Lara McKinnis

Lara McKinnis is a Professional Development Consultant and maintains a thriving psychotherapy private practice, in which she specializes in working with helping professionals and leaders/entrepreneurs.  

Lara is responsible for mentoring Teleios leaders and team members as they create healthy, sustainable, and high-quality work environments that are both trauma-informed and psychologically safe.  She also creates and delivers content for several of Teleios’ offerings, including Hospice Essentials, Leadership Immersion, and Clinical Leadership Essentials. 

Prior to joining Teleios in 2020, Lara served as the Director for Patent Family Support and Grief Services within a nationally recognized, nonprofit Hospice and Palliative Care organization.  She worked with this organization for 9 years, in both clinical and leadership roles. 

Lara has worked with nonprofit community mental health organizations since 2000.  Her career was built around opportunities connected to leadership and clinical work, supporting teams as they bridge the divide between innovative strategic solutions and sustainable healthy workplace culture.  She has also remained connected with academia, through teaching and developing collegiate courses/content. 

Lara earned a Bachelor of Music Therapy in 1999 and an M.S. in Music Therapy, with an emphasis on Counseling Psychology, in 2007.  She is a Fellow of the Association for Music and Imagery, which required a five year, 1500+ hour, post-grad training.  She is now an Apprentice Trainer for this psychotherapeutic modality, known as Guided Imagery and Music (GIM), that uses the power of imagery and music to rewire neural pathways, allowing for transformative personal and professional growth.