Meet Our Team
Finding the right therapist is an essential step towards taking care of your mental and emotional well-being. We believe that the Client Clinician Connection is of the utmost importance, and we will spend time with you to determine who is the best fit to ensure success.
Stephanie B. Wright
MA, LLP, LPC, NCC, ACS
Founder, Clinical Director & Psychotherapist
Telehealth Only, Licensed in MI & SC
Stephanie is a licensed professional counselor, limited licensed psychologist, national certified counselor and approved clinical supervisor. She graduated in 2008 with a Master’s in Counseling Psychology from Western Michigan University. In 2014, she completed a Graduate Certificate Program in Applied Behavior Analysis through Wayne State University. Becoming a therapist came from a drive to understand how we interact with each other and why. It has led to ongoing curiosity and studies towards understanding the human connection. Stephanie’s vision for working with children and families is to bring awareness to the importance of connection. Behavior is communication, and through understanding how we show up for ourselves and others can help us grow into our highest potential. Stephanie is a married mother of two and enjoys family time, foodie adventures and is happiest on a beach.
Stephanie is trained in EMDR and is a Level 2 trained NARM Therapist
Roxanne Ward
MA, LPC, NCC
Lead TWC Clinical Supervisor, Psychotherapist & Certified Clinical Trauma Professional
Portage Location & Telehealth
Roxanne graduated from Western Michigan University in 2009 with a master’s degree in Community Counseling.
While working towards her master’s degree, Roxanne was employed at a Center Based school in Kalamazoo. She worked in a classroom with young children of various physical, cognitive and developmental disability levels. This experience provided Roxanne with an understanding regarding the numerous barriers some families face and the support a family could use as they navigate several different systems of care.
Roxanne has worked with children and families in the child welfare system, intensive home-based treatment for children with a severe emotional disturbances and multiple service needs. Roxanne provides family, individual and couples counseling, as well as parent support and crisis interventions to promote healthy family functioning, support and preserve families and increase their connection and autonomy. Roxanne is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and specializes in trauma, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, self-esteem, grief/loss, anger management, family issues, parenting support, and life adjustments.
Roxanne works with children, adolescents, teenagers and adults, as well as parent support and couple’s therapy. Roxanne’s goal is providing a supportive, safe, and non-judgement place for all her clients, to help them reach their goals.
Roxanne is trained in EMDR.
Lisa George
MA, LMSW
Troy Location & Telehealth
Lisa graduated from Wayne State in 1992 with master’s degree in Social Work. She has a certificate in Integrated Behavioral Health & Primary Care from the University of Michigan which she received in May, 2021. She began her career in a medical setting assisting families to cope with illnesses and injuries. In 2015, she moved into a more specific medical setting working with children and families where there was abuse and neglect present in addition to adjustment to illnesses and injuries.
She provides therapy services to adolescents and families who are struggling to cope with various stressful events within their family and community. This includes trauma, grief, loss, abuse, neglect, depression, anxiety, adjustment to illness, general life changes, and post-partum depression or adjustment.
Lisa uses Person Centered Therapy and provides a supportive and non-judgmental setting for clients to challenge themselves so that they can move into their future.
Sarah Barr
MA, LMSW
Portage Location & Telehealth
Sarah graduated in 2013 with a Master’s in Social Work from Western Michigan University. Prior to graduating, she worked extensively with severely emotionally impaired at-risk youth/teens for 15 years, building emotional skills and setting goals to empower them in identifying healthy lifestyle choices and to develop positive decision-making skills.
Sarah has worked in specialized adult foster care as well as with severely emotionally impaired kids and their families. This work focused on their comprehensive needs and provided intensive home-based services and crisis intervention in Kalamazoo County. As a home-based therapist, Sarah was able to provide individual, family, and couples therapy as well as parenting support to develop personalized goals and build on strengths to promote healthy family functioning. This became Sarah’s passion based on her belief that through hard work and motivation, any family and/or individual is able to make changes allowing them to have a healthier and more meaningful life. Her approach is to meet each family or individual where they are and to educate, guide, and encourage them in their journey towards positive change. Throughout Sarah’s twenty-year career, she has gained extensive experience working with individuals and families and specializes in PTSD, ADHD, depression, mood disorders, grief/loss, significant life adjustments, anxiety, anger management issues, family conflicts, and parenting support. Sarah believes in providing a safe and supportive environment that is judgement free. Sarah utilizes evidence-based practices including CBT, DBT, behavioral psychology, and is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Sarah is trained in EMDR.
