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.
Reverend Rick Howell, Th.M. - Executive Director |
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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.
Mary Binswanger, Ed. D., LMHC |
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Mary Binswanger is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She has an Educational Doctorate Degree in Counseling. Mary is the author of a doctoral dissertation: Treating Alcohol Addiction and the Alienated Self. Her dissertation is based on a qualitative study of persons in all stages of recovery from addictive substances. She is a mother, wife, counselor, and friend.
Diane Brantley, LCSW |
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Diane received her graduate training from the University of South Florida in 1991, after earning her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. Diane is a dynamic and growing Christian who is active in her local congregation. She believes strongly in the importance of integrating faith into the counseling process. The focus of Diane's education has been families and children, understanding both normative development and exceptional development due to the impact of environment and special health needs. She has a keen awareness of infant and childhood needs and the critical link with family and community support systems. In addition to her work with children and families, Diane's practice includes victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence, including elder abuse. Diane is married to Lamar and they have three children.
Dennise Lawry, Psy.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist |
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Dr. Lawry has been working in the mental health field for over 12 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. Dr Lawry has extensive training and experience in providing treatment to individuals with a variety of presenting issues including depression, anxiety, anger, stress, abuse history, trauma, grief, codependency, self-esteem, relationship problems, divorce, behavioral problems in children, ADHD, and blended families. She will be providing clinical services, including psychological evaluations, out of our Sarasota and Venice locations. Dr. Lawry is passionate about her faith and her calling to provide excellent mental health services to our community.
Melissa Miller, LCSW |
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Melissa received her Master's Degree in Social Work from Syracuse University in 1994. In 1997 she received a certificate of completion for 400 hours of professional training in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, a modality designed to help people suffering from traumatic experiences or from long standing emotional pain. Melissa primarily sees adults, working with them individually or as couples. Melissa is experienced in working with people on issues such as depression, anxiety, communication skills, relationship issues, life stage changes, and trauma, among other issues. Melissa also has a passion for helping women of all ages understand the messages culture and life experiences have given them about their bodies. She assists women in having more accepting attitudes toward their physical, emotional, and spiritual selves. Melissa's faith is the driving force behind her understanding of the difficulties people face, and she respectfully uses her client's faith as a resource whenever appropriate.
Sam Miller, M.S., Th.D. |
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Sam received his doctorate in Theology from Emory University in Atlanta. He is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of Florida, and he is also a Certified Imago Relationship Counselor. Sam is a member of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors. Sam brings his experience as a parish priest as well as his many years as a pastoral counselor to his work at SCS. Sam has experience working with a variety of issues, including pain management, depression, anxiety, career decisions, pre-marital counseling, family therapy, and relationship issues. He brings his deep commitment to the Christian faith, along with his professional training, to his work with his clients. Sam works with individuals, couples, and families.
Dave Preston,MSW,
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Staff Counselor
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David received his Master of Social Work degree from Marywood College of Social Work in Scranton, Pennsylvania in 1996. He also received a certificate in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) from Syracuse University in 1998. David has worked as an inpatient and outpatient therapist during his 13 years of psychotherapeutic experience. He enjoys working with adolescents, adults, couples and families. Depression, anxiety, grief, sexual abuse, marital issues, substance abuse, addiction and trauma issues are some of David's areas of expertise. David brings a common sense approach and his broadening spirituality to his work.
