About Us
Who Are We?
Becky DeGrossa

CounselingWise is the work of Becky DeGrossa, who has been contributing to the world of online marketing for therapists since 2007. After earning a degree in Computer Science from Cal Poly and spending 20 years at IBM, Becky pursued a master’s in psychology and became a successful therapist. Now she combines her technical, marketing, and psychology backgrounds to serve the therapy community, and has helped hundreds of therapists in the fine art of website communication. Becky is a “process nerd” meaning that she LOVES Learning something new…Testing it out to see if it works…Tweaking it so it works better…and then Systematizing it so it can be done over and over. This predilection has resulted in efficiencies that range from…yes, the loading/unloading of the silverware basket in her dishwasher…to…rapid increases in marketing effectiveness for her clients. In her spare time, Becky loves hanging out with two-year-olds, reading good novels, and listening to thought leaders while on the beach in Maui.
Our Team of Amazing Folks
Willie Milam
Director of Project Delivery

Katrina Reid
Director of Operations

Katrina goes by Kat in most circles. She gets nerdy about puzzling out processes that simultaneously foster team collaboration and client satisfaction. With a goal-oriented, results-focused, and strategic mindset, Kat enhances organizational efficiency and drives company success through effective leadership and streamlined operations. When she’s not working, you can find her writing, playing board games, reading, or baking.
Account Managers
Joel DeFazio
Account Manager

All his life, Joel DeFazio has been passionate about helping people grow their businesses. His journey with CounselingWise began because of his sister-in-law, who is a therapist herself. He worked with her to help her market her practice and attract new clients. She knew Becky DeGrossa and she thought her brother-in-law’s expertise in marketing and business strategizing could be a valuable asset for Becky’s company. She told Joel about the opportunity and that’s how he became part of the team.
Before working at Counselingwise, Joel worked in sales for several decades. He has a wealth of experience helping run ad campaigns and empowering people to visualize and achieve their business goals. Outside of work, you can often find Joel hiking a mountain trail. He and his wife have an RV, and they take every opportunity they can to get off the grid and spend time in nature.
Zsanet Pettit
Account Manager

Will Perryman
Account Manager

Will Perryman is a dynamic sales professional with 8 years of experience in sales and account management, complemented by 5 years of expertise in content creation and SEO. A natural relationship builder, Will excels at understanding customer needs, simplifying complex processes, and delivering tailored solutions that enhance the client experience. With a strategic mindset and a passion for helping businesses grow, Will leverages data-driven insights and engaging communication to drive results and build long-term partnerships.
Beyond the professional world, Will is a dedicated husband and father to two gifted sons who excel both academically and athletically. A passionate musician, he plays the keys and enjoys creating content as a gamer. In addition to his sales expertise, he also helps families navigate the home buying and selling process as a real estate professional, always striving to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.
Alicia Moran
Account Manager

Originally a native of sunny southern California, Alicia loves that she now gets to call Portland, Oregon her home—don’t worry, she’s a big fan of rain. As an Account Manager at CounselingWise, Alicia brings a thoughtful, client-centered approach to her work, helping ensure that each project runs smoothly and efficiently.
Before joining the team, Alicia spent over a decade in the healthcare field, where she got to experience CounselingWise from the client side. This insider perspective gives her a deep understanding of what clients need and how best to support them through the process. She is detail-oriented, proactive, and committed to creating a positive experience for every client she works with.
Outside of work, Alicia enjoys talking to her plants, DIY-ing things with her hands, and spending time with her big goofy dog, Indigo. She is a fantasy bookworm, board game lover, thrift shop treasure hunter, and always on the lookout for the best (and spiciest) chips and salsa known to humankind.
Operations
Sarah Grosboll
Billing Manager

Vanessa Kehr
Administrative and Marketing Assistant

Vanessa grew up traveling between Rifle, CO and San Angelo, TX. She now lives in Richmond,VA where she enjoys exploring antique shops, bookstores and frequent trips to the Outer Banks, NC. Vanessa has a degree in English Literature and loves to read and write. Prior to joining CounselingWise, Vanessa worked closely with a number of CEOs, helping them to develop improved database management practices. She also assisted with general administrative duties. When she isn’t working you can find her either reading while enjoying a cup of coffee, or working on her novel (probably also with coffee!).
Kevin Batlle
Operations Assistant

Kevin was born and raised in New York City, where he developed a lifelong appreciation for fast-paced environments and great pizza. He brings with him a diverse background in project coordination and community management from his time in the video game industry. Before joining CounselingWise, Kevin also worked in the behavioral health field, overseeing administrative teams and supporting operations across multiple behavioral sites throughout NYC. When he’s not working, you’ll likely find him exploring local food spots, diving into a new game, or organizing his ever-growing list of creative projects.
Project Managers
Bill Bradley
Project Manager

Aimee McLachlan
Project Manager

Aimee is originally from the UK, but moved to Colorado in 2018 after living in Spain for the previous 7 years. She graduated from the University of Sheffield, UK with a Bachelors in Biology in 2009. Before working at CounselingWise, she worked in various program management roles in the education field. During this time, she also completed a coding bootcamp to learn the basics of web development. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and children, going hiking, cooking and learning new things.
Johnny Wilson
Project Manager

