JONES-WOOD PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATES - Key Persons
Aminah Brahim-Jimenez has a master's degree from Case Western Reserve University and is a supervising licensed independent social worker with almost 30 years of experience. She has worked with children, adolescents, and adults in many settings including hospitals, schools, childcare centers, juvenile detention centers, adolescent residential treatment facilities, and outpatient community mental health centers. Aminah loves working with children and their families, assisting those as young as three years of age.
She assists children with ADHD, adjustment issues, anxiety, behavioral problems, chronic illness, depression, and grief. Brahim-Jimenez has specialized experience in issues related to adoption and divorce. She works with adults struggling with parenting, anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, chronic illness (particularly Multiple Sclerosis), and other mental health issues that impact everyday life. Aminah utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy and evidence-based interventions with her clients.
Beth Gracey has over 25 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families as an independently licensed social worker with supervisory status. She graduated from Case Western Reserve University with a Master's degree in Social Work. She has been the Children's Program Coordinator at the County of Summit Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services Board for over 10 years. Gracey serves as co-chair of the Summit County Youth Suicide Prevention Committee, and Summit County Trauma Informed Care Coalition. She is a Level One Certified Trauma Practitioner and certified perinatal mood disorder specialist. Beth was also the founder of the Summit County Maternal Depression Network.
Beth has worked with families on issues including, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts and feelings. She specializes in helping others heal from trauma and build resilience. Gracey also has specialized training in the treatment of maternal mood disorders like postpartum depression and anxiety. She has learned that having a diverse range of interventions is needed so that she can meet a person's individual needs, depending on age, personality, and life experiences. For some, incorporating art, mindfulness, play, or writing into sessions can be healing. Beth uses cognitive behavioral therapy and other evidence-based interventions to promote hope and positive growth. She believes that a positive therapeutic relationship helps improve goal accomplishment. She takes a holistic approach, considering our physical health, mental health, thoughts, feelings, and senses in order to encourage healing and wellness.
Hello, I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with Supervisor credentials, located in Northwest Ohio. I graduated from Liberty University with a master's degree in professional counseling. I have years of experience in community and office-based counseling, as well as in teletherapy. I've worked with children, adolescents, and adults with a variety of presenting problems such as depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress, anger, trauma, phase of life changes, relationship issues, family issues and many more. I enjoy providing individual, couples, and family counseling. I also work with couples dealing with infertility, miscarriage, and grief from the loss of a child.
Job Titles:
- Professional Clinical Counselor
Deanna Morphy is a licensed professional clinical counselor. She completed her master's degree at Geneva College. She has experience working with adults who struggle with alcoholism or addiction, in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Deanna has provided both individual and group therapy to those clients, as well as individuals coping with depression and anxiety. She also has experience working with physicians and their clients who are taking a maintenance medication such as Suboxone, Naltrexone, and Methadone. She enjoys providing couples and family counseling. Deanna is a client-centered therapist who utilizes a cognitive-behavioral approach with her clients, as well as motivational interviewing techniques.
Deanna is a sex positive therapist who has completed extensive coursework in sexual health. She is excited to work with couples and individuals who identify any issues regarding sexuality, sexual health, and/or sexual functioning. Deanna is LGBTQ+ and kink friendly.
My name is Diane Maytas, and I am a licensed professional clinical counselor with supervision designation. I am also an EMDR certified therapist, art therapist, and clinical hypnotherapist. I've earned a master's degree in counseling and art therapy from Ursuline College. I am also a licensed educator in the State of Ohio.
Dr. Wood earned her bachelor of arts degree from Ursuline College, and her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology. She is a licensed psychologist and has provided a variety of psychological services to children, adolescents, and adults. Those services include individual and group psychotherapy, psychological assessments, and psychological testing. She also performs evaluations for gastric bypass surgery, intellectual and achievement assessments, and personnel selection for public safety positions, as well as for documentation of disabilities, for schools and college.
Dr. Wood's approach to psychotherapy utilizes a cognitive-behavioral and insight-oriented therapies, depending on the client's need and the nature of the problem. She engages clients with compassion and understanding to help them overcome their difficulties. Her areas of practice include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance abuse problems, low self-esteem, and adjustment disorders, as well as personality disorders and sexual disorders.
