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Patient Information

Important Documents and Information

Supporting Your Care with Clear Communication

We want every step of your care to feel clear, secure, and supported. Below you’ll find important documents that outline our policies, privacy practices, and patient responsibilities. These resources are designed to give you confidence in how we provide care, communicate, and partner with you on your health journey.

Financial Services Agreement

Understanding the cost of care is an important part of your journey. Our Financial Services Agreement explains our billing policies, insurance procedures, and payment responsibilities. This document ensures everyone is clear about the financial aspects of treatment to avoid surprises and allow you to focus on your care.

Download the Financial Services Agreement

HIPAA Privacy Notice

Your privacy is our priority. The HIPAA Privacy Notice outlines how your personal health information is protected under law. This document explains your rights regarding privacy, the ways in which we may use or share your information, and the measures we take to ensure your confidentiality.

Download the HIPAA Privacy Notice

Telehealth Consent

Telehealth allows us to connect securely and safely when in-person visits aren’t an option. Our Telehealth Consent form outlines how telehealth appointments work, the technology requirements, and your rights as a patient during these virtual sessions. It ensures you are fully informed before engaging in telehealth services.

Download the Telehealth Consent
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Becky Polka

Before joining 4KidHelp, I spent more than 25 years working with the Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities and The Workshops Inc. During that time, I held a CESP certification, which allowed me to support individuals with developmental disabilities in building work skills and achieving community employment. I valued getting to know each person—their goals, strengths, and aspirations—and helping them take steps toward greater independence and success. Outside of work, I love spending time with my children, grandchildren, and pets.

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Valerie Schaar

For more than 20 years, I worked as a Certified Pharmacy Technician, an experience that built a strong foundation for my current role as a Psychiatric Assistant specializing in prior authorizations. My love of science originally drew me to the pharmacy field, where I gained valuable knowledge about medications and patient care. Now, as a Psychiatric Assistant, I find deep meaning in helping people access the medications they need to feel better and live healthier lives.

Outside of work, I’m married and enjoy photography, creating healthy meals and baked goods, and spending time with my children, grandchildren, and pets.

Other Helpful Books

  • Don’t Let Your Emotions Run Your Life for Teens: Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills for Helping You Manage Mood Swings, Control Angry Outbursts, and … with Others (Instant Help Book for Teens)
  • What to Do When Bad Habits Take Hold: A Kid’s Guide to Overcoming Nail Biting and More (What to Do Guides for Kids)
  • What to Do When You Dread Your Bed: A Kid’s Guide to Overcoming Problems With Sleep
  • David Gets In Trouble
  • Personal Space Camp
  • I Just Don’t Like the Sound of No! My Story About Accepting No for an Answer and Disagreeing the Right Way! (Best Me I Can Be)
  • I Just Want to Do It My Way! My Story about Staying on Task and Asking for Help
  • Buckets, Dippers, and Lids: Secrets to Your Happiness

Learning Disabilities

  • It’s So Much Work to Be Your Friend: Helping the Child with Learning Disabilities Find Social Success

Anger Management

  • Train Your Dragon To Accept NO: Teach Your Dragon To Accept ‘No’ For An Answer. A Cute Children Story To Teach Kids About Disagreement, Emotions and Anger Management (My Dragon Books) (Volume 7)
  • Rage: True Stories by Teens About Anger

Autism

  • Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum: A Parent’s Guide to the Cognitive, Social, Physical, and Transition Needs of teenagers with Autism Spectrum Disorders
  • A Parent’s Guide to High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder, Second Edition: How to Meet the Challenges and Help Your Child Thrive
  • The Autistic Brain: Helping Different Kinds of Minds Succeed
  • I See Things Differently: A First Look at Autism (A First Look At…Series)
  • Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew: Updated and Expanded Edition
  • Self-Regulation and Mindfulness: Over 82 Exercises & Worksheets for Sensory Processing Disorder, ADHD & Autism Spectrum Disorder

