Dr. Lauren Elder, PhD, ABPP (she/her)
OWNER, LICENSED CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
ACCEPTING ASSESSMENT REFERRALS ON A WAITLIST & CONSULTATION REFERRALS
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, mother 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
Locations: Linwood
Jessica Brandon MS, (she/her)
CHILD & ADOLESCENT ASSESSMENT SPECIALIST | LICENSED INDEPENDENT SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST
ACCEPTING ASSESSMENT REFERRALS
Jessica Brandon provides comprehensive, neurodiversity-affirming psychological assessments for children and adolescents. She works with families to better understand their child's strengths and challenges, and to identify the supports that will help them succeed at home and at school.
With more than a decade of experience supporting neurodivergent children and families, Jessica brings expertise from both school and clinical settings, including public and private schools, private practice, and psychological assessment. She specializes in evaluations for autism (including PDA), ADHD, and learning disabilities, with particular attention to how a child's cognitive, learning, behavioral, and emotional needs may affect their everyday functioning.
Jessica's background in school psychology gives her a valuable understanding of the connection between assessment results and a child's experience in the classroom. Her goal isn't simply to provide a diagnosis—it is to help families understand what is driving their child's challenges and what supports are most likely to help. She communicates clearly and directly and works collaboratively with parents to turn assessment findings into practical next steps and meaningful educational advocacy.
As a neurodivergent professional and parent in a neurodivergent family, Jessica brings both professional expertise and personal understanding to her work. She is committed to creating an assessment experience in which children and families feel respected, understood, and supported rather than judged or pathologized.
Jessica Brandon is a licensed independent school psychologist in the State of Ohio, #SP.00754.
Identities: Neurodivergent, parent
Specialties: Child & adolescent psychological assessment; autism; PDA; ADHD; learning disabilities; neurodiversity-affirming assessment; educational advocacy
Locations: Blue Ash
Erica Swain, MSW, LISW-S (she/her)
LICENSED INDEPENDENT SOCIAL WORKER WITH A SUPERVISION DESIGNATION
ACCEPTING THERAPY REFERRALS, COACHING REFERRALS, & KETAMINE ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY REFERRALS
Erica Swain, MSW, LISW, is a licensed independent social worker dedicated to providing compassionate, client-centered mental health care to individuals navigating life’s challenges with authenticity and care.
Erica earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Bowling Green State University, a master’s degree in Addiction and Recovery Counseling from Liberty University, and her Master of Social Work from Northern Kentucky University. She has worked in social services and case management with dually diagnosed individuals since 2013 and has been a licensed social worker since 2022.
Her approach is collaborative, supportive, neurodivergent-affirming, and goal-oriented, with an emphasis on creating a space where clients feel safe and respected to show up as their full selves without fear of judgment or pressure to mask. She has experience assessing and supporting individuals navigating anxiety, depression, mood disorders, neurodivergent struggles, relationship concerns, substance use, burnout, and transitions. Erica has experience supporting perinatal mental health and pregnancy-related concerns throughout pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting experiences. Erica’s practice is grounded in the understanding that there is no “one right way” to navigate through life. She strives to create a space that honors diverse communication styles, identities, and lived experiences.
Erica Swain is a licensed independent social worker with a supervision designation in the State of Ohio, #I.2506701-SUPV.
Identities: Ciswoman, supervisor, member of a neurodivergent family
Specialties: Perinatal mental health, adolescent mental health, dual diagnoses, mood disorders, substance use disorders, family and parenting
Locations: Blue Ash & Linwood
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. Rachel offers affirming support for LGBTQIA+ clients and those looking for a queer-affirming therapist in Cincinnati who understands identity, neurodivergence, relationships, mood concerns, and personal growth. 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: Queer, Lesbian, neurodivergent, married to a neurodivergent partner.
Specialties: neurodiversity (ADHD, Autism), PDA profile, LGBTQIA+, dual diagnosis, mood, substance, and personality disorders, group psychotherapy.
Locations: Linwood & Blue Ash
Allison Sears, MSW, LSW, CSW (she/her)
LICENSED SOCIAL WORKER
ACCEPTING THERAPY REFERRALS ON A WAITLIST
Allison Sears, MSW, LSW, CSW, 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, and a certified social worker in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, #CSW00001246. 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), trauma & C/PTSD, depression, anxiety, behavioral addiction and substance use disorders
Locations: Linwood
Syd Steck, MSW, LSW (they/them)
LICENSED SOCIAL WORKER
ACCEPTING THERAPY REFERRALS, COACHING REFERRALS, & KETAMINE ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY REFERRALS ON A WAITLIST
As a queer therapist in Cincinnati, Syd provides identity-affirming care for LGBTQIA+ clients, neurodivergent individuals, trans and nonbinary clients, and those exploring self-understanding, advocacy, accessibility, and emotional wellbeing. Syd Steck, MSW, LSW, is a licensed social worker who brings a flexible, strengths-based, and identity-affirming approach to their work. They are committed to creating a space where clients feel seen, supported, and empowered to show up as their full, authentic selves.
