Joe Humphries is the Clinical Director for Preferred Care Counseling. He specializes in treating patients recovering from chronic pain and injury. He’s also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and National Certified Counselor.Joe earned his bachelor’s in psychology in 1990 and a master’s degree in education in community counseling in 1994 from Youngstown State University. While attending college, Joe served as the Instructor and Program Manager for the Rehabilitation Department at Goodwill Industries of Mahoning and Shenango Valley. During this time, he was promoted to Coordinator of Services for the Visually Impaired and implemented a first of its kind program that brought blind and visually impaired people into the facility. Joe also spent time with Valley Counseling Services specializing in Crisis Intervention and Assessment having worked with severely mentally disabled clients. In addition, he served as the Director of Residential Services for a 35 bed Adolescent Residential Unit of Belmont Pines Hospital, and spent seven years in private practice as a therapist and clinical director.Joe is available at our Warren, Poland and Columbiana, Ohio offices.

Michele Hawn received her bachelor’s in psychology from Youngstown State University in 1999 and a Master of Educational Guidance and Counseling specializing in Marriage and Family Counseling from the University of Akron in 2002. For the past decade, Michele has worked with a variety of mental and behavioral health issues. She is a supervising counselor and earned a Post-Master’s School Counseling Program Development Certification. She also is specialized in Level 2 training in EMDR-Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing for trauma, phobias, depression, anxiety, anger and dysfunctional patterns of interactions. Michele has a variety of experience working with adults, families and children of all ages as well as for a variety of facilities including as a Clinic Director and Counselor for PsyCare and providing residential substance abuse counseling services for Neil Kennedy Recovery Clinic in conjunction with the Mahoning County Juvenile Justice Center.Michele is available at our Warren, Ohio office.

Rita Vennetti is an independently licensed professional clinical counselor.Rita has a bachelor’s in psychology and master’s in education in community counseling from Youngstown State University. She’s worked with children, adolescents, adults and families for nearly 20 years in a variety of clinical settings. Rita specializes in trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, mood disorders and childhood issues as well as couples and marriage counseling.Rita is available at our Columbiana, Ohio office.

Dr. Kelsey Shelton is a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of Ohio.She’s experienced in the treatment and assessment of children, adolescents and adults. Dr. Shelton has helped patients struggling with mood symptoms, anxiety, substance abuse, eating disorders, domestic abuse, traumatic experiences, relationship problems, grief and chronic illness. Her treatments consist of a wide variety of therapeutic techniques tailored to each patient. However, she typically utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Interpersonal (relational) approaches in her treatment. She also has extensive training and experience in couples and family counseling and enjoys working with LGBTQA populations.Additionally, Dr. Shelton is experienced in conducting a wide variety of psychological assessment and evaluations. She’s worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings. She provides a therapeutic environment that is calm and nonjudgmental, while still challenging patients to face discomfort and create meaningful change in their lives. Dr. Shelton believes that each person is an expert of themselves and tends to engage patients in a collaborative process.In her spare time Dr. Shelton enjoys spending time with her family, friends and three dogs Lilly, Ace and Cooper.Kelsey is available at our Warren, Ohio office.

