Dr. Deanna McClannahan has extensive training working with children and adolescents, families, severe trauma, adoption, spiritual counseling, and the foster care system. She has a bachelors in Studio Art & Art History, with minors in Visual Communications and Psychology. During this time she moved to Florence, Italy where she attended Lorenzo Di Medici, a prominent art school. Deanna earned her masters in Counseling Psychology and Expressive Art Therapies. She has a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies and a doctorate in Expressive Arts Therapies. The primary focus of her practice over the years has been on severely abused children and those in residential care. Dr. McClannahan has 24 years of experience working in the foster care system and has been a licensed counselor since 2009. She is currently the owner and Clinical Director for Creative Hope Counseling in Colorado Springs. Deanna has extensive training in counseling supervision and provides supervision and consultation to students, those seeking licensure, as well as licensed professionals. Dr. McClannahan has served as a college professor working with both graduate and undergraduate students for the past 14 years. Dr. McClannahan has also written articles for several mental health magazines and has been invited to various speaking engagements around the country. She holds the following licenses and certifications:

• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Colorado
• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Georgia
• Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC)
• Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC)
• Art Therapy Certified Supervisor (ATCS)
• Certified Child and Adolescent Trauma Professional (CATP)
• Certified Family Trauma Professional (CFTP)
• Expressive Arts Therapist/Trauma-Informed (EXAT)
• Certified Child and Adolescent Trauma Professional (CATP)
• Certified Family Trauma Professional (CFTP)
• Registered Expressive Arts Therapist (REAT)
• Registered Play Therapy Supervisor (RPT-S)
• Certified Professional Counseling Supervisor (CPCS)
• Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS)
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Certified Therapist
• Certified Reunification Therapist
• Certified Sexual Assault Advocate
• Certified in Neuroscience
• Certified in Level One Trauma-Informed Care
• Trained in Level One Theraplay techniques (Attachment-based therapy)

Dr. McClannahan serves as the regulatory consultant and specialist in advising Robert A. Lees & Associates, upon review of client information, and renders guidance to the firm in defense of any DORA matter and/or compliance issues. Dr. McClannahan assists in guiding professionals with their commencement of practice such as mental health start-ups and provide superb support for the staff of Robert A. Lees & Associates.