Stephie Hughes, MA, LPCC – Life can sometimes feel overwhelming, like a roller coaster that never stops to allow you to get your bearings and catch your breath. The good news is that with that sometimes-overwhelming stress, comes opportunities to heal, grow, become more self-aware, and resilient! You have taken the first step in getting off that roller coaster to gain some much-needed perspective and self-care through choosing to get counseling! My job as a counselor is to actively listen to you, provide you with a safe environment to talk through the issues that are troubling you, to get that perspective. I am looking forward to working with you, on building upon your current strengths, and teaching you some new coping skills to add to your repertoire. I enjoy traveling and meeting people from other cultures. My family opened their home to foreign exchange students when I was growing up and I also studied abroad for a quarter during my undergraduate training. I have personal experience with Autism and ABA therapy. I also have personal experience with being married to a spouse in the military. Stephie has a lot of experience working in community mental health with adult individuals who were homeless and had a mental health issue. She has worked in home-based services with families of developmentally disabled children and with adults who had Dementia or other serious health conditions. Stephie is comfortable working with kids and adults and has worked with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, trauma, PTSD, and developmental issues.
Education: Ohio University- Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Capella University- Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Licensure: LPCC, State of Ohio / LSW, State of Ohio
Sara Cicchinelli, LPCC-S– Sara has worked in numerous settings including: community mental health agencies both in the schools and in outpatient settings, two different private practice locations, and now Darby Creek. Sara’s passion for working with children stems from children’s inability to control their environment or things which happen to them and providing them with support which is needed to help them meet their needs and express their feelings in a safe environment. Sara wants kids to have someone they can talk to about what is upsetting them in a place that is safe and free from judgements or expectations. Together, Sara enjoys working with the child and family to develop ideas or strategies which could decrease negative/upsetting emotions and reduce frequency of challenging behaviors which are present. Sara helps to educate both clients and families on how they are able to increase coping and communication skills in different environments building relationships, along with positive interactions. Sara enjoys working with children as young as 15 months through the age of 12; using and engaging in therapeutic play, games, books, art, music/movement, and sensory related activities throughout appointments to help clients explore, process, and create skills which are needed to improve their behavioral, social, and emotional interactions throughout their daily lives. By using these and other treatment modalities Sara is able to help kids work through and overcome mental, emotional, and behavioral health issues including: Trauma/PTSD, ADHD, attachment, anxiety, depression, school/family/life stressors and adjustments, family counseling, parenting support/education, and self-esteem related issues. Sara is currently pursuing a play therapy certification and is interested in learning more about how our different sensory systems affect daily interactions.
Education: University of Toledo- Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, University of Akron- Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Licensure: Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (Supervisory Designation), State of Ohio
Trainings: Incredible Years- Parent Facilitator
Abby Smith, LSW– Life’s journey can be beautiful but complicated. Let me join you where you’re at and let’s navigate these ups and downs together. As a therapist, I am passionate about providing a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment in which clients feel heard and their feelings validated. Our life experiences are unique, so I use an eclectic, person-centered approach to therapy which allows us to adapt the process to best fit your needs.
I have worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings with clients, ages 5-85, who have struggled with anxiety, depression, severe mental illness, and substance abuse.
Licensure: LSW, State of Ohio
Abby works under the supervision of Michelle Madden, LPCC.
Rebekah Cotner, LPCC-S- I am a licensed clinical counselor who works with children, adolescents, and adults. I approach clients from a strengths-based perspective and customize therapy to the needs of the individual or family. I utilize client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and solutions-focused therapy. I also use art and play therapy with children during sessions when appropriate. I specialize in working with issues surrounding anxiety, social anxiety, panic attacks, OCD, depression, grief, family relationship issues, foster care & adoption, parenting & co-parenting, spiritual & faith issues, and life transitions. I have 10 years of experience and have worked in a variety of settings including private practice, community mental health, and in schools.
I do my best to provide a comfortable and confidential space for you to feel heard and supported in your goals for therapy. I would love the opportunity to work with you!
Education: State University of New York (SUNY) Buffalo, Advanced Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Counseling. Lincoln Christian University, MA in Counseling. Lincoln Christian University, BA in Intercultural Studies.
