Prevention and Wellness

Mariah Von Luehrte

          Mariah is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 4 years of working in the mental health field. She earned her bachelor’s from University of Cincinnati and her Master’s of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northern Kentucky University. 

Insurances Accepted:
 Medicaid, CareSource, Molina, Paramount, and United Health Care/UMR, Private Insurance

Contact DiAnna:
mvonluehrte@hcsdoh.org

Lyndsey Helston, LPC

          Lyndsey Helton, LPC recently graduated from the University of the Cumberlands this past December with her Masters in Clinical Mental Health. Previously, she was an  Elementary School teacher for five years, including spending three years at Highland Elementary in Hamilton. She is very excited to join the team and begin working with both the students and the staff here at Bridgeport Elementary!

Insurances Accepted:
 Medicaid, CareSource, Molina, Paramount, and United Health Care/UMR, Private Insurance

Contact Lyndsey:

lhelton@bestpoint.org

Phone:  1-513-822-8450

Bethany Fowler, Therapist

          Hi! I'm Bethany, a recent graduate from University of Cincinnati, coming back to Brookwood as the new school-based therapist. When I'm not at school, I enjoy reading and hanging out with my animals, but on the weekends, you can find me coaching soccer or watching sports. 

Insurances Accepted: Medicaid, CareSource, Molina, Paramount, and United Health Care/UMR

Contact Bethany:

Email: bfowler@bestpoint.org

Ashley Sutton, Care Coordinator

            I am Ashley. I am from Harrison, Ohio I graduated from Northern Kentucky University in 2021 with my bachelor’s degree in social work. I am Care Coordinator at Brookwood Elementary School. When I am not at school, I am spending time with my family and watching hockey. I look forward to the opportunity to working with everyone at Brookwood Elementary.

Insurances Accepted: Medicaid, CareSource, Molina, Paramount, and United Health Care/UMR 

Contact Ashley:

Email: asutton@bestpoint.org
 

Allison Gajramsignh

          Allison is an independently licensed counselor in the state of Ohio. She has over 15 years of experience in counseling, and she has worked in the school-based program at St. Aloysius since 2009. Allison currently serves as the School-based Services Supervisor in Butler County, in addition to meeting with clients for therapy services. Prior to working in school-based services, Allison worked in residential treatment and home-based family therapy services. Allison’s passion is helping families eliminate barriers that interfere with success. She utilizes a multi-systemic approach to treatment, as well as cognitive behavioral therapy techniques that can help clients identify appropriate coping mechanisms for managing mental health symptoms. 

          Allison earned her Bachelor’s degree in Honors English and Psychology from the University of Illinois, and her Master’s degree in Education and Human Development with a focus in Community Counseling from George Washington University. 

Insurances Accepted:
 Medicaid, CareSource, Molina, Paramount, and United Health Care/UMR

Contact Allison:
agajramsingh@bestpoint.org
(513) 869-4029

Micha Teach

          I am the school-based therapist from Best Point located in Crawford Woods Elementary School. I feel confidentiality and rapport with the students is the foundation to a great therapeutic alliance!  The best way to reach me is by my phone number 513-527-3044, or at my email at meach@bestpoint.org. 

Sharon Wise, MSW, LISW-S

          When a child struggles in school behaviorally, emotionally or academically, it can cause significant stress within the family unit, as well as having lifelong effects on the child. Witnessing these struggles in children and their families, led Sharon to become passionate about supporting children in their school environment.

          Sharon is a Licensed Independent Social Worker in the State of Ohio. She has over 20 years of clinical experience in a wide array of settings, including inpatient psychiatric units, outpatient mental health centers, community outreach and school based settings. She specializes in treating behavioral disorders, mood disorders, anxiety and ADD/ADHD. Sharon also has a special interest in the wellness and self care of educators. In her work as a school based therapist, she has observed the high demands and stress that teaching can bring. In response to this, she sought out significant training and developed a Teacher Support and Wellness Program. It is currently being offered to all school districts that Catalyst serves, and has been very well received.

          Sharon earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Xavier University and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Cincinnati. Through her many years of clinical experience, Sharon realized that a positive school experience can lead to a lifetime of success. Her hope is to partner with children and their families to help find that success.

          In her time away from work, Sharon enjoys raising three kids who keep her joyfully and exhaustively busy.

