We will listen and understand
Our team
Brittany Armstrong, MEd, LPC, BCaBA, RYT
My passion for supporting children, teens, and families is to serve as a guide in discovering what is at the root of the challenges being faced. My approach integrates a deep understanding of family systems and dynamics, offering support not just to the child but to the entire family unit. The counseling style I use is centered on a holistic, strength-based approach, incorporating elements of family therapy and child-centered play therapy. I hold an Ohio Infant Mental Health Credential, which underscores my commitment to early intervention and the importance of fostering strong, healthy attachments during the critical early years of life. I utilize movement-based interventions (dance/movement therapy techniques, yoga, and mindfulness) in my work with both children and adults. My experience is in addressing a range of mental health issues including symptoms of anxiety, ADHD, depression, adjustment disorders, trauma, neurological disorders, learning disabilities, and typical life stressors. When working with families, it is my hope to empower parents and caregivers to understand their children’s unique needs, while also strengthening family relationships. I studied communication disorders and dance at Baldwin Wallace University and completed my master’s in education with a specialization in clinical mental health counseling at Lindsey Wilson College. I am a Registered Yoga Teacher, Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst, and National Certified Counselor.
Sarah Betteley, MSW, LISW-S
Therapy is about regaining balance in life. I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their emotions and navigate life's challenges. Having personally experienced the positive impact of therapy, I am passionate about guiding others on their journey to improved well-being. I believe in an individualized and strengths-based approach, meeting clients where they are in their healing process. In our sessions, I take an eclectic approach that includes mindfulness and relaxation practices, humor, journaling, art, as well as strategies from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). My areas of expertise include addressing stress, anxiety, depression, and supporting individuals through life transitions. I have a particular interest in working with new and expectant moms, offering care for prenatal and postpartum issues. I have a Master's degree in Social Work from Cleveland State University. My previous experience in community mental health involved providing counseling to children and families, contributing to a holistic understanding of mental health across the lifespan. Outside of therapy, I enjoy reading, drinking lots of coffee and spending time with my husband and two young children.
Jordan Bianco, MSW, LISW
When we have a safe space to talk about our feelings, they can become less overwhelming and more manageable. As a therapist, I use a strengths-based and collaborative approach to partner with my clients and their caregivers to work through stressors, express emotions, and develop coping skills. With years of experience in community mental health and healthcare, I have the most extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and young adults who have experienced anger, anxiety, depression and trauma. I utilize interventions ranging from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to play based therapy, using art, books, and toys to engage clients hands-on. I value the involvement of caregivers in my practice to foster secure and positive attachment relationships. I hold a master’s degree in social work from Cleveland State University and I am a licensed social worker. I also hold an early childhood mental health credential and Positive Parenting program certification. I look forward to having the opportunity to work alongside you to achieve your goals.
Driven by a deep passion for supporting others, I have dedicated my career to mental health and trauma work. With a Bachelor's in criminology and four years of experience in children's services, I further specialized by earning an MS.Ed in Mental Health Clinical Counseling, focusing on working with children and adolescent therapy. My professional journey has taken me through diverse settings, including residential care, crisis agencies, outpatient facilities, and university programs. I specialize in trauma work and am trained in EMDR and CPT, along with being a certified expressive arts therapist. My therapeutic approach is integrative, focusing on a person's mind, body, and what brings them a sense of connection to their world. I facilitate a supportive environment for holistic healing and growth by honoring each person's unique journey and tailoring my approach to what's most supportive to the individual. A creative spirit, I find joy in both teaching dance and movement. I also enjoy journaling, music, time in nature, and cherished moments with my chosen family. Deeply committed to advocating for marginalized communities, I strive to create a more inclusive and compassionate world.
