic healing, which led me to open Cornerstone Therapeutic Services, a mental health collective. It is my desire to assist others in reframing the Mind, Body, and; Soul. She specializes in assisting individuals who struggle with residual of trauma, grief, and depression and those who operate in church leadership. I believe in assisting others to become comfortable with being uncomfortable instead of remaining uncomfortably comfortable! I am committed to walking with my clients on their journey of healing as you give yourself permission to grow through effective therapeutic strategies.
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Ms. KaSyida Thomas, LPC-S
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Virginia. I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the illustrious Hampton University in 2009 and earned my Master’s in counseling from Old Dominion University in 2011. Over the last 15 years, I have worked in multiple mental health settings gaining an array of experience, including community services boards, EAP, residential and acute facilities, emergency services, juvenile detention, and private practice. I have served in several capacities helping adolescents, adults, and families overcome mental health obstacles and life-altering circumstances. I utilize a wide range of clinical interventions to address all areas of need, including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, ODD, PTSD, parent-child relational problems, grief, mood disorders, family/couples conflict, ADHD, attachment disorders, and trauma. Therapeutic Interventions include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Therapy, and an integrated therapy approach with a foundation in Person-Centered Therapy. Creating a non-judgmental atmosphere with a positive attitude coupled with empathy allows for the full potential of healing and growth. I am passionate about helping others recognize their overcoming ability by activating inner strength and self-worth.I am passionate about providing services to those who made the brave decision to seek direction, support, and help
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Ms. Ronnetta Mackey, Resident in Counseling
I am a Licensed Resident in Counseling and a proud native of the Hampton Roads area. My professional foundation was established at Norfolk State University, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Master of Arts in Urban Education and Community Counseling. I bring eight years of experience supporting individuals experiencing mental health challenges and navigating emotional, behavioral, and social barriers.
Throughout my professional experience, I have had the opportunity to work with diverse populations, including children, adolescents, young adults, adults, and military-affiliated individuals. My clinical experience and areas of focus include supporting individuals experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, grief and loss, adjustment-related challenges, and personality disorders. I have a particular interest in working with military-affiliated individuals navigating trauma, anxiety, and the emotional challenges associated with military experiences and transitions. I am also passionate about serving the transgender and LGBTQ+ communities, with a focus on gender education, identity exploration, self-acceptance, and creating an affirming environment where individuals feel supported in understanding themselves.
Although I enjoy working with individuals across the lifespan, I have a particular passion for children and young adults. My counseling approach is grounded in the principles of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients recognize the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Through CBT-informed interventions, I encourage individuals to identify unhelpful thought patterns, develop healthier perspectives, strengthen coping strategies, and make meaningful behavioral changes. I recognize that individuals must feel safe, supported, valued, and understood to develop and reach their full potential. I believe meaningful therapeutic relationships begin with understanding the whole person and recognizing that mental, emotional, social, and environmental factors all contribute to overall well-being.
My passion for the helping profession stems from my love for family, children, community, and the importance of building meaningful relationships. I believe that receiving a mental health diagnosis should never mean an individual has to navigate life's challenges alone. My goal is to create a therapeutic environment where every client feels heard, respected, understood, and included without judgment. I strive to empower individuals to recognize their strengths, develop healthy coping strategies, embrace self-acceptance, and build the confidence needed to navigate their personal journeys toward mental and emotional well-being. I take pride in meeting clients where they are while helping them recognize that their circumstances do not define their potential.
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Ms. Layra Troncoso, MS
As a Florida native who has called the Hampton Roads area home for the past six years, I bring a blend of Southern warmth and coastal resilience to my practice. my academic foundation is complemented by extensive experience in both child and adolescent care and the dynamic field of mental health. With a deep understanding of diverse diagnoses and fluency in multiple languages, I am committed to supporting clients across various cultural backgrounds. My approach to therapy is multifaceted, focusing on cognitive, emotional, and somatic dimensions to help clients process events and break free from harmful cycles. I believe in the power of tailored therapeutic modalities, utilizing creative techniques through a multicultural lens to meet the unique needs of each individual. From our initial session onward, my priority is establishing a safe, trusting, and collaborative environment where clients feel empowered to embrace their authentic selves.
