Executive board 2025-2026
President
Immediate Past President
Immediate Past President
Mariah Payne, MA, LPCC
She/They
Mariah Payne is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and a graduate of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Heidelberg University. Mariah currently works in private practice and provides therapeutic services for individuals, couples, and families, with a specialization in affirming care for
Mariah Payne, MA, LPCC
She/They
Mariah Payne is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and a graduate of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Heidelberg University. Mariah currently works in private practice and provides therapeutic services for individuals, couples, and families, with a specialization in affirming care for LGBTQ+ individuals and ethical/consensual non-monogamous relationships. They have completed comprehensive training on writing letters of referral for gender-affirming medical care. They are passionate about advocacy efforts for minority communities and intersectionality. Mariah has previously served as a North Central Ohio Representative for the Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities (SAIGEO) and the Government Relations Committee Liaison from 2023-2024.
Immediate Past President
Immediate Past President
Immediate Past President
Grey Nelei, PhD, LPCC-S (OH/KY), LPC (CO), LICDC (OH)
They/Them/Theirs
Grey is a Program Director and Teaching Faculty in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Antioch University New England. They obtained a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision at Adams State University in 2023 and a MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from North
Grey Nelei, PhD, LPCC-S (OH/KY), LPC (CO), LICDC (OH)
They/Them/Theirs
Grey is a Program Director and Teaching Faculty in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Antioch University New England. They obtained a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision at Adams State University in 2023 and a MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northern Kentucky University in 2015. They have been practicing as a counselor since 2015 and primarily work with queer & trans adults. Their counseling practice, supervision, and teaching are rooted in queer theory and narrative therapy.
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President-Elect
Immediate Past President
President-Elect
Jennifer Bullock M.S. LPCC-S, LMHC
She/Her/Hers
Jennifer is a licensed professional clinical counselor with training supervision designation and owner of Through the Phases Counseling in Cincinnati. She obtained her MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northern Kentucky University in 2020 and her BS in Psychology from Cincinnati Ch
Jennifer Bullock M.S. LPCC-S, LMHC
She/Her/Hers
Jennifer is a licensed professional clinical counselor with training supervision designation and owner of Through the Phases Counseling in Cincinnati. She obtained her MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northern Kentucky University in 2020 and her BS in Psychology from Cincinnati Christian University in 2018. She primarily works with LGBTQIA+ adolescents, teens, and young adults who are struggling with an eating disorder/disordered eating behaviors, emotional dysregulation, identity work, & religious deconstruction. She believes that we are life-long learners; therefore, she is continuously trying to grow her understanding and ensure that she is providing trauma-informed, social justice-informed, decolonized, affordable, and affirming care. In addition to her work with clients, Jennifer is passionate about supervising and building community with other LGBTQ+ clinicians. She is excited to expand her work with SAIGEO and continue connecting with other queer clinicians and our allies!
Secretary
Information/Technology Support
Secretary
Kimberlee Barella, MEd, LPCC-S
She/Her/Hers
Coming soon
Treasurer
Information/Technology Support
Secretary
Nic Smith, LPC, LICDC
He/Him/His
Nic Smith is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor, working for an LGBTQIA+ affirming practice in Columbus. He is a graduate of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Heidelberg University. Nic works primarily with children, adolescents, trauma a
Nic Smith, LPC, LICDC
He/Him/His
Nic Smith is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor, working for an LGBTQIA+ affirming practice in Columbus. He is a graduate of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Heidelberg University. Nic works primarily with children, adolescents, trauma and LGBTQIA+ clients from all different backgrounds. He has completed additional training in EMDR and Trauma-Focused CBT to assist clients with their various trauma needs. Nic has served in a variety of roles and boards over the years including Central Ohio Counseling Association, OCA Ambassador, Association of Child and Adolescent Counseling, and Ohio Association for Resiliency and Trauma. He is passionate about being able to advocate for clients and work to advance mental health services for all individuals.
Information/Technology Support
Information/Technology Support
Information/Technology Support
Kelsey Ward, PhD, LPCC-S, NCC, CCMHC
They/Them/Theirs
Kelsey is a licensed professional clinical counselor with supervisory designation at Clintonville Counseling and Wellness in Columbus. They primarily work with teens and adults surrounding issues of gender and sexuality but have experience in helping clients from many backgrounds and pr
Kelsey Ward, PhD, LPCC-S, NCC, CCMHC
They/Them/Theirs
Kelsey is a licensed professional clinical counselor with supervisory designation at Clintonville Counseling and Wellness in Columbus. They primarily work with teens and adults surrounding issues of gender and sexuality but have experience in helping clients from many backgrounds and presenting problems. Kelsey is a clinical faculty member at Adams State University in the Department of Counselor Education. They obtained their PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Adams State University in 2023, their MS from Wright State University in 2016, and their BA from The Ohio State University in 2012. They practice, teach, and supervise primarily from person-centered and feminist theories.
Along with working with LGBTQ+ teens and young adults, Kelsey's passion lies in providing education. They have presented at national, state, and regional conferences on LGBTQ+ issues and counseling techniques, have held independent CE events on LGBTQ+ issues and have provided education to middle- and high-school educators on LGBTQ+ youth.
