Michelle Metzler, LCMHC

Co-Owner, Therapist, supervisor
 

Michelle is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in History and Religious Studies from Warren Wilson College and her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Vermont. Her background and training is in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and she has also completed training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Therapy.

Michelle’s primary area of interest is working with queer and polyamorous clients, particularly at the intersections of queerness, spirituality and religion, and family. Michelle also enjoys working with issues around ADHD, sexuality, and relationship conflict. She is anti-diet, HAES-oriented, sex-positive, kink-positive, and generally aligned towards liberation of all kinds.

Check out Michelle’s website at www.michellemetzlerlcmhc.com

Michelle can be reached at 802-489-7235 ex. 4 or michelle@meridiandbt.com.

Kristina Syverson, LCMHC

Therapist, SUPERVISOR
 

Kristina Syverson is a licensed clinical mental health counselor. She earned her Master’s Degree from the University of Vermont in 2017. Kristina has received intensive training in dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). DBT is a behavioral treatment that focuses on emotion regulation in order to decrease suffering and increase interpersonal effectiveness, developing healthy relationships, and creating a life experienced as worth living. Kristina specializes in the treatment of complex trauma, severe depression and anxiety, and treating problematic issues stemming from either emotional over or under control that increases suffering in daily life. 

Kristina provides outpatient treatment individually to adults and periodically provides group support by running coping skills groups, to assist community members in learning and mastering skills to successfully navigate the emotions and challenges of daily living. In addition to working with individuals, Kristina provides clinical consultation to various community agencies found throughout the state of Vermont, supporting teams with clients that have challenging presentations that negatively impact the ability of the team and individual to be able to help themselves. Kristina also provides supervision to graduate-level counseling interns, as well as therapists working towards licensure in both clinical and administrative skills. 

As a former athlete and coach, Kristina combines her training and experiences to provide sports psychology consultation, working with local athletes and teams at both the collegiate and high school levels, with the goal of supporting a mentally and physically healthy athlete and sports culture, allowing for growth vs stagnation and burn-out. 

Prior to her psychotherapy training and practice, Kristina was a nationally certified educator, developing programs to increase adolescent success in both academics and quality of life, as well as assisting families in supporting their children by increasing involvement and reinforcing effective communication. She earned her Secondary Education Degree from the State University of New York at Oswego. (1993)

Kristina can be reached at 802-489-7235 ex. 5 or kristina.l.syverson@gmail.com.

Lauren Schnepf, MS

Therapist
 

Lauren Schnepf (they/them) is a counselor practicing under the supervision of Michelle Metzler, LCMHC. They achieved their Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the the University of Vermont in 2022. In 2020, Lauren completed their Bachelor’s degree in Psychological Science with a minor in Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies at the University of Vermont.

Lauren is currently being trained in DBT and works through a feminist therapy lens. They have a background working with homeless and insecurely housed adolescents and adults, as well as a research background studying post-traumatic stress disorder. Lauren identifies as queer and non-binary and is interested in working with LGBTQ+ individuals.

Lauren can be reached at lauren@meridiandbt.com or 802-489-7235 ex. 12.

Kayla Barrow, MA

Therapist
 

Kayla (she/her) is a counselor practicing under the supervision of Michelle Metzler, LCMHC.

Kayla is currently being trained in DBT, with a primary interest in working with adolescents and young adults on an individual basis. Areas of interest include depression, anxiety, body image, and identity development through life transitions.

Kayla has a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Dartmouth College where she studied psychology and education. Prior to joining Meridian DBT, Kayla worked as a residential counselor at a mental health crisis program for adolescents.

Kayla can be reached via email at kayla@meridiandbt.com or by phone at (802) 489-7235 ex. 15. She sees clients both virtually and in person at her office in Winooski, VT and is currently holding a waitlist.

Stephanie Dunn, MS

Therapist

Stephanie Dunn (she/her) is a counselor practicing under the supervision of Kristina Syverson, LCMHC.

Stephanie aims to empower clients to reach goals of both acceptance and growth. Stephanie is trained in DBT, and her practice is informed by feminist therapy, mindfulness, and non-violent communication. She has experience working with adolescents and adults navigating anxiety, depression, identity development, relationship issues, and trauma.

Stephanie earned her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree at the University of Vermont in 2023. Stephanie holds a BA from Bard College, and a Master’s degree in Elementary Education.

Stephanie can be reached via phone at (802) 489-7235 ex. 11, via email at stephaniedunnmhc@gmail.com, or online at https://stephaniedunn.clientsecure.me/.