 Education and Training:Mr. D’Amore is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with a Supervising endorsement from the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage & Family Therapist Board.He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology at John Carroll University, Cleveland, OH (1979) and a Master of Social Work degree in Clinical Social Work from The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH (1981). He completed a 3 year post graduate training program in Gestalt Therapy from the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, OH (1987). He has received specialized training in: individual therapy, adolescents and families therapy, conjoint/couples therapy, group therapy, community organizing, anger management, mood disorders including depression and bipolar disorder, anxiety and panic disorders, psychotic disorders including schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), chemical dependency and codependency, developmental disorders, attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) and chronic pain. In addition to his counseling and social work experience, he also received a Master of Fine Arts degree in Ceramics from The University of Colorado, Boulder, CO (1991). He worked several years as a studio potter and sold ceramic work in art and craft galleries throughout the country. He states: “studying and making art has provided balance in my life and given me new outlook on therapy.” Professional History: Mr. D’Amore started work as a therapist at Preferred Care Counseling, Howland office in June of 2018 and was promoted to Director of Clinical Services at the Poland office in September 2018. This current position has followed a long career in counseling and Social Work. He has been honored to work with exceptional therapists and professionals at a variety of mental health and social service organizations. These include: Crossroads Adolescent and Family Counseling Center in Mentor, Ohio (1981-90), Catholic Charities Counseling and Adoption Services in Sharon, PA (1994-96), PsyCare in Howland and Warren, Ohio (2001-17), and Alta Behavioral Healthcare in Youngstown, Ohio (2017-18). In addition to his work as a therapist, he taught as an adjunct instructor in Human Development and Family Studies at Penn State, Shenango campus, Sharon PA (1996-2002). He was promoted to be Clinic Director of the Warren PsyCare office (2006-17). He served as a Clinical Supervisor at Alta Behavioral Health (2017-18). He has been privileged to supervise many excellent social workers seeking their independent licenses and several masters’ level students from Youngstown State University and Case Western Reserve University. Professional Objectives and Theoretical Orientation: Loren has worked with a broad population of adults and adolescents with diverse mental health issues. He tries to customize his therapy work based on a client centered, strengths based approach. He also utilize a variety of evidence based theoretical frameworks and therapy interventions including Cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT), Gestalt Therapy and Mindfulness. He takes a “holistic” approach to therapy that focuses on the relationship between the mental, emotional, physical, social and spiritual aspects of the individual. Building on the client’s strengths allows the therapist to contribute their specialized knowledge in an individualized and tailored way to help the client move beyond their current situation. Health or healing occurs when the individual is able to forgive or let go of past issues, look at their life and symptoms in a new way and build new coping skills and a deeper self-acceptance.He states: “I have learned more about mental health and mental disorders from my experience with clients than from school, books or workshops. I believe that therapy begins with listening to the individual client and then building on how that person already manages their symptoms and copes with their difficulties and life conditions. I share in my client’s healing and self-development as they inspire and teach me to be a better therapist and person.”Loren is available at our Poland, Ohio office. 

Seth Auman is an independently licensed professional clinical counselor with more than five years of experience working for a community mental health agency in Akron.Seth earned a Master of Arts in Counseling Ministry from the Methodist Theological School in Delaware, Ohio and Master of Divinity from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. He’s an ordained minister with five years of pastoral experience prior to his entering the mental health field. Seth enjoys working with people of any or no religious or specific spiritual background and appreciates all forms of diversity.He’s experienced in helping adults and teens battling depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, anger, substance issues, relationship or family problems and spiritual struggles. Seth is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and utilizes a variety of other therapeutic approaches and techniques.Seth is available at our Columbiana, Ohio office.

Tina completed her Bachelors of Science degree from John Carroll University in 2008 and her Master’s of Social Work from Youngstown State University in 2010. Tina is a Licensed Independent Social Worker. Prior to working in private practice, Tina worked as a Caseworker at Lorain County Children Services and was promoted to Continuous Quality Improvement Supervisor. Then, she worked for mvi HomeCare and Hospice. Tina works with individuals, couples and families and is dedicated to helping each person in achieving their goals. She creates a warm and accepting environment which fosters openness and honesty. Her skills allow her the opportunity to work well with clients by challenging them to acknowledge and understand their behaviors and motivate them towards change. Martina is available at our Poland, Ohio office.

More information coming soon! Aimee is available at our Warren, Ohio office.

Marie Bosio is an independently licensed counselor and registered nurse.Marie has experience treating patients with chronic health issues, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, mood disorders and relationship problems.Marie is available at our Poland, Ohio office.

