Alexia Ford, LCSW

Ms. Walkiewicz is a licensed professional counselor and is certified by the NBCC. She also has Certifications in Telehealth EMDR, and as a Certified Clinical Telemental Health Provider. Her position at Talkiatry is that of a psychotherapist who works along with a licensed psychiatrist in the states of Pennsylvania and New York. In her career of over 25 years, her areas of focus are: child/adolescents/adults. Pamela offers modalities in CBT, DBT, Trauma Focused CBT, EMDR, Motivational Interviewing, Problem Solving Therapy, Psychoanalytical Therapies, and Adult ADHD. Also trained in modalities for specialty groups such as LGBTQ+. Family/couples Therapy, and Personality Disorders. Also has experience with DID, and Depersonalization. Pamela received her Undergraduate and Master's degree from Gannon University in Erie, Pa. Her majors are Political Science, and Psychology, Master's in Community Counseling. She began her career as a therapist at Sarah Reed Children's Center. She did individual therapy, family, crisis, and assessments. From there, she moved to Alabama to do administrative work and private practice. Now back in Pa. Her work in Pennsylvania and New York focuses on Outpatient Therapy as a Licensed Professional Counselor. Her most recent Certifications are within the work with Telemedicine for mental health conditions. Her work in Pennsylvania and New York focuses on Outpatient Therapy as a Licensed Professional Counselor. Her most recent Certifications are within the work with Telemedicine for mental health conditions.

Derek Miller is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who has extensive experience working in the fields of substance abuse and mental health. Derek has worked with clients with a large variety of concerns and backgrounds, with more experience with male and minority populations. Derek attended undergraduate school in Alfred, NY, graduate school in Rochester, NY, including a school-based visit to Estonia to learn about social work systems abroad. Derek's greatest passion is helping people make lasting change in their lives. His approach draws both on professional and personal experiences with addiction, trauma, first responders, relationships and more. By creating a space and relationship where you feel safe, valued, and respected, Derek works together with you to overcome the challenges of today and build resiliency for the challenges yet to come. Therapy can be a truly transformative experience, when it is built on human connection and dedication to change. Derek takes an active approach, which includes asking tough questions while staying respectful, as well as humor and friendly conversations when appropriate. Therapy begins with building trust and a good relationship. Derek utilizes experiences from various practice models, including Cognitive Processing Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and Motivational Interviewing.

Cody Zaiontz is an LPC in the state of Texas. He has been providing counseling services to a variety of clients, who have sought help for many different types of mental health conditions, for over 5 years. Cody completed his undergraduate education in San Marcos, Texas at Texas State University and earned his bachelor's degree in psychology. He went on to complete his graduate school training in Counseling & Guidance at Texas A&M University San Antonio. His practicum training took place at the UT Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas where he was trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and crisis management. Upon graduating with his master's in counseling, Cody worked for 2 years helping individuals diagnosed with a serious mental illness (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, etc.) in an inpatient psychiatric hospital. He then learned how to provide outpatient counseling services, both in-person and through a secure telehealth platform. In his private practice, he worked with adults dealing with substance abuse, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and family issues. He also helped his clients work towards weight loss goals, learn ways to improve sleep, learn ways to increase their social support system, and learn other skills that will help them live a happier, more fulfilled life. Cody operated his private practice until he joined Talkiatry in the fall of 2024.

Joni Courtney is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who provides compassionate, individualized therapy to clients of all ages. Originally from Arizona, she holds a master’s degree in social work from Arizona State University and relocated to Texas three years ago. Her background includes experience as a clinical therapist and working with students experiencing homelessness in the school system. Joni creates a safe, supportive space for clients to explore thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that foster healing and growth.

Joni believes therapy is a collaborative relationship rooted in trust, self-awareness, and growth. She values active listening, thoughtful questioning, and believes clients are the experts of their own lives. She partners with individuals to develop personalized treatment goals that align with their experiences and values, blending grace and accountability throughout the therapeutic process.

During the first session, Joni starts with brief introductions and explores the challenges the client is facing. Together, they develop goals and a treatment plan, which they continue to refine in follow-up sessions. Joni tailors her approach using techniques from multiple therapeutic models to best support each client’s unique journey.

‍

Jill Sinnott is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She has practiced in Tennessee for over ten years, in a variety of roles including comprehensive child and family therapy, mobile crisis, and group-based Alcohol and Drug treatment. Most recently, she worked in community mental health for five and a half years. In this role, she focused on individual therapy with clients of all ages. Jill obtained her Bachelor's Degree from Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, NC, and her Master's of Science in Social Work from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, TN before settling in Johnson City, TN with her family. Jill's areas of interest include working with the LGBTQIA+ community and incorporating play therapy techniques while working with children. She uses a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy to develop a treatment plan addressing the client's own goals using specific, obtainable steps and recognizing each individual's strengths.

Stephanie McGee, LCMHC, received her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Medaille College in Buffalo, NY, in 2011. She has provided outpatient therapy across a variety of settings, including ACTT services, group therapy focused on substance use, and individual therapy. Stephanie is passionate about creating a safe, unbiased, and nonjudgmental space where patients feel seen, heard, and empowered. She believes that life’s challenges can shift our focus, and it is her privilege to provide support, encouragement, and practical tools to help patients navigate those moments.

Stephanie works with young adults and adults, offering encouragement, guidance, and tools to help patients reach their personal goals. She views therapy as a collaborative process and emphasizes building trust, honoring diverse perspectives, and ensuring patients feel comfortable. New patients can expect a compassionate space to share their stories, identify goals, and gain a clear sense of what therapy with her will feel like.

Stephanie tailors her approach to each individual, drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing, among other modalities. She balances directive strategies with exploratory work, adapting her methods based on what resonates with patients. Stephanie regularly checks in for feedback, ensuring therapy remains meaningful and aligned with each person’s goals. Above all, she strives to create a supportive, collaborative process where patients feel validated, respected, and empowered.