About our team
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I'm glad you're here! My name is Jess and 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 family, hiking, biking, running... really anything outdoors! And as a busy parent myself, I also love nothing more than a good cup of coffee.
Jess O'Neil, LCPC NCC
OWNER
Board Approved Supervisor
Kari Shumaker, LCPC
Hello! I'm Kari and I am the kiddo whisperer here at Rise. 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 excessive worries, feelings of sadness/isolation, and/or difficult behaviors at home/school. 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.
Merrideth Wile, lCpc
Hi there, I’m Merrideth!
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 6 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 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.
John slick, lgpc ncc
Hi there! I'm John, and I'm so glad you're here! 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!
Jenn Lewis, LCSW-C
LICSW
Board Approved Supervisor
licensed to practice in md & wV
Hi I'm Jenn. 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
Great to meet you! My name is Louis. 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.
RACHAEL GREISE, LCPC
Hey there, I'm Rachael!
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!
Cheyenne croteau, masters level intern
Hi, I'm Chey! 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.
In my spare time when I am not a counseling student and intern, 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!
Alice Kinsey, LCPC
Hey there, I'm Alice!
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. The beach, swimming, reading, puzzles, and being with my dogs, family, & friends gives me a sense of calmness and relaxation in my free time.
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!
Ijee' Ragin, lCpc
Hello, I'm Ijee'!
Aside from my passion for being a therapist, spending time with family and friends, my two dogs; Ellie and Enzo, True Crime Podcasts, 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 specialize in working with clients with anxiety, depression, ADHD, family issues, as well as adjustment issues through a client-centered approach. 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!
carly lesznar,
administrative specialist
Hello, I’m Carly! I love all things organization and paperwork related (I know, weird) which is a large part of my position as an administrative assistant. I have close to 7 years in the mental health field and through those 6 years, I have found my biggest asset is helping you get connected with services as quickly as possible. When I’m not working, you’ll find me spending time with my kiddos, grandson and husband. There is never a dull moment!
I look forward to helping you begin your healing journey and RISING TOGETHER!
