Our Story
The Story Behind the Name
Every clear night, before I begin hours of astrophotography, I do one thing first: I align my telescope to Polaris, the North Star. Once locked in, Polaris guides my mount through the entire night, keeping everything perfectly on track no matter how long the exposure or how dark the sky gets.
That’s exactly what I want Polaris Counseling Group to be for you.
Life can feel disorienting, full of uncertainty, pressure, and moments where you’ve lost your sense of direction. Therapy, at its best, gives you a fixed point to orient from. A place of clarity that helps you move forward with purpose, even on the darkest nights.
The name isn’t just a brand. It’s a philosophy. And it’s personal.
Meet Cody Arnett, LPC — Founder & Counselor
As the founder of Polaris Counseling Group, I believe everyone deserves a guiding star on their journey. My counseling work is grounded in compassion, clarity, and hope, with a focus on helping clients move forward with confidence and purpose. I specialize in trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, OCD and life transitions, and I use evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT).
Alongside my clinical work, I bring over a decade of leadership experience in building supportive teams and systems, which allows me to create a practice that is not only client-centered but also designed for growth and innovation.
When I’m not counseling, you’ll often find me exploring the outdoors, practicing astrophotography, or training in strongman — all of which keep me grounded and energized. I look forward to walking alongside you as you take steps toward healing and growth.
Meet Kaylyn Gimbel, LPC
As a Licensed Professional Counselor in Ohio, I’m passionate about helping clients find balance, purpose, and self-understanding. My style is calm, authentic, and collaborative. I believe meaningful change happens when clients feel safe enough to be themselves. In our work together, I aim to create a space that blends empathy with practical tools, so growth feels both grounded and achievable.
I work with teens and adults navigating depression, anxiety, stress, self-esteem concerns, and major life transitions. Alongside my counseling background, I’m pursuing additional training and education in sport and performance psychology. This work deepens my understanding of motivation, focus, and confidence, and how those skills support growth both in and beyond athletics.
Outside of counseling, I enjoy painting, playing tennis, and finding creative projects that keep life inspired and balanced. Both art and tennis remind me of what therapy often teaches: progress takes patience, practice, and trust in the process.
Meet Rita Kanareff, LPCC-S, LPAT, ATR
As a Licensed Clinical Counselor and Art Therapist, I am dedicated to specializing in the treatment of trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), along with a diverse array of mental health disorders. My advanced training in therapeutic modalities, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), equips me to provide a comprehensive and holistic approach to your healing journey. I believe in an eclectic treatment style, tailoring my methods to best suit the unique needs of each individual.
With extensive experience as an adjunct professor in the master’s program for art therapy and counseling at Ursuline College, coupled with my compassionate support for both adults and children in various settings, I am committed to facilitating personal growth. Whether you seek to navigate challenges related to trauma, anxiety, depression, or chronic illness, I offer convenient online therapy sessions designed to align with your lifestyle. Take the first step towards transformation—your journey to healing and self-discovery begins here.
Meet Micah Wright, LPC
Many people come to therapy because they are tired of feeling like they are just managing a heavy mood, a constant sense of dread, or a relationship with substances that has grown out of control. These things are usually just a signal that something is happening under the surface that you haven't been able to resolve yet. I am not here to treat a diagnosis or a list of symptoms. I am here to work with you as a person. If you feel stuck in the same cycles, it is usually because of patterns you picked up a long time ago. Those patterns likely helped you survive at one point, but now they are just getting in your way and stopping you from living the life you actually want.
In our sessions, you are free to say whatever comes to mind. We are going to look for the echoes of your past that are still playing out in your life today. My job is to help you uncover these patterns and understand where they actually came from. When we notice them unfolding in real time as we talk, that nagging question of why you keep doing this finally starts to have an answer. That is the moment where you actually get to make a different choice.
I have nearly a decade of experience specifically working with physicians and healthcare providers facing burnout, substance use, or the unique pressures of mandated monitoring. While I have deep experience in those high-pressure environments, I work with people from all walks of life. Whether you are carrying old pain or are ready for life to feel meaningfully different, we will work to make sense of what you are carrying so you can move toward change that lasts.
Meet Jess Koski, LPC
Is your child struggling with big emotions, challenging behaviors, difficulty at school, or the effects of stressful or traumatic experiences? Or are you an adult feeling overwhelmed by life transitions, emotional challenges, neurodivergence, or the lasting impact of difficult experiences? I work with children, adolescents, adults, and families navigating trauma, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, emotional regulation difficulties, chronic illness/pain, and other life stressors. I provide a supportive and nurturing environment where clients of all ages can feel understood, supported, and empowered to create meaningful change.
