Melissa Emery, Co-Owner, Therapist
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During her time at Case Western University, Melissa specialized in Adults with Addiction and Mental Health Treatment. Melissa gained additional knowledge through her eighteen month employment at Glenbeigh and Neil Kennedy Adult Addiction Recovery Centers. Her passion for helping others was maximized during her career in mental health and addiction recovery specialist. Melissa found her passion for helping others utilizing treatment modalities of: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and client-centered therapy.
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Bachelor’s Degree:
Youngstown State University-
Bachelor’s in Social WorkMaster’s Degree:
Case Western Reserve University-
Master’s in Social Service AdministrationLicensed Social Worker in the state of Ohio
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Adults with Addiction in Recovery
Children (5-18)
Families
Adults (Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Personality Disorders)
Couples
Veterans
Trauma Exposure/History
LGBTQ Community Support
Madeline Emery, Co-Owner, Therapist
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During her time at Case Western University, Madeline specialized in Children and Family Services for Mental and Behavioral Health Treatment. Madeline gained additional experience through her employment specializing in foster care services, with children experiencing high levels of trauma and behavioral problems. Her passion for teaching children how to cope with separation from their families and loss of identity to home & community continues in the work that she provides today at The Counselor’s Couch.
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Bachelor's Degree:
Youngstown State University-
Bachelor’s in Social WorkMaster’s Degree:
Case Western University-
Master’s in Social Service AdministrationLicensed Independent Social Worker in the State of Ohio.
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Children (3-18 years of age)
Families
Adults (Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Personality Disorders)
Couples
Caregiver Support
Physical Health Complications
Trauma Exposure/History
LGBTQ Community Support
Deanna Slifka, Therapist
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During her time at Nova Southeastern University, Deanna earned her Master of Science in Counseling and became a Certified Trauma Professional. She gained extensive experience in crisis intervention and working with trauma survivors, which continues to shape the work she provides today at The Counselor’s Couch.
Deanna’s approach to therapy is rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, with added expertise in various treatment modalities to meet each client’s unique needs. She believes every person’s path to healing is different and collaborates closely with her clients to create a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space.
In addition to her clinical work, Deanna is the Founder and Executive Director of Sophia’s Wings, a nonprofit organization that provides free bereavement services to families suffering the loss of a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth, ectopic pregnancy, or neonatal death.
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Master’s Degree:
Nova Southeastern University- Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Ohio.
Certified Trauma Professional.
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Trauma & Crisis Intervention
Grief & Bereavement
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Mood Disorders (e.g., depression, bipolar disorder)
Anxiety Disorders
Adjustment Disorders
Individual, Couples, and Family Therapy
Children, Adolescents, and Adults
Julia Vandergriff, Therapist
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Having careers both in business and social work, Julia has spent the majority of her work providing direct services to adults, adolescents, children and families through area social services and treatment programs. Additionally, Julia served on various collaboratives and boards in the non-profit sector addressing needs within the community (I.E. YWCA, Early Childhood Intervention. Court Order Visitations, Domestic Violence. etc.). She has been a State of Ohio Licensed Social Worker since the Counselor, Social Worker, & Marriage and Family Therapist Board creation in 1984.
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Bachelor's Degree:
Hiram College-
Bachelor’s of Arts and Sciences in History and CommunicationsMasters Degree:
Youngstown State University-
Master’s of Science in Education in Community CounselingLicensed Social Worker in the State of Ohio.
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Specialty in Treatment Focus
Mood Disorders
Adjustment Disorders
Anxiety Disorders
Personality Disorders
Post -traumatic Stress Disorder
Individual, Couples and Family Therapy
Domestic Violence and Sex Abuse Recovery
Madison Goske, Therapist
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Madison has been employed full-time with Catholic Charities for nearly seven years, where she focuses on serving the homeless population and addressing housing needs. She currently co-runs a local shelter for women and women with children, providing critical support to some of the community’s most vulnerable individuals.
Her professional background also includes work with other local agencies serving the homeless. In addition to her clinical and community work, she serves as a part-time instructor with Youngstown State University’s Social Work Department during the Fall and Spring semesters.
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Bachelor's Degree:
Youngstown State University-
Bachelor’s Social WorkMasters Degree:
Case Western University-
Master’s in Social Service Administration -
Check back soon to learn more about Madison!
Samara Brooks, Therapist
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Samara completed her Master’s degree in Social Work at Grand Canyon University and went on to become a licensed Social Worker. She gained her experience while working for Mahoning County Children’s Services, where she helped families heal and reunite. Samara is deeply committed to supporting those who struggle in silence and is driven to ensure they receive the compassionate care they need.
She witnessed the emotional toll that medical crises can take and saw how often individuals are left without proper support. Recognizing the silent battles that follow a cancer diagnosis, Samara is passionate about helping survivors and patients care for their mental well-being. While working in the field, she saw how trauma impacts every part of a person’s life and made it her mission to help those in need. Her experience revealed the profound ways trauma shapes lives, leading her to dedicate herself to walking alongside others on their path to healing.
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Bachelor's Degree:
Youngstown State UniversityMasters Degree:
Grand Canyon University- Social Work
Licensed Social Worker in the State of Ohio.
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Children: 3-18
Adults: (Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Personality Disorders)
Families
Couples
Caregiver Support
Individuals navigating cancer survivorship or other life-altering medical events
Individuals facing the emotional and physical challenges of Cancer or other life-altering
Medical events
Birth Trauma/ Postpartum
