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Meet the Bees
Dedicated to Creating Heathy Hives
Venessa Bowers, LCSW-C
Managing Partner
Venessa Bowers, MSW, LCSW-C, CCTP, MA is the founder and Managing Partner of The Holistic Hive, the Honeybee Collective, and The Honey Hut. She is a licensed certified social worker- clinical in Maryland, and a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in Arkansas, Delaware, Maine, New Hampshire, Indiana, and Virginia. She is a certified clinical trauma professional, TCTSY-F, 500 ERYT, RCYT, RPYT, and YACEP, who specializes in the treatment of trauma, OCD, Eating Disorders, and attachment-related issues. Venessa utilizes a host of expressive and evidence-based therapies to assist in recovery. These therapy modalities include art therapy, play therapy, music therapy, bibliotherapy, yoga, CBT-E, ERP, IFS, and mindfulness strategies. She holds a Master of Social Work Degree from Indiana University and a Master of Arts degree from Purdue University.
Venessa created the Blooming Lotus Project, a child and adolescent wellness center that uses expressive therapies exclusively and is the first such program on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Further, she has a successful record of building an Outpatient Mental Health Clinic, Child and Adolescent Programs including Psychiatric Rehabilitation Programs, Intensive Family Services, and Adult Mental Health and Medication Management programs that are CARF accredited and licensed in the State of Maryland, by writing and developing comprehensive policies and procedures, training manuals, internship programs, ensuring COMAR compliance, and creating management structures that foster growth.
Venessa Bowers has a proven, successful, track-record in non-profit management, fundraising, grant writing, marketing, and public relations. She uses this experience to assist non-profits in aiding vulnerable populations to create social change. She runs Beeline Creative a marketing company designed to help mental health organizations maximize their brands to meet their goals and objectives.
Ms. Bowers is a professional speaker, trainer, internship supervisor at several academic institutions nationwide, and a communication and social work collegiate instructor. She is a Board of Social Work Examiners-approved supervisor in Maryland and a certified expert witness.
Walt Torchon, LCPC-S
Partner
Walt is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC-S) and is a State of Maryland Board of Counselors-Approved Supervisor. Walt earned his bachelor's degree in Sociology and master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Maryland – Eastern Shore.
He previously worked as a therapist in community and school settings. He provides both individual and group therapy sessions for children, adolescents, adults, and family systems. Walt uses person-centered and strengths-based approaches to therapy and believes that people have it within themselves to accomplish their goals. His areas of specialization include trauma, relationships, and inclusive and culturally affirming mental health. He is fluent in Haitian Creole.
Kylene Shupe, LMSW Independent Practice
Partner
Kylene holds Master’s of Social Work degree from Salisbury University. She is an Independently Licensed Master Social Work (LMSW) in Maryland, Delaware, and Maine. With more than 10 years of clinical experience in outpatient mental health centers, Kylene specializes in working with adolescents and adults who have been affected by traumatic experiences, stress, eating disorders, depression, and interpersonal relations. Kylene’s clinical modalities include Trauma Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, Motivational Interviewing, and Somatic-Based Interventions. Kylene is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), and a Certified Neuropsychotherapist. Kylene balances her clinical work with holistic interventions. She is certified in sound therapy, expressive therapy, and guided meditation. She is a 200RYT whose yoga practice is trauma informed. Finally, she is a beekeeper and nurtures and supports her living hive with the calm and peaceful presence she brings to clients and communities.
Alexis Southward
Partner
Alexis Southward, holding a B.F.A. and a B.S.W., is a passionate advocate for mental health and social justice. Alexis is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work degree and is committed to ensuring that mental health care is safe, affirming, and accessible for everyone. By blending her artistic creativity with social work expertise, she fosters inclusive spaces where individuals can authentically thrive and express themselves. Alexis works with The Honeybee Collective and The Honey Hut through the non-profit which is focused on making wellness services available to the community without stigma and without the excessive cost for care.
Ayodele Clark-Shaw
Partner
Dele is a dedicated and passionate social worker who is currently pursuing a Masters of Social Work (MSW) degree. Dele holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology, which has provided a solid foundation for understanding social behaviors, structures, and issues.
Dele is a visual and performing artist and a 200 RYT who specializing in movement and dance. This blend of skills not only enhances her holistic approach to well-being but also allows her to incorporate physical and mental wellness practices in her social work. Dele’s love for children drives her commitment to creating safe, enriching, supportive environments for young ones to thrive. She is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of others through compassion, and creativity. Dele works with The Honeybee Collective and The Honey Hut through the non-profit which is focused on making wellness services available to the community without stigma .without the excessive cost for care.