Ray of Light Counseling, LLC
937-314-1659
Interested in learning more about us?
Ray of Light Counseling is a small, mental health private practice located in Vandalia, Ohio. We are committed to providing the highest quality therapists in the area. Our therapists have different specialties and populations they work with. We are always learning and keeping up with new treatment methods with continuing training and education. Call us today to see if we would be a good fit for you!
Mary Tesch, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Lori Buckwalter LISW
Licensed Independent Social Worker
Megan Rooney LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Amanda Jones LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Angela Michnowicz LPCC
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Rebecca Caserta LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Casey Smedley LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Kaitlin Cantrell LPCC
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Karen Henderson, IMFT
Independent Marriage and Family Therapist
Jessica Woody LPCC-S
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with Supervisory designation
Elizabeth Long- Hicks LPCC-S
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with Supervisory designation
Tracy Sellers CT, MFT intern
Counselor/ marriage& family therapist intern
Hello! My name is Mary and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I am EMDR trained and am able to provide this service for individuals looking to work through trauma. I graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with my Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Wright State University with my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
I am honored to help people through their healing journey. I take a holistic and integrative approach to therapy because I know how diverse and unique everyone is and want to tailor therapy to the individual. I have experience working with individuals who are experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship issues, substance use, and psychosis, among others. I strive to create an open and accepting environment for people on their wellness journey.
I look forward to helping you reach your goals!
Elizabeth Long- Hicks (Liz) is a licensed professional clinical counselor with a supervisor designation. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at Ohio University and her Master of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling at Wright State University. She has years of experience working with families, children, adolescents, adults, and LGBQT youth and families with various issues such as trauma, mood disorders, ADHD, anxiety disorders, school adjustment, special education, and behavioral concerns. Liz has had experience working in various settings including school-based programs, youth partial hospitalization, adolescent residential facilities, and outpatient therapy. Additionally, she has extensive experience with group therapy on various topics such as social skills, coping skills and relaxation skills. Liz also has chronic illnesses and has worked with others suffering from them.
My counseling approach is to work collaboratively with clients and their support systems, to achieve client directed goals. I strive to provide a supportive, safe, and non-judgmental environment, with encouragement during the therapy process. Her therapeutic approach is to provide therapy that is genuine and compassionate to all clients to establish trust and rapport. I believe that the key of successful therapy is a strong therapeutic relationship and that spending adequate time getting to know her client to build trust and feelings of acceptance are a key priority. My therapeutic framework is a combination of trauma informed, mindfulness, strength based, Cognitive Behavioral therapy, play therapy, solution-focused brief therapy and motivational interviewing techniques, based on the needs of the client.
I live in Vandalia with my husband, and I have four sons, one who is in the Air Force and stationed in Japan. In my spare time I enjoy reading and spending time with my kids. I opened Ray of Light Counseling in 2014 and we strive to provide quality care for our clients.
For singles and families, as well as children and seasoned individuals in need of emotional support, Jessica Woody is here to assist. The various issues she deals with include trauma, behavior concerns, ADHD, and adjustment/mood disorders.
Jessica approaches counseling with the intent to help clients achieve the goals they set for themselves. She works to build a positive relationship with them in a friendly environment. A strong therapeutic relationship is key to Jessica for clients to feel safe in order to make lasting life changes. The methods she most commonly uses is a combination of trauma informed, strength based, Cognitive Behavioral therapy, play therapy and motivational interviewing techniques. Through these tools Jessica encourages clients to discuss emotions and experiences to help clients define goals, plan action and gain insight.
Jessica has a wealth of experience working with adults, families and children in a variety of settings including in-home intensive counseling services and school based programs. She is a licensed professional clinical counselor with a supervisor designation. Earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at Anderson University and Masters of Arts degree in Counseling at Huntington University.
In her spare time Jessica enjoys spending time with her husband and their children. She also enjoys going to the zoo and watching movies.
Karen recently relocated from California to her home state and practices psychotherapy and EMDR therapy as an Independent Marriage and Family Therapist. She works with adults,
couples, and teens. With a warm approach Karen wants her clients to always feel heard, understood, and accepted without judgment. She will help you find relief, a newfound confidence, and feel empowered in your life and relationships so that you can move forward with a renewed sense of well being. Karen is passionate about EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and has advanced training and skill in this scientifically proven powerful and effective treatment for PTSD. EMDR is used to treat a variety of other things including anxiety and depression. For more information on EMDR visit emdria.org. Karen works with all kinds of issues including, but not limited to, survivors of sexual abuse,
women who have endured domestic violence, grief and loss, veterans of war, medical crises, anxiety, depression, feelings of guilt and shame, low self worth, adjustment disorders,
relationship conflict, and chronic pain.
