Lauren Sowers has been connected with Compass Rose since 2016 when she started as a clinical intern. She then worked as a house parent for Compass Rose and a Therapist for White’s Residential & Family Services before transitioning into her current role as Therapist for Compass Rose. She is passionate about the growth model that CRA uses and the deep, connected work that we do in the lives of students and families.
Lauren earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology with a minor in Theatre from Huntington University in 2015 and her Master’s degree in Counseling from Huntington University in 2017. She has an additional two years of training in Gestalt therapy from the Indianapolis Gestalt Institute and is trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. In her spare time, she likes to sing, dance, act, write, and watch Netflix documentaries.
Marissa Pollard, a Nashville, TN native, holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a focus in Biblical missions and Spanish, as well as holds a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy, both from Lipscomb University. She further earned her specialization in play therapy education by becoming a Registered Play Therapist. She has experience providing trauma-informed family therapy and substance use groups for clients in the jail and prison system, community mental health, and DCS and court systems. She is trained in several trauma-informed interventions and modalities, including EMDR and Trust-Based Relational Intervention. She believes in the power of play and that therapy is a sacred space; all people are geared toward growth and redemption, including from their own trauma narratives. Marissa and her husband, David, have one adopted son, a hound dog, two cats, and a plethora of plants. She enjoys the sunshine, reading mysteries, playing board games with her family, puns, and finding joy in the little things.
Jenny Pease serves as a therapist at Compass Rose Academy. Jenny has held several roles at CRA including case manager, program manager, and the first houseparent in 2012. Jenny holds a bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from Grace College and a master’s in mental health counseling from Huntington University.
Jenny is a proud dog mom to her goldendoodle, Wrigley and enjoys true crime, cheering on the Chicago Cubs, and spending time with friends.
Ashton Burton serves as a therapist at Compass Rose Academy. Prior to Compass Rose, Ashton spent time working at Evansville Psychiatric Children’s Center, Salvation Army, and Raintree Consulting, where she partnered with DCS to provide home-based therapy and case management. She holds a bachelor’s degree in social work, a bachelor’s degree in Spanish studies, and a master’s degree in social work all from University of Southern Indiana.
“I feel called to Compass Rose as my faith is the most important foundation for my life and my relationship with Jesus has brought me through extremely difficult situations,” said Ashton. “I hope I can provide a positive impact on the young women I will encounter and help them to realize their true worth all while spreading the love of Jesus.”
Ashton has a Puggle named Skye and loves music, traveling, and missions.
Kelly Downs joined Compass Rose Academy in April 2021 as our full-time Nurse. Kelly grew up in Indiana, graduated from Oak Hill High School, and earned her BSN in nursing from Indiana Wesleyan University. She has been a nurse for 15 years. Kelly is so excited to join the Compass Rose team and combine her passion for youth ministry with her career in nursing.
Kelly and her husband, Nathan have been married for 16 years. They served together in youth ministry for 13 years. They recently moved back to Indiana from Ohio to be near family, and they have three children. Jessalyn is 12, Joah is 10, and their youngest, Judah is 7 and is adopted from the Philippines. They also have a cat, a pet snake, and chickens. Kelly loves to be outside hiking, camping, gardening, and biking with her family, and enjoys cooking.
Allison joined White’s Residential & Family Services in December 2018 as the Residential Office Assistant, and now serves as the Office Manager for Compass Rose Academy. Allison feels that the Lord has given her a great opportunity to join the Compass Rose Academy team and is thrilled to serve families and bring glory to God in this capacity.
Allison and her husband, Tanner have two daughters, Amelia and Jordyn, and two dogs, Maggie and Cooper. Allison enjoys being outside, camping, boating, and spending quality time with friends and family.
