Joseph Smith, LMHC

James "Derek" Slover, LPC-S (but just call him Derek), has been practicing counseling since 2006. He has worked in a wide range of settings, including community clinics, hospitals, and telehealth- and now helps teens, parents, and adults navigate the challenges of anxiety, mood disorders, behavior issues, and more.

Derek's approach is collaborative, practical, and rooted in evidence-based care. He brings humor, clarity, and a no-nonsense style to counseling, believing that treatment should make sense and feel useful. You won't get psychobabble or a 47-slide PowerPoint presentation- just honest conversations, thoughtful listening, and tools that work. His clinical toolbox includes CBT, Parent Management Training, Exposure & Response Prevention, and other proven approaches tailored to each person's needs.

Counseling with Derek starts with a thorough assessment to understand what’s been getting in your way. From there, you’ll work together to set goals that reflect your values and priorities. Counseling typically moves through three phases: 1) building a strong therapeutic relationship, 2) doing the deep work of change, and 3) maintaining progress and preparing for graduation- because counseling should be a launchpad, not a lifelong subscription.

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Meet Alex Starmer, LMHC, your friendly mental health counselor here at Talkiatry. She's not just a counselor; she's your partner on your mental health journey. Alex earned her Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Syracuse University in 2020 and has been in the field since January 2021, working closely with clients facing mental health and substance use challenges. Alex believes in the power of the mind-body connection, and she loves to share polyvagal exercises and mindfulness techniques to help you better understand yourself. She's always learning and growing, with ongoing training in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Her go-to tools for therapy are Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). With her, you can expect a compassionate and comprehensive approach to your mental well-being. You're in good hands with Alex.‍

Kathleen Francois, LCSW, brings a rich background in outpatient, community mental health, crisis intervention, and behavioral health settings. She holds a degree in psychology and a master’s degree in clinical social work and addiction, allowing her to support individuals through a wide range of challenges with expertise and compassion.

Kathleen values authenticity, deep connection, and creating a safe space where people feel truly seen and supported. She approaches care with warmth, curiosity, and compassion, fostering a collaborative environment where clients feel empowered to explore and grow.

Kathleen’s approach is rooted in trauma-focused care and holistic wellness, honoring the mind-body connection and the influence of social wellbeing. She integrates evidence-based practices with a holistic lens to promote lasting healing, balance, and personal growth.

Kynan Kinley is a Licensed Professional Counselor with experience across inpatient acute psychiatric settings, inpatient substance use and addiction recovery, and outpatient care. Their clinical background includes supporting individuals experiencing acute mental health crises, co-occurring disorders, and complex psychosocial stressors. Kynan also brings firsthand experience advocating for medically complex children and their families, which informs a deep understanding of caregiver stress, medical trauma, and systems fatigue. They are trained in trauma-informed, evidence-based approaches emphasizing attachment, nervous system regulation, emotional safety, and sustainable coping skills.

Kynan brings a grounded, compassionate approach shaped by work in high-acuity environments. They understand how overwhelming it can feel to navigate mental health, medical, or recovery systems that often move faster than emotions can process. Their style is warm, collaborative, and direct, balancing validation with gentle challenge when patterns are no longer serving the client. Kynan prioritizes transparency, autonomy, and pacing therapy in a way that feels safe, respectful, and empowering.

Kynan begins by taking time to understand each client’s story, goals, strengths, and current challenges. Early sessions focus on building trust, stabilizing where needed, and identifying patterns shaped by past experiences. Together, they develop an individualized treatment plan aligned with the client’s values and readiness. Sessions may include skill-building, trauma processing, recovery support, and strengthening emotional regulation and self-awareness, with regular check-ins to ensure therapy remains collaborative and effective.

Akili’s approach is centered around the individual. His goal is to help people embrace their authentic self. He believes that counseling and the therapeutic process is experiential. He has been through most of the life struggles we all have been through. Akili has also written several books - the latest of which, “Be an Anomaly”, is about the autism spectrum. Beyond his passion for helping others, Akili is passionate about his family, drawing, music, and basketball.

Akili utilizes multimedia resources, oftentimes with an emphasis on writing and creativity. He works to create a warm atmosphere of welcoming energy and connection. Therapeutic modalities used include REBT, CBT, Positive Psychology, ACT, and Gottman Method.

The tools that Akili uses are those hidden within you. He uses creative therapy and behavioral techniques to help you get where you want to be. Your collaboration is a trip that you will embark on together. Akili will help you find the best solutions to the answers you have.

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.