Staff
Cynthia C. Ridgway, MA, LMHC, BC-TMH
Co-Owner/Co-Founder and Director of Supervision
Going the Distance Counseling and Consulting Services, PLLC.
"I am a mental health counselor trained to work with children, adolescents, adults, and families and have
been working in the field for over 20 years. I specialize in trauma informed therapy, working with those
who have been affected by trauma and adoption. I have met Washington State's requirements to supervise
other therapists, and I currently supervise several therapists who are in private practice. My theoretical
orientation most often adheres to concepts and ideas related to trauma-informed, solution focused, and
cognitive behavioral theory. My Christian values, personal life experience, and education contribute greatly
to my perspective on life.
Valerie C. St. John, Msc., LMHC, EMDR-C
Co-Owner/Co-Founder
Going the Distance Counseling and Consulting Services, PLLC.
"With over 15 years of experience providing mental health services across Washington State, my work has been shaped by learning the realities of clinical practice from the ground up, including navigating insurance systems and the complexities of independent practice. Clinically, I began as a generalist and later focused on trauma work, earning certification in EMDR and integrating approaches such as Internal Family Systems to help clients understand symptoms as meaningful, adaptive responses that support healing and resolution. I care deeply about addressing underlying patterns in ways that create lasting, sustainable change. At this stage of my career, I feel especially drawn to mentoring, supervision, and supporting other clinicians as they find their footing, both clinically and as independent business owners. When therapists feel supported and connected, our entire healing community grows stronger."
Kara Shores, President of JaMi Billing Services, LLC
Billing Specialist for Going the Distance Counseling and Consulting, PLLC
"I enjoy the challenge of medical billing. It is ever-changing, and I learn something new every day. Insurance can be complex and challenging to understand and navigate. I enjoy helping providers and their patients get their claims paid successfully and quickly, answer any insurance or billing questions they may have, and strive to take the worry out of insurance and billing."
P: 843-212-7040