Elise Bonder, MD

Dr. Bonder is a board certified child and adolescent psychiatrist specializing in the treatment of mental health issues such as Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, Mood disorders, Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Trauma Related Disorders, and Anxiety Disorders. She has expertise in the management of patients from childhood through young adulthood and has special interest in the treatment of ADHD, Anxiety Spectrum Disorders, and Mood Disorders. After attending medical school at The University of Toledo College of Medicine, Dr. Bonder completed her general psychiatry residency at University Hospitals Case Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio. She then went on to complete fellowship training in child and adolescent psychiatry at University Hospitals/Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital. Since completion of her training, Dr. Bonder has practiced as an attending Psychiatrist at Signature Health Inc, a non-profit/Federally Qualified health center providing integrated care to patients across Northeast, OH. Dr. Bonder accepts new patients up to the age of 30 years old, but typically continues to manage their care across their lifespan once established. In addition to her clinical practice, she serves as a volunteer faculty member in the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at University Hospitals/Case Western Reserve University, helping to teach psychiatry residents and fellows. She has volunteered as a member of the Quality Practice Committee at Signature Health and is a dedicated participant in mental health advocacy in the community.

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.

Stefan Dabkowski, MS, LPCC

The process of therapy is all about change and fulfilling one’s ultimate potential and purpose. My role as a counselor is to assist in the process of self-change and personal growth. I attended the University of Albany where I obtained my Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling. I have worked in outpatient and managed care settings and have addressed mental health and substance use disorders. In my practice I utilize a wide-range of evidence-based approaches such as DBT, CBT, and REBT. I am trained in Motivational Interviewing to further assist my patients with the process of change and ambivalence that may come with the therapeutic process. I also utilize a philosophical approach with my application of existential theory within the counseling setting to assist my patients with development of further understanding of their sense of being and meaning in the world. I have an interest in working with all different presenting problems relating to mood disorders, PTSD and recovery from substance use. I also have experience and training in working with the first responder population and recently have become a CFRC (Certified First Responder Counselor) and am open and excited about working with all responders on any of their presenting concerns. I strive to create a warm and welcoming environment to assist in the development of trust with my patients to foster the process of change and recovery.

Jazmine Danner, MSSA, LISW-S

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.

Sarah Deininger, MEd, LPCC

The experience of being truly heard and understood can be deeply transforming, and I feel privileged to work with those seeking support through connection. I aim to partner with children and adolescents to support meaningful change in their lives through a strengths-based, trauma-informed, and person-centered therapeutic approach. I use a variety of theoretical orientations and approaches to best meet the needs of each individual client, with Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy being the most common. I also find experience based interventions to be a helpful tool for self-expression and learning. My graduate degree is in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Cleveland State University and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I hope to offer a welcoming space as I support clients where they are and as they engage in the therapeutic process.  

Jeff Goad, MSW, LSW

My mission is to provide a non-judgmental and trauma-informed space for my clients to explore the issues that are concerning them. I take a multidisciplinary, holistic, research-based, and collaborative approach to this work. Each client has their own unique journey and together we will create a path forward that works for you and your unique set of circumstances. My clinical focus is working with clients dealing with challenges or concerns related to their sexuality and/or history of trauma. I also help people struggling with anger, anxiety, depression, grief, and low self-esteem. As a cis gay man, I am a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and I work with and affirm all gender and sexual identities and expressions. Often, the hardest part of initiating major life changes is the act of reaching out for help. That you are reading this is already an awesome step! I encourage you to contact me with any questions that you may have.

Sara Hale, MEd, LPC

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, LSW, 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, 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 am a resident family physician and a mom.  

Julia Leb, MA, MEd, LPCC

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.

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, LPC

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.

Erin Smith, MEd, LPCC, LCDC III

As a therapist I am passionate about assisting clients as they move through the change process. I believe that through a supportive therapeutic relationship and development of coping skills, clients can feel empowered to make positive changes in their lives. My experience is in community mental health, residential treatment, and outpatient treatment with adults and adolescents struggling with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and personality disorders. Most of my interest and experience is working with clients struggling with addictions and eating disorders. I received my Bachelor of Social Work from Bowling Green State University, and Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Cleveland State University. Therapy modalities I use are mindfulness-based intervention, motivational interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). I aim to provide a warm and compassionate environment to assist clients with reaching their goals.

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.

Kailee Thomas, 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.

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.

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.

Eileen Zehe, RN, MSN, PMHNP-BC

Eileen Zehe, is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who has provided care to individuals across the life span. Her primary focus over the last several years; however, has been on children and adolescents struggling with ADHD, anxiety, depression and mood disorders. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Ursuline College in Cleveland, Ohio and her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Kent State University. She completed her Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Certificate through the University of Cincinnati. She is board certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). She enjoys reading, physical activity, music and spending time with her family.