Meet Our Therapists
Ashley Elder, MSW, LCSW
She/Her
Ashley Elder works with adolescents and teens who have ongoing challenges with trauma, depression, anxiety, stress and so much more. She truly believes in letting her teens be in the drivers seat, and believes in empowering her clients while bringing an empathetic, and kind approach.
Specialties: Children, Teens, PTSD/Trauma, Anxiety, Self Harm, Depression
Casey Jackson, LPC
He/Him
Casey Jackson offers online and in person at Lee’s Summit, therapy to teens adults in Missouri. He has experience in treating trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, family or relationship difficulties, life transitions & stress. He values the therapeutic relationship and seeks to empower his clients, along with providing empathy, humor, and kindness.
Specialties: EMDR, Children, Teens, Retirement, Anxiety, Depression
Megan Pruett, LPC
She/Her
Megan Pruett offers online therapy to adults in Missouri. She has experience in treating anxiety, depression, self-esteem/body image issues, family or relationship difficulties, life transitions & stress. She values the therapeutic relationship and seeks to empower clients while bringing empathy, humor & openness to her counseling sessions.
Specialties: Anxiety, Depression, Self Esteem, Disordered Eating, Family/Relationship Struggles, OCD
Alison Ballou- PLPC
She/Her
Alison Ballou works with adults, and college students who have ongoing challenges with depression, anxiety and trauma, adoption, and works with those in the LGBTQ community.
Specialties: Trauma/ PTSD, EMDR, Anxiety, Depression, Adoption, and more.
Oswald Dinwiddie- LMSW
He/Him
Oswald or Ozzie Dinwiddie works with adults, and college students who have ongoing challenges with trauma, relationships, anxiety, depression and much more. Ozzie also works with those in the LGBTQ community.
Specialties: Trauma (particularly IPV), Anxiety & LGBTQ+ affirming care
Katherine Ottofy, LCSW
She/Her
Katherine Ottofy works with adults of all ages, including elderly, and college students who have ongoing challenges with anxiety, grief, trauma, and so much more. She really values mental health, and her aim is to help clients stop feeling stuck and help them meet their goals.
Specialties: PTSD/Trauma, EMDR, Anxiety, Depression, Grief, OCD
Mikayla Wichern- LCSW
She/Her
Mikayla Wichern offers online therapy for adults and college students who have ongoing challenges with depression, anxiety and trauma, relationships, grief, and so much more. Mikayla is very direct and enjoys using humor during her sessions with clients.
Specialties: Anxiety, OCD, Trauma/PTSD, Depression, Grief and more!
Kristi Sveum- LCSW
She/Her
Kristi Sveum works with adolescents, teens, and college students who have ongoing challenges with anxiety, trauma, relationships, OCD, grief, and so much more.
Specialties: Anxiety, Trauma/PTSD, OCD, Children, Teens
Ben Schartman LPC
He/Him
Ben Schartman works with college students, and adults of all ages struggling with anxiety, depression, relationships and much more. Ben is a very laid-back therapist, and often enjoys using humor during sessions.
Specialties: Anxiety, Depression, Relationships
Jessica Tappana, LCSW
She/Her
Jessica brings a positive energy into the counseling office and is passionate about helping people find healing when things seem overwhelming. Jessica uses well researched techniques and believes in the power of counseling. She meets each client where they are and helps people find the courage & find the right tools to be the best version of themselves.
Specialties: Trauma & PTSD, survivors of sexual violence, college adjustment & severe anxiety
Jera Kranawetter
Client Care Coordinator
She/Her
Jera is most likely the first person you will speak to at Aspire Counseling. She is a recent college graduate of psychology from University of Missouri (Mizzou). She is very passionate about mental health, and believes in the power of therapy, and is excited to help find a therapist that is right for you. She is happy to answer all questions you may have ranging from questions about starting or beginning therapy, or even billing questions. She strives to make all feel welcomed, supported, heard, and comfortable at Aspire Counseling. When Jera isn’t at Aspire Counseling she enjoys collecting plants, and hanging out with her dogs.
Each of our therapists have their own specialties counseling specialties and populations they work best with. Our therapists are highly trained in specific evidence-based counseling techniques.
*We are considered out of network providers (meaning we are not “in network” with your insurance) and our therapists standard rates range from $80-$150. To learn more, please visit our Rates & Insurance page.