LMSW

she/they

warm / grounded / curious

Hello all! My name is Sydnie Germany and am originally from La Vista, Nebraska, but I have been a proud Lawrence resident for the past 7 years! I attended the University of Kansas to earn a Bachelor’s of Psychology (2020), followed by a Master’s of Social Work (2023). I am currently a Licensed Social Worker-T here in the state of Kansas.

I have experience working with a variety of ages, but my passion is working with older teens and young adults to help them navigate all the changes and pressures life throws at you during that period of life.

I have experience with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP), Crisis Intervention, and Suicide Prevention. I am committed to creating a safe environment for clients to feel comfortable being open and honest about how they feel, and to help foster growth and healing for all.

In my free time I love spending time in nature whether that be just going on a walk around my neighborhood or planning an excursion, and I love incorporating nature into therapy! I love to paint and create things; I’m a big believer that you don’t need to be good at something to enjoy it and I apply that heavily to any art I make. I also love reading and watching horror movies with my cats and boyfriend at home.

LMSW

she/her

resilient / warm / dependable

Hi, I’m Bre, a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with experience working with children, families, and adults across the lifespan. I am passionate about supporting people as they navigate life’s challenges and discover their own strength and resilience along the way. Whether you are facing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, or a difficult life transition, my goal is to provide a safe and supportive space where you can feel heard, understood, and valued.

My approach to therapy is person-centered, trauma-informed, and solution-focused. I believe that every individual’s story and experiences are unique, and I strive to meet each person exactly where they are in their journey. Together, we can explore the challenges you’re facing, build on your existing strengths, and develop meaningful strategies to help you move toward the life you want to live.

Before becoming a therapist, I spent many years working in helping roles that focused on supporting people through difficult and complex situations. Those experiences shaped my belief that no matter how deep the trenches may feel, no one should have to face them alone. I believe that the people who seek support, continue showing up, and keep fighting for themselves are incredibly strong.

In our work together, I aim to create an environment grounded in kindness, compassion, and respect. Therapy can be a place where you feel safe to share openly, process your experiences, and find new ways to move forward with hope and confidence.

Seeking support takes courage, and I would be honored to walk alongside you in your journey toward healing, growth, and greater well-being.

LSCSW

she/her

accepting/grounded/resilient

I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship as a means of creating a safe space, being genuinely accepted for who we are, and giving the opportunity for growth and change regardless of the modality or approach we may use to get there. My passion is in really getting to know a person through active listening, not making assumptions, and creating together a plan for change that enables healing and meets their unique needs.

Walking alongside my clients as they do the hard work to overcome trauma, build resiliency, and create a life that is authentic for them is my greatest privilege. As someone who has experienced raising a family and having unexpected serious health issues that have significantly impacted my life, I have an authentic and deeply personal understanding of some of the life challenges that clients face.

I hold a Master’s degree in Social Welfare from the University of Kansas and a clinical social work license. I have practiced in a variety of therapeutic settings for the past 30 years, including schools, early childhood mental health, community mental health centers, and private practice. I worked within a nonprofit child welfare agency for 13 years supporting foster and adoptive parents and children in their care, writing adoptive home assessments, providing therapy, and doing intensive in-home work to keep families safely together.

I have experience with Crisis Intervention, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Functional Family Therapy. I believe in the healing power of the natural world and in a positive, supportive social community. I enjoy working with clients of all ages.

I love being outside in nature doing most anything and believe there is nothing better than a road trip! I look forward to connecting with you and answering any questions you may have about the therapeutic process.

Massage therapist, creative instructor

she/her

expressive / kinesthetic / sensitive

A long time ago, someone made me a funny little button that said, ‘Help me! I’m Sarah Rooney!’ So, I decided that this is my ‘meet the team’ personal introduction. It expresses both the humor and humility in being human. In being ... me.

If there was a master’s degree offered in the field, I would be a ‘Jane of All Trades’ (JAT); having enjoyed a life of creativity, curiosity, and lifelong learning. I received a BA in Intercultural Communications with a minor in Fine Arts from the University of Kansas back in the day, but I believe my unique choices and life experiences after college were, and still are, my truest education.

