Loralea Allen M.Ed., LPCC-S
Owner Healing Strides Counseling Services LLC
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor- Supervisor
Former Adjunct Instructor Kent State University
lacounselingservices@ gmail.com
Motivated by my desire to help as many people as possible in the community, I opened Healing Strides Counseling Services in the heart of downtown Kent. The practice has grown to include five additional clinicians and three therapy dogs. I am often accompanied by my therapy dog partner, JB who brings a warm and friendly presence to the session. Recently I used my own struggles with anxiety as a motivation to obtain my certification in applied neuroscience for treating anxiety, panic, and worry. This knowledge helps individuals to rewire and retrain their brains to relieve their anxiety. In my spare time I enjoy competing in horse shows, as well as attempting to improve my physical and mental health by working out at the gym.
Owner Healing Strides Counseling Services LLC
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor- Supervisor
Former Adjunct Instructor Kent State University
lacounselingservices@ gmail.com
Motivated by my desire to help as many people as possible in the community, I opened Healing Strides Counseling Services in the heart of downtown Kent. The practice has grown to include five additional clinicians and three therapy dogs. I am often accompanied by my therapy dog partner, JB who brings a warm and friendly presence to the session. Recently I used my own struggles with anxiety as a motivation to obtain my certification in applied neuroscience for treating anxiety, panic, and worry. This knowledge helps individuals to rewire and retrain their brains to relieve their anxiety. In my spare time I enjoy competing in horse shows, as well as attempting to improve my physical and mental health by working out at the gym.
Joanne Frick M.Ed., LPCC-S Licensed Professional Counselor
[email protected]
Life can be overwhelming at times and asking for help may be difficult. I offer a calm and safe environment for you to be heard and respected. I work from a holistic and integrative approach utilizing recent advances in brain science, attachment research, and body awareness to each of my clients. I am continually working to expand my knowledge by completing continuing education and self-study. I am a Certified Wellness Counselor as I believe our emotional, intellectual, physical, social, environmental, financial and spiritual parts of our life are equally important and can bring about stress if we become out of balance. I have extensive training in animal-assisted psychotherapy, trauma, complex PTSD, and how nutrition affects us both physically and mentally. I am usually accompanied by one of my therapy dogs, Porter or Henri in session. I work with a broad range of clients including adolescents, young adults, adults, and anyone entering a new stage of life. I am welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community. In my spare time, I enjoy playing with my dogs, hiking, traveling, gardening, and transitioning to a whole food plant-based diet.
[email protected]
Life can be overwhelming at times and asking for help may be difficult. I offer a calm and safe environment for you to be heard and respected. I work from a holistic and integrative approach utilizing recent advances in brain science, attachment research, and body awareness to each of my clients. I am continually working to expand my knowledge by completing continuing education and self-study. I am a Certified Wellness Counselor as I believe our emotional, intellectual, physical, social, environmental, financial and spiritual parts of our life are equally important and can bring about stress if we become out of balance. I have extensive training in animal-assisted psychotherapy, trauma, complex PTSD, and how nutrition affects us both physically and mentally. I am usually accompanied by one of my therapy dogs, Porter or Henri in session. I work with a broad range of clients including adolescents, young adults, adults, and anyone entering a new stage of life. I am welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community. In my spare time, I enjoy playing with my dogs, hiking, traveling, gardening, and transitioning to a whole food plant-based diet.
Rachel France, M.Ed. LPCC-S, NCC, CCMHC
Licensed Professional Counselor - Supervisor Adjunct Instructor, Kent State University
[email protected]
I am deeply committed to creating a warm, welcoming, and non-judgmental environment for all my clients. My practice is grounded in a person-centered and solution-focused approach, enabling me to effectively coordinate care and facilitate meaningful change for individuals of all ages. I bring a passionate commitment to working with individuals, couples, and families, helping each client navigate their unique journeys.