As a therapist, I understand that making the decision to attend therapy is often the hardest. I feel the key to overcoming that hurdle is to create an inclusive, non-judgmental, safe, and nurturing environment to allow you to feel comfortable in expressing your authentic self. I incorporate a range of evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. I have worked with clients at each stage of life, with much of my experience treating children, adolescents, and young adults. I utilize trauma informed care with all clients and I am LGBTQIA+ affirming. I received my Master’s in Social Work from Case Western Reserve University. I like to approach each client from a holistic perspective, understanding that everyone is different, and you are more than your symptoms. No matter who you are or what you experience you have, together we will work to achieve your goals.
Jeff Goad, MSW, LISW, CST
I am a trauma therapist and an AASECT-certified sex therapist. I take a sex-positive approach as I help people navigate a wide range of complex issues. I believe that everyone deserves a safe and non-judgmental space to talk about the things that matter to them. Some issues I commonly work with are healing from trauma, sexual anxiety, sexual shame, stigmatized sexual identities, fetishes and kinks, relationship communication, healing from infidelity, consensual non-monogamy, gender expression and identity, sexual dysfunctions, out-of-control sexual behaviors, body image issues, self-esteem, and coping with uncomfortable emotions. My approach is collaborative, person-centered, practical, research-based, and solution-focused. I am passionate about helping my clients forge an individualized path forward that works best for them. Also, as a cisgender gay man, I am a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and I work with, support, and affirm all gender and sexual identities and expressions. The hardest part of initiating major life change is often the act of reaching out for help. The fact that you are reading this is already an awesome step! Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions you may have.
Sara Hale, MEd, LPCC
I believe that people are more than the sum of things that have happened to them, and the core of my practice centers on partnering with clients and helping them build resiliency through life’s most difficult challenges. Using a holistic, culturally sensitive, strengths-based approach, I work with issues from trauma and adjustment difficulties to anxiety, depression, PTSD, stress, and life transitions. I use a variety of techniques to meet the unique needs of each individual, and I have the most experience with CBT, DBT, and person-centered therapy. I received my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Cleveland State University and my bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Southern Illinois University. Prior to counseling, I worked in a variety of settings with children, women, and underserved populations including low-income seniors, formerly homeless individuals, and formerly homeless veterans. As a counselor, I enjoy working with all ages to assist individuals in meeting their goals and creating lasting change.
Thomas Hayes, MSW, LISW-S
The environment I strive to create in counseling is one of unconditional acceptance and safety. My approach to counseling comes from the Existential school of thought. Together and without judgment, we can explore difficult topics like the feeling of meaninglessness of existence, the impermanence of all, and the anxiety that comes from our freedom to be the authors of our lives. The journey to find meaning and purpose in life can at times feel isolating, however you do not have to walk down that road alone. We will collaborate on finding joy in and making sense of your life's journey through a lens of empowerment. As a licensed therapist and clinical supervisor with training in EMDR, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Trauma Informed Care, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I have a toolbox of skills that can help you build the life that you want to live for yourself. I would love the opportunity to be on your team as you navigate your existence in a difficult and changing world.
Elana Hunter, Clinical Director, MEd, LPCC-S
As a therapist, I enjoy working with adolescents, adults, and couples, as they develop resilience and build strong relationships. I use a mind-body approach that combines intellectual understanding with somatic awareness to empower clients towards a deeper understanding of themselves and others. I strive to create a supportive, non-judgmental environment in which exercises are paired with relaxation so that my clients receive tools and techniques to carry with them into the everyday challenges of their lives. In sessions, I employ humor, art, writing, and mindful meditation to help clients gain insight and reduce stress, and outside of sessions, many of my clients express themselves and cope through creativity, movement, or spending time in nature. I am LGBTQ affirming. My graduate degree is in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and I have advanced training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and EMDR. With couples, I draw from Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and the Gottman Method to create a secure attachment and develop trust.