Insurances Accepted:
Anthem, United Healthcare/UMR, Caresource, Molina, Paramount, Buckeye, Aetna Medicaid, Multiplan, Humana, Humana Military

Contact Sharon:
sharonwise@catalystcounselingllc.org
(513) 593-4998

Abby West, MSW, LSW

          Abby West is a Licensed Social Worker who is entering her second year of school-based counseling. Abby has a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Cincinnati and an Associate's of Arts degree with a Social Science Focus from Miami University.
          In her undergraduate internship, Abby worked for an organization that provides support and respite to caregivers of children with developmental and intellectual disabilities. In her graduate internship, Abby worked at Butler Behavioral Health Services, a community mental health agency in Middletown, and worked with a variety of clients of different ages and backgrounds. Abby has been at Highland Elementary since the beginning of last school year and enjoys that school based work allows for collaboration with school personnel.
          Abby enjoys both non-directive and directive play therapy techniques, as well as mindfulness and strengths-based work. In the future, Abby hopes to gain her independent license and work towards a certification in play therapy. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music, spending time outdoors, going to concerts, and hanging out with friends and family.

Insurances Accepted:
Caresource, United Healthcare/UMR, Medical Mutual, Buckeye, Molina, Paramount, Cigna, Anthem

Contact Abby:
abbywest@catalystcounselingllc.org
(513) 268-2277

Highland Elementary

Kelly Fisher, MSW, LSW

          Kelly Fisher is a Licensed Social Worker for Catalyst Counseling, LLC working in the Hamilton City School District. Kelly received her Masters of Social Work from Miami University as well as a Bachelor of Science in Social Work and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.
          During her undergraduate internship, Kelly worked for Focus on Youth, a foster care agency, providing trauma-informed care, case management, and support services to children in foster care and their foster families. Kelly also has experience working with children through her volunteer experiences working with children with disabilities and through the college program College Mentors for Kids. During Kelly's graduate level internship, she interned here at Highland Elementary providing mental health services to students.
          Kelly is passionate about engaging and working with children. She is super excited to continue to support the students in the Hamilton School District. Kelly enjoys using both non-directive and directive play therapy techniques, as well as strengths-based work. In the future, Kelly hopes to gain a certification in play therapy and her independent license. In her free time, Kelly enjoys spending time with her friends and family, going outdoors, and baking yummy treats.

Insurances Accepted:
Anthem, Cigna, Caresource, UHC/UMR, Medical Mutual

Contact Kelly:
kellyfisher@catalystcounselingllc.org
(513) 788-3979

Allee Thompson

          Allee is an independently licensed counselor in the state of Ohio. She has over 13 years of experience in counseling, and she has worked in the outpatient and school-based programs at St. Aloysius since 2008. Allee values the relationship with the students she works with where she tries to create a plan of treatment that focuses on the student’s strengths to work on improving their ability to cope with stressors and better manage their relationships. She utilizes play therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques that can help clients identify appropriate coping mechanisms to manage mental health symptoms. Allee feels she is a life-long learner and strives to learn new techniques and tools to help her students where she is a certified Registered Play Therapist and is working towards her Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy certification. When not at work, Allee engages in self-care through music, reading, and taking care of her three rescue dogs and rescue cat. 

          Allee earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Ohio University, and her Master of Arts in Counseling from Xavier University. 

Insurances Accepted:
 Medicaid, CareSource, Molina, Paramount, and United Health Care/UMR

Contact Allee:
athompson@stalschildren.org
(513) 225-2655

Christina Habel

          Christina is an independently licensed social worker in the state of Ohio. She has 10 years of experience in the social work field, and has worked in the school-based program at St. Aloysius since 2013. Prior to working in school-based services, Christina completed her internship in the Victim's Advocacy program with the Cincinnati Police Department. Christina is passionate about helping children and families who have experienced trauma and she works diligently to advocate for children's needs. She utilizes various treatment modalities, such as play therapy techniques, trauma-focused interventions, and cognitive behavioral therapy approaches to help clients learn skills to manage mental health symptoms and improve overall functioning. 

          Christina earned her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from The Ohio State University, and her Master's Degree in Social Work with a focus in Direct Services from the University of Cincinnati. 

Insurances Accepted:
 Medicaid, CareSource, Molina, Paramount, and United Health Care/UMR

Contact Christina:
christina.habel@stalschildren.org
(513) 868-5640 ext 7254

Rachel Leonard, Care Coordinator

          My name is Rachel Leonard and I am from Harrison, Ohio. I graduated from Miami University in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science in Family Studies. I have worked at Best Point since April 2023. Prior to that I worked in child welfare for approximately 10 years. I look forward to this new opportunity in working with everyone at Ridgeway Elementary.

Insurances Accepted:
 Medicaid, CareSource, Molina, Paramount, and United Health Care/UMR

Contact Rachel:
rleonard@bestpoint.org

Leidy Cadavid, MA, LPC

          Leidy Cadavid is a bilingual English/Spanish Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Ohio, and her passion is to walk alongside children, and collaborate with parents and teachers, to help them feel hopeful and empowered while working through their tough situations.

