Dr. Lauren Elder, PhD, ABPP (she/her)
OWNER, LICENSED CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
ACCEPTING ASSESSMENT REFERRALS & THERAPY REFERRALS ON WAITLIST
Dr. Lauren Elder is committed to providing neurodiversity affirming and trauma informed care to her clients. Her approach to therapy is flexible, client-centered, and strengths based. Therapy goals can include management of anxiety and depression, unmasking, managing sensory needs, and building skills in self-advocacy. She is a clear and direct communicator and works to provide clients with a high level of support. Many of Dr. Elder’s clients are young children struggling with emotional regulation and late-diagnosed and/or high masking autistic adults, including those experiencing autistic burnout. Dr. Elder also works with those with significant mental health challenges such as PTSD, schizoaffective and dissociative disorders. She provides play therapy, individual, parent support, family and couples. In addition to her work as a provider at Ascent, Dr. Elder works as a consultant to foundations, corporations, and government agencies, delivering trainings on a variety of neurodiversity and mental health topics. At Ascent, Dr. Elder offers play therapy, JASPER, individual therapy, couples therapy, parent therapy, family therapy, and psychological assessments.
Dr. Elder is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Ohio (#P.08297) and California (#26523). She is also a member of the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact, an interstate compact designed to facilitate the practice of telepsychology across state boundaries. Clients residing in PsyPact participating states may schedule with Dr. Elder for therapy and assessment services.
Identities: Neurodivergent, in a relationship with a neurodivergent partner, mother and bonus mom to neurodivergent children
Specialties: Affirming assessment and therapy, neurodivergence (autism, ADHD, PDA, intellectual disabilities), severe mental illness and trauma, all ages (infant-seniors), families, couples
Antoinette “Christy” Walker MSW, LSW (she/her)
LICENSED SOCIAL WORKER
ACCEPTING THERAPY REFERRALS ON A WAITLIST & KETAMINE ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY REFERRALS ON A WAITLIST
Christy Walker is a licensed social worker that brings a trauma-informed, person-centered lens to therapy, integrating a variety of approaches to honor each individual’s unique processing style and lived experience. Christy received her master’s in education from Indiana University and her master’s in social work from Miami University. She has worked in diverse settings—including schools, hospitals, community mental health, and management—and brings a wealth of experience supporting children, adolescents, and families from a wide range of cultural backgrounds. Christy provides individual, family, couples, and group therapy, and believes the most vital part of the therapeutic process is a strong, trusting connection between therapist and client. She places high value on the therapeutic relationship, using humor and genuine connection to build rapport and foster deeper exploration of each client’s goals and needs. Warm, compassionate, and humanistic, Christy also brings directness to therapy when needed. She skillfully balances deep empathy with gentle confrontation, helping clients examine opportunities for growth while ensuring they feel safe, cared for, and supported throughout their journey. At Ascent, Christy offers play therapy, individual therapy, couples therapy, parent therapy, family therapy, and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy.
Christy Walker is a licensed social worker in the state of Ohio, #S.2207213. Her clinical work is supervised Amy Glubzinski, LISW-S, #I.1600235-SUPV while she works toward independent licensure.
Identities: Neurodivergent, in a relationship with a neurodivergent partner, veteran, dog mom
Specialties: Affirming therapy, neurodivergence (autism, ADHD, PDA, intellectual disabilities), severe mental illness and trauma, newly diagnosed autism, unmasking, play therapy approaches, parent coaching and support, crisis management, all ages, families, couples
Subspecialties: LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, depression, anxiety, professional exploration, life transitions, grief, cultural sensitivity
Rachel Brown, MSW, LSW (she/her)
LICENSED SOCIAL WORKER
ACCEPTING THERAPY REFERRALS ON A WAITLIST & KETAMINE ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY REFERRALS ON A WAITLIST
Rachel Brown, MSW, LSW, is a licensed social worker who brings an energized, warm, and person-centered approach to therapy. With deep respect for each client’s individuality, she integrates a range of evidence-based modalities to support meaningful exploration, healing, and growth. She has specialized experience working with the LGBTQ+ community, neurodivergent adults, and individuals navigating personality disorders, depression, and OCD. She is passionate about creating an affirming, nonjudgmental space where clients can show up as they are and feel seen, heard, and supported. At Ascent, Rachel will be seeing all ages and has training in Autplay which is a play therapy intervention designed for young autisitic children and in Collaborative Problem Solving. Rachel has a particular interest in working with those with a PDA profile.