Bhavana Katragadda, MSSA, LISW, YTT
I value putting your goals, values and opinions at the root of our therapeutic relationship in order to facilitate healing. Culture is valuable and each human being has the right to integrate their own unique cultural framework of life which I am sensitive and respectful of. Reaching out for guidance and support is a healthy sign. It would be an honor to travel along with you to guide your healing journey using evidence based principles. I have a certification as a yoga and meditation teacher which I draw from to assist in somatic healing to integrate a mind-body connection through movement as well as the utilization of traditional talk therapies. I love working with kids, adolescents as well as adults using preventative care strategies, yoga, meditation, general psychoeducation as well as CBT, DBT Skills, and EMDR to aid with imbalances such as depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and life transition disturbances. I have experience treating children who have been diagnosed with ADHD, Anxiety, ODD, and IED to utilize coping skills and gain mastery over their disruptive behavior as well as manage trauma triggers and symptoms. My graduate degree is in Social Work from Case Western Reserve University.
Peris W. Kibera, DO, PhD, MSW, LSW
I am passionate about helping people reach their highest potential! I specialize in helping individuals who have depression, anxiety, and trauma, and; on broader social struggles, such as women's issues, relationship issues, family conflict, career concerns, and life crises and transitions. I value diversity and I enjoy working with people from different ethnic, racial, religious/spiritual, and socioeconomic backgrounds. In our work together, we will develop therapeutic goals through a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental approach. Additionally, I am intentional about cultivating a therapeutic process that is empowering -- one that is solution-focused, that taps into your strengths, and that helps you create new or different narratives from insights gleaned through our collaborative work. These approaches to therapy are informed by my interdisciplinary training in medicine, social work, public health, and women's studies. Beyond mental health practice, I'm a practicing board-certified family physician, specializing in obesity and lifestyle medicine.
Katherine “Katie” Kirkholder, MA, LPC, ATR
As a therapist, I believe that one must look at the whole person to provide quality care. This includes their physical, mental, emotional, social, career, and spiritual well-being. I know that each person has the capacity to make their own personal growth and change, using the therapist as a source of support. I am a non-judgmental and compassionate listener who helps hold a warm and safe place for my clients in therapy sessions. I received my master’s degree in counseling and art therapy at Ursuline College. Since I was a child, I saw the importance of creativity in the therapeutic journey. I know that sometimes there are no words to describe what one is going through, and art is a great way to tap into the unconscious to assist in healing. I additionally have strength in techniques utilized in evidenced based approaches, such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and cognitive behavioral theory (CBT). I have worked with clients across all stages of life, with the most focus on children, adolescents, and young adults. I have experience assisting clients in a private practice, hospital, and day care setting. My specialty interests include mood and personality disorders, depression, anxiety, coping skills, trauma, self-harm, girls’ and women’s issues, bullying, adjustment, and overall health and wellness. I utilize treatment approaches that are uniquely tailored to each client. Some of my strengths include empathy, kindness, compassion, social awareness, creativity, humor, and the ability to see the bigger picture in life.
Julia Leb, MA, MEd, LPCC-S
I have always been interested in and inspired by people. Life transitions, relationships, daily stressors, and our individual journeys have the potential to bring us joy and growth as well as pain. I love helping my clients develop their self-awareness and build strategies to cope with life’s challenges. We can work together to help you move forward in life and achieve your goals. I work with adolescents through older adults. My specialties include sexual and intimacy concerns, identity issues, life transitions, and relationship and family dynamics. I find that transformation occurs through a non-judgmental and collaborative relationship with my clients. I tailor my approach to each client and find that I draw most upon strengths-based, psychodynamic, and insight-oriented approaches. I hold a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from John Carroll University, as well as a Masters in Education from Harvard. I have received training in mindfulness, DBT, CBT, and psychodynamic techniques.
Kelly Lynch, MSSA, LISW
I believe that each transition in life poses a challenge and deserves a supportive partner. By using a client-centered, strengths-based approach, I aim to collaborate with you as you guide your journey in building the tools needed to feel empowered towards adversity. My clinical focus is with adolescents, young adults, and older adults as they experience periods of adjustment which bring about anxiety or disruptions in mood. I also hope to provide support for those experiencing the grieving process or healing from trauma. I strive to provide a safe and welcoming environment for my clients in order to promote comfort in the therapeutic process. I enjoy incorporating cognitive-restructuring, skills building, mindfulness, and creativity into my sessions. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Gerontology from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania and a Master’s in Social Work from Case Western Reserve University.
