About Us
Jonathan Cleveland, PhD, founder & director
Dr. Cleveland (Jon) meets with adults who experienced difficult childhoods. Over the course of treatment, he collaborates to boost insight, self-esteem, resiliency, flexibility, the ability to trust, as well as the capacity for humor and creative expression. Jon specializes in treating trauma and dissociation using psychodynamic psychotherapy, hypnosis, and psychosensory approaches such as deep brain reorienting (DBR), havening, and EMDR (eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing). For those wishing to focus on parts work, he incorporates ego state and IFS (internal family systems) techniques. He often meets with therapists who are seeking their own psychotherapy or professional consultation and enjoys supervising doctoral students and postdoctoral trainees. Jon serves as President-elect (2026) of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation and is founder of Collective Within. He is a clinical faculty member at WSU’s School of Professional Psychology, former editor-in-chief of Trauma Psychology News,and current editor of The Miami Valley Psychologist. In his leisure time, Jon finds himself cooking, reading, and tinkering with synthesizers. He also enjoys playing golf and traveling to new places to ski & scuba dive with his wife and friends.
Erika Fontana, MSW, LISW-S, mental health therapist
Erika earned her Master of social work degree from the University of Utah and has been a practicing therapist for over 19 years, with much of her focus on clients with trauma and substance abuse issues. She has received training in EMDR, IFS, havening, DBT, somatic healing, and seeking safety, and employs these and other treatment modalities including CBT and mindfulness training according to each client’s needs. She has experience working with adults, teens, children, groups, couples and families, and currently works with both adults and adolescents.
Areas of focus: Trauma, mood disorders, anxiety, grief and loss, substance abuse, relationship difficulties, communication skills, parenting skills
Azia Berhe, PsyD, postdoctoral resident
Welcome! I'm Dr. Azia Berhe, and I’m glad you’re here. I hold a Master’s degree in Counseling and Psychological Services and a Doctorate in Psychology (Psy.D.) from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. I’m currently working toward full licensure in the state of Ohio, under the supervision of Dr. Jonathan Cleveland.
I work with adults of all ages, backgrounds, and life experiences—and I truly value the uniqueness that each person brings to therapy. I have a particular passion for supporting individuals from immigrant communities, as I understand how disorienting and complex it can be to adjust to life in a new country. Feeling seen and understood in those experiences can make all the difference.
My clinical background includes work in community mental health, outpatient clinics, and long-term care settings. I’ve had the privilege of helping individuals facing a wide range of challenges, including depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use, and cognitive concerns like dementia. I take a flexible, integrative approach to therapy—drawing from different therapeutic modalities to meet each client’s specific needs. What remains consistent, however, is my commitment to helping clients recognize their strengths, feel empowered, and move toward a life that feels meaningful and fulfilling to them.
I was drawn to this work because I’ve always found it natural to connect deeply with others and genuinely care about their well-being. Whether you're navigating a major life change, feeling stuck, or simply want a space to process your thoughts and emotions, I’m here to support you.
Outside of the therapy room, I enjoy traveling, trying new foods, relaxing with a good show, and spending time with friends and family.
If you're considering therapy, I look forward to the opportunity to work together.
Raquel Clark, PsyM, psychology assistant
Hello! My name is Raquel, and I moved to Ohio with a strong passion for education and mental health. I hold a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Wright State University, where I focused on forensic psychology and working with Spanish-speaking populations.
At Collective Within, I strive to create a supportive and inclusive therapeutic space where individuals from all walks of life feel welcome, heard, and empowered. I am deeply passionate about helping others become the best versions of themselves, and I approach therapy with an emphasis on positivity, personal growth, and resilience.
Outside the office, you’ll find me enjoying the outdoors with my dog, quilting, or curled up with a good book.
Jennifer Simic, MS, MMin, LPC, Counselor
Hello! I am Jennifer Simic, and I hope you like it here. I received my Master's of Science in clinical mental health counseling from Wright State University, and I am a dependently licensed clinician. I intend on obtaining independent licensure here in Ohio by the end of 2027.
I take a combination of approaches to therapy. I tend to use a narrative style where we explore where you currently are, consider how your past affects you, decide where you want your future to go, then plan out how to get there. I will also mix in solution-focused therapy and behavioral approaches to help deal with the struggles of everyday life as needed.
I firmly believe in accepting the person in front of me just as they are, whatever that might look like. I prefer to bring in a strengths-based approach with a focus on what the person is doing right instead of a focus on what the person is doing wrong. I have a particular passion for working with complex trauma and dissociation, but that's not all I work with. I will work with anyone 13 or older. While trauma is my focus, I also greatly enjoy doing couple's counseling, family counseling, Christian counseling, and pagan counseling. I received a Master of Ministry degree from Cedarville University in 2017 and have greatly enjoyed working with individuals with religious trauma, especially LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Outside of therapy, I have a variety of interests that I love to share. I love anything with a good story, especially books, video games, anime, and manga. I also have several creative pursuits such as drawing, singing, crocheting, sewing, and making chainmail jewelry and armor. When I have the free time, I am usually down for a good pen and paper RPG too. Feel free to schedule with me! I would love to get to know you!
William Sampson, MS, psychology trainee
My name is William Sampson, I am a third-year doctoral student at the Wright Student School for Professional Psychology.
I received a Masters in Psychology at the University of Indianapolis. I also have previous professional experience working at Twin Valley Behavioral Healthcare hospital in Columbus Ohio, as well as therapeutic experience working with children with Autism at Hopebridge Autism therapy center.
In my free time I enjoy swimming, cooking, hiking. and exploring different places around Dayton.
Lillian Ferguson, BA.,psychology assistant
Hello!
My name is Lillian Ferguson. I am a current second year graduate student at Wright State University’s School of Professional Psychology, earning my PsyD in clinical psychology. I graduated from the University of Cincinnati in late 2022 with a BA in psychology, a minor in philosophy, and a certificate in deaf studies. To the table, I bring experience from three years of working as a mental health technician and psychoeducational group leader at a Kettering Health Behavioral Medical Center, as well as past experience of working children on the autism spectrum and current experience from my practicum site of Counseling & Wellness Services at WSU.
I have a passion for working in this field, especially in the realm of trauma, and strive to make every person I interact with feel listened to, heard, seen, safe, and valued. I believe that with the right resources and care, every individual can tap into their resiliency and navigate this hard thing we call life with all the strength and power they are capable of. Regardless of what is brought to the table, I will be a support and the biggest advocate for your well-being.
Outside of here, I deeply enjoy reading, writing, crocheting, and cuddling up with my two cats and Bernedoodle!
Auden Blessing, administrative assistant
Hello, my name is Auden Blessing. I grew up in the Dayton area with three lovely sisters that have always been by my side and have helped me grow into who I am today. I attended Northmont High School and graduated in 2020. Before I started as a receptionist here at Collective Within, I worked for Target as a guest advocate for three years and as a barista at Warehouse 4 in Kettering. My prior work experience allows me to be well rounded when it comes to problem solving and showing up for someone in need.
I also enjoy pursuing creative endeavors. I love to produce music, sing, attend local music events, sketch, journal, and go hiking on cooler days. it’s important to have an outlet to express yourself, and for me, the arts are an amazing way to do that. :)