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MEET THE COUNSELORS

Therapeutic alliance. Above all the therapeutic orientations, sophisticated counseling techniques, extensive training, professional office, personality type, or degrees... research shows that the most necessary element present in effective counseling is the therapeutic alliance. The relationship between you and your Counselor is the strongest predictor of positive outcomes in your therapy sessions. You must feel safe, secure, heard, and understood by your Counselor. Therefore it is important to find the best fit for you. 

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Please feel welcome to learn a little bit about the Counselors below, and don't hesitate to reach out for a free 10-Minute Consultation with either Kendra, Sam, Paul, Audrey, or Lindsay, Rachel, Zac or Holly. We are glad you are here, and would be happy to meet you. 

Meet the Counselors: Welcome
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MEET AUDREY

Audrey Akers, MS, LPCC-S

Sees clients in the "Caroline" Office

Audrey is a Dayton Ohio native with a passion for her community. She received a BA in communication studies from Wright State University before continuing her education at the University of Dayton. From there, Audrey completed a Master's program in clinical mental health counseling. Audrey believes in a holistic, or full body, approach to mental health. Mindfulness practice, art therapy and play techniques also incorporate into her practice. Audrey can work with a wide variety of clients, preferring to work with children, adolescents and family care. Disorders treated include depression, trauma related disorders, anxiety, personality disorders, women's reproductive health, adjustment disorders, ADHD and oppositional defiant disorder.

Meet the Counselors: About Me
Paul Hemminger

MEET PAUL

Paul Hemminger, MS, LSW

Sees clients in the "Bakehouse" Office

Paul obtained his undergraduate degree at Bowling Green State University and his Masters in Social Work at Wright State University.


Paul has worked as a therapeutic mentor, a wilderness therapy guide and as a therapist in residential centers, schools, and foster agencies. For organizations looking for therapuetic consulting, please contact Paul through StoryConnect.love


He can offer navigation through The Enneagram and can offer coaching and insights into patterns according to the model. The Enneagram guides individuals, couples, and families to strengthen relationships, and thus deeper satisfaction in life.

Meet the Counselors: About Me
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MEET LINDSAY

Lindsay Heckman, Ph.D, LPC

Sees clients in the "Bakehouse" Offices

Lindsay obtained her PhD in Counselor Education at the University of Toledo, where she teaches and supervises counseling students, her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Bowling Green State University.  Lindsay is an active member of the American Counseling Association and the Ohio Counseling Association. Lindsay has experience treating issues such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse and trauma in both adolescents and adults. She also has presented on issues such as cultural humility, leadership and affirmative practices within the LGBTQ+ population.

Meet the Counselors: About Me
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MEET SAMANTHA

Samantha Augaitis-Elzey M.S., LPC, CCTS-I

Sees clients in the "Winans" Office

Sam graduated from Wright State University with a Master's of Science Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Sociology, with an emphasis in Psychology and Gender Studies.  Sam has worked in the behavioral health field since 2013 and has a passion for helping others obtain balance and wellness in their lives. She holds a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist - Individual certification, which is nationally recognized to allow for specialized treatment in trauma.  Sam can help people with a variety of concerns including: depression, anxiety, self-esteem, anger management, relationship issues, personality disorders, substance use disorder and domestic violence/interpartner violence. She is passionate about cultivating a welcoming environment for her clients, rooting her practice in mindfulness based approaches. Sam believes that a compassionate and earnest approach is the key to help those who walk through the door feel heard and validated.

Meet the Counselors: About Me
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MEET KENDRA

Kendra Hemminger, MS, LPCC-S

Sees clients in the "Winans" Office

Kendra is the founder and director of Sincere Counseling. She received her Bachelor degree in Psychology from Bowling Green State University, and her Master's in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling from Wright State University. Kendra most often treats symptoms related to anxiety, depression, prenatal/postpartum issues, premarital, and trauma. She loves to watch people change and grow, and choose a more full life with deeper, more authentic relationships.

Meet the Counselors: About Me
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MEET ZAC

Zac Spoon, LPC

Sees clients in the "Winans" Office

Zac earned his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Mount Vernon Nazarene University in 2011 and his Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Ashland Theological Seminary in December 2021.


Zac is passionate about providing a compassionate, non-judgmental environment for clients to heal and strengthen their relationships with themselves and others. He incorporates mindfulness-based, holistic approaches. Some areas of interest include depression, anxiety, life transitions, self-esteem issues, and complicated grief. He is currently accepting adolescent and adults clients. Zac believes counseling is an investment in one's self, and he loves seeing clients grow and live better stories as they explore existing struggles, heal past wounds, learn new skills, and develop existing strengths. 

Meet the Counselors: About Me
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MEET RACHEL

Rachel Curl, PsyD

Sees clients in the "Bakehouse" Offices

Rachel earned her doctorate in Psychology at Wright State University. She is skilled at treating depression, anxiety, trauma, interpersonal struggles, and more. She has special interest in body image in women, and identity development in the young adult journey.

Meet the Counselors: About Me
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MEET HOLLY

Holly Alexander, CT

Sees clients in the "Bakehouse" Offices

Holly currently holds a Master’s degree in School Counseling, a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Life Coaching certification. 


Holly has worked with children and families since 2007. During Holly’s internship, she will be primarily working with couples going through relationship issues and clients that are experiencing grief. Holly also is passionate about working with clients experiencing the following concerns: anxiety, depression, college/career dilemmas, self-esteem, and trauma. She believes in a holistic and solution-focused approach to mental health. Her goal in counseling is to help clients find purpose, hope, and joy in their present lives. Holly is a graduate student at Wright State University, earning her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She is in her final semester of internship, under the supervision of Kendra Hemminger, LPCC-S.

Meet the Counselors: About Me
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MEET JESS

Office Manager

Please feel welcome to contact Jess with any questions you might have. Jess will help you make your first appointment and get you scheduled with the best Counselor for your needs. 

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You can contact Jess at (937) 756-0183 or send her a message by clicking the link below. 

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It is our priority that you find what you need in this season of life. You deserve a Counselor that will honor your therapy goals and help you grow through this season. Jess is a resource for you as you navigate these initial decisions in therapy. 

Meet the Counselors: About Me
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