Dr. Lauren Elder, PhD, ABPP (she/her)
OWNER, LICENSED CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
ACCEPTING ASSESSMENT & THERAPY 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, 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
Dr. Brittany “Britt” Pope, PsyD (she/her)
POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE
ACCEPTING ASSESSMENT REFERRALS
Dr. Brittany "Britt" Pope is a postdoctoral associate with over 10 years of experience in mental health. She has a Master’s degree in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling and a PsyD in Counseling Psychology. Dr. Pope understands the importance of a positive therapeutic rapport and seeks to establish a strong relationship with each and every one of her clients. She utilizes an integrative approach, combining Interpersonal Processing Therapy and affirming Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, to provide experiential and skills-based therapy that supports your journey to mental wellness. In addition to her considerable experience providing mental health services to the neurodivergent population, she also specializes in postpartum and perinatal care, perinatal loss, and women’s health concerns. At Ascent, Dr. Pope offers play therapy, individual therapy, couples therapy, parent therapy, family therapy, and psychological assessments.
In Alaska, Dr. Pope is a Licensed Professional Counselor (#113884) with a Temporary Psychologist License (#216818). As Ascent, her clinical work is supervised by Dr. Lauren Elder, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, #P.08297 (OH) as she pursues her Ohio licensure.
Identities: Native American and Irish, neurodivergent, infertility warrior, mother of neurodivergent children
Specialties: psychological Evaluations for ADHD, autism, educational, specific learning disabilities,
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
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)
Kayley Wagner, MSW, LSW (she/her)
LICENSED SOCIAL WORKER
ACCEPTING THERAPY REFERRALS ON A WAITLIST
Kayley Wagner is a license social worker with a strong background in pediatric mental health care. A graduate of Ohio State University, she has extensive experience working in the non-profit sector, specializing in community-, home-, and school-based care. Her practice is grounded in trauma-informed and culturally sensitive approaches, ensuring comprehensive and empathetic care for her clients. She is dedicated to providing high-quality, personalized care tailored to the unique needs of her clients. At Ascent, Kayley offers play therapy, individual therapy, and family therapy.
Kayley Wagner is a licensed social worker in the state of Ohio, #S.2207213. Her clinical work is supervised Audrey Shroyer, LISW-S, #I.2203365-SUPV while she works toward independent licensure.
Identities: Neurodivergent, second-generation Immigrant, multi-racial and multi-cultural family
Specialties: neurodiversity (ADHD, Autism), children and adolescents, families, trauma, parent coaching and support, crisis management
Subspecialties: LGBTQIA+, depression, anxiety, grief, cultural sensitivity
Jenny Elliot MSW, LSW (she/they)
LICENSED SOCIAL WORKER
NOT ACCEPTING REFERRALS
Jenny Elliot is a licensed social worker that is deeply committed to creating an affirming space for clients. She uses a person-centered, trauma-informed, anti-oppressive approach that honors each individual’s unique needs, values, and expertise. They received their master’s degree in social work from Indiana University, where they worked as a graduate research assistant on initiatives for preventing child maltreatment. She has worked with children, youth, and adults across a variety of settings, including schools, residential centers, community centers, and centers for neurodivergence. They are currently in the process of becoming a Registered Play Therapist. At Ascent, Jenny offers play therapy and individual therapy.
Jenny Elliot is a licensed social worker in the state of Ohio, #S.2410457. Her clinical work is supervised supervised Audrey Shroyer, LISW-S, #I.2203365-SUPV while she works toward independent licensure.
Identities: Lesbian, queer, neurodivergent
Specialties: childhood trauma, complex trauma, attachment, anxiety, depression, play therapy approaches
Antoinette “Christy” Walker MSW, LSW (she/her)
LICENSED SOCIAL WORKER
ACCEPTING KETAMINE ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY REFERRALS & THERAPY 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.2410829. Her clinical work is supervised by Audrey Shroyer, LISW-S, #I.2203365-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
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
Courtney Aviles (she/they)
PRACTICE MANAGER
Courtney is passionate about serving the neurodivergent and LGBTQIA2+ communities. As a former teacher and legal assistant, she brings with her a unique set of experiences that assist her in meeting the needs of our clients. Her background in education gives her a deep understanding of diverse learning styles and communication needs, while her legal experience equips her with strong advocacy skills and attention to detail. Courtney approaches her work with empathy, authenticity, and a commitment to creating affirming spaces where individuals and families feel seen, heard, and supported. She believes in the power of lived experience and works to challenge systems that overlook or marginalize neurodivergent and queer voices.
Identities: Autistic, queer, in a relationship with a neurodivergent partner, parent of two neurodivergent children
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