Index of Specialties
(Alphabetically)
Biographies
Brena Gibson, PhD, Executive Director
Education
Bachelor's Degree from the University of Florida
Ph.D. from the Medical College of Pennsylvania in Social Sciences
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Annette Sarcinelli, LCSW-C in MD, Clinical Director
Education
MMSW from the University of New England, Biddeford, ME
MA Catholic Theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville, OH.
Clinical Pastoral Education: Presbyterian University Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA & St. Peter's Hospital, Albany, NY.
Licenses & Certificates
Licensed Clinical Social Worker-C Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners
Certified Catholic Chaplain by NACC 1986 to 2005
Associations
NASW in Maryland since 2000
North American Association of Christians in Social Work since 2005.
Association of Christian Therapists since 2000.
National Association of Catholic Chaplains (NACC) 1986 to 2005
Specialties
Adjustment disorders, anxiety, life transitions, depression, adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse, PTSD, dissociative disorders including DID, SRA; spiritual issues, stress management, women's orders, marital, premarital and relationship counseling; communication, codependence issues; bereavement, losses; death/dying; end-of-life decision-making with discussion of advanced directives, health care proxy, and DNR orders.
Philosophy
As a Charismatic Catholic lay woman who had a spiritual encounter with Jesus, I have come to believe that: Humans are made in the image and likeness of God, but sometimes the effects of life's experiences shatter how we see and/or treat ourselves and others. Unmet developmental needs, natural and man-made disasters, accidents, personal trauma, illness, divorce, death, major changes, combat experiences or sin can mask one's true identity in Christ due to wounding of physical, emotional and/or spiritual aspects of life.
My approach to the healing process includes:
1. Use of general counseling methods to help client change thought and behavioral patterns;
2. Use of charismatic gifts, meditation, prayer and scripture for the spiritual healing of deepest wounds which the Lord reveals, and
3. Referral to a medical doctor for medication and/or evaluation of persistent medical problems, if necessary.
Healing occurs on a continuum from spontaneous to very slow. Know that Jesus will bless the fruit of your labor in His time, and that true healing is possible!
Insurance Panels
Aetna, APS, Blue Cross/Blue Shield in MD & DC, Kaiser, Magellan, MAMSI, MD Medicaid, Medicare MHN PHCS, Tricare/Prime, United Health Care, United Behavioral Health Value Options
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Mary Jo Kahler, RN, CS-P, Senior Clinician
Education
Master of Science in Psychiatric Nursing, University of Maryland, School of Nursing
Licenses / Certifications
Registered Nurse, Clinical Specialist - Psychiatric
Specialties
Marital and premarital counseling, male and female sexual abuse, depression, anger, anxiety, codependency, addictions: alcohol, drug, sexual, internet, spending, etc. and eating disorders.
Associations
American Nurses Association
Association of Christian Therapists
Philosophy
I believe God's intent was that we know and feel secure in His love for us. In an imperfect world, we need to know that even more. He mostly relied on others to carry His message. Sometimes, the message didn't get through, because no one gets through childhood without being wounded. We move on, and we grow without healing and without the skills to live abundant lives. I view therapy as a "time out" to allow the gentleness of God's healing to touch us. Therapy is work and can be painful, but that pain "bears the gift" of healing and wholeness. God is the healer, using therapy, prayer, community, and His Word to help us become healthy.
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Valerie Smith
Education
I received my BA from the University of Virginia, and my MSW from University of Maryland, Baltimore in 1998. I counseled at Charles County Mental Health Department for three years, the psychiatric floor at Calvert Memorial Hospital for one year and one year at Potomac Ridge Behavorial Healthcenter before starting my family and going into part-time private therapy with Ephesians.
Licenses / Certifications
LCSW-C in Maryland
LCSW in Virginia
Specialties
My specialties include but are not limited to individual counseling for women with addictions, eating disorders and/or mood disorders, couples, codependency issues, and recovery needs.
