Meet Our Team
Cardinal counselors are highly educated, trained in evidence-based practices by industry experts, and committed to integrating client feedback in every session to make sure we stay on track towards your goals.
Tara V. DeJohn, Counselor
Hello! In over three decades of being a social worker, I have become great at providing a gentle, judgment-free listening space to travel with clients as they work through “the big stuff.” Anxiety, grief, trauma recovery. Chronic illness and end of life issues. Navigating medical and legal systems so that we can all be empowered. I also have empathy and a huge soft spot in my heart for those navigating intersectional identities.
James Evans-Hammond, Counselor
Hello! I work with all adults who are seeking change or just a lighter stress load to be able to achieve their version of the “good life.” I provide accepting and affirming counsel to my clients. I believe that all of us have the ability to make our lives better, but sometimes we need to be able to talk with someone who will listen and encourage without judgment. I have a diverse background and I have worked with people from all walks-of-life. We are all on our own unique journey and that we have our own unique needs when it comes to receiving therapy. You, as my client, will receive your own individual plan to achieve your desired outcomes.
Farida Hamza, Intern
Hello! I have joined Cardinal as a graduate intern completing my master’s degree at UCA. If you need therapy, but you know you can’t afford someone’s full rate, meeting with an intern may be a good choice. I have already accrued experience working with college students and adults on anxiety, depression and social issues. I am also supervised by the other wonderful Cardinal counselors!
Crystal Hart, Counselor
Hi! I work with kids, teens, adults, and couples. Life isn’t easy, and nobody is perfect. But you deserve to accept “you as you,” and not some facsimile of what today’s societal norms tell you to be. I would be honored to hold space as you get reacquainted with your inner voice and your true direction in life.
Marissa Marlin, Counselor
Hi! I work with teens and adults in individual therapy. I truly believe that you know yourself best, and that deserves to be honored. If you are walking a difficult path, or feeling stuck at a crossroads, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Get comfortable, take off your shoes, and let’s work together to find your most authentic self!
Nancy Mitchell, APRN
Hello! After a long career as a teacher and nurse, I completed my nursing education to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner. It has been exciting to add medication management services to the supportive psychotherapy I’ve been doing all along. I view myself as a partner and collaborator on your quest for wholeness, and I believe all people deserve skilled care regardless of who they are.
Luanne Nelson, Counselor
Hello! I work with adults and I can assist you in uncovering the ways you have gotten distracted from your most authentic values. After we do this, we will build and execute a plan for committed action in the right direction. You are worthy of a life filled with joy and meaning!
Rachel Pinto, Owner
As the owner and leader of Cardinal Counseling, I keep us focused on our central values: to journey with people in the change they seek, and to keep their voice central to all we do. We are honored that this focus enables us to empower those who have been hurt and overlooked in our society. We are here for you.
Beth Simpson, Intern
Hey there! I’m an artist and art therapist who’s passionate about what I do! I work with kids, teens, and adults in individual or family therapy. I’ve joined the Cardinal team as an intern as I finish my master’s degree in art psychotherapy. Art therapy is perfect for those hard-to-talk-about topics, it’s for great for all ages, and no, you don’t have to consider yourself an artist to experience the amazing healing benefits of art therapy.
Kirsten Sowell, Counselor
Hey! I work with kids, teens, and adults in individual and family therapy. I am a natural-born helper who sees the good in everyone I meet, and I can offer perceptive yet gentle partnership as you heal and adjust course. I also really love rainbows. No, like. Really, really. They’re all over my office.
Susan Warren, Counselor
Hi! I work with people of all ages who can feel overwhelmed by things that other people seem to handle easily. I believe that we need to take a holistic view of your struggles, looking at personal responsibility as well as the ways the systems in your life have marred your true self. Let’s partner for change, power and healing!