Tara Merchant, LMHC

Kierra is a licensed mental health therapist and received her BS in Criminal Justice Leadership from Urbana University and M.Ed in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Dayton. Kierra has 20 years of experience working in the field of social services, and 7 years of experience as a licensed clinician.

Kierra has maintained positions in a wide array of environments including corrections, juvenile detention, CPS, psychiatric hospitals, schools, and in-home/community-based settings. Kierra has experience servicing adolescents, adults, and the elderly populations.

Kierra understands how intimidating therapy can be and commends you for taking the first step towards enhancing your life. Kierra asks that you are patient with yourself as you are embarking down a new path and reward yourself with gratitude as you reach new milestones in your life.

Kierra utilizes a holistic approach and provides talk therapy through the use of multiple treatment modalities including but not limited to, CBT, Solution Focused Therapy, Supportive therapy, and DBT techniques. Kierra is a Christian and may apply Christianity based principles to support your preferences and unique circumstances.

Your success in therapy is contingent upon your progress and commitment to attend and participate in sessions, as well as being open minded and willing to facilitate change from your past behaviors. In working together, Kierra will initiate the best treatment regimen designed for you and provide ongoing support for all your treatment needs.

Thank you for investing in your happiness, and Congratulations on taking the first steps to create a better you!!

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Chad McDaniel, LPC-MHSP, is an experienced mental health professional with a background in both outpatient and inpatient settings. He has worked extensively with clients navigating mental health and substance use challenges. Chad earned his master’s degree in counseling from Southern Adventist University and completed his clinical internship at Parkridge Valley Psychiatric Hospital, where he developed a strong foundation in evidence-based care and client-centered practice.

Chad values open communication and collaboration in every therapeutic relationship. He works alongside clients to establish clear treatment goals and realistic expectations, ensuring that care is both purposeful and personalized. His approach is grounded in empathy and respect, creating a safe and supportive environment where clients feel accepted, heard, and empowered to make meaningful change.

In the initial session, Chad takes time to thoroughly understand each client’s personal history, current concerns, and long-term goals. He then develops an individualized treatment plan that reflects their unique needs and aspirations. Throughout the therapeutic process, Chad regularly reassesses progress, adjusting interventions as needed to help clients achieve lasting growth and improved well-being.

Joanne is a Latinx, first generation, biliterate licensed mental health counselor- LMHC-D. Joanne enjoys working with individuals from diverse populations facing grief/loss, relational difficulties as well as anxiety/depression stemming from life and identity transitions through a trauma-focused and culturally responsive lens.

Joanne's previous experience includes supporting clients across a variety of outpatient settings that includes private practice and community based mental health organizations. She has experience working with clients across the lifespan with concerns ranging from anxiety and depression to serious and persistent mental health issues via individual therapy, group counseling and family therapy. Joanne's therapeutic approach is highly empathetic, client-centered, and strengths-based, which aims to empower individuals to tap into their inherent potential. As a direct clinician, a client can expect a mix of humor and curiosity as they work collaboratively to explore their mental health needs, co-create resilience, and cultivate the best version of themselves.

Joanne combines a mix of evidence-based practices such as Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as well as Internal Family Systems. Additionally, Joanne is also certified in Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD. Clients can expect an individualized therapeutic experience that aims to help them walk away from their sessions feeling supported, empowered and energized to work on their personal growth.

Connika Green is an LCSW whose passion for helping others was inspired by her upbringing in Memphis, Tennessee. Her parents founded a nonprofit organization to support individuals recovering from substance use and assist those experiencing homelessness. Watching their dedication to service instilled in her a lifelong commitment to helping others. After high school, Connika joined the U.S. Air Force, where she served as a combat veteran during a tour in Afghanistan. Her military experience helped her develop teamwork, discipline, and cultural competence through working with individuals from diverse backgrounds. She also completed an internship on a military installation and worked for a year at the Veterans Affairs hospital, combining her personal and professional understanding of the unique challenges faced by service members and veterans. Connika earned her bachelor's degree in Social Science from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and her master's degree in Social Work from Salisbury University in Maryland. Connika has extensive experience as a therapist in community mental health agencies, a school mental health counselor, and in teletherapy. She specializes in treating mood disorders, anxiety, depression, and substance use issues. She provides a warm, nonjudgmental, and supportive environment where clients feel safe to explore challenges and build resilience. Connika is passionate about helping individuals achieve their goals and create meaningful, lasting change.

Meredith LaFave, LCSW, has extensive clinical experience working with adults, couples, and families in private practice and clinic settings. She has specialized training in EMDR, contemplative psychotherapy, Integrative Wellness, and LGBTQIA+ affirming care. Meredith values creating a safe, collaborative space where patients feel supported, empowered, and encouraged to explore personal growth.

Meredith blends deep exploration and insight with practical, goal-oriented strategies. She fosters a warm, engaging environment that encourages patients to feel respected, challenged, and equipped to build self-efficacy and overall life satisfaction.

Meredith begins by building rapport and understanding what brings a patient to therapy. She explores historical and contextual information, collaborates on personalized treatment plans, and uses evidence-based approaches to guide patients toward meaningful change, resilience, and personal growth.

Gabrielle Kull is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a strong foundation in mental health care. She earned her undergraduate degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2017 and went on to complete her Master's degree at West Virginia University in 2019. Since then, Gabrielle has gained experience working with diverse populations and age groups while working for a non-profit organization that served victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and other violent crimes. She has a genuine interest in treating a vast array of psychiatric disorders including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders, Depression, Anxiety, and Obsessive-Compulsive related disorders. Gabrielle became licensed in 2022. She has been trained extensively in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy since 2019 and achieved her EMDR certification in 2025. She takes a trauma-informed, client-centered approach, meeting individuals where they are in their healing journey. Her practice incorporates evidence-based modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and mindfulness techniques, to support her clients in achieving their goals. Gabrielle is committed to ongoing education and continuous learning to ensure she provides the most effective and up-to-date care for her clients. She is currently expanding her specialties to include mental performance counseling with athletes.