Our History
Better Health & Wellness was founded by a close-knit group of clinicians who have spent years committed to supporting the mental health of children, families, and the broader community systems they rely on. We recognized a growing need for more personalized, culturally responsive, and community-centered care where children, families, and individuals thrive.
Driven by this vision, we created a practice where compassion, collaboration, and integrity guide every service we provide. What began as a small team with a big mission, has grown into a trusted hub of wellness for the Northern Kentucky community. Our story is built on teamwork, dedication, and a genuine commitment to making mental health support accessible, empowering, and rooted in respect for every person we serve.
What Makes Us Unique
At Better Health & Wellness, our strength lies in our shared journey. Long before opening our doors, our clinicians worked side by side in schools, community programs, and clinical settings—supporting children, families, and individuals through every stage of their wellness journey. Over time, we saw an increasing need for a practice that didn’t just treat challenges, but understood the environments, cultures, and community systems that shape them.
That insight led us to create something new: a practice grounded in collaboration, authentic relationships, and a deep respect for the children, families, and individuals we serve. Rather than simply offering services, we aimed to build a space where clients feel seen, supported, and empowered. Because we built this practice together, we operate with unity, consistency, and a shared vision—ensuring every person who walks through our doors is met with genuine care, cultural understanding, and a personalized approach to wellness.
Today, Better Health & Wellness stands as a reflection of that mission—a team united by experience, guided by compassion, and committed to making meaningful, lasting impact.
Resources
Get Help
If you’re a caregiver looking for support for your child, click below to learn more about the mental health services we offer and how our team can partner with you to provide personalized care.
You can also complete a Referral Form to start the process — we’re here to support your family every step of the way.
Events
Stay connected with Better Health and Wellness through our workshops, support groups, and educational sessions. Our events are designed to provide guidance, resources, and opportunities to connect with other families and caregivers. Click below to learn more and find out how to participate.
Get Involved
There are many ways to engage with Better Health and Wellness. Join our team, attend events, or partner with us as a community organization to help children and families thrive. Explore opportunities to make a meaningful impact and become part of our mission to support mental health and wellness.
Meet Our Team
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Ajae Tyler, CSW
Co-Founder | Mental Health Therapist | Targeted Case Management Director | Administration
It all begins with an idea. For Ajae Tyler that idea became a mission: to create a space where mental health, wellness, and community intersect. With over 10 years of experience and a passion for empowering families and children, Ajae turned her vision into Better Health and Wellness, guiding the organization’s growth from a simple concept into a thriving practice that makes a meaningful impact every day.
Ajae’s journey blends entrepreneurial spirit with a deep commitment to care. She believes that every initiative starts with curiosity, creativity, and the courage to take the first step. Under her leadership, Better Health and Wellness has grown into a collaborative, compassionate team dedicated to helping families navigate the complexities of mental health with confidence and support.
As a dedicated therapist who enjoys working with individuals and family units, Ajae specializes in CBT and DBT evidence-based practices, and hopes to become certified in EMDR in the near future.
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James Hayes, BA
Co-Founder | Targeted Case Manager | Community Support Associate
James Hayes is a dedicated social work professional with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and more than 25 years of experience in the field. Throughout his career, he has worked with diverse populations, providing support, advocacy, and solutions-focused services that empower individuals and families.
James is known for his strong communication skills, compassionate approach, and commitment to helping other navigate challenging situations. With a deep understanding of community resources and passion for improving lives, he continues to make a meaningful impact in every role he serves.
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Dana Blevins, LPCA
Co-Founder | Clinical Director | Human Resources | Mental Health Therapist
With eight years of clinical experience, Dana is a dedicated mental health therapist specializing in attachment-based therapy. Grounded in the belief that healing begins with secure, supportive relationships, Dana helps clients understand patterns, strengthen emotional connections and build healthier ways of relating.
Dana is currently completing certification as a Solution Focused Brief Therapist, expanding her ability to guide clients toward practical, strengths-based change.
Compassionate, collaborative, and client-centered, Dana creates a safe space for individuals to explore their stories and move toward meaningful growth.
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Kaley Wheeldon, LPCA
Mental Health Therapist
Professional and Personal Biography
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Brittany Mason, CSW
Mental Health Therapist
Brittany obtained her Master of Social Work degree from NKU in 2022. As a certified relationship coach, and with focused training in Gottman’s Method for couples, Imago Relationship Therapy, nonviolent communication, solution-focused brief therapy, and parent coaching, she utilizes a faith-focused, person-centered approach to help her clients realize their potential and find or create joy in their lives.
Brittany works with all ages and populations, but especially has a heart for faith-based work with with couples and children. She loves helping clients break through barriers and unhealthy familial cycles to create a healthy and thriving family unit. She understands every person comes to therapy with their own unique life story, and believes there is no "one size fits all" approach to overcoming obstacles and healing past traumas.
