Lesley Cross, MA, LPCC-S

Counselor
Counseling Center

Lesley joined the Otterbein University Counseling Center in January 2024.  Having worked in her own private practice for the last decade, she is excited to be on campus and working with the Otterbein community.

Lesley’s mission is to help people live intentionally and wholly, even when life presents challenges and pain. Lesley believes that counseling is not a “quick fix” to the struggles of life, but by using an empathetic and results-oriented approach she works with students to ensure goals are identified and a therapeutic plan is used to push forward toward healing and progress. In the counseling office, she uses behavioral and cognitive approaches, equips students with effective behavioral strategies and also helps them to process mental blocks and traumatic triggers.

Lesley’s professional experience consists of over 20 years of working with populations she is passionate about helping, including working with adults and teens, students at the collegiate level, with survivors of sexual assault, couples at all stages of their relationship and those facing career confusion, family struggle or feeling stuck.  She has been a speaker for churches, schools, women’s groups, collegiate and business functions.

Lesley holds a B.A. in Business Management & Economics from University of Mount Union in Alliance, Ohio and received her M.A. in Clinical Counseling from Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, North Carolina. She is also currently working toward obtaining her doctorate degree in Marriage & Family Counseling. Lesley can empathize with Otterbein students because she also understands what it takes to balance school and life!

Outside of work Lesley enjoys traveling (her goal is to visit all 50 states with her children, they only have a handful left!), concerts, event planning and spending time with her family & friends.  She also enjoys reading, walking her dogs and spending time with friends and family.