Additionally, I am a Doctoral Candidate in the Counselor Education and Supervision program at Kent State University. This rigorous academic training enhances my practical skills and enriches the therapeutic services I offer.
Outside of my professional role, I find joy and balance in gardening, landscaping, and cherishing quality time with my family. These activities not only provide me with personal fulfillment but also keep me grounded and connected to the everyday joys of life.
Licensed Professional Counselor - Supervisor Adjunct Instructor, Kent State University
[email protected]
I am deeply committed to creating a warm, welcoming, and non-judgmental environment for all my clients. My practice is grounded in a person-centered and solution-focused approach, enabling me to effectively coordinate care and facilitate meaningful change for individuals of all ages. I bring a passionate commitment to working with individuals, couples, and families, helping each client navigate their unique journeys.
Additionally, I am a Doctoral Candidate in the Counselor Education and Supervision program at Kent State University. This rigorous academic training enhances my practical skills and enriches the therapeutic services I offer.
Outside of my professional role, I find joy and balance in gardening, landscaping, and cherishing quality time with my family. These activities not only provide me with personal fulfillment but also keep me grounded and connected to the everyday joys of life.
Zachary T. Roberts, MA, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
[email protected]
I see it my role to actively listen and meet you where you are. To help you identify, work towards, and accomplish your goals. To walk alongside you as you discover your truth, learn to live in it, and love yourself for it. I create a safe, relaxing, and non-judgmental space where you can drop the mask and begin to reveal and heal your true self. Your stories, your needs, your wants, your darkest hours, and your brightest moments take center stage when you’re in my office. I bring respect, kindness, and a sense of fun so that you feel empowered to make changes in your life. As you get more comfortable talking to me, you build skills and identify how to challenge and overcome those things that are holding you back from being your truest self. This is your chance to rewrite the next chapter of your life story.
Some counseling professionals take very specific approaches to therapy. I take a more integrative approach to therapy that combines different therapeutic tools and methods to fit the needs of the individual client. This is a more flexible and inclusive approach to treatment. I commonly draw my interventions and approaches from the following therapy models: Humanistic, Strength-Based, Interpersonal, Multicultural, Solution-Focused, Reality, and Cognitive Behavioral. I graduated from The Ohio State University with a Masters of Arts in Educational Studies, Counselor Education. I am trained as a generalist, but areas of particular interest and experience include: working with individuals identifying as LGBTQIA+ or gender non-binary; anxiety; depression; grief/loss; life transitions; relationship concerns; work/career/school concerns; stress management; substance use.
When I’m not counseling, you can find me spending time with family, working on home improvement projects, gardening/landscaping, enjoying the outdoors, going on walks, crafting, watching Netflix, reading, and being silly with my wife and daughter.
Licensed Professional Counselor
[email protected]
I see it my role to actively listen and meet you where you are. To help you identify, work towards, and accomplish your goals. To walk alongside you as you discover your truth, learn to live in it, and love yourself for it. I create a safe, relaxing, and non-judgmental space where you can drop the mask and begin to reveal and heal your true self. Your stories, your needs, your wants, your darkest hours, and your brightest moments take center stage when you’re in my office. I bring respect, kindness, and a sense of fun so that you feel empowered to make changes in your life. As you get more comfortable talking to me, you build skills and identify how to challenge and overcome those things that are holding you back from being your truest self. This is your chance to rewrite the next chapter of your life story.
Some counseling professionals take very specific approaches to therapy. I take a more integrative approach to therapy that combines different therapeutic tools and methods to fit the needs of the individual client. This is a more flexible and inclusive approach to treatment. I commonly draw my interventions and approaches from the following therapy models: Humanistic, Strength-Based, Interpersonal, Multicultural, Solution-Focused, Reality, and Cognitive Behavioral. I graduated from The Ohio State University with a Masters of Arts in Educational Studies, Counselor Education. I am trained as a generalist, but areas of particular interest and experience include: working with individuals identifying as LGBTQIA+ or gender non-binary; anxiety; depression; grief/loss; life transitions; relationship concerns; work/career/school concerns; stress management; substance use.
