Clinical Counseling Services offered at both our Chardon and Chagrin locations!

In the fields of mental and physical health, it has become evident that interactions between mind, body, and spirit have a profound effect on well-being. Our counseling services have become a locally recognized provider in this integrative approach.

Our team at Ubuntu Wellness boasts 23 licensed therapists dedicated to guiding you on a journey toward emotional balance. Anchored in a comprehensive understanding of the whole person, our therapists employ a multidimensional counseling approach. This approach addresses individuals' mental, physical, and emotional needs through evidence-based practices such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Motivational Interviewing, IFS (Internal Family Systems), Brainspotting, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Clinical Hypnosis, Art Therapy, and Play Therapy, among others.

Collaborating with your therapist, you'll explore the avenues through which growth, encompassing the realms of mind, body, emotions, and spirit, can foster your overall health and well-being. Our authentic, interactive, and compassionate approach creates an environment conducive to healing emotional wounds, ensuring that our clients feel supported on their transformative journey.

For your convenience, we offer both in-office and telehealth options. Currently, we are in-network with Medical Mutual, United Healthcare, Cigna, Anthem, Aetna, and Tricare. Additionally, we provide flexible self-pay options for sessions ranging from 30 to 60 minutes, with fees ranging from $80 to $150, and Psychiatric Assessment and follow up medication management sessions with fees ranging from $130 to $200. Contact us today to explore how we can tailor our services to best serve you; we also offer a free 15 minute phone consultation so that you can ensure we are a great fit!

Do you have questions about insurance vs. self-pay? Read an article about the pros and cons.

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Two people sitting across from each other, with their hands together on their lap, depicting a conversation between the two people. — We utilize an evidence-based, multidimensional approach to counseling to address people’s mental, physical, and emotional needs.

Meet Our Clinical Team

Featured

Jennifer Emch, M.ED, LPCC-S, Co-Owner

Verified by Psychology Today

Jennifer, is the co-owner of Ubuntu Wellness, LLC and stands as a Supervising Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (E. 0500507-SUPV) in the State of Ohio. Specializing in trauma, she brings a wealth of expertise, with qualifications in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Advanced Clinical Hypnosis, MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction), Motivational Interviewing, and various cognitive behavioral strategies aimed at enhancing personal well-being. Jennifer ardently believes in the transformative power of healing, recognizing the profound impact it can have through various modalities, whether that be through the insightful realms of talk therapy or the embodied release found in somatic expression. Her dedication to facilitating holistic well-being reflects a commitment to guiding individuals on a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and personal growth. With a compassionate approach, Jennifer strives to create a therapeutic space where individuals can explore and embrace the diverse pathways to healing, fostering empowerment and authentic connection.

Her educational journey includes earning a BA in Dance from Lake Erie College in 1999 and a Masters of Education in Counseling from Cleveland State University in 2004. Jennifer has been in the mental health field since 2000, initially at community mental health agencies in Lake County, and later returning to Geauga County to continue to serve.

Jennifer's profound passion lies in assisting others in discovering their authentic selves through the powerful avenues of creative expression and mindfulness. Beyond her professional pursuits, she finds joy in attending concerts, exploring nature through hiking, indulging in travel, and cherishing moments with her family.

Erin Moore, M.A., LPCC, LMT, Co-Owner

Verified by Psychology Today

Erin is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor through the State of Ohio (E.1901533). Certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Erin is a trauma informed person-centered therapist with an eclectic approach to treatment. Erin is also a licensed massage therapist and is certified in Traditional Thai Massage. Erin graduated with her Associates in Massage Therapy from Youngstown College of Massotherapy in 2004 and became licensed by the State Medical Board of Ohio in January, 2005. Erin received her Reiki Masters certification through Usui Shiki Ryoho lineage under instruction of Michelle Gonzalez, RM in January, 2024 and Intermediate Thai Certification in September, 2024 under the instruction of Sarah Cheiky, NLMT, NCTMB, CYT.

