Our Team - Counselors Associates Ltd

Meet Our Team of Professionals

Counselors Associates Ltd. is an organization consisting of an exemplary group of licensed, experienced counseling professionals offering mental health services to children, adolescents and adults in individual, couple, family and group settings. Our goal is to assist people who are experiencing emotional or behavioral concerns and are interested in self-exploration and personal growth.

We are dedicated to serving you in both a professional and caring environment.

Learn More

Founder & CEO - Kristin Kneedler (She/her/hers), MS, LCPC, NCC

Kristin specializes in the treatment of Healthcare Professionals, First Responders, as well as Trauma and PTSD.

Learn More

COO and CIO - Mark Voegele Jr. (He/him)

Mark has more than 20 years of technology leadership experience and a proven track record of building and leading operations teams and operations software teams to deliver on organization goal achievement.

Sort By Location

Counselors

Troy Clinical Director - Heather Merkle (She/her), MA, LCPC, NCC

Heather specializes in ADD/ADHD, Anger Management, Anxiety & Depression, Interpersonal Relationships, Self-Esteem, Self-Harm and Stress Management.

Shiloh Clinical Director - Megan Droege (She/her), MS, LCPC

Megan specializes in Anxiety & Depression, LGBTQ, Relationship Concerns, Self-Esteem, Stress Management & Trauma.

Maryville Clinical Director - Anna Anderson (She/her), MA, LCPC, CADC

Anna specializes in Anxiety & Depression, Anger Management, Career Counseling, Stress Management and Relationship Concerns.

Director of Employee Engagement, Jaclyn Pickowitz (She/her), MS, LPC-MO, LCPC-IL

Jaclyn specializes in Anxiety & Depression, Interpersonal Relationships, School-Related Concerns, Self-Esteem, Social Skills, and Stress Management.

Luke Allan, MA, LPCA

Luke specializes in treating Teen, Young Adults, and Adults experiencing Anxiety and Depression.

Mallory Allgire, MA, LPC, NCC

Mallory specializes in Anxiety & Depression, Behavioral Concerns, Divorce (as it pertains to children), Self-Esteem, Social Skills & Boundaries and School-Related Concerns.

Tricia Aukamp, MS, SSP

Tricia works with children and adolescents. Tricia views counseling as a therapeutic approach to helping children and adolescents develop to their fullest potential.

Samantha Bauer (She/her), MS

Sam's vision in therapy is to provide a fun, safe environment for children to advance their skills and reach their goals. She specializes in working on social, emotional, adaptive, and developmental skills with children.

Jaime Becker (She/her), MSN, CPNP, PMHNP-BC

Jaime is a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with a specialist certification as a Pediatric Mental Health Specialist, and has worked in pediatric primary care. Jaime enjoys working with children of all ages, and specializes in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, and depression.

Ariana Brown (She/her), MA, LPC, NCC

Ariana specializes in treating teens and adults experiencing anxiety, depression and self-esteem issues. She serves LGBTQ+ clients.

Ashlyn Cadle (She/her), MA, LPC, CCTP, CADC

Ashlyn uses an integrated therapeutic approach utilizing a range of Client-Centered, Solution-Focused, and Motivational Interviewing techniques. She encourages clients to take an active role in their treatment goals.

Jennifer Ellis (She/her), MSW

Jennifer specializes in ADD/ADHD, Anger Management, Anxiety Disorders, Conduct, Depression/Mood Disorders, Self-Esteem, Self-Harm and Stress Management.

Kiesha Ford, MA, LPC, PhD ABD

Kiesha specializes in Anxiety, Behavioral Concerns, Career Counseling, Couples & Family Therapy, Depression and Family Dynamics Related to Chronic Illness.

Becca Franke, MA

Becca specializes in treating college students, athletes, adults, and geriatric adults. She uses an eclectic approach because she feels each situation and each client is unique having their own way of handling those situations.

Brandi Garlich (She/her/hers), MSW, LCSW

Brandi specializes in Anxiety, Defiance & Conduct Issues, Depression, Interpersonal Problems, Life Stage Changes, Mood Management, Self-Harm and Trauma.

