Butterfly Beginnings Counseling

Play Therapy and Counseling for children and families in Davenport, Iowa

Meet Our Therapists

January 2, 2019

Meet Kim Feeney

Kim Feeney Play Therapist at Butterfly Beginnings Counseling in Davenport, Iowa
Kim Feeney, Play Therapist, LISW, RPT

I’m pleased to bring my unique balance of experience, expertise, and training to my new private practice, Butterfly Beginnings. Believing all behavior is purpose-driven, I work with parents and children to find alternative ways to meet social and behavioral needs. Since 2013 I have been a Licensed Independent Social Worker and a Registered Play Therapist since 2014.

I attended the University of Iowa and earned my undergraduate degree in Psychology and Social Work in 2001 when I also began my career. For many years I worked with children in their home settings, providing direct care while also mentoring parents. In addition, I provided services to teens in residential treatment settings.

I obtained my graduate degree in Social Work at The University of Iowa in 2011. I have worked in a therapeutic capacity in schools and office settings. Along with the credentials above, I am advanced certified in Adlerian play therapy, a certified EMDR therapist, an Internationally credentialed sand therapist, a certified Synergetic Play Therapist (graduation May 2022), a registered clinician with the Association for Training on Trauma and Attachment in Children, and a certified AutPlay provider. I have also attended training in Theraplay.

When I am not in the office or playroom, I can be found reading a book, spending time with family, or watching a sporting event.

Sound like someone you would like supporting your child and family? Email kim@butterflybeginningscounseling.com for more information.

Meet Melissa “Mel B” Barrett

Mel B at Butterfly Beginnings Play Therapy in Davenport, Iowa
Melissa “Mel B” Barrett, Play Therapist, LMSW

Melissa “Mel B” Barrett is a seasoned and experienced Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience in clinical, agency and school settings who is passionate about the wellness of children and families.  Melissa has compassion for individuals going through life’s challenges and transitions and strives to provide them a non-judgmental and safe place.  Through a strengths-based, trauma-informed and person-centered therapeutic approach, Melissa recognizes the importance of building relationships with clients in order to establish realistic and attainable goals together.

Melissa earned her Bachelor’s of Social Work degree from the University of Northern Iowa and her Master’s degree in Social Work from St. Ambrose University.  Melissa began her career providing child welfare services by  helping to establish safety, permanency, and well-being of children and families involved within the child welfare system. This was done by tailoring services to their unique needs by building upon their strengths. Melissa also assisted families in navigating social service systems to help overcome barriers.  Melissa then transitioned into the role of a school social worker where she loves working with children, teachers, school staff and families to help students have successful outcomes including assisting those students with learning disabilities.  During the past couple of years, Melissa has become a certified Autplay provider and developed a passion for becoming a Registered Play Therapist where she sees the great value in play to assist children and families in finding successful outcomes. 

In her spare time, “Mel B.” loves spending time with her family and friends, participating in water aerobics, playing games, attending concerts, live bands and traveling.  While she has enjoyed traveling all over the country, Melissa especially loves being at the beach, where the salty water, soft sand, and warm sunny weather are her ultimate get-away!!!

Email melb@butterflybeginningscounseling.com to schedule a consult today.

Meet Lauryn Youngers

Lauryn Youngers, MSW, LMSW, Child & Play-Based Therapist
 
Hi, I’m Lauryn! I am a licensed master social worker and school social worker by day, with a passion for supporting children through play-based therapy. I specialize in working with children ages 2 to 13, using a child-centered, strengths-based approach rooted in Adlerian Play Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy (CBPT).
 
My work is grounded in building strong, trusting, and empathetic relationships. I believe children heal, grow, and thrive when they feel seen, safe, and accepted. Through child-led play, reflection, and connection, I help kids explore their emotions, build confidence, and navigate life’s challenges — all while respecting their unique voice and developmental stage.
 
With a background in education, I bring an understanding of children’s social and emotional needs, especially in school settings. My approach is warm, nonjudgmental, and attuned to creating safe boundaries.
 
When I’m not in session, you’ll likely find me outside with my dog or playing with my two cats, playing pickleball or volleyball, enjoying music, or spending time with my niece and nephew. I look forward to the opportunity to work with your child and family on their journey toward growth and healing.

Meet Amanda Harvard

Amanda Harvard, LMSW, MSW
 
Amanda is a licensed master social worker, she has been in the social work field since graduating from Western Illinois University in 2017, she then attended graduate school at St Ambrose university and obtained her masters degree in social services in 2021.
 
