Meet our clinicians.

Clinician

Joy Szafraniec

MA, LPC, CCTP

My Story

I was born in Elkins, WV and although I couldn't wait to move when I graduated from high school, country roads brought me back home in the fall of 2020. My ticket out of Elkins was bought and paid for by the US Navy. I served onboard ships, with mobile construction battalions, alongside US Marines, and became fluent in sailor mouth, if I'm being honest. Those experiences allowed me to immerse myself in culture and learn to truly see people as they are. As an adolescent, I struggled to find my voice and understand who I was. Appalachian culture has a way of shaming us into a nicely wrapped box of who we should or shouldn't be. Here's the thing… I felt like a circle in a square peg! I was curious, brave, passionate, highly intuitive and insanely wild with love and curiosity for the world. Because of those experiences, I've dedicated my adult life to creating a unique space for folks like me: high-functioning people that want a secure, non-judgmental space to make sense of themselves and their relationships. Basically, I wanted to be a sideline coach for my clients. When life's bell is ringing, I wanted to be in my client's corner.

My Training

My first educational experience was provided by the school of hard knocks, AKA The US Navy. In the Navy, I served as a Religious Program Specialist, the assistant and bodyguard to the chaplain. Yes, bodyguard… it's a long story. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Saint Leo University and a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Regent University. I completed my residency hours doing crisis intervention counseling in Norfolk, VA and addiction counseling for Chesapeake City, Probation and Parole. During my residency, I quickly learned that research-supported methods alone weren't enough. They help minimize symptoms, but my empathic and intuitive nature told me it was human connection and relationship that produced profound change. My intuition turned into a different way to do counseling, a human-centered approach that is a balance of science, humor and human kindness.

My Commitment

I truly believe the relationship you have with your therapist is like no other. I'm committed to keeping it real with you, looking out for you, and helping you move through the barriers holding you back. You can count on me to be non-judgmental, supportive, smart, funny and genuinely in your corner.

Clinician

Ronda Suder

MEd, LPC, ITR-CTS

My Story

If you're considering therapy, I've been in your shoes, and I appreciate how critical it is to work with someone you can trust to help you through this journey of life. A few years ago, I was struggling to the point that I lost my ability to work and maintain my livelihood. It turns out I had PTSD that had gone undiagnosed for years, resulting in severe and complex PTSD. Thankfully, I quickly got into treatment to process the trauma after being diagnosed, and within a few months I was finally functioning again at a level that allowed me to rebuild my life. I know firsthand what it's like to feel lost, confused, numb, overwhelmed and afraid. I get how difficult it can be to wonder if you'll ever feel like yourself again. Using a person-centered approach, I'm here to support you in healing and recovery to reclaim your sense of self and wellbeing, whatever that looks like for you.

Experience

With hundreds of hours of experience working directly with clients and patients, I've worked in outpatient community, integrative-care, school-based and private practice settings. I treat PTSD, depression, anxiety, adjustment disorder and substance use disorder. I specialize in teens and adults who have faced PTSD, complex trauma, domestic violence, childhood abuse and sexual abuse. I'm also experienced with relationship dynamics, career, chronic illness, self-esteem and personal identity concerns.

Approach

ITR · CPT · Solution Focused Therapy · MBCT · Internal Family Systems · Parts Work · Narrative Therapy · Psychodynamic Therapy · Somatic Experiencing.

Clinician

Kaylene Talkington

Temporary Permit Counselor

About Kaylene

Kaylene lives in Randolph County with her husband, their three children, and their best, goodest dog, Finn. She earned her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University in 2025 and is currently pursuing professional licensure in West Virginia. She works with individuals ages 5 and up. Her clinical focus includes anxiety, ADHD, self-esteem, grief, trauma, interpersonal relationship concerns, perinatal and women's mental health, and life transitions. In addition to individual counseling, Kaylene is Gottman-trained in couples counseling, bringing evidence-based relationship support to couples who want to strengthen their connection, rebuild trust and navigate life's challenges together.

Her Approach

Kaylene believes it is an honor to walk alongside people as they face the tender, complicated and often overwhelming parts of life. She understands that therapy can be hard work. Her privilege as a counselor is to offer a steady light along the path, helping clients see where they are, where they want to go, and the next step that feels possible. Her approach is collaborative, compassionate and grounded in evidence-based practices, always tailored to each client's unique needs, strengths and goals.