About - Family Connections & Learning Center

Meet Our Team

Family Connections & Learning Center is a comprehensive practice that offers psychotherapy services for individuals, couples, and families in all stages of their development and academic tutoring for typical and neurodiverse youth. We are dedicated to enhancing the lives of our clients through compassionate care, education, connection, and empowerment. Our practice is comprised of experienced clinical supervisors, independent-level and associate-level clinicians, and student-intern-level clinicians. We offer both in-person therapy at our Scottsdale office and virtual therapy for residents located anywhere in Arizona. During your phone consultation, we’ll help determine whether in-person or virtual therapy is the best fit based on your goals, needs, and the services you’re seeking.

Casey Heinsch

(Featuring Phoenix)

Co-Founder & Clinical Supervisor
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

Casey’s enthusiastic and intuitive energy shines brightly in our practice every day. Her primary work focuses on helping clinicians make sense of neurodivergent misunderstandings, facilitating family healing, and providing education for parents and professionals on supporting neurodivergent individuals and families.

Casey’s clinical work centers on neurodivergent development, attachment, adoption, and relational trauma. She is the creator of FCLC’s Focused Parenting Program, and her work is rooted in attachment dynamics with an emphasis on helping families better understand and support neurodivergent children.

Casey has received specialized training in Developmental Dyadic Psychotherapy (DDP), EMDR, Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR Level 1), and the Foundations of Theraplay. She has also completed advanced OCD training and has been mentored by neuropsychologists throughout her career.

Fun Fact: Casey studied abroad in Rwanda.

Highlights & Insights

On any given day, you can hear Casey’s laughter throughout the office.
Casey is very playful and interactive.
If you need someone to tell it to you straight, Casey’s your person.
She’s a fellow ADHD-er and dyslexic learner.
Adults end up finding their missing inner child in her sessions.
Casey often makes conventional therapy unconventional.
She has worked with all walks of life.
Casey sees ages 4+.

Meet Phoenix: FCLC’s support pup

Phoenix is a furry bundle of playful curiosity, ready to wag her tail and sniff out some fun! But when it’s session time, she’s all ears (and paws) for her clients’ needs. Phoenix believes all people and animals need daily touch, play, and love.

Fun fact: When she is off duty, you can find Phoenix living her best life camping and hiking.

Robyn Berry

Co-Founder & Learning Center Director

Curious and inviting, Robyn is a strong member of our team who ensures the business is running smoothly and manages our accounting and marketing. She developed the Learning Center based on her 10 years of experience with neuropsychologically-based learning disorders, learning disabilities, and asynchronous development, and introduced Logic of English, a reading remedial program, to the Learning Center. Although she no longer sees clients, she supports our staff by providing education about executive function and how to incorporate movement into our educational and therapeutic services.

Fun fact: Robyn holds the record for the most chin-ups (18 but going for 20!) at her gym.

Highlights & Insights

You’ll catch Robyn wrangling in Casey daily.
Occasionally, she’ll pop out of her office and chat with kids and parents in the lobby.
She values client care, connection, and community.
She enjoys talking about Zelda with kids (this is how our Video Game Club started), but pugs and soccer are hot topics as well.
Numbers are her favorite language (pop into her office if you have a math question).
Robyn is a pragmatic and logical thinker- the “see” to Casey’s “saw”.

John Peters

Licensed Independent Marriage & Family Therapist

John is an even-energy kind of therapist who provides a neutral place for families to learn how to become a team when facing stressful challenges. Everyone has a position to play! He has experience working with developmental and intellectual disabilities in a variety of settings, including state agencies, schools, and private practice. John provides psychoeducation and relational cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), supporting children, adolescents, adults, and families through movement, games, and practical interventions that strengthen connection, regulation, and communication. He also provides Parent Education and FCLC’s Focused Parenting Program for parents seeking greater understanding and practical strategies to support their neurodivergent children. John also offers an adapted SPACE protocol to help parents support children experiencing significant anxiety.

Fun fact: John enjoys coaching youth in baseball.

Highlights & Insights

John works well with socially quirky individuals.
He can talk on all sides of the spectrum, from sports to Pokémon.
If you have any anger to get out, take a walk with John or use his punching bag.
If your thoughts seem to stick to you, he can help you shift your mindset.
Parents- John can help you develop better communication with your loved ones.
If you’re a young adult and have a hard time making it in the world, John’s got you.
People who work best with him are autistic youth, ADHD-ers, twice-exceptional (2E) students, and children. with medical complications, and families of adoption.
John sees ages 9+.