I currently work as the Hospice Volunteer Coordinator for Visiting Nurses Hospice. I’m also a professional massage therapist and provide massage to Hospice patients and others as a Nationally Certified Massage Therapist.

I have been an Arts and Drama Coordinator for at risk youth in both Louisville, KY and Philadelphia, PA. I’ve also taught youth art classes for the Lawrence Arts Center and was a member of the travelling children's theater troop ‘The Seem To Be Players.’

I am grateful to have had the opportunity to travel abroad where I served in the Peace Corps as a Health and Nutritionist in Niger, West Africa. I then volunteered two years on an organic farm in Northern Ireland and later worked as an environmental activist in the Czech Republic.

I am wired to want to make things: whether it’s building a deck, painting murals, designing a chicken coop, making clay puppets or dumpster diving for found art materials - my spirit needs to create! I want to invite you to create with me!

I am NOT a therapist but I enjoy facilitating creative, hands-on therapeutic art activities that help participants explore, express and externalize their inner-selves through word, color, shape, form...and laughter.

Certified Sound Healer

she/her

resilient / grounded / powerful

Hi, I’m Tori! I’m honored to share sound therapy with our community as we navigate our healing journeys together. I use Tibetan singing bowls handmade in Nepal, crystal singing bowls, and chimes to create immersive sound experiences that support relaxation, meditation, and inner peace.

My own journey with sound therapy began as a personal exploration into deeper states of meditation and has since guided me through major life changes to a beautiful place of peace.  I’m an Executive Assistant and Operations Coordinator by day and Certified Sound Practitioner by night.  I exist in two entirely different worlds simultaneously, but, ultimately, sound therapy has provided a foundation of contentment that extends to all areas of my life. If you long for this same sense of peace, it is yours for the taking: I believe sound has the ability to touch the soul in ways words often can't — helping us release, restore, and reconnect with ourselves. Whether you're new to sound healing or looking to deepen your practice, I’m here to guide your journey toward balance, clarity, and calm.

Certified Yoga Instructor

she/her

goofball / directionally challenged / creative

Kim was introduced to yoga in 2001 while working at Hallmark Cards Inc and living in Kansas City, Missouri. Since then, she has continued her interests in yoga and Eastern studies. Kim is a certified Reiki Usui Shiki Ryoho practitioner, and has certifications in Hatha Yoga and Ghosh Yoga.

Kim is also an accomplished studio artist. She is inspired by how art is made and the mental ballet needed to achieve a painting or drawing. Artists call this the intuitive creative process. In 2019 she combined her love of yoga and art and created the Yoga+Art workshop series bringing both loves together for a creative outlet that includes meditation, mindfulness and stress relief.

Certified Yoga Instructor - RYT200, RYT300

she/her

curious / a work in progress / friendly

Jennifer has been practicing yoga for over 20 years and has 200 hr. and 300 hr. teaching certificates.

She teaches hatha, flow, and gentle yoga with a centering and nourishing approach guiding students to find balance, ease, magic, and presence both on and off the mat .

05-31-2011 — 03-03-2025

Therapy Dog. Teacher. Healer.

Some souls arrive in this world with a quiet kind of magic. Shakti was one of them.

Shakti came into Raven’s life,  rescued from a rural kill shelter along the Arkansas–Tennessee border. Her litter had been found in a ditch beside their mother, who had been struck and killed on the road. A kind stranger stopped to move the dog from the roadway and discovered the tiny puppies huddled nearby, fighting to survive.

Raven drove ten hours round trip to bring one of those puppies home to Kansas.

Little did Raven know that the tiny, resilient puppy would change the course  and trajectory of her life—and the lives of countless others.

Shakti possessed an extraordinary presence. She was gentle, intuitive, and deeply attuned to the emotional worlds of the people around her. She seemed to understand suffering in a way that allowed her to meet it without fear, judgment, or hesitation. Wherever there was pain, Shakti moved toward it with quiet compassion.

Before Shakti was even one year old she became a certified therapy dog and accompanied Raven into places where comfort was needed most—hospitals, schools, university campuses, youth residential programs, and spaces where people were navigating grief, trauma, illness, and loneliness. Time and time again, Shakti showed up with an open heart…..And somehow, that was enough. It was more than enough.

