Steven Tackett, M.Ed., LPCC-S
First and foremost, I am a father, son, and husband. I have been married since 1998 and have two amazing children, Spencer and Brooklyn. They are the source of my energy and my life. I have been blessed with amazing parents, Rodger & Patricia Tackett. My dad passed away in 2009; this led me to make changes in my life as a person and as a therapist. Grief never goes away. I was born and raised in Flatwoods, KY, and attended both Russell and Greenup County High School. Since graduating high school, I have lived in several locations such as Lexington & Richmond, Kentucky as well as Huntington, WV where I met my wife, Kristy. Family, honesty, integrity, and responsibility are my core values, and I strive to live the words that I speak in my work with others.
In 1999, I received my BS in Psychology from Eastern Kentucky University. While attending EKU, I was active in student council as well as the Greek system being a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. Upon graduation, I continued working as a manager in retail sales. I moved back to Greenup, Kentucky in the summer of 2000 to pursue a career closer to home and to begin a family.
In 2006, I received my M.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling from the Lindsey Wilson College School of Professional Counseling. Graduating at the top of my class, I became a Nationally Certified Counselor and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. Since this time I have been a member of the American Counselors’ Association, Kentucky Counselors’ Association, Kentucky Mental Health Counselors’ Association, National Board of Certified Counselors, and Chi Sigma Iota Honorary Society.
Prior to joining Tri-State Psychological Services in February 2007, I was a school-based therapist for Russell and Raceland Schools as well as an outpatient therapist and case manager while employed with Pathways, Inc. My experience also includes being an adjunct-professor for Morehead State University where I taught Human Growth & Development courses. Additionally, I taught at Shawnee State University for over 13 years and my classes included Intro to Psychology, Child & Adolescent Psychology, and Counseling Psychology. In 2010, I purchased the assets of Tri-State Psychological Services, PLLC and opened my current practice, Tri-State Counseling & Psychotherapy, LLC. My clients have included all ages, races, creeds, and backgrounds including the LGBTQ community. I have experience working with all types of presenting problems one may face in their lives and enjoy my job as much now as when I first started.
While spending time with my family & friends is my number one priority in life, I try to make time for several hobbies. Music has been a major part of my life since I was a child and continues to shape who I am today. An avid sports fan, I can be found at the ball fields taking in local, state, and professional games. I am the former President of the Greenup County High School Football Boosters and a member of the GCHS Site-Based Council. I have also learned to appreciate all forms of dance as my daughter is a talented, hard-working dancer. I am a certified Special Olympic Coach and have participated in both Regional and State Special Olympics. I also enjoy the outdoors whether it is fishing, walking in the woods, riding four-wheelers, or enjoying time on the porch. I am an animal lover as demonstrated by my many cats, dogs, etc.
On a more personal note and as a therapist, I believe that we all have inside of us the ability to conquer any problem that we may face. Sometimes life is not fair or kind and we need help. Each of us will come upon a time in our lives when we may become lost or stumble. It is those times when it is ok to reach out for help. As the U2 song states, “Sometimes you can’t make it on your own”. I appreciate you taking the time to read this brief introduction and look forward to partnering with you on the journey to be the person you want to be and to live the life you want to live.
Melissa G. Barker, M.Ed., LPCC-S
I am honored to introduce myself to you. I grew up in the Grayson area and have lived here my entire life. I enjoy the small, hometown atmosphere this area has to offer. I feel the relationships that we develop are the backbone of who we are. I have two wonderful parents who have given me the support and strength to follow my dreams. They have shown me the importance of honesty, hard work, and integrity.
I graduated from West Carter high school in 1999. I went on to graduate
from Morehead State University in 2003 with a Bachelors of Social Work
degree. In 2007, I obtained my Masters of Education with an emphasis in
mental health counseling from Lindsay Wilson College School of Professional
Counseling. I have since become a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor.
I am a member of the American Counseling Association, the Kentucky
Counseling Association, and the Kentucky Mental Health Counseling
Association.
