Meet Our Providers

Mallory Schneider Hughes, PhD

Dr. Hughes, a licensed child psychologist, is dedicated to providing evidence-based therapy and evaluations to children in the Atlanta area. With a rich and diverse background, she offers a spectrum of assessments and therapy services, all of which are supported by research.

Clinical Expertise:

Dr. Hughes brings a wealth of clinical psychology expertise, adeptly addressing behavior problems, emotion dysregulation, anxiety, and ADHD in children. Her commitment extends beyond traditional realms, as she holds specialized training in working with youth and families grappling with chronic and acute health conditions.

Specialization in Early Childhood:

At the heart of Dr. Hughes’ practice is her specialization in working with families of young children aged 2-7, who face emotional and behavioral difficulties. Her tailored approach recognizes the unique needs of this age group, creating a nurturing environment for growth and resilience.

Certified in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT):

Dr. Hughes is a certified practitioner of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), an evidence-based treatment specifically designed for young children with emotional and behavioral challenges. This certification reflects her commitment to employing cutting-edge, effective strategies in her therapeutic interventions.

Individualized Assessment Approach:

In the realm of assessments, Dr. Hughes takes an individualized approach, crafting specialized assessment batteries tailored to each child’s unique needs. She dynamically adjusts the testing process throughout evaluations, keenly identifying both areas of strength and areas for growth.

Emphasizes Parent Involvement:

Dr. Hughes places a high value on providing timely and thorough feedback to families. Her commitment ensures that parents leave each session equipped with a clear understanding of their child’s strengths and weaknesses, along with actionable steps for the future.

Dr. Hughes is dedicated to fostering the emotional well-being of young minds and empowering families with the tools they need for a brighter future.

Areas of Specialty:

• Ages 2 – 10
• Parenting
• Defiance
• Aggression
• Outbursts
• Emotion dysregulation
• Sleep
• Separation anxiety
• Generalized anxiety
• Social anxiety
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Kristy Larsen, PhD

Dr. Larsen is a licensed clinical child psychologist who provides evidence-based therapy and evaluations to young children and their families. She is passionate about helping children thrive emotionally, behaviorally, and academically by offering services that are grounded in the latest research and tailored to each child’s unique needs.

Clinical Expertise:

Dr. Larsen specializes in the assessment and treatment of disruptive behaviors, anxiety, and ADHD. She also has extensive experience conducting comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations, including those focused on ADHD, learning difficulties, reading disorders, and intellectual disabilities. She provides therapy for children primarily ages 2–8 and offers comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations for children and adolescents ages 4–17.

Specialization in Early Childhood:

Dr. Larsen has a strong focus on working with young children who are experiencing emotional and behavioral challenges. Her warm, collaborative approach helps families better understand their child’s needs and build practical tools for lasting change.

Extensive PCIT Training:

Dr. Larsen has received several years of training in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), a gold-standard treatment for young children with behavioral and emotional difficulties. She also has specialized training in adapted versions of PCIT for selective mutism and childhood anxiety and is currently completing her PCIT certification.

Comprehensive, Individualized Evaluations:

In her assessment work, Dr. Larsen takes a thoughtful, individualized approach. She carefully selects and adjusts testing tools to gain a full picture of each child’s strengths and areas of need. She also collaborates closely with schools, pediatricians, and other providers to ensure a well-rounded understanding of the child across settings and to support coordinated care.

Collaborative and Supportive Care for Families:

Dr. Larsen values strong collaboration with parents and caregivers. She prioritizes clear, compassionate communication and provides families with practical strategies, timely feedback, and a roadmap for moving forward.

Areas of Specialty:

• Parenting
• Defiance
• Aggression
• Outbursts
• Emotion dysregulation
• Selective mutism
• Generalized anxiety
• Social anxiety
• Separation anxiety
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Learning difficulties

Select Research and Publications

Larsen, K. L., & Jordan, S. S. (2022). Factors that link consistent bedtime routines to better sleep  outcomes. Children’s Health Care, 51, 139-162.

Larsen, K. L., Erp, L. A., Jordan, M., & Jordan, S. S. (2021). Bedtime routines of young children, parenting  stress, and bedtime resistance: Mediation models. Child Psychiatry & Human Development, 54, 683-691.