Ray Uhrig
Project Manager

Kelly Barnes
Project Manager

Andrew Rogers
Project Manager

Kelsey Elizabeth
Project Manager

Clark Thornhill
Project Manager

Clark grew up in Virginia with an engineer’s curiosity and a problem-solver’s spirit. After earning his Civil Engineering degree from the University of Virginia, he spent over 10 years mastering the art of turning complex challenges into success stories across wildly different worlds – from managing multimillion construction projects to streamlining agriculture industry operations and pioneering off-grid RV designs. As a PMP-certified project leader, he’s delivered 40+ projects in construction, tech, and public policy, always with a focus on sustainable solutions.
His career journey reflects his love for untangling knotty problems: He’s advocated for affordable housing in Colorado mountain towns, designed solar-powered systems that eliminate utility costs, and even launched a visual storytelling web studio capturing backcountry imagery.
When not optimizing websites at CounselingWise, you’ll find Clark at the park with his young family, tinkering with his website, or trying to make a new (to-him) recipe at home.
SEO Strategist
Sean Sullivan
SEO Strategist
Sean has worked in SEO since he was 15, when he gamed Google into ranking his site the #1 Manx Cat site in the world. Since then he has worked in various industries as an SEO, from queue management to streaming services to hands-free sneakers. Now he helps Private Practices get ahead of Google so that they connect with potential clients.
Developers
Mohammad Bayezid
Developer

Mohammad is a professional web developer, who upholds a strong inclination towards technological advancements and enjoys internet surfing to discover cool stuff around the web.
Jethro Bantolo
Developer

Originating from a video editing background, Jethro naturally gravitated towards the world of programming and web development out of interest in technology and problem solving. He’s currently pursuing his post-bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and engaging in online courses to further improve his skills and knowledge in programming. He’s always hungry to learn and explore the ever-evolving landscape of technology. In his free time, you’ll find him immersed in video games, basketball, or tuning into esports.
Web Pages Copywriting Team
Carola Garvin
Writing Department Manager | Editor

Carola received her formal education in her native, Germany, where she also learned English. Her love affair with creativity – particularly drawing and writing – began early in her life. Many years later, after coming to the United States, Carola began working as a substitute teacher. During those years, she enjoyed helping children of various backgrounds and ages, including those with special needs. Eventually, she put all her time and energy in homeschooling her two teen-aged sons. It was them that sparked her renewed interest in creative writing. The knowledge Carola acquired throughout the years and through her ongoing volunteer work has proven to be invaluable to her writing endeavors. In 2015, she joined CounselingWise, which has provided her with new opportunities to expand her experience and skill as a writer/editor. A geek at heart, Carola loves watching, reading, and writing sci-fi stories in her private time. When she’s not space-bound, she enjoys knitting, baking, and painting…here on earth.
Jasmine Friday
Writing Project Coordinator

Flash Clark
Copywriter | Editor | Writing/Editing Coach

Parker Desautell
Copywriter | Editor

Mamie Stevenson
Copywriter | Editor

Mamie was born and raised in Denver, Colorado before moving to Portland, Oregon in 2008 to attend Reed College. There, she studied Russian, linguistics, and completed a thesis that focused on representation of suburbia in post-war American fiction. After graduating with a degree in English, Mamie began her life as a starving artist, serving tables and starting her first novel. While that book remains unfinished, she has published cover stories, essays, and profiles for a variety of outlets, including Portland’s alternative weekly newspaper, The Mercury. Alongside her work for CounselingWise, she reviews and edits college admissions essays on a seasonal basis. When she is not reading or writing, her time is spent with her beloved husband, sister, and two chihuahua mixes.
Russell Livingston III
Editor | Copywriter

Russell is a freelance writer/editor based in Hampton, Virginia. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing from Full Sail University, graduating as one of the top in his class. He dreams to make a career writing for films and television. His passion for the written word has brought forth a wide variety of projects throughout the course of his career thus far. In his spare time, Russell enjoys watching a binge-worthy series, spending time with loved ones, or working his other occupation as a Guest Services Manager. With his extensive background in both writing and customer service, Russell understands what it takes to assist someone in achieving their goals.
Jim Santilli
Copywriter

Originally from Connecticut, over the years Jim has lived in Boston, Brooklyn, and New Orleans. He has a B.A. in English from Eastern Connecticut State University and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Lesley University. He has worked as a copywriter, a copy editor, a grant writer, and a ghostwriter. On his own time, he’s into reading, cooking, hiking, and old-school hip-hop. He currently lives in Durango, Colorado.
Jennifer Cole
Copywriter

Jennifer has lived in San Diego, California, for the past 25 years, her previous place of residence having been a 40-foot sailboat in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Prior to her five-year sojourn in the Caribbean, she received a B.A. in English from UC Santa Barbara. For over twenty years, Jennifer worked in the commercial real estate industry in San Diego. However, in 2018, she decided she was ready for a change. She shifted gears to pursue her passions as a birth doula and writer. At the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, Jennifer launched a collaborative writing project which resulted in ten novellas being co-written with other authors that all began with the same paragraph. She is also active in the San Diego improv community, both performing and teaching improv.
Christine Bolton
Copywriter

