Stefanie Vaught
Stefanie Vaught is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Sex Therapy Informed Professional based in Canton, Ohio. With two years of experience in the mental health field and a 15-year background in disability services, she specializes in trauma therapy, particularly for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Stefanie’s therapeutic approach emphasizes the mind-body-spirit connection, utilizing somatic therapies to help clients process and heal from trauma stored in the body. Her dedication to holistic care reflects a deep commitment to supporting individuals through complex emotional and psychological challenges.
Prior to her counseling career, Stefanie served as a Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional, where she developed and managed service plans for individuals with developmental disabilities. One of her notable achievements was at Canton Healthcare, where she led a team to update 25 service plans and reduce the facility’s Medicaid citations from 18 to just one, dramatically improving the quality of care for residents. This experience fueled her passion for expanding mental health services to underserved populations, particularly individuals with developmental disabilities who are often overlooked by traditional therapy programs.
Currently contracted with Wellness Grove, Stefanie continues to advance mental health care for trauma clients and individuals with developmental disabilities. She is developing a CEU presentation aimed at normalizing mental health services for this population and advocating for greater access and representation in counseling. Stefanie is also an active member of professional organizations including the American Counseling Association and the National Council of Marriage and Family Therapists, reflecting her ongoing commitment to professional growth and excellence in the field.
• Licensed Professional Counselor
• Certified Sex Therapy Informed
• Walsh University - M.A.
• American Counseling Association
• National Council of Marriage and Family Therapists
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my perseverance, and also watching my dad and his drive for success in his career. And my grandma's love - definitely her love. I enjoy spending time with my grandma, and her love has been such an important part of my journey.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is that it’s never too late to become what you’ve always dreamed of. In my work in counseling, I hear this often—many people believe they’re too old to change careers—but I’ve learned that it’s truly never too late to pursue your passion and redefine your professional path.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The advice I would give to young women entering my industry is simple: don’t make yourself smaller for anyone. Stand confidently in your abilities, claim your space, and bring your full self to every opportunity—your voice and contributions matter.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field are the national shortage of mental health therapists, limited funding, and the need for more Black and multicultural counselors. At the same time, there are huge opportunities to make a meaningful impact—especially through group therapy—and to grow while helping people improve their mental health and well-being.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are honesty, trust, authenticity, and integrity. Having done a lot of personal healing, I rely on these values to guide my interactions, decisions, and the way I support others.
Locations
Wellness Grove
Canton, OH 44709