

AMBER STILES-BODNAR
Amber Stiles-Bodnar, MSEd, LPCC-S, LCDC III, is a Licensed Supervising Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC-S) and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC III) in the state of Ohio I specialize in working with trauma, abuse, codependency, and the intersection between trauma, addiction and high risk lifestyles. She is drawn to working with AOCAs, professionals in high-risk occupations such as military, law enforcement, first responders, medical professionals and their families, LGBTQIA+ identified individuals, and those with developmental and generational based trauma. She earned a Master of Science in Education in Clinical Counseling from Youngstown State University and is a contributing faculty instructor at her alma mater in both the College of Liberal Arts, Social Sciences & Education, Department of Psychological Sciences and Counseling and the College of Health and Human Services in the Social Work Department providing course instruction to graduate level students. She, as a trauma expert, has extensive experience with special projects, program development, and integrating trauma informed care standards throughout agencies and organizations including supervising a high fidelity treatment foster care program.
Amber is the Clinical Director of Blue Star Family Counseling Services, Inc., a non-profit comprehensive trauma counseling agency in Cortland, Ohio where she provides trauma therapy and oversees treatment of individuals and families. Her distinctive background includes 12 years of law enforcement experience allowing her a unique insight when helping those in specialized occupations such as police, fire, EMS and the armed forces. Amber is a member of her local county’s Critical Incident Stress Management Response Team. She is a volunteer on her county mental health and recovery board’s Trauma Steering Committee, an initiative to create change and ensure trauma informed care and treatment within community mental health and countywide services.
Amber is a Certified Master EMDR Therapist, Approved Consultant and Trainer through the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA). She is also a member of the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress, and volunteers for the EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Program (HAP). Amber is a Senior Faculty Trainer with the Institute for Creative Mindfulness where she provides EMDR Therapy basic trainings. She also provides clinical supervision to counselors and mentorship to those in the helping professions providing guidance and instruction to improve their clinical mastery. She provides individual and group consultation for EMDR therapists working on developing their expertise within the EMDR field.
Amber has dedicated herself to improving the lives of those faced with trauma and hardships which is evidenced in her clinical work with adults, children and families. She provides numerous trainings focusing on trauma, addiction, mindfulness, generational based trauma as well as EMDR advanced topics courses. Her trainings provide an emphasis on the effects of trauma and the treatment needs of individuals, including children, military and other specialized occupations at the local, state and national level.
Amber's Group Dates & Times
Saturday, August 12, 2023
9:00am-11:00am EST
Saturday, August 12, 2023
12:00pm-2:00pm EST
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
11:00am-1:00pm EST
Wednesday, August 30, 2023
11:00am-1:00pm EST
Saturday, September 2, 2023
9:00am-11:00am EST
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
11:00am-1:00pm EST
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
11:00am-1:00pm EST
Saturday, September 16, 2023
9:00am-11:00am EST
Saturday, September 16, 2023
12:00pm-2:00pm EST
Wednesday, September 27, 2023
11:00am-1:00pm EST
Wednesday, October 4, 2023
11:00am-1:00pm EST
Saturday, August 12, 2023
9:00am-11:00am EST
Saturday, August 12, 2023
12:00pm-2:00pm EST
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
11:00am-1:00pm EST
Wednesday, August 30, 2023
11:00am-1:00pm EST
Saturday, September 2, 2023
9:00am-11:00am EST
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
11:00am-1:00pm EST
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
11:00am-1:00pm EST
Saturday, September 16, 2023
9:00am-11:00am EST
Saturday, September 16, 2023
12:00pm-2:00pm EST
Wednesday, September 27, 2023
11:00am-1:00pm EST
Wednesday, October 4, 2023
11:00am-1:00pm EST
To schedule: https://calendly.com/asbconsulting
* When scheduling through Calendly any groups that are full will not show up. Please email Amber and we will add you to a waitlist in case of cancellation.*

