Ubuntu Wellness is proud of our incredible team of clinicians and healers. Everyday, we strive to offer loving and compassionate service for our clients, students, community and for each other. Ubuntu’s day-to-day operations, marketing, programming and so much more are done by this wonderful team of motivated, mission-aligned individuals.
Interested in joining our wonderful team? Check out our open positions!
Clinical Team
Jennifer is the co-owner of Ubuntu Wellness, LLC and a Supervising Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (E.0500507-SUPV) in Ohio, specializing in trauma with expertise in EMDR, Advanced Clinical Hypnosis, MBSR, Motivational Interviewing, and cognitive behavioral strategies. She believes in the transformative power of healing through talk therapy, somatic expression, and other modalities, creating a compassionate space for self-discovery, resilience, and growth. With a BA in Dance from Lake Erie College (1999) and an M.Ed. in Counseling from Cleveland State University (2004), she has worked in mental health since 2000 in both Lake and Geauga counties. Passionate about helping others find their authentic selves through creative expression and mindfulness, Jennifer also enjoys concerts, hiking, traveling, and time with her family.
Erin is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Ohio (E.1901533), certified in EMDR, and a trauma-informed, person-centered therapist with an eclectic approach. A licensed massage therapist since 2005, she holds certifications in Traditional Thai Massage, Reiki Master (Usui Shiki Ryoho lineage, 2024), and Intermediate Thai Massage (2024). She believes life’s challenges can be navigated using our inherent strengths, inspired by her own counseling experience and the simple goal of wanting to feel good. Based in Cleveland with her husband Tim, children Elizabeth and Charlie, dog Roxy, and cat ET, Erin enjoys food, outdoor adventures, and dreaming about more sleep.
Christelle is a Supervising Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Ohio (E.1800890) and Clinical Director at Ubuntu, using a person-centered, integrative approach that blends ACT, DBT, Brainspotting, and Shadow Work. She works primarily with adults and couples, occasionally with older teens, and incorporates animal-assisted healing with her labradoodle, Sadie Mae. Passionate about the mind-body connection, she helps clients move through trauma stored in the nervous system. Outside of work, Christelle enjoys adventures and great food with her husband, Josh, and their three children, Julianna, Marijke, and Aveline.
Ryan is a Supervising Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Ohio (E.1901460-SUPV) who uses a person-centered approach and a mix of therapeutic techniques to create individualized plans. He fosters a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore, heal, and move forward. Ryan works with children, adolescents, and adults, and offers couples and family therapy, helping clients address personal or systemic issues and build the mindset and habits that support their wellness goals.
Dallas is a Supervising Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Ohio (E.2002034) who works with a variety of clients, focusing primarily on children and women’s needs. Trained in motivational interviewing, CBT, DBT, and mindfulness, she helps individuals and families heal from trauma, build insight, and develop skills to reach personal goals and become their best selves.
Natalie is a Professional Clinical Counselor (E.230716) in the State of Ohio and a Board Certified Art Therapist (02-077). She has 15+ years experience working with children and adult clients in crisis. Natalie is passionate about incorporating the creative arts with traditional talk therapy to promote mindfulness, healing and personal growth. As a mother of four children, she promotes a balanced approach to daily living.
Stacey Johnson is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the State of Ohio ( E.3690). Stacey a person-centered therapist that utilizes a variety of techniques including mindfulness and creative approaches. She works to foster a non-judgmental environment of compassion and caring, for clients to be able to explore themselves. Stacey enjoys working with children, adolescents and their families, to help them develop the necessary skills to empower them to become the best version of themselves. In her spare time, she enjoys camping, being outdoors and spending time with family.
Lindsey is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Ohio (E.2404699) who offers a compassionate, nonjudgmental space for clients to process emotions, build strengths, and work toward a healthier, more authentic self. Using a client-centered, eclectic approach with evidence-based techniques and mindfulness practices, she tailors each session to individual needs. With experience in schools, hospitals, and community settings, Lindsey supports clients of all ages in navigating challenges, fostering growth, and finding hope for healing.
Becky is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Ohio (E.2303767) and a Board-Certified, Registered Art Therapist (ATR-BC) trained in Motivational Interviewing, cognitive/behavioral therapies, and a range of art-based assessments and techniques. She integrates research on brain function with art to enhance cognitive and sensory-motor skills, build self-esteem and self-awareness, foster emotional resilience, promote insight, improve social skills, and help resolve conflict and distress.
Mandy is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Ohio (E.2404816) with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from John Carroll University. She works primarily with clients ages 10 through young adulthood, focusing on anxiety disorders, depression, and ADHD. Using a person-centered approach that incorporates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, CBT, and mindfulness, Mandy helps clients understand their thinking patterns and emotional communication.