Christine was born and raised in the beautiful Caribbean island, Jamaica. Since 2017, she has been a freelance content writer with a background in digital and content marketing. She graduated from The University of The West Indies with a BSc in Psychology and International Relations. She has always had a passion for reading and writing, and as a child would write just as many books as she read. When she’s not engrossed in a novel or writing away, Christine enjoys spending her days at the beach, catching up on true crime documentaries, discovering new hiking trails, tending to her plants, or learning new yoga poses.
Melissa Pelletier
Copywriter

Melissa is from Lindenhurst, NY where she lives with her husband, two kids, as well as their dog and cat. She has a BA in Communications from the University of Miami, and a MA in Educational Communication and Technology from NYU. She was drawn to writing for Counseling Wise based on her long-held appreciation for mental health professionals. She began writing in 2014 and has worked as a freelancer in curriculum development, Educational Technology journalism, market research, and digital marketing. She has also been a copy editor, having edited everything from emails to full manuscripts for a publisher in the STEM field. She writes satirical articles and comedy pieces as a hobby in addition to being an artist of traditional mediums.
Jane Harkness
Copywriter

Jane was born and raised in Beach Haven, New Jersey, where she developed a lifelong love of reading and writing. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from St. Mary’s College of Maryland and a Master of Arts in Media and International Conflict from University College Dublin. Today, Jane is a freelance writer and editor, working with clients in various niches including health and wellness, career services, sustainability, and more. She lives in Norfolk, VA, where she enjoys spending time at the beach, hiking, writing poetry, and watching classic movies.
Blog Writing Team
Apphia Smith
Blogging Coordinator

Born and raised in Texas, Apphia now resides in the suburbs of Philadelphia. With a career spanning over fifteen years in customer relations, Apphia has developed a profound expertise in connecting with people, problem-solving, and building strong, lasting relationships.
Apphia is known for her natural curiosity and inquisitiveness, qualities that drive both her professional work and personal interests. As a prolific writer her entire life and with more than five years of experience as a content editor, Apphia brings a keen eye for detail and a passion for the craft to every project she undertakes.
In 2007 Apphia earned a Culinary Arts degree and has a deep-seated love for exploring new recipes and culinary techniques. Her other passions include a love of reading, creative writing, and remodeling her home with her husband.
AJ Canuelas
Blogging Coordinator

Sophie Cherry
Editor

Sophie Cherry lives in southwest Ohio with her husband, two small boys, one dog, two cats, and 15 chickens. Sophie graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication-Public Relations from Anderson University in 2010, and a Master of Arts in Apologetics from Houston Baptist University in 2018. Before working at CounselingWise, Sophie worked as a program coordinator for an MFA in Creative Writing, on the shores of Lake Tahoe. Since moving to Ohio, she’s worked as a stay-at-home-mom and application reader for Miami University of Ohio. When she isn’t chasing after babies or collecting chicken eggs, Sophie enjoys running, golfing, hiking, skiing, and rock climbing.
Megan Martin
Editor

Kaylee Wise
Editor

Brittani Rable
Editor

Brittani is a freelance writer with a background in digital marketing and a published poet. She graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in English and Creative Writing minor. She’s currently a freelance copywriter and also runs her own jewelry and needlework business. She lives with her two four-legged feline roommates, Lenore and Stevie, and dreams of traveling the world to experience the beauty of other cultures.
Andrea Lemieux
Editor

Brian Taylor
Editor

Mickey Z
Blogger

Stacey Blaske
Blogger

Jane Harkness
Blogger

Jane is a freelance writer and New Jersey native currently based in Norfolk, Virginia. She earned her BA in English at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, and she decided to go abroad to study for her MA at University College Dublin, where she started freelancing part-time. Upon returning home, she chose to pursue full-time freelancing, and today, she creates content for small businesses, startups, and nonprofits. She loves reading, cooking, and traveling at every opportunity.
Taylor Staus
Blogger

Taylor is from Peru, Illinois, a small town about two hours outside of Chicago. After receiving her Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Northern Illinois University in 2013, she moved to Chicago, Illinois to start her career in digital marketing. Not long after that, she found her true passion in the events world planning endurance events and trade shows. She currently resides in Columbus, Ohio as an Event Marketing Manager. When Taylor is not working, you can find her working out, playing beach volleyball with friends, and hanging out with her boyfriend, Eric, and dogs, Arya and Titan.
Philo Uwamaria
Blogger

Raised in Uganda, Philo now resides in Kenya, the only country where wild animals roam the streets (okay, maybe not the streets, but you get the idea!)
With a degree in Literature and English and a passion for writing, Philo crafts copy that speaks directly to your target audience’s needs and desires. She began her career as a news writer at a local TV station and then transitioned into digital marketing as an SEO copywriter, working with different agencies for over eight years. She is now one of our Copywriters. When she’s not writing, you’ll find Philo reading, spending time with her family, cooking, or traveling.
We are also honored to have a handful of other dedicated bloggers who help to make up our amazing blogging team.