Stephen A. Luther: MSEd, MEd, LPC

“Executive Director and Founder”

Licensed Professional Counselor

Therapeutic Parent Coach – TBCP Program

Certified Splankna Trauma Therapist and Trainer

After receiving a master's degree in Education and working with troubled youth for several years, Steve returned to school and completed a master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Duquesne University.  Stephen is a licensed professional counselor in the state of Pennsylvania.  Since 1997 he has been helping children, adolescents and adults suffering with many different issues.  Steve works through various treatment modalities including Attachment Based Therapy and Splankna (mind, body trauma therapy).  He specializes in working with hurting families including those who have foster, adopted or traumatized children. 

Steve is the founder and director of our Trauma Based Christian Parenting program.  As an expert in Attachment Therapy and parenting, he has put together this Christ-Centered program to help families who are stuck in the same old failed patterns and helps them to not just survive anymore, but to THRIVE as a family.  

Steve is available to see clients in North Huntingdon on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. He also does online and phone therapeutic parent coaching and consultation.  He accepts most major insurance plans.  Call the office for confirmation of coverage.


Louise Meleshenko: MSW, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Clinical Director

EMDR Trained

Certified Sex Addiction Counselor

Louise is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years experience in providing therapy to adults and late adolescents in the community and private sector. She has provided treatment to individuals experiencing challenges with mental health disorders, addictions, abuse and relationship issues. She seeks to provide evidenced based treatment that is supported by the truth of the scriptures. She has been actively involved in various ministries throughout the years in her church from young children to adults. As a new empty nester, Louise and her husband have raised two daughters.

Louise is available at the North Huntingdon office and online Monday through Friday.


Aki Jamal Durham: MA

Relationship Coach

Certified Prepare/Enrich Facilitator

Business and Ministry Consultant

Counselor

Director of Creativity

Aki is a relationship coach and counselor with 15+ years of experience providing individuals, married couples and those preparing for marriage with insights that focus on couple’s strength assessments, communication, conflict resolution, finances, family of origin examinations, and intimacy.  He received his Master of Arts degree in human services counseling with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy from Liberty University and relies heavily in biblical truths to support the practical and clinical guidance he offers his clients.

Married for 19 years, Aki and his wife are the proud parents of two beautiful children.  He and his wife are ordained deacons at his local church where he has led numerous Marriage Mentoring and Marriage Enrichment groups.  Aki has played a role in creating Christ-Like Maleness education and programming there as well.  Revealing God’s purpose for marriage and His desire for Godly men to head Christian households are his primary passions.

Aki is also a published author with more than 18 years of experience in the managing, brokering, and coaching of relationships for corporations in the experiential marketing, beverage, real estate, and finance industries.  His book, The Spider Web Philosophy:  Catch Your Dreams, opens the mind of the reader to the direct correlation between the quality of our relationships and our quality of life and provides strategies to greatly improve both.  The theme of the book is also a model for our THRIVE coaching program created by our founder, Steve Luther.  Aki was previously the co-host and co-producer of Called to THRIVE Radio, which aired locally on WPIT, 730 AM and 96.5 FM, on Saturday mornings at 8:30. He has also been a consistent contributor to several Christian magazines, lifestyle blogs, and nationally syndicated radio programs as faith-based marriage and relationship expert.

You can meet with Aki online or via phone for counseling, coaching, and consultation services. 


Jason Batten: MS, MBA, LPC

Practice Director

Licensed Professional Counselor

Jason is a highly accomplished clinical mental health counselor with over a decade of experience. He specializes in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Believing strongly in holistic wellness, he carefully integrates evidence-based treatments with Christian faith and spirituality. Jason's career spans roles from mental health counselor to regional clinical director, and most recently as a consultant to behavioral health organizations and investors. His recent consultancy work focused on developing and managing treatment centers nationwide.

