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

Founded in August of 2022, Jeffrey and Stefanie Smith set out to serve a population they felt was underserved, young children and adolescents. They quickly realized the need for comprehensive mental health care was much bigger, and expanded so they were able to provide services to children, ages 3 and up, adolescents, and adults.

Jeffrey Smith, MS, NCC, LCMHCS

Owner/Certified Play Therapist

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 graduated in 2018 with 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. I also offer clinical mental health counselor supervision for associate lever clinicians.

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.

My name is Stefanie Smith. I graduated from Walden University in November 2025 with my Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I am accepting new patients. I have worked with all ages, but love working with children and adolescents. I am a mother to three special needs children, and I feel passionately about working with families of special needs children.

Stefanie Smith, MS, LCMHCA
Owner/Therapist

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.

Nancy Tillman, MSW, LCSWA

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.

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.

Brittany Isaac, MSW, LCSWA

Dominic James, MSW, LCSWA

I’m Brittany Isaac, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate. I earned my Bachelor of Public Health from Benedict College in December 2013 and my Master of Social Work from Fayetteville State University in May 2024. With over ten years of experience working with children and families, I understand that every person’s journey is unique. My approach is rooted in meeting you where you are, while working collaboratively to support your goals and overall well-being. I utilize an integrative therapeutic approach that includes cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, child-centered techniques, and trauma-informed care. Creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space is at the heart of my work. I believe healing begins when you feel heard, understood, and empowered to express your thoughts and emotions freely.

My name is Dominic James and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA). In May of 2012, I received my Bachelors of Science in Psychology from Fayetteville State University. I graduated from North Carolina Central University with a Masters of Social Work (MSW) with a concentration in children and family practice. I received my provisional license for social work in November 2015. I have worked with adults, children, elderly and teens. I use a variety of evidence based therapies and interventions that would include cognitive behavioral therapy and play therapy. I have knowledge in anger management, depression, and anxiety. I strive to instill a sense of hope and guidance within my clients by providing a self and positive environment where the client can focus on being the best version of themselves that they can be.