Lu Vaughn, MS

Parent Coach & Transition Specialist

One of the most consistent and difficult things life brings is transition, often one transition after another. No matter how often we engage in life transitions they bring a multitude of emotions including joy and excitement along with fears and anxiety. And while these transitions are ours alone to do, we don’t have to do them alone. Having community and support allows us to face our fears and move forward through our transitions with growth and grace.

I have worked as an individual and family therapist since 1996. I have spent 7 years working internationally in therapeutic boarding schools and 16 years in wilderness therapy as both a primary therapist and clinical director. While I have worked with a wide variety of clinical issues, I have an expertise in addiction, recovery and defiance. I see defiance as a great personal strength. Those who have had the greatest impact on our world did so through defiance. Defiance is truly a superpower.

I BELIEVE IN CHALLENGING MYSELF AND THOSE I WORK WITH TO GET OUTSIDE OUR COMFORT ZONES TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OURSELVES AND OUR WORLD.

My education includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Mars Hill College, a Masters in Public Affairs as well as a Masters in Community Counseling, both from Western Carolina University.

I am a grandmother of four boys who I get to see every day. I love the outdoors, adventure and travel. I believe in challenging myself and those I work with to get outside our comfort zones to learn more about ourselves and our world. My favorite thing to do is anything I have never done before.

Lu, I have to thank you for all the wisdom and tools I was able to bring with me to family week... I was able to communicate and understand so much better than I would have without your help. The family with us knew nowhere near what I did because of the things you taught me! They are hiring you from what I was able to share!

— Mother of adolescent son in treatment