The Start to Happy Foundation

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About Us

Trained Professionals

The Start to Happy Foundation, Inc. is proud to have mental/behavioral health professionals to help you along your journey.

When you work with our providers, you are working with Master and Doctoral level professionals

There are a wide range of mental/behavioral health professions out there, so what sets us apart?

We are formally trained in mental and behavioral health from accredited universities to work with clients wanting to make life changes. We are trained mental and behavioral health providers that are able to offer individual, couples, family, and group therapy.

The exciting news is that through years of working in the mental and behavioral health field, we have learned what really works and what doesn't, we have seen it all!

Feeling unmotivated? We've seen it, we've been there, and we've helped many work through it!

Relationship issues? Nothing can surprise us and we can work together to get through it.

Parenting concerns? Guess what? We are parents! We have hands-on experience as well as years of providing parenting courses.

Anxiety preventing you from moving forward? We hate anxiety to! However, you can learn to become friends with anxiety and use it to propel you forward rather than let it take you down.

Life transitions happening? We've either been there or have helped others through it. Divorce. New job. Loss. Cross Country Move. Empty Nest. Or just starting over. We've got you!

Meet Dr. Wendy - Founder

I'm a normal, down-to-earth human

Like you, I have seen the word "Happiness" defined in numerous ways over the years. Does it come from charisma and positive thinking? Meditation and chanting? Decisiveness? Is it all about the situation? Is it meant only for the chosen few who smile all the time? Or, is there a different story?

Nope! It is meant for everyone - including you!

It's about relationships

I'm known by my clients as the coach that puts the relationship first in the coaching setting, my communication skills bring out the best in my clients. I'm known for my practical, street-savvy style; my fusion of real-life stories and my conversational techniques connect with my clients at an intimate, intense and individual level.

I also lead group therapy sessions for teaching others how to have a better relationship with their partner, children, friends, or co-workers.

Experience

I'm a Doctor of Behavioral Health and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor that enjoys working with individuals that want to make wellness a part of their lifestyle. I served as an Assistant Director of an academic doctoral program for several years teaching providers how to best serve individuals in different types of healthcare settings. And I have worked as a clinical director in a non-profit setting helping train future healthcare leaders.

I write for Psychology Today, "A New Beginning" every month with different topics that pertain to mental health, therapy techniques, and how to live a better life.

You will hear about many styles and techniques in the therapy realm, and each has its place. For me, I have found a passion in working through CBT, holistic wellness, and positive psychology.You will hear about many styles and techniques in the therapy realm, and each has their place. For me, I have found a passion in working through CBT, holistic wellness, and positive psychology.

With over 15 years of behavioral health experience, coaching, speaking, and most importantly, real-life, in-the-trenches counseling experience, my view is radically different. I appreciate, and share with clients, that change and happiness is a moment-to-moment choice and not always about to-do lists or defeat. Happiness is for everyone, every day. It's how we should roll!

Meet Hayden Ritz - MFT Intern

Feeling weighed down by grief, anxiety, or uncertainty? You're not alone.

Life can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re navigating identity, relationships, or emotional pain that doesn’t seem to go away. You may be struggling with self-doubt, anxiety, or past experiences that make it hard to feel truly connected or seen. Maybe you’ve been telling yourself stories about who you are, stories shaped by others or by pain, and you’re ready to rewrite that narrative.

I’m here to support you on that journey. I specialize in working with women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those experiencing relationship challenges. I know firsthand how difficult it can be to sit with feelings of guilt, grief, or loneliness, and how transformative it can be when someone truly listens without judgment.

My therapeutic style is collaborative and narrative, rooted in the belief that your story matters. Together, we’ll explore the experiences and identities that shape your world, and we’ll work to reframe the ones that no longer serve you. Our sessions will move at your pace, blending different techniques to meet your unique needs, because healing isn’t one-size-fits-all.

You don’t have to carry the weight alone. Let’s work together to create a new path forward, one built on strength, authenticity, and hope.

Hayden specializes in seeing individuals, couples, and leading group therapy sessions.

Hayden is a Marriage and Family Therapy Intern under the supervision of Dr. Wendy Boring-Bray, DBH, LPCC (#7701)