Michael I. Montgomery
MA IMFT-S

Owner

Michael is an Independent Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with Supervision distinction (IMFT-S) with over 20 years experience working with individuals, couples and families. Therapy with Michael is marked by a non-pathogenic view of the individual. Symptoms are most often seen as plausible reactions given one’s personal frame of reference and contextual circumstances. Michael has experience treating Disorders of Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, and Behavioral Disorders, while also working with ethnically diverse populations, and LGBTQ populations. 

His treatment approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy (assessing and changing environmental triggers and thoughts contributing to a problem) and family systems therapy (assessing and changing family dynamics). Michael believes good therapy involves change on the part of the individual, couples and families as well as the clinician. His clients consistently report that he has a non-shaming, empowering, effective therapeutic approach. 

Michael received his undergraduate degree from Metropolitan State University and his Master’s Degree from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota.

Nadege Howerton
MA, IMFT 

Clinical Director

Nadege is an Independent Licensed Marriage and Family therapist with 20 years experience working with individuals, couples, and families through school-based therapy and outpatient settings.

Nadege views therapy as a joint venture where shared knowledge and skills are combined to create solutions. Nadege works from a collaborative, strength-based approach, assisting and supporting clients to be the author of their own lives. She works with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, disruptive behaviors, relationship challenges, family changes, parenting, self-esteem, trauma, and is LGBTQIA+ friendly. 

Nadege received her undergraduate degree from SUNY Albany and her Master’s degree from Hofstra University. 

Jaizane Russell
MSW, LSW

Mental Health Professional

In her practice, Jai strives to develop a safe and trusting relationship as it’s the foundation of successful psychotherapy. Jai takes a holistic approach to working with her clients in the therapy room. Jai practices from a strengths based framework and knows that one cannot be treated in isolation, but rather within the family and environmental systems they engage with every day.

Jai begins her work with clients by meeting them exactly where they are at, showing empathy and compassion and providing a non-judgmental space for them to process through their experiences. Jai has extensive experience working with adolescents in a school-based setting.  

Jai brings over 5 years experience conducting diagnostic assessments, treatment plans and administering psychological assessment tools to children and adolescents. Jai received her undergraduate and graduate degree from the University of Akron.  

Julia Watkins
MA, ED. LPC

Mental Health Professional 

With over 20 years dedicated in the mental health field, Julia is experienced in various capacities of mental health including, community mental health, crisis counseling, and individual therapy. Creating a warm, validating and safe environment that makes clients feel comfortable is a high priority for Julia. She collaborates with clients to identify goals and address barriers to change.

She utilizes an integrative approach to counseling using a variety of therapy techniques such as client-centered, CBT/DBT, developmental, and holistic approaches. A large portion of Julia’s work has been with adults experiencing serious mental illnesses including major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD/complex trauma, and anxiety.

Julia received her undergraduate degree from Hiram college and her Master’s degree from Malone University. 

Sarah Montgomery

Office Manager

Sarah oversees the day-to-day administrative functions of Empower operations and serves as a liaison with the company’s office services, human resources, information systems, accounting, records management, and marketing departments. She assists in the development and implementation of Empower’s policies and procedures; works with outreach, recruitment and marketing. 

Sarah develops and maintains effective relationships with community partners including for profit and non-profit organizations, churches, and community groups. Sarah is the first point of entry and her warm and friendly approach lends itself in helping clients feel welcome, safe and valued.

Raymond Williams

Financial Consultant

Ray has over twenty years in the financial industry. Ray started in the field of finance with American General Life and Accident Insurance Company. He rose through the ranks at AGLA and was inducted into the National Leaders Club and was a 1999 Trophy Campaign Recipient. Ray was recruited to First Union Bank as a licensed banker where he received his series 6, 63 and life insurance designations.

Ray continued to put the customer first and was rewarded for his efforts by being promoted to Financial Specialist where he was responsible for growing and maintaining assigned books of business for small businesses and he focused on identifying holistic solutions to address the changing needs of the small business owner.

Currently, Ray is the Relationship Manager at Quaint Oak bank in Philadelphia, PA managing  loans, investments and deposits. Ray is a huge advocate for financial literacy in public schools, business communities and he volunteers his time to local businesses and nonprofits through various boards.

Gia Bell

Marketing/Outreach Consultant

Gia D. Bell is a passionate servant leader, who is frequently called upon for her advocacy for Autism and underrepresented populations. Gia was recently awarded the Women’s Network Leadership Institute Laura Allio Emerging Leaders award at the Greater Akron Chamber. She was also the recipient of the 30 For the Future Award through the Young Professional Network. Gia has received Congressional Recognition from her work on Autism. She led the project at Cleveland Clinic Akron General to designate Cleveland Clinic the first Adult Autism Friendly Hospital in the nation. 

Gia serves on the following boards:

• United Way of Summit and Medina County
• Women’s Network Leadership Institute Leadership Council
• Fund Development Task force at the Akron Urban League Young Professionals
• Ohio Gap Closers

She is a member of the Autism Society of Greater Akron, ATHENA Women and Leadership, Women’s Network Leadership Institute, Change Direction Committee, and the Greater Akron Chamber. Gia received her undergraduate degree from Kent State University.