Who We Are

Owner/Therapist

Latasha Saul - LPC, NCC

Welcome to my counseling practice! As a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia, I specialize in supporting children, teens, and families through a compassionate, Person-Centered approach. With a Master’s in Professional Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University and training in various therapeutic techniques, including play therapy and mindfulness, I strive to create a safe and nurturing environment tailored to each individual's unique needs., we can navigate challenges and foster growth in a supportive and understanding setting.

Operations Director

Cailin Cox

As Operations Director of Playful Pathways, Cailin is committed to creating an efficient, welcoming, and client-centered environment for both clients and the clinical team. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, combining her leadership experience with a growing passion for providing meaningful mental health support.

Cailin’s clinical interests include working with teens using a collaborative, strengths-based approach and expanding her work with first responders and public safety professionals. She believes meaningful change begins with authentic connection and strives to help clients build resilience, develop practical coping skills, and feel supported and empowered throughout their journey.

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MSW, Supervisee in Social Work

Takeko Gwynn

With a deep-rooted passion for supporting and empowering others, Takeko “Keko” Gwynn approaches her work in social services with both purpose and heart. Drawing on her personal journey and professional training, Keko is devoted to guiding individuals and families through life’s challenges with empathy, clarity, and resilience. She is known for her ability to break through emotional barriers and advocate fiercely for those she serves. Whether working quietly behind the scenes or leading with compassion, Keko remains committed to helping others Heal, Learn, and Grow.  Keko is open to working with children, adolescents, teens, adults, and families. She is currently under the clinical supervision of Daniel Brooks, LCSW, and accepts both Medicaid and self-pay clients.

Therapeutic Specialists

Mitzi Hartwell - CTRS

As a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist with over 30 years
of experience across clinical, educational, corporate, and residential settings. Known for her innovative, strengths-based approach, she specializes in developing and implementing programs that promote holistic well-being, engagement, and measurable outcomes. Mitzi’s work spans direct service, program management, and consultation, with a strong focus on fostering resilience and empowering individuals of all ages and abilities.

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MSW, Supervisee in Social Work

James Fields

James Fields earned his Bachelor of Social Work from Liberty University, graduating summa cum laude, and his Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. His professional experience has focused on supporting adolescents and young people as they navigate behavioral, emotional, social, and developmental challenges.

For the past four years, James has worked with youth in both mental health and school-based settings, helping young people strengthen emotional regulation, accountability, motivation, and interpersonal skills. He is passionate about building meaningful connections with his clients, helping them recognize their strengths, and supporting them in developing practical skills to navigate life’s challenges.

James is excited to continue growing as a clinician at Playful Pathways while supporting children, adolescents, and families in reaching their goals and becoming the best versions of themselves.

James is supervised by Daniel Brooks, LCSW.

Supervisee in Social Work

Avalee Filho - LMHP-S

Avalee is a compassionate therapist who supports children, adolescents, and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities, as well as children and teens on the Autism Spectrum. She provides neurodiversity-affirming, strengths-based care and is passionate about creating a safe, supportive space where clients can grow and thrive.

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Using play-based, relationship-centered approaches, Avalee helps children build emotional regulation, communication, and social-emotional skills. She works with concerns including anxiety, trauma, behavioral challenges, and life transitions, while partnering closely with caregivers to support the whole family.

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Avalee is dedicated to ongoing learning and evidence-based practice, meeting each client where they are and helping them build confidence, resilience, and meaningful coping skills.

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