I have previously worked at Pathways, Inc as a therapist for individuals,
groups, families, children, adolescents, and adults. I was also a school
based counselor in the Raceland Independent and Greenup County school
systems. Prior to becoming a therapist, I gained experience working with
troubled children and adolescents as a case manager in the IMPACT
program. I began working as a private practice therapist in 2007 with
Tri-State Psychological Services. During this time I worked with women,
children, teens, groups, and families with depression, anxiety, anger,
school problems, behavior problems, women’s issues and many more. In 2010,
I transitioned to my own practice alongside Tri-State Counseling and
Psychotherapy, LLC. I work with a wide range of clients and life issues with a
focus on women, children, teens, and families.
Personally, I love spending time with my family and friends. I adore
animals and have six very spoiled pets of my own; Zoey & Ellie, my cats, our office cat Callie; Eddie, Shiloh, my dogs, and of course Scarlett our office Hedgehog! I also
love sports and am a life-long UK fan. I enjoy reading, cooking, and
listening to music. I find these things to be therapy themselves. I feel
that we all struggle at times dealing with the obstacles life can throw at
us. During these times, it is helpful to reach out to someone in order to
find our own inner strength as we continue on our journeys. I feel honored
to get to experience the journey of those who allow me to go along.
Jessica M. Collins, M.Ed., LPCC-S
My name is Jessica Collins and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). I am originally from Manchester, Ohio, and graduated from Manchester High School in 2003. After graduation, I entered the social work program at Morehead State University and obtained my Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work in 2003.
After receiving my bachelor’s degree, I dove into intensive in-home services with families at risk of having their children removed from the home by protective services. I provided support and intervention related to issues that included parenting challenges due to the child’s and/or the parent’s mental illness, parental substance use, supervision issues, and environmental concerns to eliminate the risk of removal. During this time, I also started my own family, but decided that I wanted to focus on further developing my counseling skills when the time was right. It took a few years for the right time to come, but when it did, I enrolled in the Mental Health Counseling program at Lindsey Wilson College and graduated in 2014.
Since obtaining my Master’s Degree in counseling, I have worked in various counseling roles working with children, adults, and families with a wide range of presenting problems that have included attachment disorders, trauma and stressor-related disorders, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, and impulse-control disorders.
I have moved around the northeastern area of Kentucky throughout my career, but my family and I have made Ashland our home since 2023. I’m a lover of nature so the proximity to so many state parks and other beautiful scenic areas drew me here! My other interests include arts and crafts, live entertainment, and dopamine décor, which leads me to all the local thrift stores and flea markets often!
I am the newest member of the Tri-State Counseling and Psychotherapy team, joining in March 2026. I look forward to a role where I have the autonomy to tailor my counseling services to each individual and their unique experiences and adversities, creating a supportive space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to move toward meaningful healing, growth, and balance.
Jackie M. Greene, M.Ed., LPCA
Hey there! My name is Jackie Greene, and I would love to take this opportunity to allow you to learn more about who I am. First and most importantly, I am a single mother of two wonderful boys Eli and Krew. I was blessed with wonderful parents who have been my biggest supporters and inspiration. I was born in Zanesville, Ohio and grew up in a small town called Crookesville. At the age of twelve, my father had to relocate his place of employment which brought us to the Tri-State area. We resided in Ironton, Ohio where I graduated from Ironton High School in 2002. After high school, I attended Ohio University and obtained my Bachelor of Arts and Science Degree in Psychology in 2012. After completing my undergraduate studies, I enrolled in Graduate School at Lindsey Wilson College where I earned my M. Ed. in Mental Health Counseling in 2020.
My family is the biggest part of who I am, and being a mother is the greatest joy of my life. My other interests include fitness and health; I enjoy being in nature, volunteering in my community, listening to all genres of music, being around animals, and traveling when I can.