Licensure: LPCC-S, State of Ohio / LMHC, State of New York
Training: CCATP, Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional
Michelle Madden, LPCC– My experience as a counselor has been built from working in various settings including a partial hospitalization program, community mental health agencies, and private practice. I have worked with individuals from the age of 5 to 79 from all walks of life who have struggled with issues including but not limited to, anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, substance abuse, life stressors, and adjustments. I apply a person-centered approach towards counseling; providing a space for clients to feel heard and listened to without judgement. I focus on coping skill development, symptom management, and increasing one’s understanding of mental health and wellness. I’m passionate about providing trauma-informed care and utilizing evidenced based methods including CBT, DBT, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy and motivational interviewing.
Education: Hawaii Pacific University – Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Licensure: Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, State of Ohio
Kathleen Arthur, LPC – Kathleen is a Licensed Professional Counselor who works with clients ages 8 and up. She views therapy as a unique collaboration between client and therapist, one that must be individually created and tended by all participants. Kathleen enters the therapeutic relationship from a holistic person-centered approach. She utilizes many therapeutic techniques, among them, Family Systems Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness to help clients develop awareness, increase coping skills, and chart their own course to whole person health. Kathleen works with clients with a variety of support needs including but not limited to those with depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, PTSD, spiritual and faith issues, substance abuse, and life transitions.
Education: Virginia Tech – Bachelor’s Degree in English, Eastern Mennonite Seminary – Master of Divinity, Eastern Mennonite University – Master of Arts in Counseling
Licensure: Licensed Professional Counselor, State of Ohio
Kathleen works under the supervision of Rebekah Cotner, LPCC-S.
Lindsay Bowman, LPC – I am a counselor in training studying to get my master’s degree in Counseling and Rehabilitation from the University of South Carolina. My style of counseling is establishing a strong, supportive, trusting relationship with my clients and providing a safe, comfortable space for them to be able to grow. I use a person-centered approach mixed with some gestalt therapy/CBT techniques to help work through issues with an activity in addition to talking. I strongly believe in acceptance, validation, empathy, trust, listening, caring, and being non-judgmental and understanding. I want everyone to know that they never have to handle their problems alone and reaching out for support is a huge accomplishment.
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, The Ohio State University; Master of Arts in Counseling and Rehabilitation, University of South Carolina (in progress)
Licensure: Licensed Professional Counselor, State of Ohio
Lindsay works under the supervision of Rebekah Cotner, LPCC-S.
Erin O’Riley, MSW, LISW-S– I have spent the last 14 years learning about and working with the mental health field in some capacity or another. Throughout my experience, each person I have met presented with unique backgrounds, cultures, and belief systems. I like to work collaboratively with each individual in order to meet them where they are and support them in being able to live the kind of life they envision for themselves. My approach utilizes researched based modalities such as cognitive behavior therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and solution focused therapy techniques. However, I also incorporate mindfulness, creativity, and strengths based perspectives in order to treat the individual. I work with children, adolescents, and adults who suffer from issues such as adjustment disorders, mood disorders, trauma disorders, and neurodiverse issues.
Licensure: Licensed Independent Social Worker , State of Ohio
Devin Degroat, LPC– Hello, my name is Devin and I’m so happy to meet you! I believe that every person has the capacity to grow and the ability to achieve their goals. As a counselor, I am here to empower and support you on your journey. In therapy, I believe collaboration and empathy are essential to success. Theoretically I am drawn to the person-centered approach but I also draw from many different theories and techniques to meet the needs of my clients. I am excited to start our journey together.
Education: The Ohio State University – Bachelor’s degree on Psychology with a minor in music, Wright State University – Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Licensure: Licensed Professional Counselor, State of Ohio
Devin works under the supervision of Rebekah Cotner, LPCC-S
Taylor Cordle CT– Hi my name is Taylor! I know that coming to counseling takes extraordinary strength from first hand experience and I applaud you for your bravery. Life can be extremely challenging at times and I am here to meet you right where you are, from the moment you come into my office. My personal goal is to help aid people in their journey in the most safe and comfortable way possible. I am a huge advocate for social justice and equality. I believe that everyone should be treated with respect and dignity regardless of their background, so there is no judgment here and it is a safe space for everyone!
