Theodora Soublis, Ph.D.
DIRECTOR AND LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST
PSYPACT CERTIFIED
Theodora Soublis, Ph.D.
Dr. Theodora Soublis is an Atlanta native who received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Oglethorpe University. She continued on to the University of Houston receiving her Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Counseling Psychology with a specialization in child and family psychology. Following her doctoral work, she returned to Atlanta and completed her Post-Doctoral Fellowship at Emory University, School of Medicine and the Marcus Institute, now the Marcus Autism Center. In addition to her private practice, Dr. Soublis previously worked at Georgia State University as the Associate Director of Clinical Services at the Regents Center for Learning Disorders. As the Associate Director of Clinical Services, her responsibilities included evaluating college students for various learning differences and attention difficulties, supervising doctoral students, and maintaining clinical services of the center. Additionally, she previously maintained the role of a primary assessor for a long-term research project for the Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Currently, Dr. Soublis is an Adjunct Associate Professor at Emory University’s School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.
In 2017 Dr. Soublis was granted Fellow status and elected as President of Georgia Psychological Association (GPA) for the 2018-2019 term. Previously, she was the chair of the Committee on Independent Practice and was appointed by the GPA President for an extensive Task Force Project. Dr. Soublis is a long term member of Georgia Psychological Association and American Psychological Association. In addition to these memberships, she has been on the Board of Directors for the Georgia Psychological Foundation and currently serves as the Treasurer.
Dr. Soublis has extensive experience in providing individual therapy, family therapy, parent consultation, and comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations with a substantial neuropsychological component.
Scott Boice, LPC, CPCS
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
Scott Boice, LPC, CPCS
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
Scott earned his undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University Hawaii and his Masters Degree in Counseling from The University of Alabama. He has worked in various capacities in several treatment environments including serving as Executive Director at a counseling and consulting company, as a wilderness therapist in Hawaii, as Executive Clinical Director at a residential treatment center, and as a Senior Administrator and Director of Clinical Services at one of the nation’s top boarding schools.
He has presented at national and regional conferences primarily on effective parenting, burnout, communication, and attention deficit disorder.
As a therapist, Scott uses cognitive behavioral therapy, relational therapy, and other evidence-based approaches. He strongly believes in attachment-based treatment modalities and feels that making strong, healthy connections can be an anchor and foundation for people who are struggling emotionally and behaviorally. Scott has exceptional skills in providing individual, group, and family counseling to adolescents and young adults. He also enjoys working with older adults. He has extensive experience working in the areas of ADHD, effective parenting, wellness, healthy relationships, and depression and anxiety disorders.
Scott also has a broad business background that includes a career as an award-winning television journalist and a licensed investment consultant.
He and his wife Stacey are the parents of three children and five adorable grandchildren.
John Carton, Ph.D., ABPP
LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST
PSYPACT CERTIFIED
John Carton, Ph.D. ABPP
LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST, PSYPACT CERTIFIED
Dr. Carton’s training began with his undergraduate degree from Wake Forest University, where he was a Carswell Scholar, member of Phi Beta Kappa, and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a major in psychology. He then earned his doctorate in clinical psychology from Emory University, where he twice won the department’s Heilbrun Award for most outstanding clinical scholarship and earned a prestigious Dean’s Teaching Fellowship. His doctoral degree encompassed advanced training in family systems and pediatric/child therapy (including a clinical externship at Egleston Children’s Hospital; now Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta). He completed a clinical internship at Duke University Medical Center, specializing in cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical-behavior therapy, and behavioral medicine. He concluded his education with a two-year forensic clinical postdoctoral position at the Mendota Mental Health Center. After finishing the training required for licensure, he completed additional examination to become board certified by the American Board of Professional Psychology, a credential earned by less than 5% of all psychologists.
Dr. Carton has balanced both a clinical career and an academic one. He was on staff at children’s, psychiatric, and rehabilitation hospitals. He also was on the faculty at Beloit College, Emory University, and Oglethorpe University. At the latter, he was promoted to the rank of tenured Full Professor, awarded the Manning Patillo Jr. Endowed Professorship, and served as Chair of the Behavioral Sciences for over 15 years. His studies are published in leading psychological journals and cited over 2,000 times by fellow clinical researchers.
Dr. Carton and his wife have raised five children. Their older two graduated from the public schools; they home school the younger ones. He enjoys spending time with family and friends, walking his boxer dogs, and following a variety of sports. He is a former competitive swimmer, triathlete, and swim coach. In his spare time he volunteers as a research coordinator for LifeWaters, a nonprofit therapeutic SCUBA training program for veterans and first responders with spinal cord injuries. He brings a wealth of clinical and educational experience to your case.
