Shawanna Baker, CDCA
Outpatient Counselor
Shawanna is a Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant working with inmates as an outpatient counselor in the Lake Recovery Jail Treatment Program. Shawanna has over 10 years of substance abuse experience working with adults and children. She has facilitated domestic violence groups and worked with human traffic survivors in Residential, MAT, IOP and PHP treatment programs. She is proficient in assessments, treatment plans, motivational interviewing, CBT, crisis interventions and assisting clients with developing their own recovery through assessment of individual problem areas, providing case management as needed, facilitate and co-facilitate didactic educational presentations, group counseling, individual counseling sessions and prepares written reports for courts and probation officers as needed/ upon request.
Shawanna has an Associates and Bachelors of Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice: focus were Victimology and Corrections from Bryant & Stratton College. She is continuing her education by working towards obtaining an LCDCIII and a Masters of applied science degree in Criminal Justice with the focus; criminal behavior.
Fun Facts: Shawanna Loves, helping people, spending time with her family and friends, she also loves the Jamaican culture: The Islands resorts, music and cuisine.
Elizabeth Bena, LSW
Residential Treatment Counselor
Liz is a Licensed Social worker working with clients as a Residential Treatment Counselor at Oak House. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Ursuline College and has had experience working with residents of a nursing home/rehabilitation center.
Liz enjoys being outdoors, going for walks, and nature in general.
Christine Brodzinski, M.Ed, LPCC
Central Intake/Outpatient Counselor
Christine is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and is the intake counselor for the Painesville office. She also manages the residential treatment admission list and placement of individuals into residential treatment at Lake-Geauga Recovery Center. Christine utilizes a variety of treatment methods when working with individuals, including cognitive behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, and reality therapy.
Christine has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Kent State University and a Master of Education in Community Counseling from Georgia Southern University. Christine also completed the required coursework and internship hours at Cleveland State University and is licensed as a school counselor for the state of Ohio.
Cassandra D. Brown, M.A.Ed., LPC
Outpatient Counselor
Cassandra Brown earned her Master of Arts degree in Education, with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Malone University in Canton, OH, and is credentialed as Licensed Professional Counselor. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a concentration in Finance, from University of Detroit Mercy. Brown currently serves as Outpatient Counselor for Geauga County’s Jail Treatment Program. In this capacity, Brown assesses risk and makes recommendations to the courts regarding the probability of recidivism and appropriate treatment options. She also provides individual and group counseling to inmates with Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders. Brown advocates for, and ensures that clients have an understanding about the Disease Concept of Addiction, Co-occurring Disorders, and Medication Assisted Treatment. She provides them with coping skills to effectively manage triggers, stressors, thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, resulting in their ability to attain and maintain mental stability and sobriety.
Brandon Bowles, LCDCIII
Substance Use Disorder Liaison
Brandan is a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor working with adults who have a substance abuse diagnosis at our Lake House residential facility. Brandan works with clients who are court-ordered and self-admitted to this program. He helps facilitate the recovery process through motivational interviewing and assisting the client through the stages of change. Brandan previously worked with the homeless population in downtown Cleveland and assisted them in obtaining and keeping housing as well as linking to other resources and entitlements.
Brandan earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Ohio University. Go Bobcats!
Fun Facts: In his spare time, Brandan enjoys gardening and planting flowers. He is also an amateur astronomer and participates in stargazing activities and events.
Devan Capella, RA
Prevention Specialist
Devan has worked as a prevention specialist for Geauga county youth for the past 3 years before coming to Lake Geauga Recovery Center. Education is one of her passions amongst all ages. As a research scientist at Case Western Reserve University she studied Neuroscience and Genetics and loves to break down behaviors based on brain chemistry and physiology. She is excited to help bring a new angle at the way we think about gaming and gambling.
Mary Beth Casey, MSN, APRN
Family Nurse Practitioner
Mary Beth has 45 years’ experience in Health Care. Including Coronary Care, Pediatric Intensive Care, Emergency Medicine, Wound Care, Case Management Bariatric Surgery, B/P clinic, Urology clinic, Dermatology Clinic, CHF Clinic, Infusion Center, Gastroenterology Health, Travel immunization Clinic and Flu Clinic.
