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.
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Shauna Durbin, LPC
Telehealth & In-Person | Individuals (16+)
Shauna Durbin (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Professional Counselor, who received her Masters Degree from the University of Cincinnati’s Mental Health Counseling Program. With five years of experience in the mental health field and a background in social work, Shauna has a passion for helping others reach their goals with a collaborative and holistic approach. She uses techniques, such as DBT, CBT, and person-centered therapy to help individuals who struggle with a variety of mental health concerns. Shauna aims to ensure that clients feel safe, heard, and accepted in a warm counseling atmosphere.
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Brandon Mueller, MA, LPC
License #C.2405832
Telehealth & In-Person | Individuals (18+)
Brandon Mueller (he/him/his) obtained his Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program from Xavier University. Brandon brings experiences from his work as a direct care provider to his work with clients. He has experience working with individuals who struggle with trauma, anxiety, depression, anger management and symptoms associated with Bipolar Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder.
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Wendy Long, M.A, CT, Counseling Intern
Telehealth & In-Person | Individuals (10+)
Wendy Long (she/her/hers) is a dedicated and compassionate Counselor Trainee with over 15 years of experience as a licensed school counselor supporting emotional, social, and academic development. She is passionate about fostering a positive and therapeutic environment where every client feels valued, cared for and understood.
Wendy specializes in working with individuals experiencing trauma responses, stress, anxiety, panic, and depression. As a counseling intern nearing completion of the clinical mental health masters program at Xavier University, Wendy seeks to expand her outreach within a clinical setting and work synchronously with her clients to develop restorative treatment plans.
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Kara O'Toole, MA, LPC
License #C.2305557
Telehealth & In-Person | Individuals (6+)
Kara O'Toole (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Professional Counselor, who received her Masters Degree from Union Institute & University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. Kara's passion for helping others was honed during her two years as a Registered Behavioral Technician, where she developed a deeply nuanced understanding of the influence of the nervous system on mental health, the importance of emotional regulation skills, and the development of a sense of safety within one's environment. Her commitment to providing quality care led her to Mid-Ohio Psychological Services, a nonprofit community mental health facility, where she practiced a generalist psychodynamic approach, helping individuals of all ages and diagnoses. Kara pursued her passion for polyvagal-informed therapeutic services here at Rooted Compassion. Kara's approach is holistic and inclusive, ensuring that each client's unique needs are met across all areas of life.
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Nicole Kreutzer, MA, LPC
License #C.2305443
Telehealth & In-Person | Individuals (15+)
With a background in yoga, Pilates, and essential oils, Nicole embarked on a journey to integrate holistic wellness practices into mental health counseling. Her passion for holistic healing led her to pursue a career as a holistic health coach, followed by a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Over the past years, Nicole has gained valuable experience working in community mental health settings, where she has helped individuals and couples navigate the complexities of relationships and personal growth.
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Kimber Andrews, MA, LPC
License #C.2305489
Telehealth & In-Person | Individuals (13+)
Kimber Andrews (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Professional Counselor, who received her Masters Degree from the University of Cincinnati’s Mental Health Counseling Program Kimber brings experiences from her work as an educator, yoga and mindfulness instructor, and performing artist to her work with clients.
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Keri Perdrix, MA, LPC
License #C.2305352
Telehealth & In-Person | Individuals (13+)
Keri is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with more than a decade of experience supporting children and families across various settings, including schools and community mental health environments. With her experience, Keri recognizes that true healing begins within the framework of secure and nurturing relationships. She is dedicated to establishing a safe and trustworthy bond with each of her clients, empowering them to embark on their healing journey.
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Amy Stenger-Sullivan, MA, LPCC-S Founder and Lead Steward of Rooted Compassion
License #E.1901406-SUPV
Telehealth & In-Person | Individuals (13+)
Amy Stenger-Sullivan (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor-Supervisor, trainer and CEO of Rooted Compassion Counseling and Consulting, LLC. As a Certified Trauma Responsive Counselor, Amy understands and applies knowledge of interpersonal neurobiology, Polyvagal Theory and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Amy is an EMDR Certified Therapist. She specializes in utilizing and teaching about the nervous system to help people move into post-traumatic healing and growth.
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Andrea Antczak, BS Content Creator
Andrea Antczak is an experienced content creator with over a decade of expertise in both the mental health and holistic healing fields, along with a strong background in digital content and website support. Having worked as a licensed substance abuse counselor, certified Reiki practitioner, and reflexologist, Andrea combines her knowledge of psychology and wellness to help others on their healing journeys while gaining valuable insights into marketing within these fields. With a bachelor’s degree in psychology and specialized training in content creation, she brings a unique blend of skills. Her diverse background enables her to produce authentic, impactful content for social media, LinkedIn, websites, and more.
Meet the Support Staff
Unfortunately they all work remotely
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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."
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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.
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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.