Our Counselors
Mary Riposo LPCC
Accepting New Clients, Available for Ohio residents, telehealth services available for Florida residentsMary received her B.A. in sociology from Emory University and her M.A. in Clinical-Community Mental Health counseling from the
University of Akron.
She has had experience working in both community-based agencies and private practices. Mary has worked with survivors of sexual assault and provided academic and emotional support to children in metro Atlanta.
She believes in a strength-based perspective and sees counseling as a tool by which empowerment, insight, and skills can be gained to improve self, relationships, and overall quality of life.
Mary has experience working in groups, with couples, and with individuals and primarily utilizes Dialectical Behavior therapy and Cognitive-Behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based approaches, and expressive techniques.
Mary enjoys working with clients to strengthen their ability to decrease anxiety and manage depressive symptoms and is experienced working with survivors of trauma, and has a passion for women’s issues and relationship-building skills. She has experience working with adults with ADHD, individual and couples LGBTQ concerns, issues related to body image and self-esteem , and addiction. She is currently completing the requirements to become a supervising counselor.
Thomas Taylor, LPCC-S
Thomas earned his Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology and a Bachelor’s of Arts in Sociology from The University of Akron. Additionally, Thomas received his Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Akron.
He is currently a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with Supervision Designation (LPCC-S.)
Thomas has worked in community mental health for a number of years which helped him develop an eclectic counseling style. He has worked with populations of all age ranges from toddlers to older adults and with a myriad of mental health concerns.
Some of his specialty areas include: Gifted populations, anxiety, depression, trauma and adolescence issues. His theoretical perspective follows the integrative approach with emphasis on person-centered and solution-focused elements.
Thomas focuses primarily on helping individuals harness their will and integrity to strive towards their best selves in a nonjudgmental, growth oriented environment that allows for mistakes, learning and adaptation.
Taylour Kidd, LPCC-S
Accepting New ClientsTaylour earned her Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University in Findlay and her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walsh University. Taylour is a licensed professional clinical counselor with supervision designation (LPCC-S).
She began working in the mental health field as a case manager at a community mental health agency and has been working as a full-time counselor since graduating. Taylour has experience working with adolescents and adults with a variety of behavioral and emotional concerns, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, self-esteem issues, relationship issues, trauma, addiction, stress management, and adaptive skill-building to manage areas such as care tasks (feeding, cleaning, hygiene, etc.).
Mercedes Bryjak, LPCC, IMFT, CST
Accepting New ClientsMercedes Bryjak received her bachelor’s degree in Language Arts and Psychology from Cleveland State University in 2010. She obtained her master’s degree in counseling as well as in Marriage and Family Therapy from University of Akron in 2014. She became a Certified Sex Therapist in August 2024 and is currently credentialed with the AASECT Board.
Mercedes Bryjak is proficient in the implementation of Cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT), trauma-informed techniques as well as family therapy modalities to address the needs of individual clients including teens and adults.
Mercedes specializes in utilizing systemic approaches including Gottman level I and II, Emotionally Focused therapy, Integrative Behavioral Couple therapy as well as various sex therapy modalities in conceptualization and treatment of the complex needs of couples. She is passionate about working with those struggling with mood disorders, adolescent services, couples therapy, family therapy, grief counseling, men’s issues, women’s issues, sex/intimacy issues, parenting, stress management, life transitions.
Drew Hershberger LPCC
Accepting New ClientsDrew Hershberger is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), who received his Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, along with his Bachelor’s in Psychology, from the University of Akron.
Drew has worked with many presenting concerns, ages, and demographics throughout his years in community mental health, including depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD and mood disorders. He works mostly with adults 18 and up, though he particularly enjoys working with young adults as well as helping people work through challenging or difficult life changes.
Drew strives to create a welcoming environment where people can be themselves without the fear of being judged. He enjoys building others up and helping people reach their fullest potential; believing we are all the experts on our own life. Drew employs many therapeutic approaches, pulling from principles of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused therapy, and Motivational Interviewing principals, but above all takes a Person Centered and collaborative approach to therapy.
Administrative Staff
We understand the need for compassion and confidentiality and we believe that starts with our front office staff.
The Intera Staff
The Intera Counseling and Wellness Mission
Intera Counseling and Wellness was born of a vision of therapy that reflects the meaning of the word by helping people to achieve their true Intera which means “whole” in Italian.
At Intera, our mission is to help our clients reach their goals through support, encouragement, and education. We welcome individuals, couples, children, families, and groups. In-person and virtual sessions are available.