Meet Our Team

Jeffrey Neal, LSW

Director of Care Management

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.

Lisa Dyer, LISW-S, SAP

Clinical Director

Lisa earned a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and a Master's Degree in Social Work from Cleveland State University.  She has been in the behavioral health field for more than twenty years with experience providing clinical services to those in need.  In addition to her clinical work she has extensive experience providing clinical and administrative/operational leadership.  She continues to be driven by her passion to help others.

Leighann Buschor, LSW

Therapist

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.

Steven Flaugher, LSW

Therapist, Group Leader

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

Barbara received her Bachelor of Science through the University of Dayton. She earned two Master of Science degrees from Kent State University in Special Education and Education Philosophy, Foundations and Policy. Barbara has extensive experience with children as a teacher and mobile therapist. She dreamed of becoming an art therapist, and to her delight, when Ursuline College opened an art therapy department, she jumped into the second graduating class, completing a Master of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling. Barbara is very happy working with the great team at Charak.

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.

Jacqueline Ollison, LSW

Therapist, Group Leader

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

Marla holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from John Carroll University. She has experience working in an outpatient therapy setting. Marla is currently working as a full-time counselor at the Garfield Heights office where she sees individual clients.

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.

Tracy Wingate, LSW

Therapist, Group Leader

Kristin Ziegler Alban, LSW

Therapist, Group Leader