Tessa Neubauer, MS

Therapist

Tessa (she/her) is a counselor practicing under the supervision of Megan Dunston, LCMHC. Tessa completed her master’s degree at UVM in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. In 2019, Tessa completed her bachelor’s degree in Anthropology, with concentrations in Global Health and Spanish.

 Tessa is interested in working with adults experiencing a wide range of life obstacles, including experiencing anxiety, depression, family and/or relationship struggles. She has a background working with neurodivergent individuals. Additionally, she has a passion for supporting individuals through body image struggles, with a background in intuitive eating practices. Tessa’s primary goal is to provide a safe and empowering space centered on a strong therapeutic relationship.

Tessa can be reached preferably at her email, tessa@meridiandbt.com

Her phone number is 802-489-7235 ex. 14.

Ruth Chavez, MS

Therapist

Ruth Chavez (she/her) is a counselor-in-training under the supervision of Megan Dunston, LCMHC. Ruth is working on getting her master’s degree in counseling at the University of Vermont. Ruth has an undergraduate degree from the University of Florida, where she earned her bachelor’s in psychology and Classical studies. After undergrad Ruth worked as a Peer specialist in a community organization which focused on providing pre and post crisis supports for adults who had a myriad of lived experiences with mental health and substance use. 

Ruth is interested in working with individuals in the LGBTQ and POC communities. Ruth is excited to explore with clients the various avenues of healing, working to ensure they are accessible, autonomous, and trauma informed. The journey to attaining wellness looks vastly different from person to person, and Ruth’s hope is to be able to support and empower each client throughout this process. 

Ruth can be reached at 802-489-7235 ex. 17.

Hannah Monius, MS

Therapist

Hannah (she/her) is a counselor practicing under the supervision of Kristina Syverson, LCMHC. She is trained in DBT, and her practice is informed by feminist therapy. Hannah is particularly interested in working with both adolescents and young adults who are navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, and challenges with body image, disordered eating, identity development, and relationships.

Hannah completed her Master’s degree in both Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling at the University of Vermont in 2024, where she gained experience in both clinical and secondary school settings. She also holds a BA from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. 

Hannah can be reached at hannahrmonius@gmail.com or (802) 489-7235 ex. 18.

Amanda Long, MSW

Therapist

Amanda Long, MSW (she/her) received her Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work from Columbia University and currently focuses on providing comprehensive Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (individual therapy, family therapy, group therapy, and phone coaching) to adolescents and young adults (13-25) as well as families. Amanda is intensively trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for adolescents and families, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Prolonged Exposure (DBT PE), and EMDR. Amanda is a pre-licensed clinical social worker and rostered psychotherapist in the state of Vermont under the supervision of Megan Dunston, LCMHC. Her previous experience includes working with children, families, and adults in intensive outpatient, outpatient, hospital, criminal legal, and other systems-involved settings. Amanda practices from a person-centered, trauma-informed, and anti-oppressive lens, where the therapist and client collaborate as equal partners in the therapeutic process. Amanda seeks to help clients identify and understand their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, find self-acceptance, and support them to change so they can create a meaningful life for themselves. She specializes in treating depression, anxiety, complex trauma, difficulty coping, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and substance use disorder. Amanda also facilitates DBT skills groups for adolescents and young adults and is a member of an active DBT consultation team.

Amanda sees clients out of her office in Montpelier or via telehealth. Amanda accepts most insurances. For referrals, please contact (802) 489-7235 x 13.

Katie Bose, BS

Therapist

Katie (she/her) is a counselor in-training under the supervision of Kristina Syverson, LCMHC. She is currently pursuing her Masters Degree at Saint Michael’s College in Clinical Psychology. Katie completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Vermont, earning her Bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Studies with a minor in Psychological Sciences. Before starting graduate school, Katie worked as a Behavior Interventionist for grades 6-8 and was an athletic coach at different competitive levels. Since beginning graduate school, Katie has completed her practicum hours at Pathways Vermont Community Center, gaining experience working with folks experiencing homelessness and substance use. 

Katie has clinical interest in working with individuals who are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, phobias, grief, and coping with other traumatic events. Katie’s primary goal is to create a calm, trusting, and open therapeutic environment and work with individuals to help them move toward achieving their personal, professional, and life goals.

Katie can be reached at 802-489-7235 ext. 19 or katie@meridiandbt.com.

