STAFF & CONTACTS
Clinical Staff
Requests for a specific counselor will be honored whenever possible; however, SCS reserves the right to assign therapists based on office requested, therapist's time available, and the modality needed to suit the client's needs. |
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Reverend Rick Howell, Th.M, LMHC
Executive Director, MH6032 The Rev. Rick Howell, Executive Director, is a native of Tampa, Florida. Rick graduated from Stetson University with a Bachelor's Degree in Religion. He earned a Master's Degree in Divinity and a Master's Degree in Theology at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. Rick was ordained into the ministry in 1986. He is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of Florida; a Fellow in the American Association of Pastoral Counselors; and a Clinical Member in the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. |
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Diane Brantley, MSW, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, SW7796 Diane received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of South Florida in 2001, after earning her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Baylor University. She is trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy and Prolonged Exposure Therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). She has experience in providing treatment to individuals with issues, such as, depression, anxiety, including Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), grief, divorce, codependency, and trauma, including family violence and sexual abuse. She enjoys working with the aging population and women of all ages including young adults, and older teens. Diane values integrating her faith into the helping process with her clients. |
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Rev. William R. Clough, D.Min.
Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy Training Coordinator Bill was born in Tarpon Springs, FL, his degrees include a Bachelor of Science from Florida Presbyterian (Eckerd) College St. Petersburg, FL; Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from Louisville Presbyterian Seminary; and Master of Arts from Salve Regina University, Newport, RI. He served as a church pastor; Chaplain, US Navy; and Program Chair of the Pastoral Community Counseling Program at Argosy University. He was a clinical member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and Educator member of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors. |
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Natalie L.R. Dennison, MSW, ISW
Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern, 10772 Natalie earned her Master of Social Work in May of 2016 from the University of South Florida in Tampa. Natalie is a Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern for the state of Florida, pursuing licensure. Natalie is furthering her ability to integrate spirituality into therapy by attending Samaritan Counseling’s Spiritually Integrated Therapy program. Natalie is passionate about and has been a part of life giving work with children, adolescents, teenagers, and adults of varying ages. Natalie has experience working with individuals and couples on issues such as anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, communication skills, shame, anger, loneliness, and non suicidal self injury (NSSI), along with other issues. Natalie’s faith acts as a key proponent in her work with clients that are desiring their faith to be involved in the therapeutic process. Apart from her social work and spiritual training, when appropriate, Natalie’s musical foundation is a strong asset in her work with clients. Natalie believes that, “Samaritan is a wonderful organization, committed to helping others and providing wise and excellent counsel. I am blessed to be a part of all they do.” |
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Joel M. Kestenbaum, Ph.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, PY9512 Dr. Joel Kestenbaum has been an Ohio psychologist for many years, until he and his wife recently relocated to Sarasota. Now licensed in Florida, he is thrilled to join Samaritan Counseling and to be able to integrate faith in his psychological counseling. His undergraduate degree in Psychology is from UCLA and his doctorate in Clinical Psychology is from University of Washington. Dr. Kestenbaum has provided counseling/psychotherapy to persons from age 6 to 90. Working with individuals, couples and families, he has a strong interest in health psychology and behavioral medicine. He has extensive experience with patients who have suffered with the psychological aspects of chronic pain, illnesses, and injury, as well as with sleep disorders. He has effectively counseled patients with anxiety, phobias, depression, parenting issues, anger, stress, grief and trauma. Understanding the difficulties people face in their lives, he uses faith as an integral resource and tool in his counseling, when appropriate, to help his client. |
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Dr. Dennise Lawry, Psy.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, PY7816 Dr. Dennise Lawry has been working in the mental health field for over 15 years and is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the state of Florida. She earned her Doctorate and Master degrees in Clinical Psychology from Wheaton College and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Biology from the University of Miami. Her doctoral dissertation focused on the development of an intervention program for couples. Dr. Lawry has extensive training and experience in the treatment of a variety of presenting issues including depression, anxiety, anger, stress, abuse history, trauma, grief, codependency, self-esteem, relationship problems, divorce, ADHD, and blended families. She provides counseling to adults, couples and adolescents. Dr. Lawry is passionate about her faith and her calling to provide excellent mental health services to our community. Click Here for More Info |
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Linda Martin, MS, LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, MH3149 Linda Martin, LMHC earned a Masters in Counseling Psychology and a Masters in School Guidance from Nova Southeastern University and a Bachelors in Psychology and a Bachelors in Sociology from UCLA. She has over forty years of clinical experience in various environments including five years as a school guidance counselor, adult dual diagnosis (inpatient), adult & geriatric general psychopathology (inpatient and partial hospitalization), adolescent psychiatric and drug & alcohol treatment programs (inpatient and residential), and independent private practice. She has specialized training to address domestic violence, addictions, and to support couples seeking a healthy marriage. She also has specialized training in hypnotherapy to reduce stress and anxiety, and to provide pain management. Linda and her husband Lee, live in Bradenton and worship at Palma Sola Presbyterian Church. |
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Maribeth McDermott, MS, LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, MH8321 Maribeth has been counseling adults, adolescents and children for over 20 years. She received her Master’s Degree in Counseling and Human Relations from Villanova University in Pennsylvania where she specialized in working with individuals, couples and groups focused on addiction, co-dependency and sexual abuse issues. Maribeth uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to assist individuals suffering from anxiety, depression, addiction and trauma to find the strength and resources to heal and restore health and balance. She has also been trained to use Eye Movement Desensitization and Re-Processing (EMDR) and Emotional Freedom Technique which are both helpful in treating trauma and addiction as well as other issues. Maribeth has extensive experience with children who have ADHD, Learning Differences and Autism Spectrum Disorders. She has completed adoption Competency Training and has worked with adoptive families for many years. Maribeth’s faith is an integral part of her commitment to offer the best possible counseling experience for her clients. |
