Hi, I’m Devin.
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Owner, Founder and Clinical Director of Conversation Peace Wellness, LLC. But more importantly, I’m someone who deeply believes in people—their ability to heal, grow, and reconnect with who they truly are.
My work centers around trauma recovery, high-functioning anxiety, and navigating the kind of life transitions that can feel overwhelming, even when everything on the outside looks “fine.” I have a passion for working with women, teens, young adults, couples and families—especially those who are carrying a lot quietly while trying to hold everything together. If you’re used to being the strong one, the responsible one, or the one who doesn’t always feel fully seen or understood… you’re not alone. And you don’t have to keep doing it that way.
With over 20 years in clinical social work, I’ve walked alongside children, teens, and adults through experiences of trauma, family stress, relationship challenges, parenting, emotional overwhelm, and major life changes. My background spans child welfare, schools, acute crisis work, and clinical settings, which allows me to see the full picture—not just symptoms, but the story behind them.
My approach is relational, down-to-earth, and deeply rooted in trauma-informed care. I integrate modalities like attachment-based work, resilience building, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (T-CBT), Relational Life Therapy (RLT), NeuroAffective Relational Model, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Somatic Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and family systems—but more than anything, I focus on creating a space where you feel safe enough to be real.
Because healing doesn’t happen through pressure—it happens through connection.
Outside of the therapy room, you’ll usually find me with my family, at a sporting event, traveling, out camping, or in the garden. I believe in simple moments, real connection, and the importance of caring for ourselves as whole people—mind, body, and environment.
My goal is to walk alongside you with compassion, curiosity, and honesty as you build a life that feels more grounded, more connected, and more like you.
My Story
I have extensive experience in the child welfare system, working with cases involving child abuse, neglect, trauma, foster care, acute crisis hospitals, and school systems. This background has enabled me to research and provide training on trauma, life experiences, generational differences, and their impact on relationships, emotional responses, and coping mechanisms. I am deeply passionate about meeting you where you are in your life journey, offering education, and tailoring treatment to empower you in creating hope, meaningful connections, and happiness. In this journey, you are the guide, and I am here to support you as the vehicle to help you reach your goals.
Transforming mental healthcare
My office currently offers individual sessions designed to address your unique mental health needs. We also have group therapy to establish a network of support to ensure you feel connected and know you're not alone in your journey. Our electronic health records system makes managing your account simple, allowing you to request appointments, communicate, and sign necessary paperwork conveniently from your mobile phone.
Your experience matters—whether or not it fits neatly into a diagnosis.
Many people seek therapy not because something is “wrong,” but because life feels overwhelming, relationships feel strained, or something just doesn’t feel aligned. You deserve support in those moments, too.
I’ve chosen a private pay model so your care can be guided by you—not by limitations set by insurance requirements. This allows us to focus on the full picture of your life, your story, and your goals, rather than reducing your experience to a set of symptoms or a label.
Together, we create a space that is thoughtful, flexible, and deeply personalized—where healing is not rushed, and your needs are not filtered through checkboxes or timelines. Your growth, your pace, and your well-being remain at the center of the work.
This approach allows me to offer care that is comprehensive, relational, and grounded in what truly supports lasting change—because you deserve more than just meeting criteria. You deserve to feel understood, supported, and whole.
A modern approach
I completed my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Missouri State University with a speciality focus in Child and Family Development and Criminal Justice. because of my interest in human behavior. I was not sure where this journey would take me but I followed the opportunities when they were created. My journey into the mental health field started in Child Life following my undergraduate degree, where I worked closely with children who were medically fragile in a hospital setting. I learned early on how deeply our emotional health and relationships impact healing and growth. That foundation led me to a 13-year career in Child Protective Services, where I worked both in the field and as a supervisor. Those years shaped my heart and purpose—I witnessed families in crisis, children navigating trauma, and adults trying to rebuild after painful experiences. It was there that I developed a true passion for understanding human behavior and the lasting effects of attachment, trauma, and resilience. During these years is when I also pursued my Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Missouri and also earned a certification in Military Social Work.