Mary Beth worked many odd jobs to support herself during Nursing School. Aside from being a Nursing Assistant, she also managed a Pizza Shop and was the Coach for the West Geauga Wolverine Cheerleading Squad.
Mary Beth loves to travel and has been to 47 of the 50 states having conquered the hardest states of Hawaii and Alaska. The last 3 states are Oklahoma, Delaware and Oregon.
She was married to the love of her life Elmer who took her on many adventures. Elmer was a retired Olympic Bobsled Pilot, and would often took Mary Beth to Lake Placid for rides down the Bobsled track. Elmer lost his battle to Pancreatic Cancer in May of 2020.
She has trained Championship English Setters for Upland Bird Hunting with her husband, although she does not hunt. She does enjoy camping, fishing and being outdoors every chance she gets.
Mary Beth went to Cuyahoga Community College for her Associates Degree in Applied Science Nursing. Indiana Wesleyan University for her Bachelors of Science Nursing Ursuline College for Master of Science Nursing Advance Practice Registered Nurse.
Jessica Chapman, LSW, CDCA
Outpatient Counselor
Jessica is a Licensed Social Worker who is working as an outpatient counselor at the Painesville office. Jessica facilitates outpatient aftercare and relapse prevention group therapy, provides individual counseling, conducts assessments, and develops individualized treatment plans for incoming clients. Jessica implements a variety of treatment methods including motivational interviewing, person-centered, strengths-based approaches, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Jessica has a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Ursuline College and a Master of Social Work degree from Cleveland State University. Jessica has completed specialized training in case management, chemical dependency, and mental health first aid. Jessica is a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the Phi Alpha Honor Society, Social Work.
April DeBiasi, MSN, AGNP-BS,PMHNP-BC
Nurse Practitioner
April DeBiasi is a Nurse Practitioner dually board certified in Psychiatric Mental Health as well as Adult-Geriatric Primary care Nurse Practitioner. She is board certified through the American Nursing Credentialing Center and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She has experience working in acute inpatient hospital and outpatient private practice settings.
She received her Master’s degree in nursing from Ursuline College as an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner. She returned to Ursuline for a Post-Masters Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Ohio University.
Her scope of practice encompasses health promotion, psychiatric assessment, and diagnosis along with medication management with integration of individual, group, and interpersonal treatment modalities for successful management of symptoms.
Melissa Geiger-Dugandzic, MSW, LSW, LICDC, CCTP, GAMB
Outpatient Counselor
AA, AAS, AS from Lakeland
BSW from YSU
MSW from University of Akron Ph Alpha (Honors)
minor in Psch
Certified in Trauma
Person-centered (trauma-informed care), skilled in CBT, Motivational Enhancement Therapy
First Responder Program, Aftercare, Alternatives
Currently studying for LISW
Member of NASW
FUN FACT: Major Steelers fan! Love spending time with family – including my black lab!
Patricia Feeney, LSW,
Outpatient Counselor
Patricia has spent the past 23 years working at The City Mission in Cleveland with those who found themselves homeless. After serving at The City Mission, she had a desire to work in her own community of Lake County and is happy to be a part of Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers.
Patricia received her Master’s in Social Work from Youngstown State University in 2021.
Fun Fact: Patricia is a mother and grandmother that loves drawing and music.
Susan Gear, LPCC-S, LSW, LICDC-CS
Dual Diagnosis Counselor II
Susan is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor working with adults with substance use and mental health disorders in the assessment, treatment planning, MH Psychotherapy and SUD Psychotherapy, Dual Diagnosis Intensive Outpatient Program and Dual Diagnosis Aftercare Program. She has worked with the substance use population with mental health disorders as a Dual Diagnosis at Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers since 2003. Susan implements a variety of treatment methods, including dialectical behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, and cognitive behavioral therapy and continues to receive training on current and newer methods. She has a 2 year degree in social work, 4 year degree in Psychology from Ohio University and a Masters in Clinical Pastoral Counseling from Ashland University and a Master’s in Education from the University of Toledo, in the field of special education. Susan has been employed at Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers since 2001, primarily working with individuals with substance use disorders while working toward the development of the Dual Diagnosis Program.
Fun Facts: Susan is an active church member. She loves yard work, traveling and spending time with friends and family.
