D. Joseph Hupp Jr., MSSA, LISW-S
Clinical Director
- Serving Adolescents, Adults, Couples & Families
From a young age I knew that I wanted to help people, but I didn’t exactly know what that meant. As a teenager, I was the person who was on the phone at all hours (I am certain my parents did not appreciate that), talking to my friends and working with them on their problems. It was always important to me to help someone to feel better.
As I went on to college, I pursued a dual degree from Bowling Green State University in Psychology and Inter-personal communications. At that time, I still had this sense of wanting to help people, but it wasn’t clear as to how. Feeling that I was going to be a researcher in the field of experimental psychology perked my interest for a time, but something was missing.
After graduating with Bachelor of Arts in 2001, I was a bit lost and re-evaluated what my next course of action was. My interest in research was waning and I wanted to work directly with people but didn’t know how to approach it.
One Summer, I decided to volunteer at a nursing home and had the wonderful opportunity to speak to some of the residents there and hear their stories. This became much more than a volunteer activity for me as it was developing into a passion. The desire to work with and help people flowed strongly through me and I decided that I wanted to go into Social Work to advocate, empower and just generally help people.
Read MoreMary Canonico, DNP, PMHNP-BC, RN-BC
Certified Nurse Practitioner
Mary Canonico is a board-certified psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner. She has over 10 years of experience as a nurse. She received her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Chamberlain University College of Nursing. She received both her master’s and bachelor’s degrees in nursing from Cleveland State University. She is certified through the American Nursing Credential Center. She has experience working in inpatient, residential and community mental health settings. She is a member of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association and has previously received the Impact Award for compassionate care. She sees children, adolescents and adults and specializes in treating addiction, substance abuse, mood and anxiety disorders.
Mary is accepting new patients and is available to schedule by calling our office at (440)526-0468
Alex Corcoran, MSSA, LISW
Therapist
I completed my studies at Case Western University with a Masters in social work, and have been with Benhaven Counseling since 2016. I primarily work with adolescents, young adults, and adults, ages 12+. I have experience in treating Mood Disorders, Severe Mental Illness, Generalized and Social Anxiety, Low Self-Esteem, Behavioral Issues related to academics, Crisis Management, Depression, Chemical Dependency, Adjustment issues, family and employment stressors, and those with multiple psychosocial factors that contribute to stress in life. I have experience as a case manager in urban community settings around the Cleveland area, as well as experiences in hospital inpatient and school settings. I have been successful with clients through the use of: motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, strength-based, task-oriented, and solution therapies. We will work together to maintain a productive session that is comfortable for your pace of coping, and I have availabilities in the evenings and on weekends on most days of the week.
Becky Thomas PhD, LISW
Therapist
I am dedicated to helping teens, adults and veterans create change in their own life. My belief is all people are capable to getting to a healthier place in their lives. I use a client-centered approach where, as a team, we work together to find strength-based options to create a healthier and happier lifestyle. I work closely with individuals to help them create an improved overall quality of life.
While change is not easy and can feel uncomfortable and frightening, I promise to work with each individual at their own unique pace while providing support and suggestions (as needed) every step of the way. I welcome the opportunity to meet and work with each person as they follow through their life-journey.
Issues
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Self-Esteem
- Trauma
- Grief
- Relationship Issues
- Transitioning to civilian life
- Post-Traumatic Stress
Mental Health
- Mood Disorders
Emily Planz, MSW, LSW
Therapist
- Specializing in Child Therapy
I received my Bachelor of Arts and Masters in social work from the University of Akron, and have been at Benhaven Counseling since 2018. I work with children, adolescents, and young adults providing a strengths-based therapeutic approach. I hope to create a welcoming and relatable environment where my clients can feel safe and heard. Those that have worked with me know my slogan is “give yourself grace”, something I repeat often as a reminder that we must be compassionate with ourselves as we navigate the steps toward healing. I utilize a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, exposure response and prevention therapy, mindfulness techniques, and attachment theory. I truly believe therapy is not “one size fits all” and it’s important to find a therapist you feel comfortable with and can trust as we work collaboratively to reach your goals.
I would love to work alongside you or your child to assist in overcoming live’s obstacles and provide support, practical steps, and guidance to reach your goals.
