Smile Happy

Meet our Team

It all begins with a desire to help people, and our team is determined to do just that!

We have a number of therapists here at My Happy Place, all whom have a range of treatment perspectives and specializations they offer. Some of these include: Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Art Therapy, Christian/spirituality-based Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, Somatic Therapy, etc. Please read each bio to see which clinician will best fit your needs! We can’t wait to start this journey with you!


  • Founding Partner, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor & Integrative Health Practitioner

    Lindsay obtained her undergraduate degree from Baldwin Wallace University and her graduate degree from University of Toledo. As the owner of My Happy Place, Lindsay believes that everyone deserves to have a space where they feel safe, supported, and truly understood. Knowing how overwhelming life can become, she created My Happy Place to offer just that. At her core, Lindsay’s greatest joy is helping children (ages 3+), teens and young adults discover their own happiness and confidence. She uses a variety of creative and innovative techniques to teach skills and increase emotional regulation. Through the use of talk therapy, play therapy, DBT and CBT, Lindsay guides her clients towards emotional balance and self-awareness. Using her Reiki Master Certification & Integrative Health Practitioner Certification, Lindsay’s work focuses on bringing harmony to the mind, body and spirit—helping each person reconnect with their own energy and sense of happiness.

    Lindsay also finds deep fulfillment in mentoring and supporting new therapists, offering supervision opportunities for Licensed Professional Counselors and Counselor Trainees as they grow on their own path of helping others.

  • Partner, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

    Jackie obtained her undergraduate degree from Kent State University and completed her graduate degree at Walden University. As a Partner at My Happy Place, Jackie is committed to fostering a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where growth is nurtured through self-exploration and awareness. She works cohesively with clients to set and reach realistic goals. She strives to empower others and build upon strengths and abilities. Jackie specializes in working with children, adolescents and adults who are seeking emotional and/or behavior treatment using talk therapy and evidence-based practices. Additionally, Jackie will incorporate mindfulness practices, play therapy and relaxation techniques to support clients in their process of self-change and personal growth.

  • Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, EMDR Certified

    Karen is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor who earned her master’s degree from Cleveland State University. Karen has experience working in a diverse community mental health setting with adolescents, teens, and adults seeking treatment for depression, anxiety, trauma, mood and personality disorders, and psychosis related disorders. Karen has sought advanced training in EMDR (Eye Movement, Desensitization, and Reprocessing therapy), CPT (cognitive processing therapy), Ego State therapy, and somatic therapies. Counseling with Karen will begin with a warm and accepting environment and a focus on uncovering, recognizing, and reinforcing existing strengths; followed by collaborative goal setting and use of evidence-based therapies to meet each client’s developmental and emotional needs. Her goal is to promote positive changes, develop resiliency to cope with future adversity, and improve overall quality of life.

    Karen offers virtual appointments only

  • Licensed Professional Counselor & Art Therapist

    Mariah received her undergraduate degree in Art Therapy at Ursuline College and earned her Master’s in Art Therapy and Counseling from Ursuline College. Mariah takes a compassionate approach to mental health and offers a safe, nonjudgmental space. Mariah pulls from different counseling theories such as CBT and DBT, collaborating with clients every step of the way to address their concerns and meet their needs. Humans have an innate need to be creative. As an art therapist counselor, Mariah enjoys helping clients gain insight of their experiences through the use art making. Mariah also incorporates mindfulness and relaxation techniques. Mariah has experience working with children ages 5 to 17, as well as young adults and older adults (65+), presenting with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, anger/frustration, adjustment issues, trauma, self-harm, and ADHD.

  • Licensed Professional Counselor

    Michael is a Licensed Professional Counselor who obtained his bachelor's degree from Loyola University Chicago and his master's degree from John Carroll University. Michael's primary goal is to create a warm and welcoming environment that promotes emotional growth and self discovery. Michael uses a blend of mindfulness, narrative, and somatic techniques to help each client find their voice and manage what life has thrown their way. Michael specializes in working with adolescents and adults with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, childhood trauma, and LGBTQ+ needs.

  • Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

    Giovanna obtained her undergraduate degree in psychology and sociology and went on to graduate with a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling at  Kent State University. Giovanna is committed to creating a safe, respectful, non-judgmental, and caring environment for therapy. She is dedicated to working with children, adolescents, parents, and families to address various mental health needs.

    Giovanna specializes in evidence-based practices to work through concerns related to anxiety, trauma, abuse, depression, and parenting challenges. Giovanna continues working with talk therapy focusing on Cognitive Behavioral and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.

     With the principle that each client is unique and has specific needs and goals, Giovanna will customize her treatment approach for each client.

  • Counselor Trainee

    Addison is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Counseling at Cleveland State University. She has experience working as an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapist, where she supported individuals in developing meaningful skills and promoting positive behavioral growth. Addison enjoys working with both children and teens and is passionate about creating a safe space where clients feel heard and empowered. Addison is under the supervision of Jackie Drdek, LPCC-S.

  • Licensed Professional Counselor

    Lindsay earned her Master’s degree in Counseling at Cleveland State University, where she also earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She enjoys working with children and adults and is passionate about creating a warm, supportive and safe space for her clients. Lindsay uses an integrative approach that includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), talk therapy, play therapy, solution-focused techniques, and mindfulness practices to help clients on their path toward healing and growth. She practices under the supervision of Lindsay Stein, LPCC-S.

