Clinicians

Cheryl Coney, LPC

Cheryl Coney, LPC

Philosophy: Cheryl believes anyone can fearlessly divorce behaviors that compromise a healthy lifestyle. Through client-centered care, she seeks to help her clients develop their definition of success and begin working toward it by building confidence and generalizing skill use. Cheryl's intention is to empower those she serves to examine their truths from different perspectives and to challenge their own perceptions.
Education and Training: Cheryl has earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Social Work in 2011 from Slippery Rock University and she obtained a Master’s of Science degree in Counseling Psychology in 2016 from Chatham University in Pittsburgh. Cheryl has dedicated herself to the Human Services field since 2007 and worked in inpatient, outpatient, in-home, and residential settings.
Clinical Areas of Expertise: Cheryl works with adolescents, adults, families, couples, and groups. She offers treatment applying Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing using a trauma-informed lens.
Services offered: Cheryl has held several positions, treating a variety of mental health challenges including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, addictions, OCD, and ADHD. Many of her clients experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse and now lead happy and productive lives.
Favorite quote: "When 'I' is replaced by 'we', illness becomes wellness!" - Malcolm X

Betsy Farasey, LPC

Betsy Farasey, LPC

Philosophy: Betsy's goal is to make counseling a positive and rewarding experience for you and your family. As a parent, she knows the desire to help your children reach their greatest potential by giving them the right tools for success. Your child's success starts with therapy being a safe and supportive environment. Betsy will meet your child at their level, working with them to build rapport and developing a plan to support a reduction of symptoms along with emotional growth. Betsy's approach identifies areas of strength and areas for growth in your child. As a team, you will implement the strategies and tools that work best for your child at home, in school and in the community.
Education and Training: Betsy holds a Master of Arts, in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Wright State University and a Bachelor of Arts, in Political Science from Coastal Carolina University. Betsy received training in Trauma Focused CBT, CBT, Mindfulness, Attachment, Sand Tray Therapy, and Animal Assisted Therapy. She is currently perusing a Certification Play Therapy. Betsy is a Resident in Counseling, working towards Licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia. She works under the supervision of Maureen Flaherty M.Ed., LPC, Approved Supervisor..
Clinical Areas of Expertise: Betsy has a special interest in working with children, adolescents and their families that have experienced ADHD, bipolar disorder, adjustment disorder, ODD, OCD, PTSD, depression, anxiety, conversion disorder, reactive attachment disorder, autism spectrum, sexual behavior concerns, and victims of sexual abuse.
Services offered: Betsy offers play therapy for children and individual therapy for adolescents.
Favorite quote: "Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We only have today. Let us begin." - Mother Teresa

Lise Klerekoper, LCSW

Lise Klerekoper, LCSW, MAC

Philosophy: By nature, all individuals possess strength and resiliency & are not only capable of making positive life changes, but can sustain that change with support, internal motivation and utilization of tools learned in therapy. We all have the desire to live healthy and productive lives, but at times, face challenges. A positive, validating and accepting relationship with a therapist can be an invaluable opportunity to focus on developing insight and awareness into past and present issues, & learning new skills. At the initial visit, Lise's goal is to establish rapport, & discover what challenges brought a client to seek therapy at this time, determine goals & expectations, & set a preliminary framework for future sessions. Therapeutic techniques can be adapted to short or long-term goals, depending on the needs and interests of the client.
Education and Training: Lise has been a licensed clinical social worker in Virginia for over 20 years, & received both a BA & BS from Shepherd University, & her MSW from The University of Maryland. In addition, she's a professional member of ADDA, the Attention Deficit Disorder Association, as well as NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals. Lise is a certified Master Addiction Counselor by the National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals (NCCAP). Lise has a keen understanding as to how ADHD affects clients, & how to develop paths to overall improved functioning. She recognizes the common challenges with time-blindness, poor working memory, inattention, disorganization, & impulsivity, & works with clients in creating strategies for improved life manageability. At the same time, Lise helps identify and build on a client's clear but sometimes unacknowledged strengths. Assistance with navigating the school & college systems to seek appropriate accommodations for improved learning & performance is available.
Clinical Areas of Expertise: Lise has extensive experience working w/ ADHD, substance abuse, grief/loss/life transitions, women's issues, mood disorders, LGBT issues, & chronic illness & pain. Lise has particular interest & expertise in substance use and co-occurring disorders, & assisting clients & families in moving forward on a path of recovery.
Services offered: Lise primarily sees adolescent & adults in individual therapy, though will periodically include others in the counseling process as part of treating the whole person. Treatment modalities vary, & include relational, family systems, CBT/DBT, brief, & solution focused therapies. Comprehensive assessments for those facing consequences for substance related offenses is available.
Favorite quote: “Most of our insecurities in life come from comparing our behind the scenes to everyone else's highlight reel." - Steve Furtick