Christie Gigliott, CHES
Tobacco Prevention Specialist
Christie is a Certified Health Education Specialist who holds a B.S. in Public Health (Concentration: Health Promotion & Community Health Education) from Kent State University. She also obtained the ATOD Prevention Certification from KSU. As the Tobacco Prevention Specialist, she coordinates a large portion of the Tobacco Prevention Grant, awarded to LGRC from the Ohio Department of Health. Christie’s grant responsibilities include policy development, media promotion, cessation service advancement, health equity, and community stakeholder collaboration. She is a member of the Ohio Public Health Association and participates in the Ohio Prevention Network. Christie also brings knowledge from working with Local Public Health Departments, previously being a Health Educator for several years.
Fun Facts: Christie is a permaculturist who loves gardening and being outdoors. She also volunteers for Keep Akron Beautiful and assists with theatrical productions for the Lorain County Palace Youth Theatre. Her dream (one day) is to build a program that combines Mental Health therapies and eco-friendly gardening.
David Hanlon, LICDC-CS
Director of Residential Services
Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor Clinical Supervisor.
Thirty seven years’ experience working in the Chemical Dependency Treatment field. Responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations and admissions to all residential treatment and recovery houses.
Fun Facts: Dave enjoys golfing and fishing.
Jack Hoover, CDCA
Residential Counselor
Jack is a residential counselor who uses his personal experience with alcoholism and addiction to help others recover. Jack found his passion for helping others when he was a client in inpatient treatment 6 years ago. He just celebrated over 6 years of sobriety. Jack was a lifelong resident of Stark County until he found his way to the city of Kirtland and Lake Geauga Recovery Centers. Jack previously was employed at CommQuest in Canton where he worked at their men’s residential treatment facility.
Jack recently graduated as a member of the Phi Theta Kappa honors society from Stark State College in North Canton. He received his associate degree in health and human services with a major in chemical dependency. He is waiting on the Ohio chemical dependency board for his LCDCII license and is currently studying at Youngstown State University in their Social Work program. Jack is working on his bachelor’s degree to obtain his Licensed Social Worker license and LCDCIII.
Margaret Kukla, LSW, LCDCIII
Residential Counselor
Margaret is a Licensed Social Worker. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work. Margaret started her career as Residential Counselor after completing her internship with Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers. She has completed her course work in chemical dependency and applied for her LCDC III. Margaret utilizes evidence based treatment modalities which include Person Centered Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Faith Lewis, MSSA, LISW-S, LICDC
Residential Treatment Manager
Faith is an independently licensed social worker, experienced with working with individuals and families. She works with clients to build a trusting relationship with her clients, so that together they can find the most effective approach, using the client’s own unique strengths and talents to find realistic solutions to their problems. Utilizing a client-centered approach, she helps clients get “unstuck” using a variety of techniques and skills from recognized therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness, Strengths-Based Behavioral Therapy, Humanistic Therapy and Psychoeducation.
She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Ursuline College. She earned her Masters of Social Science Degree from Case Western Reserve University. She currently works with individuals providing substance use and mental health counseling and provides clinical supervision to social workers seeking independent licensure and Bachelor and Master Level Social Work Students
Lana Lewis, LCDCIII
Outpatient Counselor
Lana Lewis is a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor III who is working as an outpatient counselor at the Painesville office. Lana facilitates outpatient Lake County Jail Treatment Program Aftercare and Intensive Out-Patient therapy, provides individual Alcohol and Other Drug counseling, conducts assessments, intakes and develops individualized treatment plans for incoming clients. Lana implements a variety of treatment methods including motivational interviewing, person-centered, strengths-based approaches, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Lana Lewis has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Urban Studies from Cleveland State University and a Master of Arts in Sociology from Cleveland State University. Lana is licensed as a Chemical Dependency Counselor III for the state of Ohio.
Lana enjoys playing Bid Whist, Ball Room and Line Dancing.
Leslie Macdonald, LSW
Residential Treatment Counselor
Leslie is a Licensed Social Worker and works as a residential treatment counselor at Oak House. She works with women who have a substance use problem who need a high level of care offered by LGRC residential services. Leslie facilitates residential groups in addition to providing individual counseling. She also facilitates Aftercare. Leslie utilizes evidence based treatment modalities which include Person Centered Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She also provides psycho-education and teaches mindfulness. One of Leslie’s goals is to become certified in Animal Assisted Therapy and bring the healing powers of animals to clients who have substance use disorders.
