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 first your needs! We can’t wait to start this journey with you!


  • Owner, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

    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 understands that life can be filled with a lot of anxieties and stressors. Her goal, when opening My Happy Place, was to create a warm, safe space where people could sit with their new confidant and feel welcome, understood and heard. Lindsay specializes in working with children, adolescents and young adults. 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 strives to bring wellness to the mind, body and spirit. Lindsay’s passion lies in helping everyone she meets find the happiness that she believes everyone deserves. Lindsay is also able to provide supervision opportunities for Licensed Professional Counselors and Counselor Trainees.

  • Clinical Director, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

    Jackie obtained her undergraduate degree from Kent State University and completed her graduate degree at Walden University. Jackie's desire is to create a safe, supportive and inclusive environment to facilitate growth 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 Trained

    Jennifer obtained her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Akron and went on to get her graduate degree in Community Counseling at John Carroll University. Jennifer works to meet each client where they are and works collaboratively with them to create a framework for therapy. She facilitates a safe, nonjudgemental environment to allow for the exploration and growth of each client. Jen works primarily from a Cognitive Behavioral philosophy and has received extensive training in Trauma Focused CBT. She is also a trained EMDR therapist. Jen has worked at many community agencies in the Cleveland area, including Recovery Resources, the Aids Task Force, Women’s Link at LCCC and OhioGuidestone. Jen believes in helping each client build a life worth living in order to reach their full potential - mind, body and spirit.

  • 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

    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. Mariah is currently supervised by Lindsay Stein, LPCC-S

  • 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. Michael is currently under the supervision of Karen Sabo LPCC-S.

  • Licensed Professional 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. Giovanna is supervised by Jackie Drdek, 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 Clinical Counselor

    Daniel obtained his master’s in clinical mental health counseling from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. For Daniel, counseling is the culmination of his career’s first half, which began in addiction treatment and then working with families in the foster care system. Before joining My Happy Place, Daniel worked with children, adolescents, families, and couples. Daniel’s specialty is working with the family as a whole while, also, bringing a depth of experience for individual counseling. Daniel specializes in addiction, ADHD, childhood trauma, family/couple conflict, and anxiety. He primarily uses CBT but also incorporates techniques from family systems, solution-focused, and mindfulness practices to help support his clients on their journey.

  • 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 supporting 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.

  • Counselor Trainee

    Ava is currently a graduate student at Ursuline. She is preparing to be an art therapist as well as a licensed professional counselor. Ava is supervised by Jackie Drdek, LPCC-S and Amanda Hooley, LPC, ATR-BC.

  • Office Manager

    Gisselle is our kind, amazing office manager who is in charge of scheduling and answering any questions you may have! She brings a wide range of knowledge that helps My Happy Place stay organized and functional.