MEET OUR CLINICAL COUNSELORS
MELISSA AYERS, MA, LPCC-S
Melissa Ayers is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Supervisor. She earned a Master’s of Arts in Clinical Mental Health from The University of Akron and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from The University of Toledo. She has experience working in both inpatient and outpatient settings. She has worked closely with schools conducting consultations, prevention groups, and individual therapy. Melissa has worked with children, adolescents, and adults diagnosed with a variety of diagnoses including adjustment disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, autism spectrum disorder, depression, anxiety, stress, grief, relationship distress, and post-traumatic stress disorder. She has been trained in Parent Management Training. Melissa has a special interest in working with those suffering from eating disorders and low self-esteem. Sees patients ages 5 and up for counseling.
FARNAZ BAIG, M. Ed, LPCC-S
Farnaz Baig, is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor who provides individualized care to adolescents and adults. She treats a broad range of concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, mood and personality disorders, and relationship challenges. Farnaz’s earlier clinical work includes conducting psychiatric intake assessments, court-ordered evaluations, and leading intensive outpatient programs. She also served as the Senior Mental Health Counselor for the Bariatric Program at Metro Health Medical Center, where she performed comprehensive psychological evaluations for surgical candidates, facilitated psychoeducational groups, and supported patients’ emotional and behavioral readiness throughout the surgical process. She utilizes an integrative, evidence-based approach, incorporating CBT, ACT, DBT, mindfulness, interpersonal therapies, solution-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed care. Her collaborative work with multidisciplinary teams has emphasized long-term treatment adherence and holistic wellness. Farnaz is dedicated to providing a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients can feel heard and empowered. She values and enjoys working with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. Sees patients 16
and up.
Farnaz is committed to lifelong learning and is currently completing a Clinical Supervision Training Program and pursuing certification in Health Psychology & Bariatric Science through AABC.
ANGELA COYLE, MA, LPCC-S
Angela Coyle is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Supervisor who works with individuals and couples. Her areas of interest include but are not limited to anxiety, depression, stress, relationship concerns, sexual assault, abuse, trauma, mood disorders, identity development, and life transitions. Angela has worked in community mental health and at a college counseling center, where she gained extensive experience providing counseling to the college student population. Special interests include cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and interpersonal approaches to counseling. Angela is passionate about assisting her clients with exploring and addressing their mental health concerns in a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment. She enjoys working with individuals of all cultural backgrounds. Sees patients ages 15 and up for counseling.
SHERYL DILALLA, MA. Ed., LPCC
Sheryl is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with a Master’s degree in Community Agency Counseling from Cleveland State University. Sheryl’s previous experience includes working with at-risk children, adolescents, and families. She has worked with individuals experiencing trauma, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, impulse control, grief & loss, oppositional behaviors, parenting concerns, relationship, communication and adjustment issues. Sheryl’s main approach to counseling is through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with a strength-based approach. She also incorporates interventions through her training in trauma-informed care, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Short-Term Solution Focused Therapy, Mindfulness, Restorative Practice, and Life Space Crisis Intervention and expressive arts. Sees patients 6 years and older.
STEPHANIE KNEZEVIC, M.A., LPC
Stephanie is a practicing Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master’s degree in clinical
mental health counseling from The University of Akron. She has experience supporting individuals across the lifespan who are navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, and eating disorders. She is passionate about helping clients move through challenges with greater clarity, confidence, and a stronger sense of self. She takes a holistic, strengths-based, and trauma-informed approach, recognizing that each person’s experiences, environment, and story matter. Stephanie values collaboration and works closely with each client to create a personalized and meaningful therapeutic experience. Her goal is to foster resilience, empower clients, and support lasting, sustainable growth. Stephanie utilizes various modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy. Through these approaches, she helps clients build effective coping strategies, increase self-awareness, and move toward a life aligned with their values. Sees patients 7 and up.
ROBERT LAPP, M.ED., LPCC
Robert Lapp is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. He is licensed in the State of Ohio and credentialed by the Ohio State Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. Bob’s previous experience includes working with at risk adolescents and families, as well as providing support and in-home counseling to assist with creating a stable home environment. He has experience working with a myriad of disorders including anxiety, depression, grief/loss, parenting concerns, adolescent “acting out” disorders, and trauma. Bob has been educated in behavioral and cognitive behavioral approaches, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral approaches, and Life Space Intervention. (LSCI) Bob is a proponent of utilizing a Mindfulness approach with a strong focus on self-care, and he has additional training in EMDR, an effective treatment therapy for post-traumatic stress and other trauma-related disorders. Sees patients 6 years and up.
REBECCA LESTER-BLACK, LPCC, LSW
Rebecca Lester-Black is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Licensed Social Worker. Her areas of expertise include trauma work, complicated grief/bereavement, end-of-life issues, parenting concerns, adolescent behavioral disorders, cognitive behavioral therapy for depression, anxiety, and other anxiety-related issues. Becky works with teens and adults, providing a safe and non-judgmental presence. She has been walking alongside people and helping them since 1992 when she first became licensed as a Social Worker. She received her Master’s Degree in Counseling from the University of Toledo in 2001 and has worked at several community mental health agencies in Northwest Ohio, as well as Hospice of Northwest Ohio for 10 years. Becky also established her own private practice in the Toledo area over two years ago. She belongs to the American Association of Christian Counselors and recognizes the importance of incorporating faith beliefs into counseling for those who desire to do so. Sees patients ages 14 and up.
