Get to know the founder!

Ariel De'Freeze, CEO and founder, established The Centers for Counseling & Trauma Recovery in 2021 after the tragic murder of her cousin, Alianna De'Freeze. Driven by her profound understanding of the impact of trauma on mental health, Ariel is passionately dedicated to helping individuals and families affected by trauma to reclaim fulfilling lives.  As a licensed independent clinical supervising therapist, Ariel brings extensive experience in providing therapy to children, adolescents, and families, both in school settings and in marriage counseling. 

Her unwavering advocacy for the community led her to testify before the Ohio Senate in support of the Alianna Alert.  The agency's inaugural location in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, opened on July 23, 2023, and swiftly became a valued community partner of Cleveland Metro Schools. Ariel's unwavering commitment to promoting healing and hope, particularly in urban communities, is fueled by her focus on cultural humility to bridge service delivery gaps and ensure increased access to services in underserved areas, especially for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.

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