He has a Masters degree in Professional Counseling and an MBA in Health Care Management from Liberty University. With a passion for higher education, he has also contributed to the addiction counseling field as an adjunct faculty member at Grand Canyon University.

Jason has published numerous articles in national magazines, including with the National Organization for Human Services.

Jason is licensed as a counselor in multiple states, including Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Oklahoma, and California.  Jason sees clients from the Irwin and Uniontown offices, and provides both in-person and online counseling


Amy Juarez: MSW, LSW

Counselor

Amy is a graduate of Penn State University with Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Human Development and Family Studies. She went on to earn her Master’s degree in Social Work from Edinboro University.  

Amy began her career, and spent over a decade, working with troubled youth in residential treatment centers in California and Pennsylvania. She spent time in various capacities from activities coordinator, to program manager, administrator, house parent and counselor.  After choosing to spend several years as a stay-at-home mom, Amy returned to work as a counselor in 2019 and is now pursuing her license as a clinical social worker in the state of Pennsylvania.  

Amy uses a client centered approach and seeks to integrate evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral, Dialectical Behavioral, Solution Focused, and Narrative therapies, with faith and the truth of scripture. Amy’s experience is in working with clients navigating anxiety, depression, grief, trauma and life transitions.  

Amy has 4 children ages 9-21. She enjoys family game nights, listening to podcasts, traveling, hiking and good coffee.


Jonathan Held: L.C.S.W.

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Counselor

Jonathan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker from the state of Pennsylvania specializing in Structural Family Therapy.  He earned his Bachelor’s degree from The University of Pittsburgh, with majors in Psychology and Philosophy.  He completed his Master’s degree in Social Work at California University of Pennsylvania. 
Jonathan has nearly 7 years of experience working
attend Charter Oak Church - Crossroads campus in Greensburg, PA. He serves with the worship team. Jonathan plays the drums and leads worship occasionally at the church. 
Jonathan is currently practicing in our Irwin  location.  He is available throughout the week (and possible Saturdays) in the mornings, afternoons, and some evenings. He is seeing clients in Monroeville on Mondays, Irwin on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Bethel Park on Thursdays, and online sessions on Saturdays.


Adam Morrison: MA, LPC

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Licensed Professional Counselor

Certified Sex Addiction Counselor

Adam attended Geneva College where he majored in Student Ministries and minored in Psychology. During that time, he worked with his churches youth ministry, Powersource. Seeing many difficulties that the youth were facing that could not be addressed with his current training, and feeling a call to work with troubled youth, Adam continued at Geneva College where he received a Master’s degree in Family Counseling. For the past 6 years he has worked with troubled youth in a residential setting, specializing in working with youth with sexually maladaptive behaviors along with their families. Adam was trained in utilizing trauma informed care to be mindful of how experiences may affect the actions of his clients. Adam also has experience in working with youth experiencing ADHD, Conduct Disorder, Anger Management issues, and break downs in family communication.

Adam has also continued as a youth leader with Powersource, where he has gained experience in integrating many of his counseling skills with faith based principles and serving as a resource for his local churches. Adam is currently available for sessions at the Beaver Falls location Monday ans Wednesday, online, Tuesday and Thursday, and in Irwin on Friday.


Rebecca (Becca) Hudock: MA, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Becca is graduate of Waynesburg University with a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health. In addition to working with a variety of clients at Grace Wellness Center, Becca is also the Director of a Men’s Recovery Home Ministry in Belle Vernon, PA. Becca has experience working with court-ordered adults with substance use and mental health disorders. As well as working with those who struggle with anxiety, depression, marital problems, and adjustment disorders.

Becca’s passion for people stems from her belief that every person has value. She partners with clients to find healing from past hurts and security in their identity in Christ. She meets clients wherever they are and supports them in moving forward with their current circumstances. Becca’s counseling style is compassionate, relaxed, and approachable. She utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Reality Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Biblical truth in her counseling sessions. 