Southwest/Greater Cincinnati Co-Representative
Southwest/Greater Cincinnati Co-Representative
Southwest/Greater Cincinnati Co-Representative
Jennifer Bullock M.S. LPCC-S, LMHC
She/Her/Hers
Jennifer is a licensed professional clinical counselor with training supervision designation and owner of Through the Phases Counseling in Cincinnati. She obtained her MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northern Kentucky University in 2020 and her BS in Psychology from Cincinnati C
Jennifer Bullock M.S. LPCC-S, LMHC
She/Her/Hers
Jennifer is a licensed professional clinical counselor with training supervision designation and owner of Through the Phases Counseling in Cincinnati. She obtained her MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northern Kentucky University in 2020 and her BS in Psychology from Cincinnati Christian University in 2018. She primarily works with LGBTQIA+ adolescents, teens, and young adults who are struggling with an eating disorder/disordered eating behaviors, emotional dysregulation, identity work, & religious deconstruction. She believes that we are life-long learners; therefore, she is continuously trying to grow her understanding and ensure that she is providing trauma-informed, social justice-informed, decolonized, affordable, and affirming care. In addition to her work with clients, Jennifer is passionate about supervising and building community with other LGBTQ+ clinicians. She is excited to expand her work with SAIGEO and continue connecting with other queer clinicians and our allies!
Southwest/Greater Cincinnati Co-Representative
Southwest/Greater Cincinnati Co-Representative
Southwest/Greater Cincinnati Co-Representative
Grey Nelei, PhD, LPCC-S (OH/KY), LPC (CO), LICDC (OH)
They/Them/Theirs
Grey is a Program Director and Teaching Faculty in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Antioch University New England. They obtained a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision at Adams State University in 2023 and a MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from North
Grey Nelei, PhD, LPCC-S (OH/KY), LPC (CO), LICDC (OH)
They/Them/Theirs
Grey is a Program Director and Teaching Faculty in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Antioch University New England. They obtained a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision at Adams State University in 2023 and a MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northern Kentucky University in 2015. They have been practicing as a counselor since 2015 and primarily work with queer & trans adults. Their counseling practice, supervision, and teaching are rooted in queer theory and narrative therapy.
North Central Co-Representative
Southwest/Greater Cincinnati Co-Representative
North Central Co-Representative
Brandon Pettry, M.Ed., LPC
He/Him/His
Brandon earned his master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Cleveland State University in 2021, and is currently enrolled in the Counselor Education and Supervision (CES) doctoral program at Kent State University. He is a licensed professional counselor in Ohio and works with clients
Brandon Pettry, M.Ed., LPC
He/Him/His
Brandon earned his master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Cleveland State University in 2021, and is currently enrolled in the Counselor Education and Supervision (CES) doctoral program at Kent State University. He is a licensed professional counselor in Ohio and works with clients at Navigate Counseling and Consultation Services in Stow. He is passionate about advocating for and supporting the LGBTQ+ community through his counseling, leadership, teaching, and research. He previously served as the 2023-2024 SAIGEO Doctoral Level Emerging Leader and is grateful to continue in this role for the 2024-2025 year.
North Central Co-Representative
North Central Co-Representative
North Central Co-Representative
Emma Wolfe, MA, LPC
She/Her
Emma is a licensed professional counselor and a graduate of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master's Program at John Carroll University in 2022. Emma currently works with adolescents with eating disorders at a day treatment program in Cleveland, providing individual and group therapy. Emma is passionate ab
Emma Wolfe, MA, LPC
She/Her
Emma is a licensed professional counselor and a graduate of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master's Program at John Carroll University in 2022. Emma currently works with adolescents with eating disorders at a day treatment program in Cleveland, providing individual and group therapy. Emma is passionate about providing inclusive, affirming care to her clients and improving access and standards of care for LGBTQ+ adolescents. She is excited to expand her work with SAIGEO!
Northwest Representative
North Central Co-Representative
North Central Co-Representative
Position open
Southeast Representative
North Central Co-Representative
Southeast Representative
Position open
Eastern Co-Representative
Miami Valley Representative
Eastern Co-Representative
Jess Meadows, MA, LPC (IL), PEL (IL)
She/Her/Hers
Jess is a licensed professional counselor and school counselor, working with a broad
spectrum of clients. Jess primarily works young adults struggling with anxiety,
depression, and life transitions. Jess also specializes in working with couples. She is
passionate about advocating for and suppor
Jess Meadows, MA, LPC (IL), PEL (IL)
She/Her/Hers
Jess is a licensed professional counselor and school counselor, working with a broad
spectrum of clients. Jess primarily works young adults struggling with anxiety,
depression, and life transitions. Jess also specializes in working with couples. She is
passionate about advocating for and supporting the LGBTQ+ community through
counseling and leadership and focuses on providing affirming care for LGBTQ+
members. Jess is currently a doctoral student in Counselor Education and Supervision
at Kent State University. She hopes to focus her research on the connection between
movement, diet, and mental health, as well as the connection between receiving
affirming care and mental health. Jess has previously researched and presented on
peer support and peer mentorship for freshman college students, particularly first
generation students, and international transfer students. She is excited to work with
SAIGEO!