Larsen, K. L. & Jordan, S. S. (2020). Organized chaos: Daily routines link household chaos and child behavior problems. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 29, 1094-1107.

Larsen, K. L., Jordan, S. S., & Green, B. A. (2017). Assertiveness Training. In V. Zeiger-Hill, & T. K. Shackelford (Eds). Encyclopedia of Personality and Individual Differences. Springer International Publishing.

McQuade, J. D., Mendoza, S., Larsen, K. L., Breaux, R. P. (2017). The nature of social positive illusory bias: Reflection of social impairment, self-protective motivation, or poor executive functioning? Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 45, 289-300.

Caitlin Scannell, LMSW

Caitlin Scannell is a child and family therapist who provides evidence-based therapy to children and their caregivers. With a strong foundation in family systems and child development, she helps children build confidence, resilience, and practical coping skills that carry over into home, school, and everyday routines.

Clinical Expertise:

Caitlin specializes in working with children ages 3–13 who experience anxiety, low self-esteem, anger, emotional outbursts, and difficulty adjusting to stressors such as divorce or family changes. She uses structured, research-supported strategies to address emotional and behavioral challenges, while also helping children feel more confident and in control.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy:

Caitlin provides individual therapy for children ages 3–13, focusing on building emotional regulation, coping skills, and improved behavior. Her sessions are structured, goal-oriented, and tailored to each child’s developmental level. She uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) strategies across ages—helping children learn to recognize their emotions, manage stress, and respond more effectively to everyday challenges.

For younger children (typically ages 3–7), Caitlin adapts CBT strategies using a play-based approach. Through games, storytelling, role-play, and creative activities, children learn essential skills like emotion regulation, frustration tolerance, and flexibility. This interactive style helps children stay engaged while learning in a way that matches how they naturally express themselves and make sense of the world.

Each session also includes time for parent collaboration. Caitlin partners with caregivers to explain what was covered, offer coaching, and share specific strategies to practice at home. This consistent parent involvement helps reinforce progress and generalize skills between sessions. Parents will leave each visit knowing exactly what to do over the next week to support their child.

Trained in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT):

Caitlin is trained in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and is currently pursuing certification. She incorporates PCIT principles throughout her work to strengthen parent-child relationships and reduce disruptive behaviors through live coaching and parent feedback.

Areas of Specialty:

• Ages 3 – 13
• Anxiety
• Self-esteem
• Perfectionism
• Emotion dysregulation
• Stress management
• Frustration tolerance
• Trauma
• Licensed Master Social Worker
• Supervised by Dr. Mallory Hughes
• Bachelor of Science in Social Work, Walden University
• Master of Social Work, Walden University

Brittany Wagner, Clinical Intern

Brittany Wagner is a clinical intern who provides evidence-based support to caregivers and their young children through Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). With a strong background in early childhood education and child development, Brittany is passionate about helping families build stronger relationships and practical tools that support success at home, in school, and in everyday life.

Clinical Expertise:

Brittany specializes in working with families of young children who are experiencing behavioral challenges, emotional outbursts, difficulty following directions, or stress related to transitions such as starting school. Her approach emphasizes caregiver coaching, helping parents develop confidence and consistency in managing challenging behaviors while strengthening their connection with their child.

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and Parent Management Training (PMT):

Brittany is currently completing advanced training and supervision in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) under the guidance of Dr. Kristy Larsen and Dr. Mallory Hughes. In PCIT, Brittany coaches caregivers in real time through an evidence-based framework that helps improve child behavior, enhance parent-child relationships, and promote emotional regulation. Her calm, encouraging style helps caregivers feel supported and empowered as they learn new strategies.

Because of her years of experience as a preschool teacher, Brittany brings a deep understanding of how behavior and learning intersect. This allows her to offer unique insight and support to families facing school-related challenges such as difficulty with routines, attention, or peer interactions.

Collaborative, Family-Centered Approach:

Each session includes time for parent collaboration, goal-setting, and progress review. Brittany partners closely with caregivers, offering feedback and coaching tailored to their specific needs and values. Families leave sessions with a clear understanding of what to practice at home and how to keep building progress between visits.

Areas of Specialty:

• Ages 2 – 8
• Parent coaching
• Anxiety
• Behavioral challenges
• Emotional outbursts
• School adjustment
• Frustration tolerance
• Emotion regulation
• Strengthening caregiver-child connection