The Wise Counsel Team

Claire Gerchman, LISW, she/her

Claire is an independently licensed social worker with a broad range of experiences which influence her trauma informed approach with clients. She views therapy as collaborative, the client’s voice is the most important in the room. She is focused on creating a space with clients that emphasizes strengths, provides empathy and safety, and promotes deeper understanding. Grounded in evidence based practices, Claire is intentional in choosing interventions with clients that address their specific goals. 

Claire has extensive experience with serious medical illness including organ transplant and end of life care. She understands that illness does not just impact the person with the diagnosis, but their entire family. She is passionate about supporting both patients and their caregivers through health journeys. Due to her work in large medical systems, she is prepared to help clients navigate complex medical diagnoses, process life changes caused by illness, and manage grief. 

With a focus on compassion and building up coping skills, Claire also has experience working with adults and adolescents with substance use disorders. Her trauma specific training has prepared her to help clients explore the underlying cause of behaviors which are not helping them achieve their goals. This deeper understanding can help break patterns which have clients feeling stuck. Claire strives to be an LGBTQ+ affirming counselor who works from a client centered perspective. 

Now accepting in-person clients in Fairlawn and telehealth clients throughout Ohio. I work with individuals age 18+ and accept Aetna, AmeriHealth Caritas, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Beacon, Buckeye, CareSource, Cigna, Humana, Humana Medicaid, Medical Mutual, Molina, Ohio Medicaid, Oscar, some Summacare plans, United Healthcare (including GEHA, UMR and Medicaid), and self-pay. Evening and weekend hours available.

Michelle Bader, LSW, she/her

** Starting May 26, 2026 **

I offer a warm and compassionate approach to therapy where you are the expert of your own lived experience. I strive to create a calm, respectful, empathetic, and collaborative environment where you feel seen, heard, and valued without judgment. I recognize that your experiences are shaped by many parts of your life, including your relationships, environment, and the broader systems around you.

In our work together, I draw from evidence-based approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior
Therapy (DBT). My approach is thoughtful, collaborative, and trauma-informed, with a focus on what feels most helpful and relevant to you.

I’m committed to creating a space where every aspect of who you are is respected, including your culture, identity, neurodiversity, and lived experience.

My aim is to offer a space where you can better understand your experiences and move forward in ways that feel authentic and meaningful to you.

Michelle, an LGBTQ+ affirming clinician, is currently accepting in-person clients in Fairlawn and telehealth clients throughout Ohio, ages 18+, with the following insurances: Aetna, AmeriHealth Caritas, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Beacon, Buckeye, CareSource, Cigna, Humana, Humana Medicaid, Medical Mutual, Molina, Ohio Medicaid, Oscar, some Summacare plans, United Healthcare (including GEHA, UMR and Medicaid), and self-pay. Evening and weekend hours available.

Michelle is practicing under the supervision of Kerri Mazzone, LISW-S (Ohio License # I.1000022-SUPV)

Emily Ross, LSW, she/her

Life can shift in unexpected ways—through illness, loss, identity changes, or major decisions—and those transitions can leave us feeling lost or overwhelmed. I specialize in
supporting individuals and couples as they navigate these pivotal moments, helping them find steadiness, clarity, and connection in the midst of change.

My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that healing isn’t about fixing what’s broken—it’s about making space for your full experience and discovering what still matters and new ways to grow and thrive. Whether you’re facing a new diagnosis, grieving a loss, or simply asking, “What now?”, I offer a compassionate space to explore what it means to move forward.

As a Licensed Social Worker (LSW), I integrate an eclectic approach to help you move through emotional pain while reconnecting with what matters most. Together, we’ll explore how to create a meaningful life—even in the midst of uncertainty, change, loss, or fear. My practice is neurodiversity and LGBTQ+ affirming, offering a compassionate space for clients who experience the world in diverse and deeply personal ways. You’re welcome here—just as you are.

Now accepting in-person clients in Westlake and telehealth clients throughout Ohio. I work with all ages and accept Aetna, AmeriHealth Caritas, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Beacon, Buckeye, CareSource, Cigna, Humana, Humana Medicaid, Medical Mutual, Molina, Ohio Medicaid, Oscar, some Summacare plans, United Healthcare (including GEHA, UMR and Medicaid), and self-pay.

Emily is practicing under the supervision of Kerri Mazzone, LISW-S (Ohio License # I.1000022-SUPV)

Kara Hoffman, LSW, she/her

Do you feel weighed down by grief, anxiety, or depression? Are you struggling to navigate life’s transitions or finding it hard to let go of past pain? These challenges are real, but you don’t have to face them alone.

I specialize in helping adults process grief, manage anxiety and depression, and move through life’s changes with greater resilience and clarity. My approach is warm, empowering, and nonjudgmental, providing a safe space where you can feel heard, understood, and supported. Together, we’ll collaborate to explore what’s holding you back and develop practical tools to help you move forward.

My experience in palliative and end-of-life care has given me an understanding of grief, loss, and the search for meaning in difficult times. I also incorporate mindfulness into my practice to help you stay grounded, find balance, and reconnect with yourself in a meaningful way.

Whether you’re seeking relief from overwhelming emotions or striving to build a more fulfilling life, I’m here to support you at your own pace. I currently offer virtual appointments for adults (18+). If you’re ready to take the first step toward healing and growth, I’d be honored to walk alongside you.

Kara, an LGBTQ+ affirming clinician, is currently accepting in person (Fairlawn office opening June 2025) and telehealth clients throughout Ohio, ages 18+, with the following insurances: Aetna, AmeriHealth Caritas, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Beacon, Buckeye, CareSource, Cigna, Humana, Humana Medicaid, Medical Mutual, Molina, Ohio Medicaid, Oscar, some Summacare plans, United Healthcare (including GEHA, UMR and Medicaid), and self-pay.