Syd earned their Bachelor of Social Work from Miami University, where they developed a focus in Queer Activism and Power. They went on to earn their Master of Social Work from the University of Cincinnati, where they also completed a fellowship for clinicians working with children, adolescents, and transitional-aged youth.
Syd approaches therapy with a focus on accessibility, collaboration, and meeting each person where they are. They adapt their style to fit each client’s communication needs, sensory experiences, and ways of engaging with the world. Their work centers on helping clients build self-understanding, strengthen self-advocacy, and connect with their existing strengths in ways that feel sustainable and empowering.
Outside of their clinical work, Syd is a dedicated animal advocate with a special interest in dogs. They are passionate about the meaningful role pets can play in emotional support, connection, and everyday wellbeing.
At Ascent, Syd provides individual and play therapy to clients of all ages, as well as caregiver support, and group facilitation.
Syd is a Licensed Social Worker in the State of Ohio, S.2512477. Their clinical work is supervised by Hannah Smith, LISW-S, I.1700736-SUPV, as they work toward independent licensure.
Identities: Queer, Trans & Nonbinary, Neurodivergent, In a relationship with a neurodivergent partner
Specialties: LGBTQIA+ (including those questioning), neurodivergence (including those diagnosed later in life), chronic illness, invisible disabilities
Locations: Linwood
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)
Locations: Linwood
Claudia Wittich Jessee, M.Ed. (she/her)
PhD PRACTICUM STUDENT
ACCEPTING ASSESSMENT REFERRALS
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
Locations: Linwood
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
Locations: Linwood
Al Tay, M.A. (they/them)
PSYD PRACTICUM STUDENT
ACCEPTING ASSESSMENT REFERRALS AND THERAPY REFERRALS
Al Tay is a Clinical Psychology PsyD student at Xavier University, where they also received their master’s degree. Currently, they are researching the mechanisms behind emotion regulation, particularly in response to social rejection and exclusion in adolescence. Some of their other research has focused on individual differences in infant temperament and the effects of mindfulness on executive function. Alongside their academics, they work with Xavier University’s X-Path program to support students on the autism spectrum through creating opportunities to foster connection between students, providing academic and social support, and promoting the development of self-advocacy.
Al’s clinical practice is rooted in affirming care, and they believe in celebrating neurodiversity. With a strong therapeutic relationship as the foundation for affirming, compassionate care, they are dedicated to fostering trust and creating an open, safe environment for clients to authentically explore themselves, their experiences, and their thoughts and emotions. They believe in providing care that integrates a client’s needs with their strengths, unique identities, cultural values, and lived experiences. Al has experience working with neurodiverse individuals across the lifespan, including conducting assessments with children, adolescents, and adults with autism and intellectual disability and working with parents, children, teens, and adults.
At Ascent, Al offers play therapy, individual therapy, and psychological assessments.
Al Tay’s clinical work is supervised by Dr. Lauren Elder, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, #P.08297 (OH).
Identities: queer, nonbinary, second-generation immigrant, graduate student
Specialties: children and adolescents, neurodiversity (autism and intellectual disability), affirming psychological testing (children, teens, and adults)
Locations: Linwood
Madalyn Schomber, PsyM (she/her)
PSYD PRACTICUM STUDENT
ACCEPTING ASSESSMENT REFERRALS AND THERAPY REFERRALS
Madalyn Schomber is a Clinical Psychology PsyD student at Wright State University, where she also received her master’s degree. She is a child emphasis doctoral student and has primarily worked with children, adolescents, and parents. She also holds a bachelor’s degree from The University of Toledo. Currently, she is focusing on her clinical work and research examining early childhood trauma, applying play therapy techniques with foster children who have been diagnosed with reactive attachment disorder. Within her PsyD program, she is focused on exploring development across childhood and implications of care, as well as affirming psychological approaches with children and families.
Madalyn brings an empathetic and neurodiversity-affirming approach to therapy and assessment. She is committed to approaching client work from a strengths-based lens, recognizing the critical role in supporting children and families through clear communication and responsive, client-centered practices. This includes a commitment to tailoring therapy and assessment to individualistic needs, salient identities, and an appreciation for lived experiences. Madalyn has previous experience working with neurodiverse populations, including psychological assessment with toddlers, school-aged children, and adolescents, as well as previous therapeutic experience working with neurodiverse individuals. Ultimately, her work is rooted in collaboration, empowerment, and advocacy to celebrate individual differences and promote a safe, inclusive environment.
At Ascent, Madalyn offers play therapy, individual therapy, and psychological assessments.