Kailee Moore, MSW, LSW
Therapy is about finding your roots and discovering the tools that you need to grow. Using a strengths-based approach, I focus on helping my clients identify their resilience and natural talents. My clinical focus includes working with trauma and attachment, PTSD, depression, anxiety and behavioral issues. I have advanced training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Structural Family Therapy. I also enjoy incorporating art and music into sessions to promote self-expression, especially in my work with adolescents and young adults. I strive to provide emotional support to empower my clients. I graduated from Cleveland State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work. I have prior experience working with children, adolescents, and families in community and residential settings.
Katherine “Katie” Pastrick, MSEd, LPC
As your therapist, I am here to walk beside you on your journey of healing and growth. I believe we all possess an innate wisdom and capacity for resilience, sometimes clouded by life’s challenges. My role is to create a safe and nurturing space where you can explore and reconnect with the parts of yourself that, deep down, know just what you need in order to heal. My approach primarily draws on somatic and nervous system-informed techniques that encourage you to move beyond your thoughts and to connect more deeply with your felt experiences. I also incorporate Psychodynamic, Gestalt, and Cognitive Behavioral techniques to help you process thought-based content and glean meaning from your experiences. We will move at your pace, honoring the ways you have coped in the past while gently letting go of what no longer serves you. As your nervous system settles, you may discover in yourself new ways of being, relating, and experiencing the world—opening doors to greater joy, deeper connections, and a renewed sense of wonder in your daily life.
Zina Petrov, MS, LPCC-S, MFT
As a therapist, I help my clients envision a fresh perspective and develop coping strategies to create positive changes in their lives. I am dual licensed as both a Professional Counselor and as a Marriage and Family Therapist. I integrate individual approaches to therapy with systemic views to help my clients overcome personal challenges and create harmonious relationships with those around them. I enjoy working with individuals, couples, and families. I have experience successfully treating depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, and trauma. The treatment modalities that inform my clinical work include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness-Based therapy. In my work with couples and families I draw from Structural Family Therapy and Emotion Focused Therapy. My approach to building a therapeutic relationship is collaborative, warm, and strength-based. I take into account multicultural perspectives that view individuals as embedded in their environment.
Amy Pincus, MSW, MA, LISW
I believe finding fulfillment and harmony comes with practicing self-compassion and understanding what leads us forward and what holds us back. Challenges are a natural part of life, and when we embrace them, we create space for new ways of thinking, turning obstacles into opportunities for growth and healing. Our sessions together will take place in a nurturing environment, where we’ll build a meaningful human connection. Our work together will be led by your unique circumstances and goals, guided by gentle curiosity and a holistic approach. Honoring your strengths, we’ll discover strategies including mindfulness, while accessing self-compassion and psychological flexibility to become better equipped to handle stressors and shape a more balanced life, rich with meaning and purpose. I have many years of experience with adolescents, adults and seniors, most recently working as a parent coach. I support clients with anxiety, depression, stress, family and parenting challenges, and positive body image and intuitive eating. With a particular interest in women's issues and as a mother of three grown children, I have a passion for supporting women with personal empowerment and navigating through various life phases.
Jessie Pollak, MA, LPCC
I receiving my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from John Carroll University. I received my undergraduate degree in Psychology, with a minor in Theatre, at the Ohio State University. My focus is on psychotherapy with children, adolescents, and their families with an emphasis on depression, general anxiety, social anxiety, suicidality, and helping those who are shy or introverted open up. I use an eclectic approach, incorporating CBT, DBT, and expressive therapies, including drama. In the past, I have co-facilitated both Adult and Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Programs, along with Assistant Directing at a local theatre camp, interacting with parents and children alike. I believe that every person deserves to express themselves in a non-judgmental environment.
