Meet Our Team

Rachel Szczepinski is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. She is a Senior Clinician at the practice. Rachel earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Community/Clinical Psychology from Walsh University and her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Kent State University. She holds a certificate as a Clinical Trauma Professional and is certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.

Rachel has provided individual and group counseling services to adults in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Areas of treatment have been, but are not limited to, trauma and stressor related disorders, childhood abuse, anxiety, depression, self-harm behaviors, suicidality, relationship distress, life transitions, identity development, and severe mental health concerns. She has experience working with those on the autism spectrum and those with developmental disabilities. Rachel is also LGBTQIA affirming, sex positive, and body positive.

Rachel’s therapeutic work is grounded in trauma informed care, the connection between the mind and body, and mindfulness. She strives to work toward creating a space where one can radically accept where they are and creating the life they want to live. A collaborative approach is used to explore developed behavioral patterns, emotional reactions, and instilled beliefs. Doing so can be an intimidating yet rewarding process, one Rachel aims to walk alongside. She demonstrates a non-judgmental and supportive stance to assist individuals in identifying/strengthening their own internal resources. Incorporated modalities are Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems, mindfulness/meditation and Narrative approaches.

Outside of work Rachel enjoys exploring national parks, bonfires, stargazing, reminiscing on her camp counselor days, and loves a themed get together. A bucket list item of Rachel’s is to one day be the parent to a pet Brussels Griffon. She looks forward to getting to know areas that fill your cup as well!

Rachel’s pronouns are She/Her/Hers

Jamila Provitt is a Licensed Independent Social Worker. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and earned her Master of Social Work from Youngstown State. She has experience working with teens, young adults, and adults at outpatient and community levels of care settings.

Jamila’s areas of focus include depression and mood, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, codependency, self-esteem and confidence difficulties, racial identity issues and racial trauma, historical and intergenerational trauma, work/life balance challenges, burnout, and substance use. She also focuses on working with single parents, adult survivors of childhood abuse and neglect, family caregivers, adults with aging/ailing parents, women’s issues, adult children of parents with mental illness, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and BIPOC populations and the challenges they face.

Jamila’s evidence-based approaches to care include CBT, solution-focused, motivational interviewing, and person-centered modalities. She can also provide a Christian faith-based approach to care as an option if desired.

As a clinician, Jamila is empathetic, encouraging, optimistic, warm, understanding, fun/funny, sensitive, inviting, and affirming. Her hope for her clients is that they increase insight and confidence as they progress through healing. She is passionate about listening to each client’s story, and partnering with them to explore solutions based on individualized goals for growth and change.

Outside of work, Jamila’s hobbies include traveling the western USA, listening to neo-soul and R&B, watching 90’s romantic comedies, maintaining a healthy lifestyle including exercise and clean eating/cooking, being in the outdoors, trying new restaurants, exploring style and fashion, shopping, going to Disneyworld, and time with her friends and family.

Jamila's pronouns are She/Her/Hers

Sara Del Monti-Perko is a Licensed Social Worker. Sara obtained her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Ursuline College, her Master of Education in Foundations in Behavioral Analysis from the University of Cincinnati and her Master of Social Work Degree from Cleveland State University. Sara has experience working in individual and group counseling settings in community mental health and school-based environments. She also has prior professional experience working with children with autism spectrum disorder and their families.

Sara has worked with a variety of client populations including children, adolescents and adults. Areas of treatment have been, but are not limited to, trauma and stressor related disorders, anxiety, depression, work/life balance, interpersonal relationship issues, self-esteem, grief/loss, self-harm and suicidality.

Sara’s therapeutic work is grounded in trauma informed care, where the intersection with client, environment and sensory experience is pivotal in understanding the human condition. She uses connections between mind and body to help the client gain a better understanding of their behaviors, emotional reactions and long-held beliefs in a holistic manner. Sara uses unconditional positive regard and a non-judgmental stance to support her clients on their change journey. Specific therapeutic modalities include: cognitive behavioral therapy, person centered theory, solution focused therapy, motivational interviewing and EMDR. She is also eclectic in reality-based and psychodynamic approaches.