Anxiety

  • I Can Handle It (Mindful Mantras) (Volume 1)
  • The Mindfulness Toolbox: 50 Practical Tips, Tools & Handouts for Anxiety, Depression, Stress & Pain
  • The Self-Esteem Workbook
  • The Anxiety and Worry Workbook: The Cognitive Behavioral Solution
  • CBT Toolbox for Children and Adolescents: Over 200 Worksheets & Exercises for Trauma, ADHD, Autism, Anxiety, Depression & Conduct Disorders
  • When My Worries Get Too Big! A Relaxation Book for Children Who Live With Anxiety
  • All Birds Have Anxiety

ADHD

  • Cory Stories: A Kid’s Book about Living with ADHD
  • Baxter Turns Down His Buzz: A Story for Little Kids About ADHD
  • A Bird’s-Eye View of Life with ADD and ADHD: Advice from Young Survivors
  • 80HD: A Child’s Perspective on ADHD
A curly-haired black dog with a white patch on its chest sits indoors in front of a beige wall decorated with red and yellow flower-shaped art and a sign with partially visible text.

Meet River: Our Beloved Therapy Dog

If you’ve ever visited our office and felt a gentle nudge against your hand or found yourself smiling at a fluffy friend’s wagging tail, you’ve already met River, our cherished therapy dog. River’s journey began in the most extraordinary way—a story of resilience, gratitude, and the power of the human-animal bond.

River was born the smallest of a puppy mill litter—so small, in fact, that no one expected him to survive. But River had other ideas. Not only did he pull through, he thrived, becoming a beacon of hope and kindness. His life took a pivotal turn when a grateful mother, who had spent years training a service dog for her daughter battling debilitating auditory hallucinations, decided to pay her gratitude forward. That family’s journey with their own service dog, who helped transform their daughter’s daily life, inspired the gift of River to our practice.

River has undergone three rigorous rounds of training to become the gentle, intuitive therapy dog you’ll find here. With his unbelievably soft coat—he’s a purebred poodle, so he’s hypoallergenic for even our most sensitive patients—and his famously sweet demeanor, River is a favorite among all who walk through our doors. He takes his role seriously, making the rounds each day to offer a comforting sniff, a reassuring presence, and an open invitation for a pat or a cuddle.

Don’t let his calm nature fool you, though—River has a playful side, too! When he’s off-duty, you’ll find him bounding through fields, leaping after toys, or simply enjoying life as any happy dog does.

If you’d like River to join you during your visit, just let us know. He’s always delighted to “sit in” and share a little extra warmth and joy. After all, River’s story is about thriving against the odds—and making every day a little brighter for everyone he meets.

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Laurel Shaffer

Laurel Shaffer has been in the 4KidHelp family since 2013. She is our receptionist and oversees patient communications. She handles office calls, faxes, emails, messages, sending new patient portals and all the office tasks, assuring that each patient is scheduled and taken care of prior too and after their appointment. Laurel has a great attitude and smile. She is always happy to meet new faces! We often say Laurel is the “face of the practice” because no matter what is going on, she will always treat you with kindness.

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Estela Reynolds

Estela Reynolds is a part of our office staff. She works with the staff utilizing her computer skills to scan and upload documents for us. She also works at the North Canton YMCA Community Building and is great at working with kids!

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Jess Steinbach, LPCC

Mental Health Clinical Counselor

Zoom Page: tinyurl.com/4KidHelpAndAdults-Jess

Jess is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with a master’s degree, dedicated to providing compassionate care to clients ranging from teenagers to older adults. She utilizes a client-centered approach, believing that everyone is capable of change and can achieve a life of wellness. Her therapeutic style combines empathy with a touch of humor, creating a relaxed and engaging environment for clients.

