About Me
Introduction
I get that feeling of wishing you knew what is going on with you, being desperate for relief.
I’m a therapist because I’ve been in situations like this, too. I understand what it’s like to be in your seat. (Getting my own therapy helps me be a better therapist.)
I really believe things can get better for you—even in some pretty awesome ways.
If you didn’t like therapy before, we’re going to do things differently.
I’m going to show up as a real, neurodivergent person so you can, too.
My identities, values, and interests
Please call me Stephani—but just so you know, my last name is pronounced “Yon.” My pronouns are she/her—and I prefer non-gendered references (e.g., person instead of lady).
I’m AuDHD (late-diagnosed), disabled, non-binary, and on the aro-ace spectrums. I share that here because I know it really matters to have a therapist who can relate to your lived experience. I’m also White, straight-sized, and privileged in other ways. I aim to practice and keep learning anti-racism, neurodiversity-informed disability justice, trans-inclusive intersectional feminism, mad pride, and other allyship.
I’m also a spouse and am a Millennial parent to a super-cool multiply-neurodivergent little kid. In my alone time, I love designing and making bright, modern scrappy quilts, bags, crochet, and embroidery, while listening to audiobooks on mental health, diversity, and fantasy like the Wandering Inn (my professional GoodReads list is here, and you’re welcome to follow me there!). I would love to have a swing in every room of the house and outside, and also enjoy spiky fidgets, deep pressure, and music. I can’t imagine life without my ANC headphones and Flare sound filters. My favorite TV show is Ghosts (US).
…By the way, it’s fine with me if you swear, and I probably will, too!
Professional qualifications
Credentials:
Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida (MH17502), New York (014084), and Indiana (39004668A)
Nationally Certified Counselor since 2014
Member of the American Counseling Association
PhD in Counseling& Counselor Education from the University of Florida
Master’s and Specialist degrees in Mental Health Counseling (UF)
Bachelor’s in Psychology (UF)
Board Certified Telehealth Provider (BCTP-I)
Trained in complex trauma, embodied & creative healing, & deeply ND affirming assessment and care
Experience:
Over 10 years experience - practicing since 2013
4 years as a Clinical Assistant Professor
at the University of Florida Counseling & Wellness Center5 years as a crisis counselor, trainer, and hotline volunteer at the Alachua County Crisis Center
5 years providing career counseling & education
7 years providing crisis response & consultation
Experience as a disability services counselor with insight into the employer and educator sides of accommodations
Call to action
I’d like to get to know you, too. Are you ready?
What people say about working with me
“Highly collaborative.”
“I learned to see the good in me in a way I never could before."
"Incredibly insightful."
“A compassionate presence.”
"Receptive to feedback... inviting conversation without becoming defensive.”
“Compassionate, respectful, creative, and thoughtful.”
"She can handle it all.”
“She has helped me realize parts of myself that I never thought about.”
“A humanistic perspective that shows empathy and respect.”
“Intentional and strategic… steadfast and dedicated.”
“I've never felt so seen.”
"Juxtaposition of professionalism and authenticity."
"Among our most respected experts [in crisis]."
Her use of non-verbal creative techniques "allow for pain to be worked through – vital for [trauma healing]."