Heather Bowser is a licensed professional clinical counselor.Heather worked in private practice for the last four years. She earned a bachelor’s in art education in 1996 and a master’s in education in community counseling in 2007 from Youngstown State University. She specializes in treating people experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, adjustment disorders, depression, bipolar disorder and Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) Issues. She employs a variety of therapeutic techniques including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Expressive Arts Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and much more.Heather is involved in creating awareness around issues impacting veterans and has a desire to help those who struggle with the psychological effects of having served in combat. Heather has even traveled to Vietnam to help people understand the ravages of Agent Orange. She has experience helping people cope and live well with a disability, in particular, an individual dealing with a limb loss.Heather is available at our Columbiana and Poland, Ohio offices.

More information coming soon!  Pamela is available at our Columbiana and Poland, Ohio offices.

Judy Fink is a licensed professional clinical counselor and specializes in mental health disorders, grief issues, medical problems, spiritual conflict and relationship concerns.Judy graduated from David & Elkins College in Elkins, West Virginia with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She went on to earn a master’s in clinical pastoral counseling from Ashland Theological Seminary in Ashland, Ohio and an educational specialist degree in counselor education and supervision from Kent State University. Judy’s also taught psychiatric nursing and other courses at Kent for eight years.Judy has experience in the medical profession serving as a nurse in coronary care, ICU and behavioral health. She believes in a holistic approach to helping people become healthier in all aspects of life.Judy is available at our Poland, Ohio office.

Julie Fitzgerald is an independently licensed professional clinical counselor.Julie has worked with children, adolescents and adults in mental health for over eight years. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2002 from The Ohio State University and a Master of Science in Community Counseling in 2006 from Youngstown State University. She’s worked in a variety of community mental health settings including Family Counseling and Children's Services (Sharon, Pennsylvania) treating children and adolescents with mental health disorders and their families; Community Solutions Association (Warren, Ohio) a dual diagnosis facility offering treatment for the unique needs of both chemical dependency and mental health issues; The Boys and Girls Club of America (Youngstown, Ohio) as mental health director; and PsyCare, Inc. (Canfield, Howland and Boardman Ohio locations) where she was on staff as an independently licensed clinical counselor.Julie has a passion for holistic healing practices utilizing her interest, education and experience in exercise, nutrition and general wellness to aid in treatment of mental health disorders. She specializes in the treatment of depression, anxiety including panic attacks and agoraphobia, mood disorders, adjustment disorders (job change, loss of a loved one, divorce, new marriage, etc.), eating disorders including binge eating/compulsive eating, food addictions and body image issues and those seeking general wellness.Julie is available at our Poland, Ohio office.

Jackie is a licensed professional clinical counselor with a specialization in trauma, self-harm behaviors, self-esteem, womens' issues, and emotional regulation concerns. Jackie also has experience with a range of anxiety disorders, mood disorders, ADHD, addiction, and personality disorders. She has experience in severe and persistent mental health diagnoses.Jackie earned her bachelors in psychology from the University of Akron in 2009, and masters in clinical counseling from Malone University in 2016.Jackie is passionate about providing counseling lead by her clients' own goals and preferences. She takes an empathic yet down-to-earth approach and focuses on using clients' existing strengths. Her direct and straightforward style empowers clients to make meaningful change. Jackie is available at our Columbiana, Ohio office.

Kathleen Garchar is a licensed professional clinical counselor and is a certified social worker in the state of Ohio.A graduate of Youngstown State University, Kathleen earned her bachelor’s in education in 1978 followed by a master’s in education/community counseling. She also received additional post-graduate education in the field of counseling and psychotherapy. She’s worked at YSU as an instructor to dislocated workers and served on an advisory board for the first certificate program in entrepreneurship offered by the university.Kathleen’s been independently licensed by the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, Marriage and Family Therapist Board as a Professional Clinical Counselor since 1995. She maintained a private practice at PsyCare for over 20 years as a psychotherapist. Kathleen also had an extensive clinical experience with in patient consultation on the psychiatric unit of St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Youngstown, Ohio.Kathleen is currently part of the team at Preferred Care Counseling with a broad base of clinical experience; particularly with relationship problems, anxiety and mood disorders and adolescent issues. She is a lifetime member of Chi Sigma Iota, a counseling honorary dedicated to scholastic and professional excellence.Kathleen is available at our Poland, Ohio office.

