Meet our Wellness Team

Clinician (Limited Scheduling Availability) I have been blessed to provide care, services, and support to people over the entire spectrum of life. I have a passion for working with the elder population, and part of my role at Momentum Counseling is providing counseling and support to patients in area facilities. I use a client-centered approach and use validation therapy techniques, realizing that most behaviors are an expression of emotions. My clinical areas of interest include: depression, anxiety, behavioral concerns, family, relationship, or couples issues, spiritual concerns, adjustment to change/life transitions, and grief/loss/bereavement. Professional consultation is also available to provide families with caregiver consultation and supportive counseling, to assist with long-term care claims, to assist families with preparing for facility placement, and resource education and referral. As a Licensed Independent Social Worker with Supervision Designation, I have focused much of my continuing education in the area of dementia, accumulating many hours of training. Dementia is a diagnosis that is unique to each person and a difficult journey for both the person with dementia and loved ones. I am passionate about working together to discover ways to connect with the individual, stepping into his reality, validating expressed emotions, while maintaining dignity. I look forward to helping you on your journey. “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not without effect.” 1 Corinthians 15:10a

Clinician Hello. I am currently expanding my education through a long-term internship with Momentum Counseling. I am currently studying at Case Western Reserve University to receive my Master of Science Degree in Social Administration (MSSA). For the past several years, I have worked with geriatric clientele. However, I am expanding my experience to include kiddos and teens and their families. I thoroughly enjoy working with this population. A common treatment goal is to decrease conflict and strengthen relationships between parents and children. Kids face many issues and hurdles today, such as school challenges, drugs and alcohol, peer pressure, relationship issues, anxiety, and depression, etc. It can be frustrating and heartbreaking as a parent to see your child struggle. I enjoy watching parents and kids achieve goals and strengthen family bonds. Counseling offers a safe place to process scary feelings, emotions, and points of view. Counseling is the ideal place to formulate plans and goals and improve functioning and life quality. I look forward to serving you on your journey. Currently, I am supervised by Michelle Salazar, LISW-S, LICDC.

Clinician There are times in life when we feel alone with nowhere to turn to make sense of all that life throws our way. Helping people find their way in life drives my desire to be a counselor. My goals for my counseling clients are to leave my office with a better sense of self and the knowledge that I was a partner on their journey through difficult life events. I help clients including adults, families, adolescents, and children to better understand themselves and feel empowered to succeed in life. Allowing all clients, the space to grow is vital. My approach as a counselor is completely based on the needs of my clients. I do favor a few different therapy approaches. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Solutions Focused Therapy empower my clients. These methodologies are meant to create a rich, full and meaningful life while coping with the tragedy and trauma that life can bring. I provide services for those who suffer from depression, anxiety, addiction, ADHD, relationship issues, and more. I work from a spiritual point of view. My faith leads me each and every day. Faith based counseling is available by request. While my Christian beliefs influence the way I understand humanity, I see clients from all backgrounds and respect the views of each individual client. Currently, I am supervised by Amber Smith LPCC-S. “If you must look back, do so forgivingly. If you must look forward, do so Prayerfully. However, the wisest thing you can do is be Present in the Present… Gratefully.” -Mary Angelou

Clinician Currently, I am supervised by Michelle Salazar, LISW-S, LICDC.

Clinician (Limited Scheduling Availability) Hello. I have much experience working with adults and kids of all ages. I truly love my profession and am inspired by the people that I come into contact with everyday. Counseling is a crucial part of creating lasting and meaningful changes in your life. Like most positive things, the positive changes that you make in counseling are contagious. Expect your loved ones to notice your brighter outlook and be impacted. The Ripple Effect is a beautiful side effect of your hard work in counseling. I have a passion for working with teens and kids as well as adults. I am able to connect with adults and high risk youth and create a safe and trusting environment for change. I truly enjoy being a part of the unfolding of the therapeutic process. My experience is mostly working with at risk youth in residential, school and outpatient settings. My treatment approach is client centered and solution focused. I strive to balance self esteem building and self exploration with practical solutions that move you toward your goals. In sessions we will explore your thoughts and behaviors, past childhood to adult experiences, and how they relate to the symptoms and challenges that bring you to counseling. We work toward identifying your thought patterns, and how to put a positive spin on your thoughts about yourself and others toward a healthy outcome. I believe together we can strive for healing, wellness, and freedom. I look forward to meeting you.