Dr. Christopher Kline is a licensed psychologist who has had the pleasure of working with adults and adolescents for over 20 years in a number of different settings, from university counseling centers, community-based outreach programs, and private psychology practices, to working with corporate executives and teams. Dr. Kline received his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Akron, a Masters of Arts in Community Counseling from the University of Akron, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the College of Wooster. As a lifelong learner, Dr. Kline believes that challenges and roadblocks are a part of life. Successfully navigating those challenges brings opportunities to use our strengths to create new strategies and paths - solving problems and creating new solutions.
Dr. Kline enjoys working with individuals, couples, and families to cope with these life challenges. He helps them with anxiety, grief, depression, trauma, anger, and addiction. Dr. Kline loves simplicity - he and his wife love walking their dogs, dining out, and enjoying the fullness of life with family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Psychologist
- Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Elizabeth Harris is a licensed clinical psychologist. She earned a doctorate in counseling psychology from Walden University. Harris completed her psychology training at Northeast Behavioral Healthcare, University Hospitals Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and at a private practice. She has advanced training and experience in working with children, adolescents, and adults, both in inpatient and outpatient settings. Dr. Harris utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy, behavior modification, interpersonal therapy, and hypnotherapy techniques to treat her clients. She has special interests in sociocultural and systemic stressors, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, chronic illnesses, self-esteem issues, gender issues, interpersonal relationship concerns, ADHD, disruptive behavior disorders, and parent-child relationships.
Dr. Harris is committed to the wellness of the community. She is involved in several psychological associations where she volunteers her time, has held leadership positions, and has been invited to give talks and presentations. Harris advocates for improvement of the profession in support of diverse populations. She is interested in working with children, adolescents, and adults who seek to live a life of positive, fulfilling experiences.
Job Titles:
- Psychologist
- Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Hao Chu is a licensed clinical psychologist in Ohio. He received his doctorate of Clinical Psychology, Psy.D., from Wright State University, School of Professional Psychology. He has three years of professional experience in working with clients to overcome issues relating to anxiety, depression, trauma, and personal relationships. Dr. Chu is a cognitive-behavioral based therapist, who often integrates elements of humanistic, multicultural, and interpersonal theory in his practice. Moreover, he believes in engaging clients with empathy and compassion. In addition to evidence-based CBT techniques, he believes in using people's personal strengths to overcome their difficulties. His area of expertise is providing individual therapy for adult clients with mood disorders (i.e., anxiety and depression), adjustment disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, personality disorders, and cultural-related issues.
Job Titles:
- Psychologist
- Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Elizabeth Holmes is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. She holds a doctorate in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in children, adolescents, and families from Ohio University. Dr. Holmes has experience with counseling children, adolescents, and adults for all presenting concerns, including anxiety disorders and depressive disorders. She has extensive experience in treatment for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, learning/intellectual disabilities, and Autism Spectrum Disorder in children. Dr. Holmes also specializes in treating trauma in children and adults. She has training and experience in doing EMDR with adults. Dr. Holmes is certified in play therapy through the Association for Play Therapy. She began her career as a special education teacher and has taught severely, and multiply disabled children in the past.
Heather Koontz has been practicing in the mental health field for 24 years and holds a Master's Degree from the College of Social Work at The Ohio State University. She is a certified Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor and is Pupil Licensed through the Ohio Department of Education. Koontz is an Independently Licensed in Social Worker with a Supervisory Designation. She specializes in mood disorders, relationships of all kinds, adolescents, young adults, life changes, and pre-marital or marriage counseling. Heather's therapy approach is inclusive and affirming with a strong focus on solution-based interventions. She is a mother of three and a grandmother of one, and has been married for 22 years. She owns a private practice, works in a public school district, teaches college level social work courses, and contracts with a variety of organizations to provide educational presentations. What she loves the most about being a therapist is the trusting relationship built between the client and therapist, and the opportunity to be a part of a person's journey toward positive mental health.
Job Titles:
- Independent Social Worker
Heather Masters (she/her/hers) is a licensed independent social worker with supervision endorsement. She earned her master's degree in clinical social work from the University of Kentucky. Masters has provided individual, family, and group therapy services to a diverse population of clients from small rural communities to large cities. She has a great deal of experience working with individuals with substance use disorders as well as severe mental health issues in both residential and outpatient settings.
