Meet the Strive Team
Psychologists specializing in Sports Psychology & Performance Coaching
Dr. Ben Birkby, Psy.D., CMPC
Sport & Clinical Psychologist
Dr. “Ben” is a co-owner and co-founder of Strive. He specializes in teaching mental game skills to athletes, teams, coaches and parents. Dr. Ben works with athletes at all levels (recreational to elite) who are interested in developing good mental habits and striving for excellence. Dr. Ben’s casual and warm style allows him to quickly form a working relationship with his clients.
He believes that teaching young people how to be mentally strong improves sport performance and enhances personal development that promotes well-being for a lifetime.
Dr. Ben earned his doctorate in clinical psychology from Spalding University and went on to complete his internship at the acclaimed Boys Town in Omaha, Nebraska. He received undergraduate and graduate level training in sport psychology and is a certified Mental Performance Consultant® (CMPC) through the Association of Applied Sport Psychology (AASP). Dr. Ben is currently active in tennis and running. He is a long-time sport parent who has been immersed in soccer for the 15 years. Dr. Ben wants to help athletes navigate today’s competitive sports world with confidence.
Dr. Felicia Smith, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Smith is a co-owner and co-founder of Strive. Dr. Smith works with young athletes and specializes in helping athletes improve their mental toughness by developing sound mental skills. She focuses on mental skills such as goal setting, mental toughness/grit, stress management, and the use of imagery as methods of teaching athletes to train their minds and overcome mentally challenging situations.
A longtime soccer player herself, she is especially well-tuned to the mental challenges presented by team sports and individual competition.
Dr. Smith earned her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Virginia and completed her residency and fellowship in Adolescent Medicine at Children’s Boston/Harvard Medical School. In addition to her professional background, Dr. Smith is the mother of two youth athletes. Dr. Smith is uniquely positioned to combine her extensive experience in child development, training in highly competitive settings, and real-world parenting experience to inform her work with youth in their athletic pursuits.
Dr. Tanya Stockhammer, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Stockhammer is a co-owner and co-founder of Strive. Dr. Stockhammer’s interest in the area of youth sport and performance has developed from many years of working with students, youth athletes and performers, particularly to address the negative effects of anxiety on their pursuits. Dr. Stockhammer helps kids and teens learn skills, including relaxation, visualization, and mindfulness, to change their thinking and/or behavior in order to improve and optimize their performance.
She is a long-time advocate of healthy lifestyle choices such as developing effective sleep, balanced eating, and regular exercise routines as foundations for balanced mental health in young people.
A child-clinical psychologist by training, Dr Stockhammer obtained her doctorate from St. John’s University in Jamaica, New York. She completed her internship and post-doctoral residencies at the New York University/Bellevue Hospital Medical Center and the University of Louisville School of Medicine, respectively. In addition, Dr. Stockhammer has benefited from perspective gained from supporting her own children and their teams over the years in their competitive athletic and performance arts pursuits.
Jack Wygant, M.S., CMPC Mental Performance Consultant
Jack is thrilled to join the Strive team! He works with athletes from all sports and skills levels and specializes in golf, tennis, and basketball. He focuses on helping athletes develop growth mindsets and expand their psychological tool kit. Jack is deeply passionate about helping people pursue mastery.
A former athlete and coach himself, Jack understands sports from a variety of perspectives and is well positioned to guide and support athletes through their challenges.
Jack earned his master’s degree in Sport and Exercise Psychology from Florida State University in 2021 and is currently completing a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Eastern Kentucky University. Jack is a certified Mental Performance Consultant® (CMPC) through the Association of Applied Sport Psychology (AASP). He has been consulting with athletes and teams for the past 5 years and is excited to bring his experience to Strive. He founded and directs an AAU basketball program in his hometown of Snohomish, Washington that strives to teach the psychological components of sport. In his free time, Jack enjoys playing golf, hiking, and traveling.
Kaelin Gentile, M.A. Mental Performance Intern
Currently a clinical psychology doctoral student at Spalding University, I am extremely interested in sports psychology and the opportunities available both at Strive and in the community to work with athletes. As a former athlete myself, I recognize the importance of movement and physical activity to support one’s mental health. With that, we also need to balance our athletic performance with our overall wellbeing.
As a Louisville native, I played volleyball at Sacred Heart Academy. A team captain for three years, I was a part of the senior class that led the team to win state in 2016. I also played club volleyball at KIVA where I was able to grow as an athlete and competitor. Continuing into college, I played DI volleyball at Northern Kentucky University. Also a captain for three years, we worked to win the Horizon League Championship and make the program’s first appearance in the NCAA tournament.
Through my experience as a student-athlete, I have seen the amazing things sports can bring, and the challenges they offer as well. Now a fitness coach at a local gym and doctoral student, I hope to create a space for athletes and performers alike to achieve their goals, both in their sport and in life.
Janaya Simmons, M.S. Mental Performance Intern
Janaya is a Mental Performance Intern at Strive who teaches mental skills to athletes to help enhance their mindset and overall well-being. She works with athletes of all sports and competitive levels, specializing in volleyball and injury recovery.
As a former collegiate athlete, Janaya understands the unique pressures that athletes may face. Her mission is to help athletes gain a deeper understanding of themselves and to empower them to challenge limiting beliefs that might hold them back from achieving their goals.
Janaya earned her master’s degree in Sport and Performance Psychology from Barry University and is currently pursuing a doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Spalding University. Janaya comes to Strive with mental performance coaching experience, having worked with various athletic teams and individuals at the youth and collegiate levels. Her background also extends to supporting U.S. Army Soldiers in their development to become elite tactical athletes. In her spare time, Janaya enjoys playing volleyball, practicing yoga, and solving jigsaw puzzles.