Rachel earned her Master of Social Work from Miami University and has worked in a variety of settings, including community mental health centers, outpatient programs, intensive outpatient programs (IOP), substance use recovery programs, and virtual therapy. Her diverse background equips her to meet clients wherever they are in their journey with skill, empathy, and creativity.
At Ascent, Rachel provides individual therapy, family therapy, and group therapy. She values building strong, authentic therapeutic relationships that empower clients to reconnect with themselves and move toward their goals with confidence and clarity.
Rachel Brown is a licensed social worker in the state of Ohio, #S.2208406. Her clinical work is supervised by Hannah Smith LISW-S, I.1700736-SUPV while she works toward independent licensure.
Identities: Lesbian, neurodivergent, married to a neurodivergent partner.
Specialties: neurodiversity (ADHD, Autism), PDA profile, LGBTQIA+, dual diagnosis, mood, substance, and personality disorders, group psychotherapy.
Allison Sears, MSW, LSW (she/her)
LICENSED SOCIAL WORKER
ACCEPTING THERAPY REFERRALS
Allison Sears, MSW, LSW, is a licensed social worker who values holding a trauma-informed, culturally responsive, affirming, and honest space for her clients. Allison earned her Bachelor’s degree in International Studies with a focus on Linguistics from Bowling Green State University, and her Master of Social Work from Miami University.
Over the past decade, she has worked extensively in educational settings—ranging from K–12 schools to higher education—focusing on mental health support, community-building, and advocacy for youth, families, and adults of all ages.
At Ascent, Allison provides individual therapy for children, teens, and adults. She has specialized experience supporting clients with multicultural, international, immigrant, and refugee backgrounds, and is passionate about honoring the unique identities and stories each person brings to the therapeutic relationship. She strives to co-create a collaborative and compassionate space where clients can explore challenges, build resilience, and reconnect with their sense of agency and self-worth.
Allison is a licensed social worker in the State of Ohio, #S.2411334. Her clinical work is supervised by Hannah Smith LISW-S, I.1700736-SUPV as she works toward independent licensure.
Identities: neurodivergent
Specialties: affirming therapy (children, teens, adults), neurodivergence (ADHD, Autism), PTSD, depression, anxiety, mood and substance use disorders
Avital Sutin, M.A. (she/her)
PSYD PRACTICUM STUDENT
ACCEPTING ASSESSMENT REFERRALS & THERAPY REFERRALS ON A WAITLIST
Avital Sutin is a dedicated Clinical Psychology PsyD student at Xavier University, where her journey in psychology began with a master’s degree. Currently, she is diving deep into research that examines executive functioning within classroom settings, working to improve educational experiences for all students. Her earlier research at the University of Connecticut focused on early identification of neurodivergent development, illustrating her commitment to supporting diverse needs. Beyond her academic pursuits, Avital is passionate about creating inclusive spaces that celebrate all neurotypes. She actively engages with her community and promotes wellness through fitness classes tailored for neurodivergent adults, fostering connection and support.
Avital brings a warm, empathetic, and client-centered approach to therapy. She believes that every individual’s journey is unique, and she tailors her techniques to meet each person’s specific needs. Avital incorporates play therapy to create a safe environment where individuals, especially children, can express themselves freely and explore their thoughts and feelings. In her individual therapy sessions, she uses strength-based strategies, fostering resilience and empowering clients to navigate life's challenges. With her welcoming spirit and dedication to holistic well-being, Avital looks forward to partnering with you on your journey toward growth and healing. At Ascent, Avital offers play therapy, individual therapy, and psychological assessments.