When I’m not counseling, you can find me spending time with family, working on home improvement projects, gardening/landscaping, enjoying the outdoors, going on walks, crafting, watching Netflix, reading, and being silly with my wife and daughter.
Ashley R. Shaheen MA.Ed, LPCC
[email protected]
I was a public high school teacher and a coach for a decade, and remain a coach for Kent City Schools. I have a B.S. in Integrated Language Arts from Kent State University, and a Master’s of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Malone University. I’m a member of Counselors for Social Justice and of Chi Sigma Iota, which is a national honors society for professional counselors.
My approach to counseling is holistic, eclectic, and trauma-informed, where I determine which approach I will take depending on my client’s needs. I find I typically lean toward a person-centered approach, but use techniques from a wide range of theoretical approaches, including internal family systems and elements of Buddhism, while also evaluating and considering environmental factors that marginalized populations face. I work with kids, teens, college students, and adults on a variety of concerns, from coping with mental illness, to life transitions, to finding peace through a harmony of enjoyment, movement, and work. I enjoy both watching and playing sports, backpacking, reading, and spending time with my kids, husband, and schnoodles: Nala and Nymeria.
[email protected]
I was a public high school teacher and a coach for a decade, and remain a coach for Kent City Schools. I have a B.S. in Integrated Language Arts from Kent State University, and a Master’s of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Malone University. I’m a member of Counselors for Social Justice and of Chi Sigma Iota, which is a national honors society for professional counselors.
My approach to counseling is holistic, eclectic, and trauma-informed, where I determine which approach I will take depending on my client’s needs. I find I typically lean toward a person-centered approach, but use techniques from a wide range of theoretical approaches, including internal family systems and elements of Buddhism, while also evaluating and considering environmental factors that marginalized populations face. I work with kids, teens, college students, and adults on a variety of concerns, from coping with mental illness, to life transitions, to finding peace through a harmony of enjoyment, movement, and work. I enjoy both watching and playing sports, backpacking, reading, and spending time with my kids, husband, and schnoodles: Nala and Nymeria.
Caroline Leyden, M.Ed., LPC
[email protected]
Hello! I’m Caroline Leyden, a dedicated counselor committed to supporting individuals on their journey to mental and emotional wellness. I am a graduate of Kent State University's Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling Program. I specialize in working with Adolescents, Teenagers, and Young Adults. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and concerns. I utilize Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems Therapy, and Person-Centered techniques. I also now offer Autism Assessments for individuals who are 16 and older.
My approach is rooted in empathy and understanding, tailored to meet your unique needs and goals. Whether you're navigating life transitions, coping with anxiety or depression, or seeking personal growth, I'm here to assist you every step of the way. Together, we'll work collaboratively to uncover strengths, develop coping strategies, and foster resilience. My passion for helping others stems from a deep belief in the transformative power of therapy and the resilience of the human spirit.
Outside of counseling, I enjoy spending time with my husband and family, taking my cats Luna and Apollo on stroller walks outside, exploring new areas, and trying different coffee shops. Your well-being is my priority, and I look forward to supporting you in achieving a more fulfilling and balanced life.
[email protected]
Hello! I’m Caroline Leyden, a dedicated counselor committed to supporting individuals on their journey to mental and emotional wellness. I am a graduate of Kent State University's Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling Program. I specialize in working with Adolescents, Teenagers, and Young Adults. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and concerns. I utilize Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems Therapy, and Person-Centered techniques. I also now offer Autism Assessments for individuals who are 16 and older.
My approach is rooted in empathy and understanding, tailored to meet your unique needs and goals. Whether you're navigating life transitions, coping with anxiety or depression, or seeking personal growth, I'm here to assist you every step of the way. Together, we'll work collaboratively to uncover strengths, develop coping strategies, and foster resilience. My passion for helping others stems from a deep belief in the transformative power of therapy and the resilience of the human spirit.