Jasmine Reed, MSSA, LSW
My hope for therapy is to be a place for you to be your authentic self. I believe that clients know the most about themselves and their situations, and should be the leaders of their treatment. I specialize in working with people in all phases of family planning such as infertility, pregnancy loss, pregnancy, and postpartum. I love working with parents because I believe that they should have someone caring for them so they can be the parents they aspire to be, while having compassion for themselves, and this stage of life. I enjoy working with LGBTQIA persons, those figuring out their identities, adoptees, and children. I provide individualized care for each of my clients, implementing what they value and how they learn into their healing. I am a trauma-informed therapist, primarily using cognitive, supportive, and attachment-based therapies to guide my practice. I earned a Bachelor of Social Work from Cleveland State University and graduated from Case Western Reserve University with a Master of Social Work. I am a Licensed Social Worker.
Sean Stutt, MEd, LPCC-S
What I find to be the most rewarding in my work as a therapist is the ability to support others in gaining the confidence to break through mental barriers and overcome life challenges. By becoming more aware of the nature of the mind and our relationship to it, we are able to open ourselves up to the kind of changes we wish to make in our lives. This opens the door to a better understanding of how beliefs and attitudes about ourselves, others, and the world have been formed, and how early life experiences have impacted and shaped our sense of self over the course of time. I utilize Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, CBT, EMDR, Brainspotting, and am certified as a mindfulness teacher. I am trained in psychedelic integration support and psychedelic assisted psychotherapy. I am an EMDR consultant-in-training (CIT) who enjoys supporting and collaborating with other clinicians in getting the most out of their practice. I believe that successful and meaningful counseling begins and ends with the amount of trust a client has in their therapist, as well as the significance a therapist places on the client being involved in the process of setting goals for treatment. I am looking forward to being able to assist you on your journey.
James Ventura, MEd, LPCC
I have worked primarily in community mental health over the course of my career as a mental health professional. Providing services for children, adolescents, and adults in a wide variety of settings has been an especially satisfying and rewarding experience. I have an undergraduate degree in Psychology from John Carroll University and also earned a Master’s Degree in Community Agency Counseling from Cleveland State University. I have a special interest in the treatment of anxiety, phobias, panic attacks, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, and have assessed and treated clients experiencing a wide variety of mental/emotional disorders and adjustment difficulties. I have extensive training and experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and utilize many of the CBT techniques in my work with children, adolescents, and adults. Some techniques include but are not limited to: journaling, mindfulness meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, cognitive restructuring, and exposure/response prevention. I believe that trust and support are two key components in establishing a therapeutic relationship with clients. Cultivating these components in the counseling session both encourage and motivate clients to learn and practice the CBT skills necessary for making positive and lasting changes.
Athena Vuylsteke, MEd, LPCC
I received my Master’s degree from Kent State University and am a licensed professional clinical counselor. One of the greatest privileges in my life has been the opportunity to bear witness to the growth and healing of the people I work with. I believe in fostering a non-judgmental space for people to be their most authentic selves. I work collaboratively with adults and adolescents to help them reach the goals they set for themselves. We all have unique strengths that can be used positively for inner change. I believe in meeting people where they are and using many different techniques to help people reach their goals. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I also work with couples to help them navigate through the difficulties they face and learn to communicate more effectively.
Barbara Kappus Ward, MSW, LISW, ERYT, CIMHP
Creating balance in mind, body and spirit is my personal and professional mission. For more than two decades, I have provided alternative, holistic, and integrative therapies to complement a variety of psychotherapy modalities to assist clients in finding wellness and balance. I earned a Master in Social Work at Adelphi University and have been a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) for 27 years. My interest in movement therapy developed after becoming a certified Integral Yoga Teacher (Therapist) at T.R.Y. (Therapy, Reiki, Yoga) For Life School based out of Ursuline College in 2004. I was recently certified as a Certified Mental Health Integrative Medicine Provider (CMHIMP) through the Mental Health Integrative Medicine Institute. My extensive experience includes working with young children in a psychiatric setting, counseling the geriatric population in hospital and nursing home settings, and, currently, treating women’s issues, depression and anxiety, physical illness and traumas, parenting issues, and life transitions. I find that Psychosomatic therapies combined with traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approaches have been the most beneficial for my clients. Being a wife, mother of two daughters and having a professional career, I understand the importance of having a balanced life.
