Our Story
We Rise by Lifting Others
At Rise Counseling & Wellness Group, our clinicians are focused on helping you rise to your full potential using a strengths-based and holistic approach to wellness.
Our goal is to help you implement realistic strategies that support your goals.
Jessica O'Neil, LCPC NCC
Owner, Board Approved Supervisor & Clinician
I'm glad you're here, my name is Jess!
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I am the owner of Rise Counseling & Wellness Group. I have been in the mental health field for almost 15 years in a variety of different settings. I am passionate about working with couples, parents/caregivers of young kiddos, professionals in the helping field and athletes. My goal is to help lessen your mental load so you can RISE to your full potential at home, work and/or on the playing field. I operate from a trauma-informed approach and utilize EMDR, a treatment for trauma and stressor-related disorders, when appropriate. I sincerely believe meaningful personal and professional growth occurs when we feel safe to be our genuine selves. Whether we are working through past traumas, current life circumstances, or future goals you can expect our meetings to be full of personal reflection, support, relief and some humor/sarcasm when appropriate. ​In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my own kids, hiking, biking, running.... really anything outdoors! And as a busy parent myself, I also love nothing more than a good cup of coffee.
Carly Lesznar
Administrative Specialist
Hello, I’m Carly!
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I am most often your first point of contact at Rise Counseling & Wellness Group! I love all things organization and paperwork related (I know- rare!) which is a large part of my position as the administrative specialist. During my time in the mental health field, I have found my biggest asset is helping you get connected with services as quickly and smoothly as possible. ​I’m here to support our clients every step of the way- from your first call or message to getting you connected with the right therapist for your needs. I believe everyone deserves access to compassionate mental health support, and I am proud to be apart of such a caring and dedicated team! ​
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When I’m not at Rise Counseling, you’ll find me spending time with family & friends, spending time at the beach or always on the go getting into something fun! I look forward to helping you begin your healing journey and RISING TOGETHER!
Ijee' Ragin, LCPC
Clinician
Hello, I'm Ijee'!
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Aside from my passion for being a therapist, spending time with family and friends and my baby girl, dog; Ellie, reading, crafting, and being in the mountains are all things I love and enjoy! I really enjoy working with the teenagers, young adults, and the LGBTQIA+ community, as I am a gender affirming therapist. I have a passion for working with clients with a history of trauma or stressor related disorders, anxiety, depression, ADHD, family conflict, OCD as well as difficulties with adjusting to life transitions. I truly enjoy helping clients find relief and regain a sense of peace and control in their lives. I implement a realistic and upfront approach to therapy while utilizing solution-focused and cognitive-behavioral techniques. I meet my client's where they are and provide a safe space where they can discuss items important to them and have their feelings validated. I prioritize rapport at the start of therapy to build a trusting relationship that will allow my clients to grow and heal. I look forward to working with you through your growing and healing journey!
Kari Shumaker, LCPC
Clinician (Virtual)
Hello! I'm Kari and I am the kiddo whisperer here at Rise!
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It helps that I'm a kid at heart and love baking, crafts, escape rooms and spending time with family in my free time. I enjoy working with children & adolescents struggling with feelings of sadness/isolation and/or difficult behaviors at home/school.
I also enjoy working with children navigating symptoms of OCD and anxiety/excessive worry and use evidence-based strategies to support meaningful progress. Like my colleagues, I tailor my treatment approach to the specific client I am working with. I am trained in CBT but also use a client/family-centered approach to help increase positive interactions at home and school. I keep my sessions fun and engaging while also making sure there is a therapeutic purpose within each activity.
Ashley Hoffman, LGPC
Clinician
Hi, I'm Ashley!
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I am a Licensed Graduate Practicing Counselor (LGPC) committed to providing trauma-informed, LGBTQIA+-affirming care. I believe that each person’s journey is shaped by the intersection of their identities and experiences. In our counseling sessions, I prioritize creating a compassionate, validating space where individuals can explore the complexities of who they are, uncovering deeper self-understanding and the beliefs that influence their lives. ​ I’m passionate about supporting adults who’ve faced adverse religious or spiritual experiences, are navigating life transitions, managing relational challenges, and healing from complex and developmental trauma. ​ In addition to my counseling work, I also enjoy part-time work on a farm, where I find growing plants and connecting with nature to be incredibly therapeutic. Outside of work, I love spending time outdoors with my dog, Lou, and connecting with friends and family. Engaging with the local arts community is also something that brings me a lot of joy.
John Slick, LCPC
Clinician
Hi there! I'm John, and I'm so glad you're here!
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I believe people change and grow when they're able to find meaning and purpose in their lives, and I believe the best way I can help with that process is through an honest, supportive, and collaborative relationship. ​I am passionate about helping people become more authentic versions of themselves, and I hope that in our work together I can help support you while you find the version of you that you want to be! I love helping adult clients work through past traumas and am trained in EMDR, a modality particularly useful in working with trauma and stressor related disorders. I also enjoy working with clients on issues related to parenting, relationships, and adjusting to new life circumstances.​ In addition to EMDR, I operate from a person-centered approach and also utilize Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy to help people become more aware of the motivations behind their thoughts and actions.​ Aside from my passion for being a therapist, I love spending time with my family, get way too invested in the Orioles and Golden State Warriors, and consume every piece of Star Wars content I can get my hands on. In my past career, I was a music teacher, and so I still love to play and work with other musicians whenever I can. I am so looking forward to meeting you and walking alongside you in your journey to a better you!
