CLINICIANS
Counseling
Angie DeNicholas – LISW
Angie DeNicholas is a Licensed Independent Social Worker, having received her Master of Social Work from Youngstown State University in 2018. Angie has been the regional coordinator of the Ohio Reading Corps/AmeriCorps, Northeast Ohio Region since 2016. Angie has experience conducting diagnostic assessments and providing individual and group counseling to socio-culturally diverse individuals and families. She is trained in working with clients who have experienced trauma.
Toni Raseta MS,Ed – LPCC, Counselor
Toni Raseta, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, earned her Master’s of Science Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling from Youngstown State University. She earned her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Penn State University. Her career has consisted of work as a domestic violence advocate, child protective case investigator, behavioral health specialist, school counselor, and clinical counselor. Toni's scope of practice in counseling includes working with people of all ages dealing with issues of daily stress, depression, anxiety, ADHD, disruptive mood disorders, body image, self confidence, relationships, social skills, parenting skills, Autism, gender-dysmorphia, LGBTQ+, and trauma. Toni's primary goal is to create a safe and comfortable environment for all of her clients to freely express themselves and guide their own treatment.
Katelyn Fortunato – MA, LPC
Counselor Katie Fortunato is a Licensed Professional Counselor by the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage & Family Therapy Board. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at Kent State University and her Master’s Degree at Walsh University. Katie provides individual, couples, and family counseling. She has a passion for working with children, adolescents, and young adults. She specializes in treating depressive disorders, anxiety-related disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder. Katie utilizes a combination of evidence-based practices and therapeutic modalities to find the right fit for the individual. Katie aspires to help individuals reach their personal goals, helping them to obtain a positive self image and learning new tools to overcome their barriers. She aims to build hope in the individual and help them see that happiness is possible. Katelyn Fortunato LPC is under the direct supervision of Toni DiMargio LPCC-S, E.0002362-SUPR.
Gladys McIntosh-Thomas – LISW-S
Gladys McIntosh-Thomas is a Licensed Independent Social Worker – Supervisor. She received her Bachelor Degree in Social Work from Youngstown State University with a focus on mental health, and later received her Master of Social Science Administration degree from Case Western Reserve University with a dual focus in Health and Mental Health. Gladys’ career began in community mental health as a crisis intake worker. She also worked in the hospital setting on the psychiatric unit providing counseling and case management services to adults with mental illness. While in the hospital setting, she expanded her experience to include counseling to individuals with chronic illnesses in both inpatient and outpatient areas. Gladys has served as a field supervisor for YSU, Case Western Reserve University, and Akron University for Social Work students. Most recent experience has been with the Geriatric Assessment Program involving individuals with memory loss. Her areas of specialization include counseling adults with depression and anxiety related to chronic illness, aging, end of life issues, caregiver stress, domestic violence and grief counseling. Focus is on patient-centered care with the use of various modalities to help the individual achieve wellness and good quality of life.
Julie M. Plesich – MS.Ed., LPC
Julie Plesich is a Licensed Professional Counselor who graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Youngstown State University. Before working in private practice, she began her professional career at Turning Point Counseling Services, which allowed her to work with clients on both an outpatient and inpatient basis, on the Crisis Stabilization Unit, and as a facilitator of group counseling. Julie also worked in Turning Point’s Emergency Department, enabling her to work closely with area hospitals as an emergency pre-screener. She has experience counseling children, adolescents, adults, and couples with a variety of issues including mood disorders, substance abuse, and psychosis. Julie utilizes a solution-focused approach with her clients and incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, psychoeducation, and mindfulness-based practices in order to optimize client progress. Julie Plesich LPC is under the direct supervision of Cody McMillan LPCC-S, E.1800907-SUPR.
Tina Bigowsky – LPCC
Tina Bigowsky is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with over 14 years of experience in counseling children and adults of all ages. She has treated those who have depression, anxiety, mood changes, grief, trauma, difficulty in relationships, poor school performance, low self esteem, and issues unique to women. Feeling happier, improving communication skills, becoming a better parent, setting healthy boundaries and finding ways to deal better with the stressors of everyday life are goals that Tina has helped others to achieve. Tina has a Master’s Degree in Education/Community Counseling. She volunteers her time as a liaison to prospective transplant recipients, supports Relay for Life, and is an advocate for no-kill animal shelters and the ASPCA.
Susan Wardle-Burke – LPCC
Susan Wardle-Burke earned her Bachelors of Arts degree and Master’s in Counseling from Youngstown State University. A Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Susan has been working in private practice since 1997 and has been with Churchill Counseling for 13 years. She has also been an intake (level of care) and diagnostic counselor for both Neil Kennedy Recovery Clinic and Turning Point Counseling. Susan currently works in various area hospitals as a contractor for Turning Point doing emergency prescreens. Her scope of practice is with adolescents and adults. Issues include depression, anxiety, OCD, divorce, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Susan specializes in working with both the families of, and individuals with, borderline personality disorder.
