Meet Our Course Creators
Dana Spangler, LCMHC
Throughout various stages of our lives, we have all needed some level of support. Having someone to talk with and genuinely listen is essential to navigating the uncertainties we all face in life. My clients say I am down-to-earth, non-judgmental, authentic, and compassionate. I do not take lightly the fact that you’re entrusting me to come into your safe space.
While I have worked with a wide range of clients in various clinical settings, I’ve found my passions and training have aligned in specific areas. I currently work with couples and individuals 16+. I especially enjoy working with those within the LGBTQI+ community. My ideal client is motivated and ready to make changes in their life, those seeking to live a more authentic life, and people who feel “stuck.” I am passionate about working with those who have experienced trauma/PTSD and want to work through its effect on their lives. I enjoy helping clients identify and break negative thought patterns and core beliefs.
In my own journey, I have found the most painful experiences to be the most transformative. Therapy has helped me along the way to better navigate through these experiences. I have realized how empowering it is to heal and work on yourself. There is strength in learning to love yourself and be seen and validated. Learning how to feel worthy of being seen can be a process, but it’s one we all deserve. Having someone to sit with you during these painful times helps you to make sense of and honor these experiences.
My couple’s work focuses on learning healthier communication patterns, conflict resolution skills, working through possible barriers, and reconnecting emotionally. Couples therapy is not just about dealing with issues; it is also an excellent place to learn skills to prevent future relationship problems.
I received my Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2016 and am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (License #12884). I am trained and completing full certification in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy. Additionally, I have received training in Level I Gottman Couples Therapy and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy. I’m an Enneagram 9 and love all things enneagram. I like to incorporate this into my work with clients.
Erica Jourdan, MSW,
As the Director of Adoption Options Consulting, Erica has over a decade of personal and professional experience in the adoption field. She has coached hundreds of families along the path to becoming both foster and adoptive parents. In addition, she is, herself, the adoptive mother of three. Having learned that there is no "one size fits all" in the world of adoption, her approach with families is open, non-judgmental, and flexible.
Here's what other’s have said about her:
"We cannot begin to express our gratitude to Erica for all her wisdom and support while pursuing our home study and potential adoptions. She is very knowledgeable, professional and personal in her educational process. We highly recommend Erica to anyone considering adoption or needing support at any stage."
-Eileen and Lars Johnson
"Erica has a commitment to excellence, dedication to those she serves, and tireless ability to do whatever it takes to accomplish her work. She is highly adept at motivating and bringing out the best in people. She is a strong communicator, dedicated professional, and is self-motivated. Personally, I think Erica is an exceptional person of high integrity."
-Diane Delafield
Veronica (Vyazovsky) Zamir Registered Play Therapy Supervisor
Veronica Vyazovsky, a devoted therapist, approaches her work with an unwavering commitment to nurturing the mental and physical well-being of individuals. Infusing her practice with a playful spirit, she constructs a secure and inviting space, urging clients to embark on a journey of self-discovery and the cultivation of healthy habits for holistic well-being.
Specializing in addressing anxiety, depression, and trauma, Veronica tailors her therapeutic interventions to suit the distinctive needs of each individual. Her repertoire includes the artistry of play therapy, a transformative approach particularly effective in working with children, adolescents, and families. Holding the prestigious title of a registered play therapy supervisor, Veronica assumes the role of a mentor, guiding fellow clinicians through the enchanting realms of play therapy credentials.
In her vibrant career since 2008, Veronica has been an active participant in counseling diverse populations across eclectic settings, from the lively halls of public schools to the comforting spaces of homes and community-based programs. Bridging generational gaps, her wealth of experience extends support and guidance to individuals of all age groups, from children to adults, with interventions tailored to their unique needs. Fluent in Russian, Hebrew, Spanish, and English, Veronica orchestrates a harmonious symphony of cultural sensitivity and inclusivity, fostering profound connections with clients and families from diverse linguistic backgrounds. Her approach, marked by warmth and inclusivity, coupled with her mastery of play therapy, positions Veronica as a cherished ally in the transformative journey towards lasting positive change in mental and emotional well-being.