Madalyn Schomber’s clinical work is supervised by Dr. Lauren Elder, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, #P.08297 (OH).
Identities: graduate student, ciswoman
Specialties: Neurodiversity (ADHD, Autism), children and adolescents, families, affirming psychological therapy and testing for children and teens, neurodiversity in girls, early childhood learning and development, trauma
Locations: Linwood
Nyla Rallings, B.A. (she/her)
PSYD PRACTICUM STUDENT
ACCEPTING ASSESSMENT REFERRALS AND THERAPY REFERRALS
Nyla Rallings is a PsyD student in the School of Professional Psychology at Wright State University. She holds a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies: Communication and Psychology from the University of Cincinnati.
Throughout her collegiate experience she has devoted her time to working with children, families, and schools. During this time, she gained experience with children with ADHD, Autism, emotional dysregulation, and externalizing diagnoses. Her current research focuses on how neurodivergent youth experience respite care and short break services.
Nyla is committed to a strength based, neurodivergent affirming, empowering approach that centers the individual and their needs while also calling attention to the stigma and oppression they may face. She believes in the power of the therapeutic relationship and is interested in fostering autonomy, increasing the ability to self-regulate, and creating a space where clients feel understood and accepted.
At Ascent, Nyla offers play therapy, individual therapy, and psychological assessments.
Nyla Rallings’ clinical work is supervised by Dr. Lauren Elder, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, #P.08297 (OH).
Identities: black cisgender woman, first generation graduate student
Specialties: neurodiversity (ADHD, Autism), neurodiversity in girls and women, anxiety, children and adolescents, affirming intervention
Locations: Linwood
Maria Palcic, B.A. (she/her)
MSW Practicum Student
Maria Palcic is a Master of Social Work student at Miami University, where she also earned her B.A. in Psychology. Over the past three years, she has worked through the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, supporting and advocating for neurodivergent individuals and individuals with developmental disabilities. Maria is passionate about practicing through a neurodiversity-affirming, trauma-informed, and LGBTQIA+ affirming lens while creating a space grounded in empathy, compassion, and authenticity.
Her values are deeply rooted in social justice, advocacy, and policy reform, and she is committed to empowering individuals and families through collaborative and supportive relationships. Maria strives to help clients identify strengths, navigate challenges, and find paths forward that align with their unique needs and goals.
Her practicum is supervised by Allison Sears, licensed social worker in the State of Ohio, #S.2411334.
Identities: queer advocate, graduate student, ciswoman
Specialties: adolescents and adults, neurodiversity (ADHD, autism), chronic illness, depression, anxiety
Locations: Blue Ash & Linwood
Elena Mitchell, B.S. (she/her)
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Practicum Student
Elena Mitchell is a graduate student at Northern Kentucky University studying Clinical Mental Health Counseling where she also serves as the lead in the Student Wellness Education department. In that role, Elena works to create and supervise educational, wellness-based programming for undergraduate college students.
Elena is originally from Cincinnati, Ohio where she received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Xavier University. While at Xavier, Elena gained extensive experience working with adolescents and young adults, especially those with autism, ADHD, intellectual disability, and various related diagnoses. This centered around providing career development, social and personal support for autistic and otherwise neurodivergent college and high school students. Elena continued these pursuits during her first year at NKU where she joined the Supported Higher Education Program (SHEP) and provided one-on-one academic and independent living support to students living with disabilities.
In her current graduate program, Elena is dedicated to learning about ways to treat mental health conditions through a neuro-affirming lens, how being neurodivergent can exacerbate these mental health challenges, and how to best support the individuals experiencing them. Elena is dedicated to providing meaningful support and is particularly interested in doing so through interventions focused on emotional regulation, autonomy, and identity-based affirmation. Elena’s clinical work is largely driven by her strong desire and commitment towards providing an affirming and strength-based practice. She works to both celebrate different ways of experiencing the world while recognizing and helping to support the challenges that may come with these differences.
Her practicum is supervised by Allison Sears, licensed social worker in the State of Ohio, #S.2411334.
Identities: Neurodivergent, graduate student, ciswoman
Specialties: Neurodiversity, affirming therapy, late-diagnosed autism and/or ADHD, neurodiversity in women and girls, co-occurring mental health conditions
Locations: Amelia & Linwood
Kyle Whitney, MBA, PMP (he/him)
PRACTICE 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
Kai Resler, M.A. (they/them)
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
With an MA from University College Dublin, Kai brings two years of administrative assistant experience to the team along with a creative and detail-oriented eye. They strongly believe in the value of psychotherapy and in improving its accessibility. Kai hopes to enhance our clients' experience by providing excellent support to the management and clinicians so that the client remains the central focus for the rest of the team.
Identities: Non-binary, Queer, Neurodivergent Minnesotan, engaged to a neurodivergent partner