CONSULTATION GROUP SCHEDULE & RSVP PLATFORM
Welcome EMDR therapy trainees! As part of your training negotiated with the Institute for Creative Mindfulness/Amber Stiles-Bodnar Consulting with your agency provider, your required 10 hours of supplementary consultation is included.
Here is the schedule for consultation. Each consultant uses a different scheduling method, either by emailing them directly or Calendly. To schedule or request a group please follow the link provided by each consultant. You must reach out in advance to attend a group as the number of participants per group is limited, and they fill quickly. The group consultant will email you back, or you will recieve an email from thier Calendly to confirm with the Zoom link information. Thank you for your cooperation.
This is a private link that doesn't link from the main site so trainees of employers who have prepaid for consultation will need access to this page to sign up for consultation. You must use these consultants. If you choose to use other consultants with the Institute for Creative Mindfulness the cost is on your own.
Please be sure to pay attention to the time zone the group is in as we have consultants across the country.
CANCELLATION POLICY:
A 48 hour notice for group consultation is required for cancellations. Late cancellations/no shows will be charged full rate at the trainees expense. Any exceptions for emergency situations will be individually evaluated.

RENEE PITTS
Renée Pitts, MSEd, LPCC, CDCA
Renée Pitts, MSEd, LPCC, CDCA has earned a Master of Science in Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Youngstown State University. She is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and a certified Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant. Renée is a Certified EMDR Therapist through the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA). She is also an EMDR Consultant and assists in teaching EMDR Therapy Part I and Part II trainings. She has worked in mental health treatment providing therapy as a residential and outpatient counselor. Her distinctive background includes the study of meditation techniques for over 20 years under several teachers in the United States. She has also traveled to India, Nepal, and Tibet to study ancient traditions of meditation. With a strong understanding of western science, combined with her practice in mind/body experiences and meditative techniques, Renée blends these as modalities into her counseling practice. She is also able to share a practical understanding of applying mindfulness and meditation to bring about a greater level of wellness and health into the lives of her clients. Renée provides instruction at a monthly meditation group she holds at Blue Star Family Counseling Services, Inc. The focus of her clinical work utilizes EMDR Therapy, as well as mindfulness and meditation, and she specializes in trauma, substance abuse and addiction, spirituality and religious values, and wellness.
To request group consultation with Renée, email her by clicking here.
Renée's Group Dates & Times
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
3:00pm to 5:00pm EST
Wednesday, October 11, 2023
3:00pm to 5:00pm EST
Wednesday, November 8, 2023
3:00pm to 5:00pm EST

DRU PERREN
Dru Perren, MSEd., LPCC-S, BCBA, COBA
Dru Perren is a Licensed Supervising Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC-S), Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA),Certified Ohio Behavior Analyst, Certified EMDR Therapist and Approved Consultant. She graduated from Ursuline College in 2009 with a Bachelor’s of Science, and Youngstown State University in 2012 with a Master’s of Science in Education with emphasis in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Dru specializes in working with individuals on the Autism Spectrum and their families. Dru has experience working with children, adolescence and adults that suffer from anxiety, depression, adjustment issues, or have experienced trauma. Outside of Blue Star, Dru also practices as a Behavior Analyst doing in home Applied Behavior Analysis with individuals on the Autism Spectrum and others with significant behavioral problems. Dru blends behavior analytic strategies along with the EMDR protocol to help each client improve their level of functioning.
To schedule group consultation with Dru, email her by clicking here.
Dru's Group Dates & Times
*General focus and additional focus on children and Autism Spectrum Disorders
Friday, April 14, 2023
3:00pm-5:00pm EST
Wednesday, April 19, 2023
5:00pm-7:00pm EST
Friday, May 12, 2023
3:00pm-5:00pm EST
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
5:00pm-7:00pm EST
Friday, June 9, 2023
3:00pm-5:00pm EST
Wednesday, June 28, 2023
5:00pm-7:00pm EST
Friday, July 7, 2023
3:00pm-5:00pm EST
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
5:00pm-7:00pm EST
Friday, August 11, 2023
3:00pm-5:00pm EST
Wednesday, August 30, 2023
5:00pm-7:00pm EST
Friday, September 8, 2023
3:00pm-5:00pm EST
Saturday, September 30 2023
5:00pm-7:00pm EST
Friday, October 13, 2023
3:00pm-5:00pm EST
Wednesday, October 25, 2023
5:00pm-7:00pm EST
Friday, November 17, 2023
3:00pm-5:00pm EST
Wednesday, November 29, 2023
5:00pm-7:00pm EST
Friday, December 1, 2023
3:00pm-5:00pm EST
Wednesday, December 13, 2023
5:00pm-7:00pm EST
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ERIN SKYE PHELPS
Eryn Skye Phelps, M.Ed., LMHC
Eryn is a licensed mental health counselor in the State of Washington, where she has a private practice and works with high-risk adventure athletes. She is an Internal Family Systems therapist, certified in EMDR, and is an Approved Consultant with EMDRIA. She uses these modalities to help individuals recognize their inherent strength and value and release burdensome memories and beliefs. Eryn has lived and worked across the country from Alaska to New England at residential treatment centers, wilderness therapy programs, summer camps, public and private schools, and community health centers. She earned a Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Plymouth State University in New Hampshire, and a Bachelor's Degree in Creative Writing from the University of Montana. She spends much of her time outside with her dog Anchor, who helps keep her grounded. While Anchor is not a certified therapy dog, he is pretty good at listening.
To schedule with Eryn click here
Eryn's Group Dates & Times
Thursday, June 8, 2023
11:00am-1:00pm PST
Friday, June 16, 2023
12:00pm-2:00pm PST