McKenna Arviso

Licensed Associate Marriage & Family Therapist

McKenna’s bubbly personality and direct communication style make her a highly sought-after therapist who provides a nurturing space to help clients explore and experience feelings. She believes all feelings are good feelings that just need the right container. McKenna has worked in community mental health, elementary schools, and private practice. Her work is grounded in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and she incorporates craft, art, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and experiential approaches into individual and family therapy. As one of FCLC’s Couples Intensive clinicians, McKenna helps couples better understand how neurodivergence influences emotional connection, communication, and recurring relationship patterns.

Fun fact: McKenna can make something from nothing by pulling out her craft kit.

Highlights & Insights

McKenna is very playful and down to go wherever the child may take her (even if that is outside in the middle of an Arizona summer).
If you’re a parent having a hard time figuring out how to get on your child’s level, McKenna is here to help.
If your conflict feels big, overwhelming, or hard to calm down, McKenna will help you find a different way through it.
POV: You just graduated high school, and the world feels scary- McKenna’s your person.
Like to break things? McKenna does too! She’ll teach you how to do it without getting in trouble (healthy anger).
Relationships can be hard. McKenna enjoys helping couples slow things down, reconnect, and better understand one another.
People who work best with her are typical and neurodivergent couples, ADHD-ers, dyslexic thinkers, twice-exceptional (2E) students, young adults, and individuals experiencing anxiety.
McKenna sees ages 5+.

Merrilee Miller

Licensed Associate Marriage & Family Therapist

Merrilee’s energy is uniquely playful and calming, which is part of the reason why she excels in healing trauma, repairing family connections, empowering your voice, and supporting identity development. She is trained in EMDR and Internal Family Systems (IFS), with a strong foundation in attachment theory and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). Merrilee supports children, adolescents, and adults through art, sand tray, and other experiential approaches, thoughtfully tailoring her therapeutic style to create a person-centered environment for every client. She also offers an adapted SPACE protocol to help parents support children experiencing significant anxiety. Previously, she worked as a grief supporter for complicated loss and spent time working with treatment-resistant depression and anxiety using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).

Fun fact: Merrilee has a foundation in Kung Fu, which helped emphasize her practice in mindfulness, finding balance, and breathwork.

Highlights & Insights

Merrilee thrives in helping family members bond.
If you want to be expressive and creative, and not just sit and talk, Merrilee is your go-to girl.
If you’re a teen or adult looking for a space that’s just for you, then welcome to her office.
Do you feel lost and don’t know who you want to be when you grow up? She’ll help you find YOU.
Her office is set up with colorful LEDs and calming music. (Don’t worry, adults. She has normal lights, too!)
If anxiety is taking over you, Merrilee can help you find safety.
People who work best with her are typical and neurodivergent couples, dyslexic learners, ADHD-ers, twice-exceptional (2E) students, LGBTQ+ individuals, diverse cultures, and families of adoption.
Merrilee sees ages 6+.

Tara Costa

Licensed Associate Marriage & Family Therapist

Tara is calm and witty and provides a client-centered, safe, and non-judgmental environment for her clients. Her practice guides people in being open and honest with themselves and in their communication with others. She has worked in community mental health and wraparound services, with a primary focus on couples, family connections, and relational healing. Tara is trained in Levels 1 and 2 of the Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), EMDR, and Level 1 Sand Tray Therapy. When working with individuals, couples, and families, she incorporates strategies for interpersonal and intrapersonal healing from trauma, relational injuries, and challenges related to neurodivergence. Tara also offers FCLC’s Couples Intensive, a neuro-affirming program that helps couples understand how neurodivergence may be shaping their relationship and the patterns beneath recurring conflict.

Fun fact: In her free time, you can catch Tara on a mountain or DIY-ing something cool at home.

Highlights & Insights

If you want a good laugh during your session, pick Tara.
Tara can be serious, too… She’ll help you brainstorm solutions to the challenges you’re facing.
When you get to the feelings, she can hold space for you, you and your partner, or any of your family members… even when it’s difficult.
Tara enjoys helping couples slow things down, better understand one another, and strengthen communication, especially when neurodivergence is part of the story.
Tara believes insight is important, but so are practical tools you can use outside the therapy room.
If anxiety, depression, or social challenges are taking over your life, she’ll help you overcome them.
People who work best with Tara are typical and neurodivergent couples, angsty teens, families struggling with ADHD and twice-exceptionalism (2E), and parent-teen bonding.
Tara sees ages 12+.

Stephen Dan

Licensed Associate Marriage & Family Therapist

Stephen brings curious and playful energy to his work, creating a space where clients feel seen and understood. With a foundation in Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), he supports parents and families in deepening their connections and healing relational wounds. Stephen has experience as a school-based therapist in elementary and middle schools and in private practice, specializing in trauma-informed care. His approach incorporates sand tray, play-based activities, and filial-focused therapy, enabling children and families to discover and accept themselves in a safe and empathetic environment. He is also trained in a neuro-affirming intervention known as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which he uses to support autistic individuals.

