Our Support Staff
Here at Beacon we are a collaborative group of professionals who strive to help our patients to find balance, as we show empathy walking along-side with them. Having compassion and open minds as we help navigate through discovery and healing. We are Beacon!
Emily Kipp-Wright MA, LPC
Founder & Licensed Professional Counselor
As I sat under a table in the cafeteria with a man who thought we were getting bombed for almost an hour I never felt safer and more connected with someone. Here was a man who was concerned for my safety and fearful for those who had not taken cover as we did. He shared stories of his life as a professional, caring for his child and wife. He was a family man. He was successful. He had somehow found himself on the worst day of his life and what looked like living in a psychiatric hospital until the end of his time. He had no visitors, very much alone, and left behind by his loved ones. Under that table that day I knew that I wanted to be the person to bring others hope and light.
I received my B.S. in Psychology and minor in Art from Southwestern University in Georgetown, and my M.A. in Counseling from St. Edward’s University. I have had the honor of taking classes, trainings, and are supported by masterful professors, brilliant colleagues, and my wonderful community. Most of my work has been focused on life transitions, mood disorders, teens, adults, couples, and families.
I have worked in psychiatric hospitals, clinics, and within agencies. I have worked beside clients experiencing their first psychotic break, battling severe mental illness, suicidal thoughts, past trauma, depression, panic attacks, new relationships, separations, and divorce, loss, conflicts, and life transitions. I have completed Gottman Level 1 and 2 trainings (which is used for couples) and I have studied other modalities that I use when working with clients.
I believe that each client is the expert on their life story and I am honored to be asked to join them on their journey, even if it’s just for a short time. My approach is collaborative and I am open to trying new things and exploring different options so that my clients feel fully supported by me in the therapy process. I hope that I can share something new with my clients even if it’s just a different perspective and look forward to learning something new from them.
JD Wright
Chief Fun Officer
JD is a proud graduate from Arizona State University. He has worked in construction, oil & gas, and most recently has jumped into the world of mental health. Taxes and accounting are no ones favorite topic of discussion but JD has a way of making it bearable.
Jackie Messer
Owner & Practitioner of Balancing Self
From a very early age I have been interested in helping others. I watched my grandmother gather from the garden creating things that made us well and through the power of touch helped us to feel better. I learned from her just how valuable the power of touch was and still is today.
Throughout a 40 year career in healthcare management, I saw a need for "something more". Yearning to help in a different way, I found myself opening the doors of Balancing Self. At Balancing Self, we look for the alternatives to help our bodies help themselves. We do this through PEMF, Red Light, Reiki, BrainTap and Vibro Acoustic sessions. We look for the natural and holistic ways to feel better. We can help clients manage pain, balance mood stability, skin irritations and so much more.
Through all my certifications, I like to be looked upon as a helper. One who assists you, the client, in discovering and owning the path that was created by you. The one you were meant for.
CERTIFICATIONS
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1994 Business Management
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2010 Professional Life Coach
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2012 Pulsed Electromagnetic Field
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2017 Meditation Teacher
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2017 Advanced Ho'oponopono Practitioner
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2018 Reiki Master
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2021 Synergistic Body Sculpting
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2022 Graduate Marketing Studies
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2023 Licensed Partner - BrainTap
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2023 Red Light
EDUCATION
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Business Administration
Miami Dade University, Miami, FL
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MS Psychology
California Coast University, Santa Ana, CA
Vienna Michaelsen MA, LPC-A
Supervised by Brittany Neece-Whallen MA, LPC-S, LMFT-S
I love the human mind, emotions, and body! My journey to becoming a counselor began when my mind disconnected from my body, leaving it unable to process and regulate emotions. After years of self-work in this area and learning how to better align my mind with my body, I’ve grown a deep passion for helping others reach a level of congruency and wholeness. I’ve personally received and walked out healing in areas I once held trauma, so I know it is available for you, too!
I earned my BA in Music Education in San Jose, CA. I have had the honor of teaching and working with adolescents and adults in the area of music, creating and perfecting along the way. I recently obtained my MA in Professional Counseling at Amberton University in Dallas, TX. Much of my work has been focused on life transitions for teens and adults.
