Ryan Defibaugh, LCPC, NCC
Counselor
MBS Performance CounselingMeet Ryan...
Ryan Defibaugh is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), National Certified Counselor (NCC), and a Professional School Counselor, who brings a wealth of experiences to MBS Performance Counseling.
Ryan combines his counseling education with his experience in coaching to help young men and women realize their full potential and navigate the path to a fulfilling life.
Prior to opening MBS Performance Counseling, Ryan coached college athletics for both men and women at the Division I and III levels. Through the recruitment and coaching of elite individuals at Penn State University, Mount St. Mary’s University, and McDaniel College, Ryan was able to identify and compile key characteristics that led to mentally tough athletes and students. He teaches these skills to others by focusing on the core strengths of each individual; promoting purpose, optimism, resilience, and grit in to the life of each client at MBS Counseling.
Ryan received his Master’s Degree in Counseling Education from McDaniel College in 2011. In addition to his work at MBS Performance Counseling, Ryan works as a School Counselor in Frederick County, MD and is an Adjunct Graduate Professor at McDaniel College.
Ryan resides in Frederick, MD with his wife and three sons.
McKenna Polak, MS, LGPC
Counselor
MBS Performance CounselingMeet McKenna...
McKenna joins the MBS team after earning her Master’s Degree in Counseling at McDaniel College in 2021. She graduated from Roanoke College in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in psychology. McKenna currently holds her LGPC and will be running small groups as well as individual sessions for clients.
As a student athlete, McKenna played lacrosse from the time she was in elementary school and throughout college as a member of the women’s lacrosse team at Roanoke. She is now an assistant lacrosse coach for the team at McDaniel, currently in her second season. McKenna brings a wealth of knowledge through a variety of perspectives within the sports and counseling world from being a former athlete, current coach, and counseling education.
Holly Jacobson, MS
Mental Performance Coach
MBS Performance CounselingMeet Holly...
Holly recently earned her Master’s Degree in Sport Science: Sport and Exercise Psychology at Lock Haven University. She graduated from Christopher Newport University earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in Leadership Studies. Holly has professional experience implementing behavior-analytic interventions for children as well as professional experience as a youth soccer coach at FC Frederick. Additionally, Holly interned with Player’s Fitness and Performance, collaborating with sports professionals looking to maximize the mental and physical performance of athletes.
Holly has been playing organized athletics since she was four years old. She has experienced playing at various levels from recreational to olympic developmental programs. She is a former student-athlete of Christopher Newport University’s Women’s Soccer team. At the time, the CNU women’s soccer program won three conference championships, reaching the NCAA Final Four during her final season.
Holly is currently active within the Frederick County soccer community as she continues to play with CF Skyline City Union. Holly has a passion for sport psychology as she believes all athletes should have access to a positive interpersonal environment that encourages players to grow their game mentally as well as physically.
About Us
MBS Performance Counseling Philosophy
Located in Frederick County, MD, we specialize in anxiety and performance counseling services for athletes and non-athletes ages 10-25 who are looking to take their performance to the next level.
Our philosophy centers around the belief that you have the power to affect change in your life. We individualize our approach to your needs by using a blend of positive psychology theory, cognitive-behavior theory, and solution-focused therapy.
We specialize in mental performance counseling for anxiety, stress, self-doubt, building team culture, dealing with conflict, and dealing with injury. The counselors at MBS combine their experience as Licensed Counselors with their athletic playing and coaching backgrounds to meet the specific needs and mindsets of athletes wanting to reach their optimal performance levels.
Explore the different services we offer by clicking here
Remember, there does not need to be something “wrong” to seek counseling. Most often, the significant growth in our lives occurs by challenging ourselves to think beyond “good enough”; accepting the greatness we deserve. We are each on our personal journey to discover a life of happiness, well-being, and fulfillment inside and outside of the sporting environment.