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Mr. Bryan Crutchfield, Resident in Counseling & Group Therapy Facilitator
I am a licensed resident in Marriage and Family therapy, providing online/ telehealth counseling. I work with individuals, families, groups, and couples of all ages. I have over eight years of experience as a counselor, coach, and educator. I support clients with a wide range of concerns, including (but not limited to) depression, anxiety, gender dysphoria, interpersonal relationships, racial identity, transgender (any age), self-esteem, and many other developmental concerns. I utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Play Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Motivational Interviewing, to name a few. I try to offer a personable, laid-back experience, with a dash of humor to assist my clients to go from surviving to thriving throughout their therapeutic journey!
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Mrs. Shineka Dixon, Resident in Counseling
As a Licensed Resident in Counseling, I’m deeply committed to supporting individuals, couples, and families as they navigate life’s complexities. I believe healing begins with being truly heard, and I strive to create a warm, nonjudgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and goals safely.
Whether you're facing a difficult transition, working toward improved mental health, or seeking deeper connection in your relationships, I’m here to walk alongside you. My passion lies in helping people uncover their inner strengths, build effective coping strategies, and create more meaningful, fulfilling lives.
My approach is compassionate and collaborative, grounded in the belief that everyone deserves to feel seen, supported, and empowered. Together, we’ll work toward nurturing your healthiest self and building strong, lasting relationships.
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Jesse VanLew, MSW, Supervisee in Social Work, & Group Therapy Facilitator
My name is Jesse VanLew, and I’m passionate about helping others strengthen the connection between physical and mental health. Originally from New York, I began my career in a residential treatment facility supporting youth facing challenges like ADHD, depression, anxiety, trauma, and oppositional behaviors.
After moving to Virginia, I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Norfolk State University in 2020, deepening my interest in the mind-body connection. I later completed a Master of Social Work degree at Walden University, where I provided individual and family therapy during my clinical training.
My approach is trauma-informed and integrates evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills, and strength-based interventions. I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can build healthier coping strategies and pursue meaningful growth.
I am currently working toward my Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential and remain dedicated to empowering individuals and families to overcome challenges and build resilience.
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Korey Drakeford, Master Clinician , Group Therapy Facilitator & Admin Operations Coordinator
As a Hampton Roads native and Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate student at Regent University, I bring professional training, compassion, and meaningful life experience into my work. My passion is helping individuals and families recognize their potential, overcome challenges, and create lasting change.
I specialize in supporting men navigating emotional regulation, identity, self-awareness, relationship challenges, marital conflict, and effective communication. My goal is to help men better understand themselves, strengthen their relationships, and develop healthier ways to express and manage their emotions.
When working with children and adolescents, I believe behavior tells a story, and understanding that story is essential to creating change. I don't believe in labeling children as "bad." Instead, I focus on identifying the needs behind their behaviors while helping them develop emotional regulation, impulse control, respect for boundaries and authority, and healthier decision-making skills. I also partner with parents to strengthen communication, provide consistent redirection, and reshape unhelpful patterns of thinking and behavior.
I am equally passionate about supporting justice-involved individuals and families impacted by incarceration. I believe a person's worst decision does not have to define their future. My work focuses on rebuilding identity, processing trauma, restoring relationships, and navigating the challenges of reentry and community reintegration.
My approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and social development principles within a trauma-informed, strengths-based, and collaborative framework.
My philosophy is simple: Therapy works when you work therapy. I provide a safe, judgment-free space where you can show up authentically, be heard, and do the meaningful work of growth. I don't believe in simply telling people how to change. I believe in walking alongside them as they discover the tools, confidence, and strength to become the best version of themselves.
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Lisa Wendler, Master Clinician, Marriage, Couple & Family
As a Jamaican native who has proudly called the Hampton Roads area home for the past 14 years, I bring a rich cultural perspective, warmth, and appreciation for diverse life experiences to the counseling relationship. As a U.S. Navy veteran and Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling graduate student, I am passionate about creating a compassionate, relational, and culturally responsive space where clients feel seen, heard, and supported.
I have a particular interest in working with individuals, couples, families, military members, women, and single parents navigating relationship challenges, life transitions, emotional distress, family dynamics, and other experiences that may leave them feeling overwhelmed or disconnected.
My therapeutic approach is collaborative and tailored to the unique needs of each client. I draw from Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Structural Family Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy, and Gottman Method principles. I believe that understanding a person’s relationships, culture, values, strengths, and lived experiences is an important part of creating meaningful and lasting change.
My goal is to provide a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients can explore their experiences honestly, recognize patterns, strengthen communication, establish healthier boundaries, and build deeper connections with themselves and the people who matter most to them. I believe therapy is a collaborative journey that can create space for healing, growth, hope, and healthier relationships.