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McKenzie Tatum-Johns, LPCA
Mental Health Therapist
McKenzie earned her Master of Arts in Counseling from the University of Kentucky in 2023. She is passionate about helping individuals navigate life's challenges and believes that everyone deserves a space where they feel heard, supported, and understood.
Using a client-centered approach, McKenzie tailors therapy to each individual's unique needs and goals. She incorporates evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing, to empower clients to better understand themselves, strengthen their resilience, and improve their overall well-being.
McKenzie has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults from diverse backgrounds. She strives to create a warm, welcoming, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel safe exploring their thoughts and emotions, celebrating progress, and taking steps toward a happier, healthier life.
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Ryan Brown, LMFTA
Mental Health Therapist
Ryan Brown is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee passionate about helping children, families, couples, and individuals navigate challenges and build healthier, more meaningful relationships. With more than a decade of experience in the mental and behavioral health field, Ryan brings a diverse background in behavioral health, case management, family preservation, adolescent mental health, and therapeutic services to his work with clients.
Ryan began his career in 2012 as a Therapeutic Behavior Specialist at DCCH Center for Children and Families in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky. In 2015, he joined Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center as a Mental/Behavioral Health Specialist, working on an inpatient adolescent unit in North College Hill. These early experiences strengthened his passion for supporting children, adolescents, and families experiencing complex emotional and behavioral challenges.
In 2019, Ryan earned a Graduate Certificate in Contemporary Theory in Couple and Family Systems/MFT from Capella University. He continued expanding his experience across the behavioral health field, working in targeted case management, discharge planning, and behavioral health services. His professional experience includes work with Bluegrass Behavioral Health/Cultivate Behavioral Health and Education, Glenwood Behavioral Health Hospital, and Stoic Health and Wellness.
In May 2025, Ryan was accepted into Campbellsville University’s Master of Marriage and Family Therapy program. In late 2025, he began working with One Quest Health in Northern Kentucky as a Motivational Interviewing Associate and Functional Family Therapist within their Family Preservation Program. In July 2026, Ryan began his clinical practicum as a Marriage and Family Therapist and is expected to complete his master’s degree in the summer of 2027.
Ryan takes a collaborative, client-centered approach to therapy. He utilizes Motivational Interviewing to help clients explore their strengths, values, goals, and readiness for change while working collaboratively to identify approaches that fit each client’s unique needs and desires. His work is grounded in the belief that clients are the experts on their own lives and that meaningful change is most effective when clients are active participants in the therapeutic process.Outside of his professional work, Ryan is a proud father of three boys and enjoys spending time with his family. He is also an avid sports fan and a passionate supporter of Cincinnati sports.
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Shana Tucker, CSW, CADC
Mental Health Therapist
Shana is a Certified Social Worker (CSW) and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) with more than thirty years of experience in the behavioral health and social service field. Her background includes extensive work with individuals experiencing substance use disorder and intimate partner violence, as well as program leadership, assessment, case management, and trauma-informed service coordination across multiple settings.
She is deeply committed to client engagement, working collaboratively to build trust, strengthen coping skills, and support meaningful progress. Shana uses CBT and other structured interventions to help clients reduce symptoms, enhance coping strategies, and improve daily functioning. She approaches each therapeutic relationship with professionalism, empathy, and a strong belief in every individual’s capacity for change.
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Richard Tyler
Community Outreach Liaison & Training Coordinator
With over 35 years of experience, Richard Tyler is a dedicated Certified Middle School English Teacher and an inspiring mentor and leader. As a long-time in-school suspension program coordinator, he also specializes in behavior modification and has a strong background as a High School Athletic Coach and Elementary School Athletics Director. Richard has a lifelong passion for working with youth, particularly at-risk individuals, empowering them to overcome challenges and transform their lives. As a training coordinator and group mentor, he focuses on actionable strategies to inspire and guide young people toward realizing their full potential.
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Braden Nelson, BA
Targeted Case Manager
Brayden has a half decade of experience in Targeted Case Management, serving individuals and families across Oklahoma and Kentucky. He is a graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma, where he earned a degree in Sociology with a focus on Human Services.
While at UCO, Brayden also competed as a collegiate baseball player, an experience that helped shape his teamwork, discipline, and leadership skills. He is passionate about supporting clients through practical guidance, advocacy, and connection to essential community resources.
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Rhonda Alig, BA
Targeted Case Manager
Rhonda Alig is an experienced behavioral health professional with over a decade of expertise in Targeted Case Management. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Brescia University and built her career around supporting diverse populations through advocacy, guidance, and strengths-based services that promote empowerment for individuals and families.
