Meet Your Therapists!

  • Kira Hayes, MA, IMFT #F.2300381 [RLT Certified] - Owner & Founder of Affirming Pathways Psychotherapy

    I am queer, cis, and multiracial Indigenous. (she/they)

    Limited availability: Two immediate openings for Relational/Couples Therapy. (No reduced rate spots available at this time.)

    I’m Kira—queer, cis, multiracial Indigenous (Eastern Band Cherokee), white-passing, and neurodivergent. I bring all of those lived experiences into the work I do and hold myself accountable to creating a therapy space that recognizes privilege, intersectionality, and systemic impact.

    If you’re ready to do the work, I’ll meet you there.

    This is a space where you’ll be supported, challenged, and equipped with the tools you need to create real, sustainable change in your relationships. I’m here to help you get to the truth of what’s beneath the surface, face it head-on, and move forward—together, to get you more of what you want in your relationship.

    My approach is collaborative and rooted in Relational Life Therapy (RLT), where authenticity, personal responsibility, vulnerability and empathy lay the foundation for real meaningful change.

    What to expect from me:

    - My style is laid-back but active. I’m not a “smile and nod” therapist. I’m engaged, collaborative, and invested in helping you make meaningful progress that sticks.

    - I deliver on the expertise you’re seeking—and deserve—from day one, offering practical strategies and tools tailored to your relationship and goals. Think part coach, part therapist.

    - I’ll always work as hard as you do. This is a team effort: you bring your expertise on your life and relationship, and I bring mine in relational repair and transformation.

    - You’ll get straightforward, respectful feedback paired with curiosity and compassion. I’ll challenge you when it’s needed and stand alongside you as you do the hard work.

    I specialize in working relationally with:

    All relationship types (from friendships to family to intimate partnerships and beyond)

    Gender and sexual/affectional minorities (the whole alphabet mafia!)

    Non-monogamy and all relationship structure diversities

    Communication and conflict resolution

    Intersecting identities and minority stress

    Sex-positive and kink-affirming

    Adult Neurodivergence (I am diagnosed myself!)

  • Jaden (name in use) List, MSSA, LISW # I.2506365

    I am disabled, nonbinary, and queer. (they/them/he/him)

    Immediate openings for teletherapy! (No reduced rate spots available at this time.)

    I'm a white, queer cripplepunk. I grew up on a farm in conservative rural Ohio. I'm now based in Youngstown. I have two dogs and two cats that will likely make an appearance during telehealth sessions.

    I’m a Licensed Social Worker and an Ohio Certified Prevention Specialist. I graduated from Case Western Reserve University in 2018 with a masters degree. During my time in Cleveland, I was involved in SURJOhio (Showing Up for Racial Justice) and played a role in the development of TRANSlate at the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland. The initiative focused on improving healthcare for trans individuals.

    Trained in Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) , I aim to provide a safe and empathetic space for those facing mental health challenges to work towards hope and healing. My sessions are trauma-informed, drawing on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Whether we're diving into solution-oriented strategies, or engaging in psychotherapeutic exploration, our sessions can cover emotional regulation, social skills, identity exploration, goal setting, resource connection, and more.

    I specialize in working with:

    suicidal ideation

    PTSD symptoms

    kids, teenagers, and their parents

    young adults

    identity development

    transgender journeys

    disability as an identity

    anxiety and depression

    chronic illness

    queer and/or polyamorous relationships

    LGBTQ+ identities in religion

  • Savanna Gazdik, MA, LPC [PhD Intern], #C.2305186

    I am a bisexual, cisgender woman and doctoral-level intern. (she/her)

    Immediate evening and weekend openings for in-person and teletherapy! (All sessions are offered at reduced rates - my fees are outlined on the Costs page!)

    I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and School Counselor with hands-on experience supporting teens and young adults as they navigate the wild ride of growing up, figuring themselves out, and trying to find a sense of peace along the way.

    I bring a calm, steady energy to the therapy room. My goal is to create a space where you can breathe a little easier, feel truly seen, and get real about the things that weigh heavy on your mind.

    Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or just feeling stuck, I’m here to help you sort through it in a way that’s thoughtful, compassionate, and collaborative.

    I’ve spent the last few years working with high school students—particularly those managing ADHD, anxiety, depression, or juggling the complexities of IEPs, 504 plans, and future dreams.

    My clients often tell me they appreciate my straightforward approach, paired with a deep care for who they are—not just their struggles.

    In therapy with me, we’ll focus on understanding your experience and finding strategies that make sense for your life. Whether we’re working on emotional regulation, identity exploration, or how to survive (and maybe even enjoy?) big transitions, I’ll meet you where you’re at.

    You’ll never feel pressured to be anything other than your full self in our work together.

    I specialize in working with:

    Teens & Young Adults

    Anxiety, Depression & ADHD

    Identity Development & LGBTQ+ Support

    Neurodivergent Support

    College Planning & Life Transitions

    Empowerment for Students with IEPs/504 Plans

    Suicide Prevention & Emotional Safety Skills goes here