Jess began her career in the mental health field in 2019 after moving from Albany, NY, to Ohio while pursuing her master’s degree. She has a strong passion for working with individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and frequently incorporates Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) into her practice. Jess holds a certification in DBT (C-DBT). She provides individual DBT therapy, skills training, and utilizing core components such as mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness

When she’s not at work, Jess enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking, or visiting her favorite parks. A talented musician, she plays both acoustic and electric guitar and has always dreamed of being part of a band.

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Summer Shaffer LPC, ATR-P

Licensed Professional Counselor & Licensed Art Therapist

Zoom Page: tinyurl.com/4KidHelpAndAdults-Summer

Summer is a dedicated therapist who works with children, teenagers, and adults facing various challenges and stressors. She offers a compassionate and understanding approach, incorporating art-based therapy to help clients explore their personal struggles creatively. Summer uses an eclectic approach, tailoring her treatment to meet the unique needs of each individual, and collaborates with clients to identify their strengths and areas for growth.

Summer utilizes a range of treatment modalities, including art therapy, person-centered therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), among others. She is also pursuing certification in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. Summer’s passion for mental health began in high school, and she started her career as a mental health case manager in 2021 before attending graduate school. She holds an associate and bachelor’s degree in psychology and fine arts from Kent State University and a master’s degree in counseling and art therapy from Ursuline College.

Summer’s areas of interest include working with anxiety, depression, trauma, dissociative disorders, ADHD, family dynamics, women’s issues, behavioral problems, coping skills, and overall health and wellness. In her free time, Summer enjoys creating art, particularly painting and mixed media work. She also loves spending time with family and friends, playing with her dogs, listening to podcasts, and reading.

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Gail Weisend, MSW, LISW-S

Licensed Independent Social Worker – Supervisor

Zoom Page: tinyurl.com/4KidHelpAndAdults-Gail

Gail is happy to be part of the team at 4KidHelp providing care for both children and adults. Gail incorporates sensory learning and play with children to help them discover their strengths, and improve their resilience to work through challenges in life. Gail has had experience in adoption and foster care. She is also an adoptive parent. Gail welcomes adults to the practice and enjoys helping them reach their potential.

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Erika Eastman, LSW

Social Worker, Therapist

Zoom Page: tinyurl.com/4KidHelpAndAdults-Erika

Erika Eastman is a master’s level Licensed Social Worker who is happy to provide care for both children and adults. Erika incorporates a client-centered approach with clients and utilizes mindfulness and motivational interviewing to help others discover their strengths and improve their day-to-day life. Erika started working within the mental health and addiction field in 2018 and has worked with a diversity of individuals to help provide a listening ear and resources when possible. Erika most enjoys serving all ages of individuals who are facing challenges that contribute to mental health, abuse, neglect, environmental concerns, and family dynamics. Erika presents herself in a way that those who have not felt heard or validated previously can have that experience.   

Her Favorites: Spending time with her family and friends, being at home with her dogs, and reading. She also greatly enjoys adrenaline rushes such as rollercoasters, ziplining, and whitewater rafting. Erika values having a holistic approach to things and being able to connect with others.  

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Andy Feltman, LSW

Social Worker

Zoom Page: tinyurl.com/4KidHelpAndAdults-Andy

Andy is a master’s-level licensed social worker passionate about supporting children, adolescents, and adults on their mental health journey. A proud double alumnus of The University of Akron, he earned his Bachelor of Social Work in 2024 and his Master of Social Work in 2025, further strengthening his expertise with a certificate in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

Andy utilizes a strength-based, nonjudgmental approach to create a safe and supportive environment where clients feel empowered to engage in meaningful self-exploration. He has a particular interest in helping people who have been traumatized. His therapeutic style is respectful, affirming, and tailored to each individual’s unique needs and values.

His areas of focus include anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, men’s mental health, and supporting children with chronic health challenges.

Outside of work, Andy enjoys running, playing sports, reading, cooking, and spending time with friends. He deeply admires the courage it takes to begin therapy and is committed to providing a welcoming space where clients can freely explore their thoughts and feelings.

