AMY SULLIVAN, MA, LPCC, AIMI (She/Her)
ROOTED COMPASSION COUNSELING AND CONSULTING
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL CLINICAL COUNSELOR

Amy Stenger-Sullivan (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor-Supervisor, trainer and CEO of Rooted Compassion Counseling and Consulting, LLC. As a Certified Trauma Responsive Counselor, Amy understands and applies knowledge of interpersonal neurobiology, Polyvagal Theory and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Amy is an EMDR Certified Therapist. She specializes in utilizing and teaching about the nervous system to help people move into post-traumatic healing and growth.

Her goal is to help clients realize their mental health goals, experience healing and an increased sense of well-being. Amy works from a biology-based approach to healing - with the understanding that feelings are expressed first through the nervous system and then are processed in the brain. Her style is compassionate, empathetic, direct, and infused with humor. 

As a somatic health expert, Amy provides compassionate, person-focused, and practical therapy to individuals experiencing grief, anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, and work-life balance challenges. Having twenty years of experience as a massage therapist and body worker uniquely positions Amy to understand and appreciate the body-mind connection.

In sessions with Amy, you can expect her to encourage you to make this connection for yourself while accessing the wealth of information your nervous system has to offer you about feelings and past experiences. This connection brings lasting, healing and substantial growth.

Telehealth & In-Person | Individuals (18+)

HEATHER VANDENBARK, LPCC (She/Her)
ALIGNED HOPE
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL CLINICAL COUNSELOR

Hello, I’m Heather. I received my master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Gardner-Webb University in North Carolina, and almost done getting the premier Gottman Method certification for couples and marital counseling. I have two young children and have been married to my high school sweetheart for ten years.

Over my eight year professional career, I have worked with a wide variety of people from 2 years old to 82 years old. I enjoy and am available to help couples, families, and individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs – but I specialize in couples counseling, and enjoy bringing a Christian perspective if that is an option you prefer.

Heather Vandenbark, MA, LPCC

MEGAN KOPACK, LPC (she/her/hers)
ROOTED COMPASSION COUNSELING AND CONSULTING
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR

Megan Kopack (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Professional Counselor experienced in working with those who have experienced trauma, anxiety, depression, symptoms associated with Bipolar Disorder, and Borderline Personality Disorder. She is skilled in synthesizing various therapeutic modalities including The Polyvagal Theory, Mindfulness-Based Practices, Therapeutic Yoga, Somatic-Focused Approaches, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy to create a holistic approach for healing psychologically, physically, and spiritually. Megan is certified in Applied Polyvagal Theory in Therapeutic Yoga and loves to bring any type or style of yoga into the therapy room.

She recognizes all humans are unique and dynamic and aims to tailor treatment specific to each client. She creates a caring, open, judgment-free, and humor-infused space for her clients to explore and define their whole selves. 

Through a combination of Mindfulness-Based practices, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Megan assists with the development of self-regulation, self-esteem, interpersonal skills, and healing. Megan understands our bodies and minds learn from our environments and experiences and assists with integrating these to improve daily functionality.

Telehealth Only | Individuals (20+)

BRANDON MUELLER, CIT (he/him/his)
ROOTED COMPASSION COUNSELING AND CONSULTING
COUNSELOR IN TRAINING

Brandon believes that personal growth and healing occur within a trusting, nonjudgmental, safe, honest, and empathic therapeutic relationship. To build that relationship Brandon is fully committed to learning about and understanding each client’s perspective, background, values, and choices. His style is warm, compassionate, and humorous.

His approach toward individual counseling includes trauma informed care utilizing mindfulness-based practices, person-centered principles and many of skills and strategies from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). His aim is to form a strong relationship, free of judgment and full of unconditional support and acceptance that will assist in the development of self-regulation, self-esteem, interpersonal skills, and healing. Through your work together, Brandon believes you can discover your strengths and learn the skills necessary to develop the life you want to live. If you’re ready to build a life worth living, please reach out.

Telehealth Only | Individuals (18+)

BRENDA PUCKETT
ROOTED COMPASSION COUNSELING AND CONSULTING
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR

Sometimes in life we may find ourselves in a “stuck” place, repeating the same unproductive patterns and losing our joy and hope. It is not easy to navigate some transitions and relationship difficulties. At these times, one of the best ways to handle life’s problems is to reach out for support. Brenda is a Licensed Professional Counselor who would love to join you in your growth process to address the challenges you or a loved one may be experiencing and to help you find the ways you want to move forward. She offers you the respect and acceptance you deserve, sharing her warmth and life experience, without judgment. Having lived 10+ years as an adult in Britain and Asia, Brenda has expertise working with those who are adjusting to cross-cultural living.

Brenda is passionate about working with women and issues they face in all seasons of life. She works from a mindfulness and strengths-based approach, centered on your goals, using the latest neuroscience to incorporate the mind body connection in healing. She can provide you with tools and support as you work through common issues we all may face in life: depression, anxiety, transitions, relationship challenges, grief/loss, childhood trauma, aging gracefully, etc.

Brenda believes we all have strengths from which to draw to overcome obstacles and move forward to achieve our goals and share our gifts in this world. If you sense it is time for you to make some changes, or to get unstuck, to receive support and encouragement on your life path, please give Brenda a call. She looks forward to accompanying you on your journey.

