Jennifer Decker

Mental Health Therapist II & Referral Coordinator

LPC

My expertise is in empathy and compassion, but followed by the love of helping children and their families learn to cope with developmentally appropriate methods. I am Jennifer Decker. A licensed mental health therapist that is currently working towards an independent license.

I have worked in the human service industry for over ten years. I started out as an educator and received a Master’s in learning strategies. I studied human development and techniques to approach a child on their developmental level. As I taught, I found that a lot of students struggled with more than intellectual issues. Some of my students struggled with behavioral issues and big emotions.  “When little people are overwhelmed by big emotions, it’s our job to share our calm, not to join their chaos.” Quoted from L.R. Knost. This is a philosophy I remember when interacting with children.

I have studied at the university level and received another Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I also accomplished a license in chemical dependency. I use my previous learned knowledge in education and combine it with the mental health material and have come to the conclusion that children need a holistic approach to their lives. They need supported in all areas to meet all goals. This conclusion has pushed me to learn more on behavioral modifications and coping skills for children with large emotions, especially anger. I am also familiar with many other diagnosis and practice a simple approach with them-

“We got this!”

As a team, with the child and their family, we will raise the child up by listening, showing empathy, teaching new appropriate skills, and building an environment conducive to growth.

I make a commitment each day to meet my clients at their level and support them to obtain the goals that they have set for success. I believe that a child can hurt just as much as an adult, just without the brain development to get through their emotions on their own. I do believe all people can change and be resilient. I give my clients an opportunity to express these big emotions and provided them with a safe place to practice the skills needed to overcome or cope with their feelings. I also provide them and their family with strategies to help reinforce their successes. I am a little silly, which helps with the younger children. I am also great at listening and empathizing, which helps with the teens. I share compassion, which helps all and their families. It is best said by Maya Angelou, “My mission in life is not to merely survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”

Earl Nichols

Mental Health Therapist

LPC

  “Everything happens for a reason.” This is one of my favorite quotes as I truly believe that in life there is a reason for the things that we go through even though it can be difficult to see the reason.

Working as a mental health therapist since 2015, I have worked with a variety of mental health diagnosis and with many youth in the community. I have had a lot of success in working with people who are struggling with anger issues, defiance, as well as anxiety and depression. Many people tend to think that seeking help through mental health services is a weakness, however the insight to know you may benefit from some assistance actually proves strength and wisdom. I try to help my clients gain insight and wisdom while receiving services, as this will be able to help my client’s continue to grow once services have ended. I provide compassionate and supportive environment that allows for my clients to fully be themselves while in session in efforts to promote healing and self-discovery. I have specialties in Cognitive Based Therapy and Trauma and loss therapy.

Amanda Sheidler

Mental Health Support Worker

QMHS

My favorite quote is ‘By the time a man realizes that maybe his father was right, he usually has a son who thinks he’s wrong’.  These are words I live by in my personal and professional life.

My name is Amanda Sheidler, MS and I graduated from the University of Dayton in August 2007 and pursued a license in school counseling.  I have vast experience in the education and clinical fields since I have earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Wright State University in 2003.  I have fulfilled duties such as a substitute teacher, paraprofessional, school counselor, home-based special needs caregiver, volunteer for the courts, tutor, and finally my current position as a home-based mental health specialist.

I have enjoyed working with youth in all capacities and all ages.  I have some experience with children with autism and I have been trained in crisis prevention.  I especially enjoy working with the younger children who are passionate about their life and they are willing to share their thoughts and feelings openly.  In the clinical setting, I use a humanistic approach in which I show openness, empathy, and unconditional positive regard.  Clients are allowed the opportunity to express their feelings without being judged and I help clients to discover their strengths rather than focus on their weaknesses

Wayne Edmondson

Mental Health Support Worker

QMHS

“The Penalty of Leadership…when an individual’s work becomes a standard for all to see it can also become a target. But if the Leader truly leads then they remain the Leader.”

My name is Wayne Edmondson I am a highly skilled interventionist who holds a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Science degree in Health & Human Services from Ohio University.

My clinical experience spans over a period of 20 years working with a diverse at-risk client population in a variety of settings. The foundation in which I engage my clients originates from teaching a character development curriculum consisting of 650 group sessions of Goldstein’s Skill Streaming & Samanau’s Thinking Errors.

The areas I specialize in treating are Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, Oppositional Defiance Disorder, Conduct Disorder, Bi-polar Disorder and Juvenile Sex Offenses. I rely on a holistic and evidenced based approach to assists clients with skill development and problem solving.

My commitment for serving on the front lines has enabled me to educate, empower and encourage individuals to overcome life’s challenges. My balance of empathy and firmness I feel set me apart as a Qualified Mental Health Specialist.

One of my key accomplishments was being recognized and honored as Employee of the Year for Centerpointe Health, a major community mental health provider in Greater Cincinnati.

Yalonda Slaughter

Mental Health Support Worker

QMHS

Hi! My name is Yalonda Slaughter. I am a Mental Health Support Worker for CHOICES. I hold an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice and a Bachelors in Human Services: Child and Family Welfare. I am in the process of finishing my last couple of classes at Clark State Community College for my Chemical Dependency Certification.

Before CHOICES, I worked specifically with at-risk troubled adolescents in Juvenile Detention Centers. I have worked for Montgomery County Juvenile Probation as a Treatment Court Specialist, specializing with youth who are struggling with substance abuse disorders and mental health issues. My desire has always been to work with youth and families and to eventually own my own Group Home that places a lot of emphasis on Adolescents and Drug Recovery.

When I am not at work you can always find me spending time with my family, especially my younger nieces and nephews, reading and writing for my blog website. I love to bake and work out.

Beyonc’e Swanson

Mental Health Support Worker

QMHS

Hello! My name is Beyonc’e Swanson. I was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio and graduated from Ponitz Career Technology Center. I completed my undergrad at Central State University in December 2020 with a bachelor’s of Social Work. I am currently working towards my Master’s degree in Social Work at Wright State University, where I am expected to graduate April 2022. I also plan to sit for the LSW exam early December of 2021. Prior to working at CHOICES INC., I was employed at Green County Juvenile Detention Center. There is where I grew a true passion for at-risk adolescents. In my free time I enjoy traveling, exploring different kinds of restaurants, and spending time with my partner and puppy Chanel!

A quote that I hold close to my heart is “Every kid is one caring adult away from being a success story” –Josh Shipp

Dee Frazier

Mental Health Support Worker

QMHS

Hello, my name is Deahzja Frazier (she/her/hers). I prefer to be called Dee. I was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio where I lived until I left to pursue my undergraduate degree. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work in 2021 from Central State University. I am currently a MSW candidate at Wright State University where I am expected to graduate in 2022. Working with children is my passion and has always been. Before working at CHOICES, Inc., I worked at daycares for over 3 years. With my degrees, I hope to be a therapist to children who have experienced adversity throughout their childhood. I plan to continue higher education at a doctoral level and research the strenuous effects of adverse childhood experiences. The most rewarding thing about working with children is that although we are meant to guide and educate them, children can teach you more things about yourself than you already know. When I am not at work or school, I enjoy binge watching shows like Grey’s Anatomy, Prison Break, and Criminal Minds. I also enjoy drinking iced coffee, interior decorating, reading, and couponing!

Kymberly Vaughn

Mental Health Support Worker

Bio coming soon!