Personally, Becca has been married to her husband for six years and is the mother of a toddler. Becca facilitates a Life Recovery group at her church and is involved in her County’s Overdose Taskforce.

Becca is available to see clients in the Uniontown, Irwin, and Belle Vernon locations.


Brianna Belliconish: MS, NCC

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National Certified Counselor

Graduating with a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Advanced Addictions, Brianna has met the requirements to be a Nationally Certified Counselor and is working towards attaining licensure. She has experience in working with a variety of clients, but feels her calling to work specifically with children and families with struggles stemming from mental health or addictions. Brianna’s passion for counseling comes from her belief that every person, young and old, should have a voice. She is the premarital counselor for her home church, and enjoys working with couples (engaged and already married) to help prepare and navigate through conflicts to reach a higher level of awareness and fulfillment within their marriage. She is a certified SYMBIS facilitator, and enjoys her time learning about the couples, families, and children she encounters.

Her counseling style is a mixture of unconditional love, honesty and acceptance. She utilizes Reality Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Psycho-education while empowering clients through Biblical truth.

Brianna is married to her high school sweetheart and volunteers in multiple capacities at her church. She is available for individual and family sessions in the Uniontown office and for online counseling services when appropriate.


Maryann Roberts: Ph.D

Therapist

Educational Consultant

Maryann is a graduate of Clarion University were she earned her B.S. in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Development (1983). Then she went on to earn her M.A. in Guidance counselor Education from the University of South Florida (1985) and a Doctorate in Clinical Christian Counseling from Jacksonville Theological Seminary (2003). Maryann is now working on completing clinical hours for a state license in Pennsylvania. She was formally licensed through the National Christian Counselor Association. She is a Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional, emphasizing nutrition and wellness, as well as a Level 2 Certified Complex Trauma therapist.

Maryann has been in private practice for 20 years and has counseled adults and older teens with issues ranging from marriage/relationship problems, anxiety, and depression to bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and borderline personality disorder.  As a Christian counselor, Maryann believes in the transformative work of Christ through the disciplines of faith. Along with this, clients learn various skills, perspectives, and strategies to successfully overcome and work through difficult life situations and experiences.

Married for more than 35 years, Maryann and her husband have raised two talented daughters who are grown and living their best lives. She is an experienced home-school mom who loves helping other parents with curriculum design and instruction. She also enjoys leading bible study, reading, crocheting, spinning yarn, baking, and gardening. Most of all, she treasures spending time with good friends and a delicious latte.

Maryann is available for individual or couples counseling in our Manor office or online.


Jaclyn Edwards: MA, LPC

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Therapist

Jaclyn Edwards is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 10 years experience since earning her Master’s in Marriage and Family Counseling from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. By providing a safe and non judgmental environment, Jaclyn strives to help clients find forgiveness and grace from their past, solutions and peace in their present, and hope for their future. She recognizes that her own hope and joy stem from her relationship with God, so her faith naturally permeates her therapeutic conversations. Jaclyn enjoys working with couples (married or dating) and individual women navigating a range of issues including anxiety, depression, codependency, relational issues, infertility, pregnancy and postpartum emotional struggles. Jaclyn uses a variety of therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Strength-Based Therapy, Mindfulness, Reality Therapy and Psycho-education. Jaclyn and her husband married in 2009 and together they have three children. She enjoys being outside, game nights, and ice cream with friends.

Jaclyn is available online or by phone for counseling services on Thursday and Friday.


Quentin Hampton: MA, NCC

Therapist

Quentin Hampton is a graduate of George Fox University with his Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling and is a Nationally Certified Counselor.

Quentin worked as an EMT for 5 years before becoming a therapist, gaining a unique perspective on mental health, PTSD, and first responder issues. 