Earlier in my life, I was a military spouse and have had the greatest privilege to live in multiple areas in the south ranging from Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Experiencing different cultures and ways of living has played a key role in helping me connect with a multitude of different perspectives to how we all live our individual lives.
When I was young, I had no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up. However life threw some major curve balls my way, including the significant tragedy with the loss of my brother. This helped me understand that everyone struggles. and knew I wanted to help be a part of the solution. THAT is why I am where I am today.
As your therapist, I am here to help you navigate through your most difficult struggles and to empower you to make progress toward your goals. I believe that building a strong therapeutic alliance with my clients is one of the key building blocks in order to be successful in the therapy process. My clients have included all populations, backgrounds, races, and ages. I don’t believe there is a one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. Our work together it will be tailored to best fit your need and your own personal journey. I have experience working with depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, family issues, relationship conflicts, grief, substance abuse, life transitions, and many other aspects that bring someone into therapy.
Just know you are not alone, and I am here to meet you where you are. Together we will work towards the best outcome you are seeking.
Bentley R. Vandever, M.A., LPCC
Hi! My name is Bentley Vandever and I was born and raised right here in Ashland, Kentucky. I obtained my Bachelor’s Degree in Counseling Psychology in 2020 and completed my Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Northwestern University in 2023. I am a member of the National Board for Certified Counselors.
Mental health has always been extremely important to me and helping people achieve mental wellness is my core passion in life. I believe mental health looks different for everyone, and I strive to honor that belief by tailoring my services to the unique needs of each individual client. There are a plethora of reasons for seeking therapy and no reason is “too small”. I am a firm believer that everyone deserves to be heard.
I started with Tri-State Counseling and Psychotherapy, LLC in 2020 as an intern, and now I have the great privilege of working with my own, wonderful clients. I work with a variety of age groups and presenting concerns including anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma. I especially enjoy working with teen and college-age girls, as my own life experience lends itself to my work with this population. I enjoy working with people from all walks of life, cultures, and backgrounds and I strive to educate myself on your unique worldview. The central theoretical orientations from which I work are Psychoanalytic and Existential.
Beyond my passion for mental health and helping others, I have many other interests and hobbies. In my free time, I enjoy being outdoors, houseplants, video games, traveling, and spending time with my cats!
Remember, there is no reason “too small” for seeking out therapy. If you’re interested in talking with someone about current stressors or past experiences, I’d love the opportunity to work with you and aid you on your journey to mental wellbeing!
Sofia N. Zulli, M.Ed., LPCC
Hello there! My name is Sofia N. Zulli, and I am from Portsmouth,Ohio and graduated from Portsmouth High School in 2014. Since graduating high school, I have lived in many different areas-and believe home is where you make it! I received my Bachelor’s in Psychology from Morehead State University in 2019. While attending MSU, I participated on two research teams studying the interactions in the parent/child relationship. This is where my love for working with individuals struggling with attachment began!
I completed my M.Ed in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2022 and completed my certification in addiction studies in 2021 from Western Kentucky University. I have also participated in Level 1 Gottman Method Couples Therapy training. I worked as an intern and as a therapist at Alliance Counseling Associates in Bowling Green,KY.
During my time at Alliance, I worked with children in a group setting to provide psycho-education as well as help children develop coping, regulation, and daily living skills. I have worked with a variety of age groups and presenting concerns that include individuals struggling with attachment, eating disorders, PTSD, ADHD, OCD, bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, grief, individuals who have escaped cults, individuals who struggle with personality disorders, and individuals who have sought out couples therapy.
Outside of work, I have several hobbies I enjoy! In my free time, I love making pottery, swimming, doing yoga, indoor rock climbing, traveling, and baking sweets! I also enjoy listening to my favorite podcasts or watching my favorite shows!
As a therapist I don’t believe in the phrase “Help fix me”, because that implies something is broken! Everyone has times where we struggle-just know that you’re not alone. Thank you for taking the time to read my brief introduction, and I look forward to meeting you!