Willow Volsted, Office Manager
Hello, my name is Willow Volsted, and I am the office manager here at StrongMinds Psychology. I am currently a junior at the University of Louisville, where I am pursuing my PhD in psychology. I have completed my Associate of Arts degree and am now nearing the finish line of my bachelor’s degree in psychology. My academic journey has deepened my passion for understanding the human mind and reinforced my commitment to mental health care and advocacy.
I have a strong interest in all aspects of psychology and find fulfillment in supporting both clients and clinicians through compassionate, organized, and thoughtful care behind the scenes. I believe that a welcoming, well-supported environment plays an essential role in the therapeutic process, and I strive to be a steady and caring presence within our practice.
Outside of work and school, I am an avid animal lover and enjoy spending as much time outdoors as possible—especially on the weekends. I love poetry and creative expression, and you’ll often find me at concerts or live music shows soaking in the energy and emotion of the moment. I’m also drawn to festivals and community-based activities that bring people together, spark connection, and celebrate shared experiences.Whether I’m exploring nature or relaxing with my pups, these moments help me stay grounded and energized as I continue growing both personally and professionally.
Get to know Willow a little bit:
A dream of mine would be to go to travel the world and see the seven wonders.
A quote that motivates me would be "In a gentle way, you can shake the world." – The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation.
My favorite self-wellness activity is frolocking at a art festival or getting queso with friends.
I am most comfortable when I am with my loved ones watching gilmore girls.
I feel powerful when I remember where I was and see how far I’ve come!
Something I love about my mind is that it is ever changing and capable of projecting kindness.
Something my younger self would be proud of is my determination to preserver when faced with incredible difficulties.
My favorite colors are light pink and green.
My happy place is on a picnic blanket near the lake.
I have two great pyrenees puppies, Murphy and Mavis and two sweet ferrets, Oakley and Ash.
My favorite treat is creme brulee ice cream from the louisville cream.
My favorite singers are Tyler Childers, Jessie Murph, Zach Top, Delaney Bailey, and Jack Harlow.
Jessalyn Bjorling, Doctoral Student
Jessalyn Bjorling is currently a PsyD student at Spalding University with an emphasis in Forensic Psychology. In 2024, she earned her B.A. in Psychology and Criminology at the University of Illinois Springfield. Jessalyn is now a practicum student at StrongMinds and has experience providing individual therapy and psychological evaluations to children and adolescents with a variety of difficulties, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, conduct disorders, and trauma exposure.
At StrongMinds, Jessalyn utilizes cognitive behavioral and family-systems therapy techniques to best support children and teens in improving their emotional processing skills, develop coping strategies, build self-esteem, and facilitate healthy relationships. She enjoys collaborating with parents as a team to best support their children’s development. Further, Jessalyn conducts psychological and psychoeducational assessments to identify emotional, behavioral, cognitive, and learning disorders.
Jessalyn is originally from central Illinois and moved to Louisville to pursue graduate school. She enjoys spending time with her friends, family, and dog Rambo, as well as going to concerts, watching TV and movies, playing video games, and writing.
Get to know Jessalyn a bit:
A dream of mine would be to swim with sharks.
My favorite self-wellness activity is spending time with my friends, walking my dog, and reading
I am most comfortable when I am at home with my dog, watching tv or reading a book, and eating my favorite snacks.
I feel powerful when I listen to good music.
What I love about my mind is that I am able to consider the world from multiple perspectives and be empathetic towards others’ beliefs and opinions.
Something my younger self would be proud of is that I never gave up hope and am now working towards earning my PsyD.
My favorite color is lavender.
My happy place is being at a concert with my friends.
A quote that motivates me would be “I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become.”- Carl Jung
I have a dog named Rambo who is a beagle pit mix. He is sweet, but also full of energy! We enjoy going on walks, playing tug-of-war, and cuddling.
My favorite treats are donuts and chocolate chip cookies.
My favorite artists are Twenty One Pilots, Halsey, Lana Del Ray, The Weeknd, and Lord Huron.
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.
Get to know Dr. Dondanville a little bit:
A dream of mine would be to go to Hawaii or Australia with my family.
A quote that motivates me would be “ Take it one day (or sometimes even one hour) at a time”.
My favorite self-wellness activity is taking my dog for a walk, needlepointing, and watching light and fun TV.
I am most comfortable when… I am with my loved ones playing a game or watching TV.
I feel powerful when I look at my kiddos!
I love that I can train my mind to be kind and supportive of myself. After some time, it becomes easier and easier to be an encouraging, kind voice to yourself.
Something my younger self would be proud of is persevering through challenges to earn my doctorate.
My favorite color is light pink.
My happy place is on the beach in Longboat Key, Florida.
I have a precious 10-year-old kitty named Stella Luna (after the children’s book about the bat) and a WILD Australian Shepherd named Izzy.
My favorite treats are Rice Krispie treats or white chocolate macadamia nut cookies.
My favorite singers are Tyler Childers, Taylor Swift, Post Malone, Leon Bridges, Jack Harlow