Meet the Team

We are a team of counselors rooted in Catholic teaching, who provide research-based clinical work, aimed at healing the mind, body and soul. We are here to help you find peace in the midst of emotional and relational distress.

  • Founder & Counselor

    I received a BA in Psychology from the University of Dallas, and had the opportunity to study in Rome for a semester.  I received an MA in Counseling from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs.

    During my career, I have worked at a residential treatment center for adolescents in Colorado Springs, as well as a group home for adolescents.  I have worked as a therapist at a Christian counseling center in Colorado Springs.  I worked as a counselor for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, and coordinated the My House initiative and a list of Catholic counselors.  In addition to Sacred Heart Counseling in Olathe, I am a therapist at Benedictine College.

    I have enjoyed trainings on a variety of topics including anxiety, trauma, depression, emotional connection, addiction, pornography, healthy conflict, and suicide prevention.  I continue attending trainings to increase my knowledge on a variety of clinical topics.  I have completed the trainings for the CSAT program, and have also attended multiple courses at the Theology of the Body Institute.

    My wife and I, and our children live in the Kansas City area.  We have been through the Christ Renews His Parish program, and have been active in other groups at our parish and children’s schools.  I enjoy outdoor sports, coaching our kid’s teams, DIY projects, fly-fishing, and J.R.R. Tolkien novels.

    I provide counseling in person, through a HIPPA-compliant video platform, or over the phone.

    You can reach Sam at 913-952-2267

Book a Session with Sam

  • Founder & Counselor

    I received BAs in Psychology and Philosophy from Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. I received an MA in Counseling from the University of Missouri – Kansas City.

    During my career I have worked at a Community Mental Health Center in Paola, Kansas. I also served as a Clinical Coordinator overseeing a team of clinicians. During that time, I worked with a local team of counselors in the Johnson County, Kansas area. In addition to Sacred Heart Counseling in Olathe, I am a school counselor at a K-8 school in Johnson County, Kansas. 

    Through training and experience, I have become versed in treating depression, anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, trauma, mood disorders, parenting concerns, obsessive compulsive disorder, marriage preparation, and more. I continue to complete trainings to further my knowledge in a variety of clinical areas.

    My wife, our children, and I live in the Kansas City area. We are active in our faith life through our donations of time and talent to Catholic education throughout the Archdiocese. I enjoy time with family, board games, collecting sports cards, watching / playing sports, and reading. 

    I provide counseling in person, through a HIPAA-compliant video platform, or over the phone.

    Additionally, I provide clinical supervision to Licensed Professional Counselors seeking their clinical license in Kansas.

Book a Session with David

  • Sacred Heart Counseling Clinician

    Hi, I’m Emma Lager, a mental health counselor with a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a concentration in Catholic Anthropology from the University of Mary. I also hold a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Benedictine College.

    I approach therapy from a relational perspective, grounded in the belief that healing happens through authentic relationships. We were never meant to walk through life alone, and in the safety of a therapeutic space, I strive to offer the kind of connection and presence that fosters growth, self-understanding, and renewed hope. My work is deeply informed by the Catholic view of the human person, which honors the inherent dignity and beauty of each individual. I also pull from therapeutic modalities such as Emotion-Focused therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Attachment Theory.

    My Catholic worldview shapes my belief in the inherent dignity, beauty, and purpose of every person. Whether you are carrying wounds from trauma, struggling to find meaning, wrestling with shame or identity, or simply longing to be understood, I consider it a profound privilege to sit with you in the mess and mystery of healing.

    My clinical experience has included working with children, adolescents, and adults in crisis and outpatient settings. I've led education and skills groups, completed crisis assessments, and provided individual therapy through both agency and private practice settings. I’m especially passionate about working with those navigating relational trauma, religious trauma, spirituality, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, shame, unwanted sexual behaviors, women’s issues, parenting, premarital counseling, addiction, sexual trauma, obsessive-compulsive disorder, scrupulosity, loneliness, ADHD, coping skills, mood disorders, personality disorders, self-harm, and suicidal ideation.

    Whether you're navigating anxiety, relational or religious trauma, depression, or seeking healing, clarity, or simply a space to be seen, I’d be honored to meet you there. 

    You can reach Emma at (913) 538-1129

Book a Session with Emma

  • Sacred Heart Counseling Clinician

    I received a BSW in Social Work from Azusa Pacific University in CA, and an MA in Counseling from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary in MI. 

    I am a convert to the Catholic faith & proudly entered the Church on Easter of 2013. I am now passionate about allowing the truth and love of Jesus & His Holy Family to help transform people’s lives through Catholic mental health counseling.

    I did supervised training at NorthPoint Professional Counseling under the supervision of a Certified Sexual Addiction Therapist (CSAT) who helped individuals and married couples overcome the trauma incurred from sexual addiction. I also worked for the CatholicPsych Institute for nine years in which I learned to integrate the Personalism of St. John Paul II into a framework that offers a blueprint for healthy human flourishing based on a solidly Catholic anthropology.

    My approach to counseling is an interpersonal one, meaning it’s all about relationships! I believe that all people are made for relationships, formed in relationships, unfortunately wounded in close relationships, and find great healing in relationships that uphold one’s inherent dignity. In the counseling relationship, I seek to offer corrective emotional experiences based on the particular wounds one has endured.

