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About our Counseling Services

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We are here to support and empower you through life's difficult moments.  We want to help you achieve your goals and find ways to be well, whether that means needing a little support and community through our groups, psycho education and/or therapy sessions. We have experience working with individuals, families and groups from all stages of life.  We have extensive experience working with victims and survivors of trauma as well as those coping from mental health concerns or any other life stressors. 

About our Fitness Services

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We want to help you reach your fitness and health goals.  Whether you want to lose weight, gain strength, improve your athletic performance, prepare for tryouts or just stay active and get healthy, we are on your side! We offer individual and group training, classes, as well as team building and wellness seminars. 

Mission Statement

 

To provide individuals in any stage of life the opportunity to achieve their wellness goals and thrive both physically and mentally through holistic support and services. 

About Us

Heather St. Peter, MSW, LCSW

Trauma Therapist and LMSW Supervisor

Heather is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and received her MSW from Washington University in St. Louis.  She has nearly 20 years of experience working with youth and adults. She has worked in a school based setting, inpatient mental health, home based family therapy, and residential and outreach services.  She has extensive experience working with survivors of trauma and specializes in working with survivors of domestic and sexual violence. In addition, Heather began playing competitive sports at the age of 5.  She was a two sport collegiate athlete and has extensive knowledge and experience working with athletes in a mental health as well as training/coaching capacity. Heather works with children, adults, couples and families. 

Katie Kessler, MSW, LCSW 

Trauma Therapist

Katie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and received her MSW from UMSL.  She has nearly 15 years of experience in the field.  She has experience working with individuals of all ages. She has worked in home based care, inpatient mental health as well as residential and outpatient settings.  She has extensive experience with survivors of trauma including domestic violence and sexual assault. She also specializes in working with caregivers, nurses, secondary trauma and working with parents caring for children with complex medical issues.

Ben Oskroba, BA, NSCA-CPT

Personal Trainer

Ben is a Certified Personal Trainer and earned his Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice.  Ben began playing competitive sports at the age of 3. He played Division 1 hockey at Northeastern University and University of Connecticut. Ben recently from minor league professional hockey after seven seasons with the Peoria Rivermen.  He obtained his personal training certification through the National Strength and Conditioning Association and works with children and adults.  In addition, Ben has been trained on the effects of trauma and how to create an environment that allows survivors to feel comfortable.  This training allows him to work closely with our trauma therapists to provide specialized training services to our counseling clients. Through his lifelong training, competing, and other athletic endeavors, he has gained a wealth of knowledge in the training field that will allow him to help you reach your fitness and wellness goals whatever they may be.  

Nicki Pondrom, MSW, LMSW

Therapist

Nicki has been with Side by Side since her master's level internship and we are proud to welcome her on as a Licensed Master Social Worker. Nicki received her degree from UMSL and is working towards full licensure under clinical supervisor Heather St. Peter. She is trained in Trauma - Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and specializes in working with youth and families on social skill development and behavioral challenges. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience in children's and family issues. 

Alyson Miller, MSW, LMSW

Therapist

Alyson received her MSW from Washington University in St. Louis, and also completed her master's level internship with Side by Side. We are thrilled that she has stayed on with us to keep offering services to our clients. Alyson is working towards full licensure under clinical supervisor Heather St. Peter and she works with couples, families, and individuals of all ages. Alyson has experience working with trauma, grief, anxiety and depression, self esteem, and life skills. Alyson promotes holistic wellbeing through combining therapeutic skills and practices with the positive mental effects of mindfulness and the natural world.

Shyann Harmon, MSW

Psychoeducational Counselor

Shyann earner her master's in social work from UMSL and has been a part of Side by Side Wellness since her internship with us in her bachelor's level program.  Shyann is currently working towards licensure under clinical supervision.  She works with children, teens, and adults.  Shyann has experience in case management, school settings, and group facilitation. 

Clare Bishop, MSW, LMSW

Therapist

Clare is a graduate of UMSL with her master's degree in social work, and has been with Side by Side Wellness since her internship in January of 2023. Clare is working towards full licensure under Heather St. Peter's clinical supervision.  Clare works with youth and adults. Clare has experience working with athletes, those with anxiety and/or depression, and improving self-talk and self-esteem. Her approach to therapy emphasizes personal strengths and working at the client’s pace to build trust within the therapeutic relationship.

Stephanie Clubb, MSW, LCSW

Therapist and Wellness Coach

Stephanie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and received her MSW from the University of Washington – Seattle. She has nearly 20 years of experience working with youth and adults in various settings, including schools, residential programs, and hospitals. She most recently worked with parents and caregivers who were navigating high risk pregnancies, hospital admission, and caring for children with complex or life-limiting medical issues. In addition, Stephanie obtained certification in Health & Wellness Coaching through mindbodygreen, allowing her to coach individuals who are motivated to make lifestyle changes to improve their well-being. With coaching, Stephanie’s goal is to help individuals align current behaviors with their values, goals and vision for the future. 

We are a teaching facility!

We partner with local universities to offer practicums, or internships, to master's level social work students who are here to gain clinical experience. They are able to offer services including supportive counseling and groups at a reduced fee, and are supervised both here at Side by Side as well as by their instructors.  We have had students from UMSL, Washington University, and Missouri Baptist University social work programs.  We feel it is important to have a supportive environment for students to learn and craft skills, as well as to be able to offer affordable counseling services to the community

 

 

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