Telehealth Only | Individuals (18+)

Mimi Richmond, LPA (she/her/hers)
ROOTED COMPASSION COUNSELING AND CONSULTING
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR

Mimi’s practice is grounded in the neurobiological mind-body connection. She recognizes that the body not only raises alarms in reacting to life stressors (past events/present challenges/future worries), the body also plays an important part in the healing process. Using an integrated, strengths-based approach, Mimi has worked with individuals experiencing difficulties with life transitions and interpersonal relationships, anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. With compassion and curiosity, Mimi will invite you into a creative, safe space, journeying alongside you as you reconnect with your own capacity for change and personal growth.

Telehealth & In-Person | Individuals (12+) & Community Groups

KIMBER ANDREWS (she/her/hers)
ROOTED COMPASSION COUNSELING AND CONSULTING
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR

Kimber Andrews (she/her/hers) is currently a student in the University of Cincinnati’s Mental Health Counseling Program and is excited to be an intern at Rooted Compassion. As a counselor in training, Kimber is working towards a Trauma Responsive Care certification and brings experiences from her work as an educator, yoga and mindfulness instructor, and performing artist to her work with clients. 

Her aim is to provide an open and accepting space for introspection and exploration that supports growth. She works collaboratively with clients to clarify their goals and supports clients as they create new pathways for exploration. Her style is caring, playful, and compassionate.  

Through a holistic approach of integrating thoughts, feelings and embodied sensations, Kimber draws on Mindfulness-Based practices, Expressive Arts explorations, and Person-Centered approaches. Embarking on new journeys, changing well developed patterns, or revisiting painful experiences from the past takes immense courage. Kimber assists clients with cultivating self-compassion, clarity, hope, confidence, and resilience to meet life’s challenges.

Telehealth & In-Person | Individuals (13+)

JENNIFER KROELL (she/her/hers)
ROOTED COMPASSION COUNSELING AND CONSULTING
COUNSELOR IN TRAINING

Jen believes healing happens in relationship. She sees clients as the experts of their own lives and aims to create a safe, supportive, and affirming environment for people to explore, grow, and heal themselves. Jen is committed to working alongside her clients—wherever they are in their personal journey—in a caring and collaborative way. Her ultimate goal is to help empower clients to live in authentic alignment with their own unique, individualized values.

Jen is passionate about advocacy and activism and is dedicated to the continual work around collective liberation. She views systemic issues from an intersectional lens and believes str

ong communities help to create a better world. Jen loves serving the city of Cincinnati and seeks to connect clients with resources and supports that can help them thrive in all aspects of life.”

Telehealth & In-Person | Individuals (13+)

Kara O’Toole, LPC
Rooted Compassion Counseling and Consulting
Kara@rootedcompassion.com
(513) 485-2033

KERI PERDRIX (she/her/hers)
ROOTED COMPASSION COUNSELING AND CONSULTING
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR

Keri Perdrix (she/her/hers) is a licensed school counselor and is currently a student in Xavier University’s bridge program to obtain her mental health counseling license.  As a clinical counselor in training, Keri is working towards a Trauma Responsive Care certification. She aims to create a secure, affirming, relationally-focused environment for every individual she works with so they feel safe and empowered to explore and overcome challenges. Keri also incorporates the use of a trained therapy dog, Gily, into her work for clients who may benefit from animal assisted therapy. Gily helps to facilitate the trust, warmth, and acceptance that is so vital to the therapeutic process.

Keri’s passion is working with children and their families and has been a practicing elementary school counselor for the last 10 years. Keri specializes in supporting children ages 5 to 12 who may be struggling with big feelings and/or big behaviors. She is skilled in helping children develop resilience and coping skills for a number of challenges, including grief and loss, family changes, oppositional behaviors, anger management, ADHD, depression, anxiety, and other adjustment issues. Keri approaches counseling with children with the knowledge that it is distressing for caregivers to witness their children struggling. She utilizes a holistic approach to partner with families to create an individualized plan of support for their child so that strategies explored can be generalized outside of the therapy session.

Telehealth & In-Person | Individuals (5-12)

KARA O’TOOLE (she/her/hers)
ROOTED COMPASSION COUNSELING AND CONSULTING
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR

Kara O'Toole (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a focus in Alcohol and Drug Counseling. Kara's passion for helping others was honed during her two years as a Registered Behavioral Technician in Columbus, Ohio, where she developed a deeply nuanced understanding of the influence of the nervous system on mental health, the importance of emotional regulation skills, and the development of a sense of safety within one's environment. Her commitment to providing quality care led her to Mid-Ohio Psychological Services, a nonprofit community mental health facility in Columbus, Ohio, where she practiced a generalist psychodynamic approach, helping individuals of all ages and diagnoses. Kara's approach is holistic and inclusive, ensuring that each client's unique needs are met across all areas of life.

Kara specializes in working with young adolescents through middle adulthood; but her extensive experience spans a wide age range from children as young as six to older adults. Kara's goal is to empower you to navigate life's challenges, find your inner strength, and create a path to personal growth and well-being. She is here to support you on your journey to healing, whatever that may look like for you.

Kara is dedicated to fostering a nurturing and judgment-free environment, one where you can feel safe and supported when you need it most. Her philosophy centers around the belief that there is no one-size-fits all solution to the complexities of the human mind and soul. Together, you will create tailored treatment options that honor and celebrate your special journey toward healing. Kara is a guiding light, helping you navigate life's challenges and find your way to emotional well-being, self acceptance, and personal growth. She believes that this warm and welcoming atmosphere is not only the key to her clients' personal growth but also a vital component of their healing journey.

Kara is skilled in the use of multiple therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and somatic focused approaches. 

Additionally, Kara holds certification in the Safe and Sound Protocol, which is a program developed through a polyvagal lens. She completed her training through MyUnyte and engages in regular consultation in supervision to continue honing her skills.

Telehealth & In-Person | Individuals (8+)