As a trauma-informed therapist, I understand that behaviors, emotions, and coping patterns often develop as responses to life's challenges and experiences. Using play therapy interventions and developmentally appropriate approaches with children, I help young clients process emotions, build coping skills, strengthen self-esteem, and develop healthier ways to navigate challenges. With adults, I utilize evidence-based strategies to help clients better understand themselves, develop practical coping tools, improve emotional regulation, and build resilience.
I believe that healing happens within safe, supportive relationships. My approach is grounded in compassion, collaboration, and empowerment. I work closely with children, caregivers, and adult clients to identify strengths, address barriers to growth, and create realistic strategies for lasting change. Whether you are seeking support for your child, your family, or yourself, my goal is to help you feel more confident, connected, and capable of navigating life's challenges.
If you are ready to take the next step, I would be happy to meet with you in person at our Centerville office or online through our HIPAA-compliant telehealth portal.
Meet Danielle Strickland, LPCC
I hold a Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling from Columbia International University and am certified in Special Education, with a focus on mild interventions and emotional disabilities.
My professional background includes experience as an ABA Therapist, Early Intervention Specialist, Autism Specialist, Educational Diagnostician, and Special Education Coordinator. These roles have shaped my passion for supporting children, families, and individuals with developmental, emotional, and behavioral needs.
I especially enjoy working with young children and families. In sessions, I incorporate art and play therapy techniques, along with client-centered and solution-focused approaches. My areas of focus include autism, developmental disabilities, anxiety, parenting support, behavioral concerns, and helping families navigate the IEP process.
For clients who desire a faith-based approach, I also offer Christian counseling and can integrate faith into the counseling process in a way that feels meaningful and supportive.
Outside of counseling, I enjoy coffee, cultivating dahlias, and spending quality time playing games with my husband and children. During the summer, I also lead Camp Joy in Belize, a camp for students with disabilities.
Meet Megan Mathias, LPCC
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Christian Education and Youth Ministry from Cedarville University and a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University.
I believe a strong therapeutic relationship is foundational to meaningful change. My goal is to create a safe, supportive, and collaborative space where clients feel seen, understood, and accepted. I work alongside clients to identify their goals and support them in building growth, resilience, and a greater sense of well-being.
In counseling, I draw from evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and person-centered techniques. I strive to meet each client where they are with empathy and without judgment, honoring their unique experiences and pace in the therapeutic process.
I work with adolescents ages 10 and up, as well as adults, who may be experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, relationship challenges, self-esteem concerns, social difficulties, and life transitions. For clients who wish to integrate faith into counseling, I also offer Christian counseling.
Outside of counseling, I enjoy thrifting, crocheting, and spending time with my husband, daughter, and our two golden retrievers.
Meet Ashley McWain, LPC
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and hold an M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Wright State University. I have worked with a variety of client populations, ranging from children to older adults, who are navigating concerns such as anxiety, depression, grief, interpersonal struggles, self-esteem, trauma, ADHD, PTSD, and personality disorders. I have supported clients in several settings, including community mental health, outpatient care, and youth day-treatment facilities.
My approach is integrative, with an emphasis on person-centered, cognitive behavioral, and dialectical behavioral perspectives. I work alongside clients to help them better understand their experiences, identify their goals, and take meaningful steps toward growth and healing.
I provide therapy services in person at the downtown Centerville office of Polaris Counseling Group and through secure telehealth services across Ohio.
Meet Rebekah Adkins, LPCC
I believe therapy should feel safe, supportive, and genuine, especially for children and families navigating difficult experiences. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and families impacted by trauma, abuse, PTSD, anxiety, depression, behavioral concerns, and challenges with emotional regulation.
My approach is warm, authentic, and direct. I strive to create a space where clients feel understood, supported, and free from judgment. I integrate evidence-based practices while recognizing that every person has unique strengths, needs, and goals. Together, we will build practical tools, process difficult experiences, and foster resilience so you can move forward with greater confidence, hope, and self-compassion.
When working with children and teens, I believe healing happens through connection, trust, creativity, and feeling truly seen. I value meeting young clients where they are and working closely with caregivers to help children better understand their emotions, improve communication, and feel more secure both at home and within themselves.
If you’re ready to begin your journey toward healing and growth, schedule an appointment today. We’d be honored to walk alongside you.
Locations:
Polaris Counseling Group is based in Centerville, Ohio, with three convenient locations. We serve adults, children, teens, families, and couples throughout Centerville, Kettering, Bellbrook, Washington Township, Springboro, Beavercreek, and the greater Dayton area. We also offer online therapy for clients anywhere in Ohio.
Regency Ridge Office
361 Regency Ridge Dr
Dayton, OH 45459 info@polariscounselinggroup.com
937-453-8893
Corporate Way Office
7086 Corporate Way
Dayton, OH 45459 info@polariscounselinggroup.com
937-453-8893
Downtown Centerville Office
830 E Franklin St Suite B
Dayton, OH 45459 info@polariscounselinggroup.com
937-453-8893
