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
Stephie works under the supervision of Rebekah Cotner, LPCC-S.
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 Sherri Behr, LISW.
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, LPC– 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 Counselor, State of Ohio
Michelle works under the supervision of Daniel Maust, LPCC-S.
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.
Emma Earhart, LPC – My ultimate goal in counseling is to establish a strong relationship with my clients and provide a safe, inclusive, collaborative, and non-judgmental environment. I utilize person-centered and holistic approaches and highlight my clients’ personal strengths and abilities to promote better functioning in all areas of life. I strive to support my clients in achieving their goals and desires throughout the counseling process. I believe that active listening and empathy are central to a successful counseling relationship. My main priority is to make my clients feel accepted, validated, and heard, no matter what they are going through. Life is tough, but we don’t have to go through it alone.
Education: John Carroll University- Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. Wright State University-Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Licensure: Licensed Professional Counselor, State of Ohio
Emma currently provides services only via TeleHealth.
Emma 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.
Silvina Smith, CT- I enjoy spending time with family and friends, the natural beauty of the outdoors, being adventurous as a lifelong learner, and expressing myself through the creative arts. My cat Louis and my dog Jewels keep me active and on walks. I came from Argentina to join my family in Ohio many years ago, so I value culture and diversity. I have worked to support the lives of children, adolescents, youth, and mature adults in both community and school settings, providing services for children with disabilities through the Franklin County Board on Developmental Disabilities and Help Me Grow, assisting parents with life transitions, and interpreting at individual education planning meetings at DCS for many years. I strive when connecting with individuals and families facing challenges on their journey as I would like to walk alongside them to collaborate in exploring ideas for finding balance in life, and experiencing harmony while establishing a deeper and healthier connection with friends and loved ones, using solution-focused, mindfulness, and strength-based modalities to address any variety of obstacles. My goal is to be able to learn from each other, support and inspire you to untangle any issues holding you back in your current situation and help you develop skills, knowledge and action plans so that you continue to move in the direction of your highest intentions. Obstacles are opportunities for us to grow! If you allow me to join you on your journey, I hope to inspire you to grow towards your highest self!
Education: Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Ashland University, ATS (in progress), Ohio Registered Licensed SWA (since March 2006) Associate of Applied Science, MH/CD/MR, Columbus State Community College, Columbus, Masters and Bachelor of Teaching, Physical Education, Córdoba, Argentina
Licensure: Counselor Trainee, State of Ohio
Silvina works under the supervision of Rebekah Cotner, LPCC-S.
Devin Degroat, CT– 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 (in progress)
Licensure: Counselor Trainee, State of Ohio
Devin works under the supervision of Sara Cicchinelli, LPCC-S.
Katherine Pastrick, CT- I am a counselor in training working towards my Master’s in Counseling at the University of Dayton. I focus on creating a calm, safe, and non-judgmental environment for my clients. My approach primarily draws on techniques from various body-focused modalities that encourage clients to move beyond their thoughts and to connect more deeply with their felt experiences. Additionally I draw from Cognitive Behavioral and Gestalt therapy techniques to help clients sort out thought-based content and find meaning in their experiences.
I believe there is power in the stories we tell ourselves, as well as the implicit stories our bodies remember. Sometimes we need extra support to work through and authentically witness both. My counseling approach includes careful attention to all aspects of our experiences – mind, body, and spirit. Finally, my areas of specific interest include interpersonal issues, grief, attachment, anxiety, and trauma/PTSD.
I am a lover of nature, reading, art, and photography. I am most at peace sitting quietly at the edge of a lake. There were times in my own journey when I wasn’t able to achieve any sense of peace and calm in my life. Now that I have, I want to give back. I hope to help others discover their own sense of ease in all that they are and all they’ve experienced.
Education: Bachelors of Science in Behavioral Neuroscience with a minor in Photography from The Ohio State University, Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Dayton (in progress)
Licensure: Counselor Trainee, State of Ohio
Katherine works under the supervision of Sara Cicchinelli, 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 Sara Cicchinelli, 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 Sara Cicchinelli, LPCC-S.
Elisa Skidmore, SWT- I am a person of faith who knows what it is like to struggle with mental health. I have personally found a lot of healing through empowered thinking and mind-body-spirit integration. I am a wife and mom and I love yoga, movie nights, trips and being in the outdoors with my family and our dog.
Wherever you are on your journey, I am happy to sit with you and help you work through things. I create a warm and peaceful space for clients to bring their struggles and come away with some clarity and hope. I believe that no matter where we are, we can find meaning in our experience. I help clients honor their feelings and begin where they are to find empowerment within and begin a path forward that feels right to them.
My growing competencies include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). My skills include motivational interviewing, maternal mental health, mind-body-spirit integration and mindfulness practice. It would be an honor to work with you.
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
Working under the supervision of Sherri Behr MSW/LISW