Amanda has dedicated over eight years to assisting adults, veterans, children and families. Amanda is booking new clients ages 13- adult.

Meet Karly Driscoll

Karly Driscoll, LMSW
 
Karly Driscoll, LMSW, is a dedicated therapist with over twenty-five years of experience in social work.  Throughout her career, she has supported children, teens, adults, and families in a variety of settings, including child welfare, case management, services for adults with developmental disabilities, and work with families impacted by violence.  Karly co-founded and directed a local nonprofit agency for ten years, providing her with a deep understanding of the challenges families face and the resilience that can be developed through adversity.
 
Karly’s approach is strengths-based and person-centered, focusing on creating a safe, supportive space where clients feel comfortable sharing their stories and struggles.  She believes in meeting clients where they are, helping them discover their inner strengths, and empowering them to move forward in meaningful ways.
 
Outside of her work, Karly enjoys spending time with her husband, family, and friends.  She is a proud mom of five children, ranging in age from 5 to 22, and finds her greatest joy in watching them grow, cheering them on in their activities, and being present for the everyday moments of family life.
 

Meet Sarah Day

Sarah Day, M.A. Clinical Mental Health (in progress)
Colorado Christian University – Practicum Student in Counseling (expected graduation
December 2026)
 
I am a counseling graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health program at Colorado Christian
University, completing my practicum and internship under the supervision of Kim Feeney. I am
passionate about helping children, teens, and families feel seen, heard, and valued as they work through challenges.
 
My newest study is on Adlerian Play Therapy, a child-centered approach that uses play as a
natural language for children to express feelings, build coping skills, and develop healthier
relationships. Through this approach, I am learning how to provide a safe and supportive
environment where children can explore, grow, and thrive.
 
I graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2006. I am
currently a member of Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Honor Society. I have several years of
experience from volunteer work of going into public schools to help encourage and come
alongside children, preteens, and teens by means of large and small group discussions to help
youth find ways to cope and deal with emotional regulation and the struggles they face growing
up.
 
I have been married for 15 years and have two boys. I love animals. I love reading, fishing,
hiking, and most things outdoors. I also love tapping into creativity by painting and restoring furniture. For me, working with my hands is therapeutic, which is why play therapy appeals to
me.
 
Areas of Support
• Anxiety, stress, and worry in children and adolescents
• Behavioral or emotional struggles
• Family changes (divorce, transitions, grief)
• Social skills and peer relationships
• Building self-confidence and resilience
 
Approach & Supervision
As a practicum student, I work under the supervision of licensed professionals and integrate
Adlerian play therapy with other evidence-based counseling techniques. My goal is to create a
safe, supportive, and collaborative space for clients and families.
 
If you’re looking for a safe and encouraging space for your child or family, I would be
honored to walk alongside you in this journey.
 
 

Meet Jessica Pease

Jessica Pease, MS, MHP, Student Intern
 

I am currently enrolled at Walden University in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program, specializing in forensic counseling. I also hold a Master of Science degree in forensic psychology from Walden University. I completed my undergraduate degree in psychology, with a minor in social and criminal justice, at Ashford University. My employment history includes working in Illinois Corrections and in Illinois Victim Services. I have 25+ years in customer service, and I am dually trained in domestic violence and sexual assault through the state of Illinois.

I am a quirky, fun, and unconventional therapist. My therapeutic philosophy is an integrated, hybrid model grounded in Psychodynamic theory and includes elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as well as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). My extensive background in corrections and victim services fuels a deeply empathetic and resourceful style, supported by evidence-based methods. I specialize in working with survivors of trauma, primarily domestic violence and sexual assault, with a fundamental commitment to bringing awareness to prevention efforts and protecting vulnerable voices. Guided by my core leadership values of integrity, accountability, and empathy, I strive to create a safe, supportive environment where trust is paramount. I customize my approach to each client, and my practice is sometimes unconventional, incorporating interest-based session work as a creative and resourceful path to healing. This mission—to empower survivors and protect children and adults in the long run—is what motivates my dedication to healing justice. Furthermore, I am continually enhancing my skill set and am currently working on my Life Coaching certification.

Beyond my professional identity, I maintain a laid-back and resourceful approach to life. I prefer solitude or small gatherings. My family is central to my world. I claim six adult children—my children and their partners—and I have three dogs, two cats, and my soulmate. For self-care, I love to travel, enjoy quiet moments of doing nothing, and find entertainment at comedy clubs. My favorite show is Shameless—a reminder that life is complicated and, like the Gallaghers, we all need grit and resilience to overcome challenges and build a life of our choosing.