  • Licensed Professional Counselor

    Suzanne is a Licensed Professional Counselor who received her undergraduate degree from The Ohio State University and her Master’s Degree in both Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling from John Carroll University. Suzanne prioritizes individual needs and goals for each client and prides herself on providing a safe, non judgemental space for each of her clients. Suzanne’s approach as a counselor is to meet her client’s where they are at while pulling on a variety of different counseling approaches to best serve her clients. Suzanne is currently supervised by Jackie Drdek, LPCC-S.

  • Licensed Professional Counselor

    Samantha obtained her undergraduate degree from Evangel University in Spanish and Psychology. From there, Samantha went on and got her masters in Counseling from Liberty University. Samantha has experience working with adolescents and teens in both a community and school setting. Samantha's desire is to create a safe and supportive environment to help everyone she meets navigate through life and find their own happiness. She specializes in working with children, adolescents and young adults who are seeking emotional and/or behavioral therapy. Samantha uses a variety of traditional and innovative techniques to teach skills, increase emotional regulation and support her client’s along their journey in life. Samantha is currently supervised by Jackie Drdek, LPCC-S.

  • Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor & Art Therapist

    Amanda obtained her undergraduate degree in Fine Arts from Malone University and earned her Master’s in Art Therapy and Counseling from Ursuline College. As an art therapist counselor, it is a passion of Amanda’s to see clients, young and wise, be encouraged by not only the art they create, but also by the self-awareness that is gained using art in therapy. Amanda enjoys walking alongside her clients to achieve their goals and integrating mind, body, and spirit into their treatment through mindfulness and relaxation techniques. Amanda uses the Expressive Therapies Continuum and neuroscience to engage the left and right hemispheres of the brain to create new neuropathways to promote healing and growth. Additionally, Amanda applies unconditional positive regard and strength-based approaches to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy to reduce symptoms so that clients can experience wholeness and freedom.

  • Licensed Professional Counselor

    Maddie is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She completed her undergraduate at Kent State University and recently graduated from Walden University with her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with Specialization in Trauma Crisis Counseling. She works to create a safe and nonjudgmental space for her clients by helping them further explore life’s experiences. Maddie is compassionate about working with every client ensuring collaboration and working to address concerns that may arise during the process. No matter the circumstances she works to foster a welcoming environment and an approach that meets the needs of each client. 

    Maddie has experience working with children, adolescents and adults dealing with issues such as anxiety, ADHD, depression, self-harm, low self esteem, anger, behavioral concerns and trauma. Maddie’s therapeutic approach is from techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, talk therapy and trauma informed care. She incorporates a variety of techniques such as mindfulness, play therapy and relaxation techniques to teach skills and create a safe place. She currently is supervised by Jackie Drdek, LPCC-S. 

  • Licensed Professional Counselor

    Ellen is passionate about working with clients of all ages, from young children to older adults, tailoring her approach to meet each individual's unique needs. She has a special interest in grief work and recently became EMDR certified. Ellen also supports adolescents and young adults in developing the resilience and skills they need to navigate life's challenges. With younger clients, Ellen incorporates play therapy and CBT techniques to create a safe and engaging environment for processing emotions.

    Ellen earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology and her master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from John Carroll University. Her therapeutic style is rooted in a holistic approach, blending evidence-based techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), positive psychology, somatic practices, and mindfulness. As a Reiki Master, Ellen also integrates energy psychology and transpersonal perspectives, supporting clients in exploring the deeper meanings of their experiences and aligning the mind, body, and spirit.

    Ellen is currently under the supervision of Lindsay Stein, LPCC-S, and is dedicated to creating a compassionate, empowering space where clients feel heard, supported, and inspired on their healing journeys.

  • Licensed Professional Counselor

    Makeda earned her bachelor’s degree from Kent State University and her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from North Carolina A&T State University. She works from a person-centered perspective, grounded in authenticity, empathy, and respect for each client’s unique experiences. Makeda’s approach incorporates elements of Reality Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Existential Therapy to help clients navigate life’s challenges, recognize unhelpful patterns, strengthen relationships, and discover deeper meaning and purpose. For those who are interested, she also offers faith-based interventions. Makeda is passionate about working with individuals, couples, and families, supporting clients from adolescence through adulthood. She is committed to creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where people of all backgrounds can explore their emotional, mental, and overall well-being. Her goal is to empower clients to take an active role in their healing, build on their strengths, and cultivate lasting, meaningful change.

  • Office Manager

    Gisselle is our kind, amazing office manager who is in charge of overseeing daily office operations and ensuring all your questions are answered! She helps with billing and scheduling, and serves as a helpful point of contact for clients, ensuring every client feels taken care of. Gisselle brings a wide range of knowledge that helps My Happy Place stay organized, efficient and functional.

  • Administrative Assistant/Intern

    Ryan Stein is our incredible administrative assistant who interns with us during the winter and summer seasons. She helps manage scheduling, maintain records, prepare documents, and assists with operational tasks that support both staff and leadership. In addition to her administrative role, Ryan is currently studying to become a counselor at the University of Cincinnati, bringing a growing understanding of mental health, professionalism, and client-centered care to her work.