Who We Are

 Cofounder & Lead Counselor — My name is Nina Ayala, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Professional Art Therapist (LPAT), and Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC) in Ohio.

I provide creative, trauma-informed, and person-centered care to children, adolescents, and adults. My clinical focus includes mood and anxiety disorders, trauma, grief, life transitions, and supporting individuals experiencing suicidal ideation or self-harm. I integrate evidence-based psychotherapy with creative processes to help clients navigate difficult experiences with clarity, compassion, and resilience.

I bring over seven years of experience working with clients ranging from early childhood through late adulthood. Throughout my career, I have worked in a variety of treatment settings, including inpatient, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, residential, holistic care, and within a cancer center in hospital systems across Ohio and Tennessee. These experiences have shaped my approach to meeting clients where they are and providing compassionate, individualized care.

I earned a master's degree in Art Therapy from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Malone University. My training also includes specialized coursework in Christian faith integration, reflecting my commitment to providing holistic and integrative care for those who desire it.

I believe that healing looks different for every person, and I consider it a privilege to walk alongside my clients as they process life's challenges, discover their strengths, and move toward meaningful growth and lasting wellness.

Clinical supervision is provided by Mary Robinson, LPCC-S (#E.2202798-SUPV).

Cofounder & Lead Counselor — My name is Jessica "Nicki" Stewart, and I am passionate about walking alongside clients as they pursue emotional and spiritual wellness.

I have experience supporting both adolescents and adults and work with individuals facing a variety of concerns, including anxiety, depression, grief and loss, addiction recovery, and non-suicidal self-injury.

My therapeutic approach is grounded in evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), while also incorporating creative interventions to meet clients where they are. I believe therapy should never be one-size-fits-all. Instead, I tailor each session to honor my clients' unique stories, strengths, and goals.

For clients who desire it, I enjoy integrating Christian faith into the counseling process, combining clinical expertise with spiritual grounding. Whether our work is faith-based or clinically focused, my approach is rooted in grace, compassion, and the belief that every person has the capacity to heal, grow, and thrive.

I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from The Ohio State University, as well as a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry and a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. My education and training have equipped me to provide thoughtful, compassionate care that honors the whole person.

I consider it a privilege to walk alongside individuals during some of life's most challenging seasons. My hope is to provide a safe, supportive space where clients feel seen, encouraged, and empowered as they move toward healing and lasting change.

Clinical supervision is provided by Mary Robinson, LPCC-S (#E.2202798-SUPV).

Clinical Supervisor — My name is Mary Robinson, I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and owner of Robinson Counseling and Wellness.

 I have worked in the Hudson, Ohio community for the past four years serving clients from age 12 into mature adulthood.

After nearly ten years in the nonprofit management arena, I returned to my true passion and calling which was and still is helping individuals to find healing, growth, and ultimately beginning to thrive in life.

I have been on the other side of the couch and personally experienced some amazing therapists and helping professionals through my own journey with an eating disorder, anxiety, and depression. 

I understand intimately how terrifying this process can be and conversely understand how incredibly life changing it can be. I do not look at what I do as a “job,” I see being a therapist as a lifestyle and therefore dedicate my time and energy to being present and focused on each client in session as well as out of session whether that be through follow-up calls, connecting resources or being available to answer questions.

When I am not in the office, you can find me at home typically outside with my husband and two girls or at my barn with my retired racehorse sorting out his anxiety!