Steady ground, planted in this community
Moss grows slowly, in the quiet places others overlook; it softens hard edges and finds a foothold where little else can take root. Stone holds steady, does not rush or crack under weather, and gives moss something solid to grow on.
Growth takes time. Growth is not always visible while it is happening, but it is real and requires something dependable to hold onto. At Moss & Stone, we offer that steadiness: a grounded, patient presence for young people and families navigating difficult seasons, ensuring that softer, resilient growth has room to take hold.
Samantha Castro, LCSW
Founder and Provider
Moss & Stone Child and Family Wellness
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience helping adolescents and their families navigate mental health challenges, trauma, addiction, and major life transitions. I specialize in working with youth who are facing difficulties at home or school, including those who have recently experienced suspension or involvement with the juvenile justice system.
Most adolescents are simply doing their best to navigate life's challenges and can benefit from a safe, objective space for support. Having worked extensively in residential and outpatient settings where legal systems often dictate a family's path, I founded my private practice to help families intervene early and retain control over their own choices. I also understand that parents are doing their best, and having an outside professional to provide guidance can strengthen the entire family unit.
Originally from Middle Tennessee, I earned both my Bachelors and Masters degrees in Social Work from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. My professional background includes working in Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities, Intensive Outpatient Programs, and as a counselor in elementary, middle, and high schools. Most recently, I spent five years as the counselor at the Alternative Learning Center (ALC) in Williamson County and was the first volunteer to offer counseling services at the Williamson County Juvenile Detention Center.
My personal journey deeply informs my work. After living in Knoxville for almost a decade, my husband and I returned home to raise our family. We have four children, including three boys and our eldest daughter, Elliott, who was born with a terminal form of dwarfism and passed away at age four. Her life and fight taught me more than any formal education. My own experiences with the joys and profound complications of parenting give me a deep empathy for families navigating the unexpected curveballs of life.
As a therapist, I bring my authentic self to every session, treating clients with compassion, honesty, and unwavering support. Having guided over a thousand families through their toughest moments over the past 15 years, I am dedicated to being a stable, reliable resource for your child and your family.
Therapeutic techniques I utilize: Psychodynamic Therapy, Experiential Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused CBT (TFCBT), Restorative Practices, Aggression Replacement Training (ART), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Trust Based Relational Interventions (TBRI), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and more.