Philosophy
I wholeheartedly believe that the quickest way to recovery is to have a three fold system in place: take psychoeducational courses (therapy groups) such as Ephesians offers in Maryland, attend a support group of your choice, and attend individual therapy as needed. With Christ as the Balm of Gilead, He can heal past hurts and memories, correct dysfunctional relationships and instill healthier behaviors for a hopeful future.
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Izola Wineglass-Jones, RN, LCPC
Education
BA, Howard University
ADN, Prince George's College
MA, Oral Roberts University
Licenses / Certifications
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Maryland
Licensed Registered Nurse, Maryland
Specialties
Depression, anxiety, marriage counseling, pre-marital counseling, wives of sex addicts, sexual abuse, fear, parenting teens, who you are in Christ, grief work, including loss of job, career, and dreams, shame and embracing menopause.
Philosophy
Each person is valuable and deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. My goal is to help you to see yourself as God sees you and to help you to grow into an understanding of what He has called you to be and to do. You are important to me. I care.
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Kathleen Foster, M.Ed
Education
Masters, Counseling, Bowie State University
Internship Psychological Assessments, University of Maryland
Specialties
Children / youth depressive disorders, school / childhood issues, grief counseling, families with teen issues, women's issues.
Philosophy
I believe that children, youth, and families dealing with life's issues need encouragement and motivation to move from a discouraged state to a state of productivity and health. When individuals are able to express and identify feelings then receive skills to handle those feelings in appropriate ways, they can feel better about themselves and their environment. I focus on understanding problems and feelings, and how reactions to situations can benefit or hinder an individual. I then teach skills for problem solving and expressing emotions in a more appropriate manner based on biblical principles. We work together on setting goals that can be incorporated into an individual's daily life. I believe the key to healing and health is belief in God's power and strength throughout every stage of the process.
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Pamela Hiller, LCSW-C, Intermediately fluent in Spanish
Education
Master of Social Work, Salem State College, Massachusetts
Currently enrolled in a post-graduate certificate program in Child & Adolescent Assessment & Treatment at Jewish Social Services Agency, Rockville, MD
Certificates
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Maryland
Specialties
I have counseled individuals, families, and groups. I have worked in various areas including physical abuse (children, adolescents, and spouses), depression, anxiety, anger, self-esteem, ADHD, and grief & loss. I counsel children 5 to 12 years old, adolescents, and adults.
Philosophy
God created men and women in His own image; thus, God values us deeply. Likewise, God created our spiritual, psychological, and emotional make-up. Due to Adam and Eve's original sin, men and women now have warped emotions, feelings, and thoughts. Therapy is a tool to feel and express ourselves as God intended. Following the Lord's guidance and relying on the power of the Holy Spirit, my goal is to help others move toward greater health and wholeness.
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Antoinette (Toni) Kelley, LCPC
Education
Masters of Science in Counseling and Human Development
Troy State University of Montgomery, Alabama
Postgraduate Studies in Counseling
Johns Hopkins University, Maryland
Licenses & Certificates
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Maryland
Specialties
Depression, Anger, Anxiety, Addictions, Grief/Loss. Life Transitions, Women and Teen Issues.
Philosophy
We were all created by God to be special. As a result of living in a sinful world, we do not often believe that of ourselves. Therefore, we do not live the lives that God has intended, which results in unhealthy attitudes and behaviors. During counseling, you and I will explore the issues relating to these misconceptions and together with God's wisdom help you choose healthy attitudes and behaviors. I look forward to working with you in this process of growth and healing.
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Sherri McKenna, MSW, LGSW, CSAT
Education
Bachelor of Science in Psychology University of Maryland University College
Master of Social Work, University of Maryland
Licenses & Certificates
Licensed Graduate Social Worker, University of Maryland School of Social Work
Certified Sex Addictions Therapist, Meadows Institute for Trauma and Addictive Disorders
Specialties
Depression, Anxiety, Co-dependency, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Addictions, Grief and Loss, Mood Disorders, Boundaries; Individual and Group Work.