Patricia Hatala is an independently licensed clinical counselor with more than 20 years of experience in the mental health profession including anger management, anxiety, chronic illness, couples counseling, depression, domestic violence and women’s issues.Patricia graduated from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and earned a Master of Education in Community Counseling from Youngstown State University. She’s worked for a variety of counseling services, including a facility in Utah.Patricia is available at our Warren, Ohio office.

Larry Lapidus is an independently licensed clinical counselor with more than 25 years of supervisory experience.Larry initiated clinical programming for Horizon House, a residential treatment facility in Youngstown, Ohio for severely mentally disabled individuals, and the Eldercare Center in Struthers, Ohio. He’s provided counseling services to clients at the Doris Burdman Home and has extensive experience with helping people with chronic mental and emotional disorders.Larry is available at our <strong>Columbiana and Poland, Ohio offices</strong>.

Florence Lorimer is an independently licensed clinical counselor.Florence has extensive experience working with children of all ages and families and in various clinical settings including Valley Counseling, PsyCare and Akron Children's Hospital where she participated in the Trauma Program. She specializes in treating individuals with trauma and play therapy.Florence is available at our <strong>Poland and Warren, Ohio offices</strong>.

More Information coming soon!  Deborah is available at our Warren, Ohio office.

More information coming soon!&nbsp;Reetta is available at our <strong>Warren, Ohio office.</strong>

Robert Mahaffey is a licensed independent social worker and also serves for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.Robert has a master’s in social science administration from Case Western Reserve University. He’s worked with severely mentally ill patients as well as people dealing with substance abuse and those seeking vocational rehabilitation. Robert has many years of experience in Crisis Intervention and Stabilization.Robert is available at our Poland, Ohio office.

Leslie Markulin is a licensed independent social worker with a supervisory license and designation and practices as a clinical social worker. Leslie graduated from Youngstown State University with a bachelor’s degree in social work. She went on to earn a Master of Science in Social Administration (MSSA) from Case Western Reserve in Cleveland, Ohio. Much of her professional career has been in a variety of health care settings, including St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Youngstown and Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley. While at St. Elizabeth’s, Leslie provided intervention, crisis and grief counseling as well as social work services in the areas of oncology, trauma and women’s services. At Akron Children’s, she served as the clinical coordinator of social work and provided clinical social work services in their emergency, pediatric, and special care nursery. In addition, Leslie offered counseling interventions to parents and families of sick children, as well as parents that had psychosocial problems, such as mental health and substance abuse struggles. Leslie also worked at Hillside Rehabilitation Hospital in Howland and provided patient and family centered brief and crisis counseling with patient's that had suffered spinal cord, brain and other life altering injuries.She’s worked for the past 9 years with Ohio's Perinatal Outreach and Encouragement and is one of the Ohio coordinators through Postpartum Support International providing volunteer peer support to mothers and families dealing with postpartum depression/postpartum mood disorder. Leslie’s received training through Postpartum Support International and continues to study effective treatments for this population.She continues to work in private counseling, as well as community based counseling working individuals with depression, anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and perinatal and postpartum mood disorders. She also provides couple and family therapy.Leslie is available at our Warren, Ohio office.

Michael McKeehan is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with a Supervisory endorsement. He is a Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor and also holds a Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist national certification.He earned a Master of Science in Education in Counseling from Youngstown State University as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science Education from The University. Of Kentucky. Michael has over twenty years of experience in both adult mental health and substance abuse treatment. He specializes in substance abuse and tobacco dependence therapy. He also has experience in helping clients address trauma. depressive disorders, anxiety and relationship issues.Michael uses a combination of cognitive-behavioral and dialectical behavior therapy-based approaches to assist clients with managing their challenges and life-stressors.Michael is available at our Poland, Ohio site.

