MEET OUR COUNSELORS
Finding the right fit matters. At Empowering Wellness, we know that the most important part of counseling is the relationship you build with your counselor. That’s why we encourage you to take the time to meet our team, learn about their unique approaches, and find the person you feel most comfortable with. When you feel safe, supported, and understood, true healing can begin.
Ryan Taylor, CRC, LPCC-S, EMDR Certified
Serving individuals across Ohio seeking depth, discretion, and lasting change.
Ryan Taylor is a seasoned, trauma-informed therapist offering individual counseling for those navigating high-stakes stress, emotional exhaustion, unresolved trauma, or the invisible weight of chronic life challenges. Known for her direct yet compassionate approach, Ryan creates a discreet, collaborative space where clients can move beyond survival mode and toward real, measurable growth.
She is an EMDRIA-EMDR certified Therapist for clients exploring alternative and accelerated healing pathways. Whether you're recovering from relational trauma, grappling with burnout, or feeling stuck despite outward success, Ryan provides a grounded, personalized approach rooted in integrity and deep clinical insight.
With over 20 years of experience supporting individuals living with chronic illness and complex diagnoses, Ryan also brings extensive expertise in working with neurodivergent populations, ADHD, Autism, and neurodegenerative conditions, Stroke, and Dementia. She understands the emotional toll these realities take—not only on clients but on caregivers, professionals, and families navigating the unknown.
Her career spans roles as a university lecturer, speaker, and educator at national and international conferences on topics like grief, trauma recovery, career transitions, sexual assault, and community healing. She has supported military personnel, academics, professionals, and students through life’s most complex chapters—and is deeply committed to helping people live with greater clarity, strength, and purpose.
Ryan holds a graduate degree in Rehabilitation Counseling with additional coursework in Mental Health Counseling from Wright State University. She’s a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with Supervisor designation (LPCC-S) in Ohio.
Based in Dayton, Ryan remains actively involved in the local community.
Shonda Jones, LPC, CRC
Supporting children, teens, and adults across Ohio
Using an integrative approach to counseling, tailored to each client’s strengths and goals, Shonda provides compassionate, person-centered therapy for children aged five and above, adolescents, and adults navigating life transitions, school challenges, college readiness, social and relationship struggles, and building independence and resilience.
Shonda offers Autism and ADHD assessments for ages five through seventeen.
With over 20 years of experience, Shonda has worked in schools, universities, and community settings. She’s especially skilled in supporting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, and other developmental differences, drawing from a deep understanding of disability services and neurodivergent needs. She’s EMDR-trained, multiculturally informed, and committed to creating a supportive space where every client feels understood and empowered.
Shonda Jones is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. She earned both her B.S. in Rehabilitation Services and her M.S. in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling from Wright State University. Shonda has also served as a university instructor and a K–12 school-based therapist, providing her with unique insight into the academic, social, and emotional needs of students and their families.
Sydney Price, LPC
Supporting Military, Civilians, Couples, College Students, and Young Adults,
Sydney works with university students, veterans & military members, couples, and individual adults navigating life transitions, trauma recovery, identity exploration, and relational challenges. To Sydney, healing unfolds through meaningful connection, safety, and putting new perspectives on old stories. She draws from trauma-informed, somatic, and experiential models, including Internal Family Systems (IFS), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), narrative techniques, and existential therapy. In sessions with Sydney, expect to blend insight and embodiment in a space that is accepting, responsive, and deeply respectful of each client’s experience and complexity.
As a second-career clinician, Sydney brings a combination of lived experience, practical insight, and purpose-driven care to her work. Before becoming a counselor, Sydney served in the US Air Force, an experience that informs her steady, grounded presence and deep respect for each person’s autonomy. Sydney earned a Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology and a Master’s of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southern New Hampshire University, with focused training in trauma-informed and relational approaches.
Kara Schaefer, LPCC-S
Supporting adults and young adults
Building a strong, supportive, no-nonsense, direct therapeutic relationship is crucial . Kara feels passionately about creating a safe, supportive space where there is no judgment in exploring options to grow into the best versions of yourself. Kara specializes in working with adults who have experienced addiction, chronic mental health issues, and life transitions. Her approach is person-centered and goal-focused, collaborating with families and physicians to provide the best care possible.
She earned her B.S. in Psychology and her M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Wright State University. Kara is EMDR-trained.
Ann Edwards, LPCC
Supporting adolescents and adults
Tap into your inner strength, set meaningful goals, and grow through life’s challenges with Ann. She builds strong, collaborative relationships with her clients, grounded in unconditional positive regard. She offers honest, empathetic care rooted in a holistic, person-centered approach. Her work is grounded in unconditional positive regard.
Ann is EMDR-trained and draws from more than eleven years of experience supporting individuals with complex mental health needs, including those living with personality disorders and severe and persistent mental illness. She also brings expertise from working in group home settings and with military families, shaped by her own upbringing in a military household and exposure to diverse cultures across the U.S.
She earned her B.S. in Substance Abuse Counseling and found her passion in mental wellness. She went on to continue her education, earning a M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Wright State University.
“Some of the best days of your life haven’t happened yet. Keep going.”
Rebecca Kolssak, LPCC, EMDR Certified
Serving individuals (starting at age 13), couples, and families across Ohio
You already hold the tools you need to heal; Rebecca’s role is to help you access them—in a safe, supportive space where growth feels possible. Whether you’re navigating everyday stress or overwhelming loss, Rebecca offers a steady presence to help you move forward with strength and purpose. Rebecca Kolssak is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor who specializes in complex trauma, transitions, and exploring the way relationship to self informs relationship to others. With a background in early childhood education and a master’s in clinical mental health counseling, Rebecca brings both practical insight and clinical expertise to her work. Based in Ohio, she offers individual therapy as well as couples and family counseling via telehealth.
Rebecca’s clinical approach is attachment-focused, person-centered, and tailored to meet the unique needs of each client, partnering with you to identify clear and reachable goals that stimulate meaningful growth. She is also certified in EMDR, which can be utilized in both traditional and non-traditional therapy schedules. If you are curious about a few days of concentrated work to jumpstart or supplement what you’re already doing, ask about her EMDR intensives and complementary counseling.
Tom Rathbun, LPCC
Serving adults across Ohio with a trauma-informed, affirming approach
Offering compassionate, trauma-informed therapy for adults facing stress, life transitions, relationship challenges, and identity exploration, Tom blends humanistic and relational therapy styles to create a warm, nonjudgmental space where clients feel seen and supported. He has extensive experience working with college students and adults, and he brings a special understanding to his work with LGBTQ+ individuals, drawing from his own lived experience to offer care that’s both affirming and empowering. Tom supports clients navigating sexual orientation, gender identity, spiritual growth, and the deeper questions that shape who we are.
A graduate of Wright State University with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Tom is also EMDR-trained and committed to helping clients process trauma and build emotional resilience.
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