Karen Paradise – LISW
Karen Paradise, Licensed Independent Social Worker, received her Master’s of Social Work from the University of Akron. She earned her undergraduate degree from Youngstown State University where she received her Bachelor’s in Social Work. Karen works closely with children and adolescents as she is employed at a local school district. She also has extensive crisis intervention experience in rape, trauma and mental health illness. Her scope of practice at Churchill Counseling is with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and family counseling. Issues include depression, anxiety, chronic mental illness, self-esteem, behavioral issues, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Kenneth Moore – Psychologist Asst.
Kenneth Moore received his Master’s Degree in Community Counseling from Youngstown State University, currently working as a Psychology Associate. His specialty is working with minority children in the Youngstown area. He has also worked with the Youngstown Board of Education, Boy Scouts of America, Ohio State University, and the City of Youngstown.
Kim Lydic – LPC
Kim Lydic is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 25 years of experience in counseling children, adolescents, and adults. She specializes in treating individuals with depression, anxiety, ADHD, mood disorders, grief, low self esteem, Autism Spectrum Disorder, divorce and custody issues. Kim has worked with numerous attorneys and the court system in dealing with child welfare issues. Kim has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Community Counseling from Youngstown State University. She has been employed at Churchill Counseling for over 25 years. Kim Lydic LPC is under the direct supervision of Rayna Thomae-Starzyk LISw=S, I.1801365-SUPR.
Karen Kiriazis – LISW-S
Karen Kiriazis is a Licensed Independent Social Worker – Supervisor. After graduating from YSU in 1977, she worked as a caseworker in child welfare before returning to school for her Master’s Degree. She attended Ohio State University and completed her Master’s Degree in Social Work in 1987. Karen has worked with dialysis patients and as a social worker in an adult psychiatric unit in a hospital setting. Since 1996, she has been a mental health therapist with Churchill Counseling working with clients of all ages and specializing in mood/anxiety disorders, childhood abuse, and women’s issues. Karen has also provided supervison for social work students completing their internships from YSU and Case Western Reserve University. She has provided professional advisement to a local Depression/Bipolar Support Group and has been on the Alzheimer’s Association Board.
David Jones – LISW-S
David Jones has a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Ohio State University. He is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with a supervisory designation. Practicing in the Youngstown area since 2006, David’s areas of specialization are related to adolescents with behavioral difficulties, adults with anger issues, relationship issues, depression and anxiety. He is also an adjunct professor at Youngstown State University.
Toni DiMargio – LPCC-S
Toni DiMargio is a Licensed Professional Clinicial Counselor – Supervisor. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Youngstown State University in 1988, and graduated from YSU’s Master’s Program in Community Counseling in 1992. Working with clients of all ages for over 20 years, she currently specializes in counseling couples. In 1995, she became the owner and CEO of Churchill Counseling Services. In 2004, Toni received YSU’s Outstanding Alumnus/Counseling award. She has served as a member of YSU’s Beeghly College of Education Professional Education Council, YSU’s College of Education/Counseling Department Advisory Board, and Boardman Rotary. She currently is a volunteer with the Ebony Lifeline Support Group. As a consultant, Toni has worked with businesses and conducts professional education workshops. She is also an adjunct professor at Youngstown State University.
Susan Coonrod – LPCC-S, LICDC-S
Susan Coonrod is an Ohio Supervisor Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Ohio Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor. Treatment interests are cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing. Susan accepts child, teen, and adult clients for individual or family mental health therapy. A former teacher, she received her Master’s Degree in Community Counseling from Youngstown State University.
Cody McMillan – LPCC-S
Cody is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor-Supervisor, having received his Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling - College Counseling from Youngstown State University in 2016. Prior to joining Churchill Counseling Services, Cody held clinical positions at Salisbury University, The Ohio State University, and Kent State University where he gained experience in providing psychoeducational workshops, individual therapy, and group therapy. Cody also has multiple years of experience working as a teacher and coach. He specializes in treating adjustment concerns, anxiety disorders, depression, trauma, family of origin concerns, relationship difficulties, and substance use disorders. He uses Cognitive Behavior Therapy as well as other proven therapeutic approaches to collaborate with clients and create goals that facilitate healing and growth.
Nancy M. Miller – LISW-S
Nancy is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with Supervision Designation. She earned her Bachelor's Degree from Youngstown State University and worked in child welfare for 25 years. While working full time, Nancy obtained her Masters Degree in Social Work from Akron University in 2010. Nancy started working at the Veteran's Health Administration in 2014. She has provided treatment to both children and adults with a wide variety of mental health issues, from anxiety, grief, loss, adoption issues, adjustment disorders to childhood trauma or other trauma leading to PTSD. She also has experience with the LGBTQ community and enjoys working with Veterans and the elderly. She has been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness from the Gestalt Institute in Cleveland. Nancy has been trained in solution-focused therapy or problem-solving therapy along with motivational interviewing. Most of Nancy's experience is in the treatment of trauma with many years of training in trauma informed therapy. Nancy believes in the power of change; and when she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, especially her four 4-legged fur-babies.
