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.
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
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