Jason, based at the Chagrin location, is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Ohio (C.2204267) who works with adolescents and adults to build coping skills and create positive life changes. Trained in CBT, motivational interviewing, REBT, gestalt therapy, reality therapy, and mindfulness-based counseling, he also specializes in addiction and substance abuse treatment for adolescents and young adults, including facilitating peer support groups and recovery programs. Outside of work, Jason enjoys family time, being on the water, and exploring the outdoors.
Kristina is a Licensed Professional Counselor (C.2203973). She is also a licensed school counselor in an urban district with 23 years experience working with adolescents. Kristina believes in the well-being of the whole person and thus incorporates mind, body, and spiritual interventions within the counseling construct. She uses a person centered therapeutic approach to counseling with holistic cognitive behavioral therapy interventions suitable for adolescents and adults.
Scott is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Ohio (C.2204671) who works primarily with adults, focusing on chronic pain that is often misunderstood and undertreated. He specializes in Pain Reprocessing Therapy, an evidence-based approach that helps reduce or eliminate neuroplastic pain by restoring a sense of safety. Drawing from Internal Family Systems, Coherence Therapy, and mindfulness, Scott addresses the mind-body connection to help clients break the cycle of pain fueled by fear, stress, and preoccupation.
Katherine is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Ohio (C.2304887) with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from John Carroll University and a Bachelor’s in Child and Family Studies from Ohio University. She has experience with survivors of domestic violence, individuals with substance use disorders, and children and teens facing social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. Working with clients of all ages, Katherine uses a person-centered approach with training in CBT, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness to help clients process emotions and develop coping skills for daily life.
Elisa is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Ohio (C.2305374). She works through an eclectic lens to suit the individual in understanding the relationship between their life experiences and worldview with their current struggles. As a therapist, she aims toward providing a safe and supportive space where individuals can process their thoughts and feelings while discovering themselves.
Hadley is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Ohio (C.2305452) with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from John Carroll University and a Bachelor’s in Psychology and Neuroscience from Ohio State University. She has experience working with adolescents and adults, including her time at Cleveland Rape Crisis Center, and tailors treatment to each client using psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, and dialectical behavior therapy approaches.
Cassandra is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Ohio (C.2406053) with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Cleveland State University and a Bachelor’s in Journalism with a Psychology minor from Bowling Green State University. Holding a Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant Preliminary license since 2023, she works with all ages but specializes in adults and adolescents, using person-centered, CBT, integrative, solution-focused, and mindfulness-based approaches. In addition to her counseling work, Cassandra is editor of the Geauga County Maple Leaf, Chesterland News, and Kirtland Chronicle, and is a 500-hour certified yoga instructor specializing in yoga nidra and therapeutic/chakra yoga, a Reiki Master, and a certified holistic psychotherapy coach.
Ashley is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Ohio (C.2406495) with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Kent State University. She works with diverse populations, with a focus on the LGBTQ+ community and clients facing depression, anxiety, and life transitions. Using a person-centered, eclectic approach, Ashley creates a safe, accepting space where clients can explore their thoughts and emotions, fostering personal growth and healing.
Keegan is a Licensed Clinical Counselor in Ohio (C.2506792) with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Bachelor’s in Psychology with a minor in Criminology and Social Justice, both from Kent State University. Grounded in CBT and using an eclectic mix of person-centered, psychoanalytic, existential, and DBT approaches, she creates a safe space for clients to grow and heal as their authentic selves. With experience in domestic violence work and years on the 988 suicide hotline, Keegan has a special interest in grief and trauma but welcomes clients of all backgrounds.
Jasmine Shaik is an intern from Ursuline College pursuing a graduate degree in Counseling and Art Therapy, with an undergraduate degree in Art Therapy and Psychology from Mercyhurst University. Influenced by Margaret Naumburg’s approach to art psychotherapy, she integrates art therapy with cognitive behavioral techniques and psychodynamic elements. Jasmine has experience working with children and adolescents facing behavioral concerns, anxiety, depression, and trauma, and is expanding her work to include adults. She is dedicated to creating a creative, therapeutic space that supports healing and personal growth.
Sadie Mae, our friendly and gentle therapy labradoodle, is a beloved part of our therapeutic environment, especially cherished by children. Known for her warm greetings, wagging tail, and comforting nuzzles, she has a special ability to sense when someone needs extra support. Her calm presence and soft fur bring a sense of tranquility to sessions. Outside of work, Sadie enjoys playing with her dog sister, Happy, engaging in games of catch, and savoring her favorite treats, embodying unconditional love and acceptance.