Erin has always believed that life is a glorious struggle and can hit us all at different times through multiple uncontrollable and sometimes chosen life experiences. The greatest lesson can be learning how to navigate the process with traits we inherently possess. The integration of mind and body was inspired when asked at her own counseling session “what brings you to counseling?”, her response was “I want to feel better.” And it is just that simple sometimes, we all want to feel good.

Erin lives in Cleveland, OH with her husband, Tim, two children, Elizabeth and Charlie, Roxy the dog, and ET the cat. She enjoys fantasizing about more sleep, food, and outdoor experiences when not working or parenting.

Christelle Buholzer, M.Ed., M.A, LPCC-S, Clinical Director

Verified by Psychology Today

Christelle is a Supervising Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (E.1800890) through the State of Ohio and the Clinical DIrector at Ubuntu. Christelle utilizes a person-centered, integrative approach towards treatment, primarily incorporating aspects of ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), Brainspotting, and Shadow Work. Christelle primarily focuses her practice with adults and couples but has been known to work with older teens as well. In addition to all her trained methods of treatment, Christelle also believes in the power of healing that animals provide us. Sadie Mae, her labradoodle, is a beloved part of her practice and clients will get to find calmness petting her fluffy coat!

Life is a journey with a lot of twists and turns and Christelle believes that we all may need some assistance at various moments in life to guide us along the journey. As awareness in mental health rises, Christelle believes that understanding the mind-body connection can be integral in healing, especially those traumas that live in our bodies. We all have emotional pain locked in various areas of our nervous system, and learning to move through that pain can be life changing.

When Christelle is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Josh, and her three kids: Julianna, Marijke, and Aveline. She loves having adventures in town and out of town with her family, enjoying delicious food from all over, and creating memories.

Ryan Cook, M.Ed, LPCC-S, Clinical Supervisor

Ryan is a Supervising Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (E.1901460-SUPV) in the state of Ohio. Ryan uses a person-centered approach and is trained in a variety of different therapeutic techniques and strategies to mix and match to help clients discover and achieve the goals that will best contribute to their personal wellness. Ryan works to foster an environment of compassion and caring to provide a non-judgmental space for clients to be able to open up and explore the parts of themselves that will allow them to heal and move forward on their journey, and will personally create an individualized therapeutic approach to help each individual client achieve their wellness goals.

Ryan works with children, adolescents and adults while also offering couples and family therapy sessions. Whether the issues presenting themselves are personal or systemic in nature, Ryan will work to help you adopt a mindset and system of behaviors to allow you to maximize your potential for success.

Dallas Roessner-Lang, M.A, LPCC-S, Continuing Education Program Director, Internship Coordinator

Verified by Psychology Today

Dallas is a Supervising Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the state of Ohio (E.2002034). She works with a wide range of individuals with a primary focus on children and women’s needs. She has training in motivational interviewing, CBT, DBT, and mindfulness techniques. Dallas enjoys working with individuals and their families to heal trauma, increase personal insight, and develop skills to assist with reaching their personal goals and become the best versions of themselves.

Nicole Peterson, MS.ED, LPCC-S

Verified by Psychology Today

Nicole is a Supervising Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor SLPCC, (E.1800808-SUPV) in the State of Ohio. She has a background in understanding and helping clients cope with developmental trauma. Nicole incorporates collaborative problem-solving into her work with clients and she enjoys using creative modalities to help clients express themselves through activities such as movement, yoga, and drumming. She has experience working with individuals, families, and groups. Nicole has worked in various settings including outpatient, foster care, residential programs, group homes, and in schools. She works both with children and adults.

Nicole’s specialty areas and certifications include, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Certified Expressive Art Therapist, Registered Yoga Teacher (200-hour RYT), Dancing Mindfulness Facilitator, Drum Circle Leader, Brainspotting, and Improv.