I am welcome to seeing a wide range of clients and will support you in the best way that I can. I tend to use a collaborative approach, using techniques such as CBT and humanistic theories. I also believe that each person thrives off of certain interventions catered to their specific needs so that is what I will do for you. I am glad that you are here and I look forward to meeting with you!
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a certification in Intercultural Competence from The University of Toledo, Master’s of Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Capital University (In Progress)
Licensure: Counselor Trainee, State of Ohio
Taylor works under the supervision of Rebekah Cotner, LPCC-S.
Justin Carbone, CT- I am a Counselor Trainee working towards a Master’s in Counseling from Wright State University. I approach therapy from a solution-focused perspective emphasizing cognitive behavioral theory, and existential approaches. I believe that everyone’s journey is unique and approach counseling by focusing on each person’s thoughts, behaviors, and beliefs. I focus on providing a safe and non-judgmental environment and work with people to help solve their goals and problems. My counseling interests include mood and anxiety disorders, sports counseling, relationship issues, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and adjustment struggles.
Licensure: Counselor Trainee, State of Ohio
Justin works under the supervision of Rebekah Cotner, LPCC-S.
Larissa Ralston, CT- I am a counselor in training working towards my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University. My goal is to hold space for wherever you are in life’s journey and help guide you through challenges. I strive to create a safe, comforting and non-judgmental environment where you feel heard, validated and embraced. I believe in nurturing our mind, body and spirit, and use mindfulness techniques to help achieve balance. I, also, use person-centered and CBT approaches to help you be the expert of your life.
Licensure: Counselor Trainee, State of Ohio
Larissa works under the supervision of Rebekah Cotner, LPCC-S.
Chandlee Harris, SWT-I am in the process of getting my master’s degree in social work with a micro-credential in Trauma-Focused Care. I have experience working with children in the foster system as well as families impacted by children services. I am a compassionate social worker committed to assisting clients in developing healthier, more positive life choices. I do this by providing an open safe space for clients to talk.
Education: Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies with a minor in Sociology, Bowling Green State University; Masters of Social Work with a micro-credential in Trauma-Focused Care, Northern Kentucky University (in progress)
Licensure: Social Worker Trainee, State of Ohio
Chandlee works under the supervision of Noelle Arduini, LISW-S, LICDC
Madison Biegler, LSW, CT- Hi, I’m Maddie! I have a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, am a Licensed Social Worker and am currently enrolled in a Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Capital University working towards my LPC. My passion is working with kids and creating a safe, comfortable space for them to express their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgement or consequences. I have previous experience working in foster care and community mental health, primarily with kids ages 5-18 focusing on trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD and ODD. I am excited to be on this journey at Darby Creek Counseling and look forward to working with you!
Education: Capital University- Bachelor of Science in Social Work (2021), Capital University- Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (in progress). Licensure: Licensed Social Worker, State of Ohio; Counselor Trainee, State of Ohio
Madison works under the supervision of Rebekah Cotner, LPCC-S
Hannah Miller, CT- Welcome, I’m Hannah! No matter how big or how small you feel your challenging circumstances are, I am here to help you process and move forward with compassion. As a counselor, I strive to create a safe, welcoming, and empowering environment where you can be true to yourself throughout the counseling process. I value the mind-body-soul connection and recognize that adverse experiences oftentimes impact the way we interact with the world around us. Through intentional counseling work together, I hope to help you feel seen, cultivate greater self-awareness, and reach your personal therapy goals at your own pace.
I have several years of experience working with children and adolescents in a psychiatric inpatient hospital setting providing trauma-informed care for patients with diverse backgrounds. My therapeutic approach embodies a holistic, humanistic, and trauma-informed perspective with the intention of helping you reach your personal mental wellness goals. I like to utilize techniques derived from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Somatic Experiencing, Strengths Based, and Psychodynamic therapeutic models, but ultimately work with each client to meet individual needs. My clinical interests include but are not limited to anxiety, trauma, interpersonal and attachment issues, women’s health, OCD, personality disorders, and chronic illness. I understand that beginning therapy can feel daunting, and I aim to make your counseling process as comforting as possible.
Education: B.A. in psychology, with a minor in sociology, Ohio University; Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Walden University (in progress)
Licensure: Counselor Trainee, State of Ohio
Hannah works under the supervision of Rebekah Cotner, LPCC-S.
