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.

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.

Amanda Long, LICSW

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, MS

Therapist

Katie (she/her) is a pre-licensed clinician under the supervision of Kristina Syverson, LCMHC. Katie received her Masters in Clinical Psychology from Saint Michael’s College and is trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Katie utilizes a DBT and CBT approach with clients, and believes therapy can be beneficial for those willing and ready to be an active participant in their own lives by setting goals and working toward them both inside and outside of therapy.

Katie completed her internship at Meridian DBT before beginning her own practice and has one year of experience in the field. Katie also has experience as a Behavior Interventionist for grades 6-8 and was an athletic coach at different competitive levels. 

Katie has experience working with individuals who are dealing with 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.

Merrick Fahrenwald, MS

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.

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.

Jay Bongi, BA

Therapist

Jay (they/them) is a counselor-in-training under the supervision of Michelle Metzler, LCMHC. Jay will be finishing their master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Vermont this year. They received their undergraduate degree in English and Creative Writing from Oberlin College, after which they spent three years working as a residential counselor in transitional care facilities, including Howard Center's Lakeview house.  

Through caring connection, tools of empowerment, and shared imagination, Jay aims to help clients dream of and step into authentic and resilient versions of themselves. They are especially committed to helping queer, trans, and neurodivergent folks navigate the unique challenges they face, as well as helping them discover and embrace the sacredness of their difference. They find it such a gift to dream alongside clients, together searching for radical new ways of living and connecting with others.  Their practice is client led, trauma-informed, and rooted in anti-oppression work and harm reduction, as well as body-,  sex-, poly-,  and kink-positivity. 

Jay can be reached at jay@meridiandbt.com or 802-489-7235 ex. 18.

Rebecca Cole, BA

Therapist

Rebecca (she/her) is a counselor-in-training under the supervision of Michelle Metzler, LCMHC. Rebecca will be finishing her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Vermont this spring. She received her undergraduate degree from Marist College, where she majored in psychology, and minored in global studies, fashion, and Italian language.  While at Marist, Rebecca worked in qualitative research seeking to better understand the experiences of women under correctional supervision. She also worked in a crisis center for survivors of sexual trauma and relational abuse. 

After receiving her degree, Rebecca worked in psychiatry for five years conducting quantitative research with folks diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder and co-occurring substance use and mood disorders, as well as those navigating systemic stressors such as housing insecurity. 

Her practice is trauma-informed by polyvagal and feminist theories. Rebecca is committed to supporting folks to strengthen their mind-body connection and self-regulation. She is interested in working with adults navigating anxiety, depression, identity development, relationship and family issues, and processing traumatic events. She aims to orient her practice towards individual and community empowerment and liberation. 

Rebecca can be reached at rebecca@meridiandbt.com or 802-489-7235 ex. 21.

Jessie Carvalho, BS

Therapist

Jessie Carvalho (she/her) is a counselor-in-training under the supervision of Megan Dunston, LCMHC. Jessie will be finishing her master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Vermont in May 2026. Jessie received her undergraduate degree from Emmanuel College in Developmental Psychology. Jessie spent her time at Emmanuel learning about neuropsychology, impacting development, and the physiological manifestations of mental health at Harvard University Medical School under the Kreiman lab. Jessie spent time working for the psychiatry department at the University of Vermont Medical Center as a safety attendant in the psychiatric inpatient unit. Jessie has an interest in providing care that is both effective and unharmful and would like to be part of policies that advocate for safety and individual decrease in distress while under psychiatric care. Jessie is a feminist and liberation theory-driven. Jessie believes everyone has a story, and she is interested in understanding that story. She aims to help individuals reach their true potential towards self-actualization.

Jessie can be reached at jessie@meridiandbt.com or 802-489-7235 ex. 20.

Brae Simms, BA

Therapist

Brae (She/They) is a counselor in training under the supervision of Megan Dunston, LCMHC. Brae will be finishing her master’s degree in counseling in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Vermont this spring. She received her undergraduate degree in psychology and biology from Centenary College of Louisiana, during which she conducted research to gain an understanding of the components of self-compassion within a holistic context. After completing their degree, Brae spent two years teaching yoga in their community and within care centers, expanding their practice as a facilitator of caring connection and embodied healing.

Brae is passionate about supporting neurodivergent clients, women, and queer folks as they navigate the complexities of identity-development, relationships, spirituality, and self understanding. Their approach is supported through feminist theory and trauma-informed practices, with an emphasis on honoring each client’s lived experience and inner wisdom. Brae is especially interested in working with those navigating anxiety, traumatic experiences, and the impact of oppressive systems. Brae strives to create a space that is collaborative, nurturing, and empowering.

Brae can be reached at brae@meridiandbt.com or 802-489-7235 ex. 16.

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.