Amanda Miller, LGPC
Clinician
Hello! I’m Amanda.
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I value creating a space where clients can feel safe sharing their thoughts and experiences while knowing they will not be judged. I have a certificate in Trauma, Grief, Crisis, and Loss. ​I practice from a trauma-informed perspective, incorporating elements of CBT, DBT, and interpersonal therapy. I have experience working with adults and teens. ​ I enjoy helping people improve their relationships, communication skills, emotion regulation, and sense of control over their lives. My focus is on helping adolescents and adults with anxiety, relationship difficulties, self-esteem, and overwhelming emotions. Outside of work, I love reading, cooking, and spending time outside! I would be honored to join you in your healing journey.
Cheyenne Croteau, LGPC
Clinician
Hi, I'm Chey!
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My approach to our therapy sessions will be client-centered while focusing on the mind-body connection as each part plays a vital role in your healing. Along with a client-centered approach, I utilize various techniques incorporating mindfulness and breathwork to help guide my clients through their healing journey. It is important to me, that you have a safe and comfortable space to become intune with your emotions to enhance your overall wellness. I provide a judgment-free space where your thoughts, experiences, and emotions are validated. I have a passion for working with OCD and anxiety and offer a compassionate, structured treatment approach that empowers clients to face fears and build resilience. In my spare time when I am not a counseling student,
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I enjoy traveling and trying new experiences and observing the beauty of nature. Also, I enjoy cooking especially with my extended family, creating unforgettable memories. I look forward to walking through this journey with you!
Merrideth Wile, LCPC
Clinician
Hi there, I’m Merrideth!
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I love cooking, gardening, snuggling with my cats and spending time in nature with my husband and dog, Jellybean! After a career change from the beauty industry a little over 7 years ago, I found myself called to the counseling profession. I take a client centered approach and pull from a variety of sources to help navigate life transitions, depression, anxiety along with anything else that life may throw your way. I also provide couples counseling, helping partners improve communication, rebuild trust, and strengthen emotional connection. I am LGBTQ+ affirming and welcome everyone to be their genuine selves for their personal growth. I look forward to working through your individual journey together.
Alice Kinsey, LCPC
Clinician
Hey there, I'm Alice!
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I enjoy helping others and have done so in a variety of settings and roles for the past eight years. While I am a middle school counselor by day, I enjoy working with older teens and adults in the evenings. My experience with the school system gives me a unique perspective to help parents find information and resources to support themselves and their children.I work with clients to help them navigate all that life throws at us. Whether these challenges stem from family, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting, or school/work, I operate from a solution-focused approach while "digging deeper" when needed. My purpose is to validate your experiences in a judgment-free zone. Everyone has a voice and my goal is to help you find and use it! When I’m not working, you can find me soaking up the sun at the beach, swimming, reading a great book, or getting lost in a good puzzle. I also cherish time with my dogs, family, and friends.
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Rachael Griese, LCPC
Clinician (Virtual)
Hey there, I'm Rachael!
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I am a client-centered therapist and utilize both Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and solution-focused approaches in my work. I connect well with young adults to middle aged adults that struggle with codependency issues, anxiety, depression and childhood trauma. I also love working with children and adolescents with ADHD and defiance issues. Outside of my passion for therapy and mental health, I love watching sports and attending sporting events, especially baseball and hockey games. Although I am a serious movie enthusiast, I also love spending time outdoors and spending quality time with my family and friends. I also very much enjoy using my knowledge of useless facts for trivia on Thursday nights. I look forward to meeting you where you are and being part of your healing journey!
Jennifer Lewis, LCSW-C (Licensed in MD & WV)
Clinician (Virtual)
Hi I'm Jenn.
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I've been a self-proclaimed "nerd" since birth; I'm very creative, enjoy painting, sewing, jewelry making, Cosplay/Anime, and watching those true crime shows on the ID channel like every other therapist/social worker. I particularly enjoy working with neurodiverse adolescents/teen and adults on acceptance, unmasking, and self esteem as well as individuals looking to resolve past trauma or explore avenues to safety, resilience, and increased self esteem. I have extensive experience working with Trauma, Intimate Partner Violence/Domestic Violence, the LGBTQIA population, Substance Use, and Women's issues. In addition to being licensed to practice and supervise LMSW's & LGPC's in MD & WV, I am also a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional.
Louis Morlier, LCSW-C
Clinician
Great to meet you! My name is Louis.
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I have been in clinical practice since 2018 and previously worked with victims of human trafficking and exploitation. I have experience working with clients of all ages dealing with trauma, grief, and anxiety. I am trained in EMDR and believe it’s important that my clients feel heard, understood and have a safe place to "unpack" your concerns. My approach begins with genuinely listening to my clients and creating an environment where you can be vulnerable and supported. You have a right to heal, grow, and be happy and I am honored to be a part of your healing journey.
Gracie Magaha
COMING SOON
Hi there, I'm Gracie!
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I am an administrative assistant here at Rise Counseling and will soon be an intern as part of completing my masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling! When I’m not at Rise or in the classroom, I am either at the gym, on a hike, in a local coffee shop or watching The Middle! I love spending time with my friends and family watching sports and going on outdoor adventures. I’m honored to be a part of the team here at Rise and look forward to helping you start your journey!