Kara is practicing under the supervision of Kerri Mazzone, LISW-S (Ohio License # I.1000022-SUPV)

Chris Stahr, LISW, LICDC, he/him

Compassionate Guidance for Your Journey to Wellness

With dual licensures as a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) and Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor (LICDC) in Ohio, Chris brings a wealth of experience and an empathetic approach to therapy. Specializing in anxiety, depression, substance use disorders (SUD), and ambivalence towards change, Chris works collaboratively with clients to help them navigate life’s challenges and achieve their personal goals.

Chris employs a client-centered, Motivational Interviewing (MI) approach, integrating evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). These techniques are tailored to each individual, helping clients challenge unhelpful thoughts, process trauma, and embrace values-driven living.

By creating a safe and supportive environment, Chris empowers clients to build resilience, find clarity, and take meaningful steps toward personal growth. Whether you’re seeking healing, direction, or a greater sense of purpose, Chris is committed to walking alongside you on your journey to well-being with understanding and compassion. Chris is an LGBTQ+ affirming clinician.

Chris will be accepting telehealth clients throughout Ohio, ages 18+ with the following insurances: Aetna, AmeriHealth Caritas, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Beacon, Buckeye, CareSource, Cigna, Humana, Humana Medicaid, Medical Mutual, Medicare, Molina, Ohio Medicaid, Oscar, some Summacare plans, United Healthcare (including GEHA, UMR and Medicaid), and self-pay.

Bess Kaple, LSW, they/them

I am a licensed social worker who is passionate about supporting individuals through grief and loss, chronic illness and pain, and LGBTQ+ experiences. I seek to provide an empathetic, supportive space and utilize a trauma informed and disability justice-informed lens. 

I incorporate CBT, mindfulness, self-compassion, and acceptance work in my practice. I hold a graduate certificate in Gerontology and have trained in hospice, which has given me specific skills in working with and understanding experiences with end-of-life, long-term care, caregiver fatigue, and navigating the impact of change. Many experiences that bring people to therapy have a systemic component, whether it be with family, community, or institutional, and I seek to support navigation of these systems in our work together. I strive to provide an affirming and accessible space for LGBTQ+ and disabled individuals. 

I am seeing clients 18+ via telehealth throughout Ohio and would love to be a companion with you on your journey! I am able to accept the following insurance plans: Aetna, AmeriHealth Caritas, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Beacon, Buckeye, CareSource, Cigna, Humana, Humana Medicaid, Medical Mutual, Molina, Ohio Medicaid, Oscar, some Summacare plans, United Healthcare (including GEHA, UMR and Medicaid), and self-pay

Bess is practicing under the supervision of Kerri Mazzone, LISW-S (Ohio License # I.1000022-SUPV)

Kerri (she/her) is currently unable to accept new clients, as her schedule is full.

Kerri Mazzone, LISW-S, has been a dedicated social worker since 2006, specializing in trauma recovery and supporting individuals with serious illnesses, including advanced cancer. With 14 years of oncology experience at University Hospitals, Kerri developed a deep understanding of how past trauma shapes one’s ability to navigate present challenges. She is passionate about helping clients build resilience and find hope in the face of adversity.

Kerri’s clinical expertise includes training in EMDR (EMDRIA Member, EMDR Certified Therapist, EMDRIA Approved Consultant-in-Training), CBT, DBT, ACT, Mindfulness, and IFS-Informed Interventions. She works with adults (18+) facing PTSD, dissociation, anxiety, depression, chronic suicidal thoughts, obsessive-compulsive disorder, codependency, and substance use. Her empathetic and empowering approach makes her a trusted ally for survivors of physical, emotional, and sexual trauma, childhood neglect, sex trafficking, and cultural trauma.

She is especially passionate about supporting therapists, first responders, healthcare workers, and other professionals dealing with vicarious trauma. Kerri also enjoys helping clients redefine their lives on their terms, fostering nonjudgmental dialogue to encourage meaningful change and personal growth.

As an LGBTQ+ Ally, Racial Justice Ally, and Kink-Aware clinician, Kerri strives to create an inclusive, affirming environment for all. Additionally, she has a special interest in coaching professionals to enhance their communication and interpersonal leadership skills, empowering them to reach new heights in their careers.

Beyond therapy, Kerri finds fulfillment in mentoring other mental health professionals. She offers affordable supervision for master’s-prepared LSWs in Ohio, guiding them toward independent licensure. As an EMDRIA Consultant, she provides virtual consultation to practitioners working toward EMDR Certification. Her collaborative and approachable style makes her a sought-after mentor in the mental health field.

Michelle Kramer, LISW, she/her

Do you ever find yourself struggling to get out of bed in the morning? Do you get overwhelmed with intrusive thoughts and sometimes want to shut down? Do you struggle with going to sleep at night because you feel as if you just can’t stop the endless worries and fears that are racing in your mind? These are real feelings and challenges that can be addressed.

You can learn new skills to overcome stress, anxiety, fear, shame, blame, low self-esteem, social fears, trauma, and depression. You can wake up in the morning feeling rested. You can repair relationships. You can allow yourself to process all your emotions and change the way you approach life.

I specialize in adolescents, adulthood, and couples. I am an LGBTQ+ affirming practitioner. If you are ready to face your challenges, want to feel heard, and want to develop new skills to improve your life, give me a call today to schedule our first session.

Michelle is currently accepting new telehealth clients ages 13 and up with the following insurances: Aetna, Amerihealth Caritas Medicaid, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Beacon, Caresource, Humana Medicaid, Magellan, Medical Mutual, Oscar, United Healthcare (including GEHA and Medicaid), and Self-Pay.