ABOUT

Shantel Thomas, Ph. D. PCC-S, LSW is a published author, President and CEO of A
Sound Mind Counseling Service and Founder of the Center For Healing The Hurt, a free
trauma based therapy center for kids and teens in the Cincinnati inner city. Dr. Thomas
has been trained and certified in numerous counseling techniques; a few to note are:
depression, women’s issues, trauma and crisis intervention.

Dr. Shantel provides individual, couple and group therapy to people of all cultural
backgrounds and ages. In addition to private practice, she has presented both locally,
nationally and internationally to numerous audiences, in corporate, academic and
church settings. Thomas has trained companies in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and
she has been the keynote speaker for numerous conferences. She believes that
everyone can receive total mind, body and spiritual wellness.
Dr. Thomas was honored by the Mayor of Cincinnati and City Council for Women’s
History Month. She received the highest award in the city for a female, the YWCA’S
Career Women of Achievement and the list continues. She is a member of Alpha Kappa
Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Dr. Thomas received her B.A., M.Ed. from the University of Toledo, where she was
inducted into the Hall of Fame. She attended the University of Toledo on a full athletic
scholarship and had a stellar career, traveling the world competing and receiving
various honors, including MAC Athlete of the Year and NCAA Woman of the Year for
Ohio. Her doctorate is from Kent State University.

Erin A. Dodds, M.Ed. LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor), originally from Columbus, Ohio, relocated to Cincinnati in 2016, where she lives with her husband and their three wonderful children. A proud Otterbein University alumnus, she graduated with a degree in Organizational Communication in 2009. Erin began her career with the State of Ohio as a Correction Officer and Case Manager before pursuing her Master's in Education in Counseling at Lindsey Wilson, graduating in 2021 with a Master's in Education. Currently, she serves as the Clinical Director at A Sound Mind Counseling Services, specializing in family systems, couples therapy, depression, and anxiety. Erin is dedicated to empowering the Black community and promoting women's empowerment, fostering generational healing within families, and challenging the stigma surrounding mental health and its treatment.

Monica Hayden, MSSW, LISW is an independent licensed social worker supervisor. She received her AA degree from St. Catherine College, her BSSW degree from Spalding University, and her MSSW from University of Louisville Kent School of Social Work. She has been in the mental health field for over 20 years. Ms. Hayden has experience working with diverse backgrounds with mental health issues and other daily stressors. Her areas include but not limited to adolescents age 14 and above, Individual Therapy, Group Therapy, Relationship Issues, Depression/Anxiety, Personal and Social Issues and Stress Management.

Teresa Hard is a dedicated Counselor in Training (CT) who is on the verge of completing her Masters in Clinical Mental Health. With a Bachelor of Arts and Science from Xavier University and over 30 years of community and ministry experience, she has a passion for young women in areas such as parenting, organization, and financial management. Teresa specializes in helping individuals challenges like low self-worth, anxiety, and depression using person-centered therapy (PCT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (T). Her previous role as an EEO Counselor with the Internal Revenue Service adds depth to her expertise, making her a compassionate guide for those navigating life's obstacles.

Gwendolyn DaCons Taylor, MSW, LSW,

To serve others providing them with coping strategies and assistance to
become thriving citizens with clinical and Christian Counseling providing hope! Bowling Green State University Bachelor of Arts 1977 University of Kentucky Master of Social Work 1989. Gwendolyn also specializes in Planning, Intervention, Psychotherapy with Individuals and Families. Diagnosis, and treatment of emotional and mental disorders. Mental Health Counseling, Crisis Counseling, and Consultation, Individual, Group, and Family Counseling. Solution Focused and Cognitive Behavioral Health Therapy

Jaqueline McClure