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Lin Mertens, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, SW 12451 Lin moved to Sarasota three years ago from Michigan, where she received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Michigan State (Go Green). She is a part-time staff counselor. Lin was offered a position at Doctor’s Hospital to work at Serenity Place as a case manager for the Geriatric, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse unit for voluntarily admitted inpatients. Lin has special training and experience with depression, anxiety, sexual abuse, addiction, adoption, and children with special needs. Lin lives in Venice and loves the area. She likes to spend her time spoiling Milly the cat, swimming, and socializing with friends at local restaurants. |
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James Miller, MSW, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, SW10207 Samaritan Counseling Services of the Gulf Coast recently hired James Miller, MSW, LCSW as a counselor. Miller graduated from Michigan State University with a Master's Degree in Social Work. He has worked many years in the Behavioral Health counseling field and has experience with a wide variety of situations for which people seek help; anxiety, depression, addiction and relationship concerns. He most recently was a grief counselor with Tidewell Hospice. James and his wife Debra are members of the Covenant Mennonite Fellowship. |
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Leah Petrucci, MA, RMHCI
Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern, IMH13177 Leah Petrucci received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from the University of Florida in 2001. Leah graduated from Argosy University in Sarasota in 2014 with a Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She satisfied the mandatory Practicum and Internship requirement her final year of school with a total number of 1000 hours of supervised experience – the Practicum experience was completed at a substance abuse facility and the Internship experience was completed at a private practice. She registered with the Florida Board of Health to become a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern (post graduate intern working towards licensure). She loves to sing (especially for the Lord!) and you might catch her singing worship music at Bayside Community Church West Campus some weekends! She has 2 furry children, Keiffer, a 10 year old Bengal cat and Bailey, a 2 year old albino Boxer. For more information, visit Psychology Today. |
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Karen Tidwell, LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, MH12965 Karen Tidwell, LMHC, specializes in work with children (beginning at age 3), teens, and adults who are suffering from depression, anxiety, life adjustments, grief, and mood disorders. Sexual abuse, domestic violence, and trauma are Karen’s specialties. Karen offers weekday as well as Saturday appointments and works out of the University Parkway satellite office. She lives in Bradenton with her husband, Allan, and has two grown children. Karen graduated with a BS from Central Michigan in education (English and Art) and uses writing and art in therapy when clients wish. Karen earned her Master’s in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. She is a member of the AACC (American Association of Christian Counselors) and believes that God is the ultimate healer. Karen and her husband are members of Bayshore Baptist Church in Bradenton. |
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D. Ross Thompson, MS, LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, MH3113 D. Ross Thompson, M.S., LMHC, brings more than 20 years of experience counseling children and adults in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. He desires assisting clients to gain strength and grow when challenges come. He supports families to go across the currents of life struggles and gain freedom with faith. |
Administrative Staff
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Reverend Rick Howell, Th.M, LMHC
Executive Director, MH6032 The Rev. Rick Howell, Executive Director, is a native of Tampa, Florida. Rick graduated from Stetson University with a Bachelor's Degree in Religion. He earned a Master's Degree in Divinity and a Master's Degree in Theology at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. Rick was ordained into the ministry in 1986. He is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of Florida; a Fellow in the American Association of Pastoral Counselors; and a Clinical Member in the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. |
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Cheri Bernd-Dancha
Office Administrator Cheri moved to Lakewood Ranch from Minnesota about 2 years ago with her husband. She has three adult children and two adult step-children. She spent a number of years as an investment banker for regional and national firms. Cheri studied to become an addiction counselor and spent a six-month internship with Hazelden in Minnesota. In addition, she worked for a non-profit that re-mediated lead in inner city homes for low-income families. Cheri said, “I am so happy to be a part of such a loving and supportive team, working together to make the world a better place.” Cheri and her husband are members of Grace Community Church. |
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Melinda Cerny, MA
Administrative Assistant Samaritan Counseling Services of the Gulf Coast recently hired Melinda Cerny as an Administrative Assistant in charge of launching the Spiritually Integrated Therapy internship program. The SIT training program is designed to equip interns to meet state licensure requirements for supervised clinical experience as well as to provide spiritually integrated therapy with their clients. Melinda previously worked at MIT as an academic administrator and student advisor. She holds a BA degree in English Education from Michigan State University and a MA degree in Counseling Psychology from Lesley University in Cambridge Massachusetts. Melinda and her husband, Ken, moved to Lakewood Ranch in 2012 and are active members of Harvest United Methodist Church. |
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Betsy Hall
Administrative Assistant Betsy is no stranger to Samaritan. Her husband Brian is a past board president, and Betsy has spent many hours volunteering on various committees for Samaritan. She started volunteering in the admin office, and we decided we could not do without her special talents, so she became a part-time administrative assistant. Betsy has a long career of teaching and those organizational skills have been invaluable to Samaritan. Betsy’s faith is an inspiration to all who are blessed to know her. |
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Kurt V. Rachwitz, PhD
Director of Philanthropy A seasoned fund raising professional, having led dozens of campaigns with over $100 million personally raised, Kurt has provided planning, training, program development, and fund raising counsel to government, educational, economic development, business and commerce, and arts organizations in Alabama, Connecticut, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Texas, Georgia, and Florida. In 2007 he moved to Sarasota, where he and his wife, nonprofit consultant Mel Thomas, live with Sweetpea the dog and Bob the cat. Kurt holds the Ph.D. in Rhetoric from the Unviersty of Nebraska and was a fellow of The Nebraska Writing Project. He is a veteran of the US Air Force. |