Her areas of specialty include anxiety, mood, substance abuse, relationship issues, parenting support, trauma, grief/loss, and women's issues. Heather uses a wide variety of therapeutic approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, and mindfulness-based techniques. She enjoys providing individual and couples counseling services.
Heather believes in taking an integrative approach to the therapy process, understanding that each client and their goals is unique. She approaches therapy with a warm demeanor and a goal-oriented approach.
Juliane has a master's degree from University of Kentucky and is a supervising licensed independent social worker with 25 years of experience. She has experience working with individuals, families, and couples ranging from 5 to 99 in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, homes, residential treatment facilities, outpatient community mental health, and adolescent detention centers.
Job Titles:
- Independent Social Worker
Kami Imes (she/her) is a licensed independent social worker with a supervisory designation, as well as a certified employee assistance professional. She earned her Master of Social Work degree at the University of Akron. Kami has a wide range of mental health experience including providing counseling for individuals and families in hospital, hospice, and outpatient settings. She has worked with adult clients on issues including, but not limited to, mood disorders, adjustment disorders, life transitions, anxiety disorders, and grief.
Kami is client centered and uses a variety of evidence-based approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and solution focused therapy. She values developing a nonjudgmental, collaborative, and trusting therapeutic relationship. Kami believes that you are the expert of your story and bring strengths that can be drawn upon during treatment to help you move toward your goals.
Job Titles:
- Independent Social Worker
Kathleen Hobson Davis (she/her) is a licensed independent social worker with over 20 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, and the adults who love them. She has enjoyed providing individual, group and family counseling in a variety of settings, including outpatient community mental health, transitional housing, partial hospitalization, pre-K through 12th grade regular and special education programs, and online caregiver support groups. She also serves as a mental health advocate with the American Academy of Pediatrics, supports pediatricians nationally in addressing pediatric depression and anxiety through an online community health outreach program, and is co-authoring AAP publications on Anxiety and Reframing the Approach to Healthy Mental and Emotional Development in Pediatrics. These experiences are foundational to her holistic, client-driven, strengths-based and trauma-informed approach.
Job Titles:
- Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Lauren is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor who earned her Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Akron, and her Bachelor's Degree from Franciscan University of Steubenville. Lauren has experience working with individuals, couples, and families from various backgrounds and of all ages. She has provided treatment to individuals with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, adjustment disorders, PTSD, personality disorders, and other mental health issues that impact daily living.
Lauren is client-centered and utilizes evidence-based practices including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing. She finds that one of the most important aspects of counseling is being able to build a healthy working relationship with her clients. She works hard to create a safe, welcoming environment for her clients to feel heard and understood.
Dr. McNamara earned her Doctorate of Ministry in Formational Counseling and has been an associate pastor as well as a Director of Christian Education. She earned her master's degree in Clinical Counseling from Ashland University. She is a licensed professional clinical counselor with supervisory status. Dr. McNamara has had extensive training and experience treating acute psychological disorders and extreme trauma cases, having served over 10 years in a psychiatric hospital. She has both individual and group counseling experience, both on an inpatient and outpatient basis. Dr. McNamara has a varied practice, which includes use of evidence-based therapies including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). She helps clients focus on relaxation, mindfulness, building self-esteem, and developing strategies to heal themselves by fulfilling their core longings. Her areas of practice include depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and building coping skills to help clients manage their issues.
Dr. McNamara is a compassionate counselor who takes a team approach with her clients to discover together the best plan for treatment. She has extensive experience in pastoral health, Christian education, parenting, marriage and family issues in a faith-based home. She enjoys helping people navigate their faith-based issues from all faiths, and welcomes clients without judgement to her practice.
Lisa Lutz is a licensed counselor with over 15 years of experience. She earned her master's degree from the University of Dayton. For her, the best part of counseling is hearing people's stories and helping them work toward their individual goals.
Lisa is experienced in working with clients in college, community mental health, and crisis center settings. She uses evidence-based practices which include cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and person-centered techniques. Her areas of practice include anxiety disorders, mood disorders, self-esteem issues, adjustment disorders, phase of life, ADHD, career/academic concerns, and other mental health issues that impact daily life.
