Our Team
Angela Begres, (She/Her) LCSWFounder/Licensed Clinical Therapist
Angela offers services in Spanish/English.
She specializes in supporting young adults navigating life transitions and career-related stress, as well as individuals experiencing pregnancy-related anxiety and general anxiety stemming from family and relationship challenges. She integrates evidence-based approaches to create a safe, individualized space for clients to process change, build coping skills, and strengthen resilience.
As a certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor partnering with the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, Angela delivers courses across the United States that teach practical skills to recognize and respond to mental health crises, reduce stigma, and connect people to appropriate supports.
Ally Pananas, (She/Her)M.Ed., Pre-Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CMHC)
Ally specializes in supporting survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and childhood abuse. She brings trauma-informed care and a compassionate, nonjudgmental approach to help survivors reclaim safety, stability, and agency.
Areas of expertise
Recovery from interpersonal trauma: specialized help for domestic violence, sexual assault, and childhood abuse.
Trauma-related conditions: proven treatments for PTSD, dissociation, panic attacks, and major depression.
Crisis and safety: experienced with suicidal thoughts, self-harm, and severe emotional distress; provides clear safety plans and connects clients to resources.
Adolescent care: focused support for teens healing while managing school, social, and family pressures.
Lifespan support: therapy for children, teens, and adults, tailored to each developmental stage.
Sara Apgar (She/Her) LMSWClinical Therapist
Sara specializes in serving clients ages 4 and up, with particular experience supporting youth and teens—including LGBTQIA+ and neurodiverse individuals. Using an integrative, collaborative, strengths-based approach to help clients build confidence in facing challenges and finding opportunities for growth and joy.
Areas of experience:
Anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and trauma.
Highly sensitive people and those who find social relationships hard.
Sara’s training includes motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused CBT (TF-CBT), narrative therapy, mindfulness, and DBT skills. I use a collaborative, strengths-based approach to turn insights into practical steps so clients grow, gain confidence, and find more joy.
Book a free 15 minute consultation:
Sara@partnersforhealthylives.org
Phone: 423-300-6368
Ashlynn Brainard (She/Her)Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) intern
Ashlynn helps clients move from surviving to thriving. She works with youth, adults, and families, offering a compassionate, partner-focused approach that supports individuals and relationships in defining and achieving both personal and relational milestones.
Services and focus
Individual counseling for teens and adults: build coping skills, increase resilience, and move beyond patterns that keep you stuck.
Family counseling: improve communication, resolve conflict, and strengthen healthy family systems.
Couples counseling and pre-engagement/premarital counseling: for couples who are serious about each other and want to make a thoughtful, confident decision about the future.
Pre-engagement counseling helps partners identify strengths, recognize potential challenges, and create practical plans for growth before committing to marriage.
Book a free 15 minute consultation:
partnersforhealthylives@gmail.com
Phone: (423) 820-8988