Meet Our Team

Matthew Paris, PsyD

Psychologist, Clinical Director

Dr. Matthew Paris was born and raised in northeastern Ohio, and he completed his undergraduate degree at The Ohio State University. He received his doctorate degree in clinical psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2008. He completed an APA accredited, pre-doctoral internship at The Youth Opportunity Center (YOC) in Muncie, Indiana. At the YOC, he conducted psychological testing and group and individual psychotherapy with youth with severe emotional and behavioral disorders, many of whom were mandated by the courts to reside in one of the several residential homes at the YOC.

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After he completed his internship, Dr. Paris completed his post-doctoral training at Western Mental Health Center in Marshall, Minnesota. At The Western Mental Health Center, Dr. Paris conducted psychological testing and individual, group and family psychotherapy with people ranging from 5-65 years old.

Dr. Paris was licensed as a psychologist in Ohio in May of 2011. He conducted psychological testing and disability evaluations for one year. He then worked at an outpatient mental health facility in Fairview Park, Ohio before he accepted a position at The Charak Center for Health and Wellness in January of 2013. Based on his clinical skills, diligent work-ethic, positive feedback from clients, and positive interactions with staff members, Dr. Paris was promoted to the Clinical Director position in June of 2013.  

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Dr. Paris has worked and completed training in several hospitals, residential treatment facilities with adjudicated juveniles, and he has worked in jails and prison environments. Dr. Paris specializes with children, adolescents, and adults. He has extensive training with depression, anxiety, trauma, and personality disorders. He also has conducted several disability evaluations for Social Security and The Bureau of Worker’s Compensation and several psychological testing reports. Dr. Paris specializes in cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy and evidence-based treatments for mental health disorders.  

Jeffrey Neal, LSW

PHP/IOP Coordinator

Jeffrey Neal, DM, LSW, grew up in Vermilion, Ohio, lived in a number of states to return to Lorain County..  He completed two undergraduate degrees at Evangel College.  He obtained a Masters of Arts in Pastoral Psychology and Counseling from Ashland Theological Seminary and a Masters of Social Science Administration  (Social Work) from the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at Case Western Reserve University.  His capstone degree is a Doctorate in Management from Colorado Technical University.

He is a seasoned professional with clinical, administrative and management experience in health care and social services including mental health and public health.   He has worked in the private and public sectors including for-profit, not-for-profit and government organizations. His experience is primarily concentrated in Clinical Therapy and Case Management services

His work at Charak Center includes providing mental health and addictions recovery treatment both in groups and individually. He also assists in administration.  He enjoys seeing people grow and move forward, addressing life’s challenges to enjoy health and wellness.

Kayla Craig, LISW

Therapist, Group Leader

Specialties include:  Adult Mental Health, Couples Counseling

Steven Davis, PhD

Psychologist

Dr. Davis is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 25 years treating children and adolescents. Dr. Davis currently works on a part-time basis in our Medina and Stow offices.

Deborah Devlin, LCDC III, LPCC-S, LSW

Psychotherapist/Group Facilitator

Deborah has worked in outpatient settings, in hospitals, on disaster teams, in home-based programs, and overseas for military members and their families. Deborah’s client-centered perspective utilizes tools of motivational interviewing, systems theory, developmental theory, cognitive behavioral therapy, and trauma focused, cognitive behavioral therapy. She holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Akron and obtained her master’s degree in community counseling from Malone University. She holds a master’s degree in philosophy and is completing her doctorate at Walden University. She recently completed her dissertation on post-traumatic growth and military members. Deborah works with youth, families, individuals, and groups with mental health disorders and addiction disorders.

Stephanie Hubbard, LSW, LCDC III

IOP Facilitator and Therapist

Stephanie Hubbard is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) and a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor III (LCDC III).  She earned by Bachelor Degree from Cleveland State University in 2012.   

Stephanie specializes in both substance abuse and mental health services. In her 15 years of clinical experience, she has worked in a variety of settings with diverse clients, which have included children, young adults, individuals, and families.  Stephanie feels that her main role as a therapist is to teach individuals how to modify their behavior and/or manage mental health symptoms on an ongoing basis.   

Through encouragement, empathy, compassion, and support she has seen individuals and families overcome obstacles and overcome difficulties and thrive in life. She also believes that change happens when people are given the guidance needed to draw on their own strengths and realize their potential to live fulfilling lives. 