Pearl Chang, Ph.D.
LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST
PSYPACT CERTIFIED
Pearl Chang, Ph.D.
Dr. Pearl Chang received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Emory University. She continued to Columbia University in New York City earning both the Master of Arts and Master of Education degrees. Dr. Chang also attended the University of Georgia, where she received her doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology. Dr. Chang completed her pre-doctoral work at The University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and her postdoctoral work at Cornell University.
Born and raised in Atlanta, Dr. Chang was a tenured Associate Professor in the fields of psychology and counseling until 2022 when she moved into full-time private practice. She continues to teach as an Adjunct Professor at both state and private colleges in Georgia. Her emphasis is teaching personality theories, research methodology and clinical interventions.
Dr. Chang has extensive training and experience in providing therapy for teens, young adults, and adults. She works with a multitude of disorders including complex and comorbid presenting concerns. These include, but are not limited to, disorders related to trauma, depression and anxiety. Topics frequently addressed in therapy include:
- Identity formation, personality development, self-esteem and value systems
- Phase of life adjustments, developmental and transitional issues, failure to launch
- Interpersonal and multigenerational trauma
- Family of origin concerns, attachment, divorce and separation, disconnection
- Academic concerns, college preparatory and readiness, workforce readiness and transition
- General executive functioning (attention, motivation, time management, social skills training, communication skills, etc.)
- Parent consultations
- Resiliency, flourishing, thriving
She is currently credentialed to work across state lines in PSYPACT authorized states.
Dr. Chang approaches therapy by integrating a cultural and humanistic framework. She is also trained in cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychodynamic therapy. Dr. Chang studies and incorporates elements of contemporary theories such as Positive Psychotherapy, Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy and Emotion Focused Therapy.
Nicole Hopkins, LPC
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
Nicole Hopkins, LPC
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
Nicole Hopkins is an Atlanta native and a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Georgia. Nicole earned her Bachelor’s degree from Mercer University in Macon, Georgia where she graduated Cum Laude. After working in the corporate world for several years, Nicole returned to school and earned her Master’s degree in Family Counseling from The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Nicole has over 15 years of experience and specializes in adolescent and family therapy. She has worked as an in-home family therapist, outpatient therapist, parent coach, and school counselor in a variety of settings including community based mental health, therapeutic boarding schools, independent schools, and private practice. Nicole was previously the Regional Director of a program in which she provided supervision of a team of clinicians, outpatient therapy, and parenting counseling. She also was the Director of Counseling of an independent school, which specialized in working with middle and high school boarding and day students. Nicole is currently the Middle School Counselor at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School in Atlanta, Georgia.
Whitney Kleinert, Ph.D.
TESTING PSYCHOLOGIST
Whitney Kleinert, Ph.D.
TESTING PSYCHOLOGIST
Dr. Whitney Kleinert is a contracted Testing Psychologist at Soublis Psychological Associates and the owner and clinician at Appalachian Psychological and Behavioral Services (APBS). Dr. Kleinert received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Georgia and received her Ph.D. in School Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Boston. She completed her predoctoral internship through APPIC at an alternative school for children with behavioral challenges in New Orleans, Louisiana. She completed her postdoctoral fellowship at May Institute in Massachusetts. While at May Institute, she received her BCBA-D (Board Certified Behavior Analyst – Doctoral). Dr. Kleinert was the Director of School Consultation and Regional Director of Consultation at May Institute. She oversaw a multi-million dollar contract with Boston Public Schools as well as the In-Home Behavior Services program.
Dr. Kleinert has expertise in working with neurodiverse individuals and their families, including people with ADHD and Autism. She also supports school districts, students, and their families with navigating challenging behavior, and is the Executive Director of the North Georgia Autism Foundation. She has extensive experience in conducting psychological and psychoeducational evaluations with individuals of all ages.
Camara Murphy, Psy.D.
LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST
Camara Murphy, Psy.D.
LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST
Dr. Camara Murphy earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Muhlenberg College located in Allentown, Pennsylvania. She continued on at the Georgia School of Professional Psychology in Atlanta, Georgia and earned her Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Child Clinical Psychology. Dr. Murphy completed her pre-doctoral internship at the Kennedy Krieger Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and her post-doctoral residency at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, where she specialized in pediatric and health psychology.
