Travanna Alexander-Toney

Travanna Alexander-Toney is the Founder and President of Core Changing Concepts, a non-profit organization that serves Kansas City’s urban core by professionals who live, learn, play and work in the community they serve. She is also the Director of Behavioral Health for a Public K-12 school district where she leads the district’s Trauma Transformation journey, cultivating a culture of safety, belonging and empathy that fosters academic excellence and mental wellness.

Travanna earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with an emphasis in child development from Southeastern Louisiana University before graduating from the University of Missouri-Kansas City with a Master of Social Work.

As a licensed clinical social worker, Travanna has an abundance of experience in clinical and administrative roles, serving in both public and private human servicing sectors. Her scope of practice includes extensive work in the child welfare arena, medical social work, academia, and private practice counseling.

Travanna recently served on the National Association of Social Workers Missouri Chapter Board of Directors representing the Kansas City Region where she chaired the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging committee. She also co-chaired the Violence Free Kansas City Committee for four years. Travanna's belief that, “Relationships are the drivers of Change” motivates her to develop a strong, healthy relationship with each person she encounters to influence positive change and resilience.

My approach to therapy is grounded in compassion, collaboration, and clinical expertise. I integrate evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Informed Care, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to support healing and growth.

Using CBT, we work together to identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors that may be impacting your well-being. Through a trauma-informed lens, I prioritize safety, empowerment, and trust—recognizing the impact of past experiences and tailoring treatment to honor your unique story. EMDR offers a powerful method for processing traumatic memories and reducing emotional distress, helping you move forward with greater clarity and resilience.

Each session is designed to meet you where you are, with empathy, respect, and a commitment to your goals. Whether you're navigating anxiety, trauma, or life transitions, I provide a space where healing is possible and progress is made at your pace.

During your first session, you can expect a welcoming and supportive environment where your comfort and needs are the priority. I take time to understand what brings you to therapy and what you're hoping to gain from it. I listen with empathy and without judgment, creating space for you to share at your own pace.