Vision

We envision a community where individuals feel safe, supported, and empowered to experience self-connection, meaningful relationships, and the realization of their full potential, ultimately furthering the wellbeing of society.

Values

We promote authentic connection, cultural humility, steadfast integrity, creative collaboration, emotional safety and intentional stewardship.

Mission Statement

Rooted Compassion is committed to providing the highest quality therapy by fostering an environment of deep compassion and acceptance. Going beyond traditional counseling, we integrate insights from neuroscience, somatic practices, and expressive arts to guide healing. We combine unwavering care with knowledge of the nervous system, creating a safe space for therapy that prioritizes holistic well-being.

  • Portrait of young female therapist smiling in a black turtleneck.

    Lauren Pontis, MA, Counseling Intern (she/her/hers)

    In-Person | Individuals (6+) & Groups

    Drama Therapy

    Trauma Informed Care

  • Male therapist with a blue patterned shirt smiling and wearing glasses.

    Brandon Mueller, MA, LPC (he/him/his)

    Telehealth & In-Person | Individuals (18+)

    Neuroscience & Polyvagal Informed Therapy

    Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)

    Director of Anger Management Program

  • Portrait of female therapist smiling at camera with a blue blouse, and wave long hair and dangling blue loop earrings.

    Alison Savage, Clinical Director, LPCC-S (she/her/hers)

    Telehealth & In-Person | Individuals (13+), Seniors, & Couples Therapy

    Neuroscience & Polyvagal Informed Therapy

    Somatic Experiencing (In Training)

    Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

  • Portrait of therapist with a grey shirt. She is smiling and wearing glasses with her arms crossed in front of her

    Shauna Durbin, LPC (she/her/hers)

    Telehealth & In-Person | Individuals (16+), Seniors, & Couples

    Neuroscience & Polyvagal Informed Therapy

    Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

    Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

  • headshot of mental health counselor with long waves blonde hair and stripped shirt

    Wendy Long, M.A, LSC, Counseling Intern (she/her/hers)

    Telehealth & In-Person | Individuals (10+)

    Neuroscience & Polyvagal Informed Therapy

    Mindfulness-Based Practices

    Trauma-Informed Care

  • portrait of female  therapist, medium length brown hair, looking at camera.

    Kara O'Toole, MA, LPC (she/her/hers)

    Telehealth & In-Person | Individuals (6+)

    Neuroscience & Polyvagal Informed Therapy

    Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) Director

    Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

  • Picture of happy-looking therapist holding up two handfuls of pencils, wearing a dark red blouse and smiling at the camera, wearing glasses.

    Nicole Kreutzer, MA, LPC

    Telehealth & In-Person | Individuals (15+), Couples, and Families

    Neuroscience & Polyvagal Informed Therapy

    Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

    Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

  • Portrait of counselor wearing dark purple turtle neck smiling at camera

    Keri Perdrix, MA, LPC

    Telehealth & In-Person | Individuals (13+), Couples, and Families

    Neuroscience & Polyvagal Informed Therapy

    Trauma-Responsive Care Certified

    Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

  • Picture of therapist with medium length light brown hair and glasses smiling and holding pamphlets fanned out and smiling at the camera.

    Amy Stenger-Sullivan, MA, LPCC-S Founder and Lead Steward of Rooted Compassion (she/her/hers)

    Telehealth & In-Person | Individuals (13+)

    International Trainer on the Polyvagal Theory

    Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

    Trauma Responsive Care Certified

  • Portrait of young female who just graduated with short brown hair

    Milla Reed

    Practice Manager

    Intake Coordinator

Meet the Support Staff

Unfortunately they all work remotely

  • Small white dog with long hair

    Kasper, Lead Barkerting Executive

    Trauma survivor, can coregulate but just with the two humans in his daily life due to a nervous system that is still working on being connected with others. He brings his hoomans great happiness. Barks with abandon while running the fence line with the neighbor dog and his hoomans are still wondering if they are playing or if Kasper is in protective mode. Healing from PTSD continues.

  • Medium sized Brown dog sitting and looking at the camera with his ears back, while wearing a scarf

    Quinn, Overly-Friendly Welcoming Chairman

    A "rescued" dog (who rescued who? Did she rescue her hoomans, perhaps?). Quinn will do anything for food and a good scratch behind the ears. She has the sweetest eyes and demeanor but can go protective when need be. Will show you where all the goodies are if entering her house.

  • Grey cat laying down

    Boo, Manager of Freeloading

    Does not contribute much to hoomans but when in the mood is a great co-regulator. Chases his dad around the house until he sits down so he can make biscuits on his belly when in the mood. Might be addicted to cat nip. Currently in treatment. 

  • Small black dog with long hair looking at camera

    Gily, Chief Comfort Officer

    Trained school therapy dog, thrives on co-regulation with the children she comforts daily. Helps her family sleep soundly by soothing the little ones through middle-of-the-night wake-ups. Activated by door knocks, Gily barks with protective vigor, thinking she’s doing her job. Feels confused when told to stop, quickly fawns by crawling into laps for approval, seeking to reconnect. Heart always focused on returning to safety and connection with her loved ones. Lover of any toy that squeaks. Loudly.