I believe each person can achieve wholeness, and that balance is the key to mental, physical, and emotional health. Honor and compassion are core values of mine. I believe treatment plans should be coordinated on an individual basis (tailored to you and your situation) to empower you to recognize and develop your strengths and abilities so you can live an independent and fulfilling life.
I also offer groups for teens where we focus on leadership skills and how to bring mindfulness into leadership at school and teams; new moms groups for moms needing extra support in this crazy season of postpartum, and a Mindfulness Group focused on learning and engaging in group mindfulness practices.
Satara-Marie Smith MA, LPC-A
Supervised by Megan Bickel MA, LPC-S
Oh how life is a journey! Many roads and turns to choose from and ultimately intersections where a helping hand is needed. I would like to provide support as you navigate through your journey while embracing your strengths. Counseling has always felt like a natural passion for me. Since a young teenager until now as a supported wife and mother , I have been the listener for people who wanted to express themselves but had no outlet to do so. I was the helping hand in their life journey. There is no better feeling than hearing a person say “I did it, I accomplished my goal!” Coming from a goal chaser myself I understand it is our strengths and faith that leads us to accomplishing our goals.
I earned my Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from Upper Iowa University. I am a recent graduate completing my Master’s of Science in Psychology at Upper Iowa University Masters of Counseling Graduate Program.
My services are offered for adolescents and adults faced with life transitions, anxiety, depression and stress management. I also have experience with crisis situations while working as a domestic violence advocate. While on life’s journey you deserve the best version of you. Allow me to support you while discovering the best version of you
Michelle Dunaway MA, LPC-A
Supervised by
My journey to becoming a professional counselor started when I was a teenager; where I was met with the pressures of social media, comparison, and high female beauty standards. A distrust in what I saw/heard online sparked a desire in me—I craved to know more about people than what I saw through a screen. Now, I am passionate about walking alongside others in their unique situations and getting to know people on a more than surface level.
I graduated from Texas A&M University in 2019 with a B.S. in Psychology and then went on to receive my M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in the fall of 2022. Currently, I am a LPC-Associate that works mostly with adolescents and young adults; specializing in Anxiety Disorders, Eating Disorders, and Mood Disorders, with a research focus on “the effects of social media on today's youth”.
I also have experience serving clients with more severe mental disorders such as Bipolar Disorder I & II, Major Depressive Disorder, Schizophrenia, and Schizoaffective Disorders through my past work experience as a Mental Health Case Manager at the MHMR Authority of Brazos County.
I can’t wait to meet you and start on this journey toward healing together.
Samantha Lesan
Therapeutic Arts Facilitator
After studying psychology at the University of Washington, Samantha supported survivors of trauma within crisis and recovery centers in Seattle. During this time she observed that art-making was therapeutic to both survivors and to herself and found a lot of neuroscience to back it up. Art making is a wonderful visual language to process and express difficult emotions beyond words. Samantha loves hosting "Art for Healing" classes that build emotional resilience in a supportive, respectful environment. Activities include gentle guidance through various painting, drawing, mindfulness and reflective journaling exercises. No art experience necessary, all are welcome!
Stephanie “Steff” Whiston
Yoga Instructor
Stephanie’s love for holistic and wholesome health stems from years of struggling w/ an abundance of emotions and a lack of understanding of how to “grow through” the emotions versus just “getting through.” Within her practice she combines a mixture of modalities to help tune in & to regulate emotions through movement, breathwork and awareness. Steph believes that at the core. all emotions are equal. So when we can acknowledge the emotion, embrace it, then move it through the body using yoga postures & breathwork we can tap into our innate vibration which is love and peace.
Stephanie, being driven by her passion for building community & spreading all the good that comes from yoga is owner of the new and upcoming Flow Yoga studio of Georgetown.
Certifications
200 Hr Hatha yoga instructor
200 Hr Heart centered (Kundalini/Hatha) instructor
500 Hr Ayurvedic Counselor training
Teaching Styles
Hatha/Gentle
Kundalini
Senior/Chair yoga
Meditation & Breathwork