Coner McGowan, M.Ed, ALMFT
Therapist
Hi, my name is Conor McGowan. I am a graduate of the University of Alabama’s Marriage and Family Therapy program. I am very excited to be working at the Impact Family Counseling clinic. I have worked with a variety of clients, but I am always eager to expand my horizons. I look forward to providing support and aid to anyone who may need it.
Rachel Chickvara, ALC
Therapist
Rachel is an Associate Licensed Counselor with a Master’s degree in Couples and Family Counseling from the University of Montevallo. She has experience working with adults in a community mental health setting and has worked extensively with children, adolescents, teens, and families for the past two years.
In her work, Rachel supports clients facing a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, self-esteem, grief, and life transitions. She uses a person-centered and strengths-based approach, often incorporating cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques to help clients better understand and manage their thoughts and emotions. When working with children, she also integrates play therapy interventions to create a developmentally appropriate and engaging space for growth and healing. Above all else, she is passionate about walking alongside individuals and families in her community. She aims to create a safe, warm, supportive space where clients can feel heard, valued, and empowered.
Outside of the therapy room, Rachel enjoys spending time with her husband and their precious pup. She loves music, yoga, reading, baking, watching movies, and enjoying good food. If you feel like Rachel might be a good fit for you or your family’s needs, reach out to Impact today!
Grace Tyner, ALC
Therapist
Grace Tyner is an Associate Licensed Counselor and National Certified Counselor. She holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Montevallo. Grace specializes in working with children, adolescents, and adults who are seeking support with trauma, anxiety, ADHD, autism, depression, life transitions, self-esteem, and relationship challenges. She uses a person-centered approach to meet clients where they are and to create a safe, supportive space where healing and growth can take place. Grace believes that everyone deserves to feel heard and understood, and she values building strong therapeutic relationships rooted in empathy and trust. Her work integrates techniques from Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), play therapy, and sand tray therapy, allowing her to adapt her approach to fit each client’s individual needs.
Whether you’re working through a painful experience or simply navigating life’s everyday stressors, Grace is committed to walking alongside you with care and compassion. In her personal time, Grace enjoys slowing down and staying grounded through creative outlets and connection. She likes to explore local trails with her dog and husband, painting, reading, and finding new spots to enjoy around Birmingham.
Kandace VanWanderham, LPC
Therapist
Kandace is a Licensed Professional Counselor who is a retired educator, administrator, and counselor. Kandace spent 25 years in education, most recently as the Mental Health Services Specialist with Hoover City Schools. This included supervising a team of clinical professionals. She holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and masters degrees in Special Education, School Counseling, and Educational Leadership from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the University of Montevallo. With a strong background in counseling and commitment to youth and families, Kandace worked in partnership with IMPACT Family Counseling for many years. She believes in community-based mental health services and empathically knows the impact of trusting therapeutic relationships. She believes in normalizing mental health issues and knows that IMPACT’s therapists are committed to the agency’s mission and providing a safe space for individuals to grow. Kandace accepts insurance with Blue Cross Blue Shield of AL.
When Kandace is not working, she spends her time with her friends and family, especially her husband Paul and sweet dog Sophie. Kandace also enjoys reading, writing, cooking and gardening.
Amy McMahan, MSW, LICSW
Therapist
Amy earned her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa. She is a licensed independent clinical social worker with 20 plus years of experience. Over the years Amy has empowered countless clients to navigate rough waters in order to create their best life. Recognizing the courage it takes to step out of your comfort zone and share concerns with someone, it is her goal to provide a safe space for her clients to thrive.
Amy specializes in anxiety, depression, divorce, grief/bereavement, communication skills, self-esteem, relationship issues, and stress management. By utilizing an eclectic approach, she incorporates cognitive behavior therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness, person-centered, and strength-based modalities. She considers it a privilege to join with clients in their unique journey towards reaching goals.
Some of Amy’s hobbies/interests include:
swimming, reading, enjoying laughter, and cooking
Lauren Arnold, MA, LPC
Clinical Coordinator / Therapist
Lauren holds a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Wake Forest University and is an Associate Licensed Mental Health Counselor at Impact Family Counseling. With over 10 years of experience in healthcare, Lauren has worked in adult medicine and pediatrics, most recently at Children’s of Alabama. Her extensive healthcare background provides a unique perspective that complements her counseling work, allowing her to offer holistic, empathetic care to her clients.
In addition to her clinical practice, Lauren is currently pursuing a PhD in Counseling, further deepening her knowledge and expertise in the field of mental health. She specializes in working with children, adolescents, and adults, focusing on a range of concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, Autism, ODD, conduct disorder, C-PTSD/PTSD, a history of sexual abuse, sexually reactive behaviors, and personality and mood disorders. Her therapeutic approach is rooted in person-centered and existential therapy, with an integration of cognitive and dialectical behavioral techniques to help clients navigate challenges and connect with their most authentic selves.
Lauren’s professional experience includes working in residential treatment, where she developed strong crisis counseling skills and the ability to support clients in managing challenging behaviors. She is also trained in Lifespan Integration, a psychotherapy approach that helps clients process and integrate past trauma in a meaningful way.
Outside of counseling, Lauren enjoys reading, writing, traveling, music and theater, hiking, and spending time outdoors. She values the importance of self-care and brings a balanced, compassionate approach to her work.