Healing Team
Erin is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Ohio (E.1901533), certified in EMDR, and a trauma-informed, person-centered therapist with an eclectic approach. A licensed massage therapist since 2005, she holds certifications in Traditional Thai Massage, Reiki Master (Usui Shiki Ryoho lineage, 2024), and Intermediate Thai Massage (2024). She believes life’s challenges can be navigated using our inherent strengths, inspired by her own counseling experience and the simple goal of wanting to feel good. Based in Cleveland with her husband Tim, children Elizabeth and Charlie, dog Roxy, and cat ET, Erin enjoys food, outdoor adventures, and dreaming about more sleep.
Amy began her yoga journey to connect with friends and build strength and flexibility, eventually becoming a certified yoga instructor (YTT200) in 2021. Also a Reiki Master and Certified Raindrop Practitioner, she is trained in Chair Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Kids Yoga, Chakra Yoga, Laughter Yoga, and Yoga Nidra. Amy offers classes and workshops for adults and children, often incorporating essential oils to enhance the practice. She values yoga for the peace, strength, and self-worth it brings and looks forward to supporting the Ubuntu Wellness community. A longtime Chardon resident, she shares life with her husband Michael, embracing grandparenthood and empty-nest living.
Michelle began walking the path in 2011 when she attended her first yoga class as way to help destress from her career in restaurant management. She instantly felt relief and began to dive deeper into the practice. Michelle not only enjoys the physical aspect of the practice but is moved beyond words by the spiritual practice. Michelle’s passion for the spiritual elements of the mind-body continuum led her to become a Reiki Master. In addition to individual Reiki sessions, Michelle incorporates Reiki in her workshops to provide the ultimate experience for clients.
Melanie discovered yoga in 2004 while seeking peace and well-being, quickly experiencing its healing effects and deciding to share the practice with others. She believes movement and presence in the body foster deep healing and help us meet life with greater peace and comfort. Certified at the 200-hour level in 2013 and 300-hour level in 2018, she continues to expand her skills through ongoing education, including Basic and Intermediate Thai Massage certifications completed in 2023 and 2024 under Sarah Cheiky NLMT CYT NCTMB.
Nicole is a 200-hour certified yoga instructor from Taproot Yoga Studio in Chardon, Ohio, with additional certification through Kidding Around Yoga to teach children’s yoga. Practicing for over a decade, her passion grew after the birth of her first child, leading her to explore yoga’s holistic benefits for mind and body. She views asanas as moving meditation, guiding classes that blend movement and breathwork to deepen self-connection and leave students feeling grounded, balanced, and rejuvenated. Off the mat, Nicole enjoys time with loved ones, live music, nature, water, good books, wine, bonfires, and sunshine.
Laura Bauer is a certified Kundalini Yoga instructor with a trauma-informed background, as well as Reiki and Sound Healing certifications, and is completing her Spirituality Coaching Certification. A former homeschool teacher and ICU nurse of nearly 20 years, she leads retreats, sound healings, and guided somatic movement journeys, bringing a deeper spiritual approach to self-connection. Passionate about personal growth, nature, travel, and wellness, Laura teaches Kundalini Yoga at the Chardon location every Monday at 9 AM. Outside of teaching, she enjoys time with her family, nature adventures, fireside reading, and drumming.
Susan is a lifelong fitness enthusiast and certified yoga instructor who began practicing a decade ago to improve flexibility, reduce stress, and ease joint pain from high-impact exercise. Transitioning to low-impact movement, she discovered the benefits of breathwork, mindfulness, and improved focus. Teaching fitness for seven years, including Barre and chair yoga, she especially enjoys working with seniors to help them experience the physical and mental benefits of regular exercise. With a healthcare background, Susan advocates for gentle movement, stretching, and mindfulness to support overall well-being. She earned her 200-hour yoga certification from Taproot Yoga in 2022 and her Primary Group Exercise certification from AFAA in 2017.
Christina is a licensed massage therapist, certified through the Cleveland Institute of Medical Massage in 2021, with a background as a veteran, EMT-B, and Level 2 Reiki practitioner. She offers individualized care using massage therapy combined with PNF techniques and stretching to help clients reach their wellness goals. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her son Andreas and their dog, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, and loves nature and reading.
Bethany, a Chardon native, graduated from Harmony Path School of Massage Therapy in 2016. Bethany is trained in deep tissue, prenatal, cupping therapy, stone massage, and stretching. Bethany completed her Intermediate Thai Massage certification under instruction of Sarah Cheiky, NLMT CYT NCTMB in September, 2024. Working with a diverse population, Bethany helps clients reach their health and healing goals, individualizing their treatment plans.