Every person has intrinsic value, and Karen’s promise is to treat you with the respect you deserve, earn your trust, and work together as a team. She will help you gain insight, learn practical skills to help you cope, and ultimately find genuine healing within your Self.
My Name is Katie Cantrell, I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor who graduated from Wright State University with a BA in Psychology and a MS in Marriage and Family Counseling. I have worked in a variety of mental health settings including a youth partial hospital program, as an outpatient therapist, a school based mental health therapist and in a private practice setting. Over the years I have worked with youth of all ages, adults, families and couples. I understand that starting therapy is not always an easy process and I strive to provide a safe and judgement free space for my clients and meet you with empathy and understanding. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness techniques in therapy as well as play therapy elements with my youth clients. My specialties include addressing anxiety, depression, trauma, attention/concentration and impulsivity, autism, anger management and opposition, social skills and self esteem issues. I look forward to helping you set, progress towards and meet your therapeutic goals!
My name is Casey Smedley, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Ohio. I have worked with a variety of adults and teenagers from many backgrounds. My approach includes a holistic and client-centered orientation, as I feel everyone has a unique set of circumstances that have brought them to where they are in life. As such, I think that it is vital to address everyone’s needs while considering their background. Each person brings a set of experiences with them that I hope to integrate into their counseling experience. Alongside this, I feel that it is important to incorporate clients’ strengths in our work together. Given that, I employ an eclectic orientation in treatment, and will utilize a variety of orientations to suite a person’s needs. In the past, I have used techniques from a cognitive-behavioral, rational-emotive behavioral, narrative-based, and person-centered theoretical viewpoints. I will work with clients to find what is the best fit for them given their unique background.
My education includes getting a B.S. in Psychology at Wright State University in 2017 and proceeding to obtain my M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Wright State University in 2020. The program emphasized a holistic approach to counseling, allowing students to learn what orientations work well for them. While attending this program, I also took part in an internship at a practice in Dayton, Ohio. There, I was able to apply the skills I had learned over the course of a year while working with a variety of populations in Dayton. While at my internship site, I mainly conducted one-on-one counseling sessions, but I also helped facilitate two support groups. This internship provided me experience when working with depression, general anxiety, overcoming fears, identity and sexuality issues, domestic assault survivors, and grief and loss. Throughout these issues, I have applied theoretical orientations that match with the client in order to establish new coping skills or frames of mind in navigating their circumstances. I am open to working with a variety of adult populations, and I have a drive in working with the LGBTQA+ community. All in all, I look forward to seeing and working with you!
My name is Becca, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and I feel truly blessed to be able to work in this field. I believe Counseling is a calling and a vocation, rather than a job. I prefer a collaborative and holistic approach to treatment, utilizing diverse techniques to help support your growth and progress on your goals. It’s all about finding what works the best for you as an individual. I have experience tailoring my approaches to meet my client’s unique needs.
I graduated with my masters in clinical mental health counseling from the University of Dayton. I have a passion for working with couples and have completed Gottman Level 1 Training. I enjoy working with adult clients on interpersonal issues, communication issues, and emotion regulation difficulties. I enjoy working with clients who identify on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. And I have worked with a wide variety of clients focusing on a wide range of topics including; identity exploration and development, grief, trauma, anxiety, low self-esteem, sexuality exploration and development, depression, stress management, and more. I so look forward to getting to know you and walking with you on your journey to a healthier and happier self.
Hi there! My name is Angela Michnowicz, I am a Clinical Mental Health Therapist located in the state of Ohio. I use tele health services as I have found that it can be productive for my clients. By using telehealth, you are in your own space with an opportunity to explore deep seated issues. In your own space you may feel more comfortable while navigating deep waters.
I received my Bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Development as well as my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited) from The University of Akron. I have worked with a variety of clients that have relational and attachment issues, psychosis, substance use disorders, problem sexual behavior, suicidal/ homicidal issues, anxiety, depression, and family conflict. I have also worked in residential settings where I provided parent education and facilitated parent/ child re-engagement.
I have a person centered, humanistic approach where I believe that people are their own experts. I assist clients in gaining tools as well as courage to become their best selves. My goal is to empower clients to believe in themselves, increase confidence and self efficacy. Self esteem guides the way that we see ourselves in the world, decisions that we make for ourselves as well as the degree to which we believe we can actually achieve our goals.
This is your time and I am so glad you are here!
Hi there! My name is Amanda, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor honored to journey with individuals through the healing process. I enjoy using an integrative and holistic approach, collaborating with clients to cultivate an authentic, safe therapeutic relationship. I am very passionate about advocating and holding space for children, adolescents, and adults.
