STAFF & THERAPISTS
Amy Blackwell
Executive Director
Amy Blackwell is the Executive Director at Compassion Counseling, has a Bachelor’s in Business with a specialization in leadership and Management and Leadership, and stands as a certified professional committed to advancing mental health. Amy holds certifications as a Family Support Specialist in Tennessee, a Family Peer Specialist nationally, and a Trauma Support Specialist certified by the Trauma Institute International. Her exemplary contributions were acknowledged as a recipient of Reclaiming Children’s Award from the National Federation of Families in 2021.
Amy’s journey is not just a professional one; it’s a personal born out of love, experience, and an unwavering commitment to fostering compassionate understanding around mental health issues. As the Executive Director at Compassion Counseling, Amy continues to lead with empathy, dedication, and a vision for a future where mental health challenges are met with understanding, support, and healing.
Amy Jackson, LPC
Therapist
Amy grew up in Southwest Virginia and traveled to various parts of the country as an adult before deciding to follow her passion in mental health. She graduated from Maryville College with a BA in Psychology in 2006. She then earned her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of the Cumberlands in 2021. She is a Licenced Professional Counselor. She has 18 years of experience working with individuals with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and Borderline Personality Disorder. She is trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy. She has the most experience working with adults, ages 25 and older. Amy follows a person-centered and holistic approach but uses various interventions from other approaches as needed during the therapeutic process. She has a passion for empowering individuals from all cultures to find their own strengths, resiliency, and sense of well-being.
Cait McMahan, NCC
Therapist
Cait McMahan, was born and raised in Blount County, Tennessee, is a distinguished former collegiate athlete and passionate mental health counselor. Growing up in Blount County, Cait attended Eagleton Elementary and Middle School, followed by Heritage High School, where she was actively involved in sports. Her athleticism led to an exciting opportunity to play basketball at the collegiate level, ultimately becoming a two-time National Champion under the esteemed coaching of Pat Summitt.
Cait earned her bachelor’s degree in communications from The University of Tennessee and later pursued a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Lincoln Memorial University. Following her academic achievements, Cait ventured into a career in music, spending four years DJing for ESPN’s College Football Program.
While Cait enjoyed her time in the music industry, she found her true passion in helping others achieve a better quality of life. This realization led her to further her education and transition into counseling, where she now focuses on supporting individuals in overcoming life’s challenges and finding balance.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Cait enjoys hiking, camping, traveling, gardening, and spending time with her family, two cats, and her Cane Corso.
Matthew moved to Tennessee from Phoenix, AZ in Early 2016. He has been married to his wife for 17 years and has 2 adult children living in different states. he received his BSW from Northern Arizona University. He loves helping veterans and does Volunteer work for Mission 22, Stop Soldier Suicide and the Valhalla Project. Matthew has been at Compassion Counseling for 2 years.
Suzanne Stratton, LCSW
Clinical Supervisor
Over the past 26 years, Suzanne has worked with children, families, and the elderly In hospital, home, and school settings. Now she serves as Compassion Counseling’s Clinical Supervisor. She has both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in social work from the University of Tennessee. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has a School Social Work Certification. Suzanne has served in leadership capacities as President of the Tennessee Association of School Social Workers and Knox Branch Chair of the National Association of Social Workers. She is passionate about providing quality services to clients and the mission of Compassion Counseling.
Felix is a dedicated professional with a diverse background and holds a degree in pharmacy from National University College in Puerto Rico. Married father of three boys, he brings a nurturing and empathetic approach to his work in healthcare and pharmaceutical sciences. Felix is a retired baseball player who spent 13 seasons in the Puerto Rico Professional Baseball League. After his playing career, he coached youth baseball and high school for 20 years, showcasing his leadership and ability to inspire young athletes. He also has experience working with special needs children, reflecting his commitment to inclusivity and specialized education. Felix is fluent in both English and Spanish, which has enhanced his ability to communicate and build relationships in diverse settings. With experience in sports, education, healthcare, and administration, he is a well-rounded professional with a proven track record. His dedication to his family, work, and community highlights his qualities as a compassionate leader.
Madeline Cunningham
MSSW Intern
Maddie, from Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, is completing her MSSW at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. With a focus on trauma-informed care, Maddie is also earning a Trauma Treatment Certificate. Her academic foundation includes a Bachelor of Arts in Development Psychology, with a concentration in Child Trauma and Resilience, from Maryville College, where she also minored in Deaf and Sign Language Studies. Maddie’s previous hands-on experience include field placements with Covenant Health Homecare and Hospice and Harmony Family Center’s Equine Therapy Program, where she gained valuable skills in assessment, therapy techniques, and trauma-informed interventions. At Compassion Counseling, Maddie is passionate about utilizing evidence-based practices to empower her clients and support thier emotional well-being. Maddie is looking forward to continuing her journey in clinical social work, helping individuals heal from trauma and achieve their mental health goals.
Alexa Clarke
MSSW Intern
Alexa is a compassionate therapist based in Knoxville, Tennessee. Originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she moved to Knoxville in 2020 to pursue a career in mental health. Alexa earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 2022, and is currently working toward completing her master’s in clinical social work at the same institution.
Alexa provides therapy to both adults and children, utilizing a trauma-informed approach that fosters a safe and supportive environment for healing. Her practice is centered on building resilience and developing coping strategies tailored to everyone’s unique needs. With a compassionate and collaborative approach, Alexa is committed to guiding her clients through life’s challenges and helping them achieve lasting growth.
In her free time, Alexa enjoys traveling, boxing, and reading, which further enriches her perspective and personal growth.
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