Our Staff

The ARROW Project prides itself on being an institution of continuous learning and growth in the field of counseling.  We are pleased to present our current staff of student clinicians, who come to us from a variety of institutions and with a wide array of clinical interests.

Chelsea Booker

Resident in Counseling

 Chelsea has a passion for helping others feel heard, empowered, and finding their voice and strengths among the obstacles life throws our way. Chelsea is a Resident in Counseling working towards becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). She earned her BS in Social Work from Eastern Mennonite University in 2009 and her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University in 2025. Chelsea values the importance of genuine connection and providing a nonjudgmental environment by integrating a mix of play, CBT, psychodynamic, and a person-centered approach to meet each person where they are at while promoting growth and self-worth. She has experience providing children with behavioral, emotional, social, and crisis support and has worked with adults of various backgrounds by providing them a safe space to be themselves, process difficult emotions, and learn healthy ways of coping. When Chelsea isn’t working, you can find her chasing sunsets, eating, reading, and spending time with her family and their energetic pup. She is excited to work alongside you on your life journey!

Melissa Blinn

Resident in Counseling

Melissa is a passionate advocate for individual holistic well-being and family health. She graduated from EMU with an M.A. in Counseling in 2007. For more than 20 years, she has been a dedicated employee of People Places, a nonprofit foster care, adoption, and family services agency in the Shenandoah Valley and Central VA. Melissa has worked directly with children and families, as well as behind the scenes, with a constant desire to help others. She holds a person-centered and family-centered approach as the heart of her work, with a belief in the resiliency that lies within each of us and the healing nature of healthy attachments and relationships. She utilizes mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy when working with symptoms of trauma, anxiety, and depression. When providing counseling to children, Melissa feels that incorporating parents/guardians is essential. Melissa enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, cooking (and eating) really good food, and reading.

Anna Cahill

Resident in Counseling

Anna is a dedicated and talented Resident in Counseling, working towards becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Certified Sex Offender Treatment Provider (CSOTP). Anna earned her B.S. from EMU in 2021, and her M.A. in Counseling from EMU in 2023. Her clinical work is grounded in an integrative person-centered therapeutic approach, incorporating attachment theory, a strengths-based perspective, and techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. Anna believes in the power of healthy connections and recognizing one’s strengths. She strives to provide a safe and welcoming environment for healing. In her free time, she enjoys reading fantasy novels, crocheting, and spending time with her two cats. Anna is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and can conduct the Assessment of Sexual Behavior Problems in Children (ASBPC) as well as psychosexual evaluations.

Alex Jones

Resident in Counseling

Alex is a Resident in Counseling, and also working towards becoming a Registered Play Therapist.  He went to Radford University after working for a few years in an intensive wrap-around crisis stabilization program with a CSB called KPACT, which he worked with all throughout his schooling. This helped him develop a deep passion for working with children and families and emphasized the importance of joining with people where they are, while helping them seek to better their lives. When he is not working, you will usually find him covered in grease as he works to keep his older cars on the road so he can take his dogs on new adventures!

Teresa Hinkley

Supervisee in Social Work 

Hello, my name is Teresa, I grew up in the Shenandoah Valley, and I am excited to be at ARROW Project. I earned my Associate’s degree in health sciences from Blue Ridge Community College in 2012, my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from James Madison University in 2016, and my Master’s in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2025. Dignitiy and worth of the person and social justice are the ethical principles of social work that drive my practice. I’ve been fortunate to partner with groups addressing issues of queer liberation, school-to-prison-pipeline, mass incarceration, and immigrants’ rights. My goal is to help people identify and build on their strengths and cultivate empowerment. My approach is holistic, and trauma informed. In my spare time, I enjoy learning new handy skills, upcycling furniture and making art out of trash.


Jason Moore 

Resident in Counseling

Jason is a Resident in Counseling at ARROW, with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. His past experience includes working as a graduate student outpatient therapist with Virginia Institute of Autism and Neurodevelopment in Charlottesville. Prior to his work in Charlottesville, he worked as an Intensive In-Home Clinician in Farmville, Virginia. In his free time, he enjoys reading, listening to music, hiking, watching too much TV, and spending time with family/friends.