Sara Zuchowski, MD
Psychiatrist & Medical Director
- Post-Graduate Training and Education: Board Certified in Psychiatry
- Education: Doctor of Medicine – Medical College of Ohio, Toledo OH Bachelor Of Arts – University of Toledo
- Areas of Interest/Specialty: Extensive experience in treatment and medication of adults with Post Partum Mood Disorder Anxiety – PTSD, OCD General Anxiety Disorder Depressive disorders
Christopher Baranovic, MSW, LSW
Therapist
Throughout my life, I have had an affinity and desire to help people in whatever capacity I could. Whether it was teaching someone how to bowl or being there for a friend through a difficult time, I have taken pride and found great reward in the idea of helping. I was even voted “best shoulder to lean on” in high school. My journey to the mental health field took some time but it has filled with experience which has translated well into practice.
I received my bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Baldwin Wallace University in 2011. I decided to continue school and completed the Massage Therapy Program from Tri-C in 2012. Throughout this time of schooling, I had been working at General Nutrition Centers. I enjoyed teaching people about products and helping them reach goal. I moved up to the level of store manager, where I enjoyed training team members and watching them grow professional skills.
In 2018, I found a new path in which I could help people and in 2020 I received a master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from Cleveland State University. This would allow me to work with individuals and groups and provide assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. I was an intern at Benhaven Counseling throughout my time at Cleveland State and have continued working there since being licensed as social worker.
I primarily work with adults with varying mental health conditions. Some of my focus areas include working with individuals who have Anxiety and Anxiety Related Disorders, Depression, OCD, issues with Anger, and Self Esteem Challenges. Areas of practice include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy. Beyond the strategies, I believe therapy should have a focus on strong Patient-Therapist relationship, an open and non-judgmental environment, and be adaptable to needs at hand. Progress is an important part of therapy but should never create pressure. It is something I believe should be evaluated by both patient and therapist.
I appreciate the time you have given to reading a little bit about me. If you have any further questions about me or would like to set an appointment, please call Benhaven at 440-526-0468 and I will return your phone call within a reasonable time, or you can schedule through front office.
Scott Brinkman, MSW, LISW
Therapist
I provide non-judgmental,highly positive and safe environment for you to explore your concerns and become best version of yourself. My clients describe me as encouraging, loving, motivating and professional.. through therapy, my clients establish and achieve their personal and interpersonal goals. I treat clients with depression,anxiety, grief, PTSD, sexual abuse, personality disorders, relationship issues, etc in many populations including LGBT. I treat various forms of addiction from video games to gambling.I believe in celebrating what makes us different.I am proud to say that I have experience & training in various settings.
It has been my mission to adapt my therapeutic approaches, as appropriate, I believe in concept of staying in the Here and Now and making each person feel accepted for all that makes them who they are while being in a highly nonjudgmental environment. I work with clients utilizing things such as meditation, yoga and work on a overall positive outlook.
I have personal experience in many challenges of life that makes more empathetic then many. I share a way out of the depths of negativitiy. My personal understanding of hard challenges of my life makes me more patient then many for change process people go through. I am married to the love of my life with three amazing children.
Matt Wisniewski, LPC
Therapist
I obtained my bachelor’s in Psychology from John Carroll University in 2019 and returned to John Carrol, obtaining my master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in substance use disorders, in 2022. In January 2022, I received my Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) license from the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker & MFT Board. I have been a member of multiple research projects in undergraduate and graduate school, most recently working on a project analyzing the effects COVID-19 had on college students’ mental health. I began my mental health career working for an inpatient treatment center, aiding adolescents and young adults with severe autism spectrum disorders, complete activities of daily living. I completed my internship at a substance use treatment agency and worked for the last six months at a mental health agency treating clients in an impoverished area. I have taken an integrated approach to counseling, incorporating my background of Motivational Interviewing with Person-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral, and Dialectical Behavioral techniques.
Stephanie Newrones, LPC
Therapist
I specialize in working with children, teens, and young adults. I utilize an integrated approach with my clients, by using techniques and interventions based in CBT, Mindfulness, and Motivational Interviewing. I enjoy incorporating creative arts such as drawing, movement breaks, and music into my work, as I believe people grow through self-expression. A few of my focus areas include Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Self-Esteem challenges, and Body Image.
