Meet Your Therapists!

  • Smiling woman with glasses, tattoos on her head and neck, and short hair, sitting indoors.

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

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

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

    I am 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 AuDHD myself!)

  • A person with short, dark hair and glasses smiling, wearing a black floral shirt, standing against a plain light-colored wall.

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

    I'm White, bisexual, nonbinary, trans masculine, and polyamorous. (they/them)

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

    I grew up on a farm in conservative rural Ohio. I'm now based in Youngstown. I have two dogs that will likely make an appearance during telehealth sessions. I also have four parakeets and three rabbits.

    I’m a Licensed Independent Social Worker. I graduated from Case Western Reserve University in 2018 with a Masters degree. I’m a part of TRANSlate Health Ohio, a community action group focused on improving healthcare for trans individuals.

    I use Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) and other modelaities to meet the needs of suicidal individuals. I also treat children and teens with trauma with Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). To help adults with trauma, I use narrative therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and evidence-based mindfulness techniques, as well as Predictive Processing Flash. I often use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) with clients of all needs - suicidal and traumatized individuals, but also those with depression, anxiety, ADHD, ASD, and more!

    My sessions are often solution-focused and are highly collaborative. I want you to meet your goals - the goals that you set for yourself! Our sessions can cover managing emotions, developing social skills, identity exploration, goal setting, resource connection, skill rehearsal, and more.

    I specialize in working with:

    Suicidal ideation

    PTSD

    Kids (9y/o+), teenagers, and their parents

    Young adults

    College students

    Identity development

    Transgender journeys

    Disability as an identity

    Chronic illness

    Anxiety and depression

    Queer and/or polyamorous relationships

    LGBTQ+ identities in religion

    Addiction recovery - maintenance only

  • Gabrielle Gritton, Social Work Intern

    My name is Gabrielle and I am from Raleigh, North Carolina, born and raised, and I am a nature, animal, and art lover. I am a trauma-informed licensed social work trainee and I am currently earning my Master’s degree inSocial Work.

    I specialize in working with clients experiencing interpersonal conflict, depression, anxiety, transitional periods, identity-related topics, relationship conflict, trauma, self-harm and grief. My primary modalities are Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), evidence-based mindfulness techniques, and Acceptance-Commitment Therapy (ACT).

    I work with any and all clients experiencing any of the topics Iisted above, and come to all sessions looking to build a collaborative relationship, and work with clients where they are at. I am a huge fan of helping clients by utilizing and teaching them useful tools, skill rehearsal, visualization techniques, social skill development, mindfulness techniques, and practical implementations they can use in their daily lives. I am also a fan of art and nature therapy, and its integration into the virtual platform.

    I look forward to meeting you and working together on your journey!

    [Under the Supervision of Jaden List, MSSA, LISW # I.2506365]

  • Annabella Romeo, Social Work Intern

    As a social work intern, I strive to create a warm, collaborative space where healing unfolds at your own pace. I provide interpersonal therapy for adults and teens from a whole-person, mindfulness-based perspective to help you reach your goals and feel more present in your life again. 

    I identify as a white, queer, cisgender woman and use she/her pronouns. Having lived abroad, I also have personal experience of how major life transitions and navigating new communities can impact a person’s sense of self and belonging. If you feel this resonates with you, I encourage you to reach out. I look forward to walking alongside you on your path towards resilience, empowerment, and healing.

    [Under the Supervision of Jaden List, MSSA, LISW # I.2506365]