Avital Sutin’s clinical work is supervised by Dr. Lauren Elder, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, #P.08297 (OH).
Identities: graduate student, ciswoman, multigenerational family
Specialties: neurodiversity (ADHD, Autism), children and adolescents, affirming psychological testing (children, teens, adults)
Kathryn Totzke, M.A. (she/her)
PSYD PRACTICUM STUDENT
ACCEPTING ASSESSMENT REFERRALS
Kathryn Totzke is a Clinical Psychology PsyD student at Xavier University, where she also received her master’s degree. Alongside her academics, she currently works within Xavier's Student Wellbeing Services department, supervising and mentoring Xavier undergraduate students who lead power- and gender-based violence prevention initiatives across campus in BRAVE (Believe, Reclaim, Advocate, Vocalize, Empower). In her PsyD program at Xavier, she is dedicated to her research on the effects early childhood trauma has on executive functioning and emotional and behavioral regulation.
Kathryn is committed to practicing from a neurodiversity-affirming lens, both in therapy and assessment. She understands the importance of a strong therapeutic relationship as the foundation of affirming and responsive care. She is dedicated to using an integrative approach to tailor her work to the unique identities, strengths, lived experiences, and needs of each client. Kathryn has extensive experience working with neurodivergent individuals across the lifespan, including administering psychological assessments for the Ohio Division of Disability Determination, conducting evaluations for neurodivergent children and teens, and working with autistic children, adolescents, and adults. At Ascent, Kathryn offers play therapy, individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, and psychological assessments.
Kathryn Totzke’s clinical work is supervised by Dr. Lauren Elder, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, #P.08297 (OH).
Identities: Neurodivergent, graduate student, ciswoman
Specialties:. neurodiversity (ADHD, Autism, PDA), affirming psychological testing (children, teens, adults), affirming therapy (children, teens, adults), executive functioning, newly diagnosed ADHD and autism, unmasking, neurodiversity in women and girls, power- and gender-based violence
Claudia Wittich Jessee, M.Ed. (she/her)
PhD PRACTICUM STUDENT
ACCEPTING ASSESSMENT AND COACHING REFERRALS ON A WAITLIST
Claudia Wittich Jessee is a PhD student in School Psychology at the University of Cincinnati. She began her career as a middle school special education teacher in Nashville, Tennessee, where she advocated for neurodivergent students in inclusive classroom settings. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Claudia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Tulane University and a Master’s in Education from Lipscomb University. Claudia’s clinical interests are deeply rooted in providing compassionate, affirming care that meets the unique needs of each individual. She specializes in behavioral support, executive functioning, and helping clients develop the skills they need to thrive in their everyday lives. Above all, Claudia is committed to a strengths-based approach that honors each person’s autonomy and personal journey. She believes in working as a collaborative partner with individuals and families, helping them navigate assessment and coaching to find the most meaningful path forward—one that is in alignment with their values, goals, and aspirations.
Claudia Wittich Jessee’s clinical work is supervised by Dr. Lauren Elder, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, #P.08297 (OH).
Identities: Ciswoman, queer, student, teacher, and advocate
Specialties:. Neurodiversity, children and adolescents, PDA, affirming assessment and coaching, executive functioning, acceptance and commitment therapy, play therapy
Anna Sipowicz, M.Ed. (she/her)
PhD PRACTICUM STUDENT
ACCEPTING ASSESSMENT REFERRALS & KETAMINE ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY REFERRALS
Anna Sipowicz is a PhD student in School Psychology at the University of Cincinnati, where she also earned her M.Ed. She holds a B.A. in Music and Psychology from Pomona College.
In her time spent up and down the west coast, Anna has extensive experience working with children and families, especially those with ADHD, Autism, and various related diagnoses and experiences, as well as in care and research for adults experiencing suicidality at the University of Washington in Seattle.
