ABOUT

Shantel Thomas, Ph. D. PCC-S, LSW is a published author, President and CEO of A
Sound Mind Counseling Service and Founder of the Center For Healing The Hurt, a free
trauma based therapy center for kids and teens in the Cincinnati inner city. Dr. Thomas
has been trained and certified in numerous counseling techniques; a few to note are:
depression, women’s issues, trauma and crisis intervention.

Dr. Shantel provides individual, couple and group therapy to people of all cultural
backgrounds and ages. In addition to private practice, she has presented both locally,
nationally and internationally to numerous audiences, in corporate, academic and
church settings. Thomas has trained companies in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and
she has been the keynote speaker for numerous conferences. She believes that
everyone can receive total mind, body and spiritual wellness.
Dr. Thomas was honored by the Mayor of Cincinnati and City Council for Women’s
History Month. She received the highest award in the city for a female, the YWCA’S
Career Women of Achievement and the list continues. She is a member of Alpha Kappa
Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Dr. Thomas received her B.A., M.Ed. from the University of Toledo, where she was
inducted into the Hall of Fame. She attended the University of Toledo on a full athletic
scholarship and had a stellar career, traveling the world competing and receiving
various honors, including MAC Athlete of the Year and NCAA Woman of the Year for
Ohio. Her doctorate is from Kent State University.

Erin A. Dodds, M.Ed. LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor), originally from Columbus, Ohio, relocated to Cincinnati in 2016, where she lives with her husband and their three wonderful children. A proud Otterbein University alumnus, she graduated with a degree in Organizational Communication in 2009. Erin began her career with the State of Ohio as a Correction Officer and Case Manager before pursuing her Master's in Education in Counseling at Lindsey Wilson, graduating in 2021 with a Master's in Education. Currently, she serves as the Clinical Director at A Sound Mind Counseling Services, specializing in family systems, couples therapy, depression, and anxiety. Erin is dedicated to empowering the Black community and promoting women's empowerment, fostering generational healing within families, and challenging the stigma surrounding mental health and its treatment.

Monica Hayden, MSSW, LISW is an independent licensed social worker supervisor. She received her AA degree from St. Catherine College, her BSSW degree from Spalding University, and her MSSW from University of Louisville Kent School of Social Work. She has been in the mental health field for over 20 years. Ms. Hayden has experience working with diverse backgrounds with mental health issues and other daily stressors. Her areas include but not limited to adolescents age 14 and above, Individual Therapy, Group Therapy, Relationship Issues, Depression/Anxiety, Personal and Social Issues and Stress Management.

Teresa Hard is a dedicated Counselor in Training (CT) who is on the verge of completing her Masters in Clinical Mental Health. With a Bachelor of Arts and Science from Xavier University and over 30 years of community and ministry experience, she has a passion for young women in areas such as parenting, organization, and financial management. Teresa specializes in helping individuals challenges like low self-worth, anxiety, and depression using person-centered therapy (PCT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (T). Her previous role as an EEO Counselor with the Internal Revenue Service adds depth to her expertise, making her a compassionate guide for those navigating life's obstacles.

Gwendolyn DaCons Taylor, MSW, LSW,

To serve others providing them with coping strategies and assistance to
become thriving citizens with clinical and Christian Counseling providing hope! Bowling Green State University Bachelor of Arts 1977 University of Kentucky Master of Social Work 1989. Gwendolyn also specializes in Planning, Intervention, Psychotherapy with Individuals and Families. Diagnosis, and treatment of emotional and mental disorders. Mental Health Counseling, Crisis Counseling, and Consultation, Individual, Group, and Family Counseling. Solution Focused and Cognitive Behavioral Health Therapy

Amber is a lead school-based therapist and clinical mental health counselor who spends her days working directly with teens in a school setting. She brings a warm sense of humor and a deep commitment to helping young people navigate life’s challenges. In addition to her school-based work, Amber also supports couples and families, drawing on her clinical mental health counseling degree with a focus on marriage, couple, and family counseling. Whether virtually or in person, Amber is dedicated to creating a supportive and encouraging space for all her clients.

Edward Rindler, LPCC, is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the state of Ohio, holding a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University. He is currently a PhD student in Counselor Education and Supervision, with a scholarly focus on emotional intelligence and counselor development.

Edward utilizes an integrative, evidence-based approach grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and mindfulness-based interventions. He works with children, adolescents, and adults to address concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress, emotional regulation, identity development, and life transitions.

His clinical mission is to help clients develop a deeper understanding of their emotions and thought patterns, strengthen self-awareness, and build practical skills for regulating internal experiences in ways that support healthier relationships, improved functioning, and long-term well-being.

Dr. Katrina J. Wyche has been in the substance abuse prevention and mental health field since
1995. She is the mother of two wonderful adult children and has two beautiful grandchildren.
Dr. Wyche is a Life Coach and holds an Ohio Certified Prevention Consultant, Certified Trauma
Support Specialist, and is an Ohio Counselor Trainee (CT). She obtained her Doctor of
Education (Ed.D.) and Medical Trauma-Informed Care Certification from Xavier University,
where she is pursuing a second Master’s in Clinical Mental Health. She is also an adjunct
professor and Assistant Director of Graduate Admission at Xavier University. As well as a Life
Coach at A Sound Mind Counseling Services.
Dr. Wyche is the co-founder of Love You to Life, LLC, a suicide prevention and mental health
awareness organization. She is a member of the Hamilton County Suicide Prevention Coalition,
the Task Force for Improving African American Mental Health, Butler County Suicide Prevention
Coalition, State of Ohio’s QPR Advisory Committee, the Social Determinants of Health
Workgroup, and Wyoming Community in Action (WCIA). She partnered with Cincinnati Black
Theater Company to develop and co-facilitate the Shoot with A Camera (SWAC) program.

Shanika Lykes, MSW, LSW is a dedicated and compassionate social
worker with over 10 years of experience in the field of Social Work in
various capacities. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from
Walden University, where she further developed a strong foundation in
social justice, advocacy, and community engagement, and a Bachelor’s
degree in Criminal Justice from Albany State University.
Throughout her career, Shanika has worked with diverse and
vulnerable populations, including those with developmental disabilities,
children, families, senior citizens, and individuals facing various
challenges, such as mental health issues, substance abuse, and
homelessness. She has received training sessions on topics such as
trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and cultural competency. She is
passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of those she serves
and empowering all to lead fulfilling and healthy lives.