Outside of counseling, I enjoy spending time with my husband and family, taking my cats Luna and Apollo on stroller walks outside, exploring new areas, and trying different coffee shops. Your well-being is my priority, and I look forward to supporting you in achieving a more fulfilling and balanced life.
Jordan Cooper LPC, CDCA (She/Her/Hers)
[email protected]
Hey there! My name is Jordan Cooper, and I am a licensed professional counselor and chemical dependency counselor who is dedicated to creating a warm, supportive environment where you feel comfortable sharing your struggles as you embark on your healing journey. My approach is rooted in attachment theory and psychodynamic principles, allowing us to explore how your early experiences shape your current patterns. I also integrate elements of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, specifically mindfulness, to foster greater awareness and emotional regulation.
I am a recent graduate of Kent State University. My primary experience has been in residential treatment for substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. I am passionate about helping you to gain a deeper understanding of yourself. I am also passionate about providing care to those who are experiencing issues with substance use and other forms of addictive behavior, who do not require high-intensity care.
I am a Pisces sun, Libra rising, and Virgo moon (for those who practice astrology). Outside of work, you can find me dancing the night away at local goth nights with close friends, playing with makeup, going to concerts, collecting vinyls (80s alternative and darkwave are a few of my favorite genres), spending time with my husband and two kitties, catching a baseball game with my family, and being out in nature. I look forward to getting to know you!
[email protected]
Hey there! My name is Jordan Cooper, and I am a licensed professional counselor and chemical dependency counselor who is dedicated to creating a warm, supportive environment where you feel comfortable sharing your struggles as you embark on your healing journey. My approach is rooted in attachment theory and psychodynamic principles, allowing us to explore how your early experiences shape your current patterns. I also integrate elements of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, specifically mindfulness, to foster greater awareness and emotional regulation.
I am a recent graduate of Kent State University. My primary experience has been in residential treatment for substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. I am passionate about helping you to gain a deeper understanding of yourself. I am also passionate about providing care to those who are experiencing issues with substance use and other forms of addictive behavior, who do not require high-intensity care.
I am a Pisces sun, Libra rising, and Virgo moon (for those who practice astrology). Outside of work, you can find me dancing the night away at local goth nights with close friends, playing with makeup, going to concerts, collecting vinyls (80s alternative and darkwave are a few of my favorite genres), spending time with my husband and two kitties, catching a baseball game with my family, and being out in nature. I look forward to getting to know you!
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Melanie Maynard, Graduate Clinical Intern Hi, I’m Melanie. I am a mental health counseling intern at Healing Strides. I hold a Master of Science in Psychology from Tiffin University and am currently completing my Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Malone University. I am also certified in spiritual counseling, which allows me to support clients who wish to explore faith, purpose, and meaning, intuition, dreams, or the bigger questions that shape who we are. I work with adolescents and young adults navigating anxiety, depression, grief, identity development, life transitions, trauma, and spiritual or existential concerns. I connect strongly with highly sensitive individuals and empaths who often feel overwhelmed or misunderstood. I view sensitivity as a profound strength and a unique way of experiencing the world. I strive to help clients embrace it rather than quiet it. I believe healing begins the moment someone feels truly seen, understood, and safe. My work is grounded in the understanding that every person carries inner wisdom, and that therapy is a space where that wisdom can be rediscovered, strengthened, and trusted. |
My approach is warm, holistic, intuitive, and person-centered, creating a nonjudgmental, nurturing, and safe space for you. I am honest, love humor, and empower my clients to recognize their strengths, trust themselves, and create lives that feel grounded, authentic, and aligned with who they are. I integrate CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and holistic, existential perspectives to support the mind, body, and spirit. I will often explore intuition, creativity, dreams, and nature-based connections when clients feel drawn to those areas.
