Clinical Counseling Interns
Welcome to our intern page. We are grateful to partner with these clinicians in training as they provide a valuable resource to our community. Each of these interns come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences and they add a new depth to our practice. Our counseling interns come to us from various local colleges and educational backgrounds. All interns are fully insured and are approved by the State of Missouri to provide counseling services under the direct supervision of a licensed therapist. Feel free to let us know if you are interested in starting counseling sessions with one of our interns. You can reach out to us by email located on the "Contact Us" page or click on the Forms button below to complete an registration packet.
Clinical Counseling Interns Spring & Summer 2024
Intern - Elsi Benefiel
Elsi is a Counselor-in-Training and is attending The Family Institute's Counseling Program at Northwestern University. She plans on graduating with her Master of Arts degree in Counseling with a Child Specialization in June 2024.
She previously earned her Bachelors of Arts degree in Fine Arts and has volunteered at several non-profit organizations in the fields of art, child education, and mental health.
Elsi views her clients through a holistic lens with a positive approach. She also brings her passion to help others and wants to provide a space to process and support the client in their personal goals and challenges.
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Intern - Alexa Gambino
In a session with me, my focus will be on developing a deep understanding of your experience and fostering the kind of therapeutic relationship where you feel empowered to be your fullest self. I believe that you are the expert on your own life and acknowledge that sometimes we all need support to live and thrive.
I view my role as being a part of your support system. What we do together in a session will be based on what is most helpful and meaningful to you. My influences include attachment theory, body-based practices, and nervous system-informed care.
I am currently working to complete a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Concordia University Irvine, and I will be graduating in August 2024.
Intern - Megan Huddle
I obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Community Psychology from St. Cloud State, and I am currently working toward completing my master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Walden University. I will graduate at the end of this year.
I hope to cultivate a safe space for individuals to bring in their worries, trauma, and concerns so they feel heard and valued. While working collaboratively, we can pinpoint areas you would like to work on and/or get relief from.
I will be using a combination of CBT & DBT to target unhelpful thoughts and behaviors that are unhelpful. With these approaches, we can work together to identify core beliefs and use psychoeducation to teach various skills so that you can be successful in managing your thoughts, everyday emotions, and life struggles.
Intern - Dawn Davis
Dawn is currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health counseling at Walden University and graduates in August of 2024 with a concentration in trauma and crisis. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Phoenix University.
Dawn will use a person-centered approach in counseling to help her clients achieve healing and personal growth. She will work to create a safe place and work collaboratively with her clients. She will also utilize transpersonal therapy to include mindfulness to help her clients focus on overall wellness and create meaning in their lives.
Intern - Shelly Maledy-Martin
Shelly is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Walden University and graduates in November of 2024 with a focus in anxiety and depression. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Art from College of the Ozarks and a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education from Drury University. She holds teaching certifications in K-12 Art and Gifted education in Missouri and Arkansas and has taught for over 20 years.
Shelly uses a person-centered approach with her clients to assist them with identifying, understanding, and working through difficult emotions and behaviors to live a healthier and happier life. Shelly will incorporate her experience as an educator to connect with her clients using various methods like mindfulness, meditation, art, and rational behavior theory to help her clients develop a more balanced and meaningful life.