About Us

Finding Inspiration in Every Turn

At Playful Minds Counseling, we care about you and the path you are on. Sometimes the journey can be stressful and unpredictable and we are there to guide you, helping you on finding the path that is right for you.

Our Story

Mr. Jeffrey Smith and Mrs. Stefanie Smith started Playful Minds Counseling, PLLC in August of 2022 to serve children and adolescents. They had a desire to serve a population that they felt were under served. They quickly realized there was a far greater need and expanded to serve all ages. Since then they have expanded and offer services for ages 3 and up.

Meet The Team

Jeffrey Smith, MS, NCC, LCMHC-QS

Owner

My name is Jeffrey Smith, and I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. I am retired Army having served twenty-years, with most of those in the Special Operations community. I retired in 2013, graduated in 2015 with my bachelor’s degree in psychology and then in 2018 I received my master’s in clinical mental health counseling. I am a certified play therapist, and my passion is working with young children, giving them a voice and helping them with their challenges. There is often a disconnect between adults and children and my job is to help bridge that gap. There are many advantages of play therapy. Children learn better ways to communicate, they learn self-control and self-direction, they are taught a way to express their feelings responsibly, and how to be creative and resourceful in confronting their problems, to name a few. Play is the child’s language and toys are their words.

Jakelia Flowers' Hampton, MSW, LCSW, LCASA

My name is Jakelia Flowers’ Hampton, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist Associate (LCAS-A). I graduated in 2016 with my bachelor of social work degree (BSW); in 2017, I obtained my Master of social work degree (MSW). I am a rostered trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapist, and my
passion is working with children, adolescents, and adults. I strive to be an advocate for my clients and, display patience with the process of treatment. I believe that I am obligated to build a safe, and secure relationship with all clients. The overall goal is for me to provide empowerment to all clients on their path to achieving their goals.

Nancy Tillman, MSW, LCSWA

My name is Nancy Tillman and I am a licensed clinical social worker associate (LCSW-A). In May of 2008 , I received my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Fayetteville State University. I graduated from Our Lady of the Lake University with a Master Of Social Work in July of 2019. I received my provisional license for social work in October 2019. I have a background in completed Clinical Assessments and doing treatment plans. I have worked with adults, elderly, children, and teens. I have knowledge in grief and loss, anxiety, anger management, and depression.

KeTara Robinson, MSW, LCSWA

My name is KeTara Robinson and I am an LCSWA specializing in various areas, including working with children, families, individuals with ADHD, and adolescents struggling with depression. She also offers support for those experiencing anxiety and couples and families facing conflict. KeTara's main goal is to establish a safe and supportive environment for individuals to process their thoughts and emotions. She is dedicated to providing evidence-based therapies and interventions, such as play therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, tailored to each individual's unique needs. My approach aims to help individuals build healthier relationships, manage stress, and navigate life's challenges, ultimately working towards creating a brighter future.

Stefanie Smith, MS, NCC, LCMHCA
Owner

My name is Stefanie Smith. I recently graduated from Walden University with my Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health counseling. I am newly licensed in North Carolina and accepting new patients. As the mother of three special needs children, my passion lies in working with parents of special needs children. I understand the struggles and challenges that come with raising children with special needs or fragile medical conditions. I know how isolating it can feel. I want to be a calm in what can feel like a terrible storm, letting you know you are not alone.

LaToria Ingram, MA, LCMHCA

My name is LaToria Ingram. I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate. I obtained my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Fayetteville State University and Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. I am a compassionate counselor with experience working with adolescents, youth, adults, and families in various settings, including schools and homes. I use a variety of evidence-based techniques, such as Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Expressive Arts Therapy, and Play-based modalities, which aim to support the journey of self-discovery and healing. Also, I am informed by the principles of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), enabling me to address trauma-related issues with sensitivity and skill. I believe that "growth is a process," and I am dedicated to providing the safe space needed to achieve empowerment and well-being.

About Us

Our Story

Meet The Team

Stefanie Smith, MS, NCC, LCMHCA Owner

LaToria Ingram, MA, LCMHCA

Stefanie Smith, MS, NCC, LCMHCA
Owner