Heidi Hubbard (She/her), MA, LPC-MO

Heidi is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 11 years of experience working in school, office and in-home settings. She believes in providing a safe environment where her clients feel supported and can reach their goals.

Sara Kalkenova (She/her), BA, MA

Sara’s approach to therapy is centered on building trust and relationships. She creates a non-judgmental and safe place for clients to open up and allow themselves to become the best version of themselves.

Kaitie Kautz, MEd, LPC, NCC

Kaitie’s approach to therapy is centered on relationships. She first and foremost works with clients to build a strong therapeutic relationship to provide clients with the space to share their story and experiences.

Danielle Koeneman, MA

Danielle specializes in the emotional and psychological impact of Pregnancy Loss and Infertility. She helps individuals develop the coping skills necessary to work through the profound feelings surrounding pregnancy loss and infertility.

Amanda Kohring (She/her), MA, LPCA

Amanda specializes in anxiety, depression, grief and loss, parenting, women’s issues, relationship concerns, life transitions, trauma, and behavioral concerns.

Sarah Kovatovich (They/them), MEd, BA

Sarah’s model for a therapeutic space is to provide a comfortable, safe environment for clients to express their needs, process their emotions, as well as foster personal growth.

Ken Kubicek (He/him/his), LCPC, PhD

Ken specializes in Anxiety & Depression, Stress Management, and Relationship Concerns.

Joyce Laurice (She/her) MS, PLPC, NCC, BC-TMH

Joyce creates a warm and peaceful environment to encourage clients to express themselves without fear of judgement. She takes the whole person into consideration and focuses on emotional, psychological, and physical well-being. 

Mariah Logan (She/her), LCPC-IL, REAT

Mariah is a Master’s level clinician and Registered Expressive Arts Therapist. Mariah’s focus in the therapeutic space is to provide a comfortable environment to grow and explore together through visual art, movement, music, writing, drama, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, or traditional talk therapy.

Tiffany Meek, MA, LPC, CTP, NCC

Tiffany’s vision in therapy is to provide a safe, non-judgmental place for clients to open up and express themselves as well as to encourage and support their goals.

Danielle Patrick-Wade, EdD, MS, MA

Dani uses an integrated therapeutic approach by utilizing Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Positive Psychology.

Ashlynn Pinney (She/her), MS, LPC, NCC, CCTP

Ashlynn believes in creating a positive therapeutic relationship with each of her clients that helps them work toward their individual goals and supports growth and progress along the way.

Karagan Romoser (She/her), MSW, in training for LCSW

Karagan uses an integrated therapeutic approach applying Client-Centered, Dialectical Behavioral, and Cognitive Behavioral Techniques. Karagan strives to empower her clients by having a non-judgmental attitude, meeting clients where they are.

Khaola Shalabi (She/her), MS, LCPC, NCC, CCTP

Khaola works with teens and adults on a variety of issues including depression/anxiety, the effects of childhood trauma, divorce/co-parenting issues, grief/loss, self-esteem, women's issues and work life balance.

Tasha Shannon (She/her), MA, MS, LCPC

Tasha specializes in Crisis Intervention, Depression and Social Skills.

Libby Shea, MA, LPC-MO

Libby is a licensed professional counselor who has been working with several different client populations since 2019. She specializes in working with new and expectant mothers, especially those experiencing postpartum depression and anxiety.

Darionne Smith (She/her/hers), MA, LPC, CCATP

Darionne utilizes an eclectic approach to therapy with her clients. She elects a variety of theoretical orientations. She believes that every client has a unique and specific background which calls for an individualized approach to treatment. Darionne loves to meet people where they are.

Shyanna VanMeter, LSW, MSW, Trained EMDR Therapist

Shyanna’s vision as a therapist is to provide a comfortable, safe space for her clients to feel supported in their therapeutic process. She views therapy as a journey not a destination.

Matthew Wilkinson, MA, LPC, NCC

Matt specializes in treating Anxiety, Boundaries, Depression, Grief, and Self-Esteem in College Students & Adults.

Melia Adams, BS, MT-BC, Graduate Student Intern

Melia utilizes Dialectical Behavior Therapy along with various mindfulness and expressive arts interventions. She believes in addressing the physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and creative aspects that make up the whole individual.

