Ladonna Matchett, MA, R-DMT, LPC

Ladonna Matchett is an experienced dance/movement therapist and educator with a strong foundation in both the performing arts and clinical mental health. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from the University of Texas at Austin and began her career as a high school dance teacher, later serving as director of the dance department, where she fostered artistic growth and self-expression among young performers.

Driven by a passion to support individuals beyond the classroom, Ladonna earned a Master of Arts in Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling from Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. During her graduate studies, she completed a clinical internship at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, a prominent psychiatric facility in Washington, D.C., where she worked with individuals experiencing acute and persistent mental health conditions.

Ladonna remains committed to creating safe, inclusive spaces where individuals can explore healing through movement, creativity, and compassionate support. Her clinical work has concentrated on client centered, trauma-informed care for youth impacted by gun violence, trauma, self-image, suicidal ideation, and self-harm. She integrates the healing power of movement with evidence-based counseling approaches to help clients build emotional resilience, develop healthy coping strategies, and reconnect with their sense of self.

Outside of her professional practice, Ladonna enjoys hiking, writing poetry, and facilitating healing workshops in her community. These passions reflect her belief in the importance of connection to self, to others, and to nature as a vital part of the healing journey.