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
You've built a successful life. Let's work on the part no one else sees.
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, LPCC, CRC
Helping unique minds develop their unique strengths.
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, with additional training and experience in assessments. Shonda has also served as a university instructor and a K–12 school-based therapist, which has provided her with unique insight into the academic, social, and emotional needs of students and their families.
Sydney Price, LPC
Helping you make sense of where you've been and where you're going.
Life doesn't always unfold the way we expected. Relationships change. Careers shift. We leave one chapter behind before we're sure what comes next. In those moments, it can be easy to feel disconnected from yourself, uncertain about your direction, or overwhelmed by the weight of carrying it all alone.
Sydney helps adults, couples, military members, and professionals navigate life's transitions with greater clarity, confidence, and self-understanding. Whether you're adjusting to a new role, struggling in a relationship, recovering from difficult experiences, or questioning what comes next, she provides a supportive space to slow down, reflect, and move forward with intention.
Before becoming a counselor, Sydney served in the United States Air Force, an experience that deepened her understanding of resilience, transition, identity, and the unique challenges faced by service members, veterans, and their families. Sydney earned her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Her approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that meaningful change begins when we better understand ourselves. She helps clients gain insight into the patterns and experiences that shape their lives, creating space for healing, growth, and lasting change.
Kara Schaefer, LPCC-S
A trusted ally for life's hard conversations who's in your corner, challenging what is holding you back.
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 as you explore options to grow into the best version 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, and she collaborates with families and physicians to provide the best possible care.
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
Holding space for you, even after your day feels so full.
Tap into your inner strength, set meaningful goals, and grow through life’s challenges with Ann. 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 continued her education, earning an 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-S, EMDR Certified
When your mind is ready to move forward, but your body keeps holding on.
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 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
Moving forward starts with one honest conversation.
Life often brings questions that don't have easy answers. Questions about identity, purpose, relationships, belonging, and the experiences that shape who we are. Sometimes what we need most is not someone to fix us, but a space to pause, reflect, and truly feel heard.
Tom offers compassionate counseling for adults navigating life's transitions, relationship challenges, trauma, stress, and self-discovery. His approach is thoughtful, relational, and grounded in the belief that growth happens when we are given the opportunity to explore our experiences with curiosity rather than judgment.
Tom has a special passion for working with LGBTQ+ individuals and those exploring questions of identity, spirituality, authenticity, and meaning. Drawing from professional training and lived experiences, he provides an affirming space where clients can better understand themselves and move toward a life that feels more aligned with who they are.
Tome earned his Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Wright State University and has worked in university counseling and educational settings. He is EMDR-trained and integrates evidence-based approaches to help clients process difficult experiences, build resilience, and create meaningful change.
.jpg)