Outside of work, Sara enjoys summiting mountains with her husband, hiking, baking, spending time with family and friends, attending craft shows, crafting, party planning, decorating for the holidays and watching her daughter explore the world around her.

Sara's pronouns are She/Her/Hers

Heather Morris is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and a Senior Clinician at the practice. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English and Creative Writing in 2013 from Cleveland State University. In 2020 she earned her Master of Arts in Education with a focus in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Malone University. Heather is currently pursuing her PhD in developmental psychology at Liberty University. She has experience with children/adolescents and adults in both individual and group settings. Her areas of specialty include trauma, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, survivors of sexual abuse/assault, self-harm, children and adolescents and grief.

As a clinician, Heather is highly motivated and known to be solutions-focused, friendly, empathetic, accepting, caring and supportive. She has worked with people from varying backgrounds and is inclusive and accepting to all both professionally and personally. Heather uses a unique approach to every client’s care with a focus on empowering the client to be the best version of themselves. She believes that every client can achieve their goals, but sometimes they just need a little help and support to get there.

Prior to her transition to exclusive private practice, Heather worked in both a community mental health setting and a hybrid of community mental health and private practice setting. She has experience with individual and group counseling for both children/adolescents and adults. Heather also has some experience working in individual and group settings with substance use disorders. In addition, Heather has experience working with the LGBTQIA+ population and is an ally to all. She is also able to provide Christian faith-based counseling services to those who are interested.

In her free time, Heather enjoys creative writing and spending time in her art studio crafting. She has two cats named Gary and Willow. She also enjoys getting outside to walk or go for a run and she enjoys going to the gym. Heather also enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Heather’s pronouns are She/Her/Hers

Rebecca "Becka" Joanis is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Behavioral Psychology and a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health from Western Michigan University. She has experience working with at risk youth and adolescents in a nonprofit providing respite for families. Her most recent role provided her experience in working with children, adolescents, and adults individually and in groups in a community mental health setting.

Becka has experience working with various mental health concerns including but not limited to anxiety, depression, sexual abuse trauma, low self esteem, self harm, relationship concerns, transitional stressors, grief, infertility, and postpartum struggles. Her approach is considered eclectic as she uses various therapeutic approaches such as person centered, solution focused, DBT, CBT, and mindfulness. She hopes to provide clients with a calm, inviting, and non-judgemental space where clients feel safe and supported.

When Becka is not working she enjoys spending time with her two kids, husband, and four pets. She is an avid home DIY'er and enjoys spending time outside during the warmer months. You will likely find her listening to a crime podcast, trying out a new recipe, or exploring a nature reservation.

Becka's pronouns are She/Her/Hers.

Dani is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Ohio. She received her Master of Arts of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The University of Akron.

Dani recognizes the impacts of societal norms and how this may influence one’s view of oneself and others, as well as one’s day to day experience and functioning. She uses a number of modalities in her approach with clients, namely feminist and narrative therapies, as well as cognitive-behavioral and Internal Family Systems techniques, all through the lenses of person-centered and humanistic theoretical orientations. Their approach to counseling is one of providing space for clients to empower themselves in their lives and to guide them to become active participants in their thoughts, growth, and lives. She believes a relationship with a counselor is a caring space where one can be themselves without worries of judgment. Dani strives to embody trust, transparency, and authenticity in all realms of my life and work. 

Dani’s speciality areas are LGBTQ+ identity discovery/development, gender exploration, familial/relationship dynamics, depression, anxiety, ADHD, adolescents, and women’s issues.

Dani’s favorite things to do is be in nature with their three dogs, and spending time with their loved ones. Dani loves watching movies and series and listening to music and eating Indian food.

Dani's pronouns are She/They

Annika Jernigan is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She earned both her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Nonprofit Studies, as well as her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Kent State University. Annika has years of experience supporting children, adolescents, adults, and families—first in her previous role as an educator and now as a clinician. She has provided clinical services to individuals, groups, and families in both outpatient and school-based settings.

Annika has experience counseling those navigating a multitude of challenges, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, discrimination, economic instability, developmental concerns, behavioral difficulties, grief, identity concerns/concerns related to the LGBTQIA experience, self-harm, and suicidality.