I believe in creating a safe place for my clients where they feel heard and respected. I also believe in assisting clients with their personal goals for treatment and working alongside the client to achieve those goals. I am an advocate on practicing self-care, therefore, my self-care consists of exercising, baking, doing puzzles, and spending time with my dogs. I would love to work with you or your child, and establish goals to assist with obstacles in life that you are experiencing. I am currently accepting new clients for both in-person and telehealth visits.
Cathy Castro, LPCC
Therapist
I have worked as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor for many years. I have extensive work experience with mental health and substance abuse issues encompassing all behavioral disorders. My counseling specialties include: marital/relationship issues, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, ADHD, personality disorders, trauma, adjustment disorders, behavioral issues, and eating disorders.
My style is to engage you to be the best person possible and to help you reach all your goals. It is important to me for you to be comfortable, so our sessions will feel like a conversation to be able to assess and understand what you need. We will work on goals, and I will be a support to you throughout your journey.
I aim to help each individual client meet their own specific goals, with the hope of achieving personal growth and development. I am excited to work with you!
Karolina Boc, LPC
Therapist
I have experience working with teens and adults in a variety of settings. I primarily work with adolescents, young adults, and adults, ages 12+.
I obtained my Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology and Anthropology from Cleveland State University in May of 2017, and later returned to Cleveland State University, obtaining my Master’s of Education Degree in Clinical Mental Health counseling in May of 2020. I received my Licensed Professional Counselor License (LPC) in May of 2020 from the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker & MFT Board.
More recently I have worked with youth and their families in addressing a variety of severe problematic and criminogenic behaviors, delivering intensive individual and family therapy in home and in other various community settings.
I am passionate about working with adolescents and adults who are struggling with a variety of concerns, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, self-esteem difficulties, job/school-related stress, and relationship/family struggles.
My focus is on creating a therapeutic relationship that is filled with warmth, compassion, acceptance, and empathy. I believe in creating an individualized therapy experience that is customized to the needs of each client and family. I value the fact that each client is unique and has unique needs in therapy.
Allison Bale, MSW, LSW, LICDC
Therapist
Specific Populations: Substance Use Disorders/ co-occurring Mental health/SUD
Once upon a time, I obtained my B.A. in Sociology with a Criminology focus at John Carroll University. Another decade and persevering through several of life’s obstacles, I obtained my Masters in Social Work & Chemical Dependency Counseling Certificate from Cleveland State University.
Born in Thailand during the end of Vietnam was apparently an experience I’m glad I don’t remember. Nevertheless, I observed the world react to my being “different” until I chose to go to the “dark-side,” so-to-speak. Escaping with drugs, thugs, and alcohol was my lifestyle, until one day, the opportunity to attend and engage in higher education opened up, and soon this became my treatment. I couldn’t get enough of learning and applying what I had experienced to the new definitions and ideas written in my textbooks. (Yes, textbooks, I’m old.) I truly believe everything happens for a reason, good and bad, in time it will make sense.
Now, as a wife of 17 years, Mother of two, and with a plethora of experience working within different types of organizations, agencies, and levels of care, I have decided to embrace what I enjoy most professionally, which is counseling. For those that are interested in which modalities I use, it varies with each individual, but for kicks ‘n’ giggles, as my area of expertise is addressing addiction/substance abuse, I utilize Motivational Interviewing, CBT, and REBT.
I am accepting new patients in person. I look forward to working with you on your journey of awareness and healing.
Gene Benedetto
Executive Consultant
- Over 40 Years of professional experience
Anita Bojtos, MD
Pediatrician
Kristen Manrodt, CNP
Certified Nurse Practitioner
Tonya Gessler, CNP
Certified Nurse Practitioner
Annettte Laird, LPCC
Telehealth Therapist
Kathy Gimben, MSSA, LISW-S
Therapist
Cassie Schumacher, LPCC
Therapist
Carol Story, LPCC
Therapist
- Specializing in Child Therapy
Don Davies, LPC, LICDC
Therapist
- Specializing in Addiction Therapy