Lauren began walking her path in 2015 when she left her home in Ohio to embark on her journey of becoming a massage therapist at Pinnacle Career Institute in Kansas City, MO. Lauren left the restaurant industry to work full time as a licensed massage therapist after feeling a deep calling to serve others. Lauren specializes in therapeutic, trigger point, Swedish, sports, cupping, hot stone and prenatal massage. In her spare time, Lauren enjoys the outdoors, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
Noriko is a licensed massage therapist who graduated from Tri-C’s Massage Therapy Program in 2016 and specializes in craniosacral therapy (CST), myofascial release, hot stone, prenatal, and sports massage. She has completed Level 2 CST through the Upledger Institute, Basic and Intermediate Thai Massage certification with Sarah Cheiky (2024), and Advanced Cupping Techniques with Scott Raymond (2024). Living in Painesville with her husband, Noriko enjoys time with her four adult children, competitive ballroom dancing, kayaking, and the outdoors.
Kate has been a licensed massage therapist since 2005, graduating from The National Institute of Massotherapy, and has worked with clients of all ages and backgrounds, from professional athletes to those new to massage. She blends techniques to create customized sessions that support each client’s well-being. Now part of the Ubuntu Wellness team, Kate is expanding her healing work as she begins her journey to become a counselor. Outside of massage, she enjoys reading, concerts, and traveling.
Jennifer attained her Massage Therapy Certificate from Cuyahoga Community College and she is licensed by the State Medical Board of Ohio. She is a believer in a holistic approach to well-being and enjoys helping her clients rejuvenate mind, body and spirit through the power of therapeutic touch. She offers several massage modalities including Swedish, therapeutic, prenatal and oncology massage. She is also a Certified Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapist and has additional training in Post Breast Surgery Scar Tissue Release and Breast Cancer Rehabilitation.
Kelli is a licensed registered nurse and licensed massage therapist with a passion for holistic health, blending her nursing expertise with complementary and alternative medicine in her massage and manual therapy sessions. With a background as a personal fitness trainer, she has guided individuals and small groups in strength training, somatic stretching, and restorative practices to support sustainable wellness. Kelli tailors each session to meet clients where they are on their health journey, aiming to help them live better lives for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Carrie has been a licensed massage therapist since 2012, graduating from the Cortiva Institute of Massage Therapy-Chicago. Earning certifications in prenatal, post partum, deep tissue, and cupping Carrie likes to blend various modalities to create treatments that are specific to each client's needs.
Yelena is a Doctor of Holistic Health specializing in women’s wellness, offering personalized care supported by advanced functional lab testing, including blood chemistry analysis, hormonal balance, thyroid health, gut health, toxic burden, food sensitivities, and nutrient assessments. She focuses on addressing the root causes of digestive issues, fatigue, mood disorders, and sleep problems, creating holistic wellness plans that go beyond symptom management. Yelena’s approach integrates physical and emotional health, guiding clients toward lasting vitality and well-being.
Originally from New Orleans, Rachel began her self-healing journey in 2017 after being diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder and seeking alternatives to long-term high-dose medication. Her research into health and wellness led her to energy healing and personal growth, and she is now a Certified Expert Sound Healer, Certified Crystal Healer (CCH), and Certified Crystal Bodyworker (CCB). A lifelong learner, Rachel continues to expand her skills with new healing modalities, therapies, and coaching to better serve her community.
Kelly, a lifelong Chardon resident, has 25 years of experience teaching fitness classes, specializing in Step, Hi-Lo, Circuit Training, HIIT, Bootcamp, Weights, and especially Zumba, her focus for the past 15 years. A certified Zumba instructor and group fitness instructor through the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America, she holds a BS in Gerontology and Exercise Science from Bowling Green State University. Kelly brings energy, expertise, and a “Ditch the workout and join the party” mindset to make movement fun and engaging.
Kate Duffy is a certified Yin Yoga instructor with additional certifications in three other yoga styles, offering adaptable and inclusive classes for individuals of all abilities and backgrounds. A dually licensed Intervention Specialist, she draws on her experience supporting those with diverse learning needs and mental health challenges to design practices that nurture both physical and emotional well-being. A Cleveland native, Kate enjoys reading, exploring nature trails with her corgi mix, Phoebe, and trying new recipes in the kitchen.
Administrative Team
Dawn plays a pivotal role in ensuring that our practice operates seamlessly, allowing our team of dedicated mental health and healing professionals to focus on what they do best - providing high-quality care to those in need. Dawn meticulously oversees the day-to-day operations at Ubuntu, seamlessly managing critical tasks such as insurance billing, payroll administration, and essential secretarial responsibilities.
Melanie is an experienced insurance biller specializing in mental health services, with expertise in coding, submitting, and tracking claims to ensure accurate reimbursement. She is dedicated to facilitating smooth financial interactions between providers, patients, and insurance companies. A mother of three children aged 10, 11, and 19, Melanie stays busy with her family’s sports activities and enjoys traveling and exploring new restaurants, creating memorable experiences with her loved ones.
Aleah is currently enrolled in Kent State’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program. She graduated from Kent with a B.S. in Psychology. After completing the program, she hope to work with either adolescents or addicts. In her free time she likes to bake and listen to podcasts.