Our Team

Jennifer J. Bruening MS LCMFT, Trauma Informed Yoga Teacher
Jennifer is a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist with over 28 years of experience treating individuals, couples and families. Her areas of expertise include treating mood disorders, perinatal mental health, sexual trauma and dysfunction, healing from affairs and related betrayal, launching to adulthood, parent coaching, and mentoring leaders.
Jennifer utilizes models of care such as Mindfulness and Self Compassion, Life Span Human Development Theory, Attachment, Post Traumatic Growth, Forgiveness practices, EMDR, Sex Therapy, and Internal Family Systems. Jennifer completed her 200 hours of trauma informed yoga training in order to offer mindful movement within the context of counseling individuals and small groups. Jennifer is an approved clinical supervisor in the State of Kansas.
While Jennifer works full time as a therapist and co-owner of Forage LLC, she is a wife and mother of five children. When Jennifer is enjoying time for self care she enjoys all things experiential such as cooking with her family, gardening, hiking, quality time with dear friends, lifelong learning, and searching for vintage decor and art.

Teresa (Finlay) McDonald MS LSCSW
Teresa received her BSW from Wichita State University and MSW from Washburn University. She has practiced clinical social work in many different capacities since 2001; with the last 13 years as a private practitioner. Teresa believes in being genuine with her patients. She enjoys meeting people where they are at and allowing them to be the author of their own story. Teresa hopes to provide clients with the tools, it is up to them to decide what they do with the tools.
Teresa's areas of expertise include: perinatal mental health, trauma, mood disorders, dysfunctional relationships, life transitions, parent coaching, and grief/loss. Teresa will incorporate different treatment modalities in her practice that include Mindfulness, EMDR, Strengths Based approach, Solution Focused, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Conscious Discipline.
Through 20 years of work as a mental health professional and as a mother of 3, Teresa has found her passion in treating perinatal mental health. After realizing 13 years ago that there is no manual when you leave the hospital, Wichita needs more professionals to help women through their perinatal experiences. Teresa is passionate in serving first responders. Teresa is thankful each and every day for the hard work of first responders who help out our community. Teresa is honored to serve and walk with a first responder through their journey.
When Teresa is not either in the office or providing a taxi service for her children, you can find her outdoors in the summer and watching college basketball in the winter. Teresa and her husband are a split home…this means they cheer for the Shockers and the Jayhawks!

Chelsea Carson MS LPC
Chelsea is a licensed professional counselor who graduated from Kansas State University with her bachelor’s degree in family and human services, and from Wichita State University with her master's degree in counseling.
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Chelsea understands how difficult the first step in healing and growth can be and finds a way through her client centered approach to meet each client where they might be in that journey. She creates a safe environment where each client is able to feel heard and understood.
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Her years of experience include working with individuals from all backgrounds ranging in all ages from young children to adults as well as family systems and couples. She has a special passion for working with foster care and adopted children working through their nontraditional family system, perinatal and postpartum mothers working through motherhood, teens navigating their world, and couples striving to create a beautiful healthy marriage.
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In addition to her role as counselor, Chelsea enjoys spending time with her husband and three children. Her hobbies include all things sports, music theatre productions, board games, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Jennifer Gragg, MS LCMFT, Trauma Informed Yoga Teacher RYT-200
Jennifer is a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist with over 27 years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families. She specializes in mood disorders, infertility, grief and loss, blended family dynamics, women’s issues, and relationship challenges, including recovery from infidelity.
Her approach is integrative and personalized, drawing from Mindfulness and Self-Compassion practices, Somatic work, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She is also trained in Levels 1 and 2 of the Gottman Method for Couples Therapy.
Jennifer is trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), an evidence-based, brief therapy that helps reduce the emotional and physical distress linked to trauma, anxiety, depression, and other concerns. She has also completed a 200-hour trauma-informed yoga teacher training, which informs her holistic, mind-body approach. She facilitates yoga and somatic movement groups that support emotional expression and nervous system regulation.
Outside the therapy room, Jennifer is a devoted wife and mother who enjoys time with family and friends, exercising, reading, doting on her two dogs and two cats, and continuing her personal and professional growth.

Lauren Collins, LMSW, CEIM
Lauren is a Licensed Master Social Worker with an MSW from California State University, Long Beach. She has over 20 years of experience supporting families in a variety of settings, and her passion is maternal mental health. Lauren provides an eclectic approach to individual and group therapy to support women through the many transitions of life, especially around the complexity of motherhood.
She is a Certified Educator of Infant Massage (CEIM) and offers Sensational Baby, a five-week, evidence-based course shown to support bonding, attachment, and reduce symptoms of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). She additionally facilitates a free peer support group for moms seeking community and encouragement.
Outside of her work, Lauren and her husband homeschool their three children, which allows space for spontaneous adventures. If she doesn't have a paint brush or a spatula in her hand you may find her reading a book in the hammock or taking a walk along a nature trail. She is always up to trying something new.