Lori Wolfe earned her master's degree from Ohio University in 1994. She has worked in private practice settings, as well as community mental health. Lori's treatment focus is couples, adults, and very young children. She specializes in helping families with parenting concerns and new mothers experiencing postpartum depression. Lori is adept in assisting couples with marital issues and she has a wealth of experience treating adults with anxiety and depression.
Lori also helps people with anger management issues, bipolar disorder, borderline personality, conduct issues, domestic violence, gender identity, grief, LGBTQ+ issues, OCD, phobias, PTSD, and sexual disorders/addictions. She assists victims of sexual abuse and other traumatic experiences. Lori is a warm and caring therapist who loves providing telehealth services.
Dr. Lynn Luna Jones earned her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Temple University in 2004 and is a licensed psychologist. She has over 15 years of experience in the field of psychology and has worked with children, adolescents, and adults, providing individual, family, couples, and group counseling services. She specializes in diagnostic assessment and is skilled in administering intellectual, achievement, personality, vocational, adaptive functioning, and other specialized tests. Dr. Luna Jones adheres to a cognitive-behavioral theoretical orientation and is active in her client's treatment, monitoring their progress both inside and outside of the therapy session. Her areas of specific expertise include personality disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychosis, substance abuse, sexual disorders, and intellectual disabilities. She is a certified substance abuse professional (SAP).
Dr. Luna Jones and her long-time colleague, Dr. Arcangela Wood, opened Jones-Wood Psychological Associates, Inc. Our vision to bring our combined experiences to the individuals and families of Geauga County and the surrounding areas. We are excited to become part of your community!
Dr. Purdum earned his Ph.D. in Clinical Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine from the University of North Texas and he is a licensed clinical psychologist. Dr. Purdum is also Board Certified in Clinical Health Psychology. He has spent over 10 years providing a variety of clinical and health psychology services to adults. Dr. Purdum is a cognitive-behavioral based therapist, with a focus on mindfulness, self-compassion, and acceptance. His areas of practice include depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance misuse, tobacco cessation, insomnia, chronic pain, binge eating, medical anxiety, and phobias, as well as adjustment to chronic medical diseases such as diabetes. He also specializes in psychological pre-surgical evaluations for gastric bypass surgery and organ transplant.
Dr. Purdum is interested in approaches that nurture compassionate self-acceptance. He teaches mindfulness practices for everyday living, difficult emotions, stress, and habit change.
As a therapist I always aim to provide a safe, caring, confidential space for people to come to share their struggles and goals. I want to provide an environment that will help people work through their struggles to obtain their goals. I'm a Licensed Independent Social Worker with a Supervisory Designation and a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. I graduated from the University of Akron with a Master of Social Work. I've attained more than 15 years of experience in the field. I enjoy working with adults and there is no cap on age!
I have a master's degree from Case Western Reserve University and I am certified in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). My primary focus is currently working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families, but I also have experience working with adults. In addition to TF-CBT, I am trained in other evidence-based models including cognitive-behavior therapy, mindfulness, dialectical behavioral therapy, play therapy, family systems therapy, and brief solution focused treatment. I also have extensive experience working with youth and families adjusting to the challenges of foster, kinship, and adoptive placements. I've treated individuals struggling with various issues including mood disorders, adjustment issues, anxiety, stress, grief, loss, and trauma. I also work with families struggling with parenting and behavioral challenges.
Job Titles:
- Independent Social Worker
Valerie Lightner is a licensed independent social worker. She completed her master degrees in Social Work and Nonprofit Management at Case Western Reserve University in 2020. In 2015, she graduated from Kenyon College with degrees focused in cultural and Gender/Sexuality studies.
Valerie is a client-centered therapist who engages creative interventions to utilize a cognitive-behavioral, systems focused, and trauma informed approach to help people with anger management issues, mood and thought disorders, personality disorders, domestic violence, gender identity, PTSD, and sexual disorders/addictions. She has experience supporting clients of all ages in hospital, residential, detention, and outpatient settings.
She is excited to work with couples and individuals who identify any issues regarding sexuality, sexual health, and/or sexual functioning.