Our Team
CANDACE SZYMANSKI, MA, MT-BC
OWNER/ FOUNDER
Hi, I'm Candace!
I founded The Cultivate Community with a vision to create a space where families could access specialized services for their children all in one place. After years of working in a pediatric hospital, I saw the need for care that supports the whole child—emotionally, socially, and developmentally—in a space where collaboration and community are central.
As a board-certified music therapist, I support children and teens through emotional expression, regulation, and healing—especially when navigating grief, anxiety, medical experiences, or big life transitions. I believe music can offer comfort and connection, especially when words are hard to find.
My approach is person-centered and developmentally grounded. I use creative tools like songwriting, instrument play, and musical exploration to help each child feel safe, understood, and empowered. Whether they’re processing a new diagnosis, building coping skills, or exploring their identity, I strive to meet them where they are and walk alongside their growth.
My journey with music began early—singing in choirs, performing in musicals, and falling in love with the way music brings people together. I discovered music therapy in college while working with a child with cerebral palsy, and I’ve never looked back.
Outside of work, I enjoy being outdoors, playing board games, and spending time with my many animals. I also love traveling with my husband, reading, and catching Broadway shows when I can. In addition to my clinical work, I provide supervision and resources for professionals and students through Music Therapy Made Simple.
I’m so glad you’re here and look forward to supporting your child and family.
Savannah Rose, LCSW
Hi, I'm Savannah. Growing up with a brother who was diagnosed with a chronic illness, I quickly saw the profound need for support and care within families. This experience ignited my passion for helping others and creating a space where people can be their authentic selves, feeling understood and valued.
I am deeply client- and child-focused, believing strongly in the power of a supportive and nurturing environment. My approach is holistic, always considering how the family system plays a crucial role in a person's development and well-being. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which I use to help clients navigate their challenges and achieve meaningful growth.
In my free time, I love cooking, reading, and cheering on my favorite college sports and hockey teams. Travel is another passion of mine, and I embrace every opportunity to explore new places. Celebrating holidays with family and friends brings me immense joy, and I cherish these moments of connection and festivity.
I believe in the importance of building strong, supportive connections, especially during life's transitions and uncertainties. My goal is to be a guiding presence for those I work with, helping them find stability and resilience in the face of change.
Linsey Hammon, MS, CCLS, GCCA-C, RWWP
Hi, I’m Linsey.
I work primarily with children and teens who have a parent or sibling with a serious illness, are facing anticipatory loss, or are grieving the death of someone important to them. With over twenty-five years of experience supporting families through medical challenges and grief, I’m passionate about helping kids feel seen, safe, and supported during life’s hardest moments.
My journey began as a child life specialist in a busy pediatric emergency department. I discovered my calling in helping children and adolescents process big feelings around traumatic injury, crisis, and loss. I believe in creating a calm, consistent space where children can express themselves and begin to make sense of what they’re going through.
As a Registered Wonders & Worries Provider, I specialize in supporting families navigating serious medical diagnoses or life-threatening conditions. I help children and teens build coping tools and emotional resilience while supporting parents with language and strategies to foster connection and security.
I enjoy using play, creativity, and therapeutic activities to guide each child through their unique journey. Whether we’re preparing for a medical procedure or exploring grief through storytelling and expression, I’m here to walk alongside families every step of the way.
When I’m not working, you can find me enjoying family game nights, road trips with the sunroof open, or curled up with a good book and strong coffee. My husband and I have called Keller, TX home since 1999, and I cherish the time spent with our daughters and son-in-law.
I’m a Certified Child Life Specialist, Certified Child & Adolescent Grief Counselor, and TBRI® Practitioner, and I feel incredibly honored to support children and families!
Lizzy Peterson, MA, CCLS
Hi there! I’m Lizzy, and I’ve had the joy of working with children in many different settings. From babysitting and teaching swim lessons to being a summer camp counselor, I’ve always loved connecting with kids of all ages and backgrounds. Meeting children where they are—emotionally, cognitively, and physically—has shaped my approach to working with them.
During college, my passion for adapting to each child’s unique needs grew as I volunteered at a pediatric hospital. Providing play for children undergoing medical treatments showed me just how resilient and creative kids can be, even in tough situations. It was during this time that I discovered the incredible field of child life!
Child life specialists support children and families through life’s most challenging moments. We use age-appropriate language to explain medical conditions or life changes, helping children understand, cope, and feel a sense of control. Through my master’s degree, I saw firsthand how child life interventions can be tailored to meet each child’s unique needs.
Working in pediatric critical care for nine years has taught me to build quick, meaningful connections with children and their caregivers. While I’ve become skilled at helping children navigate the healthcare setting, I firmly believe that caregivers and families know their child best. My approach is deeply rooted in family-centered care, which means I prioritize collaboration with families, respect their insights, and ensure that their needs and perspectives guide our interactions. This belief in the family’s central role is the foundation of my practice, helping me to provide support that truly resonates and makes a difference.
I offer a variety of interventions and support for children of all ages and diagnoses, including:
Medical and therapeutic play
Developmentally appropriate explanations about medical events, conditions, and treatments
Grief and bereavement support
Coping with new experiences (medical and non-medical)
Sibling support
Creation of coping strategies
In my free time, I love baking, spending time with friends and family, tackling DIY projects, and enjoying the great outdoors—especially the mountains of North Carolina!
I’m excited to work together to support you and your family!