Julia Carson – LPC
Julia Carson, MSEd, LPC, graduated from Youngstown State University in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, and a Master of Science in Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2024. Julia is dedicated to offering clients with a safe, non-judgmental space for personal growth. She believes in a collaborative therapeutic approach in which she and her clients work together to implement positive changes that lead to meaningful outcomes. Julia is an EMDR Trained Therapist and is deeply committed to assisting those navigating trauma. While Julia provides services to individuals across all age groups, her expertise lies in catering to the unique needs of children. As a member of Chi Sigma Iota, and international and professional academic honor society for counseling, Julia values community and professional development. In her spare time, Julia enjoys listening to music, traveling, and spending time with friends and family, including her dog Lulu.
Azra Karajic Siwiec – PhD, LPC
Counselor and counselor-educator Dr. Azra is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She received her bachelor's and master's degrees from Youngstown State University, and her PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from the Pennsylvania State University. She has worked in inpatient and outpatient settings and has been a counselor educator since 2008, supervising many counselors in training in her last 16 years. Dr. Azra is a former refugee from Bosnia and Herzegovina and is passionate about cultural issues in treatment, career development, and ethics. Dr. Azra has recently finished working as chair of the Ethics Committee for National Career Development where one of her big achievements was the development of the 2024 NCDA Code of Ethics with her colleagues. Dr. Azra seeks to empower and help clients embrace resilience within them as they develop greater growth in the interpersonal journey to wellness. When she isn't working, Dr. Azra enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking, and, when time allows, traveling.
Grace Irey – CT (Intern)
Grace is currently a graduate student pursuing her Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Cleveland State University. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Akron. Grace has undergone training in the Neurosequential Model for children and adolescents, enriching her work with an understanding of neurodevelopment. Her counseling approach is primarily person-centered, and she integrates principles from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) into her practice. Outside of work, Grace enjoys reading, spending time with her cats, and hiking around Mill Creek Park.
Jennifer Palumbo – LPCC-S
Jennifer Palumbo is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor who earned her Master's Degree in Clinical Counseling from Youngstown State University. Jennifer provides compassionate and expert care for others to set the stage for a bright and successful future. Her scope of practice is working well with children, adolescents, adults and families. Jennifer has a passion to help individuals overcome life's challenges and reach their full potential. She specializes in treating behavioral issues, anxiety, and depression.
Psychiatric
Philip Maiden – MD
Philip Maiden MD provides psychiatric evaluation and medication services. He works part-time at Churchill Counseling while working full-time as the Medical Director at Belmont Pines Hospital. Phil has provided many workshops for the community, sharing his expertise about medications prescribed for children and adolescents. He received his Medical Degree from James Quillen College of Medicine in Tennessee and completed his residency at Cornell University College of Medicine. He is a Diplomate in both General Psychiatry and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.
Linda Caimano – NP-C
Linda Caimano received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree from Penn State University and her Adult Nurse Practitioner Degree from Kent State University. She specializes in pain management and psychiatry. She has worked for several local hospitals as well as consulting at the Cleveland Clinic.
Wanda Cassavettes – DNP, AG-ACNP-BC, ACNS-BC, CCRN, TNCC
Wanda Cassavettes is a Board Certified Advanced Practice Nurse, having received her Doctor of Nurse Practice from Walden University in Minneapolis MN. Her experience includes working in critical care, cardiac and vascular nursing, adult gerontology acute care, and maintains Trauma Nurse Core Certification. Wanda has over 20 years of nursing experience and speaks Spanish. At Churchill Counseling, she provides psychiatric evaluations and medication management services.
Danielle Morrone – RN-BSN, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC
Danielle has a double masters and is board certified in both family practice and mental health. She received her RN, BSN degree at Youngstown State University in 2001. She was a Registered Nurse for 16 years, treating patients in the hospital setting. She worked in Medical-Surgical, Cardiac, Endoscopy, Psychiatry, Newborn Nursery, Mother-Baby, Pediatric, Orthopedic, and Intensive Care Units. In 2017, she completed her master's as a Family Nurse Practitioner at Youngstown State University. At that time, she came to work at Churchill Counseling. Danielle treats children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric clients at both the Liberty and Cornersburg offices. She sees most clients in person for their appointments but does perform telehealth services when necessary. She is able to assess, diagnose, and treat simple to complex mental health disorders. She specializes in the following disorders: ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, PTSD, Panic Disorder, and Schizoaffective Disorder. She also sees clients with SUD and Autism, complimenting medication to their ongoing counseling. In 2023, Danielle completed a post-master's education online at Liberty University and received her Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree.
Psychological
Dennis McArthur – M.S. Psychologist
Dennis McArthur received his Master’s Degree in clinical psychology from Ohio University. He is an Ohio Licensed Psychologist and conducts psychological testing on children and adolescents. He provides various speaking, teaching, and consulting seminars to area organizations and academic institutions. He also owns Town and Country Psychological Services in Salem, Ohio.