From there, I moved into working with adults in crisis at an acute psychiatric hospital. I collaborated with psychiatrists and therapists, learning crisis intervention, medication management, and how to build treatment plans that create meaningful, fast progress. Those years gave me the confidence to handle high-intensity situations and deepened my belief that healing happens when people feel seen and safe. It was during these years that I pursued my Clinical License and began working as a fully licensed therapist.
Eventually, I accepted a position as a school-based therapist, drawn by the balance it offered after years of heavy work—and the thought of having summers off to garden sounded like a dream. I built programs from the ground up in two school districts, helping students manage anxiety, trauma, and self-esteem challenges. When one district offered me a full-time position, I accepted, but that left the other school without a licensed therapist. As I tried to find a replacement, I realized how limited mental health resources were—especially for children and families. Waitlists were long, and the need was overwhelming.
That realization became my turning point. I decided to open my own private practice to continue supporting the kids and families who needed care. I hired a private practice coach, and within six weeks, Conversation Peace Wellness, LLC was born. I began seeing clients evenings and weekends while still working full-time at the school. Word spread quickly, and within months, I knew it was time to step into private practice full time. It wasn’t until the end of the school year that this happened so it was a tough busy time during these months.
Today, I’m honored to provide therapy for clients ages 8 to 65 through individual and group sessions. My vision for Conversation Peace Wellness is to create an authentic, supportive environment—one where therapists are cared for so they can fully care for their clients. I never wanted my practice to feel rushed or impersonal like some of the systems I had worked in.
I’m currently expanding our services to include groups like Mental Health 101, Parenting for Connection, Understanding Anxiety, Teen Self-Confidence, Hormone Health & Mental Wellness and Women’s Soul Retreats. I plan to hire five to six additional therapists and possibly a nutritionist and yoga teacher part time so we can meet the growing needs of our community and bring more specialties into our space.
This journey has been full of pivots, challenges, and incredible growth. I’ve learned to listen closely to the signs that point the way forward. I truly believe that success is about alignment—when your purpose and your passion meet, everything begins to flow. Most days, I still can’t believe how far it’s come. I’m deeply grateful for the clients who trust me to walk beside them through life’s hardest moments and for the chance to create a space where healing feels possible again.
My History & Experience
FAQ’s
I don’t live near Gower, MO. Can I still get help?
If you live in the state of Missouri or Iowa online teletherapy can be an easy, convenient way to get help. Teletherapy is an option upon request and as appropriate for your needs.
What ages do you see?
I thoroughly enjoy working with young adolescents, adolescents, young adults and women of all ages. I have experience in all ages and family systems. I specialize in working with women and moms through life’s busy times.
What can I expect during my first appointment?
You’ll enter a warm , relaxing atmosphere where we can get to know each other better. After your 20-30 telehealth consultation you’ll be sent the rest of your paperwork electronically so you don’t have to waste time signing forms during our 1st meeting. We’ll complete an intake where we discuss your history, what you would like to achieve in therapy and what the process will look like. It lasts an average of 45 minutes. Once we feel established with the intake, we will get started with your first session.
Do you accept insurance?
I accept private pay. I am an out of network provider for most insurance companies. For more information on using your out of network benefits for therapy, click here. Often clients are able to use their Health Savings Account to pay for sessions and/or received out of network reimbursement from their insurance as long as you have a card to enter into the system. Upon request, I can supply you with a “super bill” so you can turn this into your insurance company quarterly for reimbursement. You will be responsible for payment upon completion of each therapy session.
How long am I going to be in therapy for?
Your therapy journey depends on your needs and progress. It can vary from person to person on how long therapy lasts. On average I tell clients to expect at least 6 months of therapy, and often a year or longer. My clients often have maintenance sessions every so often following this.
How do you accept payments?
I accept credits cards, checks and cash. All checks can be made out to Conversation Peace Wellness, LLC. Also, health savings accounts are frequently able to be used.
How do I set up an appointment with you?