Carissa Temerson

Virginia Commonwealth University, MSW Program

Carissa (they/them) received their B.A. in Political Science and Spanish, with a minor in Human Rights, from the University of Chicago in 2020. Since graduating, they have been working in higher education with a focus on diversity and inclusion, student support, and identity development. Carissa is passionate about working with LGBTQ clients and those who have experienced interpersonal violence or struggle with substance use. They are excited to work with the ARROW team! In their free time, Carissa enjoys puzzles, crosswords, escape rooms, cooking and baking, and spending time with their partner and cats.

Leah Keith 

Virginia Commonwealth University, MSW Program

Leah is a Social Work student at Virginia Commonwealth University. She graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work in 2025 and is now pursuing her Master’s degree with a concentration in Gender Violence Intervention. She is passionate about uplifting communities and individuals through social justice and client advocacy. Leah enjoys learning about and educating on healthy relationships and domestic violence intervention. She plans to become a licensed clinical social worker and work with clients to live healthy, joyful, and liberated lives. In her free time, Leah enjoys cooking, crocheting, and playing pickleball to unwind.

Joy Buchanan

Liberty University, MSW Program

I graduated from James Madison University with my BSW. After taking a long break, I decided to further my education, and I am currently in the process of obtaining my Master’s in Social Work. I have been employed as a medical social worker with Hospice of the Shenandoah. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and have a small goat farm. I am blessed to have the opportunity to intern at ARROW.

Justin Marshall

Pepperdine University, Master’s in Clinical Psychology

My name is Justin Marshall, and I am currently in the process of working towards my master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with Pepperdine University. Previously, I received my B.S. in Psychology from East Stroudsburg University. My mission is to empower clients and provide them with the coping skills necessary to handle any challenges in life. I value being able to give clients a space where they can share their experiences without any worry of judgment. I believe the most effective forms of treatment come from an integrative approach. In my personal time, I enjoy reading, getting out into nature, and watching sports.

Morghan Luck

Pepperdine University, Master’s in Clinical Psychology 

My name is Morghan, and I am currently enrolled in Pepperdine University’s online psychology program to become an LPC! I have clinical experience working with children and adolescents with future dreams of becoming a licensed clinical psychologist. I enjoy spending time outside, eating good food, reading, and listening to music. I am blessed to have this opportunity to further my clinical experience.

Sarah Bienstock

Pepperdine University, Master’s in Clinical Psychology

Sarah is currently pursuing her Master’s in Clinical Psychology in Pepperdine University’s Graduate School for Education and Psychology. She received her B.A. in Psychology from University at Buffalo. She has prior experience working with children, families, couples and women in a similar field and intends to carry over her passion for helping others to the therapeutic setting. Sarah strives to provide a nonjudgmental and understanding space by using an integrative approach adapted to each unique individual in support of their mental health journey whether their goal is to manage trauma, anxiety, depression, life events and daily life stressors. In her free time, she loves to sing, read and listen to books, attend concerts and spend quality time with her family.

Abby Shirkey

Eastern Mennonite University, CMHC Program

Abby (they/them) received a B.A. in Anthropology from James Madison University many years ago. Working at Western State Hospital in Staunton, combined with ah lifetime passion for understanding others and listening to their stories, drew Abby to the counseling profession. Most important to Abby is creating a safe, nonjudgmental, and accepting space in which a collaborative and growth-oriented relationship can be formed. Abby works from an integrative approach, drawing particularly from experiential, existential, psychodynamic, and humanist modalities. They are an advocate for the Neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ communities. When not at work or in class, Abby loves to spend time snuggling their 6 cats, watching their favorite online streamers, and performing in local theatre and film productions.

Jo Dicus

Eastern Mennonite University, CMHC Program

Jo (she/they/any) is a Master of Arts in Counseling student at Eastern Mennonite University. She graduated from Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee in 2020 with a degree in psychological science. Since then, Jo has collected work experience in psychiatric and social work settings across various populations from rural Tennessee to Northern Virginia. Jo believes that each client isa wonderfully unique, vastly complex, and inherently valuable individual. Jo values helping individuals and communities by meeting people where they are, justly and nonjudgmentally.

Christie Wojciechowski

Eastern Mennonite University, CMHC Program

Christie (she/her/hers) received her B.S. in Psychology from James Madison University. She stayed in the area after falling in love with the Shenandoah Valley, where she joined EMU’s Counseling program. While in the early stages of her clinical experience, she is deeply committed to advocacy and providing her clients with a compassionate, supportive and empowering space. Her focus is providing clients with the tools and support they need to heal from trauma, and take meaningful steps toward their goals. In her free time, she enjoys watching movies, baking, and hiking with her dog, Winnie.

