Jenny Hawes, MSW, LISW-CP
EMDR Therapist
​Jenny Hawes is a trauma-informed therapist and advocate with a deep passion for walking alongside children, adolescents, and families as they navigate healing and growth. With over four years of clinical experience, and 15 years of real life experience, Jenny specializes in supporting individuals impacted by foster care, kinship care, adoption, and special needs families.
She holds a Master of Social Work and is a Licensed Independent Social Worker – Clinical Practice (LISW-CP). Jenny is also an EMDR therapist, integrating evidence-based approaches with compassion and creativity to help clients process trauma, build resilience, and reclaim hope.
Jenny received a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Human Services from Montreat College and a Master's of Social Work Degree from University of Kentucky with specialties in Clinical Services and Child Welfare.
In addition to her clinical practice, Jenny is the Chief Operations and Belonging Officer of the Selah Grey Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to creating a community of belonging for foster, kinship adoption, and soecial needs families, as well as Supported Independent Living programs for young adults aging out of foster care. Her vision is to cultivate spaces of hope, healing, and belonging—where young people are empowered to lead their own journeys and thrive in community.
Jenny brings not only her professional expertise but also her lived experience as an adoptive and foster parent, offering clients and families an authentic, empathetic perspective. She is also joined in her work by Brixx, her certified therapy dog, who brings comfort, joy, and a calming presence to sessions. Together, they are committed to ensuring that every person they work with feels seen, valued, and supported as they take the next steps toward healing and wholeness.
Brixx- Cuddle Buddy Extraordinaire
Brixx is the beloved therapy dog of the Selah Center of Hope. Gentle, loyal, and full of personality, Brixx has a special gift for bringing calm and comfort to everyone he meets. Whether curling up beside a client during a difficult moment, offering a playful distraction during stressful sessions, or greeting young people with his wagging tail, Brixx creates a sense of safety and belonging that words often cannot.
Trained in animal-assisted therapy, Brixx works alongside Jenny to support children, adolescents, and young adults in their healing journey. His steady presence helps clients lower anxiety, build trust, and engage more fully in therapy. For many who have experienced trauma, Brixx represents unconditional love, patience, and a reminder that they are not alone.
When he’s not in session, Brixx enjoys long walks, belly rubs, and chasing after his favorite toys. To our Selah family, he isn’t just a therapy dog—he’s a faithful companion who embodies our values of hope, healing, and belonging.