Quentin utilizes Cognitive-Behavioral, Reality, and Solution-Focused therapy in sessions. When seeing individuals, he focuses on depression/anxiety, spiritual issues, men’s issues, sexual addiction, and first responder trauma. When seeing couples, he utilizes exercises to increase communication and understanding in the relationship. In all sessions Quentin believes in the healing power of grace, forgiveness, and seeking God’s best for our lives.

Quentin is available in Bethel Park on Mondays and Wednesdays, as well as in Irwin on Tuesdays and Thursdays.


Maria Clark: MEd.

Therapist

Maria has been working with children, adolescents, and families for 26 years. Maria earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pa. She then received her master’s degree in Counselor Education from Penn State University, Greater Allegheny Campus in McKeesport, Pa.  She is currently pursuing a license to be a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania.

Maria began her career providing in home counseling to children and adolescents and their families, who were at risk of out of home placement for four years in a Wraparound service program in Westmoreland County.  She then continued working with children and adolescents, who were at risk of out of home placement, and their families for 13 years in a Family Based Mental Health program. During this time, Maria was trained in Structural Family Therapy.  She served in different positions including in home therapist, senior clinician, and clinical supervisor.  

For the past nine years, Maria has worked in a variety of school settings including private and public schools, an alternative education program, and emotional support and therapeutic classrooms. She provided individual and group counseling to children and adolescents in the school setting, supported school personnel with the emotional and mental health needs of their students through psychoeducation and coaching, and served as a supervisor in School Based Mental Health and Outpatient Services. For the past one and a half years, Maria has also worked with adults providing individual counseling in an outpatient clinic.  

Maria uses an eclectic approach to counseling including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Narrative Therapy, and incorporates strength based, mindfulness, and expressive arts interventions from a trauma-informed approach to help individuals overcome their personal struggles. Maria has a passion for emotional and mental health, believes everyone has a purpose, and is avid about supporting individuals to improve their lives through increased awareness and understanding of self.

Maria is available in the Irwin office Monday through Friday for individual and family counseling with children, adolescents, and adults.


Gregg Newmaster: NCC, MA, MAT

Therapist

Gregg is a graduate of Duquesne University with a Bachelor’s Degree in theology, where he had the life changing experience to study abroad in Rome, Italy. Upon his return to the U.S., Gregg decided to take a chance and follow his dreams where he moved to Los Angeles, CA, to pursue a career in acting and music. A life changing experience, lead Gregg to pursue a career in ministry where he attended Fuller Theological Seminary and earned a Master’s Degree in Theology.

After working in various Catholic and Protestant churches, Gregg felt called to work as a psychotherapist. In 2022, Gregg graduated from Geneva College with a Master’s Degree in counseling, specializing in Marriage, Family, and Couple counseling. Gregg has a trauma and family centered approach to his therapeutic style, though at his core he is eclectic and person-centered when it comes to working with his clients. He is willing to use whatever approach is necessary (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Bowenian Therapy, etc.) as long it benefits the client and leads to their healing. Lastly, Gregg likes to use humor and have fun (when appropriate) while building a rapport with his clients.

On a final note, Gregg is huge geek who loves all things movies, comic books, music, martial arts, and theology. He is a Pittsburgh “yinzer” at heart who loves this town, culture, and sports team! But his favorite hobby is working with his wife as a photographer and traveling with her to different countries around the world.


Kristen Ashton: MA

Therapist

Kristen enjoys working with individual adults, couples, and families facing a wide variety of challenges. She earned her bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Penn State University and her master’s degree in counseling from Messiah University, with a specialization in marriage, couple, and family counseling. Kristen utilizes an integrative approach of empirically supported counseling techniques and Biblical truths but also focuses on making sure each person feels seen, heard, and empowered in the midst of their struggles. She utilizes counseling theories such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Family Systems Theory. She has a passion for helping clients work through anxiety, depression, relational difficulties, life transitions, spirituality, and identity development. Kristen welcomes the opportunity to walk alongside you in your journey of growth and healing.

