Meet Our

Calm Cultivators

Olivia Higdon, LCMHCA

Licensed Counselor

Olivia Higdon is a Board Certified Music Therapist and Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate who works with older teens and adults in North Carolina. She helps perfectionists and high-achievers who are tired of chasing “enough” and never quite getting there. Olivia’s approach is grounded in curiosity, empathy, and humility, and she creates a space that is nonjudgmental and affirming. She blends humanistic, trauma-informed care with approaches such as Gestalt theory, Internal Family Systems, and Person-Centered therapy. With experience in anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions, she supports clients in moving from self-doubt and burnout toward aligned action and self-trust. Olivia believes that you are the expert on your own life and works alongside you to support meaningful and sustainable change.

Leslie Newsome, LCMHCA

Licensed Counselor

Leslie Newsome is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate who supports adults navigating life transitions, identity exploration, and moments of uncertainty. Her work focuses on helping clients explore questions of purpose and meaning, especially during experiences such as divorce, midlife changes, grief, and loss. Leslie takes a collaborative and person-centered approach, grounded in compassion, empathy, and respect for each person’s unique story. She incorporates creative and somatic practices such as expressive arts, mindfulness, and breath work to support self-awareness and emotional regulation. With a background in the arts and yoga, she brings a thoughtful and holistic perspective to her work. Leslie provides a warm and inclusive space where clients can explore their experiences and move toward clarity and self-compassion.

Ashley Carter, LCMHCA, NCC

Licensed Counselor

Ashley Carter is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate and National Certified Counselor who provides therapy for older teens, couples, and adults. She brings empathy and understanding to her work and recognizes the daily challenges people experience. Ashley uses a person-centered approach and places strong value on the client-therapist relationship as the foundation of effective therapy. She works with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, and grief, and has a passion for supporting women through fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum. Ashley is also trained in SYMBIS and enjoys working with couples who want to deepen their relationships and build greater intimacy. She creates a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients can explore challenges and work toward healing and growth.

Jaime Moreland, LCSWA

Licensed Counselor

Jaime Moreland is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate who provides therapy in Winston-Salem and across North Carolina. She brings experience from school, medical, and private practice settings and approaches her work with a strong focus on authentic, therapeutic relationships. Jaime creates a warm, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel seen, heard, and supported. Her approach is trauma-informed and grounded in evidence-based practices, with an emphasis on empathy and collaboration. She works with individuals navigating anxiety, grief, life transitions, and trauma. Jaime is passionate about helping clients access their strengths and move toward healing, self-discovery, and meaningful change.

Kadesha Thompson, LCMHCA

Licensed Counselor

Kadesha Thompson is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate who works with children, adolescents, adults, and couples. She takes a person-centered, behavioral approach and supports clients navigating concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma and interpersonal relationships. Kadesha is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and integrates a range of therapeutic approaches to support growth and healing. Her work focuses on helping clients develop practical skills to enhance their mental and emotional well-being. With experience as a foster parent and community volunteer, she brings a broad and compassionate perspective to her work. Kadesha values collaboration and works alongside clients to help them reach their goals.

Lydia Fink, LCMHCA

Licensed Counselor

Lydia Fink is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate who provides counseling both in person and virtually across North Carolina. She has experience working in nonprofit and university counseling settings and supports older teens, emerging adults, and adults through life transitions and personal growth. Lydia is dedicated to meeting clients exactly where they are and creating a space where they feel seen, supported, and understood. Her approach is rooted in curiosity, humility, and a commitment to understanding each person’s unique needs. She blends evidence-based practices with a down-to-earth and trauma-informed approach to support healing and self-discovery. Lydia is especially passionate about working with individuals navigating anxiety, trauma, identity, and life changes.

Natalie Jewell, LCMHC

Licensed Counselor | Lead Clinician

Natalie Jewell is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor who works with older teens and adults navigating life’s challenges. After spending over a decade in education, she transitioned into the mental health field and has worked in private practice since completing her degree in 2021. Natalie uses a variety of approaches including CBT, solution focused therapy, mindfulness, and certified in DBT to meet clients where they are. She is passionate about helping individuals build resilience and find support as they move through difficult experiences. Natalie focuses on creating a therapeutic relationship that fosters growth, peace, and hope. She works alongside clients to help them reach their goals and thrive.

Elizabeth Sanchez, LCSWA

Licensed Counselor

Elizabeth Sanchez is a Licensed Clinical Social Work Associate who provides virtual therapy for teens, adults, families, and couples. She has a diverse background in social work, including roles in hospice, medical settings, child welfare, and school-based mental health. Elizabeth specializes in grief counseling and supports clients navigating loss, life transitions, and emotional challenges. She is also trained in the Gottman-based program “Loving Couples, Loving Children” and enjoys helping couples strengthen their relationships. Her approach is client centered, trauma informed, and grounded in compassion and collaboration. Elizabeth is passionate about helping individuals build confidence, develop healthy relationships, and move toward healing and growth.

Kirby Jones, LCMHCA

Licensed Counselor

Kirby Jones is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate who provides counseling in Winston-Salem and across North Carolina. She completed her graduate training at Wake Forest University’s dual Counseling and Divinity programs and has experience working with children, adolescents, and young adults. Kirby is passionate about helping clients re-author limiting stories and move toward growth and healing. She takes a person-centered approach and integrates evidence-based practices such as EMDR, ACT, and Internal Family Systems. Her work often focuses on identity, life transitions, neurodiversity, and religious trauma and deconstruction. Kirby creates a warm and nonjudgmental space where clients can explore their experiences and feel supported in their healing process.

Stephen McCullough, PsyD

Licensed Psychologist | Clinical Supervisor

Stephen McCullough is a Licensed Psychologist with over 25 years of experience providing psychological testing and psychotherapy. He works with children, adolescents, families, and adults navigating a variety of challenges related to home, school, work, and relationships. Stephen provides comprehensive psychological evaluations, including testing for ADHD, learning disorders, and differential diagnosis. He also offers therapy for individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, and behavioral concerns. His approach is flexible and may include conversation, play-based techniques, mindfulness, and other supportive methods to help clients reach their goals. Stephen is passionate about supporting families and helping parents make decisions that best support their children.

Sara Hepler, LCMHCS

Founder | Executive Director

Sara Hepler is the Founder and Executive Director of Camel City Counseling and a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor. She has over two decades of experience working with teens, families, and adults navigating trauma, loss, and life transitions. Sara founded the practice in 2019 with the vision of creating a supportive and sustainable space for both clients and clinicians. She provides clinical supervision, professional training, and consulting for mental health providers across the country. Sara also continues to work with a small group of clients who are motivated to create meaningful change in their lives. Her work is grounded in connection, resilience, and a deep commitment to growth and healing.

Matthew Towner, Intern

Clinical Mental Health Intern

Matt Towner is a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Wake Forest University with a background in accounting and a thoughtful, analytical approach to counseling. He is passionate about creating a supportive and collaborative environment where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered to make meaningful change. Matt is especially interested in working with adolescents and adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use concerns, and life transitions. His work incorporates evidence-based approaches such as CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing to support each client’s unique needs.

Meet the calm cultivators behind the scenes

The Administrative Team

Mark Jose

Healthcare Assistant

Mark Jose supports clients and staff with intake, scheduling, and billing questions. He has a background in psychology and experience in guidance counseling and psychometric testing.

Mayce McCreery

Practice Administrator

As the Practice Administrator at Camel City Counseling, Mayce oversees the day-to-day operations of the practice, helping ensure a smooth and organized experience for both clients and clinicians.