Leslie earned a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Youngstown State University and a Master of Science in Social Administration from Case Western Reserve University. This degree included a concentration in substance use.
Leslie is enjoying this employment opportunity as a second career. She used to do fashion photography and is a published photographer. She spent 5 years in NYC learning her craft by working for other photographers and shooting in any spare time. Leslie still is a passionate photographer and now photographs landscapes and animals and is working on a book of driftwood photos.
Judith Majcen, LSW, LICDC
Outpatient Counselor
Judith is a part time outpatient counselor at the Chardon Office. Previously she worked at University Hospitals’ Addiction Recovery Services where she was a Senior Chemical Dependency Counselor for 11 years. Prior to that she worked at Recovery Resources as Director of EAP (Employee Assistance Program) Services.
Drena Mongo, LPCC
Outpatient Counselor
Update coming soon!
Annamarie Murphy, LPC
Outpatient Counselor
Annamarie is a Licensed Professional Counselor who works as an outpatient counselor at the Chardon location. Annamarie facilitates intensive outpatient group, alternatives group, provides individual counseling, conducts intakes and assessments, develops individualize treatment plans, for substance use, mental health, gambling clients. Annamarie is also trained in completing risk assessments for the court systems. She works with male and female adults and implements various treatment methods, including Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavior Therapy. She has a BA and Master of Arts in Education through Ursuline college and a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, with a concentration in substance use disorder.
Matthew Petersen, OCPS
Prevention Specialist
Matt is a Prevention Specialist working in Geauga County. He works alongside local decision makers, school personnel, and religious organizations to help the Geauga County community establish systems that will help protect the residents from the harms of substance abuse. Matt sits as the Co-Chair to the Prevention Committee of the Geauga County Opiate Prevention HUB, he sits on the Suicide Prevention Coalition, he is a member of the Lake Geauga Ashtabula Tobacco Prevention Coalition, as well as the Tobacco Prevention Health Equity Committee of Geauga County. He is a certified trainer of the Prime For Life evidenced based curriculum. Matt has a B.A in Chemical Dependency Counseling from the University of Cincinnati.
Fun Facts: Matt is a volunteer with the Breeders & Feeders 4-H club. He also enjoys playing board games with his friends on the weekends.
Brian Thatcher, LCDCIII
Residential Counselor
Brian is a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor with 20 plus years of experience working with clients in adolescents through adults in different environments such as Residential, Correctional and outpatient. Brian has a BA in Sociology/Criminology and has been working at LGRC Residential since 2005. Brian is person centered utilizing Motivation Interviewing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques.
Dawn Thompson, CDCA, PRS
Counselor
Dawn’s first contact with Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers was as a client in March of 2006. Having completed residential treatment, aftercare and then volunteering for the agency she was asked to join the agency in May of 2008 as a Program Assistant at Oak House. With hard work and the support of the agency she was able to achieve her dream of Residential Treatment Counselor in June of 2011. In 2015 she took a sabbatical to achieve her college degree and further her training and currently works for Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers Chardon Office. “My passion is to help those struggling to reach their hopes and dreams. I can do this through education, referrals and modeling the solution”.
Raheem Tyus, CDCA
Residential Counselor
Raheem is a Residential counselor with SUD individual, family and group therapy experience. Raheem has experience working with the adult and adolescent population. He takes a solution driven approach to therapy, assisting those he has the privilege to serve identify effective solutions.
Raheem is passionate about helping others in all areas of life and is excited to be a member of Lake Geauga Recovery Center.
Roben L. Watkins, LICDC-CS, ICCS
Outpatient Program Manager
I am a Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor / Clinical Supervisor
I began working in the Chemical Dependency Treatment Field in 1988. Responsible for overseeing the day to day operations of all Outpatient Services
Karen Winslow, LCDCII
Outpatient Counselor
Karen has thirty-three years’ experience in all levels of chemical dependency treatment in the adult population. Her qualifications include; intake, assessment, screening, treatment planning, group counseling, individual counseling, case management and crisis intervention.
Karen is currently the primary counselor for the Family Awareness Groups at Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers. She has an Associates of Applied Science, Human Services from Lakeland Community College.