Andy Thomas – Student Support Counselor

Andy is excited to be back at Rainbow in an expanded role! Andy joined Rainbow as a Student Support Advocate in January 2026 and has felt right at home ever since. He is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Registered Play Therapist, and Certified AutPlay® Therapy Provider who has clinical experience working primarily with kids, teens, and families in schools, private practice, and outpatient medical settings. With strong West Asheville ties in the form of helping to open 12 Baskets in its current location 10 years ago this fall, he recently returned to the mountains to open his own practice, Desert Flower Family Therapy. Andy likes to describe his therapeutic approach as relational, playful, and strengths-based.  He is excited to be more engaged in the community by supporting individual students and their families as well as leading morning centerings focused on social, emotional, and relational skills for all classrooms.

In his free time, Andy enjoys spending time with old and new friends, exploring the outdoors or his kitchen, and making it down to Nashville to spend time with his family and nieces whenever he gets the chance.