Yew Belong Community Services
General Phone #: 803-451-6719
Address: 6 Clusters Court, Columbia, SC 29210
We strive to provide evidence-based, affirmative mental health services and outreach, including psychoeducation, resources, and group support for members of the LGBTQIAP+ community, with an emphasis on supporting further underserved and marginalized persons (i.e. BIPOC, Gender Expansive Persons, Homeless/Housing Insecure, Uninsured, Unemployed).
Providers
Dr. Wynn Purvis, LPC-S, LMHC-S, NCC
Director | She/Her
In 20+ years supporting youth, young adults, and families, Dr. Wynn has invested in persons with diverse gender, sexual, and relational identities. She is the founder of both the Sexual Wellness in Counseling Interest Network and the Association for Counseling Sexology and Sexual Wellness Division of the American Counseling Association. She specializes in anxiety, trauma and grief work, particularly systemic and spiritual trauma.
Dr. Wendy Vaughn, PhD, LPC-S, NCC
Clinical Director | She/Her
Dr. Wendy Vaughn is the Clinical Director at Yew Belong Community Services and holds a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, alongside credentials as a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) and a National Certified Counselor (NCC). She has a background as a school counselor and is also a 20-year veteran of the US Army, which informs her empathetic approach to working with military members and their families. Dr. Wendy specializes in neuro-affirmative and trauma-informed counseling. She is trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy.
Curtis Keisler II, MA, LPC
Clinician | Any/All
As a trauma-informed therapist with experience in individual and family counseling, Curtis blends CBT, DBT, strengths-based, and existential approaches to support clients navigating complex emotions and life transitions. Passionate about working with LGBTQIA+ individuals, he helps clients process trauma, anxiety, and explore their identies from a non-judgmental lens. He believes healing comes from self-awareness, connection, and the courage to embrace growth.
Lisa Londono, MSW, LMSW, NCPRSS
Clinician |She/Her
Lisa is a dedicated advocate supporting LGBTQIA+, PWUD, and marginalized communities to navigate experiences around recovery, post-incarceration trauma, and personal life transitions. Using trauma-informed, strengths-based approaches like CBT, DBT, and motivational interviewing, she empowers clients to create lasting change. Lisa believes in promoting resilience and self-acceptance in her clients lives to encourage transformation at any life stage.
Ailee Hearn, Ed.S., LPC-A
Clinician |She/Her
Ailee takes a person-centered approach to counseling. She sees her clients as experts in their own lives and provides support through neuro-affirmative DBT and CBT techniques. She specializes in helping teens and young adults manage anxiety and depression while building coping skills for lasting resilience. Passionate about advocating for marginalized communities, Ailee creates a safe space for growth, healing, and self-discovery.
Clinical Interns:
All clinical interns are enrolled in graduate programs at accredited universities. Interns bring with them their own lived experiences and identities, prior professional expertise, and counseling lens in their service to the community through Yew Belong Community Services. Their requirements include weekly university supervision, individualized site supervision, and required participation in two hours of consultation and group supervision with the Yew Belong clinical and executive directors to provide support in their professional development. Both Dr. Wendy and Dr. Wynn are skilled Counselor Educators and Supervisors trained in meeting the developmental needs of clinical students and professionals. Working with an intern to meet your clinical needs also means access to the combined decades of diverse experience of Yew Belong Directors.
Brandi McLane (she/her)
Brandi is a student at Walden University, dually enrolled in the School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. Brandi assists with intake coordination, individual counseling, the DBT Skills groups for adolescents and adults, and the Clutter to Clarity group. She will be with Yew Belong from May 2025-May 2026.
Ezra June (they/them)
Ezra is a student at Webster University, enrolled in their Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. Ezra assists with intake coordination, individual counseling, the Vibe Hive, and collaboration with organizations seeking Yew Belong Community Services clinical support. They will be with Yew Belong from August 2025-December 2026.
Lorelai Schellberg (she/her)
Lorelai is a student at University of South Carolina, enrolled in their Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. Lorelai assists with individual counseling, outreach coordination, and Safe Spaces Dinners. She will be with Yew Belong from August 2025-May 2026.
