Meet Our Team
Nicole Carson, LMFT (She/her/hers)
Licensed Clinician
Welcome! I’m Nicole Carson, Licensed Holistic Psychotherapist & Founder, President & CEO of High Hopes Counseling.
With over 25 years of experience, I’ve dedicated my career to working with children and families impacted by generational trauma, behavioral and mental health conditions.
My journey has taken me through a variety of roles, including special education counseling, K-12 substitute teaching, college-level psychology instruction, and leadership positions such as program specialist and assistant principal. I’ve done this all while managing my own children’s special needs as a single parent.
I received my M.A. degree in Counseling Psychology and my Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential in school counseling from the University of Redlands. Now, along with High Hopes, I am the CEO of Barefoot Therapist Counseling Services, a private practice that supports women in overcoming obstacles and finding their authentic selves.
At High Hopes, I’m proud to support the mental health of our community and guide graduate students on their educational journey. More than 30 years ago, I received therapy using the student-teaching method, and as a graduate student, I offered therapy in the same way. Applying the student-teaching model to High Hopes Counseling allows us to provide accessible services at a reduced fee.
I believe the challenging life experiences we have along our personal journey offer us the opportunity to grow, if we’re brave enough to look inward.
Thank you for trusting us to support you and your family on this magical journey called life!
Kristen Johnson, LPCC (She/her/hers)
Licensed Clinician
Life often throws us challenges that even our best efforts can’t fully resolve. Whether it’s daily stress or major life events, these experiences affect us in unique ways and push us to cope however we can—sometimes relying on habits that may do more harm than good, or turning to support systems that fall short when we need them most. Together, we’ll work to uncover the core issues keeping you “stuck” and introduce mind-body connected coping strategies that empower you with the tools to live the life you truly deserve.
I’m an LPCC and EMDR trained clinician and work from a trauma-informed lens, creating a space where clients feel seen, supported, and safe. I have experience ranging from helping people navigate crisis to anxiety and depression. I lead groups for chronic pain and grief, and offer intensives for parents and couples looking to reconnect and heal.
We explore all aspects of your life, helping identify the most effective interventions and supports for your unique needs. I see counseling as a collaborative partnership—where we work side by side using evidence-based, innovative practices to uncover what’s getting in the way of the life you want to live. I look forward to starting this journey with you!
Dawn Spicer, AMFT (She/her/hers)
Associate Clinician
Life can feel heavy when you’re constantly holding everything together for your family, your work, your world. Whether you’re going through a divorce, parenting through daily chaos, or feeling burned out by caregiving, it’s easy to lose sight of your own needs. The good news? You don’t have to do it alone.
I support women, caregivers, and parents who feel emotionally drained, anxious, or stuck in survival mode. Many of my clients are navigating the aftermath of painful breakups, chronic burnout, or the emotional weight of parenting, especially when raising neurodivergent children or coping with significant life changes.
As both a therapist and a parent, I understand how overwhelming it can feel to keep showing up for everyone else while feeling disconnected from yourself. My approach is collaborative, trauma-informed, and grounded in strengths. I integrate mindfulness, somatic awareness, CBT tools, and developmental insight to support healing and growth for both kids and adults.
You deserve support that honors your experience and helps you reconnect with yourself. Let’s take that next step together.
Supervised by Nicole Carson, LMFT #99765
Mark Schwartz
Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee
I’m Mark, a dedicated Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee at High Hopes Counseling. I am currently pursuing my Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy at Touro University. After years of experience in technology, finance, and marketing, I’ve found my true passion in helping individuals, couples, and families strengthen their relationships and foster meaningful change.
Supervised by Nicole Carson, LMFT #99765
Kara
Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee
Hi, I’m Kara, and I believe that everyone deserves a safe and supportive space to feel heard, understood, and encouraged. With experience in mental health hospitals and diverse communities, I focus on helping individuals, couples, and families strengthen their relationships and create meaningful change. I draw from evidence-based approaches and tailor each session to your unique needs. My goal is to empower you to reflect on your experiences, gain clarity, and build healthier coping strategies. Together, we’ll work on deepening self-awareness, enhancing well-being, and cultivating resilience so you can create lasting growth and more fulfilling connections in your life. I look forward to walking alongside you on your journey toward positive, sustainable change. I am currently obtaining a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from National University.
Supervised by Nicole Carson, LMFT #99765