Meet our Partners

Kara is Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and CEO of Meteora Counseling Assocates, LLC who works with children (5+), adolescents, and adults. She strives to follow the trajectory of the therapeutic process to fit everyone’s needs while nurturing compassion and support to create a warm, comforting environment.

Kara’s clinical experience includes a wide array of mental health issues – including anxiety disorders, depression, trauma, as well as everyday life challenges. 

Kara stems from an evidence-based, interpersonal approach focusing on how interpersonal relationships and everyday life challenges affect a person. One of the most important things that trigger change is a good relationship, and the counselor-client relationship is the sole-focus. She also incorporates techniques from various treatment modalities, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Client Centered Therapy to ensure clients reach their goals. In addition, much of her experience involves working with children and adolescents utilizing play therapy and providing parental training.

Along with therapy, Kara has extensive experience in the behavioral world applying behavioral therapy techniques to children trained under the supervision of a BCBA.

Kara completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Misericordia University and continued her education at the University of Baltimore earning her Master’s Degree in Applied Psychology, specializing in counseling psychology.

Hilary Cleveland is a licensed clinical professional counselor in the state of Maryland and CEO of Aurora Rising Counseling Services, LLC who has been practicing for the last several years in the Eldersburg area.  Hilary graduated from Indiana University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology (2011) and master’s degree in Public Health Promotion (2014), with the goal of assisting people on an individual and community level with health-based initiatives and interventions. While working with communities in Washington DC, Hilary realized that counseling was her ultimate passion and decided to pursue a master’s degree in counseling from the University of Baltimore.  Based on her experiences in both Washington DC and Baltimore, Hilary honed in on the importance of a holistic approach to mental health needs, while also using evidenced based interventions. 

Hilary is a person-centered therapist who strives to develop a strong working relationship with her clients, as well as a judgement free zone.  No matter political affiliation, creed, gender, or race, Hilary works toward individual goal setting and working with the client around what they bring to session. 

Hilary works with client’s aged 14 and up around depression, anxiety, life changes, adjustment issues, grief, and communication among other things. If you have had trouble in life with mental health; familial issues; or just need someone to talk to and process with, Hilary would be more than happy to meet with you and assist you in your therapeutic needs.  You are never alone, and the journey to a healthier mental space is possible with help and an open mind!