Children who struggled to trust would lean into her soft fur. Young people who felt invisible would sit beside her and finally speak. Adults facing unimaginable circumstances would soften when she rested her head gently on their knee.

Shakti did not try to fix anyone. She simply offered presence, warmth, and unconditional love. In doing so, she reminded us all of something essential—that healing begins when we feel seen, safe, and accepted exactly as we are.

Her influence did not stop with the individuals she comforted. Shakti became the inspiration for the Loving Paws Animal Therapy program, helping bring therapy dogs into communities where compassion and connection were needed most. She also inspired the creation of The Shakti Place, a space dedicated to healing, creativity, mindfulness, and the belief that every person deserves to be supported on their journey toward wholeness.

On March 3, 2025, Raven held Shakti in her arms as she peacefully transitioned from this life.

The grief of losing her has been immeasurable. Some companions do not simply share our lives—they shape them. Shakti was that kind of soul.

Shakti’s spirit continues to ripple outward in the work she inspired. Every therapy dog team who visits someone in need, every moment of connection in our healing spaces, every act of compassion that grows from this work carries a piece of her legacy.

Shakti taught Raven, and everyone she met—that love does not need words to be powerful - sometimes it simply looks like a warm presence beside you, a quiet understanding, and the gentle reminder that you are not alone.

Shakti’s pawprints forever remain on Raven’s heart, and on the hearts of many.

And through healing work, her light continues to shine.

Therapy Pup

he/him

attentive / humorous / cuddly

Walter was rescued and adopted by Raven in January of 2021, and from the moment he arrived, it was clear he was a little dog with a very big personality. With his tiny body, sparse hair, and expressive face, Walter is truly one of a kind. Around here we say that Walter is a whole mood.

Walter accompanies Raven to her therapy practice and has spent the past several years visiting university students on the KU campus, offering comfort, laughter, and a welcome moment of connection during stressful days. His quirky charm, gentle presence, and undeniable sense of humor make him a favorite among the students he meets.

Walter also has a wardrobe that rivals most children and is famous for delivering a perfectly timed side-eye that leaves everyone laughing. More than anything, Walter reminds people that being unique is something to celebrate. His joyful spirit encourages others to embrace exactly who they are.

Walter’s personal motto?

“It’s a WOOO THANG!”

Instagram @WalterWoooWooo

Therapy Pup

he/him

loyal / focused / loving

Durango is a certified therapy dog with the Loving Paws Animal Therapy Assn., and an AKC Canine Good Citizen graduate who brings warmth, calm, and connection wherever he goes. Rescued by Raven at just 12 weeks old from a small rural community in the mountains of California, Durango quickly revealed his gentle spirit and natural gift for comforting others.

Today, Durango accompanies Raven to her therapy private practice, where he offers quiet companionship and full body snuggles to her clients. Durango also volunteers throughout the city of Lawrence, Douglas County, and the surrounding areas. With his bold presence and affectionate nature, Durango has a special way of helping people feel safe, seen, and supported.

When he’s not working or volunteering, Durango’s served as a mentor to his younger “brothers & sisters.” A favorite of D’s is  sitting on people’s laps (his preferred seat!). He loves trail running with his mom, serving as her copilot in the Jeep and he loves all foods that contains peanut butter.

Therapy Pup

she/her

Raven saved June from euthanasia in a high kill Oklahoma shelter in July 2025. When June arrived, she weighed barely 40 pounds and showed clear signs of a life marked by neglect and hardship. Even so, Raven immediately saw something special in her gentle spirit.

With patience, consistency, and love, June began a remarkable journey of healing and growth. She trained for and earned her AKC Canine Good Citizen certification and successfully completed the Loving Paws Animal Therapy Dog evaluations, becoming a certified therapy dog.

Today, June accompanies Raven in her private practice therapy office, where she offers a steady, grounding presence for clients. Quiet, observant, and deeply intuitive, June has a way of simply being with people—often resting nearby, offering calm companionship during difficult moments.

June is gentle and loyal, rarely taking her eyes off her mom. While she spends most of her time peacefully observing the world around her, she occasionally bursts into joyful zoomies that reveal the playful spirit she’s rediscovering in her new life.

Once a dog who knew hardship, June now lives a life full of safety, love, good meals, and belonging—and she shares that healing presence with everyone she meets.