Eastern Co-Representative
Miami Valley Representative
Eastern Co-Representative
Emmett Drugan, LPCC-S
He/Him/His
Coming soon
Miami Valley Representative
Miami Valley Representative
Miami Valley Representative
Adrianne Johnson, PhD, LPCC-S
She/Her/Hers
Adrianne L. Johnson, Ph.D., is a licensed mental health counselor and supervisor, and an Associate Professor at Wright State University. She earned her doctorate in Counselor Education from the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville in 2007, and has published and internationally presented on various
Adrianne Johnson, PhD, LPCC-S
She/Her/Hers
Adrianne L. Johnson, Ph.D., is a licensed mental health counselor and supervisor, and an Associate Professor at Wright State University. She earned her doctorate in Counselor Education from the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville in 2007, and has published and internationally presented on various topics related to best practices and approaches in clinical mental health counseling, higher education, leadership, and DEI. She has held several organizational leadership positions, and her passions include mental health training and supervision, mental health advocacy, and social justice in the field of counseling.
Central Co-Representative
Central Co-Representative
Central Co-Representative
Kelsey Ward, PhD, LPCC-S, NCC, CCMHC
They/Them/Theirs
Kelsey is a licensed professional clinical counselor with supervisory designation at Clintonville Counseling and Wellness in Columbus. They primarily work with teens and adults surrounding issues of gender and sexuality but have experience in helping clients from many backgrounds and pr
Kelsey Ward, PhD, LPCC-S, NCC, CCMHC
They/Them/Theirs
Kelsey is a licensed professional clinical counselor with supervisory designation at Clintonville Counseling and Wellness in Columbus. They primarily work with teens and adults surrounding issues of gender and sexuality but have experience in helping clients from many backgrounds and presenting problems. Kelsey is a clinical faculty member at Adams State University in the Department of Counselor Education. They obtained their PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Adams State University in 2023, their MS from Wright State University in 2016, and their BA from The Ohio State University in 2012. They practice, teach, and supervise primarily from person-centered and feminist theories.
Along with working with LGBTQ+ teens and young adults, Kelsey's passion lies in providing education. They have presented at national, state, and regional conferences on LGBTQ+ issues and counseling techniques, have held independent CE events on LGBTQ+ issues and have provided education to middle- and high-school educators on LGBTQ+ youth.
Central Co-Representative
Central Co-Representative
Central Co-Representative
Michelle DeBellis, MA, LPCC-S
She/Her/Hers
Michelle is a licensed professional counselor in Columbus, Ohio, where she is a co-partner of Dandelion Counseling & Wellness. Michelle has had the privilege of working with a broad range of folks in community-based, collegiate, and private practice settings. She currently focuses on working with
Michelle DeBellis, MA, LPCC-S
She/Her/Hers
Michelle is a licensed professional counselor in Columbus, Ohio, where she is a co-partner of Dandelion Counseling & Wellness. Michelle has had the privilege of working with a broad range of folks in community-based, collegiate, and private practice settings. She currently focuses on working with queer identified and neurodivergent populations. Her practice is rooted in humanism and informed by Internal Family Systems Therapy. Michelle believes deeply in the creative power of each individual to move towards a life that is more aligned and fulfilling to them. Michelle is an aunt, dog mom and creative in addition to being a therapist. She is excited to be a part of SAIGO and explore other avenues to promote wellbeing for the queer community!
Emerging leaders
Doctoral
New Professional
Doctoral
Tiffany Shields is an AuDHD, queer counselor whose advocacy efforts, research endeavors, and clinical work focuses on neurodiversity and LGBTQIA+ liberation. She is currently pursuing her PhD. at Ohio University in Counselor Education & Supervision, where she is developing her philosophy towards a decolonized approach in mental health and education. Tiffany’s career prior to being a counselor was as an analytical chemist in pharmaceuticals. She received her BA in Chemistry and MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capital University. She switched careers after identifying her neurodivergence later in adulthood which bolstered her passion for mental health. She believes that by uplifting diversity, creating accessibility, and promoting acceptance, we can make our profession – and the world – a safer place for everyone.
Master's
New Professional
Doctoral
Open
New Professional
New Professional
New Professional
Open
Member at large
Emma Wolfe, MA, LPC
She/Her/Hers
Emma is a licensed professional counselor and a graduate of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master's Program at John Carroll University in 2022. Emma currently works with adolescents with eating disorders at a day treatment program in Cleveland, providing individual and group therapy. Emma is passionate about providing
She/Her/Hers
Emma is a licensed professional counselor and a graduate of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master's Program at John Carroll University in 2022. Emma currently works with adolescents with eating disorders at a day treatment program in Cleveland, providing individual and group therapy. Emma is passionate about providing inclusive, affirming care to her clients and improving access and standards of care for LGBTQ+ adolescents. She is excited to expand her work with SAIGEO!