Clinician Hello. I have helped many through individual counseling and groups, struggling not only with addictions, but also PTSD, grief, depression and anxiety. I am educated and trained in evidence-based treatments and uniquely equipped in the area of addiction. Being in recovery myself I have experienced the process of change and can personally empathize with the difficulty of the struggle. Also, I value above all the relationship component to healing. Many of us have been broken in relationships, and we ultimately find healing in them as well. Healing does not only happen in relationships with other healthy people but can also arise from a relationship with a higher power. Grounded in the spiritual and existential approach of the 12-step process, I can assist you with this exploration on your own terms. Spirituality cannot only empower us beyond that of self and science but can give us new purpose and meaning in life. Faith based counseling is available by request. No specific spiritual beliefs are ever imposed on anyone. I am currently licensed by the State of Ohio as an Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor, and I have a Master’s Degree in Clinical Addiction Counseling from Indiana Wesleyan University. Over the past several years I served as a Ministry Leader of a 12-step recovery program and as a Spiritual Director in a local church. I also have many years working in the field of social services and mental health as a treatment foster parent and emotionally disturbed classroom assistant. I look forward to meeting with you and supporting you on your wellness journey. “Keep faith. The most amazing things in life tend to happen right at the moment you’re about to give up hope.” – Anonymous

Clinician Meeting people where they are at on their life’s journey is my mission as a counselor. Because of that belief, I realize that each and every one of my clients is unique. Every individual is treated as such. I have been trained in a variety of techniques and interventions and use the most appropriate approach for you and your specific needs. While I am a firm believer that you are the expert on your own life, I am honored to come alongside you to help with counseling goals. Working with clients to assist them with their life’s struggles is my passion. My office space is a safe place for those of any race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation. I received my Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Bowling Green State University. My special areas of interest include: women’s issues, codependency, grief and loss, relationship issues, adjustment to change, caregiver burden, and stress. I also have past experience in a community mental health facility where I worked with many clients that were struggling with substance use issues and severe anxiety and depression. I am looking forward to being a facilitator of change in your life! Currently, I am supervised by Amber Smith LPCC-S.

Clinician When people experience life stressors, trauma, loss and hardship, it is not uncommon for their lives to unravel. My passion is bringing healing to people who have been through a stressful/traumatic experience. I help my clients including adults, families, couples and teens find healthy perceptions of themselves and strengthen their relationships so they can know themselves as peaceful, complete, whole and safe. No single approach is right for every individual, and so I have been trained in a range of modalities including, strength based, person centered, cognitive behavioral and solution focused therapy. I provide compassionate and confidential services for people struggling with issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship issues, ADHD, behavioral problems, addiction and more. I have over 30 years of experience working in the field of mental health and addiction services, and I have my Master of Social Work degree from The Ohio State University with an LISW-S licensure. What my experience and education have taught me is that no two individuals or families are the same; therefore, what works for one may not work for another. “People do not care about how much you know until they know how much you care.”

Clinician I have a passion for serving others, and I’ve had the opportunity to serve many individuals during my many years working in the helping field. My experience includes community mental health, residential, and school settings. I have worked with adults and children of all ages who were experiencing trauma, loss, emotional health difficulties, physical and intellectual disabilities, and more. I am especially passionate and knowledgeable about depression, anxiety, and childhood trauma and its impacts on development and long-term outcomes. Using supportive listening, warmth, empathy, and positive regard, I join with you on your journey to discover the thoughts, feelings, and beliefs that are keeping you stuck. By uncovering and addressing unhelpful thinking patterns and belief systems and beginning to see them differently, I believe that people can dramatically change their lives. I am dedicated to providing you a safe and confidential therapy experience. I use a person-centered approach with the individuals I serve, meeting people where they are and helping them unpack what’s keeping them from getting where they’re going. I know that every person I serve has unique strengths, and I enjoy helping others discover or re-discover those strengths. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to walk beside you on your journey to wellness! Currently, I am supervised by Michelle Salazar, LISW-S, LICDC.