Ed Lucas, LPC, LMFT

Ed Lucas, LPC, LMFT

Philosophy: Ed Lucas believes in the intrinsic worth and value of each individual and that treatment should be approached from the perspective of addressing the whole person (i.e. mind, body, and spirit), in a concise, effective, and non-judgmental manner.
Education and Training: Ed earned his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Southwestern University, his Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from East Texas State University, and was trained in the use of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in 1992 by its founder, Francine Shapiro, Ph.D. Ed is licensed as a Professional Counselor and Marriage and Family Therapist, with over 40 years of experience working with adolescents and adults.
Clinical Areas of Expertise: Ed specializes in working with depression, anxiety, PTSD, unresolved grief, behavioral issues, relational problems, and toxic shame, using a collaborative client-centered approach that includes supportive, cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, EMDR, and insight-oriented strategies.
Services offered: Ed offers psychotherapy to adolescents and individuals. If and when someone is in search of and requesting Christian Counseling, Ed is able to provide this service based on his 20 years of experience with a nationally known counseling group.
Favorite quote: "Deserve is Satan's favorite word." - Dr. Chris Thurman

Ilese Ominsky, Ed.S., ATR
Resident in Psychology

Philosophy: Ilese believes utilizing her specialization of clinical psychology, school psychology, and expressive arts therapy in order to meet the individual needs and goals of each client. She strongly believes in collaboration, actively partnering with families, schools, and other healthcare providers to ensure continuous, comprehensive support for every client. Ilese's practice is strongly driven by the belief that creative expression, combined with rigorous clinical science, fosters a strong therapeutic relationship, authentic healing, self-discovery, and lasting personal growth.
Education and Training: Ilese holds a Master's Degree in School Psychology from Northeastern University as well as a Master's Degree in Art Therapy and Clinical Counseling from Lesley University. She holds her Master's in Applied Educational Psychology, with both Certified Advanced Graduate Specialist (CAGS) and an Education Specialist (Ed.S.). Ilese is also a Licensed School Psychologist-Limited (LSP-L) and a certified AASD specialist (ADOS-2). This dual lens allows Ilese to draft highly effective, tailored, actionable plans and educational advocacy strategies that bring the gap between clinical diagnoses and classroom support. She is a resident in psychology working toward licensure and receives clinical supervision from Dr. Carrie Nowell, LCP, License #: 0810003741.
Clinical Areas of Expertise: Ms. Ominsky specializes in neurodivergence (ADHD and Autism), adjustment, self-esteem, social skills, developmental transitions, and complex emotional challenges, such as anxiety, social anxiety, depression, and trauma. Treatment modalities include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Play Therapy, Trauma-Informed Therapy, Art Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, and Narrative Therapy..
Services offered: Ilese offers individual therapy and art therapy to children, adolescents, and adults.
Supervisory Information: Ilese receives clinical supervision from a board-approved clinical psychologist, Dr. Carrie Nowell, LCP, License #: 0810003741. Her site supervisor at DCBHS is Elizabeth "Betsy" Farasey, LPC, License #: 701008120.
Favorite quote: "Once we believe in ourselves, we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight, or any experience that reveals the human spirit." - E.E. Cummings

Damon Saunders, LCSW

Damon Saunders, LCSW

Philosophy: Damon believes in using a variety of techniques designed to meet the needs of each client. He places strong emphasis on building a strong therapeutic relationship with all new patients, confidentiality, genuineness and self determination.
Education and Training: Damon Saunders received his Bachelor of Social Work degree from George Mason University. He then completed his graduate studies at Virginia Commonwealth University receiving a Master's degree in Social Work. Prior to entering private practice, Mr. Saunders worked in Child Welfare for 9 years with an emphasis on child abuse and neglect. In that time, he gained a knowledge base in family dynamics, effective communication, and human behavior, as he worked in the home environment with adolescents and their families. Mr. Saunders credits his years in child welfare as valuable and instrumental with his transition into psychotherapy.
Clinical Areas of Expertise: Mr. Saunders specializes in depression, anxiety, anger management, parent-child conflict, marital problems, life-stressors, men's issues, past trauma and work related issues. Treatment modalities include Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Client Centered, Psychodynamic, and Solution Focused Therapy.
Services offered: Mr. Saunders is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who practices individual, group, and family therapy with adolescents and adults.
Favorite quote: "Everything you want is on the other side of fear" - Jack Canfield.

