Meet the Staff
Shantai McCray, MA, LPC
Shantai L. McCray is Owner and Licensed Professional Counselor at Life's Work Counseling and Consulting, L.L.C. She holds a Master's Degree in Counseling with an emphasis in Mental Health from Webster University, a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and an Associate's degree in Criminal
Justice from Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She is also an adjunct professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Mrs. McCray's experience in areas such as; trauma-informed care, substance abuse, children services, behavioral health and education lends itself to a comprehensive and eclectic approach to psychotherapy. She offers a safe, non-judgmental and culturally sensitive environment during some of the most trying times in life. Mrs. McCray believes in being strengths-based and solution focused. Her therapeutic approach is Person-centered and includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Positive Psychology. Mrs. McCray is also an EMDR trained clinician. Her hobbies include spending time with family, baking and traveling.
Jennifer Watts, MA, PLPC
Jennifer is a Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Missouri. She holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Avila University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She has a wide range of experience in the mental health and social services field. She began her career working with children and their families in Community Mental Health. During her graduate internship, she worked primarily with adults in a private practice setting. Post graduate degree, she worked with those who were experiencing intimate partner violence and later, she spent time working with adults in Community Mental Health who were experiencing homelessness. Most recently, she gained experience working in a middle school setting with students and their families. Jennifer utilizes a person-centered approach while incorporating cognitive behavioral therapy techniques. She believes therapy is unique to each individual and therefore often uses an eclectic therapeutic approach. Jennifer is passionate about working with individuals, couples and families as they navigate the challenges of life and hopes to empower and support you on your journey.
Stephanie Buck, MA, PLPC
Stephanie is a Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Missouri. She holds a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University. She began her career in mental health serving individuals with intellectual disabilities and dual diagnoses. Stephanie comes from a highly diverse background allowing for a sense of empathy and openness that is second to none. She believes that every individual is unique and the expert of themself. Stephanie feels that it is a privilege to hear your story and be a part of your journey. She views individuals holistically and is LGBTQIA+ affirming. In her free time, Stephanie enjoys spending time with her family (both two and four-legged), playing golf, listening to records, and reading.
Shana Bobbitt, EdS, PLPC, NCC
Shana is a Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Missouri. She holds a Master's Degree in Counseling from the University of Missouri- St. Louis, a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in Human Development and Family Studies and an Educational Specialist Degree in Mental Health in Schools with a Certification in Multicultural Education from the University of Missouri- Columbia. Ms. Bobbitt is also a Nationally Certified Counselor. She is an Illinois native who moved to the KC area after accepting a position at a local school district. Prior to becoming a School Counselor, she worked in child welfare, financial aid, and college access. Ms. Bobbitt's education, work experiences and training helps her to partner with clients as they begin their journeys towards self-discovery and development. She believes mental health is health and seeks to help break down the stigma of therapy, particularly in black and brown communities. She believes there is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy and that it is important to adapt therapeutic approaches to meet each client's individual needs. She seeks to create safe spaces for clients to feel seen, heard and understood as well as share their stories, process their feelings and discover and develop the necessary tools to overcome life's challenges.
Kali Boydston, Practicum student
Kali is a graduate student at Northwestern University pursuing a Master’s of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She previously attended the University of Kansas, where she received Bachelor’s degrees in both Spanish and Psychology. Her experience in nonprofits and education has fueled her passion for making mental health services more accessible. Most recently, she worked in a high school as the Social-Emotional Learning coordinator, and frequently reviewed practices concerning diversity, belonging, inclusion, and equity. She believes in a holistic approach to health, and that everyone is on their own journey to wellness. In her free time, you can find her reading a book, gardening, or taking care of her 6 pets."
Daisha Goines, Student Intern
Daisha Goines is a graduate student at Avila University studying Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Couples and Family counseling. She currently holds a bachelors degree in Psychology and a minor in Child in Family studies from Northwest Missouri State University. Daisha has always been passionate about helping others. It is her belief that the therapeutic process can help people realize the strengths they possess within, leading to change, growth, and healing. Daisha's therapeutic approach includes; Emotion Focused Therapy paired with Solution Focused Therapy, CBT and Positive Therapy.
Brianna Butler, Practicum student
Brianna is a graduate student at Lock Haven University pursuing her Master's of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. In her experience in both public and independent school districts, she has worked with individuals from many different cultural backgrounds. She believes that all people possess the capacity to change and enjoys helping others reshape their thinking in order to develop healthier thoughts or improved behaviors. When Brianna isn't working or focused on her studies you can find her curled up in bed binging her favorite shows on Netflix or spending time with her family and fur babies.
