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On a typical morning at in Parma, Ohio, Ashley Cottrill, M.A., LPC, begins her day reviewing treatment plans and meeting with clients, balancing her responsibilities as a Licensed Professional Counselor with the nuances of community health care. Since joining The Centers in August 2023—following a year-long internship there in 2022—Cottrill has been helping clients navigate complex mental health challenges while applying her expertise in cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy and clinical counseling. For Cottrill, her work is deeply personal: helping clients navigate challenges while fostering resilience and self-expression.

Later in the week, she transitions to her role at , where she has worked since 2017 as a studio manager and facilitator of wellness art classes, combining her love of art with her commitment to mental health.

Discovering Her Passion at Kent State
Cottrill’s career path was shaped long before she walked into a therapy office or an art studio. Growing up in Cuyahoga Falls, she enrolled at Kent State University with a curiosity about human behavior but hadn’t yet discovered her calling. She was initially planning to major in visual communication design. That changed in her Intro to Psychology course, where several meaningful class experiences ignited her passion for understanding people and helping them thrive.

“That class made everything click for me,” Cottrill recalls. “I realized I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives through psychology and Kent State gave me the opportunities and mentorship to pursue that path.”

Mentorship That Made a Difference
Her interests deepened through mentorship and hands-on experiences. Meetings with faculty researchers in the Department of Psychological Sciences, especially Karin Coifman, Ph.D. (professor and chair) and Katherine Rawson, Ph.D. (now professor emeritus), opened doors to research opportunities, leading to her work as a research assistant at Kent State. In that role, Cottrill conducted experiments, assisted with literature reviews, and managed detailed data records—skills that would later inform her evidence-based clinical practice. These early experiences taught her the value of careful observation, critical thinking and persistence, qualities essential for her future in counseling.

"Kent State nurtured both my confidence and my curiosity,” Cottrill said. “The faculty and opportunities helped me discover the path I wanted to follow—and gave me the tools to succeed once I got there."

Cottrill earned her B.A. in Psychology in 2016 and then explored a series of internships that would shape her practical skills and career direction. She interned at Joseph’s Home in Cleveland (2020), Akron General Health & Wellness (2021), and finally at The Centers in 2022. These experiences exposed her to the realities of case management, client engagement, and community-focused mental health care. Each placement reinforced her commitment to supporting individuals through both traditional counseling and creative, wellness-focused programs.

Her passion for art therapy emerged from a personal love of creativity and the recognition that art could be a powerful tool for healing. Cottrill saw firsthand how creative expression could complement therapy, helping clients articulate emotions and experiences that might be difficult to convey verbally. This passion led her to pursue a M.A. in Mental Health Counseling at Ursuline College, graduating in May 2023, and obtaining her Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential shortly after. Her proactive approach allowed her to transition seamlessly into a full-time role at The Centers while continuing her work at Akron ArtWorks.

Blending Art and Therapy
Balancing clinical counseling and art-based wellness programs has become a hallmark of Cottrill’s career. In her counseling sessions, she applies structured therapeutic techniques, while at Akron ArtWorks, she facilitates creative exploration that promotes emotional well-being and personal growth. Her favorite art mediums are acrylics and mixed media.

“Art allows people to explore emotions in ways traditional counseling sometimes cannot,” Cottrill said. “It’s a unique way to process experiences, build confidence and encourage personal growth.”

Advice for Future Psychology Majors
For students interested in psychology, counseling, or art therapy, Cottrill offers practical guidance: “seek out internships, mentorship, and hands-on opportunities early”.

“It’s normal to feel uncertain after graduation,” she says. “Finding what excites you—whether it’s research, counseling, or art therapy—can guide your path and make your work meaningful.”

Looking Ahead
Looking forward, Cottrill hopes to continue growing in both clinical counseling and art-based wellness programming and envisions pursuing research in art therapy, potentially leading to a Ph.D. program that explores the intersection of creativity and mental health.

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Media Contact: 
Jim Maxwell, JMAXWEL2@kent.edu, 330-672-8028