Lawrence D. Smith Sr., Ed.D., LPC

Lawrence D. Smith Sr., Ed.D., LPC

Philosophy: Dr. Smith believes that building a trusting relationship is essential in establishing the foundation necessary for positive therapeutic change. This is accomplished through unconditional positive regard, empathic listening, and genuineness in a safe environment. In short, the individual(s) sitting across from you must know and believe that you have their best interest at heart.
Education and Training: Dr. Smith earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Psychology from James Madison University and a Master’s degree in School Psychology from the College of William and Mary before embarking on his career in mental health. After working in the field for 12-years, Dr. Smith returned to college at Old Dominion University completing the pre-requisite requirements for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Professional School Counselor. Dr. Smith later completed a Doctorate degree, with high distinction, in Educational Psychology with an emphasis in Human Growth and Development at Regent University. Dr. Smith’s career spans nearly 25-years with experience working in children/adolescent residential treatment facilities, the K-12 public school sector, community mental health, higher education and private practice.
Clinical Areas of Expertise: Utilizing primarily a cognitive behavioral therapeutic approach with a person centered focus, Dr. Smith specializes with children/adolescents between the ages of 5- 18 years of age. Dr. Smith’s decades of experience with this population in multiple settings allow for various approaches in attaining treatment plan goals, in addition to therapeutic objectives. Dr. Smith has clinical expertise in addressing concerns related to depression, anxiety, ADHD, anger management, oppositional defiance, school difficulties, stress management, low self-esteem, interpersonal problems and grief/loss.
Services offered: Individual, group and family therapy.
Favorite quote: “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” – Nelson Mandela

Brandon Tolley, LPC

Brandon Tolley, LPC

Philosophy: Brandon believes in an existential humanistic approach to therapy as well as cognitive behavioral therapy approach. Individualized treatment plans are made for each patient to fit personalized needs.
Education and Training: Brandon earned his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from George Mason University as well as his Master’s in education, with a concentration on community agency counseling. He is a certified Connect Attachment group facilitator. Brandon has worked in almost every clinical setting including hospitals, group homes, and residential care facilities.
Clinical Areas of Expertise: Brandon specializes in working with children, adolescents’ and adults who suffer from symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, behavioral issues, relational problems, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and video game addiction.
Services offered: Brandon offers individual, group, and family therapy. Sibling sessions are also conducted.
Favorite quote: “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way” – Viktor Frankl

Sylvia Barsoum
Master's Level Student Intern

Philosophy: Sylvia takes a client-centered, holistic, and deeply compassionate approach to counseling. She believes that every person carries a story that is unique, meaningful, and worthy of being honored. Her work is rooted in creating a space of safety, curiosity, and respect—where clients can explore the parts of themselves that may have been silenced, overlooked, or weighed down by life’s pressures. Sylvia invites clients to reconnect with their sense of hope, purpose, and identity, empowering them to live with greater clarity, peace, and authenticity.
Education and Training: Sylvia Barsoum is a Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate student at Liberty University and is completing her internship training in the state of Virginia. She brings both academic excellence and heartfelt passion into her work with clients.
Sylvia’s background includes experience supporting children, adolescents, and adults through a variety of life transitions and emotional challenges. She has completed training in trauma-informed care, multicultural counseling, and strength-based approaches that honor the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Sylvia values continuous learning and integrates evidence-based practices with genuine empathy and presence.
Clinical Areas of Expertise: Sylvia has a special interest in working with individuals and experiencing: ADHD, Anger Management, Anxiety, Behavioral Issues, Codependency, Coping Skills, Education and Learning Disabilities, Emotional Disturbance, Grief, Impulse Control Disorders, Life Transitions, Mood Disorders, Relationship Issues, School Issues, Self-Esteem, Self-Harming, Spirituality, Stress, Thinking Disorders and Women's Issues. Her approach welcomes clients of all backgrounds, meeting them where they are and honoring their personal stories, values, and experiences.
Services offered: Sylvia provides individual counseling for children, adolescents, and adults. She offers a warm, non-judgmental therapeutic space using a blend of client-centered therapy, mindfulness-based strategies, and narrative techniques that help clients make sense of their stories. Depending on the client’s needs, Sylvia may incorporate structured and evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). She also values collaboration with families, schools, and community supports when appropriate, ensuring clients receive comprehensive care
Supervisory Information: Sylvia's receives supervision by her site supervisor, Elizabeth "Betsy" Farasey, LPC, License #: 701008120.
Favorite quote: “Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose.” — Viktor Frankl