Kasey Parsons, LPC Internship Student, RYT-500
Kasey is a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Internship Student from Wichita State University and a Certified Yoga Teacher with a deep commitment to helping individuals heal from trauma, manage stress, and reconnect with their inner strength. Kasey creates a compassionate and grounded space where clients can explore their emotions, find clarity, and experience lasting change. Kasey combines evidence-based therapeutic practices with somatic and mindfulness-based tools, including yoga and breathwork. This integrative approach supports the whole person.
"Whether we are working through past pain or building skills for the present, I aim to help you feel safe, grounded, and empowered. Healing is not one-size-fits-all. Whether you are looking for traditional talk therapy, body-based healing practices, or a combination, I am here to support your journey. Together, we will create a path toward calm, connection, and confidence."

David Carson, LPC Internship Student
David is an intern on the path to becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor, driven by a deep passion for helping others navigate life’s challenges and discover their strengths. With a Bachelor’s Degree in psychology from Kansas State University and a commitment to ongoing learning, David approaches counseling with curiosity, empathy, and respect for each person’s unique journey.
David has a special interest in working with men, couples, and individuals from all walks of life, creating a safe and supportive space where clients can explore their emotions, build healthier relationships, and develop tools for personal growth. His approach blends evidence-based practices with genuine connection, meeting people where they are and helping them move toward where they want to be.
Outside of his professional life, he enjoys spending time with his family. His hobbies include playing and coaching basketball, Disc Golf, Chess, and anything gaming related.
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Anna Wood, RYT-200
Anna began regularly practicing yoga after the birth of her youngest child. Looking for a means of relaxation, she decided to give yoga a try, but what she found was a new passion. After practicing yoga for a couple of years, Anna attended 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training under Gina Pasquariello at Hot Asana Yoga Studio in Wichita. She began to teach at Genesis Health Clubs in December 2020, where she has taught consistently ever since. Anna’s approach to yoga is a balance between strength and flexibility. In her Vinyasa practice, you can expect to breathe, move and build confidence.
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Valerie Cizek, LMT, MFR
Valerie grew-up in San Francisco and graduated from the San Francisco School of Massage & Bodywork in 2017. Her specialty is working with people who have chronic pain and tension using The John F. Barnes Myofascial Release Approach.
She discovered Myofascial Release during her massage schooling, and it changed her life. In her late 20’s she had a fall and from that slipped two discs in her low back. She struggled with pain and discomfort for many years. During her first Myofascial session, "I felt tons of pressure taken off of my low back. In the moment on the table I left like I had the freedom of a 10-year-old, specifically in my low back and hips, in my body again. From that first session I knew this modality was different than anything I had received before. In a short time, I experienced profound changes in my physical body as well-as my emotional well-being and life as a whole."
In addition to her bodywork practice, she is an avid overseas traveler, has worked with children and youth in urban and rural areas, and has spent time working with the homeless. Today she enjoys riding her bike, hiking, kayaking, swimming, walking her dog, practicing yoga and cooking.
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Visit https://www.valeriecizek.com/ to schedule and learn more.

Ellen Awe, Spiritual Director
Ellen has spent more than 35 years in education as a teacher, consultant and trainer. She is an avid reader, writer and outdoor enthusiast. She recently completed a two year training in Spiritual Direction at The Sabbath Life in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
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Spiritual Direction is the practice of making time and space to contemplate and talk about your own faith journey. It is a practice that started centuries ago when people flocked to the Desert Mothers and Fathers to find help for their souls.
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A Spiritual Director is someone who has been trained to be a listenting presence for those wanting to explore their spiritual life. Spiritual direction is not therapy or life coaching, although it can be helpful in managing the challenges of life. Spiritual directors are holy listeners and participants with you in your soul journey. Often spiritual directors ask questions rather than provide answers. Spiritual directors typically meet one time per month with directees.
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Appointments are available for the first and third Thursday afternoon. Sessions may include a brief meditation or prayer, time of silence to listen to your soul, a journal prompt, a conversation about what the directee is experiencing in his/her journey.
Visit Still Spiritual Direction on Facebook to learn more.

Krystie Pilens, RYT-200
Krystie is a Fascia & Restorative Reset Coach and "Living Yin" Lifestyle Guide, blending fascia-focused self care, restorative and yin yoga, mobility and yoga nidra to help students shift from stress to reset. Her approach invites you to come as you are and awaken within—reconnecting to your body, softening tension, and creating space for deep inner awareness.
Deeply rooted in the science and energetics of fascia, Krystie teaches how this interconnected web of tissue shapes posture, mobility, emotional resilience, and whole-body wellbeing. Through fascia-informed practices—including self-myofascial release, slow intuitive movement, restorative yoga, and grounding hot stone techniques—she helps individuals unwind chronic tension, regulate the nervous system, and gently release the emotional patterns held within the
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A Certified Yoga Teacher with a 200-hour foundation and advanced training in Yin Yoga (75 hours), Self-Myofascial Release, Breath Coaching, Hot Stone Restorative Yoga, and Yoga Nidra, Krystie integrates the principles of Yin into both practice and everyday life. Her work encourages slowing down, restoring balance, and cultivating a meaningful, embodied connection to self.
Continually expanding her knowledge, Krystie is committed to lifelong learning so she can better serve her community. Her offerings at Awaken Within include weekly classes, specialty events, and custom Self-Care Immersions—all designed to nourish the body, mind, and soul. She teaches locally in ICT studios, online, and travels to share her work beyond the Air Capital.