CYNTHIA MARCO-SCANLON, PH.D., LPCC-S
Dr. Scanlon is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Supervisor. She holds a doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision, and a master’s degree in Counseling. She has been a counselor and administrator at John Carroll University, while supervising many masters and doctoral students through their clinical internships. Dr. Scanlon is an adjunct instructor at the NEOMED School in Rootstown and has also taught at YSU and JCU in the graduate counseling programs. Dr. Scanlon’s interests include working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, self-esteem issues, as well as grief and loss issues. Special interests also include challenges associated with life and career transitions including balancing family and work life, adjustment disorders, relationship issues, geriatric challenges, workplace concerns, academic/major selection, and career selection and satisfaction. Through mindfulness, life design, narrative therapy and cognitive behavioral interventions, Cynthia works collaboratively with clients to reach their goals. Sees patients ages 18 and up for counseling.
JUDITH MARINICH, M.ED., LPCC-S, LICDC-CS, LSW
Judith Marinich is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Supervisor a Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor Clinical Supervisor and a Licensed Social Worker. She is the clinical supervisor at Catholic Charities, Matt Talbot for Women. Ms. Marinich has experience as a mental health therapist, couples and family therapist, and also in chemical dependency and art therapy. Special interests include art therapy and mindfulness practices in psychotherapy. She is currently a clinical supervisor, primary counselor and art therapist. As a therapist utilizing group and individual treatment modalities, her strengths include knowledge base and experience with a variety of populations in various settings. Sees patients ages 15 and up for counseling.
PENNY S. MORGAN, MA, LPCC-S
Penny Morgan is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Supervisor who works with children, adolescents, adults, and families. Her areas of interests include but are not limited to ADHD, behavioral issues, depression and anxiety, stress management, trauma (abuse, domestic violence, life changes), mood disorders, and relationship and family issues. Penny has worked in community mental health and school-based counseling for 27 years and has experience and training working with children/adolescents and families. She has had extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. Penny is passionate about the health and wellness of individuals and incorporates mindfulness, nutrition, and exercise as part of her approach to overall wellness. She is committed to assisting her clients with their mental health concerns in a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment. Penny enjoys working with individuals of all cultural backgrounds. Sees patients ages 5 and up for counseling.
EMMA SLAVIK M.S., LPC
Emma is a practicing Licensed Professional Counselor with a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University. She has experience working with adolescents and families. She has provided individual and family counseling in outpatient, community, and school-based settings. She has also provided group counseling for adolescents in a local women’s shelter. She has worked with individuals experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, ODD, PTSD, grief, and complicated family dynamics. In counseling, she likes to use a multimodal approach, integrating various types of therapies and techniques to fit the unique needs of each person she works with. She often utilizes person-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy. Her primary objective is to create a safe and supportive environment where clients feel comfortable expressing themselves freely and without judgment. Emma’s approach is centered on fostering a therapeutic space that encourages growth, self-discovery, and resilience. She sees patients ages 7 and up.
JACQUELINE STURBAUM, LPCC, LMT
Jacqueline is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Licensed Massage Therapist with a background in stress reduction techniques including yoga and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). Her approach to counseling is practical and skills based with an emphasis on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and stress management. Jacqueline enjoys meeting diverse clients and working collaboratively to bring balance to their lives. She has experience helping people learn conflict management and overcoming symptoms of depression, anxiety, and phobias. Her most recent area of training is in the Gottman Method of couples counseling. She sees patients 18 and up.
REGAN E. SUETTA, MA, LPCC
Regan E. Suetta is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and currently has experience counseling children of all ages, as well as emerging adults, that come from all different walks of life. Regan also has experience working for the Boys & Girls Club of Lorain County, offering counseling to the children who attend their programs. She has a special interest in working with populations who express concerns of experiencing anxiety, depression, stress related to work or school, career changes or transitioning, family and relationship conflict. She also works with those experiencing self-harm, suicidal thoughts, as well as those exploring spirituality. She additionally has an interest in assisting LGBTQ individuals with the process of self-acceptance and gaining further support from friends, family, and the community. Sees patients ages 4 and up for counseling.
NATALIE SULLINGER, M.ED., LPC
Natalie is a practicing Licensed Professional Counselor with a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Cleveland State University. She has experience working with adults in a college campus setting, providing individual counseling and connecting students with community resources when needed. Natalie also has experience working with adults in a group therapy setting as well. She has worked with individuals experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, ADHD, and stress from managing life changing events, relationship issues, and career decisions. In counseling, she likes to use cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, emotion focused therapy, and person-centered therapy. Natalie aims to create a safe and non-judgmental space where each client can openly express themselves and be supported in working toward their goals and building on their strengths. Sees patients 18 and up.
ALEXANDRA WEISKITTEL, MA.ED., LPCC
Alex is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor who earned a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The University of Akron. Alex specializes in supporting adolescent, young adult, and adult women as they navigate life’s challenges and transitions. Alex has experience working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, and trauma, and focuses on creating a supportive, judgment-free space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered. Therapy with Alex is collaborative and tailored to each individual’s unique needs, integrating a variety of evidence-based approaches. Using a person-centered and strengths-based approach, Alex helps clients build confidence, develop healthy coping strategies, and move toward personal growth while working toward meaningful goals. Sees patients ages 12 and up.