She is currently seeking certifications as a Registered Expressive Art Therapist and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).

Emily Capuria, LISW-S, CHHC

Emily is a LISW-S in the state of Ohio (I.0900236-SUPV). She works primarily with individuals and couples who are dealing with infertility. She uses an integrative, strengths-based approach to support her clients in coping with the stress, anxiety, and complex impact of infertility, and to improve their overall well-being in order to optimize their fertility, re-establish self-trust, and bring more balance into their lives. Emily has training in a variety of therapeutic techniques including motivational interviewing, cognitive-based strategies, EFT, mindfulness, and the like. She is also certified as a holistic health coach and trained in integrative nutrition for mental health.

Natalie Tharp, LPCC-ATR

Verified by Psychology Today

Natalie is a Professional Clinical Counselor (E.230716) in the State of Ohio and a Board Certified Art Therapist (02-077). She has 15+ years experience working with children and adult clients in crisis. Natalie is passionate about incorporating the creative arts with traditional talk therapy to promote mindfulness, healing and personal growth. As a mother of four children, she promotes a balanced approach to daily living.

Stacey Johnson, LPCC

Stacey Johnson is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the State of Ohio ( E.3690). Stacey a person-centered therapist that utilizes a variety of techniques including mindfulness and creative approaches. She works to foster a non-judgmental environment of compassion and caring, for clients to be able to explore themselves. Stacey enjoys working with children, adolescents and their families, to help them develop the necessary skills to empower them to become the best version of themselves. In her spare time, she enjoys camping, being outdoors and spending time with family.

Lindsey Simone, M.Ed., LPCC

Lindsey is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the State of Ohio (E.2404699). Are you or a loved one feeling overwhelmed? Lost? Disconnected? Or experiencing feelings of sadness or worry? Asking for support can be a hard part of being able to achieve your personal goals. You deserve a space to express your thoughts and feelings to a qualified, non-judgmental, compassionate counselor. I believe in meeting my clients where you are in life and supporting you in making changes and growing into a healthier, more authentic YOU!

My therapeutic approach is client-centered and eclectic, catering to the individual needs of each client. I have experience in a variety of settings and ages, including in schools, hospitals, and in the community. I like to utilize a variety of evidence-based techniques and incorporate mindfulness-based practices to tailor each session to each client.

I am here to help you process emotions, develop strengths, teach tools to manage and cope, and cultivate a healthy perspective in your life. I will support and help navigate your journey into a deeper understanding and connection with your authentic self. There is always hope for healing and growth.

Becky Cervenka, Board Certified, Registered Art Therapist (ATR-BC)

Verified by Psychology Today

Becky is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (E.2303767) and Board Certified, Registered Art Therapist (ATR-BC) in the State of Ohio.

She is trained in Motivational Interviewing, cognitive/behavioral therapies, and various art assessments and techniques. Becky incorporates the latest research-based information about the brain with the use of art to improve cognitive and sensory-motor functions, foster self-esteem and self-awareness, cultivate emotional resilience, promote insight, enhance social skills, reduce and resolve conflicts and distress.

Amanda Cheravitch, M.A., LPCC

Verified by Psychology Today

Mandy is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (E.2404816) in the State of Ohio. Mandy earned a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from John Carroll University. Prior to her Master’s, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at JCU as well.

Mandy has worked in a variety of settings, with many different populations. Her focused populations include anxiety disorders, depression, and ADHD. She enjoys working with people 10 years old up to young adulthood. Mandy strives to teach her clients to understand their thinking patterns and emotional communication. Mandy takes on a person-centered therapeutic approach incorporating acceptance commitment therapy, CBT, and mindfulness practices.

Leonard Spacek, MA, LPC

Len is Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Ohio (C.2204468). Len is a person-centered therapist with an eclectic approach to treatment. He implements Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, and Narrative Therapy into his counseling. He believes in the importance of the client taking action in their treatment process through using CBT to change how they think and taking action to change the way they feel. He believes in the importance of the narrative an individual creates for their lives. Len believes that mindfulness and meditation can be an important part of healing and wellness.

