Meet Our Therapists
Jennifer "Jen" Smith, LCSW 253008
Owner & CEO
Where did you attend college?
I attended undergrad at Shawnee State University with a BA in Sociology with a minor in Criminology and Social Work. I later returned to school and obtained my Master’s Degree in Social Work from University of Kentucky. Go Cats!
What certifications do you have? What do you specialize in?
I specialize in trauma treatment with special training in Traumatic Brain Injuries and Dissociative Identity Disorder. I am trained in EMDR and use this regularly for treatment. I am also about a month away from completing my program to be a certified Psychedelic Assisted Therapist.
How many years of experience do you have?
I have been practicing clinical work since 2015, with my last 4 years focusing more on my specialties. I have also worked with Traumatic Brain Injury since 2009.
What is important to you for your clients to know?
My passion is therapy and I truly believe that not all therapist can work for one individual. I believe you have to find a therapist that is a good fit for you and if you are scheduled to see me and find that I am not a good fit, I think it is important for transparency in order for you to get what you need.
How do you determine your client’s goals for therapy?
I work directly with my patients from their first appointment to determine what they want to work on, what areas they find concerning or impacting on their life and how they would look those areas would look once they have accomplished their goals. We routinely review these as you meet your goals to determine if new goals are needed or reduction in services are more appropriate.
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Do you offer telehealth?
I offer telehealth in cases of emergency or distance but prefer face to face sessions.
How often do you meet with your clients and for how long?
At the beginning I typically meet with my patients at least 1x a week. I think it’s important to get to know each other in order for things to work more effectively. Sessions are typically an hour but at times can be shorter at 30-45 minutes when things are going smoothly and there is progress made.
What is your favorite coping skill?
I love being creative, so any type of art including music. It works great as an escape on a busy day, communication on an emotional day, and just a great way to relax on a down day.
What are you passionate about?
Self-care, and not just the bubble bath, take a day off work kind. The kind where you get to know yourself, learn to love yourself, and create a space in your life where you can exist and prioritize you.
What is your favorite color?
All of them. I absolutely love color and expression utilizing color. I like to create a space and art that depicts life and personal growth.
Jamie Martinez, CSW 256556
Where did you attend college?
I attended undergrad at Morehead State University I went to Grad school at Campbellsville.
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What certifications do you have?
I am trained in EMDR.
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How do you determine your client’s goals for therapy?
Collaboration with Clients is important. I partner with clients to explore symptoms and barriers in order to understand and create goals.
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Do you offer telehealth?
Yes
How often do you meet with your clients and for how long?
Weekly is typically where we start and then we work together to decide based on need.
What is your favorite coping skill?
Deep breathing with my toes in the grass.
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What are you passionate about?
Helping and advocating for the Voiceless
Do you have a special talent?
Karaoke
Caitlin Winkler, LCSW 253817
Co-Owner & CCO
Where did you attend college?
I received my Bachelors of Science in Counseling/Psychology from Kentucky Christian University in 2012 and my Masters in Social Work from the University of Kentucky in 2015.
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What certifications do you have? What do you specialize in?
LCSW, EMDR Trained. I treat anxiety, depression and mood disorders, but I specialize in addiction and trauma therapies.
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How many years of experience do you have?
8 years
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What is important to you for your clients to know?
I love my job and I love this practice. I will say I have always thrived in listening and observing. I decided to become a therapist because I enjoy hearing the stories of others and take pride in holding space for these special narratives. It takes an incredible amount of courage to reach out for help. I am truly honored that our clients trust us to assist them in some of the hardest seasons of their lives. It is humbling to be a facilitator and spectator to their successes. It never ceases to amaze me just how resilient our clients are, and we learn from them every single day.
How do you determine your client’s goals for therapy?
At the time of our initial meeting, my client and I will typically discuss their larger vision behind seeking therapeutic services. It is from this dialogue that we can then establish what specific short-term/long-term goals will assist in this client reaching this larger vision.
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Do you offer telehealth?
Yes.
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How often do you meet with your clients and for how long?
This is determined at time of initially meeting the client and will be reviewed as progress is made. Every client is different and therefore requires different frequency and duration of services. Simply put, our client’s are special and their needs reflect that uniqueness.
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If you could vacation anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Definitely a cabin in the woods and this could be just about anywhere. I love being in the woods and smelling the earth, hearing the wind rustling through the tree canopy above. This is certainly a soul fulfilling safe place for me. It’s the perfect environment to remind us, just how tiny we are.
What is your favorite quote?