Marina Beatty, BS

Therapist

Marina is a counselor-in-training working under the supervision of Michelle Metzler, LCMHC. Marina is currently pursuing a Master’s of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Vermont. Marina received an undergraduate degree in Psychology, with a concentration in Health Sciences and a minor in Medical Humanities from Appalachian State University. While at Appalachian State, Marina also participated in research, seeking to better understand the suicide prevention of first responders. Before graduate school, Marina volunteered as an EMT in rural North Carolina and obtained additional training in various technical rescue courses.

Marina has clinical interest in working with first responders and other medical professionals who are experiencing anxiety, depression, anger, grief, sleep disturbances, and other symptoms related to occupational stressors. Marina has additional interest in working with LGBTQ+ adolescents and adults (ages 16+) who are navigating a variety of issues including; identity exploration, trauma, generalized anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), ADHD, and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder. Marina works primarily from a psychodynamic and relational-cultural framework, recognizing the impact early life experiences and relational attachments have on all aspects of life.

Marina can be reached at 802-489-7235 ex. 3 or marina@meridiandbt.com.

Merrick Fahrenwald, BA

Therapist

Merrick (she/they) is a counselor-in-training under the supervision of Megan Dunston, LCMHC. Merrick will be finishing her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Vermont this year. She received her undergraduate degree from Skidmore College with a minor in Anthropology. While at Skidmore, Merrick worked in research seeking to better understand the impacts of gender on peoples’ world views. After receiving their degree Merrick taught in an elementary school where she gained experience working with children and families.

Merrick is dedicated to supporting queer adolescents and adults as they explore their identities and strive for personal growth and acceptance. She is interested in helping clients navigate challenges related to anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship issues, neurodivergence, and identity development. Her practice is trauma-informed and grounded in feminist therapy principles. Merrick emphasizes the importance of human connection, making it central to the therapeutic process. She believes that everyone is the expert at their own life and seeks to foster a sense of agency and empowerment.

Merrick can be reached at 802-489-7235 ex. 9 or merrick@meridiandbt.com.

J.P. Morgan, BA

Therapist

J.P. (he/him) is a counselor-in-training under the supervision of Kristina Syverson, LCMHC. He is currently pursuing a Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Vermont. J.P. completed his undergraduate education at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, earning his Bachelor’s degree in English: Literary and Critical Studies. After earning his undergraduate degree, he spent several years living and working at Buddhist meditation centers in California, Washington State, and Vermont. During this time, he regularly provided psycho-emotional support to guests in crisis, led meditation groups, and facilitated group processing circles.

J.P.’s counseling approach is trauma-informed and grounded in psychodynamic, relational-cultural, and feminist orientations. He has clinical interest in supporting individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, substance use, relationship challenges, life transitions, identity development, grief, and trauma. Additionally, he is interested in working with LGBTQ+ individuals, adolescents, and young adults. Drawing on over a decade of meditation practice, J.P. integrates mindfulness and somatic-based practices into his work to facilitate the unfolding of each person’s inner wisdom. J.P. emphasizes a collaborative therapeutic relationship built on safety, trust, and understanding. He aims to provide a compassionate and empowering environment to support individuals in cultivating well-being and fulfillment in their lives.

J.P. can be reached at 802-489-7235 ex. 16 or jp@meridiandbt.com.

Lexi Crook, BA

Therapist

Lexi (she/her) is a counselor-in-training under the supervision of Michelle Metzler, LCMHC. Lexi is pursuing her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Northwestern University after spending over a decade in the corporate world. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Colby College where she studied Human Development and Business.

Prior to arriving at Meridian, Lexi completed her practicum supporting clients participating in a trauma intensive outpatient program. She has experience working with individuals who have experienced trauma, and/or symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Lexi’s approach is collaborative and strengths-based, as she believes in every individual’s ability to heal themselves. In every session, Lexi aims to create an open and accepting space for individuals to be completely authentic.

She has clinical interest in working with folks struggling with life transitions, relationship or career issues, symptoms of anxiety and depression, identity development, the effects of trauma, and perinatal mood disorders.

Lexi can be reached by email at lexi@meridiandbt.com or by phone at (802) 489-7235 ex. 10.

Hella Douglas, P/MHNP-BC

Psychiatric Provider
 

Hella Douglas, practicing under the business name Dimensions in Psychiatry, is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who has worked both in private practice and at local facilities including the University of Vermont Medical Center, Thomas Chittenden Health Center and Crossroads Treatment Program. She earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Vermont.

With more than 16 years of dedication to being a psychiatric provider, she specializes in assessing, diagnosing and treating patients with a wide range of mental health issues by providing individual and compassionate care and a strong knowledge base of psychopharmacology to complement other therapeutic modalities.

Hella can be reached at 802-489-7235 ex. 8.