Len works with adolescents and adults. His focus over the past few years has been working with young adult males dealing with anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Len’s passion is to assist clients in becoming the very best version of themselves and to help them realize their passion, meaning, and purpose in life.

Along with working with clients and athletes over the past seven years, he has also been a teacher and coach for over twenty-five years. Len also works with athletes in the area of mental performance training, teaching skills such as goal setting, positive self-talk, visualization, self-regulation, and a Game-ready routine to help individuals perform at their highest level. Len enjoys playing the guitar, playing different sports, walking his dog, writing books for young adults, and spending time with friends and family.

Jason Cole, MA. CMHC, LPC

Verified by Psychology Today

Jason will be working out of our Chagrin location. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor (C.2204267) in the State of Ohio. Jason works primarily with adolescents and adults, and enjoys helping clients learn new coping skills and experiencing positive life changes.

He is trained in a wide range of therapeutic approaches including; cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, rational-emotive behavioral therapy, gestalt therapy, reality therapy, and mindfulness-based counseling. Jason also has a sub-specialty in addiction and substance abuse counseling, especially for adolescents and young adults. As part of this specialty, Jason enjoys facilitating peer support group work, and a wide range of programs to contribute to long term recovery.

When not at work, Jason enjoys spending time with his family, being on the water, and experiencing the outdoors.

Kristina M. Hewis, M.Ed, LPC

Verified by Psychology Today

Kristina is a Licensed Professional Counselor (C.2203973). She is also a licensed school counselor in an urban district with 23 years experience working with adolescents. Kristina believes in the well-being of the whole person and thus incorporates mind, body, and spiritual interventions within the counseling construct. She uses a person centered therapeutic approach to counseling with holistic cognitive behavioral therapy interventions suitable for adolescents and adults.

Scott McDowell, LPC

Scott is a licensed Professional counselor (C.2204671) in the State of Ohio, working mainly with adults with an increasing focus on chronic pain which is misunderstood and undertreated. It is natural to think chronic pain is caused by structural (tissue damage) but neural circuits that activate pain can be totally independent from injury. The brain responds with pain in response to its perception of danger but it can learn to interpret normal sensations as threatening. The pain is real and is fueled by fear, stress, and preoccupation. The hurt continues even though the harm is gone. The majority of chronic pain is thought to be neuroplastic and not structural. This is actually good news as you can restore a feeling of safety and eliminate or reduce your pain. Pain Reprocessing Therapy offers a science and evidence based approach that has worked well both in clinical trials and with thousands of clients. Along with Pain Reprocessing Therapy Scott is oriented toward experiential mind-body modalities drawing from Internal Family Systems, Coherence Therapy, and Mindfulness.

Katherine Farizel, LPC

Katherine is a Licensed Professional Counselor (C.2304887) in the State of Ohio. Katherine earned a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from John Carroll University. Prior to continuing her education at JCU, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Studies from Ohio University.

Katherine has worked in a variety of settings, with many different populations. Specific populations include, survivors of domestic violence, individuals with substance use disorders, and children and teens with various social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. She enjoys working with people of all ages and strives to teach her clients skills to help process emotions and learn to manage and cope with activities of daily living. Katherine uses a person-centered therapeutic approach and has training in cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness practices.

Elisa Valentine, LPC

Elisa is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Ohio (C.2305374). She works through an eclectic lens to suit the individual in understanding the relationship between their life experiences and worldview with their current struggles. As a therapist, she aims toward providing a safe and supportive space where individuals can process their thoughts and feelings while discovering themselves.

Hadley Hatteberg, LPC

Verified by Psychology Today

Hadley is a Licensed Professional Counselor (C. 2305452) in the state of Ohio. Hadley earned a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from John Carroll University. Prior to continuing her education at JCU, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Neuroscience from Ohio State University.