I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Master of Science in Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Dayton. I have experience working with clients and their families in youth day treatment and outpatient therapy settings. I have supported clients in addressing trauma, mood and anxiety disorders, and psychosis, to name a few. I enjoy working with individuals that need support in processing religious, racial, and sexual trauma, clients that identify as part of the black community, and LGBTQIA+ clients of all ages. I seek to use creative psychoeducation approaches to engage clients and encourage them to grow in their goals.
Thank you for taking the time to read my bio. I look forward to supporting you through the healing process. Peace be with you.
Hello !
My name is Lori Buckwalter, and I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker with a Supervisor credential. I received my Master of Social Worker degree from the University of Cincinnati.
I have enjoyed over 30 years of working with individuals and families in therapy. I worked primarily with youths and their families within a court system but also have worked with children in school settings.
I provide teletherapy services and have seen the progress that clients feel they have made in the comfortable setting of their homes.
I like to think that I have a good sense of humor and try to see things optimistically. I believe that it is important to see and accept things realistically while finding direction toward the future.I believe that I am a compassionate therapist who also assists the client in self-awareness and self-determination. I work to provide support, guidance and objectivity for clients.
My interests include gardening and music. I spend free time with my family and attending my childrens’ extracurricular and sporting events.
After spending ten years on active duty and while serving in the military, her passion to help her brothers and sisters in arms was evident in the work she had done to provide our servicemen and women with the care that was in need and deserved. Tracy wanted to pursue helping Veterans with PTSD, and did just that while living in California. Tracy Sellers served overseas 9/10 years, serving in South Korea, Hawaii, Iraq, California,
and Lisbon, Portugal. Tracy Sellers is a Marriage and Family Therapist Intern in the state of Ohio and has experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families, working in groups or by providing individual counseling. Tracy has worked with a wide variety of clients,
including Military Veterans and their families, those within the LGBTQ+ community, and those with diverse cultures and backgrounds. Although Tracy is a native to Dayton, Ohio, she has lived all over the world during her time in the United States Army. Tracy completed her Master’s program with California Southern University, with ungraduated studies completed while on active duty, and with the University of Maryland, University College; both degrees completed in Psychology. Tracy is also
pursuing a certificate degree in Trauma informed care, as well as a certificate program to be a board certified behavior analyst. Both of which will be pursed and used once obtained. Anticipated graduation for both is March 2024.
Some of the techniques and modalities Tracy has gravitated towards include, but would not be limited to, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Narrative Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Collaborative Problem-Solving Therapy (CPS), and Somatic Therapy. She has a total of 9 years in the mental health field providing clinical services. Tracy’s passion for this field allows her to effortlessly place the client’s well-being first in order to provide the highest level of care.
Hello! My name is Dacey Ewing and I am a Licensed Social Worker and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor III. I graduated from The University of Central Florida with my Masters in Social Work in 2020, and have experience working as a counselor in community mental health and chemical dependency treatment. Through my prior work experience, I have had the opportunity to work with a variety of concerns and have gained experience working with diverse client populations.
I am EMDR trained and specialize working with individuals who have experienced single incident and complex traumas. I take a holistic and client centered approach to address depression, anxiety, mood disorders and chemical dependency. It is my privilege to foster a safe space for my clients to grow, build self-esteem and confidence, work through loss and grief, address attachment concerns and become their best self. I’m excited to be on this healing journey with you, and look forward helping you reach your goals.
Dacey Ewing, LSW
Licensed Social Worker
Hello! My name is Megan Rooney, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Ohio. I believe mental health impacts all aspects of our lives and is so important to care for ourselves in this way. I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and my Master of Arts degree in clinical mental health counseling from Bowling Green State University. I believe in a collaborative, person-centered approach, meaning I value that you are the expert on your life. I aim to tailor our time together to meet your needs and achieve your goals. I am passionate about working with individuals in the LGBTQ+ community. I have experience working with a variety of topics including anxiety, depression, self-esteem, self-exploration, gender and sexuality exploration, loss experiences, managing stress, and more. I am so honored to be a part of your journey. I look forward to working with you!
Des'Za'Rae King, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Hello! My name is Deszarae King, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and trained art therapist in the state of Ohio. I graduated from Edinboro University with a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Art Therapy. I have experience working in a variety of outpatient settings with diverse populations. Most of my time in the field has been spent serving clients in community and school-based settings. Over the years I have worked with young children, adolescents, and adults, treating a broad spectrum of mental health issues including depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, PTSD, ADHD, school adjustment, behavioral concerns, and more.
I believe that the therapeutic relationship is the most important part of counseling, thus, I strive to meet each client where they are. My goal is to create a safe environment that promotes growth and empowers clients to reach their goals. I combine Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with a person centered/holistic approach that is personalized to the client’s unique goals—this may mean integrating art therapy, mindfulness, play therapy, or motivational interviewing. I look forward to partnering with you on your journey to wellness.