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Rita Weiss, PA-C

Physician Assistant

Zoom Page: tinyurl.com/4KidHelpAndAdults-Rita

Rita Weiss is a Physician Assistant specializing in child and adolescent psychiatry. She recently graduated from Emory University where she obtained a dual degree masters in Public Health and Physician Assistant. She is no stranger to the health care field having worked as a registered nurse for the past five years. Her passion has long been caring for children. She most enjoys serving children who are facing the challenges that come with living the experience of impaired mental health, abuse, or neglect. Rita has a special place in her heart for those children growing up in foster care.

Rita started her nursing career volunteering as a nurse with medically disabled and hospice orphans. She then went into inpatient oncology nursing, before she returned to her true passion, pediatric mental health. She worked at a pediatric psychiatric residential facility while continuing her education to better prepare herself to provide optimal care to some of the most vulnerable populations.

Dr. Reynolds’ practice of excellence in care, vast stores of expertise, and passion for non-traditional and holistic care, brought her back to Ohio to partner with the wonderful organization that is 4KidHelp.

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Laiken Sundheimer, PMHNP-BC

Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Zoom Page: tinyurl.com/4KidHelpAndAdults-Laiken

Laiken Sundheimer, APRN PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over nine years of experience in healthcare. She is dedicated to providing compassionate care to clients of all ages, addressing a wide range of mental health challenges. Laiken has a special interest in forensic psychiatry and is particularly passionate about treating individuals with schizophrenia, psychotic disorders, and complex mental health conditions. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, exploring the outdoors, and embracing her love for fall, football, and Halloween. She and her family root for all things Ohio and love the Buckeyes the most! O-H!!

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Chrissy Smyser, MSN, APRN

Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Zoom Page: tinyurl.com/4KidHelpAndAdults-Chrissy

Chrissy is a Psychiatric Mental Health Practitioner specializing in psychiatry across the lifespan. She graduated from Kent State University in May of 2023 with a Master of Science in Nursing. Chrissy worked as a registered nurse since 2018 at the bedside in the ICU and ER. She began her nursing career on a neurology floor and is passionate about neuropsychology. Chrissy also has experience as a sexual assault nurse examiner, helping survivors who have undergone traumas and domestic violence. Previous experiences have taught her the importance of paying attention to details and the ability to connect with people no matter where they are in life. She enjoys connecting with others.  

Her Favorites: Spending time with her boyfriend, family, and friends.  Her zoo at home with two dogs, two cats, two horses, a turtle, and fish. She enjoys exercise, travel, and being outside. She enjoys helping others and serve as an OHuddle Mentor for local youth in her community.  

  Chrissy earned her Bachelor’s of Science degree from the University of Mount Union where she also minored in psychology and Spanish. She spent a semester abroad in Costa Rica. Chrissy earned her nursing degree from Aultman College where she later served as a psych clinical instructor.  

Be kind. Be a light. 

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Sherry Hughes, LPN

Licensed Practical Nurse

Sherry Hughes, LPN, is a dedicated nursing professional with 46 years of experience. She serves as both the office nurse and the office manager.  In her dual role, she manages day-to-day patient concerns, and assists Dr. Reynolds in the daily management of the practice.  She has been a member of the 4KidHelp and Adults team for the past 11 years, consistently providing support to both patients and clinical staff. 

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Thomas (Lee) Reynolds, M.D.

Board Certified Child, Adolescent, Adult and Addictions Psychiatrist

Zoom Page: tinyurl.com/4KidHelpAndAdults-Doc

Dr. Reynolds received his medical degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in 1990. He completed his internship at Brockton Hospital and his residency and fellowship at Cambridge Hospital, both in Massachusetts. Dr. Reynolds is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in adult psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry, and addiction psychiatry. He has received numerous awards for excellence in care, achievement, and research.

Dr. Reynolds is married and a father of three. He has a strong spiritual view of life and respects all faith perspectives.