As a clinician, Annika strives to provide a warm and nonjudgmental space for exploration, often utilizing humor and spontaneity in her collaborations with clients. Other therapeutic approaches she uses include DBT, CBT, Mindfulness/Meditative practices, Narrative, and Solution-Focused interventions. By helping clients to flesh out and explore their goals for therapy, Annika can tailor treatment to each person’s individual needs. She believes in each person’s inherent ability to identify and explore changes they may wish to make in their life. Annika seeks to provide encouragement, acceptance, and support to each individual on their journey to a better self.

In her free time Annika enjoys reading, tending to her many houseplants, and listening to music.

Annika’s pronouns are She/Her/Hers.

Kelsey Passov is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a concentration of Mental Health Services from John Carroll University in 2020, and her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from John Carroll University in 2023. Among her work with adolescents and adults struggling with mental health challenges, Kelsey also has historical experience working with individuals with various developmental disabilities in community and higher acuity settings.

Kelsey works with clients aged 12 and older. She enjoys working with adolescents, adult survivors of childhood abuse and neglect, parents of young children, adult survivors of intimate partner violence and domestic violence, stay at home parents, cancer survivors, single parents, family members of individuals struggling with addiction, new and post-partum parents, adults with terminally-ill family members, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. Some topics of focus include depression and mood disorders, bipolar disorder, anxiety, PTSD and trauma, living with chronic illness, social phobia, separation anxiety, grief and bereavement, PANDAS and PANS, family conflict, divorce, remarriage and blended families, self-esteem and self-image, ARFID, various phobias, and generational trauma.

Among the approaches she uses, Kelsey uses an acceptance and commitment therapy lens integrated with cognitive behavioral therapy to look holistically at a client’s concerns. She believes that many of the relationships we create in life impact how we feel about ourselves and interact with others. In session, she is warm, supportive, gently direct, contemplative, observant, attentive, energetic, accepting, and emotionally-focused. Kelsey hopes to empower clients to recognize their strength, while holding them accountable, in order to achieve the goals and changes they wish to see in their lives. Kelsey is a sex-positive LGBTQIA+ ally and looks to always create a safe space for her clients. She brings compassion, thoughtfulness, and warmth to each session to create an environment where clients feel welcome.

Kelsey spends her time playing with her two cats Lainey and Beau, making sourdough bread, drawing still lifes, knitting, going thrifting, expanding her tea cup and mug collection, reading historical fiction and romance novels, listening to classic and indie rock and 90’s rap music, watching sit-coms and procedural crime shows, spending quality time with friends and family, going on walks, and taking Pilates classes. Kelsey also hopes to one day become a Reiki Master, which she is currently working on!

Kelsey’s Pronouns are She/Her/Hers

Melissa Miller is a Licensed Social Worker and Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor. She earned her Master's degree in social work from The Ohio State University and her Bachelor's degree in social work from Cleveland State University. Her experience primarily lies in providing individual, group, and couples therapy in both community mental health and forensic social work as well as private practice.   

Melissa has served a wide variety of client populations, including adults who have experienced incarceration, substance use, and religious trauma. Her areas of specialty include mood disorders, trauma/PTSD, substance use disorders, life transitions, and relationship issues. She utilizes trauma-informed care with each of her clients and prioritizes individualized treatment, drawing from evidence-based practices such as CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, and EMDR.  

Melissa is sex-positive, body positive, LGBTQIA+ affirming, and has experience with clients who practice ethical non-monogomy. She practices secular therapy and prioritizes providing a safe and comfortable environment where her clients can feel fully seen and heard without fear of judgment.

In her free time, Melissa loves to scour flea markets and thrift shops for vintage finds, host parties for her friends, travel with her family and play video games.   

Melissa's pronouns are She/Her/Hers

Kathleen Smith is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Art Therapy from Capital University and a dual Master of Arts in Counseling and Art Therapy from Ursuline College. Kathleen has experience providing individual and group counseling to children, adolescents and adults in community mental health and outpatient settings.