NIKKI GORDON
Nikki Gordon
Nikki is an experienced EMDR trauma therapist, specializing throughout her career in working with victims and survivors of interpersonal violence, including domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Her approach to therapy is to work collaboratively with clients, empowering them to decide for themselves what the healing process looks like. With a keen awareness that there is no hierarchy of pain, Nikki maintains a trauma focused space, and approaches each client with dignity and respect. Her experience includes collaborating with legal and medical professionals to assist victims in all aspects of their trauma. Nikki holds a masters degree in community psychology and has a post-masters certificate in trauma informed care through UW-Milwaukee. She is also an EMDRIA certified therapist, and is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional through the International Association of Trauma Professionals.
Nikki's Group Dates & Times
Sunday May 21, 2023
10:00am-12:00pm CST
Please follow the link below to schedule:

ABIGAIL MORGAN
Abigail Morgan
Abigail Morgan obtained her Bachelor of Social Work from Radford University and her Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. She completed her basic training for EMDR in 2014 and
became EMDRIA certified in 2019.
Abby is also an adjunct faculty member at Virginia Wesleyan University in the Social Work Department. In 2019, she opened Sea Level Counseling and Wellness in Norfolk, VA. This is a group practice with a collaborative-based treatment approach that includes trauma-informed Mental Health Therapists, a Nurse Practitioner, and a Registered Dietitian. Abby uses EMDR and mindfulness-based techniques to assist her clients in healing their trauma.
Abby’s areas of specialty are working with PTSD, women’s issues, attachment struggles connected to intimate relationship difficulties; codependency, postpartum depression and anxiety, and phase of life transitions that are impacted by past trauma. Abby is an LGBTQ-ally and is connected with the Headstrong Program assisting active duty service members and veterans with trauma therapy. EMDR therapy has been transformative to Abby’s practice.
Her future goals of being an EMDRIA-certified Consultant are to assist area clinicians meet their own EMDR goals and to broaden the education and usage of EMDR in therapy settings.
To schedule group consultation with Abby, email her by clicking here.
Abby's Group Dates & Times
Check back for dates and times
Abby is only available for those who are completing their 10 hours of consultation for basic training who took their Part l or Part ll at Sea Level Counseling and Wellness in Norfolk, VA.

