Meet Our Team

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Tamara Thomas, LCPC
Founder and Licensed Professional Counselor

“I love seeing my clients grow,and live their life on purpose. Empowerment is the strongest vehicle to change. Your journey begins with you..."

Tamara established Transpire Wellness in 2020, with the desire to build a practice based on integrity, professionalism, and quality mental health treatment. A place where everyone feels valued, heard and seen. She is committed equally to growing a profession for therapists of color and in 2022 began offering internship and practicum experiences for graduate interns studying counseling. Tamara holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Salisbury University, a Masters in Mental Health Counseling from Capella University and a Masters in Management and Leadership from Liberty University.

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Tia Adams, MA
VA Resident Counselor

“I like to build a rapport with my clients that will allow them to develop the strong trust needed to walk along this journey of self-development with support. I'm a skilled listener. I empathize and connect with my clients in a way that makes sense for them. Working with me will feel like working with a friend, you will have a safe space to invest in the life you desire for yourself.”

Ms. Adams joins our practice as a Resident in Counseling for the State of Virginia, as she is working to become a License Professional Counselor. She is a recent graduate from Liberty University, with a Master’s of Art in Clinical Mental Health. She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Communication from James Madison University. Tia has a passion for this work, and has dedicated herself to one day owning her own private practice.

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Adriane Skillman, MA
VA Resident Counselor

"I am looking forward to building relationships with my new clients and helping them to navigate the challenges of life. I feel there is so much that we can learn from each other if we are open to change and healing. I am able to demonstrate compassion, truthfulness, and respect so that clients will have a safe place to be able to begin their healing journey."

Adriane holds a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Family Studies from Utah State University. Since 2002, she has been dedicated to supporting children, families, and individuals in navigating life’s challenges and achieving personal growth.

With over two decades of experience, Adriane specializes in family dynamics, child development, and mental health. By creating a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment, she helps clients address a variety of concerns, including anxiety, depression, communication difficulties, and relationship challenges.

As a counselor, Adriane is committed to a client-centered and compassionate approach that empowers individuals, couples, and families to build resilience, overcome obstacles, and achieve their emotional and relational goals. Through evidence-based techniques and personalized care, she guides clients toward greater self-awareness, healing, and fulfillment.

Kia D. McKinney, LGPC
Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor

“I have always had a heart for the misunderstood, the underrepresented and those that some consider to be outcasts. My ‘why’ is that I want to provide space for others to feel seen and heard. When I have a client before me who is hesitant about counseling and somewhat resistant- this is the comparison that I like to make: “Therapy is like a road map. Yes, you can go on a journey without a road map. But isn’t it nice to know that there is a tool, maybe tucked away in your glove box, just in case you need a little help navigating your way?’ With that being said, I am so excited to be on this journey and look forward to this amazing opportunity with Transpire Wellness!"

With a combined total of twenty years of experience as a counselor in the mental health, substance abuse and school counseling disciplines, Kia McKinney is a firm believer in the power of conversation and human connection.

Ms. McKinney has a Masters degree in Psychology and a Masters degree in School Counseling from Washington College and Wilmington University respectively.

Born and raised in a rural community, she understands that many suffer in silence due to stigma or lack of resources. Her approach to therapy is eclectic as she is a proponent of equity in therapy. This involves giving clients what they need rather than a “one size fits all” approach because that approach does not take into consideration the unique personal, cultural and individual differences that we all bring to the table.

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Sheenay Adams Saunders
Salisbury University Social Work Intern

“I am passionate about what I do because I deeply believe in the potential for personal growth, healing, and transformation within every individual. Life presents many challenges, and I view therapy as a space where people can gain the tools and support they need to understand themselves better, cope with adversity, and make meaningful changes. What drives me is knowing that, by fostering a safe, compassionate environment, I can empower others to discover their own strengths, rebuild their confidence, and live a life that aligns with their true values and goals. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness individuals overcoming their struggles, learning new ways to approach life, and ultimately achieving greater well-being and fulfillment."

Sheenay Adams-Saunders graduated from Salisbury University with her bachelor’s in psychology in 2013. She is currently working towards the completion of her master’s in social work at Salisbury University. She has over 10 years of experience working with children, families, and individuals as an agent of support and guidance. Her professional experiences include a commitment to serving the needs of children and families. She has studied many modalities to bring healing to those in need. She is a life-long learner inspired by the abundance of opportunities available to broaden and enrich the lives of individuals and families served. Mental health is a strong focus of hers including a person-centered approach to help her clients to overcome various obstacles that they may be faced with that hinder their ability to move through life. When working with individuals and families Sheenay strives for a sense of connection, safety, integrity, and open-mindedness. She will move at a pace that is comfortable with her clients and meet them where they are in life.

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Breanna Harrod
Salisbury University Social Work Intern

“I want my clients to walk into the room and feel a sense of peace and ease when speaking with me. I want the process to be a collaborative one where the client is in control of what they want to work on, while I assist them in the process. I want them to understand that I respect them and understand that they are in charge of their decisions. I want to help them identify their own strengths and figure out how to use those to help them achieve their goals. I look forward to helping them reach their goals and helping them learn techniques they can continue to use on their journey when they no longer need my assistance.”

Breanna Harrod obtained her Bachelor of Science in Family Science at the University of Maryland, College Park. She is currently working on obtaining her Master of Social Work degree at Salisbury University. Breanna has a passion for working with others, especially the youth population. She wants them to understand their problems are no less important than anyone and they deserve to be seen and heard, as well. Breanna will use compassion, active listening skills, and empathy to connect with her clients, while helping them discover their strengths and assisting them on their journey.

