Baylee Leazer, LPC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor (VA), an Instructor in the Master of Science in Counseling program at the University of Lynchburg, and a doctoral student at James Madison University. As the founder of Ascend Counseling & Consultation, PLLC, Baylee maintains a values-driven private practice specializing in trauma-informed and neuroaffirming care for adults. As an alumna of Sweet Briar College with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Psychology and the University of Lynchburg with a Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Baylee is a firm believer in using education for good—transforming rigorous research into tangible community impact. Her research interests include counselor wellness, systemic advocacy, and diversifying clinical approaches to improve client retention. Based in Lynchburg, Virginia, Baylee lives with her husband, Drew, and their two cats. When she isn't bridging the gap between the classroom and the clinic, she finds joy in intentional hobbies: creative pursuits like fiber arts, curating her vinyl collection, or planning her next travel adventure.