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COCA Executive Committee Directory

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    Last Name First Name COCA Role About City Zip
    Deas Sandy President

    I have run my own private practice, Safe Haven Counseling, in Hilliard Ohio since 2010.  I have been a part of COCA for several years, I began my involvement to  network with other counselors and to contribute to our counseling community.  I am certified in EMDR, trained thru level 3 of the Gottman relationship trainings and I have my LPCC-S. I enjoy attending new trainings to keep me fresh and current in the field. I am currently learning more about Internal Family Systems.  My practice currently is composed of couples and individuals. 

    Hilliard 43026
    Engel Aaron Webmaster

    Couples Counseling

    Is your relationship feeling more like a friendship these days? If you've noticed the spark fading away or are considering pre-marriage counseling as a proactive step, I'm here for you. Whether you're navigating the complexities of divorce and seeking an amicable co-parenting approach or just want to enhance your connection, I can help. As a therapist trained in the Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), the Developmental Model, and Discernment Counseling, I bring a range of proven techniques tailored to your unique needs. Certified as a Sex Therapy-informed Professional, I aim to support you in achieving your relationship goals, whatever they may be. Let's work together for a happier, healthier connection!

    My Private Practice

    As the owner of a private practice, I find immense joy in excelling in every aspect of our operation. For me, counseling is not just a job; it's a passion and a calling. That's why our practice is dedicated to offering top-notch care that considers both the big picture and the small details. From creating a serene office environment to providing a straightforward and streamlined paperwork process, we aim to make your experience as comfortable as possible. Our collaborative treatment plans are carefully thought out to ensure excellent care at every step of your journey. Your well-being is our priority, and we're committed to delivering exceptional support in every aspect of your experience with us.

    Helpful Links

    Please visit my website or business Facebook page for more information, and don't hesitate to contact me with questions. I am also the owner of Cardinal Point Marketing, where I help practices find their ideal clients.

    Miscellaneous

    In my free time, I enjoy playing and watching sports, spending time with friends and family, and relaxing outdoors.

    Dublin 43017
    Smith Kenneth Treasurer

    The Center for Autism, Assertiveness & Social Skills

    Founder

    Specializing in Autism/Aspergers in Adults, Catholic counseling, Logo Therapy, & people who are overly intelligent.

    Columbus 43214
    Bauder Rosie Past-President

    C. Rosie Bauder, PhD, MPH, LPCC, NCC

    Hello! I am Dr. Rosie Bauder, and I am the past president of the Central Ohio Counseling Association.

    I am a Postdoctoral Scholar at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center with the STRIVE program. I earned my Ph.D. in Educational Studies with a specialization in Counselor Education in the spring of 2021, my BA in psychology from Boston University in 2015, a MA in Mental Health Counseling and Behavioral Medicine from Boston University’s School of Medicine in 2017, and an MPH in 2020 from The Ohio State University.

    I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the state of Ohio and a National Certified Counselor. I also work in private practice in the greater Columbus area at Keller Counseling and Associates. I work mostly with clients around suicide, self-injury, sexual trauma, and eating disorders.

    I look forward to meeting you!

    Columbus 43214
    Watson Melissa Past President

    Melissa Watson, LPCC-S is a clinician and Associate Clinical Director at Keller Counseling & Associates. Melissa earned her Masters Degree at The Ohio State University in the Counselor Education program and completed her Bachelor’s degree also at The Ohio State University in Human Development and Family Studies. Melissa is currently serving as Past President on the executive board for Central Ohio Counseling Association. Melissa is experienced working with adults, adolescents and children to treat depression, anxiety, trauma, stress management, life transitions, relationship/family concerns and parenting stress. Her approach is goal oriented, client centered with a focus on client’s strengths and wellness. Melissa uses techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) to help develop a framework for positive and maintainable change. In her spare time, Melissa enjoys reading, playing sand volleyball, going to sporting events and spending time with family, friends and her dog, Darby.

    Columbus 43221
    Garcia Gayle Member Liaison

    Gayle Garcia is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) working at Affirmations Psychological Services. She is receiving clinical supervision from Heidi Carter, LPCC-S, LICDC. She earned her Master’s degree at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI. Being born and raised in Michigan she and her husband made the decision to move to Columbus, Ohio so she could pursue her doctoral degree in Counselor Education and Supervision at The Ohio State University, where she is currently working on her dissertation, hoping to complete it soon.

    Gayle sees the work she does with clients as collaborative process and client centered. She works to build an authentic and safe space for her clients to heal and grow. She recognizes that change is hard and honors where her clients are at in the change process. She uses various modalities to help her clients succeed in reaching their mental and emotional wellness goals. Whatever intervention she decides to use it will be from a trauma informed, identity affirming, socially just perspective that honors the client’s story. Gayle has experience working with all ages and is willing to work with most presenting concerns, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, body image issues, and relationship issues. She has a passion for children and adolescents. For the past year she has been working at a hospital outpatient program for adolescents in crisis. Before that she worked with college-aged students who were in crisis and connected them with university and community resources. She has also worked in an elementary school as a mental health counselor.

    Columbus 43215
    Pharion Jeffrey Outreach Committee

    I have been a COCA EC member and counselor for nearly four years now.  I am intrigued with the idea of helping build this membership by showing the tremendous value that membership brings. I have been running my private counseling practice at 1115 Bethel Rd. and have enjoyed building my practice by serving my client base with sound, research based therapy. I have been helping couples and individuals work on their communication skills and intimacy issues. I also have been specializing in angry men.  I help those suffering from anxiety, depression and just plain STRESS.  Please go to my website pharioncounseling.com and learn more about me.

    Columbus 43220
    Smith Nicolas Professional Development Coordinator

    My name is Nicolas Smith, and I currently am employed with Ohio Guidestone as a Behavioral Health Specialist and Counseling Intern. I work with children from ages 5 years old to 18 years old both in school and outside of school as needed. I also work with adult clients who are diagnosed with mental health and/or substance use disorders. 

    I graduated with my Bachelors in Psychology and Criminology from Capital University in 2020. Currently, I am enrolled at Heidelberg University pursuing my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and projected to finish in December 2023. 

    I currently have my Counselor in Training license, with plans to take my LPC exam at the end of 2023. I also have my Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant Preliminary license and will apply for my Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant 2 license this summer.

    Columbus 43215

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