Kristen's past work experiences include working in college campus ministry, in long-term care for older adults, and at a college campus counseling center, as well as volunteering in various capacities at her church.


Michael Grabowski: MA, LPC

Therapist

Michael Grabowski is a Licensed Professional Counselor with more than 6 years of experience treating adolescents and adults. After earning his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Geneva College, Michael has gained experience working with clients from a variety of backgrounds both in-home and in private practice. Michael works with adolescents and adults struggling with depression, anxiety, panic disorders, social anxiety, anger and stress management, ADHD, and grief and loss.  His approach to counseling is Person-centered with use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing and Solution-Focused Therapy. 

Michael has deep respect for the personal, unique life experiences and stories each client brings to counseling. He places a strong emphasis on building a connection so that clients can feel comfortable with the process of creating change.  Michael's goal is to create a warm, inviting and non-judgmental experience. He looks forward to building a relationship with his clients to foster the change they seek. 


Lydia Lanigan: MA, MEd

Therapist

Lydia has been working as a counselor and advocate for students within schools her whole career. Trained as a school counselor at IUP, God sent her to the fields of northwest Indiana, where she served as the sole middle school counselor for a caseload of 400 students. During that time, Lydia became a member of a charismatic Pentecostal church and a volunteer with their youth ministry, which eventually incited a desire to pursue a second Master's degree in Child, Youth, & Family Ministry at Indiana Wesleyan University. As the middle school counselor, she coordinated 504 & ESL plans for students and taught each grade a course in emotion regulation, social skills, and career exploration (6-8).  

Professionally, Lydia created and implemented a summer counseling program for at-risk students, then wrote and managed a grant to develop a comprehensive school counseling model for her district and championed an overhaul of the district's suicide prevention policy. Lydia became trained in safeTALK and ASIST and as a certified safeTALK trainer. Lydia created professional development workshops to help teachers better understand and connect with students, especially those who are neurodiverse, have experienced trauma, or whose disabilities impact them in the classroom. Through God's grace, she served students, families, and fellow educators through several traumatic losses in the community.

After seven years in Indiana, Lydia returned to Pittsburgh. She obtained the posting of Director of Counseling at Bishop Canevin High School to have the ability to incorporate faith in her counseling sessions. There, she expanded her professional development and advocacy to include teaching culturally responsive teaching in the classroom and anti-racism in preparation for an influx of students of color to a historically PWI. Under the leadership of Dr. Nathan Sessoms, Lydia served as a faculty member on the nascent Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Anti-Racism (DEIA) Committee and advisor to the student-led Black Leadership Advisory Committee (BLAC). Lydia joined Macedonia Church of Pittsburgh, where she currently serves as a leader in Teen Ministry.

Lydia plans to work with adolescents and young adults. She intends to remain available to consult with schools, families, and communities to become more anti-racist and responsive to mental health. Lydia's theoretical approach is creative, authentic, & trauma-informed, and person-centered. Lydia is married to her husband, Daniel, who has three children aged 9-13. She enjoys art (watercolor, acrylics, resin, polymer clay, & graphic design). She and Daniel have five cats and a dwarf rabbit and enjoy traveling and hiking.


Adrienne Crist: MA

Therapist

Adrienne Crist attended Clarion University of Pennsylvania (now Penn West Clarion) and received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and in Art. Adrienne continued her education at Seton Hill University and received a Master of Art in Art Therapy with Specialization in Counseling. She is working towards becoming a Board-Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC) and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) for the state of Pennsylvania.

Adrienne believes in the power of art to provide insight and recovery for individuals. She incorporates a variety of art processes in therapy as a form of communication and as a way to enact change in clients. Adrienne incorporates a Person-Centered approach by focusing on meeting the client where they are at, including all aspects of the client’s life in order to provide a safe and productive environment. Adrienne enjoys, but is not limited to, working with children and older adults, and those with spiritual needs.

