The Team

Founder and Executive Director

  • Laura began her professional tattooing career in 2006, following an unexpected invitation to apprentice under master tattoo artist Steve Smith, in her hometown of San Diego. This was quite a shift from her graduate studies in Psychology, however…that background dovetailed perfectly into the intimate nature of tattoo artistry. In another fortunate twist of fate, barely out of her apprenticeship, Laura was hired by retired SEAL Master Chief Mike Martin (1949-2019) at his tattoo shop FSG, and was introduced to the world of Naval Special Warfare. Ever since, she’s worked nearly exclusively with that community on both coasts.

    In 2021, Laura relocated to Virginia Beach, after COVID lockdowns in San Diego shuttered her own tattoo studio for over 6 months. Eventually, she leased a space and began transforming it into a working art studio and gathering spot for NSW operators and their families. As renovations progressed, it seemed to speak to her…asking to be made useful in a much bigger way, a far more impactful and robust manner that could bring desperately needed assistance to the NSW community as a whole. That voice, whatever it was, became Last Room.

    Since its inception in 2010, many of Laura’s clients and friends have shared their experiences participating in the NICoE clinic at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. With very few exceptions, the art therapy portion of this program has always been the clear favorite. Until now, no step-down initiative has existed where operators could continue their therapeutic explorations into art-making. Last Room is that place.

    When Laura set foot in the world of special operations over 18 years ago she could not have predicted this moment. What began as a career quickly evolved into a passion. Clients became friends, and friends grew to be family. NSW isn’t just a community she loves. It is her community. Last Room embodies her profound personal interest in healing and growing from trauma, psychology, neuroscience, and her very first love…art. ART HEALS.

NSW Community Director

  • Mike (BUD/S class 272) is an active duty Naval Special Warfare operator with more than 18 years of service. As a veteran of over eight combat deployments, Mike has seen and lived the immeasurable demands met by special operations forces, and the damaging physical and psychological effects these warriors are often left to deal with. Experiencing these struggles firsthand and witnessing his brothers suffer led Mike to invest in over 8 years of various individual and group therapy modalities, giving him a deep appreciation and understanding of their benefits.

    Mike has also been an active artist for decades, exploring the therapeutic healing benefits of drawing, painting, and other media. In 2023, he participated in the 30-day intensive NICoE art therapy program at Walter Reed Military Hospital. There, he felt and witnessed the vast potential this unique modality has to heal the psychological wounds brought on by serving in Special Forces. Since NICoE, Mike has participated in over 40 hours of art therapy. Mike’s dedication to his own growth and healing, a deep commitment to helping others, and his many years of service in Naval Special Warfare make him a true asset to Last Room.

Art Therapist & Clinical Director

  • Taylor is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Board-Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC). She earned her master’s degree in Counseling and Art Therapy from Eastern Virginia Medical School and is currently pursuing a doctorate in Expressive Therapies from Lesley University. Her clinical experience includes schools, detention centers, hospitals, psychiatric facilities, and, most recently private practice settings. She specializes in anxiety, depression, identity challenges, self-esteem, relationships, and grief. In addition, her personal connection to the military community informs her sensitivity to the unique challenges faced by service members, veterans, and their families.

Art Therapist

  • Shayla is a Board-Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC) and Licensed Professional Art Therapist (LPAT), specializing in military and veteran mental health, trauma, anxiety, chronic stress, and substance use. Her work integrates art therapy with yoga, mindfulness, and best practices in brain injury care to support holistic healing and resilience. She earned her master’s degree in Counseling and Art Therapy from Eastern Virginia Medical School and is currently pursuing a doctorate in Counseling and Psychological Studies at Regent University. Shayla holds a gubernatorial appointment to Virginia’s Advisory Board for Art Therapy and serves on the board of directors for The Art Therapy Project.

Art Therapist

  • Allison is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Virginia, Texas, and Connecticut, a Board-Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC), Clinical Licensed Art Therapist (CLAT), and a non-medical counselor with Military OneSource. She believes healing begins in safe, authentic, and compassionate relationships and thrives within a supportive community. Allison provides care for adults, teens, and military families.

    She owns a private practice in Connecticut and relocated to Virginia Beach to expand her work in trauma-informed care, specializing in grief. Allison is committed to supporting active-duty and retired service members, military spouses and partners, and families as they navigate deployment, reintegration, relocation, retirement, and service-related stress.

    Her approach is holistic, strength-based, and trauma-informed, integrating art therapy, mindfulness, and somatic practices. She often incorporates natural and nontraditional art materials, including outdoor art-making, inviting clients to engage in the creative process as a grounding, meditative practice that supports emotional and nervous system regulation and fosters connection to inner wisdom. She partners with clients to cultivate resilience, deepen self-understanding, and develop practical tools that support lasting growth, balance, and well-being.

Art Therapist & Art Programs Director

  • With a passion for art and healing, Kelsey Courage brings a unique blend of creative expertise and therapeutic insight to her work. Her artistic foundation is rooted in a Bachelor of Fine Art in Metalsmithing & Jewelry Design from the Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD), complemented by minors in fibers and performance art. After a series of health complications, Kelsey recognized the power of not just creating art but also sharing the creative process. She achieved a Master’s in Science in Art Therapy & Counseling from Eastern Virginia Medical School, specializing in trauma-informed care, depth psychology, and art in medical and educational settings. ​ Her work is dedicated to inspiring others to express themselves creatively, whether through her jewelry designs, art workshops, or therapeutic practices.