Meet Steve:

With over 20 years of clinical counseling experience and a background as a high school educator and athletic coach, I founded Ascend Mentoring & Counseling to help tweens, teens, and adults navigate the complexities of personal growth. I believe that every individual possesses unique strengths and talents; my role is to help you harness them to find personal growth and lasting change. My approach is integrative and action-oriented, primarily utilizing Cognitive-Behavioral (CBT) and solution-focused methods. I have extensive experience working with ADHD, anxiety, depression, and anger management.

Additionally, I am an advanced practitioner in Adoption Competent Therapy and have a long history of supporting the LGBTQ+ community. I believe wellness is holistic—incorporating physical well-being, education, and spirituality into the therapeutic process.

Having spent five years coaching cross country and track at both the high school and collegiate levels, I bring a 'coach's mindset' to therapy: focusing on endurance, mindset, and practical goals. When I’m not in the office, I’m likely podcasting about sports and pop culture or spending time with my wife and our two teenagers in the Fox Valley..