Kathleen’s areas of focus include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD, self-harm, suicidality, self-esteem, life transitions, and trauma. Kathleen is a queer counselor with experience working with various LGBTQIA+ clients including ethically non-monogamous and gender non-conforming clients. Kathleen provides compassionate, non-judgmental, trauma informed care with the goal of creating a safe, supportive space for client’s to be themselves. Kathleen utilizes several modalities in her practice including CBT, DBT, person-centered, and solution-focused. Kathleen also draws upon her degrees in Art Therapy by utilizing art interventions alongside these therapeutic modalities.

Outside of work, Kathleen spends most of her time with her dog Wally, by going on hikes, going to the dog park, or snuggling on the couch. When she is not entertaining her dog, Kathleen likes to spend time reading, making art, playing board and video games, and spending time with her loved ones.

Kathleen pronouns are She/Her/Hers and They/Them/Theirs

Rachael Rose is a Licensed Social Worker. She received a Master’s degree in social work from Cleveland State University and a Bachelor’s degree in communication from the University of Cincinnati. Prior to working in private practice, Rachael provided individual and group counseling in a community mental health setting. She has primarily worked with individuals who are seeking counseling services to address their mental health, substance use, trauma history, and navigating the highs and lows of everyday life.

Rachael’s therapeutic style blends warm and empathetic support, with curiosity and direct communication, to help clients grow and address the needs they bring to counseling. She practices from the idea that each client is the expert in their own lives, while also emphasizing the importance of receiving an additional, professional perspective. Rachael utilizes several modalities in her practice, including narrative therapy, strength-based therapy, positive psychology techniques, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).

Rachael is a culturally aware, LGBTIA+ affirming, sex-positive, body-positive, and flexible clinician who believes that a “one-size fits all” approach to counseling does not exist! She emphasizes trauma-informed care in her work with clients and is dedicated to spending as much time as possible establishing a positive, comfortable, and supportive relationship with all of her clients.

In her free time, Rachael enjoys snuggling with her cat, Mystic, knitting, daily yoga, spending time with friends and family, and reading cheesy romance novels. She also has an interest in astrology and tarot readings, and will pull astrological birth charts for friends!

Rachael's pronouns are She/Her/Hers

Amanda Sabo is a Licensed Social Worker. She earned her Master of Social Work degree and a Bachelor of Sociology degree from Cleveland State University. Amanda has served a diverse range of clients, including those with mood disorders, substance use issues and those struggling with various hardships in life. She has experience working with ages 14 and up, with a primary focus of working with adults. Her areas of specialty include mood disorders, life transitions, relationship issues, faith/spiritual issues, trauma/PTSD, criminal/legal issues, those experiencing post-abortive issues, parenting and maternal issues. Amanda utilizes several modalities in her work depending on the unique needs of each client. This often includes a mix of narrative therapy, CBT and solution-focused work in order to move toward the desired change in her client’s lives. 

As a clinician, Amanda brings a strength-based lens and a warm, non-judgmental presence to every session.  She understands how important it is to collaborate with her clients on how to help them reach their goals, as they are the expert of their own journey. Through building a strong therapeutic relationship with all, Amanda is able to guide clients on a path towards healing by gently challenging her clients to take small, agreed upon, action-oriented steps. 

In her free time, Amanda spends time with loved ones and enjoys watching her daughter explore the world around her. She loves stories, especially through movies and television and quoting random lines from her favorites. Amanda also loves traveling to beautiful places and dancing at silent discos.

Amanda's pronouns are She/Her/Hers

Michaela Moneypenny is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Fine Arts at Heidelberg University, and her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at John Carroll University. She has historical experience working with children and adolescents with Autism and learning disabilities, children within the foster care system, young adults in the college setting, and adults in intensive high acuity outpatient settings. Her current areas of focus include anxiety, depression, social anxiety and social skills, test and performance anxiety, self-esteem and self-concept, trauma, grief, work and career stress, relocations and moves, job changes, self-acceptance, relationship problems and divorce, work/life balance, and chronic illness and chronic pain. She enjoys working with adolescents, adult survivors of childhood abuse and neglect, adult survivors of narcissistic abuse, those grieving the death of a parent or spouse, autistic/neurodivergent adults, men aged 18-30 who have survived abuse and intimate partner violence, young adults preparing for college and adulthood, survivors of domestic violence, college students, young adults adjusting to living independently, LGBTQIA+ individuals, empty-nesters, cancer survivors, and those living with chronic illness. Michaela also works with those in caregiving and people centered professions such as teachers, counselors, nurses, and first responders.