Natalie LaFehr
MA, LPC, NCC
Troy Location & Telehealth Licensed in MI, SC & pending in PA
Natalie completed her graduate studies at Wayne State University in clinical mental health counseling. She began her career in the mental health field in 2013 working at an early intervention program for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). That experience brought her an eagerness to provide counseling support for the family members and children. Natalie believes therapy is a personal, unique, and intimate experience. Finding the right therapist is essential in your healing journey and she is here to help with that process. Natalie has experience assisting individuals struggling with adjustment difficulties, PTSD, grief, ADHD, life transitions, as well as depression and anxiety. Natalie will work hard to ensure a safe and comfortable space for your individual needs while working side-by-side together to ensure your success. We all live our valid, personal truths, and I honor those in my clients.
Barb Krause
MA, LMSW
Portage Location & Telehealth
Barb received her Master’s degree in Social Work from Western Michigan University in 2007. Her career has always focused on working with kids, adolescents and young adults diagnosed with chronic mental illnesses. Barb has spent a significant amount of her career supporting individuals through local crisis programs for children and adolescents. Barb found her true passion as a home-based therapist helping families who have a child or children diagnosed with chronic mental illness.
Barb believes that a strong therapeutic relationship is a necessity for therapy to be successful. She builds this relationship by following her client’s lead in session and providing compassion, honesty and a focus on strengths, while addressing the goals of her clients. She celebrates successes and supports a client’s path to better mental health using CBT, DBT and behavioral therapy techniques and is certified in TF-CBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy). Barb has experience working with people struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, ODD, self-esteem issues, anger management, relationship struggles, parenting, suicidal ideation, self-harm, bipolar disorder and psychosis.
Becoming a therapist helped Barb combine her love of helping people with her passion for the science behind our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. She enjoys providing support and guidance for those on their path to greater peace and life fulfillment and she feels honored to see the positive changes that her clients have been able to gain through learning new ways of thinking and handling stress.
Judi Meininger
MA, Sp.A, LLP
Troy Location & Telehealth
Judi is a school psychologist with over 15 years of experience in elementary, middle and high school settings. She has supported students who have experienced challenges in the school environment due to learning, social or behavioral issues. Judi has a particular interest in literacy development and dyslexia identification and intervention. She is skilled in cognitive and academic assessments and in designing effective interventions and conducts education evaluations for K-12 school aged children. She is also experienced with special education law and requirements. She can assist families in navigating this arena as a consultant and provides parenting support for help with challenging behaviors. Judi also works with adults in the context of parenting challenges and life transitions.
Judi received her specialist degree in school psychology from the University of Detroit Mercy in 2007 and attended Michigan State University for an undergraduate degree in psychology. Prior to becoming a school psychologist, Judi was a registered nurse with a specialty in critical care.
In addition, Judi also sees adults struggling with anxiety and depression, relationship concerns and life adjustments.
Judi is a wife, mother to three adult sons and a passionate dog owner. She loves tennis, horseback riding and gardening.
Nia Bow
MA, LLPC
Troy Location & Telehealth
Nia completed her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling at Oakland University. She has also obtained her undergraduate degree in Sociology and Psychology from Oakland University. Nia began her career working with diverse populations in the non-profit sector including high-risk youth, providing resources and support for their various needs. She has facilitated and co-facilitated groups for young women and girls aged 6 and older. She has also worked with individuals who suffer from traumatic brain injuries, providing hands-on support with their careers.
Nia believes in meeting each client wherever they are in their journey and collaboratively working with them to identify and reach their goals towards positive change. She focuses on creating a safe space for clients to express themselves. Nia has experience working with clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, and trauma. Nia also works with children and families struggling with behavioral concerns and disrupted connection. Nia utilizes several approaches including Solution Focused Therapy, Person Centered Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. Nia aims to convey realness and support while embarking on a shared journey of focusing on solutions and healing instead of problems.