    I have provided therapy to individuals, couples, and groups who have suffered through the following challenges: trauma (past and current), anxiety, depression, OCD, scrupulosity, addictions, bi-polar, identity concerns, low self-esteem, challenging relationships, marital conflict, parenting struggles, emotional regulation, anger issues, pornography / sex addiction, body image concerns, perfectionism, complex grief, academic & career development needs, and personality disorders. 

    I would be honored to enter into the spaces of difficulty with you and explore what God’s mercy means for greater healing, freedom, and redemption in your life.

    My wife, five children, and I live in Atchison, KS. In my free time, I enjoy being outdoors, grilling meat, playing with my kids, watching baseball (Let’s Go Mets!), playing ping-pong, and listening to podcasts that enrich my faith and deepen my understanding of what is true, good, and beautiful. 

    I provide counseling in person, through a HIPPA-compliant video platform, or over the phone.

    You can reach Sean at (913) 370-4011

Book a Session with Sean

  • Sacred Heart Counseling Clinician

    I received a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Kansas State University, and graduated from the University of Texas in Arlington with a Master’s of Science in Social Work. After graduate school, I provided individual, marital and family therapy services at Catholic Charities in Dallas, Texas. 

    My husband and I returned to Kansas, and I worked at home raising our children. Since 2012, I have been providing school counseling services in K-8 schools. This includes years of experience working with children, adolescents and parents.

    At Sacred Heart Counseling, I can meet with individuals, couples and families to help themselves develop a plan for change and healing based on their strengths and evidence-based treatment approaches. I also can provide enrichment services to help guide couples through the preparation for marriage.

    I am a Licensed Master Social Worker in Kansas under clinical supervision and ongoing training for LSCSW. I provide services in person, and through a HIPAA-compliant video platform, or over the phone.

    You can reach Kathleen at (913) 390-3526

Book a Session with Kathleen

  • Sacred Heart Counseling Clinician

    I’m Marie McEvoy Harper, a mental health provider with Sacred Heart Counseling. I bring a compassionate, holistic approach to counseling that honors the dignity of the whole person- mind, body, and soul. I recognize that life’s struggles are often complex and deeply personal. I strive to create a supportive and empathetic space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to move toward healing and growth.

    I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Human Development and my Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Kansas. My background in social work provides a broad, person-centered perspective that considers not only individual challenges, but also the relationships, environments, and life experiences that shape each person’s journey. I am currently under clinical supervision to obtain my next level of licensure.

    For more than 25 years, I have worked with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults in various clinical and educational settings. My experience includes serving children and adults in acute mental health crisis through both the Johnson County Mental Health Center and the Wyandot Center for Community Behavioral Healthcare, working as a Director of Social Services in a nursing home setting and currently serving as a school counselor within a Catholic school here in the Archdiocese. In my current role, I support students and families from kindergarten through 8th grade as they navigate academic, emotional, social, and spiritual challenges.

    I also volunteered for more than 10 years in parish youth ministry, which gave me a unique understanding of the pressures and challenges facing teens and their families today. These diverse experiences allow me to connect with clients across many stages of life with warmth, compassion, and practical support.

    I work with children, teens, adults, older adults, individuals, and families. I have experience supporting clients facing anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma, ADHD and neurodivergence, grief, stress, parenting concerns, life transitions, and educational challenges. I am passionate about helping clients build resilience, strengthen relationships, and move toward greater peace, healing, and hope.

    When desired, I am honored in my work here at Sacred Heart to integrate Catholic faith and values into the counseling process in a way that supports each client’s unique journey.

    I am a Mom to 4 amazing kids. When not attending their sporting events, plays or other activities, I enjoy a good book, a walk with friends, or a great cup of coffee.  I love learning new things and am currently trying my hand at the game of Mahjong.  I am active in my Parish, recently holding roles on Parish Council as well as various volunteer roles in my children's school.  I am constantly striving to grow in my personal faith life and am grateful God has placed me in this exact moment.

    I provide counseling in person, through a HIPPA-compliant video platform, or over the phone. 

    You can reach Marie at 913-730-7339

Book a Session with Marie

Spiritual Board

The Sacred Heart Counseling Spiritual Board supports the team of counselors in their mission to provide authentic Catholic care aimed at healing the mind, body, and soul.

  • Spiritual Board Member

    I am a monk and priest of St. Benedict's Abbey, Atchison, KS. I was born in New Orleans, LA to parents from India, and I have traveled extensively around the world. I am also a convert from Hinduism. In monastic life, I currently serve as the Subprior of the community, the Formation Director, Retreat Master, and one of the assistant chaplains at Maur Hill - Mount Academy. I also do spiritual direction and assist with the coordination of Conquer, a group for college men who deal with sexual addictions. I am passionate about the topic of healing, especially in the intersection of the spiritual life with psychological well-being.

  • Spiritual Board Member

    My name is Fr. Andrew Gaffney and I am a priest of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. I grew up in Topeka, Kansas and, after graduating from Hayden Catholic High School, I discerned a call to the Priesthood. I attended Conception Seminary College in Conception, Missouri where I earned a Bachelor of Arts with an emphasis in Philosophy and Psychology. I then was sent to St. John Vianney Theological Seminary in Denver, Colorado where I earned a Masters of Divinity and was ordained in 2022. Currently, I serve as the Parochial Vicar at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Olathe, Kansas. In Seminary, I had realized my own brokenness and woundedness and love helping others work through healing these realities and realizing how loved they are by our Lord.