In her spare time, Adrienne enjoys making art, kayaking, reading and spending time with family and friends. Adrienne also is a huge animal and nature lover, and loves horseback riding.

Adrienne is available in the Irwin and Penn Hills offices.


Alexis Rosendo: M.A., M.A., M.S.

Therapist

Alexis has a Master’s of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Master’s of Arts in Pastoral Counseling, both from Regent University. Her professional interests lie at the intersection of mental health wellness, ministry, and non-profit work, and she is most zealous about increasing the accessibility of mental health services for those who need it most. 

Alexis is a member of the American Counseling Association (ACA) and American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) professional organizations. She has experience in both the clinical and church-based environment working with children, teens, college students, adults, retirees/senior citizens, couples and families over the span of mental health concerns including but not limited to clinical symptoms, relational distress, faith exploration, emotional disturbance and behavioral adjustment.

Before beginning a career in professional counseling, Alexis earned a Master’s of Science in Non-profit Administration from Louisiana State University and was active in ministry and non-profit work. While living in New Orleans, LA, Alexis founded an after-school mentoring program for girls and served for 10 years in her local church; four of those years she served as a licensed minister. It was within this role that Alexis began a love for examining how the mental and emotional condition both reflects and influences one’s life journey. She is continually seeking new ways to combine her love for mental health counseling with her passions for ministry, leadership, and community-based efforts. 

Learn More about Alexis


Steph McCarthy: MA

Therapist

Steph is a recent graduate from Geneva College with a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling. Steph is a wife, and mother to two sons who are 8 and 5. Steph is also very passionate about her Samoyed dog. He was truly her firstborn "fur" son who is now 10 years old. She is truly a "boy mom." Steph has a unique background with a previous career as a cosmetologist for the past 20 years with a focus on holistic and non-toxic professional hair services. It is this career that developed her passion for helping others and engaging with individuals on a one-on-one basis. Steph has so much compassion for women who are trying to manage and "do it all." Steph would love to help women with stress management and to be a support person for expecting and new mothers. For anyone, stress can lead to chronic illness. Steph appreciates holistic and integrative practices, as well as inviting faith-based approaches into therapeutic relationships. Steph believes in the wellness model of taking care of the mind, body, and soul. 

Steph has personally received healing and transformation from a faith-based mind-body protocol called Splankna, which also incorporates some EMDR and tapping techniques to help the physical body release stored emotions under God's provision. These stored emotions can come from major and everyday traumas and over time can lead to psychosomatic symptoms and physical illness.   It is her current goal to become certified and off Splankna sessions to her future clients.

Steph recently worked as a Behavior Support Specialist under the framework of person-driven approaches and non-violent communication pieces of training from Marshall Rosenberg. Steph has learned so much in a very short time and is thankful for this experience working with the Adult IDD population.  The most important takeaway from this position is that "all behavior is a form of communication." When the behavior becomes louder and more problematic, most human beings are expressing feelings of unmet needs. Empathy and connection are what most people are asking for.

Can also work with:

Anxiety/Depression
Eating Disorders
Exposures
Postpartum/Fertility
DBT
Insomnia (and other Sleep/Wake Disorders)
ADD/ADHD
Chronic Pain
Faith-Based


David Balbach: MA, MA, LPC

Therapist

Dave Balbach is a graduate of Cincinnati Christian University with his Master of Arts in Counseling and Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling.

Dave boasts a wealth of experience gained from thriving in both private practice and community mental health settings. This diverse background has equipped him with a deep understanding of individuals from various backgrounds, reflecting a rich history of providing support across a broad spectrum while specializing in addiction counseling, attachment work, and family relationships. Driven by a genuine desire to assist those in need, Dave brings a compassionate heart to his work.

Dave employs a Faith-Based approach, seamlessly integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Psychoeducation into his sessions. This holistic approach addresses the mind, body, and spirit, providing a comprehensive framework for healing and growth. As a foster and adoptive parent as well as a seasoned therapist, Dave has also worked with unique attachment and bonding issues.

