Kriya Lendzion

My Story

I received my Bachelor's degree in Sociology in 1992 and my Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from Rollins College in 2003, with additional coursework in Addiction Studies completed in Denver. Most of my career has been in school settings, working with pregnant and parenting teen girls, juvenile justice, high-risk girls, expelled students, and currently as the Middle School Counselor at Evergreen Charter School in Asheville NC since 2008. I've also conducted private therapy with adolescents and their families and mothered my own and two step-teens. As a result, I have earned the reputation for being a "Teen Whisperer," for my ability to understand and "speak teen," including what they are often communicating through their more challenging behaviors.

As a young pre-teen, I began my own challenging journey that led me through multiple addictions and self-destructive behaviors and into recovery by age 19. This naturally gravitated me towards work as a substance abuse counselor in outpatient and residential treatment with teens and adults. I blend this personal "street certified" history with my clinical expertise to bring both knowledge and authenticity to my workshops and presentations. 

Expressive arts and an Outward Bound adventure were literally life-saving to me, inspiring me to naturally blend creativity, interaction, and challenge into my group facilitation.  I have also been lucky to have had experiences that make me comfortable with human diversity in all its forms, and that inspire me to promote understanding and equity in all I do.

Clearly, this work has chosen me, and not the other way around. I truly enjoy sharing it with others.