Mandi

After studying ministry in college, I consistently felt a pull toward families who were suffering. From there, I pursued a master's degree in social work at The Ohio State University. During my second year of graduate school, I had the opportunity to intern at a local drug and alcohol treatment center that specializes in treating trauma for the whole family. This was a life-changing experience for me. I loved the clients and began to cultivate my natural gift for holding safe spaces. My internship led to a full-time gig evolving from counselor, family counselor, trauma specialist, and finally clinical director.

Beyond group and individual counseling, I have a passion for teaching and creating dynamic programming. Following my time there, I held a clinical social worker position at Mount Carmel Crime and Trauma Assistance Program (CTAP) in Columbus, a trusted leader in treating trauma survivors. At CTAP I had the unique opportunity to be trained by some of the best clinicians in the country to better serve individuals with complex trauma. In addition to seeking out training for myself, I have traveled extensively, training others on subjects including trauma-informed care, substance use disorder, relationships and community building, human sex trafficking, and resilience. I enjoy mentoring new clinicians, often working toward independent licensure.

I am both honored and humbled to sit with people willing to work on the most difficult parts of their lives. I have witnessed individual and generational healing through the good work of counseling. One of my favorite things is watching someone move from struggles of the past to hope for the future! I look forward to witnessing the same shift in you. 

When I am not at Porchlight I enjoy DIY projects, travel, time outdoors, live music, sports, reading, and hosting parties. I absolutely have to say hello to all the dogs I meet and you may even notice an occasional glimpse of my dog, Boone, faithfully snoozing his way through telehealth sessions!

Specialities:

Boone

Ora

I consider it an honor and privilege to create space for and bear witness to the stories of those facing pain and suffering. In my professional career I have worked in numerous settings providing care for folks facing a broad range of challenging circumstances. I have been deeply moved in witnessing therapeutic work done by clients and am passionate about providing a space for others to cultivate that same transformation for themselves. I provide a warm, compassionate, humorous, and non-judgemental approach to this deep work.

I am trained in EMDR and incorporate Internal Family Systems informed care, DBT, Self-Compassion, and polyvagal informed care to my clinical work to support you in moving towards healing and a life that is in alignment with your personal values.

Specialties:

  • Complex trauma/trauma focused care

  • LGBTQ+ identity

  • Spiritual abuse

  • Relationship challenges

  • Adult children of alcoholics and/or other severe mental health conditions

I share in a lived experience of doing my own inner healing work and I hold reverence for anyone seeking to face the painful circumstances in their lives to make the journey towards healing, presence, and connection. When I am not working I enjoy spending time outdoors, hiking (or should I say collecting rocks and sticks), doing yoga, rock climbing, traveling, listeningto a good podcast, and spending time with my sweet cats (April and Grandpa).

Ernest

Mackenzie

I am passionate about helping individuals navigate trauma and a wide range of life challenges. During my time at Northern Kentucky University, I discovered my strong interest in the Psychodynamic approach to therapy, and this has become a cornerstone of my practice. I am committed to expanding my expertise through ongoing specialized training to better support my clients in their healing journey. In addition to Psychodynamic therapy, I integrate a variety of trauma-informed approaches to empower clients in reaching their personal goals.

Originally from rural western Kentucky near Bowling Green (you might catch a bit of that accent!), I completed my undergraduate studies at Georgetown College before earning my counseling degree at Northern Kentucky University. Outside of work, I enjoy playing pickleball, hunting, and reading nonfiction. I also share my home with a lovable basset hound and two playful cats.

Life can often present stress and even suffering, but it also can offer us profound hope and beauty. Even before beginning my career as a counselor, I have always been drawn to holding space for people as they process their emotions and tell their stories. I believe there is something powerful to having someone bear witness to our suffering and companion us along the winding path toward healing. No matter where you are at in your journey, I am committed to providing a safe, non-judgmental space for you to come as you are, process your pain, and explore your story. I have personally experienced the transformative power of counseling and seek to hold space for others in their own sacred path toward healing.

In addition to being a counselor, I have been a registered nurse for eight years, including several years as an emergency room nurse in NYC during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. While I have worked extensively with the physical body in my nursing career, I have always

been pulled toward exploring the internal world, where we can process who we are, where we have come from, and where we might go. I believe the mind and body are intimately connected, and I assist clients in exploring this connection in counseling.

My therapeutic practice is informed by the following approaches:

  • Somatic Therapy,

  • Internal Family Systems

  • Narrative Therapy

  • Mindfulness.

In my time away from work, I enjoy hiking, long walks, thrifting, yoga, traveling, and exploring the local food and coffee scenes.