Fun fact: Stephen was a professional dancer with expertise in hip hop, popping, and krump.

Highlights & Insights

Stephen’s got a superpower: matching your vibe – whether you’re bouncing off the walls or needing a quiet space to reflect.
Big feelings? Bring them on! Kids who feel misunderstood thrive in his warm and playful sessions.
From battling Pokémon to debating the best Street Fighter characters, Stephen’s hobbies make him the ultimate teammate for game-loving kiddos.
Stephen’s communication style ranges from gentle and supportive to direct and solution focused.
Play therapy is his jam, using fun and curiosity to help clients uncover their hidden strengths.
People who work best with him are autistic children, ADHD-ers, LGBTQ+ individuals, and the misunderstood.
Stephen sees ages 5+.

Sophie Carrier

Licensed Associate Marriage & Family Therapist Trainee

Sophie is warm and flexible, creating a space that feels both supportive and easy to settle into. She takes a client-centered, relational, and systemic approach to therapy, with a focus on how attachment, family dynamics, and life experiences shape emotional well-being. Sophie works with children, adolescents, adults, and families to strengthen relationships, improve communication, navigate life transitions, and explore identity development. She has a particular interest in helping young people build emotional regulation, confidence, and a stronger sense of security and also offers an adapted SPACE protocol to help parents support children experiencing significant anxiety. Her personal experience with apraxia gives her added insight into communication challenges and learning differences, shaping the empathy, patience, and flexibility she brings to her work. Sophie often incorporates art, games, and movement into sessions and is especially attuned to each client’s energy, adjusting her approach to meet them where they are.

Fun Fact: Sophie is a twin!

Highlights & Insights

If your child has big feelings and needs help managing them, Sophie is your person.
Got a kid or teen who doesn’t love “just talking”? Sophie incorporates art, games and movement to make therapy more engaging.
In a season of change where parents feel uncertain or overwhelmed, Sophie helps parents slow down, get organized and find their footing.
Whether you show up with big, bold energy or something more quiet and unsure, Sophie meets you where you are and adjusts to your vibe.
Talking about shared interests, like Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros. and other games, is one way Sophie helps clients feel comfortable and build connection.
Sophie’s lived experience with apraxia gives her added insight into communication challenges and learning differences, and informs the patience and flexibility she brings to her work.
People who work best with Sophie are families seeking support with emotional regulation, ADHD-ers, autistic youth, dyslexic learners, teens struggling with self-esteem, and individuals and families navigating life transitions.
Sophie sees ages 5+.

Holly Shepherd

Learning Center Leader

Holly’s energy is down-to-earth and approachable, creating a learning environment where students feel comfortable taking risks, asking questions, and discovering what they’re capable of. Her approach is collaborative, using each student’s interests, strengths, and learning style to help them achieve their academic goals. Holly believes that meeting students where they are helps build confidence while reducing anxiety, frustration, and overwhelm that can accompany learning challenges. She is trained in the Logic of English reading remediation program, has completed extensive supervision in executive functioning support, and specializes in helping students strengthen writing skills, organization, and self-confidence. Holly is also the creator of FCLC’s Writer’s Workshop, a structured writing program designed to help middle and high school students build confidence, strengthen written expression, and develop a writing process they can use long after the program ends.

Fun Fact: Holly spent 10 years in gymnastics, including two years on a competitive team, and two years in dance.

Highlights & Insights

Holly loves finding creative ways to incorporate each student’s interests into learning.
If homework leads to tears at home, come see Holly. (We only hear laughter in the Learning Center!)
Sessions with Holly often involve movement, games, and creative activities.
Careful! Your child may start to enjoy writing as much as Holly does.
Holly loves sharing practical writing tips, tricks, and strategies that help students become more confident writers.
Does your child know why C says /s/ in the word lace? Holly does, and she can teach all 31 spelling rules of the English language.
Holly works with neurotypical and neurodivergent learners.
Holly sees ages 9+.

Meet Our Interns

At our Learning Center, we have a revolving door of fantastic interns who grace us with their talents for a year. Our wonderful interns come from all walks of life, but they all share one thing in common: working with kids and shaping their futures. While we’d love to keep them forever, they eventually move on to spread their wings elsewhere. Curious to meet this year’s amazing team? Click the button below to see our current Learning Center providers and check out their bios in our always-up-to-date PDF!

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We know that finding the right clinician is a process and ensuring that personalities and energies align is the key. We provide a free phone consultation that pairs families, couples, and individuals with the clinician that best matches the client’s energy and treatment goals. Each member of our team has different styles, personalities, and experiences, which helps us serve all types of clients. Call or email us to set up a free 20-minute phone consultation.