Outside of counseling, you can usually find me spending time with animals, volunteering, traveling, gardening, exploring new music, wandering outdoors with no destination in mind, rescuing plants from store shelves, or diving into new research and ideas on artificial intelligence, technology, science, nature, and human psychology. I also cherish time with my amazing daughter and our three cats, Nala, Phoenix, and Luna.
Outside of counseling, you can usually find me spending time with animals, volunteering, traveling, gardening, exploring new music, wandering outdoors with no destination in mind, rescuing plants from store shelves, or diving into new research and ideas on artificial intelligence, technology, science, nature, and human psychology. I also cherish time with my amazing daughter and our three cats, Nala, Phoenix, and Luna.
Zachary Ratchen, PHD, LPC
[email protected]
Greetings, my name is Zach, and I have been providing counseling services for over a decade. Over the years, I have worked with many different populations. Within these populations, I have grown to appreciate the diversity, creativity, and perseverance that each unique person brings into the session. My focus populations have been working with people who have autism and ADHD, college students, anxiety and panic disorders, depression and grief, survivors of trauma, survivors of narcissistic relationships, and helping to empower people from systemically oppressed cultures, including a variety of ethnic minorities as well as gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans communities: When counseling children and adults with neurodivergence, I help clients to embrace their focus interests as strengths and coping mechanisms rather than trying to force neurotypical norms – while also helping to improve social, communication, and day to day functionality skills. Tell me about your favorite video games, your artistic interests, or your other interests!
My experience as a former college student as well as a professor has assisted my work with college students. We explore challenges within school as well as personal growth toward your idealized goals – and if you don’t quite know yet what that is, we can explore, generate, and navigate your options.
Anxiety is a necessary human trait, one that often goes unchecked and can take over our lives. I use Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy to teach clients how to analyze and manage intrusive thoughts. We will develop healthy coping mechanisms and move toward wanted positive thoughts instead of negative thinking patterns. Depression and Grief can feel like insurmountable mountains to climb. I will help you find plateaus as we
ascend at the pace you need. I use eclectic approaches to managing depression, pulling from humanistic, spiritual, Rogerian, Existential, and narrative methodologies.
Sometimes we carry with us a weight of memories that keep us trapped within a limbo space, sometimes reexperiencing past trauma as though we are reliving it. I will help you to process past trauma – not to forget it – but to help you to forge a masterpiece from the mosaic of your shattered past.
While I do not provide couples counseling, I do provide counseling for individuals who are currently in or have had past relationships with narcissistic or abusive partners. I will help you process this trauma as well as help you to break the cycle of abuse and empower you. My specialty focus has always been multicultural counseling, and I believe all people are unique despite similar situations. My doctoral focus was exploring how counselors work with diverse populations and how to improve counselors’ work with different communities’ values, beliefs, unique struggles, and how to empower people in the face of oppression. I am a member of this diverse world: I am an intersex person (XXY), though I was raised and identify as a male. I also identify as gay and have had my fair share of discrimination and oppression over the last three decades. I am also white, and as such, have experienced privileges that people of color may not have experienced. I do my best to educate myself on the needs of my clients while maintaining and checking myself on my own biases, whether it is to empower them in an oppressive world – or perhaps simply work on self-improvement regardless of their minority status.
[email protected]
Greetings, my name is Zach, and I have been providing counseling services for over a decade. Over the years, I have worked with many different populations. Within these populations, I have grown to appreciate the diversity, creativity, and perseverance that each unique person brings into the session. My focus populations have been working with people who have autism and ADHD, college students, anxiety and panic disorders, depression and grief, survivors of trauma, survivors of narcissistic relationships, and helping to empower people from systemically oppressed cultures, including a variety of ethnic minorities as well as gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans communities: When counseling children and adults with neurodivergence, I help clients to embrace their focus interests as strengths and coping mechanisms rather than trying to force neurotypical norms – while also helping to improve social, communication, and day to day functionality skills. Tell me about your favorite video games, your artistic interests, or your other interests!