More information coming soon!

Linda Myers is an independent licensed marriage and family therapist who earned a master’s in marriage and family therapy from Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, California.Linda started and maintained a private practice for more than 20 years in California before moving to Ohio. She’s enjoyed working with couples, families, children and teenagers as well as individuals in her work as a therapist. Linda’s been involved on a wide variety of issues including grief, depression, anxiety, family and relationship issues, Christian and premarital counseling, women’s issues, anger management, divorce recovery, codependency, employee assistance counseling and life stage chances.Linda earned an additional master’s degree from King’s College and Seminary in California, which equipped her to provide Christian counseling for patients seeking a Christian therapist. Linda also taught courses on counseling at King’s College and Seminary during her residence.Linda is available at our Warren, Ohio office.

Dan O’Neill is an Ohio-Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor.He earned a Master of Science in Education in Counseling from Youngstown State University as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from The Ohio State University. Dan has over nine years of experience in the mental health profession and specializes in anxiety disorders, depression, life transitions, relationship issues and family and parenting concerns.Dan uses a combination of cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness-based approaches to assist client with anxiety, depression, and other life-stressors.Dan is available at our Columbiana and Poland, Ohio offices.

Rachel O’Neill is a licensed professional clinical counselor with supervisory endorsement.Rachel has more than 14 years of experience in the mental health profession and served in a variety of leadership positions at both the state and national level. A graduate of Youngstown State University, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Master of Science in Education in Counseling. Rachel went on to receiving a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Kent State University.She specializes in anxiety-related disorders, relationship problems, life transitions, sexual dysfunction and LGBTQIA+ issues. In addition to her work at Preferred Care Counseling, Rachel serves as a full-time faculty member in a graduate clinical mental health program.Rachel is available at our Poland, Ohio office.

Jennifer is an independently licensed professional clinical counselor with experience in the treatment of mood disorders, trauma, anxiety, relational problems, substance abuse, medically assisted treatment, disordered eating, outpatient-level eating disorders, self-esteem, poor body image, life transitions, and emotional regulation concerns. Jennifer has specializations in Applied Behavior Analysis and working with early-intervention and school-aged children on the Autism Spectrum, alongside their families for over 12 years. Jennifer is a graduate of the University of Mount Union where she received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology and Family Studies then went on to Youngstown State University, where she earned her Master of Science in Education degree in Counseling. Jennifer utilizes Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness and Dialectical Behavior Therapy in treatment and believes holistic treatment approaches support long-term resolution and healing.  Jennifer is available at our Warren, Ohio office.

Diane Palumbo is an independently licensed social worker with experience in clinical supervision.Diane has her bachelor’s and master’s in social work from Youngstown State University. With over ten years of experience, she’s worked with adolescents and adults, including individual, group and family therapies. The focus of Diane's clinical work involves substance use, severe and persistent mental health, feeding and eating disorders, court directed treatment, medically assisted treatment and the chronically homeless. Diana developed a passion for sports psychology and wellness having played collegiate soccer at YSU.Diane is available at our Poland, Ohio office.