Rhonda is recognized for her effective communication, empathetic nature, and dedication to guiding others through difficult circumstances. With extensive knowledge of community resources and a passion for enhancing lives, she remains committed to providing clients with practical support, strong advocacy, and access to vital services that foster stability and personal growth.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Rhonda was a two-sport college athlete, an experience that strengthened her discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills; qualities she continues to apply in her work today.
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Jenna Rodgers
Community Support Associate
Jenna is a Community Support Associate with two years of experience supporting individuals and families from diverse backgrounds. She is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies through the College of Social Work at the University of Kentucky, where she is developing skills in complex problem-solving, communication, and connecting ideas across multiple fields of study.
Jenna takes a compassionate and client-centered approach, striving to meet individuals where they are while fostering a supportive and encouraging environment. Through her academic and professional experiences, she has developed a strong passion for helping others, building meaningful connections, and supporting personal growth and positive change. -

John McDonald, BA, CSA
John has nearly a decade in community support and service experience, from his time in middle and high school to during his college years. From participating in and leading clubs that focused on community outreach and support in both the Frankfort and Georgetown, Kentucky areas. Focusing primarily on services centered around food insecurity, educational guidance, clothing and toy drives, and offering mentorship when needed. At Georgetown College John earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, focusing on community resilience and sustainability. During his time at Georgetown College, John was the Vice President of his fraternity, where he spearheaded dozens of community service and outreach programs, as well as creating a network of community connections to foster an environment of community service that would continue on well after he graduated. John is passionate about supporting at-risk families and youth, developing communities that are resilient and sustainable, and fostering environments that promote growth, inclusiveness, and self-advocacy.
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Lamont Hayes
Community Support Associate
Dedicated Youth Development Worker with over twenty years of experience fostering positive youth engagement through educational and recreational programs. Proven ability to create a safe environment, support at-risk youth, and collaborate with community partners to enhance youth development. Eager to leverage my skills to empower youth and contribute to their personal growth.
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Zynia Jones
Community Support Associate
With 7+ years of experience working with youth in sports, behavioral support, and caregiving for disabled and elderly individuals, Zynia is passionate about creating meaningful, supportive, and empowering environments for others. Driven by a desire to give people the guidance, care, and opportunities she once sought for herself, she has dedicated her work to mentorship, leadership, and community impact.
Zynia holds an associate degree in Public Leadership and is currently pursuing degrees in Early Childhood Education and Business Administration. Alongside her academic journey, she has earned Dean’s List honors for four consecutive semesters, consistently exceeding expectations through dedication and perseverance. Her greatest passion lies in mentoring and guiding others while expanding access to valuable knowledge, support, and community resources. -

Emma Rodgers, LCSW
Clinical Supervisor and Billing Supervisor
Emma Rodgers is an independently Licensed Clincial Social Worker in Ohio and Kentucky with experience serving adolescents and adults across a variety of behavioral health settings. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Master of Social Work from Northern Kentucky University.
Emma's Her professional experience includes substance use treatment, school-based mental health services, inpatient psychiatric stabilization, and community mental health leadership.Emma is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and utilizes evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Strengths-Based Therapy. She is passionate about helping clients build resilience, achieve meaningful growth, and create lasting positive change.
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Ryan Burch
Brand and Marketing Director
Originally from Southern California, Ryan earned degrees in Graphic Design and Psychology, a combination that helps him connect with and support the people he works with. He spent many years collaborating with the clinicians at Better Health & Wellness, an experience that shaped his approach and strengthened his dedication to helping others.
Ryan now lives in Northern Kentucky with his partner and their five dogs. He enjoys getting out into nature, exploring the local scene, and staying connected to the community he calls home.
At Our Core
Our Mission
Our mission at Better Health & Wellness is to empower children, families, and individuals to achieve emotional well-being, personal growth, and lifelong resilience. We provide compassionate, culturally responsive care that supports healing, strengthens communities, and helps each person move toward a life of balance, purpose, and improved mental health.
Our Values
Resilience
We believe in the strength of individuals and communities. We help clients build the skills and confidence needed to navigate challenges and emerge stronger.
Growth
We support continuous personal and emotional development. Every interaction is an opportunity to learn, evolve, and move closer to one’s full potential.
Balance
We recognize the importance of harmony across all areas of life. Our services promote mental, emotional, and behavioral balance to support healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Purpose
We help clients reconnect with what matters most. We encourage intentional living and guide each person toward clarity, meaning, and self-directed wellness..
Our Vision
Our vision is to create a community where every person has access to personalized and meaningful mental health support—where resilience is nurtured, growth is encouraged, and balance becomes an attainable part of everyday life. We strive to be a trusted wellness home that inspires hope, supports transformation, and uplifts the overall well-being of the Northern Kentucky community.