My experience as a former college student as well as a professor has assisted my work with college students. We explore challenges within school as well as personal growth toward your idealized goals – and if you don’t quite know yet what that is, we can explore, generate, and navigate your options.
Anxiety is a necessary human trait, one that often goes unchecked and can take over our lives. I use Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy to teach clients how to analyze and manage intrusive thoughts. We will develop healthy coping mechanisms and move toward wanted positive thoughts instead of negative thinking patterns. Depression and Grief can feel like insurmountable mountains to climb. I will help you find plateaus as we
ascend at the pace you need. I use eclectic approaches to managing depression, pulling from humanistic, spiritual, Rogerian, Existential, and narrative methodologies.
Sometimes we carry with us a weight of memories that keep us trapped within a limbo space, sometimes reexperiencing past trauma as though we are reliving it. I will help you to process past trauma – not to forget it – but to help you to forge a masterpiece from the mosaic of your shattered past.
While I do not provide couples counseling, I do provide counseling for individuals who are currently in or have had past relationships with narcissistic or abusive partners. I will help you process this trauma as well as help you to break the cycle of abuse and empower you. My specialty focus has always been multicultural counseling, and I believe all people are unique despite similar situations. My doctoral focus was exploring how counselors work with diverse populations and how to improve counselors’ work with different communities’ values, beliefs, unique struggles, and how to empower people in the face of oppression. I am a member of this diverse world: I am an intersex person (XXY), though I was raised and identify as a male. I also identify as gay and have had my fair share of discrimination and oppression over the last three decades. I am also white, and as such, have experienced privileges that people of color may not have experienced. I do my best to educate myself on the needs of my clients while maintaining and checking myself on my own biases, whether it is to empower them in an oppressive world – or perhaps simply work on self-improvement regardless of their minority status.
Raya Tucker, M.Ed LPCC-S, CDCA
[email protected]
Prior to joining Healing Strides, I worked as a therapist in outpatient office and school-based settings. I believe that individuals are born with certain core beliefs that they are capable, lovable, good enough, worthy and are safe. As a person goes through life they can face challenges and receive repetitive messages that challenges these core beliefs causing them to believe the opposite (ex. I'm not good enough) and altering the perception they have of themselves. I work with my clients to help address their negative core beliefs and learn how feelings impact thoughts and behaviors.
I meet all of my clients where they are at with unconditional positive regard as I aid them in working through their problems. While Person-Centered Therapy is my main theoretical orientation I take an eclectic approach to counseling, and my clinical interventions/approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Reality Therapy.
I provide services to young adults and adults who exhibit a variety of emotional and behavioral challenges that may include anxiety, adjusting to changes, depression, suicide/self harm, self- esteem, anger and divorce/separation, and interpersonal relationship problems.
Outside of the office I spend my time working out, traveling, playing video games, watching Netflix, cooking and spending time with family.
[email protected]
Prior to joining Healing Strides, I worked as a therapist in outpatient office and school-based settings. I believe that individuals are born with certain core beliefs that they are capable, lovable, good enough, worthy and are safe. As a person goes through life they can face challenges and receive repetitive messages that challenges these core beliefs causing them to believe the opposite (ex. I'm not good enough) and altering the perception they have of themselves. I work with my clients to help address their negative core beliefs and learn how feelings impact thoughts and behaviors.
I meet all of my clients where they are at with unconditional positive regard as I aid them in working through their problems. While Person-Centered Therapy is my main theoretical orientation I take an eclectic approach to counseling, and my clinical interventions/approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Reality Therapy.
I provide services to young adults and adults who exhibit a variety of emotional and behavioral challenges that may include anxiety, adjusting to changes, depression, suicide/self harm, self- esteem, anger and divorce/separation, and interpersonal relationship problems.
Outside of the office I spend my time working out, traveling, playing video games, watching Netflix, cooking and spending time with family.