“If you work too hard, it won’t work.”- Benjamin Hoff, “The Tao of Pooh”
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What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about the power of compassion. It is easy to be compassionate to those we love or even those we agree with, the true power of compassion however lies in showing it to those you strongly disagree with, those we do not necessarily understand. I see a significant lacking in this area within the world today. The power that comes from compassion is not only connectivity to others, but showing those you disagree with and perhaps do not even like, the grace to be human. This type of compassion gives way to the miracle of cooperation among humans, a beautiful thing. It is vital to note that none of the above is sustainable if you do not first know how to show yourself compassion. It is here that therapy can be a very effective tool.
Jacqueline "Jackie" Boardman, CSW 255013
Where did you attend college?
I attended undergrad at Shawnee State University where I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology
I obtained my first master's at the University of the Rockies in Psychology with a concentration on mental health administration.
My second master's is in Social Work and attended Campbellsville University.
I am currently working toward a doctorate in Social Work through Capella University.
What certifications do you have?
What do you specialize in?
In November I will be obtaining a certification in EMDR
How many years of experience do you have?
I have been working in the mental health field for 8 years and have worked as a mental health therapist for the past 5 years.
What is important to you for your clients to know?
I hold a special space for each of my clients where they can feel heard, safe, cared for, and loved.
How do you determine your client’s goals for therapy?
I try to meet each of my clients where they are in life to help them identify areas where they feel strong as well as the areas where they feel as though they are struggling. Developing goals becomes a team effort.
Do you offer telehealth?
Yes
How often do you meet with your clients and for how long?
The frequency of the clients' appointments varies based on their needs and availability. Some clients attend weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. Each session is 53 to 67 minutes long, but if more or less time is needed, we are able to adjust appointments accordingly.
What are some of your hobbies and/or interests?
I love to read, travel with my family, attend sporting events and being outside.
Who makes up your family?
I have a large family that includes my husband, 5 children who range in age from 18 to 9, my parents, fur babies, aunts, uncles, and a lot of cousins.
Do you have any pets?
Yes, a standard poodle named Charlie, a Rothweiler named Pepper, and a ginger cat named Derby.
What is your favorite color and why?
My favorite colors are red and green but the colors I wear most often are orange and black (Go Rams!).
If you could vacation anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Ireland, England, and Greece are the top three on my bucket list!
What is your favorite coping skill?
Rainbow grounding is my favorite!! It is easy to engage in even when you're in public settings. All you have to do is remember Roy G. Biv and find things that are each color of the rainbow around you, bringing you back to center and focus!
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Who is your favorite music artist?
Tyler Childers
What is your favorite quote?
"Pearls are always appropriate" - Jacqueline Kennedy
What are you passionate about?
My family and taking care of those who do not have a voice or know how to use their voice yet!
Pauletta "PJ" Bates, CSW 256012
Where did you attend college?
I graduated from Kentucky Christian University in 2017 with a Bachelors in Social Work. I graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2021 with a Masters in Social Work.
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What certifications do you have?
What do you specialize in?
I am EMDR trained. I am currently a CSW and completing clinical supervision, soon I will be eligible to take the LCSW exam.
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How many years of experience do you have?
I began working as a social worker on the detox and psych unit at Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital after graduating with my bachelors degree in 2017. I worked as a case manager for Necco Foster Care from 2019-2021. I began my time here at Mandala as a student. Once I completed my schooling and licensure as a CSW, I became a full time therapist here in 2021. I began clinical supervision soon after employment and will take the LCSW exam.
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What is important to you for your clients to know?
One step at a time. When you are tired, get some rest. When you are sad, go ahead and cry. It is okay to take a break. You deserve kindness, especially from yourself. Time and rest are important. Learn to go at your pace. Small shaky steps still count. Small shaky steps are important. Also keep in mind that humans tend to be more like gardens: we need different things on different days and that is okay. We go at your pace and focus on what you need.
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How do you determine your client’s goals for therapy?
Let’s talk and collaborate on a treatment plan. Let's work on your goals. There will be check-ins along the way to see where we have been, where we are, and where we are going – we go with your individualized goals at your pace.
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Do you offer telehealth?
I prefer face to face. In times of emergency, unforeseen circumstances, or for necessary distancing I can use telehealth, but this is case by case.
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How often do you meet with your clients and for how long?
I usually prefer to meet weekly until clients are more comfortable in what they can expect in session. When you feel more comfortable we can re-evaluate. If a client feels that they need something different, I am open to hearing about it, and we can make a plan based on what is needed.
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What are some of your hobbies and/or interests?
My most recent hobby was making floral arrangements.
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Do you have any pets?
I have two dogs (Charlie and Freyja)
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What is your favorite coping skill?
54321, deep breathing exercises, taking a walk, taking time for self, reading, art/do a craft, and time with a friend.
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Who is your favorite music artist?
I currently enjoy listening to Hozier and Joy Oladokun.
Gerri Hobbs, LPCC 285945
More info coming soon.
