Tanya F. Stockhammer, Ph.D.
Dr. Stockhammer is a clinical psychologist with specializing in child, adolescent and pediatric psychology and is co-owner of StrongMinds. She obtained her BA from Rutgers University in New Jersey. She subsequently completed her PhD at St. John’s University and her clinical internship at Bellevue Hospital/New York University Medical Center, both in New York. Dr. Stockhammer continued to develop her career at the New York State Psychiatric Institute/Columbia University where, among other duties, she was a supervisor for the implementation of evidence-based child and adolescent psychotherapies. She completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Child & Pediatric Psychology at the University of Louisville, School of Medicine, where she was an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, until 2009.
Dr. Stockhammer’s clinical specialty areas include anxiety disorders (including OCD) in youth of all ages, teenage adjustment issues, and parenting challenges (including parenting children with complex behavioral or health issues). In addition, Dr. Stockhammer conducts psychological and psychoeducational assessments of school-age children to identify emotional, behavioral, cognitive, and learning disorders. Dr. Stockhammer provides clinical supervision and training to psychology doctoral students at Spalding University and the University of Louisville. She has served as an adjunct professor at Spalding University. Dr. Stockhammer is a member of the Kentucky Psychological Association and is a past chair of the KPA Continuing Education Committee.
Dr. Stockhammer is married and has three children from whom she learns new things every day. When she is not working, she can often be found carting her children around town, volunteering at their school, or cheering on the sidelines. In her free time, she enjoys finding quiet space, laughing with friends, walking for fitness, and dancing.
Felicia D. Smith, Ph.D.
Dr. Smith is a clinical psychologist who has practiced in Louisville since 2004 and a is co-owner of StrongMinds. She obtained her BA at the University of Illinois and then went on to earn her Ph.D. from the University of Virginia. Dr. Smith completed her clinical internship and postdoctoral fellowship at Boston Children’s Hospital /Harvard Medical School, specializing in Pediatric Psychology & Adolescent Medicine. She served as an Assistant Professor and Director of Psychological Testing at the University of Louisville School of Medicine for four years and continues to teach college courses in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences. Dr. Smith maintains active involvement with the KY Psychological Association (KPA), where she has served as President and as the Child and Adolescent Representative and Diversity Committee Chair to the Board of Directors. In 2015, Dr. Smith was recognized as KPA Psychologist of the Year!
In her clinical practice, Dr. Smith specializes in psychoeducational evaluations to assess a number of areas that may impact an individual’s daily functioning. These include factors such as learning difficulties, ADHD, emotional factors, and giftedness. Dr. Smith also specializes in the treatment of child/adolescent issues such as depression, anxiety, and adjustment difficulties.
Outside of the office, Dr. Smith gives presentations and workshops on parenting topics, behavioral interventions for schools and agencies, and youth-related workshops on topics such as stress management. Dr. Smith and her husband have two school-aged children and she enjoys practicing yoga, playing volleyball and soccer, and traveling with her family.
Benjamin (Ben) W. Birkby, Psy.D.
Dr. Birkby is a clinical psychologist who has been providing professional services to children and families for 15 years. He holds a PsyD from Spalding University in Louisville. Dr. Birkby joined StrongMinds as a part-time Associate in the spring of 2013.
At StrongMinds, Dr. Birkby provides specialty behavioral health services for children, adolescents and young adults ages 4-20, and their families. He treats a wide variety of conditions and concerns ranging from normal developmental challenges to serious emotional and behavioral difficulties. He also provides school consultations, parenting consultations, and professional presentations on a variety of topics. Dr. Birkby also works with youth athletes, performers, and their parents to enhance success and enjoyment in sports and performance contexts as well as in all areas of life.
In addition to working at StrongMinds, Dr. Birkby also maintains a full-time position as a licensed psychologist and senior evaluation researcher at REACH Evaluation. REACH consults with non-profit, for-profit, philanthropic, and governmental entities in support of efforts to improve services and bring about organizational and community change.
Dr. Birkby previously worked in summer therapeutic recreation programs in New York and Kentucky and completed his predoctoral internship at Boys Town in Nebraska. He served on the Ethics Committee of the Kentucky Psychological Association from 2004-2007, and served as both Chair and Vice-Chair of that committee. He also served a two-year term on the Board of Directors of the Kentucky Psychological Association from 2010-2011, and was a recipient of the Art of Governance Award from the Center for Nonprofit Excellence during his tenure.
Dr. Birkby and his wife have been married for 24 years and have three children. He enjoys watching his children play soccer, spending time outdoors (especially running), and watching science fiction movies.
Ashley Ann Dondanville, Ph.D.
Dr. Dondanville earned her B.A. from the University of Dayton and her StrongMinds Psychology emphasizes the importance of mental health and well-being. Our approach focuses on evidence-based strategies to help individuals navigate their emotional challenges. We offer resources and support for various mental health issues, enabling personal growth and resilience. Seeking help is a vital step toward understanding oneself and enhancing overall quality of life. Prioritizing mental health can lead to improved relationships, productivity, and happiness. We encourage open conversations about mental health to reduce stigma, fostering an environment where seeking assistance is normalized. Our commitment is to provide compassionate care and valuable insights for all individuals.M.Ed. in child studies from Vanderbilt University. She then completed her Ph.D. in counseling psychology from the University of Louisville. Dr. Dondanville recently finished her doctoral internship at Seven Counties Services where she provided individual therapy and psychological evaluations to children and adolescents. Dr. Dondanville treated youth with significant trauma exposure, anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, and self-harm.
Currently, Dr. Dondanville specializes in using cognitive behavioral therapy to help children and teens develop stronger coping skills, including healthy thinking strategies and behavioral techniques, to improve their mental health. She also enjoys working with children and parents to address common problems, including parent-child relationship issues, potty training difficulties and struggles with routine/ transitions/ challenging behaviors. In addition, Dr. Dondanville conducts psychological and psychoeducational assessments to identify emotional, behavioral, cognitive, and learning disorders and to inform individual educational decisions (e.g., kindergarten readiness assessments).
Dr. Dondanville is originally from Louisville and enjoys spending time with her family and friends. When she is not working, she is busy chasing around her young children… And when the kids are asleep, she enjoys sitting down, needlepoint, walking her dog, and watching reality TV.