SHANNON LIMERICK-GNAS
Shannon Limerick-Gnas, MA
Shannon Limerick-Gnas, MA, is a Licensed Psychologist in Beaver County, Pennsylvania. She has been licensed since 1988 and has practiced over 30 years in various settings to include a psychiatric inpatient unit, Partial Hospital Program, Community Mental Health Center, and Private Practice. She has a small private practice in Beaver PA, specializing in EMDR psychotherapy with individuals across the lifespan. Shannon is an EMDRIA approved Consultant and uses the lens of EMDR to conceptualize therapy focus, goals, themes, and treatment with somatic blend while incorporating mindfulness, art, creative arts, breath work, drumming, imagery and other creative aspects to craft an individual treatment experience with her clients. She specializes in trauma, dissociation and ego state work, obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, anxiety, grief and loss. Shannon also contracts as an Independent Prescriber of Behavioral Health Rehabilitation Services and Family Based Services in Mercer County, PA, supervising evaluations of three masters level clinicians.
To schedule group consultation with Shannon, email her by clicking here.
Shannon's Group Dates & Times
Thursday, May 25, 2023
2:00pm-4:00pm EST
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LEAH FOGT
Leah Fogt
Leah Fogt, MSW, LISW-S, CTP is an EMDRIA-Certified Therapist and an Approved Consultant working with Amber Stiles-Bodnar toward approved consultant status. She works in private practice in West Chester, Ohio, primarily serving adults and adolescents. She has experience working in community mental health, crisis intervention, and school-based counseling. Additionally, Leah is a Certified Trauma Practitioner with The National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children. As an avid yoga practitioner, Leah is passionate about helping clients build effective resources as an integral part of EMDR with an emphasis on Mindfulness practices. Leah also values use of Resource Development and Installation (RDI) in building resources and supporting stabilization.
To schedule group consultation with Leah, email her by clicking here.
Leah's Group Dates & Times
Tuesday, May 16, 2023
12:00pm-2:00pm EST
Tuesday, June 13, 2023
12:00pm-2:00pm EST
Tuesday, June 27, 2023
12:00pm-2:00pm EST
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
12:00pm-2:00pm EST
Tuesday, August 8, 2023
12:00pm-2:00pm EST
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
12:00pm-2:00pm EST

PAULA LAVOCAT
Paula Lavocat
Paula Lavocat, LCMHC, LCAS, NCC (she/her) is a native of the Buffalo, New York area and has been living in the Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina area since 2001. A graduate of the Institute for Creative Mindfulness EMDR Therapy Training Program, Paula is an EMDRIA Certified EMDR Therapist, EMDRIA Approved Consultant, and EMDR Training Facilitator. She holds licenses in the State of North Carolina as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist. Paula also holds board certification as a National Certified Counselor. She owns a small private practice where she focuses on trauma and addiction.
Schedule group consultation with Paula by going to her Calendly here.
Paula's Group Dates & Times
Please check back for group dates

JENNIFER ROBERTS
Jennifer Roberts
Jennifer Roberts, MSSA, LISW-S is the owner of Rock Cairn Counseling & Consulting, LLC located in Mentor, OH. Jennifer began her career in social work at Job and Family Services as an intake worker investigating child abuse and neglect concerns. She additionally worked in prevention at Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers before completing her Master of Science in Social Administration at Case Western Reserve University in 2011. Working in community mental health for 10 years, Jennifer held roles including: in-home family preservation counselor, emergency room crisis social worker, office based counselor, and supervisor. Jennifer remains connected to community mental health and provides EMDR training and consultation to one of Ohio’s FQHCs. As an EMDR trainer and consultant, Jennifer specializes in tailoring EMDR therapy to the unique demands of community mental health. Jennifer values the difference between client centered and client led treatment and recognizes the importance of meeting each client where they are. She often incorporates expressive arts, yoga and ego state work into her EMDR work and has experiences with people across the spectrum of ages. Jennifer has received additional training and consultation in EMDR & Chronic Pain, EMDR R-TEP (Recent Traumatic Events Protocol), EMDR G-TEP (Group Traumatic Events Protocol), EMDR & Mindfulness, EMDR & Addiction, EMDR & Intensive Phase 2 work, EMDR & Mirror Neurons/Neural Synchrony, EMDR & Expressive Arts, EMDR & “Difficult” Populations and EMDR & Telemental health
To schedule group consultation with Jennifer, email her by clicking here.
Jennifer's Group Dates & Times
Please check back for group dates

