Dawn Feldpausch, LCSW

Tara Merchant is a person-centered, nonjudgmental, relationship-based LMHC (licensed mental health counselor) who recognizes the intrinsic value of all people and holds positive regard for all her clients. Tara views counseling as a collaborative effort that provides psychoeducation and coping skills for the obstacles with which clients may be struggling, and clients provide insights as experts on themselves. She believes that all thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected and have valid underlying factors. Tara seeks to help clients connect the dots, from both past and present, to have a greater understanding of themselves and their environments. She also fosters a safe space for clients to identify and embrace their feelings toward emotional catharsis. Tara received her Bachelor's Degree from Purchase College, State University of NY, and her Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Long Island University. She has an eclectic style that utilizes Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and psychodynamic modality. Tara aims to uphold cultural humility for ongoing learning and awareness that supports racial and social equity. She is experienced in working with relationship issues, anxiety, depression, and child development. Tara is a big proponent of self-care and encourages you to find whatever it is that fills your cup. She, for example, loves to watch TV and sing in her spare time.

Dr. Cheryl Thomas' experience spans nearly two decades working with many who struggle to find their way through different life challenges. She will collaborate with you to identify and attain goals. Getting to know you is the first step and that is achieved through a variety of approaches that are grounded in family systems, cognitive behavioral therapy, and understanding any types of trauma that may have been experienced. Many have had trauma and what she has learned is that talking about the details of the trauma is not always helpful. It may be a component of healing, but there may be other ways to make progress. Dr. Thomas utilizes a combination of approaches to be helpful in working with clients. Some may include person-centered, solution focused, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing. She has experience in different treatment settings in Ohio and enjoys working with those who have mental health and substance use disorders. Dr. Thomas works with ages 18 and up that include mental health issues like depression, anxiety, grief, stress management, trauma, communication, and relationship issues. She enjoys seeing a client shift perspectives and report feeling more at peace as they reach their goals. Dr. Thomas completed her doctorate degree in Counselor Education & Supervision in Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy in 2012.

Ronda T. Alaniz, LPC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor with extensive experience providing therapy and case management for children, adolescents, and adults. She currently serves as a Remote Therapist with Hazel Health Services, conducting evaluations and offering evidence-based counseling for clients ages 4–25. With over nine years as a School Mental Health Counselor at Edgewood ISD, Ronda developed and implemented individual and group counseling programs for PK–12 students. She also brings valuable leadership experience as a former Program Director and Case Manager in nonprofit and social service settings. Ronda earned her Master of Arts in Psychology from Stephen F. Austin State University and her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Texas A&M University.

Ronda creates a warm, supportive, and collaborative environment where clients feel heard and respected. She values open communication and works closely with clients to establish meaningful, achievable goals. Her approach integrates evidence-based methods tailored to each client’s developmental stage and individual needs. Ronda empowers clients through education, self-awareness, and practical coping skills, fostering growth, resilience, and emotional well-being.

Ronda begins with a comprehensive assessment to understand each client’s history, strengths, and challenges. She then collaborates on a personalized treatment plan centered on the client’s goals and progress. Utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Trauma-Focused CBT, Ronda ensures care remains effective and responsive. Her sessions emphasize emotional regulation, skill-building, and positive self-talk to promote lasting well-being.

Trevor Ramkissoon, LPC, LMHC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor in New Jersey and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington. For more than 20 years, he has worked with individuals, couples, and families in both clinical and corporate settings. His background includes therapy, crisis intervention, clinical supervision, and behavioral health consulting. He holds a Master’s in Counseling from Kean University and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Montclair State University. Trevor’s approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), mindfulness, and holistic care to support the whole person—not just the problem.

Patients can expect Trevor to listen carefully, ask thoughtful questions, and help identify patterns that bring clarity to their experiences. He values honesty and open communication, even when discussing difficult topics. His goal is to help patients feel grounded, confident, and empowered to navigate life’s challenges.

Trevor begins with an open conversation to understand what’s been happening and what patients hope to change or explore. Together, he and his patients set goals and develop a plan tailored to their pace and comfort level, creating a collaborative path toward lasting growth and well-being.

Keesha Barthelemy is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, and a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Level-2. She has extensive experience working in the mental health and addictions field with adolescents, emerging adults, adults, and families. Keesha has worked directly with clients of various demographics, living with a variety of mental health conditions. She obtained her Undergraduate degree in Psychology from Hofstra University on Long Island, NY, and her graduate degree from Mercy University in Westchester, NY. Keesha has been practicing for 3 years as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, focusing on anxiety, mood disorders, addictions, and families. Treatment is tailored to the individual, with a foundation in cognitive-behavioral therapy, rational-emotive behavior Therapy, and mindfulness. Furthermore, Keesha has experience working with individuals seeking Faith-based Therapy, with a focus on Christianity and Catholicism. Keesha's vast clinical background has assisted in her development as a well-rounded counselor. She prides herself on possessing great interpersonal skills, and building therapeutic relationships in an effort to assist with growth, healing, and flourishment.

David Arabie is a licensed professional counselor and certified tobacco treatment specialist with extensive experience working in the mental health field. David has worked directly with clients from various demographics and in various clinical settings, from inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, private practice, to working with the incarcerated. David has a long history of working with clients with an array of mental health conditions and challenges, from mood disorders, adjustment-related issues, addiction, family dynamics, relationship issues, emotional trauma, behavioral issues, anger management, and clinical anxiety and depression. He has a working knowledge of psychotropic medications to help with med-compliance and treatment barriers. David obtained undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Houston Clear Lake in Houston, Texas. David has been practicing as an LPC for 19 years but has also worked as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor before obtaining his LPC. Working with David, treatment is tailored to the individual, so the goals of therapy can be met, and the client can experience a sense of vested interest in their own emotional contentment and growth. David uses an eclectic approach to therapy, with a strong foundation in Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy. Personally, David is a musician, community theater actor, educator, coach, and swim official.‍