Bret Kalina, LPC

Therapist

Bret was born and raised in the Cleveland area. As part of the curriculum for the University of Akron's Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, he completed his internship at the Charak Center from May until early December, 2019. Following graduation, Bret was hired on at Charak and is currently a full-time counselor at the Elyria office, where he sees individual clients and helps lead the addictions program.

Barbara Kates, LPC

Day Treatment Facilitator/Therapist

Michelle Lanzi, MSSA, LISW-S

Therapist

Michelle Lanzi, MSSA, LISW-S graduated from Youngstown State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, and Case Western Reserve University with a Master’s of Science in Social Administration. Michelle has 16 years clinical experience in the field of mental health, and has specialized in the treatment of co-occurring disorders for individuals 18+ for more than a decade.  Michelle has worked in a variety of clinical settings including outpatient counseling centers, and inpatient hospital systems.  Michelle has experience in providing individual and group counseling, facilitation & management of Intensive Outpatient Programs, Clinical Supervision, Program Development & Implementation, and is trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy.  Michelle’s areas of competence include: Assessment & Screening, Dual Diagnosis, Mood & Anxiety Disorders in Adults, Personality Disorders, and Chemical Dependency/Addictions.  Michelle is located at the Mentor office.

Ryan Murphy, LPCC-S

Therapist

Ryan completed his undergraduate degree from Ashland University, and then moved to New Mexico where he received his Master's in counseling and guidance from New Mexico State University.  He moved back after completing his degree and began working in Mansfield for a brief time before attending West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV. After moving back to Ohio, he began working primarily in the field of crisis counseling.  For 7 years, Ryan was the director of crisis services through Wayne and Holmes Counties, obtaining his LPCC-S working with both patients and supervisers to help them grow and develop.  He has continued this work with Charak for the last 2 years. Ryan lives in Amish country with his wife, 4 children, and multiple animals.

Jarrod Pyle, CDCA, QMHS

Therapist, Group Leader

Ryan completed his undergraduate degree from Ashland University, and then moved to New Mexico where he received his Master's in counseling and guidance from New Mexico State University.  He moved back after completing his degree and began working in Mansfield for a brief time before attending West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV. After moving back to Ohio, he began working primarily in the field of crisis counseling.  For 7 years, Ryan was the director of crisis services through Wayne and Holmes Counties, obtaining his LPCC-S working with both patients and supervisers to help them grow and develop.  He has continued this work with Charak for the last 2 years. Ryan lives in Amish country with his wife, 4 children, and multiple animals.

William Salm, LSW

Therapist, Group Leader

William has his bachelor's degree in political science and his master's degree in social work from Loyola University in Chicago. He has experience working as an intensive home-based family therapist (IHBT), and as an individual and group therapist within a transitional housing setting. He believes in the Systems Theory approach and specializes in supporting individuals with homelessness and addiction. He is an LSW and is located at the Elyria office.

Marla Shawi, LPC

Psychotherapist

Stephen Roos, LPCC-S

Psychotherapist/Group Leader/Supervisor

Steve holds a Master's degree from Wright State University in Mental Health Counseling and Substance Abuse Counseling, and a Bachelor’s degree from Miami University in Interdisciplinary Studies.  He has been an individual and group therapist at community behavioral health and addiction agencies for 20 years, and specializes in motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy.  Steve works with clients who have been diagnosed with anything from depression or anxiety, to bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, to personality disorders, as well as those with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse/dependence conditions.  Steve sees clients at the Mentor and Garfield Heights offices.

Cherarae Weisend, LPCC

Therapist

Cheri has her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and her Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Kent State University. She has experience working as a Crisis Interventionist, Crime Victim Outreach Advocate, juvenile offenders, school and community based-therapy as well as outpatient therapy. Her areas of specialty include working with children, families, couples, and trauma victims. She is an LPCC and is located at the Stow office.

Kristen Williams, LSW

Psychotherapist/Group Leader/Supervisor

Kristen completed her first bachelor's degree at the University of Phoenix majoring in business management, and later returned to school for a second bachelor's degree in social work. She passed her LSW in May of 2020. Kristen has experience in the criminal corrections field and has also worked with children’s services here in Ohio. Kristen lives in Summit County along with her boyfriend and children. She loves working in the mental health/addiction field and is excited to be a helping hand for the clients here at Charak.