Melissa Wheeler, MSSA, LISW-S
I received my Master’s degree (MSSA) from Case Western Reserve University and am a licensed Independent Social Worker. I really enjoy helping people reach their inner potential and find their strength. Every person has all that they need right inside themselves. I am here to help teach them tools and skills to tap into their own strength and knowledge. I specialize in working with adolescents and adults with self-harming behaviors, depression, anxiety and trauma. I also work with couples and families to build positive communication and understanding. I use a Strengths-Based Approach utilizing Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy among other evidence-based approaches to tailor an individualized treatment plan for each person based on their specific needs. I look forward to working with you to help you achieve your treatment goals.
Belinda Williams, MSSA, LSW
Navigating through this life can become difficult and because we are human, we are vulnerable and face challenges. As a licensed therapist, I have successfully aided clients in managing difficulties utilizing evidenced-based practices, implementing a holistic approach, while analyzing the big picture. My experience working in various levels of care and with different populations has afforded me a wealth of training in areas such as depression, anxiety, severe mental illness, trauma, substance abuse, social adaptability, dual diagnosis, gambling, and a variety of other life altering deficiencies. I care a great deal about my clients, and this is where my work ethic means the most. People care about how deeply you care, and conveying this means the world to me and my clients. By utilizing my knowledge and resources within the industry, I have assisted my clients in realizing their full-potential, identifying their strengths and resilience, and learning problem-solving strategies, which generally lead to positive outcomes.
Vanessa Wortmann, MSSA, LISW
Life at times can feel as if it has already been plotted out, and you didn’t agree to take part in the story. You may find that you have no control over the chapters of ups and downs or that you are pulled along by plot twists and narrative holes. My goal is to support you in re-authoring your story through a Narrative Therapy approach in combination with other evidence-based practices such as CBT and solution-focused therapy. Each sociocultural background and perspective differs; therefore, mine is not a one-size-fits-all approach. By incorporating a range of interventions such as art, music, play, or talk, we will work together to form an individual holistic treatment plan in order to help you take back control of your chronicle and find peace and new meaning beyond the problems, challenges, and plot twists that you have encountered. My work includes treating children, adolescents, and adults with a variety of symptoms and diagnoses that include, but are not limited to, anxiety, depression, trauma, and adjustment disorders. I received my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Miami University and a Master of Science in Social Administration from Case Western Reserve University.
Michaela Wyatt, MSW, LSW
Life's challenges can often leave us feeling disconnected from ourselves. In our work together, my goal is to create a nurturing environment where you can reconnect with your inner strength and navigate your journey with renewed perspective and confidence. As a therapist, I am dedicated to supporting individuals through a strengths-based and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) approach, particularly via telehealth. My extensive experience spans both pediatric and adult healthcare, allowing me to effectively address the unique needs of children, young adults, and women. I specialize in helping clients navigate grief, anxiety, and postpartum depression, tailoring my approach to empower each individual with practical coping skills. With a Master’s degree in Social Work from Cleveland State University, I bring a deep understanding of the complexities of mental health and a commitment to fostering resilience and growth. My goal is to make our virtual sessions feel warm and welcoming - where we work together to develop practical coping skills and strategies that fit your unique needs.
Jessica Young, MA, LPCC
I work with adults and my specialties include trauma, issues experienced by the LGBTQ+ population, grief, life changes, anxiety, depression, and group work. I use evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) while always keeping each person’s individual needs in mind. I view therapy as a partnership and I strive to create a respectful, welcoming, and safe space for my clients. My past experiences include community counseling, private practice, and working on an inpatient unit at a behavioral health hospital. I received my Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at John Carroll University.