Dr. Murphy has extensive training in assessment and therapy with children, adolescents, young adults, and families presenting with a wide range of mental health concerns. She works with individuals and their families to increase coping of acute and chronic medical conditions and to improve quality of life and related emotional and behavioral disorders due to medical conditions such as cancer, sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, chronic pain and illness, and many others. Dr. Murphy also specializes in anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep problems, and adjustment difficulties. She utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and a skills-based approach in her work.
Dr. Murphy has experience in providing individual therapy (ages 3 – 23) and parent consultation. She takes a cognitive-behavioral and skills-based approach to help toddlers, children, adolescents, young adults, and their families learn strategies to improve functioning and well-being. She also conducts comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations with a substantial neuropsychological component.
Jayme Puff, Ph.D.
LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST
Jayme Puff, Ph.D.
LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST
Dr. Jayme Puff earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with honors from the University of Central Florida (UCF). She continued on at UCF and earned her Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Child Clinical Psychology. Dr. Puff completed her pre-doctoral internship and post-doctoral fellowship at the Yale University Child Study Center in the School of Medicine, where she specialized in working with young children and their families. She completed her Postdoctoral Residency in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Emory University. Dr. Puff has extensive training in working with children from infancy through adolescence and their families.
Dr. Puff has presented at large-scale national and international conferences, including the World Association of Infant Mental Health, the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, and the American Psychological Association. She has taught college courses in Child Development, Clinical Psychology, and Statistical Methods in Psychology. She is a certified provider of Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT).
Dr. Puff has experience in providing individual therapy (ages 3-21 years), family therapy, dyadic parent-child therapy (birth to 5 years and their caregiver), and parent consultation. She also provides comprehensive developmental evaluations for children (age 5 and under), as well as psychoeducational evaluations with a substantial neuropsychological component (ages 5-18 years).
Hannah Salus, LPC, Ed.S.
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
Hannah Salus, LPC, Ed.S.
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
Hannah received her Bachelor’s degree from Oglethorpe University with a dual major in Psychology and Sociology. Hannah continued her education at Georgia State University, where she earned her Master’s degree in Professional Counseling. Her internship was at a residential therapeutic facility where she worked with children and adolescents diagnosed with various anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, oppositional defiant disorder, and/or borderline personality disorder. In addition, Hannah has conducted group therapy supporting trauma survivors and individuals struggling with addiction. Hannah continued at Georgia State University, earning an Education Specialist degree in Professional Counseling where her research focused on the treatment of eating disorders and depression; creating an educational tool for Master’s students to perform a Mental Status Exam; and continuing her specialization in the treatment of children and adolescents.
After Hannah’s training, she continued to work with children and adolescents in other therapeutic settings. She worked as a guidance counselor in a private school where her main responsibilities included: counseling for middle and high school students, supporting teachers, and communicating with parents. Additionally, she created educational programs, provided academic and behavioral strategies, conducted parent education opportunities, and created individualized four-year plans for the enrolled middle and high school students. Hannah has also worked in private practice conducting social skills groups and running summer camps for children diagnosed with ADHD, social anxiety, and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Throughout the years, she has provided individual therapy for children and adolescents struggling with anxiety, depression, perfectionism, and academic challenges. Concurrently, she provided parent consultations to help parents learn strategies for managing their child’s social, emotional, behavioral, and academic concerns. Most recently Hannah helped facilitate the opening of a specialized private school which focused on meeting the needs of athletes and students struggling with ADHD and/or anxiety that would benefit from a condensed school day and smaller class sizes.
Hannah is compassionate and works hard to build a strong and trusting relationship with her clients, thus creating a safe therapeutic space. She understands that each client develops at their own pace and it is important to meet the client where they are at. Hannah’s diverse background has helped shape her eclectic therapeutic approach and she utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Art Therapy and techniques from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. She personalizes the counseling experience to each individual and family and frequently includes creative aspects in therapy such as therapeutic games, experiences, and art.
Katie Slusher, Psy.D.
LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST
Dr. Katie Slusher, Psy.D.
LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST
Dr. Katie Slusher graduated Summa Cum Laude from Mercer University with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She pursued graduate work at Georgia Southern University, earning a Master’s and Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology. Dr. Slusher then completed a pre-doctoral internship specializing in behavioral psychology and integrated primary care at the Munroe-Meyer Institute in Omaha, Nebraska. She returned home to Georgia to complete her post-doctoral residency at the Marcus Autism Center, Emory University School of Medicine where she completed comprehensive diagnostic assessments for autism spectrum disorders.