Hadley previously worked at Cleveland Rape Crisis Center and has experience working with adolescent and adult populations. Hadley tailors treatment to each individual client but pulls from psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, and dialectical behavior therapy perspectives.

Cassandra Shofar, LPC

Cassandra is a licensed professional counselor in the state of Ohio (C.2406053). She earned a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Cleveland State University in the Spring of 2024. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Journalism with a minor in Psychology from Bowling Green State University. Cassandra obtained her Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant Preliminary license in March of 2023. She enjoys working with all ages but specializes in working with adult populations and adolescents. She pulls from person-centered, cognitive-behavioral, integrative, solutions-focused and mindfulness-based approaches. Cassandra is also the editor of the Geauga County Maple Leaf, Chesterland News and Kirtland Chronicle newspaper. She is a certified 500-hour Yoga Instructor with specializations in yoga nidra and therapeutic/chakra yoga; a Reiki Master; and a certified holistic psychotherapy coach.

Becca Smith, M.Ed., LPC, LICDC

Verified by Psychology Today

Becca is a licensed professional counselor in the State of Ohio (C.2406115). She earned her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and the Addiction’s specialization certification from Kent State University. Becca works primarily with young adults up through adults and client’s seeking to increase their overall sense of self-love and self-acceptance. Becca utilizes mindfulness-based CBT, motivational interviewing, mindfulness techniques for emotion regulation, person-centered, solution-focused, and EMDR. Primary areas of concern include trauma, depression, anxiety, weight-related concerns, mindful eating, self-esteem, and addictions. Becca is in training to become a Board-Certified Bariatric Counselor and is actively taking on client’s that are looking for counseling post bariatric surgery to promote long term better outcomes. Becca is not currently completing pre-op evaluations. Becca is often described as warm and fuzzy and utilizes a holistic person-centered approach.

Ashley Stevens, LPC, NCC

Ashley is a Licensed Professional Counselor (C.2406495) with a deep commitment to fostering emotional well-being and resilience in her clients. She earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University, following her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Kent State University. Ashley is dedicated to supporting diverse populations, with a particular passion for working with the LGBTQ+ community and individuals navigating depression, anxiety, and life transitions.

Her therapeutic style is rooted in a person-centered, eclectic approach, allowing her to tailor sessions to the unique needs of each client. Ashley strives to cultivate a safe, accepting, and non-judgmental environment where clients feel empowered to explore their thoughts and emotions freely, promoting personal growth and healing.

Keegan Dennis, Clinical Intern

Keegan graduated with her bachelor's degree in psychology and a minor in criminology from Kent State University. Keegan is currently continuing her education at Kent State for her master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and will graduate in December of 2024. Keegan uses CBT as her foundational theory but employs an eclectic approach in sessions including Existential, Person-centered, Psychoanalytic, and DBT aspects. Keegan has a history of working in domestic violence and on the suicide hotline. Her special areas of interest are trauma and grief, but she is excited to work with all types of clients.

Sadie Mae, Therapy Pup

Sadie Mae is our beloved office therapy labradoodle, a friendly and gentle presence known for her warm greetings at the door and her special fondness for children. With a heart as big as her smile, she has become an integral part of our therapeutic environment.

From the moment clients enter, Sadie is there to offer a welcoming wag of her nub of a tail, often accompanied by an inviting nuzzle. She has a remarkable knack for sensing when someone needs extra comfort, and she’s always ready to offer her soothing presence. Her calm demeanor and soft fur provide a sense of tranquility that enriches the therapeutic experience.

When Sadie is not busy working, she enjoys playing with her doggie sister, Happy. She also has been known to play a game of catch and indulging in her favorite treats. She embodies the spirit of unconditional love and acceptance that we should all strive for.

Clinical Services

Meet Our Clinical Team