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.
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.
KELSEY A. JAGER, PH.D., LPCC-S
Kelsey A. Jager is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with Supervision designation. She earned her Ph.D. in Counseling and Human Development Services from Kent State University in 2019. She has experience at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, and Kent State University’s Counseling and Human Development. In addition to clinical practice, Kelsey has taught undergraduate and graduate level courses at Kent State University and John Carroll University since 2011. She has been published in Teaching in Counselor Education: Engaging Students in Learning (2013) and the Journal of Mental Health Counseling (2016). She has given professional presentations at both the local and state level. Kelsey works with a wide variety of mental and emotional disorders with individuals, couples, and families. She provides services for bipolar, depressive, anxiety, obsessive compulsive, somatic, and impulse-control disorders. Her special interests include chronic disease management and disabilities. Sees individuals 12 and up for counseling.
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.
KACEY SPALLINGER, MA, LPC
Kacey Spallinger is a Licensed Professional Counselor and holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Her goal as a therapist is to help individuals and their support system develop skills and understanding of mental health diagnoses. Kacey’s clinical experience has been formed from working with clients suffering with anxiety, depression, relationship concerns (NO COUPLES), grief, stress, low self esteem, and life transitions. She also utilizes a variety of modalities to facilitate growth including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and rational emotive behavioral therapy (REBT). She believes is using a holistic approach to assist clients in achieving their goals, while creating a safe and supportive environment. Sees patients 15 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.
ALEXANDRA WEISKITTEL, MA.ED., LPCC
Alex is a practicing Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with a Master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from The University of Akron. She has had experiences working across the lifespan, beginning with the early childhood population through adulthood. Alex has worked with individuals experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, impulse-control disorders, behavioral concerns, and trauma. She works to meet the individual needs of each client she sees. In the past, Alex has provided social-emotional lessons in pre-school classrooms, taught parenting education classes, and provided in-home and school-based counseling services. In counseling, she uses various interventions including play-based therapy, expressive art, filial therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Alex uses a strengths-based approach to help clients achieve their goals as they strive to meet their full potential. Sees patients 2 and up.