Courtney Adams
MA, LLP
Troy Location & Telehealth
Courtney graduated from her master’s program through the Michigan School of Psychology (MSP) with a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology in 2023. She has her TLLP and is being supervised under Dr. Aja Temple. Courtney knew she wanted to be a therapist in high school and received her bachelor’s at James Madison University in Virginia. There, she received her Bachelor of Arts in psychology and a minor in family studies. She took her knowledge from undergrad and began working at a boarding school for boys with social and emotional difficulties for the next two years. She moved to South Carolina with her partner for another 2 years, where she was a Montessori preschool educator. When they decided to move to Michigan, Courtney began school at MSP and completed her practicum hours at the Michigan School Psychological Clinic.
Courtney has learned a variety of skills, not only through school but also during her time before her master’s degree. Courtney is CBT-trained, trauma-informed, and uses a humanistic approach towards her clients. She strives to create a judgment-free and inclusive environment where clients of all ages feel comfortable. Courtney is interested in furthering her areas of expertise in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and couples therapy through the Gottman School.
Courtney is Level 1 Gottman Trained
Ryan Mast
MA, TLLP
Troy Location & Telehealth
Ryan graduated from the Michigan School of Psychology (MSP) with a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology. His approach to therapy is to find what works best for each individual. Underlying it all is his belief in our shared humanity. All of us deserve to be seen, heard and valued. At times we may become trapped in patterns and habits that we want to overcome, or perhaps depression and anxiety has us feeling isolated or lonely. As well, we may have been hurt by someone, intentionally or otherwise. These difficult feelings are unfortunately common, but the struggle against them doesn’t have to be permanent. Ryan will focus on helping you choose and attain the life that you want for yourself within a nonjudgmental environment. Your thoughts and concerns are the priority, and you will be listened to and respected.
Ryan is Level 2 Gottman trained
Brianne Bendel
MA, LLPC
Troy Location & Telehealth
Brianne earned her master’s degree in counseling from Spring Arbor University. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in English with minors in psychology and creative writing from Oakland University. Brianne worked as a registered behavior technician for children with autism for four years. Once she obtained her master’s degree, she began her counseling career working with a diverse population of older adolescents and young adults on concerns such as anxiety disorders, depression, grief/loss, life transitions, PTSD, self-esteem, social/communication skills, and ADHD.
Brianne takes a strengths-based, client-centered approach to counseling individuals. She believes each client has within them the tremendous potential for growth with the support, skill set, and insight gained from the collaborative, therapeutic relationship. Although she is grounded in a client-centered approach, she will often incorporate various techniques and coping skills to best suit the client and their needs – including techniques in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, and mindfulness approaches. It is Brianne’s intent to provide a safe, non- judgmental environment where clients feel free to be themselves while working towards the therapeutic goals that we have set together.
Brianne loves spending time with family/friends, creating pieces of art and poetry, and anything Star Wars. She looks forward to working with you!
Raelynn Sanchez
MS, LLMFT
Troy Location & Telehealth
Raelynn is a Limited License Marriage and Family Therapist with a master's degree from Capella University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Rochester University. While working on her psychology degree, she began looking at different careers in therapy. She loved learning about the entire family system and how each family is different. Raelynn believes everyone should have a non-judgmental and safe space to work through their healing journey. She specializes in helping clients with Anxiety, Coping Skills, Self-esteem issues, Depression, Peer Relationships, Relationship Issues, School Issues, Communication skills, and Stress. Raelynn has experience working with children, preteen, teens, and adults.
Raelynn loves spending time with her family, traveling, and attending music concerts in her free time.
Alex PetersEn
MA, LLPC
Troy Location & Telehealth
Alex is here to support individuals in finding clarity, healing, and strength while on their journey to personal growth. Alex received her Master's degree from Oakland University in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Bachelor's degree in Human Biology from Michigan State University. Alex works with teens, young women looking to strengthen self esteem and decrease anxiety as well as adults moving through life stages.