          She uses a Child Centered approach in counseling, and is committed to providing high quality mental health services, and evidenced based treatments, to treat mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and trauma, among others. For this reason, she is currently working towards becoming a Registered Play Therapist, and a TraumaPlay Therapist to better serve the needs of children and their families.

          Leidy earned her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Cincinnati Christian University and her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Northern Kentucky University. Outside of her counseling career, she enjoys being a Sunday school teacher, and a youth leader at her church. She also loves spending time with her family and friends, and going to the outdoors. 

Haga clic aquí para leer en Español.

Insurances Accepted:
 Anthem, Cigna, United Healthcare/UMR, Caresource, Molina, Paramount, Buckeye, Medical Mutual

Contact Leidy:
leidycadavid@catalystcounselingllc.org
(513) 818-3521

David Brand

          David Brand is a man who cares about families. He is entering his second school year at Garfield Middle School. David completed his undergraduate education at the University of Cincinnati, completing coursework relating to Early Childhood Education and Care. It was here that the foundation was laid to understand young people, and how they develop over time. He worked in the Mt. Healthy City School district as well as Cincinnati Public school district. During his time with Cincinnati Public he began to see the struggle of various students and their families as a result of trauma. It was then that his desire to learn more and support was birthed. 

          He completed coursework in the area of Clinical counseling and has now been in the field for almost 10 years. One of his greatest skills is his calm demeanor and welcoming posture. He brings a very fatherly, patient approach that is very warm and understanding.  Young people from all backgrounds and walks of life have sought out his insight over the years and the work of therapy is a very natural fit for him. He enjoys building rapport and allowing the session to unfold organically. 

          In his spare time, he enjoys spending time traveling with his wife and 4 children.

Insurances Accepted:
Ohio Medicaid, Aetna Better Health, OhioRISE
AmeriHealth Caritas Ohio, Anthem
Buckeye Community Health Plan, CareSource
Humana Healthy Horizons, 
Molina Healthcare of Ohio, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, Most Private Insurance

Contact David:
dbrand@hcsdoh.org
(513) 887-5035

Patricia Smith, LISW-S

          Tricia is a School Based Therapist through Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. She has worked for Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center since 2015 and has been a Social Worker in mental and behavioral health settings for over 13 years. Tricia has clinical and management experience working in crisis psychiatric inpatient settings, partial hospitalization programs, school based settings and outpatient community mental health settings treating children through adults with mental and behavioral health needs. Tricia earned a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Miami University and a Master of Social Work degree from University of Cincinnati with a Mental Health Concentration. She is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with a Supervisor Designation in the state of Ohio 

          Tricia enjoys helping with anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship building and conflict resolution, self-esteem issues, parent psycho-education, and has a passion for helping to empower young girls and women. Tricia uses an integrative and holistic approach that pulls from various modalities depending on each client’s needs. Some of these include interventions from Client-Centered therapy, Strengths-Based, Relational, Cognitive Behavioral based interventions, Motivational Interviewing, and attachment and family systems approaches. Tricia strongly values education and believes that to set kids up for the most success in the classroom means acknowledging the child as a whole and all they experience in and out of the classroom. 

          Tricia is an avid boater and beachgoer, and loves summer and reading. Born and raised in Hamilton, OH.

          Tricia is excited to be “home” serving in her community.

Insurances Accepted:
Ohio Medicaid, Aetna Better Health, OhioRISE
AmeriHealth Caritas Ohio, Anthem
Buckeye Community Health Plan, CareSource
Humana Healthy Horizons, 
Molina Healthcare of Ohio, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, Most Private Insurance

Contact Tricia:
Patricia.Smith2@cchmc.org
(513) 896-3400

Josh Sams

          As a Hamilton High School alumni and United States Navy veteran, Josh is proud to serve the students at Miami School. Josh has his Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marshall University and Bachelors in Arts/Science/History. Alongside his Master’s degree, Josh is VOLT (violence, loss, & trauma counseling) certified. Josh has been working with youth in the field for over 7 years. Josh enjoys spending his free time coaching baseball and soccer for Hamilton.

Insurances Accepted:
 Medicare, Medicaid and other State-Financed Health Insurance, Private Health Insurance*, TRICARE, Government Funding for Substance Abuse Programs, and Private Pay (cash, check, credit card). We also offer a sliding fee scale for clients who pay out-of-pocket.

Contact Josh:
jsams@community-first.org
(513) 200-9299