Her work is informed by values of social justice, equity, empathy, and the ethical guidelines of the National Association of School Psychologists and American Psychological Association. Anna values the importance of relationship-building as a foundation for effective, compassionate care and is particularly interested in building self-regulation and self efficacy skills and promoting positive peer connections among children. Anna cares deeply about reducing stigma around complex behaviors and experiences, from a neurodiversity-affirming lens. At Ascent, Anna offers assessments, play therapy, and KAP.
Anna Sipowicz’s clinical work is supervised by Dr. Lauren Elder, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, #P.08297 (OH).
Identities: graduate student, ciswoman, from the Pacific Northwest, international family
Specialties:. Neurodiversity (ADHD and Autism), children and adolescents, affirming psychological testing
Margaret Wazevich, M.Ed. (she/her)
PhD PRACTICUM STUDENT
ACCEPTING ASSESSMENT REFERRALS
Margaret Wazevich is a School Psychology PhD student at the University of Cincinnati where she also received her masters. Her current research centers on empowering students with chronic medical conditions and co-occurring mental health concerns to live a values-based life. Earlier research projects of hers included increasing urban community awareness of neurodiversity, understanding the experience of college students in the TAP program at UC, adolescent sleep and impulsivity, school-based mindfulness and movement breaks, adult psychedelic treatments for depression and anxiety, and parent/caregiver prediction of IQ amongst neurodivergent individuals. Beyond her academic endeavors, Margaret practices at a local preschool, providing school-based consultation, assessment, and intervention with students, parents, teachers, and staff and is involved in research at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital in the Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBI) clinic.
Margaret practices from a neuro-affirming lens, celebrating neurodiversity. She challenges deficit-based models by focusing on individual strengths and unique ways of thinking, learning and experiencing the world. Her work emphasizes collaborative feedback, validation, and advocacy, ultimately, aiming to empower clients to thrive as their authentic selves. At Ascent, Margaret offers psychological assessments.
Her clinical work is supervised by Dr. Lauren Elder, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, #P.08297 (OH).
Identities: graduate student, ciswoman
Specialties:. chronic illnesses, children and adolescents, psychological testing (children, teens, adults), early childhood learning and development, special education services
Kayleigh Cornell (she/her)
EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING & PARENTING COACH
ACCEPTING VIRTUAL COACHING REFERRALS
Kayleigh is a certified coach, doula, and trained tutor with a major in psychology. She takes a holistic approach to each client’s physical and mental health. She helps clients identify their foundational and personal setbacks. Together, they strategize by navigating learning preferences and strengths. Kayleigh teaches life skills that build confidence to face everyday challenges. She supports her clients by recognizing their innate goodness and natural talents as well as encouraging them to unmask and discover their authentic selves. At Ascent, Kayleigh offers executive functioning coaching and parent coaching.
Identities: Heteroflexible marriage, Mother of four young children
Specialties: communication skills, interpersonal skills, postpartum support, resource direction early childhood development, gentle navigation through trauma
Subspecialties: Communication skills, Interpersonal skills, Postpartum support, Resource direction, Early childhood development, Gentle navigation through trauma
Kyle Whitney, MBA, PMP (he/him)
OFFICE MANAGER
Kyle is a management professional that brings over 8 years of business operations experience. He received his MBA degree from Western Governors University. Before coming to Ascent, he worked in a range of different industries, including insurance, tourism, and wellness. Kyle brings a calm, solutions-oriented approach to managing the day-to-day operations. He is dedicated to enhancing the client experience through thoughtful systems, clear communication, and continuous operational improvements. His work allows clinicians to focus fully on their clients while ensuring the practice runs smoothly and efficiently.
Identities: Neurodivergent, in a relationship with a non-binary partner, animal advocate
Joseph Cundiff (he/him)
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Joseph is a Cincinnati native and student at Cincinnati State. He hopes to one day pursue a career in clinical psychology and takes great pride in his work as one of our practice’s administrative assistants and as our group therapy assistant.
Identities: Neurodivergent, academic