Alex is dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to navigate their unique concerns. Alex believes every individual has the inner strength and resilience to overcome obstacles and thrive. She understands that seeking therapy is a brave step, and is committed to creating a trusting and non-judgmental space where one can explore their thoughts and feelings freely. Together, you can work towards healing, self-discovery, and change.
Ananya Majumder
MA, LLPC, NCC
Troy & Telehealth Location
Ananya has earned her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Oakland University. She also holds a master’s in Special Education in Emotional Impairment from Oakland University. Ananya began her career as a kindergarten teacher and as an ESL teacher for young adolescents. Her experiences with her students and their parents shaped her desire to focus on working in the mental health field, to help facilitate growth and healing for children and adults. Ananya’s desire and passion is to assist dedicated individuals in building emotional resilience, navigating mental health struggles, and helping people learn coping strategies to help alleviate stress through Empathy and Compassion. She approaches counseling as a space to empower, support, and advocate for her clients through curiosity and open-mindedness.
Ananya’s goal is to create a safe and non-judgmental space for her clients across the lifespan. She also provides support to parents to help with challenging behaviors, and assists children navigate changing and evolving family dynamics.
Ananya loves spending time with her family/friends, tending to her house plants, traveling, and experiencing new things.
Amanda Meredith
Counseling intern
Troy & Telehealth Location
Amanda is completing a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Oakland University. She has experience working with children, adolescents, and young adults with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and autism. She devotes herself to creating a safe space where young people feel validated, supported, and encouraged. She believes in a strengths-based approach to mental health. She is dedicated to helping individuals discover the power they have within themselves to overcome life’s challenges. In her free time, she enjoys reading, singing, and having impromptu dance parties with her two children.
Maggie Trinka
MA, LLP
Troy & Telehealth Locations
Maggie earned a Masters in Clinical Psychology in 2021, from Sam Houston State University. Prior to completing her masters, she obtained a bachelors in both psychology and criminal justice from Ferris State University. She is a Limited License Psychologist in the state of Michigan and has experience working with couples, adolescents, families, and individuals.
Maggie believes in the power of connection and collaboration when providing care. Her goal as a clinician is to provide a safe and inclusive space for everyone - no matter where you are starting from. She specializes in working with parents and young adults, helping them manage stress, improve communication, and feel more confident in the choices they’re making. Whether you're navigating parenting challenges or feeling overwhelmed by college life, she is here to walk alongside you with compassion.
Austin Giacomantonio
MA, LLP
Troy & Telehealth Locations
Austin graduated from the Michigan School of Psychology (MSP) in 2024 with a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Wayne State University. Austin understands the impact of trauma and the value of intentional growth and meets people with self awareness, compassion and genuine empathy.
As we move through life, we all face moments of change and uncertainty. Stress and anxiety, PTSD and trauma, grief and loss, or questions about purpose and direction are all a part of the human condition. Wherever you are on your path of navigating life challenges, I aim to offer a supportive space where you can process what you're going through and work toward greater mental clarity and balance.
Whatever brings you in, my goal is to meet you where you are and help you move forward with strength, self-awareness, and compassion.
Outside of work, Austin is spending time with loved ones, exercising and finding new things to learn.
Yehuda Union
MA, LLMSW
Troy & Telehealth locations
Yehuda, a graduate of Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University, works as both a part-time school-based social worker and clinical therapist. He is passionate about helping clients of all ages reach their full potential. To that end, he employs a variety of techniques including psychodynamic theory, behavioral interventions, and a humanistic approach which focuses on the relationship between the therapist and the client. His client-centered approach incorporates empathy while simultaneously empowering clients to succeed.
Yehuda works hard to create a safe space for clients to share and be true to themselves. He works with a wide range of clients from various backgrounds who struggle with ADHD, anxiety, poor social skills, emotional dysregulation, trauma, behavioral problems, or those that simply want to learn more about themselves.
Outside of work hours, Yehuda can be found spending time with his family, cooking, or enjoying the great outdoors.
“The individuals listed on Our Team are recognized as independent contractors of The Wright Counseling.”