Michelle Piacquadio is a licensed independent social worker and is an expert in treating a variety of mental health issues including grief and loss, trauma, anxiety, depression, codependency, substance abuse and relationship issues, including same sex couples.Michelle’s career path is unique as she started in the U.S. Army in 1973. She served as a medical corpsman and behavioral science specialist. During this time, she earned her college diploma in general studies from Chaminade University of Honolulu in Hawaii. She finished with the U.S. Army in 1981 and went on to receive a master’s degree in health care social work from Virginia Commonwealth University. Michelle also spent time serving with the Virginia National Guard.After 20 years working in private practice, Michelle returned to her military roots and became a U.S. Navy contractor providing therapy as a licensed clinical social worker at Fleet and Family Support Center in Virginia Beach. She also held a position at the Andrews Air Force Base Mental Health Clinic in Maryland where she provided counseling to members from all branches of the military. She trained in prolonged exposure therapy (PE) for the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and various mental health issues.Michelle semi-retired from the U.S. Department of Defense as a civil servant before returning to the Mahoning Valley to where she had grown up. She obtained her independent social work license in Ohio in 2016 and has since been a member of the Preferred Care Counseling team. Michelle takes up a special interest in helping veterans and active military members.Michelle is available at our Warren, Ohio office.

Eric Ritz is a licensed professional clinical counselor.Eric earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Fairmont State College in Fairmont, West Virginia in 1992 and a master’s in community counseling from Youngstown State University. He has more than 15 years of experience working with children, adolescents and families. Eric’s work includes inpatient and outpatient mental health settings as well as mental and behavioral intervention in school systems. He also has extensive experience in the testing and assessment of children and adolescents.Eric is available at our Poland, Ohio office.

Shannon Rozycki is an Independently Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. She received her Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Youngstown State University in 2000.She has over 19 years of experience working in the Mental Health field. She has worked extensively with children and adolescents in a residential facility that focused on treating victims of abuse and trauma.She continues to work with children and adolescents experiencing behavioral issues at home and/or school and adults having difficulty coping with trauma. Shannon employs a variety of therapeutic modalities to include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, Behavior Therapy, and Solution Focused. Shannon approaches therapy with a great deal of caring, compassion and acceptance for the individual and their personal experiences.

Shannon is available at our Warren, Ohio office.

Elida Schiavone is a licensed independent social worker and licensed professional clinical counselor.Elida has a master’s in social work and is licensed as a social worker, counselor and chemical dependency counselor with more than 25 years of experience. She’s worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings with adults and adolescents and has practiced group and family therapy. In addition, she’s helped treat people suffering from drug and alcohol addiction as well as a variety of mental health issues.Elida is available at our Poland, Ohio office.

More Information coming soon.Larry is available at our Poland, Ohio office.

Michelle Tringhese is an independently licensed clinical counselor.Michelle has more than 12 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families in both outpatient and inpatient settings. She’s treated patients with trauma, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder, anxiety, depression, grief, along with relationship issues and providing treatment to people suffering from drug and alcohol abuse.Michelle is available at our Warren and Poland, Ohio offices.

Jessica Wallbrown is an Ohio Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and National Certified Counselor and Licensed School Counselor.She earned a master’s degree in clinical counseling from Ashland Theological Seminary and has more than 15 years of experience across multiple mental health settings including residential homes, correctional facilities, hospitals, community agencies and educational institutions.Jessica has developed therapeutic interventions to assist children, adolescents and adults with practical solutions to every day problems. She is capable and competent in providing clinical care in treating a wide range of mental health issues from depression and anxiety, alcohol and drug to couples counseling and trauma just to name a few.She has had international experience developing mental health and social work services in developing countries as well as provided psychological first aid as a crisis responder.Jessica is available at our <strong>Warren, Ohio office.</strong>

Kimberly Wess is an independently licensed social worker.Having graduated from Youngstown State University, Kimberly earned a bachelor’s in education and master’s in social work. She has experience in treating addiction, depression, anxiety and grief and loss in both inpatient and outpatient settings.Kimberly is available at our Poland, Ohio office.

Heather Whyel is an independently licensed professional clinical counselor and serves as a crisis and sexual trauma intervention counselor for both inpatient and outpatient clients.She specializes in grief and traumatic life events and utilizes a systematic, eclectic approach with a strong grounding in psychodynamic therapy. Heather also has experience treating individuals suffering from depression, bipolar disorder, relationship issues, substance abuse and life transition problems.Heather is available at our Warren, Ohio office.