The Power of Words: Building Inclusive Spaces Through Language

Dr. Kelsey Ward, LPCC-S (OH), NCC, CCMHC currently serves as Clinical Faculty at Adams State University, and also works clinically in Central Ohio, working with adolescents and adults who identify as LGBTGEQIAP+. Dr. Ward has clinical and research interests in gender-affirming care, neurodiversity, and clinical supervision. They have presented on LGBTGEQIAP+ issues in counseling at local, state, regional, and national conferences. They are also involved in their state’s SAIGE chapter in the technology and regional representative roles.

Mariah Payne is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and a graduate of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Heidelberg University. Mariah currently works in private practice and provides therapeutic services for individuals, couples, and families, with a specialization in affirming care for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and ethical/consensual non-monogamous relationships. They have completed comprehensive training on writing letters of referral for gender-affirming medical care. They are passionate about advocacy efforts for minority communities and intersectionality. She is honored to provide education on House Bill 68 as a trainer through the National Association of Social Workers, Ohio Chapter, and their Navigate New Laws Training. Mariah has previously served as a North Cenral Ohio Representattive for the Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities in Ohio (SAIGEO) and the Government Relations Committee Liason from 2023-2024.