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About Us
How It All Started
Laurie Carpenter, LCSW, LSCSW Founder, and CEO,
In 2019, Laurie Carpenter embarked on a transformative journey by establishing Authentic Life. What began as a home-based coaching business soon evolved into a beacon of hope for those seeking mental health and wellness support.
🌱 The Early Years (2019-2020):
- Home-Based Coaching: Laurie’s passion for helping others led her to create Authentic Life as a home-based coaching service. She provided personalized guidance and support to individuals navigating life’s challenges.
- Clinical Counseling Services: Recognizing the need for deeper therapeutic interventions, Laurie expanded Authentic Life’s offerings in 2020. Clinical counseling services were introduced, allowing clients to access evidence-based treatments and professional guidance.
- Growing the Team: Laurie’s commitment to holistic care led her to hire another therapist, ensuring that Authentic Life could meet the diverse needs of its clients.
🌟 The First Location (January 2022):
- Independence, MO: In January 2022, Laurie’s vision materialized as Authentic Life opened its doors on The Square in Independence, MO. The cozy, welcoming space became a sanctuary for healing, growth, and connection.
As Founder and CEO, Laurie Carpenter continues to inspire change, foster resilience, and empower lives through Authentic Life. Her dedication to compassionate care remains at the heart of our practice.
In its inaugural year on The Square, Authentic Life made significant strides in supporting the community:
Expanded Team: We welcomed three additional therapists to our practice, enhancing our capacity to serve clients seeking mental health and wellness support.
- Student Interns: Our commitment to growth extended to mentoring and collaborating with student interns. Their fresh perspectives enriched our therapeutic environment.
- Insurance Acceptance: Recognizing the importance of accessibility, we began accepting insurance. This step allowed more individuals to access our services without financial barriers.
- Authentic Life Foundation: Driven by compassion, we established the Authentic Life Foundation, a 501©(3) corporation. Its mission: to provide therapy to the uninsured, ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability to pay, receives the support they need.
Our journey continues, rooted in empathy and resilience. Thank you for being part of our community! 🌟
Continued Growth in 2023
In its second year on The Square, Authentic Life continued to flourish, embracing growth and community impact:
- Physical Expansion:
- We expanded into the office next door, creating a more spacious and welcoming environment for our clients.
- Simultaneously, we began renovating our next location in Kansas City, MO, laying the foundation for further outreach.
- Community Partnerships:
- Our commitment to mental health extended beyond our walls. We partnered with local nonprofits, collaborating to bring mental health treatment to their programs.
- By working closely with these organizations, we aimed to reach underserved populations and provide essential support.
- Diverse Team:
- Our team now boasts:
- Eight therapists, each bringing unique expertise and compassion.
- A Biblical Counselor, catering to our faith community’s specific needs.
- Three student interns, infusing fresh perspectives and energy.
- Two Certified Peer Support Specialists, bridging personal experiences with professional guidance.
- Our team now boasts:
In 2024, Authentic Life KC, MO launched
🎉 Introducing Authentic Life’s Second Location in KC, MO! 🎉
We’re thrilled to announce the opening of our second Authentic Life location right here in Kansas City, MO! As we expand our reach, we’re bringing together a dynamic team of dedicated professionals to serve our community.
🌟 Meet Our Clinical Staff:
- Dianna Obermueller, LCSW – Lead Therapist: With her extensive background in the field of social work, Dianna brings compassion and expertise to guide our clients toward healing and growth.
- Caitlyn Cornell, LMSW – Licensed Master Social Worker: Caitlyn’s commitment to holistic care ensures that each individual receives personalized support on their journey.
- Kelly Sanders, PLPC – Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor: Kelly’s warmth and empathy create a safe space for clients to explore their challenges.
- Alyssa Miley, PLMFT -Provisionally Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist: Alyssa creates a safe, environment for individuals and families to overcome barriers which diminish their overall well being.
🌱 Student Interns:
Our team is excited to mentor and collaborate with two talented student interns, who bring fresh perspectives and energy to our practice.
💼 Administrative Staff:
Leading the way is Christopher Carpenter, our Chief Financial Officer. Chris’s strategic vision ensures that Authentic Life remains a beacon of hope for those seeking mental health services.
🤝 Collaboration with River of Refuge:
We’re proud to partner with River of Refuge, actively providing clinical services to families in their programs. Together, we’re making a difference in the lives of our community members.
At Authentic Life, we believe in equality, diversity, and compassionate care. Our commitment extends beyond our walls, reaching those who need it most.
Join us as we embark on this exciting journey, empowering lives and fostering resilience. Welcome to Authentic Life KC, where healing begins! 🌟
🎉 Continued Growth in 2025 🎉
What an amazing year 2025 has been for Authentic Life! 🌟 We grew our incredible team to 16 passionate professionals 💪—each committed to making a difference in the lives of those we serve. This expansion means more care, more support, and more impact in our community! ❤️
But that’s not all… 🚀 We kicked off the exciting search for our very own campus 🏢—a place where our entire team can come together under one roof to collaborate, innovate, and create an even more welcoming space for YOU. Big things are on the horizon! 🌈
And here’s a HUGE milestone: Authentic Life is now credentialed with Missouri Medicaid! ✅ This achievement opens doors for us to serve even more individuals and families, ensuring that financial barriers never stand in the way of quality care. 💙
We’re beyond thrilled about these accomplishments and can’t wait to see what the future holds. Here’s to continued growth, new opportunities, and making life authentically better for everyone! 🌟✨
We Believe in Equality
Authentic Life recognizes that therapists must deliver culturally congruent care and advocate for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning (LGBTQ+) populations. Authentic Life condemns discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or expression in Mental Health.
The National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics state: “NASW calls on all members of the social work profession to support, promote, affirm and protect the rights, legal benefits, and privileges of people of all gender identities and expressions.”
We, Authentic Life, fully incombus what the NASW says about providing equal care to all individuals and participating in ongoing advocacy.