Erin Vandermore, LCMHC Founder, Age of Uncertainty Coaching
Erin Vandermore, a seasoned Therapist and Mental Fitness Coach, stands at the forefront of holistic mental wellness. With over 14 years of dedicated service in diverse settings, Erin's transformative journey has encompassed public school systems, non-profit organizations, universities, hospitals, and outpatient clinics. Her unwavering commitment to guiding and supporting thousands of individuals reflects a profound dedication to catalyzing lasting positive changes in lives.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Erin's life experiences as a mom and a woman contribute a unique perspective to her coaching and counseling approach. This fusion of professional expertise and personal insight allows Erin to connect with clients on a deeper level, fostering a supportive environment for self-discovery and growth.
Erin's approach to mental wellness transcends traditional boundaries, combining the best of therapy, coaching, and self-help. With a focus on addressing root causes rather than mere symptoms, she empowers clients to explore their feelings and identify tools for transformative change. Erin advocates for a holistic approach to mental health, recognizing the interconnectedness of healthy food, good sleep, and positive social networks.
As the driving force behind the creation of the AOU Mobile App, Erin is harnessing the power of AI and neuroscience-backed technology to make mental health support accessible anytime, anywhere. Her dedication to innovation is evident in her continuous pursuit of research and staying at the forefront of advancements in the mental health field.
Erin's expertise extends beyond conventional boundaries, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery, understanding uniqueness, and achieving fulfillment. Her mission is not just to provide therapy or coaching but to create a ripple effect, influencing positive changes in individuals that resonate globally.
Leah Madamba, LCMHC
NCC Course Creator of AOU Coaching
Family Director at RAILS Carolina
Leah has worked in the therapeutic field for over 20 years in a variety of roles. She has spent most of her time as a wilderness therapist and overseeing operations in two different wilderness therapy programs. Leah served as the clinical quality manager for a group of residential programs and led a national program that offers support to wilderness and residential clients who return home. Her passion for helping families transition the growth and success found in the wilderness back home is what brought her to Trails Carolina.
Leah’s variety of experience across the treatment continuum and her passion for family work brings a wealth of knowledge to the family services offered at Trails Carolina.
In her free time, Leah enjoys doing yoga, reading, and spending time camping and hiking with her family.
Erica Vandermore is a dedicated professional with a wealth of experience in the field of sociology and developmental training. As an Adjunct Instructor at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC, she played a pivotal role in shaping the sociological perspectives of students. Her expertise extended to courses on the sociology of human societies, where she not only delivered engaging lectures but also provided guidance to enhance students' sociological imagination. Erica remained a
t the forefront of the discipline, ensuring students were well-informed about the latest research and developments in sociology. Her commitment to education continued at Lewis University, where she served as an Adjunct Instructor, focusing on the sociology of cultural diversity and intergroup relations. Here, she once again demonstrated her proficiency in facilitating lectures and offering valuable instructions to foster students' sociological understanding.
In her role as the Developmental Training Program Director at Marklund at Mill Creek in Geneva, IL, Erica Vandermore displayed exemplary leadership. She strategically managed the daily operations of the developmental training program, overseeing curriculum execution across all classrooms. Her responsibilities also extended to service delivery for community clients, requiring strict adherence to state and federal policies and guidelines. Notably, Erica forged strong partnerships with the therapy department, establishing scheduled goal and vocational production groups. Her ability to balance administrative responsibilities with a commitment to improving the lives of program participants showcased her multifaceted skills.
Beyond academia and developmental training, Erica contributed to the nonprofit sector as a Board Member and Consultant for Stop and Breathe Inc. Her involvement demonstrated her passion for making a positive impact on communities. Additionally, she engaged in research projects, exemplified by her work on "Increasing Exposure and Understanding of Post-Secondary Education: Breaking Down Barriers to College for Participants in Career and Educational Programs (COVID-19 Edition)" at Western Carolina University in Asheville, NC, in 2021. This research underlines Erica Vandermore's dedication to addressing real-world challenges and creating opportunities for educational advancement, even in the face of unprecedented circumstances.
Mission
Founded by Erin Vandermore, LCMHC, our mission is to help clients discover their unique skills and talents that get overshadowed by their self-sabotaging ways.
We cannot thrive if we are standing in our own way. Age of Uncertainty Coaching courses offers the ability for you to achieve and understand your true potential.
Our dedication is helping others and being given the honor to be a part of their positive change. We want to reach more clients than 1:1 traditional therapy allows.
We have created informational and most importantly, affordable courses that everyone can access regardless of socioeconomic status.
It's time to start believing in ourselves again.
It's time to turn those dreams into reality and start taking action now!