Hey there! Welcome to the Momentum Counseling Wellness Team page. I'm thrilled to introduce you to our amazing team of caring and talented professionals. We hope you'll find comfort and healing with our skilled, licensed clinicians. Our team brings decades of experience in mental health and addiction counseling, helping folks navigate relationship and personal challenges. We use a client centered, empowering evidence-based approach to help you reach your goals. Our therapists enjoy connecting with people and focus on you, showing great results in tackling anxiety, depression, couples and family issues, teen and kid challenges, trauma, addiction, and stress management. Walking with you on your journey to healing and growth is truly our honor. We know deciding to start counseling can be tough. At Momentum Counseling, we honor your strengths and aim to build on them. As the owner, my vision is to provide an exceptional therapeutic experience to everyone who walks through our doors. We can't wait to connect with you. Be well!

Cassie Helmstetter is a dedicated Social Work Intern currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Social Work. Passionate about helping others, Cassie is committed to providing compassionate and client-centered support to individuals navigating life’s challenges. Under the supervision of experienced clinicians, she is gaining hands-on experience in evidence-based therapeutic approaches to assist clients in achieving their mental health and wellness goals. Cassie brings warmth, empathy, and a strong desire to make a positive impact, creating a safe and supportive space for those she works with. Seeking support is a courageous step, and Cassie is here to walk alongside you in that journey. Whether you're facing stress, anxiety, life transitions, or other challenges, therapy can provide the tools and guidance to help you heal and grow. If you're considering therapy for yourself or a loved one, we invite you to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward a healthier, more balanced life.

I am happy to invite you to a safe and nonjudgmental space where you are welcome to be who you are. As a therapist, my primary focus is to meet individuals where they are and assist them in developing a sense of security and preparedness to address life’s challenges. My goal is to ensure that all my clients feel heard, supported, and empowered to express and process their emotions, thoughts, and experiences. My current area of specialization is working with children and adolescents, utilizing play and art therapy techniques to assist them in building resilience, self efficacy, and learn to regulate and recognize their emotions in a strengths-based and mindful way. However, I am open and dedicated to working with all populations. I incorporate a range of therapeutic approaches such as Client-Centered, Evidence-Based, Trauma-Informed, and Somatic approaches. I also utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solutions-Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Additionally, I am trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, and Triple P Parenting. In 2020, I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and English from the Ohio State University. Subsequently, I completed my Master of Social Work in 2024 at the same institution. My background includes crisis management services, individuals experiencing substance use, and working with children and adolescents exhibiting behavioral challenges. I am honored to have the opportunity to work with and empower you to achieve your goals.

Hello! My name is Ashley Place, and I’m a therapist serving in the Wapakoneta and Celina communities. I specialize in working with children, teens, and families, drawing on over a decade of experience as a licensed classroom teacher and three years as a school-based therapist and Success Skills Coach. This unique background allows me to understand the challenges young people face both in and out of school. Because I continue to work within the school system, my therapy sessions are only available in the evening and Saturday mornings. I understand how overwhelming it can feel when your child is struggling. Whether you're navigating concerns related to anxiety, ADHD, emotional regulation, school-related stress, or relationship challenges, I’m here to support your family with compassion and care. In our work together, my goal is to create a safe, supportive space where children feel seen and heard, and where parents feel empowered, not judged. My approach is trauma-informed, strengths-based, and focused on building emotional skills and practical tools your family can use every day. You don’t have to go through this alone. Together, we can support your child and your family in order to move forward with clarity, connection, and confidence.

Hey all! It's one of the greatest privileges to hear one's life story. I offer a compassionate atmosphere with an active listening ear for all. I specialize in working with families of all shapes and sizes, including parent-child and couple relationships. I also thoroughly enjoy individual sessions, assisting clients in finding their spark in life. I have past experience working in community mental health, schools, and corrections. I received my LSW in 2020 and graduated with my BSSW from The Ohio State University. I served in AmeriCorps prior to starting my college journey. I am a strength-based and person-centered clinician experienced in providing dual (alcohol/drug and mental health) treatment modalities. I look forward to serving the needs of Allen County and surrounding areas.