Del’Brica Flowers (she/her), BA, Graduate Student Intern

Del’Brica uses a combination of treatment techniques based on the needs of the client, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, person centered therapy, and mindfulness techniques.

McKenna Jarman, BA, Graduate Student Intern

McKenna has spent a few years working in the related field of applied behavior analysis as a registered behavior technician working with children who have an autism spectrum diagnosis. McKenna believes that mental health is just as important as physical health, therapy provides the means to create a healthy mindset.

Callum Kiddell, BA, Graduate Student Intern

Callum comes from a sporting background and helps athletes, adolescents, and young adults with a variety of concerns such as anxiety, depression, and stress management through various coping strategies.

Taelor Wise, BS Psychology, Graduate Student Intern

Taelor has experience with adolescents and young adults, assisting with anxiety, self- worth, and life changes. She believes in using an integrative approach unique to each individual.

Cassadi Christenson, BS, Graduate Level Practicum Student

Cassadi’s vision in therapy considers the whole-person understanding that one’s social, emotional, psychological, and physical health all contribute to their wellbeing.

Office Staff

Cristina Lanahan (She/her), Senior Office Manager - Troy North

With 20 years of customer service experience, Cristina is the initial point-of-contact for Counselors Associates Ltd. and facilitates appointment scheduling. She works collaboratively with each therapist to understand their strengths, which allows her to meet clients’ unique needs and pair them with the best therapist.

Elizabeth Kutz (She/her), Licensure, Billing, and Collections Coordinator - Troy North

Liz brings over 25 years of business administration and customer relations experience to Counselors Associates Ltd. Her role is to ensure that all medical staff have the appropriate qualifications and are properly licensed for their position. She verifies certifications with appropriate organizations and tracks expirations and renewals of licensure. In addition, Liz obtains and reviews documentation for each clinician’s participation status, with multiple insurance plans. Liz also has billing and collections responsibilities.

Tessa Ackerland (She/her), Marketing Coordinator - Troy North

Tessa is a current Graduate Student at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville pursuing her Master’s in Business Administration. She is also a Graduate Assistant with the SIUE Engagement Center. She has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Marketing and a minor in Spanish. Tessa coordinates our branding, social media platforms, advertising efforts, merchandising, and event organization.

Melissa Tinsman (She/her), Office Manager - Maryville

Melissa is the initial point-of-contact for the Maryville office. She facilitates appointment scheduling and works collaboratively with the front office team and therapists to provide the best possible customer service to our clients.

Kristina Kutz (She/her), Office Manager- Shiloh

Kristina is the initial point-of-contact for the Shiloh office. She facilitates appointment scheduling and works collaboratively with the front office team and therapists to provide the best possible customer service to our clients.

GiGi Antonas (She/her), Office Manager - Clayton

With over 15 years of customer service experience, GiGi is the initial point-of-contact for the Clayton office. She facilitates appointment scheduling and works collaboratively with the front office team and therapists to provide the best possible customer service to our clients.

Allyson Reckert (She/her), Office Manager - Troy North/South

Allyson is the initial point of contact for the Troy office. She facilitates appointment scheduling and works collaboratively with the front office team and therapists to provide the best possible customer service to our patients.

Sara Van Fossen (She/her), Billing and Collections Coordinator - Troy North

Sara brings over 10 years of customer service experience to Counselors Associates Ltd. She will be fielding patient questions regarding billing, as well as verifying insurance and payment info, handling insurance claims, and inquiries.

Stacey Johnson (She/her), Billing and Collections Coordinator Level I - Troy North

Stacey brings over 20 years of customer service experience to Counselors Associates Ltd. She verifies insurance and payment info, handles customer inquiries, and insurance claims.

Katelyn Voegele (She/her), Billing and Collections Assistant - Troy North

Katelyn assists with tracking expirations and renewals of licensure. Additionally, she brings newly learned techniques to organize the company documents and records.

Baylie Roberts (She/her), Co-op Clinical Assistant (Troy South and North)

Baylie assists with supporting clinicians that provide therapy to children. She also assists the administrative staff with organization and processing.