Dr. Slusher has wide-ranging experience working with a variety of individuals from toddlers to adults. She specializes in developing behavioral approaches and strategies to address specific concerns such as behavioral challenges, sleep difficulties, toileting, autism spectrum disorders, and ADHD. Dr. Slusher also enjoys working with children who have complex medical or genetic disorders and has experience improving adherence to medical regimens such as sleep apnea (e.g., CPAP) and Type 1 diabetes. Dr. Slusher possesses extensive experience and a deep passion for implementing early intervention and behavioral parent training approaches including Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) as well as specialized parent training strategies for children on the autism spectrum (e.g., Project ImPACT, RUBI). Additionally, an evidence-based parenting program for anxiety, Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) is her go to treatment protocol to support children with anxiety and OCD in addition to a traditional exposure and response prevention (ERP) approach.
Dr. Slusher uses a more eclectic, problem-solving approach based on the principles of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to treat other mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, or adjustment difficulties. Regardless of the presenting concern, Dr. Slusher believes in developing a meaningful, individualized treatment programs that work with the client and family’s values and lifestyle. She also specializes in conducting comprehensive evaluations for ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorders as well as comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations with a substantial neuropsychological component.
James Walker, MD, MPH
BOARD CERTIFIED
CHILD & ADULT PSYCHIATRIST
James Walker, MD, MPH
BOARD CERTIFIED CHILD & ADULT PSYCHIATRIST
Dr. James Walker received his Bachelor’s degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology from Johns Hopkins University. He has a Master’s degree in Epidemiology from the Emory Rollins School of Public Health and received his MD from the Emory University School of Medicine. He completed his residency in Adult Psychiatry with Emory, and then completed a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Emory.
During his training he has gained experience working with children and adults with a wide range of concerns, including mood and anxiety disorders, bipolar spectrum disorders, OCD, ADHD, psychosis, autism, neurodevelopmental disorders, and trauma. As a Child Psychiatry specialist, he can help children who struggle with aggressive and impulsive behaviors. He is also skilled at guiding clients who struggle with eating disorders, suicidal thoughts, and self-harming behaviors.
Dr. Walker specializes in medication management to treat mental health disorders. Using evidence-based medicine tailored to each client’s needs, he strives to treat the whole person and incorporates a family-systemic approach when working with children and adolescents. Trained in psychotherapy with a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) orientation, he also collaborates closely with his clients’ therapists to understand their needs and develop treatment plans that best serve their goals.
Sophie Smith
COLLEGE INTERN
Sophie Smith
COLLEGE INTERN
Sophie is a rising third year at the University of Georgia majoring in Psychology with a minor in Sociology and Criminal Justice. During her second year she took a psychology research and design class and was certified in the CITI program for research training. During her summers working at the YMCA as a camp counselor for five and six year olds, she discovered her love for kids alongside her wishes for making a positive impact. She hopes to further her education and knowledge by exploring child psychology and other areas of interest.
On campus, she is involved in recreational sports, her sorority Kappa Delta, and the Undergrads in Psychology club. She also holds a position in the psychology National Honor Society Psi Chi as an inducted member.
Ken Gavranovic
INTERN
ICF & CEC CERTIFIED EXECUTIVE COACH
Ken Gavranovic
INTERN
ICF & CEC CERTIFIED EXECUTIVE COACH
Ken is completing his Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Mercer University and serves as an intern at Soublis Psychological Associates.
Before entering the counseling field, Ken spent his career as a senior executive: the founder and CEO of a company he built from the ground up and took public on Nasdaq, and a C-level leader (CEO, COO, CPO, and CTO) across high-growth and public companies including New Relic and Cox Automotive. As an ICF and CEC certified executive coach for more than 17 years, he has guided senior leaders through transition, high-stakes decisions, and the human side of change.
Ken brings this experience to the practice’s executive coaching and executive-functioning work, supporting professionals, entrepreneurs, and high-achieving students who are navigating stress, burnout, focus, and life transitions. His approach pairs practical, goal-oriented coaching with the clinical counseling skills he is developing in his graduate training. He is the author of the best-selling Business Breakthrough 3.0 and has written and spoken internationally on leadership, growth, and change.
Ari Terry
MARKETING & OUTREACH COORDINATOR
Ari Terry
Ari attended Brigham Young University where she earned a degree in Communications and Public Relations. A couple of years after graduation she found the treatment industry. Her career began in admissions at a residential treatment center for girls in Utah, where she realized she had a passion for helping people and families in the mental health space and shifted her focus to developing marketing campaigns and events to spread awareness.
Throughout the years she has worked with hundreds of families, done events for referring professionals, and helped manage various treatment provider facilities. When she isn’t working, Ari loves to spend time with her husband and two boys and can often be found with a good book.