Philosophy
God created man and woman in His Image to live a happy, fulfilled life celebrating His Glory. With His wisdom and grace, therapists can co-partner with God and the client seeking help in attitudes, beliefs, behaviors and values to bring about a more fulfilled life.
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Molia Sieh, SNJM, LCSWC
Education
Master of Art in Pastoral Ministry, Trinity College, Washington, D.C.
Master of Social Work, The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C.
Licenses & Certificates
Licensed Certified Clinical Social Worker, State of Maryland
Certificate for GroupWork and GroupCounseling,
Psychiatric Institute Foundation, Washington, DC
Associations
National Association of Social Workers
Specialties
Adjustment disorder, anger, anxiety, bereavement, depression, end of life issues, forgiveness, relationship problems, woman and spiritual issues.
Philosophy
I believe in God's love. We are created to love and be loved. Many times we do not love and cannot feel loved because our experiences condition us to fear and doubt, or feel shame and mistrust. Therefore, we perceive self and others not in a favorable light for communication and /or relationship.
Pain, losses, disappointments, disillusions, hurtful relationships and mental anguish are barriers for us to trust our own ability to forgive ourselves as well as others.
As a counselor, I believe the individual(s) can discover a new self & experience healing through counseling by trusting that the resources for healing is within oneself. With hard work, patience and trust in God's powerful grace, those barriers are opportunities for healing and freedom to become the person whom God has created and loves deeply.
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Carol Binta Nadeem, CCDC
Education
I am enrolled in the Counseling Psychology Program at Bowie State University and am clinically supervised by a Licensed Professional Counselor at Ephesians.
I received my training for certification through the Office of Education and Training for Addiction Services (OETAS) of the Maryland Alcohol and Drug Abuse Administration.
Certification
Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor,
Maryland Addictions Professional Certification Board
Specialties
Addictions Counseling, 12 Step Recovery, Sexual Orientation Assessment
Experience
I have 5 years experience in addictions counseling, 19 years as an emergency assistance case manager and 23 years experience in 12 Step Recovery.
Philosophy
The passionate love of Christ reaches beyond physical and sexual boundaries and penetrates the heart of God's own.
Come and exchange addiction for attention and self care. Explore sexual attraction as it was delicately formed in the early stages of personality development and realize that whatever your attraction... God loves you right where you are. First and foremost is the realization that God always loves you, you were created in the image of God and your physical well being and sexual identity is in part, the image of God that you are reflecting right now. You are a spiritual being having a material experience. God loves you just the way you are and such is the love of God, through the passion of Christ the person, your desire for positive change is a matter of "...faith...the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen." (Hebrews 11:11)
I am available to assist persons struggling with same-sex attraction and/or drug addiction (including recovery from the affects of family member substance abuse). Truly your life's journey is a road to knowing your self better each day. Your spiritual journey is the path to knowing the passionate love of Christ and your true God self which fulfills all the desires of your body, mind and heart.
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Jewell Elizabeth Golden, LCSW-C, LICSW, BCD
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Registered Clinical Social Work Supervisor, MD
Education
M.A. in Spanish, University of Illinois
M.S.W. in Mental Health, Catholic University
Licenses/Certification
LCSW-C Maryland
LICSW District of Columbia
Certified Transactional Analysis, Clinical Member
Secondary School Teachers License, Maryland
Level II-Guided Imagery and Music
Specialties
Long term marriages; marriage and couple counseling; relationships; depression; grief and loss; life cycle issues; women in transition; domestic violence, stress reduction through imagery and centering; geriatrics-the elderly and their families.
Philosophy
Each person has the right, responsibility, and potential capacity to make their own decisions and take charge of their own life. When this is done within the framework of, "Thy Will, Not Mine Be Done." there is the chance for the healing of memories and present relationships. Allowing for the space to hear, "Be Still and Know that I Am God," will enrich your life and impact those around you. As a Clinical Social Worker, I use Cognitive - Behavioral Therapy and Psychosocial tools to support you in reaching your goals and changing your behaviors. I work Individually, and with Couples, and also in Groups.