KARA NICCUM
Kara Niccum
Kara Niccum, M.S., LMFT, LADC is a Licensed Marital and Family Therapist and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor in Stillwater, OK. Kara’s a small-town home-grown Oklahoman. She earned a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Oklahoma State University (OSU) in 2007 and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from OSU in 2003. She has worked for OSU since 2008, specializing in treating college students with substance use disorders, and has maintained a part-time private practice since 2013. Kara clearly loves OSU, but will work with people who don’t “bleed orange!” She completed EMDR Therapy Training in 2014, earned certification in 2018, became an Approved Consultant in 2020, and ICM Adjunct Faculty in 2021. Her special interest areas are EMDR and addiction, sexual assault, first responders, and cultivating the therapeutic relationship necessary to support the depth of work inherent in EMDR. Kara has worked in inpatient and outpatient alcohol and drug treatment facilities, a marriage and family therapy clinic, and in the field of domestic violence. Kara is naturally inquisitive (aka nosy), empathic, and slightly sarcastic. She’s a big fan of self-care! She enjoys reading, napping, watching reality TV on Bravo (cringe), spending time outside (preferably on a beach in a hammock), watching her two kiddos do things they love, practicing yoga, people watching, and attending concerts. She loves to travel, but is always ready to come home. Kara considers herself lucky to have found a career that suits her well, and even luckier to have found EMDR.
To schedule group consultation with Kara, email her by clicking here.
Kara's Group Dates & Times
Friday, June 2, 2023
4pm-6pm CST
Monday, June 5th, 2023
4pm-6pm CST
Monday, June 26th, 2023
4pm-6pm CST
Friday, August 11th, 2023
4pm-6pm CST
Monday, August 14th, 2023
4pm-6pm CST

MELISSA FOSTER
Melissa Foster
Melissa Foster is a Licensed Supervising Independent Social Worker (LISW-S) and owns a private practice in Columbus Ohio. She completed her Master’s of Social Work from The Ohio State University in 2014. Melissa began her career working in school and hospital settings, working mostly with children, adolescents, and their families. While working with children and families within the foster care system, Melissa took a special interest in the effects trauma and continued to pursue different modalities to better help her clients. She completed her EMDR basic training through the Institute of Creative Mindfulness in 2019 and later became EMDRIA Certified.
In her private practice, Melissa uses EMDR to help her clients to enjoy their lives more fully. Her practice focuses on those within the LGBTQIA+ community, college students, and helping professionals (including counselors, nurses, teachers, and first responders) and their families. She has seen first-hand how EMDR can heal trauma of those individuals.
Melissa has experience providing EMDR remotely as well as in person.
As a Consultant In Training and mom of young children she has a strong interest in empowering clinicians to grow their skills honoring the balance needed to be a parent and clinician.
Melissa's Group Dates & Times
Sunday, May 21, 2023
2:00pm-4:00pm EST
Thursday, June 1, 2023
1:00pm-3:00pm EST
Tuesday, June 6, 2023
9:00am-11:00am EST
Visit: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4BADAB2FABFFC16-melissa to schedule.
Melissa is only available for those who are completing their 10 hours of consultation for basic training who took their Part l February 17-19, 2023 in Cortland, Ohio.

NICOLE HIXENBAUGH
Nicole Hixenbaugh
Nicole is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a qualified supervisor in the state of Pennsylvania. She obtained her master's degree in Professional Mental Health Counseling from Waynesburg University and is a graduate from the University of Pittsburgh with a bachelor's degree in Psychology. In 2015, she became a Certified Trauma Therapist. She is the owner of Solutions West, LLC in Pittsburgh, PA, an EMDRIA Certified EMDR Therapist, and Consultant-in-Training (under Amber Stiles-Bodnar).
Nicole specializes in the treatment of trauma; however, has also work extensively with individuals (ages 18+) who experience symptoms of anxiety, depression, grief/loss, and other related disorders. Her counseling approach is tailored to best meet the needs of each client. She takes pride in assisting individuals continue their unique journey of personal growth through empowerment and healing.
Nicole's Group Dates & Times
*One Hour Group*
Friday, June 16, 2023
11:00am-12:00pm EST
Friday, July 21, 2023
11:00am-12:00pm EST
Contact: nhixenbaugh@solutionswest.org to schedule.
Nicole is only available for those who are completing their 10 hours of consultation for basic training who took their Part l February 17-19, 2023 & Part II March 10-12, 2023 in Cortland, Ohio.