Clarissa Frederick

Resident in Counseling

Clarissa Frederick completed her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Eastern Mennonite University in May 2025. She has a person-centered approach and believes that a strong therapeutic relationship is vital to the counseling process. She graduated from Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Indiana in 2015. After several years in the education and social work field, she returned to school to further her education in the counseling field. She moved from Northwest Indiana to Staunton, and is happy to be a part of the community. During her personal time, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and dog Kinder. She also enjoys thrifting, gardening, and reading. She is looking forward to being a part of the ARROW Project community.

Julian Hunter

Bellevue University, CMHC Program

Julian is an M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling student at Bellevue University. He received a B.A. in Psychology from New College of Florida in 2020, but his passion for counseling extends further back. Ever since learning about the field of counseling back in grade school, he’s been dedicated to accomplishing that goal. Within the office, Julian sets a judgment-free zone, encouraging a therapeutic connection where the client controls the pace of counseling. Julian has worked with several groups of people, ranging from children to memory-care patients, and enjoys adapting to the unique needs of clients. During downtime, Julian loves reading, writing, and otherwise engaging in the vast number of stories available.

Vanessa Morris

Mary Baldwin University, Social Work Undergraduate 

Vanessa is currently a Senior at Mary Baldwin University and is expected to receive her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work with minors in Psychology and Sociology at the end of the Fall semester in December ’25. Her future plans consist of attending Liberty University in the Spring ’26 semester to receive her Master’s Degree in Social Work or Counseling. She holds a certification as a Substance Abuse Counselor along with being a certified SafeTALK Suicide Prevention Specialist. She creates an environment for individuals to feel safe and share their situation whatever that may be. She is determined to help them find a solution and with the position as an intern at ARROW, she strives to find the perfect fit for each client’s counseling sessions needs. In her leisure time, she enjoys spending time with her loved ones, praying, reading and studying her Bible, gardening, outdoor activities, and being in the mountains in some capacity. She is honored to be able to be a part of the ARROW Project as an intern. She looks forward to all that she will learn, how she will grow, and witnessing the betterment of each individual that she will have the opportunity to help in some way.

Lily Schumacher 

James Madison University, Psychology Undergraduate 

Lily is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at James Madison University, with plans to graduate in the spring of 2026. After earning her degree, she hopes to continue her education in a graduate program specializing in clinical psychology. Passionate about supporting others, she spends much of her time working with individuals with disabilities, gaining experience and striving to be a steady source of support for those who need it. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors, traveling, and meeting new people.

Autumn Sissler

Bridgewater College, Psychology Undergraduate

Autumn is an intern at ARROW. She is receiving her undergraduate degree at Bridgewater College. In May 2026, she will receive her Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She is most excited about the marketing aspect and learning how to organize community events at ARROW. In her free time, she enjoys going to the gym, hanging with friends, and helping take care of her nieces and nephews.

Lauren Granfield

Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) Trainee

Lauren Granfield (she/her) is a recent Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) Trainee and a full time Forensic Administrative Coordinator in the Psychology Department at Western State Hospital. She is fervidly enthusiastic about supporting mental health in a way that empowers people and builds resilience, and she aims to mitigate the effects of trauma and acute crisis on people when remediation is not possible, through a compassionate, person-centered approach.Lauren is currently pursuing a Master of Healthcare Administration and holds a Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Services from Western Governors University. She is a Certified Trauma Support Specialist (CTSS) and anticipates earning additional certification through the American Institute of Healthcare Professionals (AIHCP) as a Crisis Intervention Counselor – Certified Specialist (CIC-CSp) in July 2025. Lauren keeps her heart active by volunteering in the Staunton/Shenandoah Valley community with Blue Ridge CASA for Children and the Magnolia Rose shelter for women, and keeps her mind active by writing verbose short fiction and poetry. She relishes her opportunities to explore the beaches, museums and restaurants of the world with her husband Tom and their young adult children but likewise loves to lounge at home with a snack and a good book or catch a snooze. Lauren is excited to start this new chapter of learning and service and is eager to help fulfill ARROW’s mission of alleviating barriers and making mental health care more accessible to everyone!