THE CLINICIANS
Welcome. Thank you for choosing Keep Moving Forward Counseling and considering us for your counseling needs. We look forward to the opportunity to collaboratively work with you in successfully realizing your full potential through the counseling process.
If you have made the commitment to counseling, you have taken an exciting and courageous step. There are many potential benefits from receiving counseling, including improved personal satisfaction and functioning, healthier relationships, improvements in mood and thinking, and achievement of personal goals. The process of counseling can be a difficult journey for many. At times some individuals report feeling worse after a counseling session. It is important to understand that personal healing and growth can be difficult, and some emotional discomfort may be expected as a part of the counseling process. Please be assured that you decide the pace and course you want to take in the counseling relationship. |

Christine O'Dell MS, LPCC is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in the State of Ohio and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Rehabilitation Services from Wright State University and a Master of Science degree in Business and Industrial Management Counseling and a second Master of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling from Wright State University as well. Christine is currently completing her dissertation to obtain a PhD in Leadership Studies with a focus on Criminal Justice at The University of the Cumberlands.
Christine works with children through adults specializing in an array of mental health concerns. Christine uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational techniques and Strengths Based approaches to help clients achieve their goals.
Christine spent 13 years working with the juvenile justice system working with teens involved in the court system and providing court ordered assessments and treatment. She has been working with children, teens and adults in private practice since 2016. Christine has extensive experience in dealing with adjustment issues, school related struggles, behavioral concerns, oppositional behaviors, conduct issues, anger management, sexual abuse, criminal behaviors, anxiety concerns, relationship issues and depressive issues.
Christine provides both in person and telehealth sessions and looks forward to working with all clients to achieve success!
Christine can be reached at [email protected]
Christine works with children through adults specializing in an array of mental health concerns. Christine uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational techniques and Strengths Based approaches to help clients achieve their goals.
Christine spent 13 years working with the juvenile justice system working with teens involved in the court system and providing court ordered assessments and treatment. She has been working with children, teens and adults in private practice since 2016. Christine has extensive experience in dealing with adjustment issues, school related struggles, behavioral concerns, oppositional behaviors, conduct issues, anger management, sexual abuse, criminal behaviors, anxiety concerns, relationship issues and depressive issues.
Christine provides both in person and telehealth sessions and looks forward to working with all clients to achieve success!
Christine can be reached at [email protected]

Sonia Estival Vila MSW, LCSW, LISW BCD, ACSW is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with supervisory designation in Ohio as well as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California. She has a Master’s degree from San Jose State University in California.
Our newest addition to the practice, Sonia is accepting new referrals for individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, addiction, insomnia, and trauma. Sonia brings a breadth of experience working with adults in multiple settings including primary care, hospice and hospital settings, addressing a wide range of psychosocial needs for clients and their families. Sonia’s clinical skills are delivered with a client-centered approach and cultural humility. Sonia’s skill set includes cognitive behavioral training as well as certifications in rape and domestic violence. Sonia works well with clients facing challenges of depression, anxiety, insomnia, substance abuse, and trauma-related issues. Sonia practices a collaborative approach with her clients in selecting the best fitting therapeutic approach to meet their mental health needs. She is also fluent in Spanish. Insurance is pending and expected soon. She is currently accepting self-pay clients.
“I believe the sun is always shining, even if I don’t see it. We all have the right to live our best life and not just exist until we die. I am honored to accompany you in your healing journey and provide you with the tools and skills to practice in your everyday life to succeed in your mental health goals”
Sonia can be reached at [email protected]

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Michelle A Velez, MSW, LISW, LICDC is a Licensed Independent Social Worker and Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor. She has a Master’s degree from Capella University in Minnesota.
Michelle has experience working with young and older adults seeking improvement in relationships, job, school functioning, self-awareness, and overall quality of life by utilizing a client-centered approach. Michelle’s clinical skills include but are not limited to solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed therapy. Michelle has cultivated a complex understanding of addiction, mental health, and behavioral issues and will work together with you to identify an appropriate therapy to meet your treatment goals. Michelle is an Ally for the LGBTQ+ Community.
"I have experience working with a wide range of mental health issues, with expertise in Depression and Anxiety, Trauma, Domestic Violence, and those who find themselves in abusive relationships as well as Addiction. I provide a safe, confidential, therapeutic environment. This is the optimal way to support you in your growth."
Michelle can be reached at [email protected]
Michelle A Velez, MSW, LISW, LICDC is a Licensed Independent Social Worker and Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor. She has a Master’s degree from Capella University in Minnesota.
Michelle has experience working with young and older adults seeking improvement in relationships, job, school functioning, self-awareness, and overall quality of life by utilizing a client-centered approach. Michelle’s clinical skills include but are not limited to solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed therapy. Michelle has cultivated a complex understanding of addiction, mental health, and behavioral issues and will work together with you to identify an appropriate therapy to meet your treatment goals. Michelle is an Ally for the LGBTQ+ Community.
"I have experience working with a wide range of mental health issues, with expertise in Depression and Anxiety, Trauma, Domestic Violence, and those who find themselves in abusive relationships as well as Addiction. I provide a safe, confidential, therapeutic environment. This is the optimal way to support you in your growth."
Michelle can be reached at [email protected]

Shawnmari Kaiser, MSW, LISW is a Licensed Independent Social Worker. She has a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California with over twenty five years of clinical and educational experience working with clients in both inpatient and outpatient settings where she has provided crisis intervention, counseling, and support in areas of both short-term adjustment difficulties as well as chronic long-term mental health needs. She has a breadth of experience involving terminal illness and other forms of trauma. Shawnmari's successes also includes working with depression, anxiety, addiction, and life transitions related to retirement and senior living. She has recently begun accepting Medicare. Shawnmari works with individuals ages 18 & up. She is also an Adjunct Professor for the School of Social Work at the University of Southern California where she has been teaching for 7 years through their Virtual Academic Center.
"I am passionate about empowering clients’ development of mental, physical and spiritual wellness."
Shawnmari can be reached at [email protected]

Brent Brent Bernard M.Ed. LPCC-S, is the owner of Keep Moving Forward Counseling. Brent is a Master’s Level, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with a Supervisory Designation, (M.Ed. LPCC-S) in the state of Ohio, and Xavier University graduate. Brent has been licensed for over 21 years and has devoted his 29 plus year career to the mental health profession. Brent has a breadth of experience and specializes in working with marriage/relationship counseling, anxiety, depression, addiction, and general self-help treatments. Brent has completed Level 3 in The Gottman Training Methodologies for Marriage & Relationship Counseling and is actively working toward certification. Brent is also an ally for the LGBTQ community. Brent utilizes a broad array of therapeutic techniques that are client focused and strength-based, including but not limited to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness and Meditation, Solution Focused Therapy, & Motivational Interviewing. What is important to know is Brent will focus entirely on what you want to achieve and will work at your pace, following your agenda. In short, you are in the driver's seat, and the therapist is there as a guide on your journey; to help you avoid the roadblocks and barriers that prevent you from achieving success.
"Occasionally I may guide you in a different direction you may not have considered, but the destination is the same; a healthier you. I am not the expert of where you want to go on your journey, but your co-pilot to assist you in reaching your destination."
Brent can be reached at [email protected]