An active church member and former full-time pastor, Dave brings a deep understanding of faith and spirituality into his counseling sessions. His commitment to incorporating Biblical principles enhances the therapeutic experience, fostering a sense of purpose and connection.

Areas of expertise include: substance abuse and addiction, dual diagnosis, depression, anxiety, trauma, anger management, marriage and family counseling, grief and loss, attachment/bonding, and premarital counseling.

Dave and his wife are the proud parents of six children and one rambunctious pup. They enjoy playing games, traveling, and spending time with extended family.

Dave is available in Franklin Park/Sewickley or online on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays including day and evening hours. I look forward to working with you!


Cathy Downs: MS, RN, LMFT

Therapist

Cathy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Clinical Psychiatric R.N. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Public Health, and Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Loma Linda University.

Cathy began her career as an R.N., working in pediatrics and oncology. During this time she volunteered as a nurse in India for six months with Conservative Baptist Foreign Mission Society, serving in a leprosy colony. While she found this profession rewarding, she soon realized the satisfaction came more from the interactions she had with her patients and their families than from the clinical tasks that took much of her time. Whether witnessing the anxiety and fear expressed by parents over their child’s condition, or the darkness and loneliness cancer patients often felt, she found opportunities to speak of God’s love and the peace one can have in Christ. However, it became apparent that the Lord was leading her in another direction that would allow her to work with patients on a deeper level. Cathy then obtained her graduate degree in counseling. Since then, she has spent much of her professional career working in inpatient mental health, counseling clients from adolescence through the senior years with a full range of diagnoses and issues, including depression, anxiety, grief and loss, chronic illness, addictions, and perinatal mood disorders, including postpartum depression. During these years, she held various positions for different periods, including Regional Manager with hospice, Supervisor for a teen counseling program, and a leader of cancer and addiction recovery groups. Cathy obtained certifications as a chaplain and a grief support specialist. She also received training in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and plans on becoming nationally certified.

As a Christian therapist, Cathy sees every person as a precious creation of God and of great worth. It is for this reason that, in addition to teaching healthy coping strategies, she emphasizes instilling joy and optimism by giving evidence of God’s character, relying on His unchanging Word, and realizing that, ultimately, He is the anchor that will sustain them. This is much different from the view the world gives them. She’s particularly fond of Romans 15:13, which states “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” She shares with them the real reason they were created, how God sees them, and how they can realign their thoughts and interpretations to find joy in life and greater hope for the future. She stresses the importance of a healthy mind, body, and spirit so they can develop their God-given potential.

Her counseling methods include holistic, interpersonal, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment (ACT), Strength-Based, Solution-Focused, Culturally Sensitive, and Multicultural.

Cathy and her husband have a son who’s quite gifted, especially in the areas of teaching and languages. In fact, he’s a great homeschooling example! Cathy enjoys hiking, traveling both in the U.S. and abroad (adventurous excursions and mission trips, especially), engaging with people from foreign cultures and enjoying their cuisine, reading, politics, and experimenting with vegetarian and vegan recipes. She’s always learning!

Cathy is Licensed in the State of California and is available for online counseling for anyone in CA.


Bekah McCrorey

Counseling Intern

Bekah is a student intern pursuing her master’s degree in counseling (MAC) at Dallas Theological Seminary. Her love for God and people has given her a strong sense of purpose and mission. She has a BA in Christian ministry and was engaged in full-time ministry for over 12 years nationally and internationally. In 2020, she was compelled to go back to school to become a licensed professional counselor and serve by walking alongside others through their mental, emotional, relational, and spiritual health journey. She is passionate about seeing people of all ages experience peace, healing, freedom, and wholeness. In her free time, she enjoys family, friends, music, podcasts, traveling, photography, puns, and a good cup of tea.