Michaela’s therapeutic style is encouraging, compassionate, bubbly, supportive, optimistic, interactive, collaborative, patient, and gently direct. Her approach to care is solutions focused and person-centered, often using creative and innovative strategies and humor in collaboration with the client to promote autonomy and change. She values each client as an individual, and utilizes several modalities in her practice including CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, Expressive therapy, Solution-Focused, and other trauma-informed approaches to care.

Michaela discovered her interest in helping others through traveling and learning about different cultures. She enjoys being outside and taking her dog, Bruce Wayne (AKA Batman), for long walks, reading romance/fantasy novels, swimming, hiking across the USA, kayaking, boating, camping, traveling internationally and trying local cuisine, baking, crafting, knitting and crocheting, listening to folk and indie music, enjoying good coffee, and gardening. She enjoys all seasons, however, fall and summer are her favorites; she sips on pumpkins spice in the fall and tends to her vegetable garden in the summer. Michaela is kind-hearted, witty, and enjoys puns.

Michaela’s pronouns are She/Her/Hers

Thailia Morton is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She earned her Bachelor’s of Art degree in Psychology with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies from Bowling Green State University and her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Kent State University. She is also certified in Addiction Counseling. Thailia has experience providing individual, group, family and couples counseling in community mental health settings. Populations that she has worked with include adolescents, teens, young adults, adults and elders with various backgrounds.

Thailia’s areas of focus include trauma focused care, anxiety disorders, mood disorders including depression, life transitions, BIPOC individuals , LGBTQIA+ individuals, self esteem concerns, ADHD, boundary setting, self-care , and many more. Thailia meets her clients where they are in their journey and utilizes evidenced-based approaches that best fits the needs of the client including but not limited to, person centered modalities, CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing and solution focused.

As a clinician, Thailia is open, nonjudgmental, empathetic, honest and understanding. Thailia is also supportive and direct with her clients. She is compassionate when challenging client’s to look within themselves to gain new perspectives of their given situations or concerns. She values each individual as their own person and views herself as a co-facilitator in their journey.

In her free time, Thailia loves to create, learn new things and spend time with loved ones. Thailia enjoys cuddling with her pitbull, Cocoa, while watching movies or reading books. She also enjoys spending time traveling and being out in nature, when the weather allows it.

Thailia’s pronouns are She/Her/Hers.

Megan Hoon is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with supervision endorsement and is a Senior Clinician at the practice. She has been a clinician since 2010, and has experience working with both adults and adolescents in school, community, and telehealth settings. Her career has allowed her to work not just with individuals, but with families and couples as well. She specializes in anxiety disorders, adolescent issues, marital/relationship issues, and family conflicts.

Megan’s areas of focus include step parents and step-parenting concerns, blended families, co-parenting challenges, working mothers, single parents, parents/caregivers of children with mental illness, marital separation and divorce, relationship difficulties, burnout, self-care, work-life balance, career changes, adult survivors of childhood abuse and neglect, life satisfaction, self-esteem and self-concept, life transitions, middle aged individuals and mid-life challenges, empty nesters, and adolescents preparing for college and adulthood. In another specific area of focus, she also explores the mind/body connection and the link between mental health, trauma, and physical wellness. This includes addressing somatic symptoms, using mind/body experiential and exposure exercises, learning grounding, mindfulness, and breathing techniques, and gaining insight into trauma’s impact on the body and brain.

As a clinician, Megan is supportive, honest, realistic, non-judgmental, understanding, direct, and energetic. Megan’s treatment methods vary depending on the person and their needs, but she is client-centered and strengths-based with her interventions. She uses CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), short term solution focused, Motivational Interviewing, and mindfulness techniques among her approaches.

When Megan is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her young son, her husband, and her pets. She also spends her time remodeling furniture, completing DIY crafts and projects, playing with interior design, playing volleyball, hiking, exploring aromatherapy, supporting the Cavs, enjoying a good cup of coffee, and watching movies and reality tv shows.

Megan's pronouns are She/Her/Hers.