  • Largegrey dog sittikg and wearing a red collar

    Merlin, Master Nervous System Activator

    Wth a surplus on energy and the need to actively explore anything that may or may not be her business. Merlin is a member of the neighborhood watch and is not shy about vocally expressing her opinion. She has a good heart

  • large black dog laying on dog bed

    Arthur, Master Autonomic Nervous System Co-Regulator

    After a rough start in the first 6 months of his life, Arthur developed superb skills and extended empathy. He is a dedicated trainer of Merlin, while maintaining his senior status of 8 years. Arthur is an elderly gentleman - he is 8.5, which is on the older side of extreme large dogs. He can be opinionated and definitely has elderly rights.

  • small round dark grey dog sitting and looking at the camera

    Gus, Chief Security OfFURcer.

    Protects his humans from falling leaves, acorns, and squirrels that he spies from his post at the window- using sustained vocalizations that are sometimes mistaken for yodels. Gus also happily obliges a sense of regulating warmth by sitting very proud and upright on one’s lap and allowing his back to be petted for extended periods of time. 

    Gus’s glimmers include curling up on upholstered furniture, walking around with one particular toy in his mouth for hours, and his (short) walks to the corner and back. Please note: Gus prefers to sit like a human. As demonstrated in this photo.

  • calico cat laying on blanket

    Astrid, Feline Wellness Coordinator (FWC)

    Licensed Weighted Blanket Practitioner™; Certified in Nap Therapy (Disney Princess Division); Expert in Boundary Enforcement and "Personal Space" Advocacy

    Astrid takes her role as a Wellness Coordinator very seriously—mainly by expertly positioning herself as a living, purring weighted blanket on one's chest, providing next-level emotional support. Her favorite downtime? Curled up on her Disney Princess blanket, where she recharges between sessions. A boundary queen, Astrid will kindly inform us know when she's had enough affection with a gentle swat or "the look". Her wellness philosophy? "Be cozy, but firm."

  • Little brown dog with big ears sitting on a slide

    Ducky, Canine Behavioral Consultant (CBC)

    PhD in Dog Social Dynamics (with a minor in Human Avoidance); Fetch Specialist & Toy Tester

    Ducky may be a little shy around humans, but when it comes to making doggy friends, she’s a social butterfly! She excels in fostering canine friendships with ease and is always ready for a playdate. When her feline partner-in-crime, Astrid, strategically accidentally knocks items off the counter, Ducky is there to help herself and keep the fun going. Together, they create a seamless operation of teamwork and mischief, all while maintaining that “Who, us?” innocence.

  • kitten with big ears

    Aurora, Junior Mischief & Cuddle Consultant (JMCC)

    Aurora's Mission Statement: "Play hard, cuddle harder. And don’t forget the snacks."

    As the "JMCC," Aurora is still learning the ropes (which she will attempt to play with). Whether it's bouncing off the walls or instantly melting into a blanket wrapped up like a burrito, she brings youthful exuberance to the team. From sprinting to snoozing in seconds flat, Aurora balances her kitten chaos with some serious purrfection.

  • photo of a kitten on it's back with it's paws up playfully

    Nimbus, NeuroPawsitional Therapist (NPT)

    – Believes in full-body contact naps to promote healing.

    Nimbus, NPT has been at Rooted Compassion since November 2024. Nimbus is a professional at cuddling... on his terms of course. As an 8 month old, he has certainly found himself as the office dysregulator. You will certainly see him at his most chaotic if there is a fishing pole toy in sight... especially the fishing pole his grandpa made him! However, his sweet face and newly found calm demeanor have earned him his title as NeuroPawsitional Therapist (just don't touch his belly (: )

  • A grey and white cat lays on an orange therapist's chair looking at the camera

    Sterling, Chief Snuggle Strategist (CSS)

    Sterling has the heart of a beloved childhood teddy bear—innocent, comforting, and endlessly loyal. He’s the gentle giant of our home, radiating calm and warmth wherever he goes. This dashing gray-and-white boy lives for soft blankets, endless pets, and cozy cuddle marathons. A true emotional anchor, Sterling has been a steady, comforting presence through thick and thin — always there with a quiet purr and a warm body to lean on. He doesn’t just love, he soothes

  • Closeup of a grey cat on a therapist's couch

    Misha, Director of Chaos Management (DCM)

    Once a stray with a wild heart, Misha now reigns supreme in her forever home with boundless curiosity and a flair for chaos. Rambunctious and endlessly entertaining, she keeps the energy high for us and keeps her big brother Sterling on his toes. Whether she’s investigating every nook or launching surprise attacks from the shadows, Misha brings joy, mystery, and a little mischief wherever she goes.