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Maureen Kershaw, LCPC
Education
Hunter College, B.A., Political Science
Montclair State University, M.A., Counseling
Licenses
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Maryland
Licensed Professional Counselor, New Jersey
National Certified Counselor, National Board of Certified Counselors
Specialties
Depression, Anxiety, Substance Abuse, Pregnancy Loss, Grief Counseling, Domestic Violence Counseling, Career Counseling, Pre-marital Counseling.
Philosophy
We are each created individually by a loving God who desires that we return to Him when our time on earth is finished. There are many reasons we don't experience the love of God, which is constantly showered on us. Often we are using an umbrella and we don't even know it. We protect ourselves from this love, and we wander through life alone and without it. It is at the time of crisis when we are likely to call on God for help. I would be honored to assist you at this time.
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Kristin Discepolo
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Music Therapy from Montclair State University
Master of Science in Music Therapy from Radford University
Certificate of Advanced Study in Pastoral Counseling from Loyola College in Maryland
Licenses/Certifications
Board Certified Music Therapist
License Clinical Professional Counselor
National Certified Counselor
Specialties
Most of my clinical experiences have been in out patient and residential settings treating adolescents and young adults with co-occurring disorders; including depression, anxiety, behavioral issues, post-traumatic stress disorder, addictions and attachment/separation issues. I have also completed training in crisis intervention, critical incident, motivational interviewing, reality therapy and therapeutic drumming.
Philosophy
Job14:7 For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease. I believe the therapeutic process has the power to help us restore hope and uncover and build on our existing strengths, therefore, allowing us to continue to grow and experience more meaning and peace in our lives.
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Kyle Kasik, Operations Manager
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Thomas J. Simon, LGPC
Education
M.A. in Pastoral Counseling, Marymount University, Arlington, VA
MBA, University of Chicago
B.S. in Finance, St. Louis University
Licenses/Certifications
Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor, Maryland
Memberships
American Counseling Association
Association for Spiritual, Ethical and Religious Values in Counseling
Specialties
Depression, anger, anxiety, codependency, grief and loss, self esteem issues, premarital counseling, and life transitions
Philosophy
My Mission Statement
Success is helping others to become Healthier, Wiser, Kinder – more loving, Freer – more autonomous, Closer to God, and more likely themselves to help others be the same.
My goal is to help clients obtain a higher level of satisfaction with the quality of their lives, including finding a unique personal meaning in life. Ultimate meaning is found in spirituality and religion – our relationship with God. My approach to therapy includes existential and cognitive interventions with a heavy emphasis on Positive Psychology. While basic Christian beliefs and biblical concepts are referenced during therapy, specific spiritual practices are utilized only if the client desires.
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Steve Osterhout, LCSW-C
Education
Masters in Social Work from the University of Maryland, School of Social Work and Community Planning.
Licenses/Certifications
Licensed Certified Social Worker – Clinical in Maryland
Associations
North American Association of Christians in Social Work
American Association of Christian Counselors
Specialties
I enjoy working with individuals, couples, families, and groups. In the past 20 years clinical focus has been with those dealing with mood disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, trauma issues, sexual struggles, eating disorders, impulse control issues, personality disorders, adjustment challenges, anxiety struggles, as well as other areas. Much training and counseling has focused on adolescent and family issues.
Philosophy
As a Christian for many years, my faith contributes significantly to my understanding of the process of change. Jesus Christ said the greatest commandment is to love God with all of our heart, soul, strength, and mind. Applying this principal in practical ways is an integral component of the philosophy I use. I believe therapy is about change. A primary goal is to help people develop tools they can use to proactively manage patterns of functioning so that future circumstances can be significantly different from past situations. This is a process of skill building and application that ideally is be both practical and effective.
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