Meet Our Team!

Dr. Lisa Pennington

CEO and Clinical Director

B.A./M.A./Ed.S./Ph.D.

NC Licensed Psychologist

Psychologists

Andriette Farmer

B.S./M.S./Ed.S.

  • Andriette Farmer is a Licensed Psychological Associate and a Nationally Certified School Psychologist. She received her undergraduate degree from Virginia Tech and her Master of Science in Psychology and Education Specialist Degree in School Psychology from Radford University. Before transitioning into private practice, she worked for several years as a School Psychologist within the school system. Andriette Farmer has been the Lead Psychologist at LPA for over 16 years. She is passionate about helping students and their families better understand their unique learning styles and emotional needs to promote optimal social, emotional, and academic development.

Dr. Kensleigh Hogan

B.A./M.A./PsyD

  • Dr. Kensleigh Hogan is a licensed psychologist at Lisa Pennington and Associates, PLLC (Carolina Minds, PLLC).  She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Pittsburgh and received her doctoral degree from Duquesne University.  She has received training in both the school system and private practice settings.

    Dr. Hogan specializes in working with children from early childhood through college, offering tailored, user-friendly assessments and a range of services to meet your family's unique needs. Her collaborative approach ensures that she works closely with both you and your child, partnering with schools when necessary to create a supportive and seamless experience. Whether your family is navigating learning challenges or emotional development, Dr. Hogan is here to help your child thrive while providing the guidance and care your family deserves.

    Dr. Hogan’s services are designed to support children and families through various challenges. Her specialties include thorough and insightful Psychological Evaluations, addressing Social-Emotional Challenges, Parenting Guidance, School Consultation & Intervention Meetings, Potty Training & Sleep Challenges, Tantrum Management, and more.

    Whether your family is dealing with learning differences, ADHD, social skills development, or behavioral concerns, Dr. Hogan is dedicated to providing guidance and support at every step. By partnering with families and schools, she creates individualized strategies to nurture the unique needs of each child and family. 

Amelia Klass

School Psychology Doctoral Intern

  • Amelia Klass is a doctoral intern at Lisa Pennington and Associates, PLLC (Carolina Minds, PLLC). She holds an undergraduate degree in psychology from Miami University and a Master of Science in Education focusing on child psychology from Duquesne University. She is currently completing her Ph.D. in school psychology. With extensive experience working in both school settings and private practice, Amelia is committed to supporting children and families through comprehensive evaluations and individualized therapy. She believes that children express themselves through their behavior and is passionate about helping them find healthier and more effective ways to communicate their needs. Amelia deeply values the opportunity to connect with children personally and empower them and their families to foster growth and well-being.

Counselors

Rachel Heitman

B.A./M.A./LCMHC-A/NCC

  • Rachel is a North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors, a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC), and is certified in Child/Parent Relationship Training. She is passionate about helping children and families. Rachel is trained in Child-Centered Play Therapy, which she believes is the most effective evidence-based practice for working with children under 12. When working with adolescents, she uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, as well as art therapy and mindfulness techniques. Understanding the effort and self-evaluation involved in parenting, Rachel aims to provide encouragement and help parents discover their innate strength and wisdom. She believes it takes tremendous faith and courage to invite support into your life and is honored to walk with you on your journey.

Sydney Sarfan

B.S./M.A./LCMHC/NCC

  • As a North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors, Sydney has a deep and growing passion for play therapy. The value of play in a child's life cannot be quantified but profoundly affects their development, self-esteem, boundaries, confidence, and much more. Using a specially designed playroom with toys hand-picked for each child's needs, she believes that children can heal from within when provided with the right tools and support from adults. Play Therapy, which focuses on children starting at age 4 through adolescence, uses scaffolding to help them grow and learn to express and identify confusing emotions that may arise from adversity.

    Sydney received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a minor in Statistics from Virginia Tech. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling with a focus on Play Therapy from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She has been practicing for nearly five years in various settings, including private practice, agency work, and schools.

Academic Support

Elaine Pennington

B.A./M.A.

  • Elaine Pennington has over 30 years of classroom teaching experience and has provided individualized academic tutoring for over 10 years. As a tutor, Mrs. Pennington offers intervention support in math, reading, written expression, test-taking skills, homework management, and organization/study skills.