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Erin Breaux
Liberty University Counseling Intern

“To best answer why I am passionate about client care can best be answered with understanding the Who and What of therapy. I connect to each client by discovering who they are. Beyond their symptoms and outside of their feelings I seek making connections to the unique person. I also enjoy being a small part of the journey each client is going on. Engaging in the actual practice of therapy brings a sense of joy and purpose that what I am doing is making an impact in just one person’s life. Being fully present and sitting with a client is an experience that is never taken for granted. So my Why is simply put that the people and the process keep me doing what I am doing."

Erin completed her bachelors of arts in psychology at Albany State University and is currently pursuing a masters in clinical mental health counseling at Liberty University. She seeks to be a beacon of light for her clients. She brings authenticity, compassion, trust, and openness to the therapeutic relationship. Her hope is for all of her clients to thrive in life even when it may seem difficult to just survive. She is excited to develop in the profession and grow with her clients.

Shanique Holley
Salisbury University Social Work Intern

“I want my clients to embrace change and feel supported throughout the process. My ‘why’ stems from wanting to be a resource and sense of support to others who may not know where to begin. It is my hope to contribute to client’s journey as they navigate life’s challenges."

Shanique Holley obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Salisbury University and her Master of Science in Human Service Administration at Wilmington University. She is currently working to obtain her Master of Social Work degree at Salisbury University. She is passionate about challenging the stigma often associated with mental health and to empower clients to take action towards their desired outcome. She will demonstrate active listening, reflection, and empathy to aid clients in their journey.

Paige Rodriquez-Harris
Walden University Social Work Intern

“My deep passion for helping others, particularly those striving to achieve what seems impossible, is the driving force behind my decision to become a social worker. I believe in the inherent potential within every individual and am committed to empowering them to overcome obstacles and realize their full capabilities. Coupled with this passion is a genuine love for listening and truly hearing the stories and experiences of others. I recognize the power of empathetic understanding and believe it's essential for building trust and fostering positive change. These qualities, combined with a strong sense of social justice and a desire to create a more equitable world, make social work the perfect path for me to contribute meaningfully to society."

Paige Rodriquez-Harris is a dedicated case manager, mother of three, and veteran's spouse residing on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. She has committed her career to helping others, amassing over 17 years of experience working with diverse populations facing a wide range of challenges. Her case management background includes extensive work with individuals and families affected by substance abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, homelessness, and those needing specialized support such as veterans, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), and refugees. Paige's passion for empowering others is evident in her commitment to both her education and her work. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Science from the University of Maryland Global Campus and is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work from Walden University. She thrives on helping others recognize their strengths, reach their full potential, and achieve their goals. With her sights set on completing her master's degree, Paige is eager to advance her professional career and make a lasting impact on the lives of others. She is excited to join the Transpire Wellness family and contribute her skills and experience to their mission of fostering well-being and positive change.

Nia Roberts
Delaware State University Undergraduate Psychology Intern

“I loved the atmosphere and that there were so many other black women I could work with. In a field where representation is so important, I was immediately drawn by the fact that the women at the practice looked just like me. The website was so welcoming, it encouraged a personal relationship, and then I met with a few members of the team and it "just clicked". I look forward to this internship opportunity to help me become more familiar with the field of mental health services and familiarize myself with other aspects of managing a private mental health practice"

Nia is a Delaware State University Intern and is a candidate to receive her BA in Psychology in 2027.

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Darian Cherry

Practice Administrator

"Mental health affects everything we do and being able to help people with the first step of the journey is incredibly fulfilling work. I’m passionate about helping others achieve success as they embark on their new journey to find their best self. Every day at Transpire Wellness, we strive to provide excellent service that will have a significant impact on the lives of many individuals."

Darian Cherry is the Practice Administrator at Transpire Wellness, with over 10 years of Administrative and Human Resource experience. Darian is currently working to obtain her Master’s Degree in Human Resources Management.

Tera Young
Business Development Manager

"My passion for this work comes through a lived experience lens. My personal and professional journey has shaped my view in a transformative way. I recognize the common theme in my experience in that people's actions and behaviors can change when the mind is transformed and healed. Healing comes by way of getting to the root of how the mindset is shaped by life experiences, and I love that I get to help people do just that."

Tera Young joins the Transpire Wellness team in the role of Business Development Manager. Tera’s focus will be on supporting the practice in expanding its reach in the Delaware region and beyond. Her role will be in creating and establishing new partnership opportunities with Universities and schools, human service agencies, and networking and engaging consitituents to increase access to mental health services in underserved areas.

She has a Bachelors degree in Broadcast Journalism from Delaware State University, a Master of Business Administration with a Concentration in Marketing Management, and a Master of Science in Studies in Human Behavior. Tera is also a certified Christian counselor. Tera has worked in the Mental Health/Substance Abuse, Educational, and Correctional Fields for over 10 years in various administrative and operational leadership roles. She also brings direct service experience to the practice through her intake, case management and counseling roles in the non-profit and local government sector.

Meet Our Team

Tamara Thomas, LCPC Founder and Licensed Professional Counselor

Tia Adams, MA VA Resident Counselor

Adriane Skillman, MA VA Resident Counselor

Kia D. McKinney, LGPC Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor

Tamara Thomas, LCPC
Founder and Licensed Professional Counselor

Tia Adams, MA
VA Resident Counselor

Adriane Skillman, MA
VA Resident Counselor

Kia D. McKinney, LGPC
Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor