Samaritan Counseling Services of the Gulf Coast

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, 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.

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.

Melissa Carlson, MSW, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, SW8174

Melissa is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who graduated from Syracuse University in 1994 with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work. She also completed the basic course in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy in 1995, which uses the wisdom of the body to integrate spiritual and emotional healing to help her clients achieve a more effective way of living. Melissa primarily uses Sensorimotor Processing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotional Freedom Techniques, narrative therapy, and psychodynamic approaches as needed to best help her clients. She works with adults on issues including, among others, relationships, marital issues, making effective life transitions, trauma, anxiety, communication skills, spiritual questions, and depression. Melissa believes in helping her clients achieve their chosen goals through reinforcing skills they already have while helping them develop new ones. She is comfortable working with clients who do not identify with a spiritual community, as well as with those who do. Melissa’s faith has always been the guiding force in her work, as in her life.

Loary Coates, MA, LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, MH18122

Loary has been counseling adults and adolescents for over 20 years. She received her Master’s Degree in Counseling from Webster University in Greenville, SC. She uses a variety of approaches designed to meet the needs of each client, gender or presenting issue. She has experience in working with clients in the areas of self-worth, addictions, anger, stress, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, life transitions, and marriage and family issues. Loary’s faith is an integral part of her commitment to offer the best possible counseling experience for her clients.

Benoît Duhamel, M. Div, MS
Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Intern, IMT 3277

Benoît is a compassionate individual dedicated to help people live flourishing lives. Benoît graduated from Bethel University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy. He earned a Master’s Degree in Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and most recently a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Counseling from Southeastern University. Benoît has received advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy. Benoît is a cyclist and he likes to read in his free time.

Griselle M Feisthammel, MA, CRC
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern FL IMH 17912

Griselle is a bilingual (Spanish and English) Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor who provides individual and family/couples counseling to children, teens, and adults. Griselle received her Masters of Arts degree in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling and Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of South Florida (2018), and her Bachelors of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Florida (2016). Griselle is certified in Spiritually Integrated Therapy from the Samaritan Institute.

Elizabeth Ibanez, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist FL PY7792

Dr. Elizabeth Ibanez is a bilingual licensed psychologist who provides individually tailored counseling and psychological assessments to children, teens, and adults. Dr. Ibanez obtained her doctorate (2007) and master’s degrees (2003) in Clinical Psychology from Texas Tech University. Prior to joining Samaritan this past year, she worked for ten years in private practice and taught as an adjunct faculty member at Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale. Dr. Ibanez aims to provide clients with a caring, supportive, and comfortable environment to identify contributing factors to presenting problems such as personal histories and thought and
behavior patterns and replace these with more adaptive coping skills to improve wellbeing. Dr. Ibanez strives to help clients better manage stress, mood, anxiety/worry, and conflicts and ultimately to improve daily functioning and experience the joy, comfort, and peace that God has intended. She especially enjoys working with parents and youth and assisting families with navigating life transitions.

Laura Johnston, MSW, LCSW
Florida License SW16067

Laura earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) Degree through The Ohio State University in 1997 and practiced Psychiatric Social Work in Ohio until 2018, when she returned to her home state of Florida. While in Ohio, she worked with individuals, couples and families in Inpatient Psychiatric Treatment, Community Mental Health and other outpatient settings for 20 years before making the move to a small Christian group private practice called Associates in Family Care. Laura is now a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Florida. She has education, training and experience in the areas of depression, anxiety, grief, stress, relationships, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia and Personality Disorders. Laura can also help address issues such as coping, decision making, problem solving, life transitions and clarifying priorities.

Laura’s clinical approach is gentle, genuine, accepting and open-minded. She is certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and also employs Mindfulness with a healthy dose of old-fashioned verbal processing. She would love to have the opportunity to serve you.

Bill Martin, LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, MH15631

You matter. I am a passionate, heart-centered counselor who can help you connect to your most authentic, best self by exploring the things that block your ability to live in joy, peace and prosperity. By accessing and clearing negative, sometimes unconscious conclusions drawn from life experiences, it is possible to change self-limiting and self defeating behaviors. My integrated approach to mind, body and spirit wellness will provide you with the tools to healing and living more fully in the present.

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.

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.

Lin Mertens LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, SW12451

Lin received her Master of Social Work from Michigan State University in 1995. She received her
undergraduate degree in Human Resource Development with specialization in Human Services at
Oakland University in 1992. Lin has 25+ years of providing counseling, crisis intervention and case
management in a variety of settings with individuals, groups and families.

Lin provides faith-based counseling to individuals, couples, groups and families. She serves people
experiencing a variety of problems and disorders. Her services include counseling individuals who are
experiencing depression, anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and
grief related to an assortment of circumstances. She works with people who struggle with chronic
concerns. In all areas of her practice she is committed to assisting those of her clients who draw upon
spiritual resources for their personal healing and growth.

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.

Leah Petrucci, MA, LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, MH17650

Leah graduated in 2014 with a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Argosy University in Sarasota, Fl. She is trained in various therapeutic techniques to address individuals, couples, and families on a variety of issues, such as grief and loss, family dynamics, relationship/marital issues, codependency, trauma, spiritual issues, mood disorders, addictions, issues among the LGBT population, and emotional disturbances related to physical pain and stress. Leah recently became certified in Spiritually Integrated Therapy -- a 2 year certification program sponsored by our agency’s governing body, the Samaritan Institute.

Maria Richardson, MA
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern FL IMH 12342

Maria is a bilingual (Spanish and English) Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern who provides individual and family/couples counseling to children and adults. Maria holds a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Argosy University, Sarasota, Florida, and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Education from the University Simon Bolivar Caracas, Venezuela. She completed the training of “Families Moving Forward” (FMF) Specialist, Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) clinician, and facilitator for the Circle of Security Parenting Program (COS-P).

D. Ross Thompson, MS, LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, MH3113

I am a Florida Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a Master of Science in Psychology from Nova Southeastern University. I have worked as a counselor in Sarasota Florida for the past 30 years. I have extensive clinical experience with more than six years working in hospital settings, 18 years working to address reactive behaviors in children at the Child Protection Center, 25 years of Counseling Ministry through area churches, and the past 5 years with Samaritan Counseling Services of the Gulf Coast.

Kelly Tse, MSW
Registered Clinical Social Work Intern, ISW 14755

Kelly is currently working towards her social worker licensure. She received her Master of Social Work from the University of South Florida (2020) and her Bachelor's degrees in psychology and religious studies from California State University, Fullerton (2017). Kelly completed her graduate school internship at the mental health clinic at MacDill Air Force Base, where she worked with military service members and their families. She also has experience with community mental health, case management, and crisis intervention with individuals and families.

Connie Valenti, MSW
Registered Clinical Social Work Intern, FL ISW 15038

Connie has over 30 years’ experience as an elementary educator and administrator. She is a graduate of USF for both Bachelors of Elementary Education (1986) and Master of Social Work (MSW, 2020). Connie completed her internship at Centerstone Florida where she received training in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, while working with teens, children with trauma, case management, adults with various mental health challenges, and leading group therapy sessions. She believes that meeting people where they are and helping them find their strengths are key to them moving forward. Connie’s faith is the source of her strength, but she understands that each person has their own unique journey in life.

Richard J. Vantrease, D.Min., LMFT 3500
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist.

Richard is a marriage and family therapist with more than twenty years’ experience counseling individuals of various ethnic and social-economic backgrounds, including children, adolescents and adults. He and his wife moved to Florida in 1989; prior to that they were living in Louisville, Kentucky where he was pastor at a Lutheran church.

Administrative Staff

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.

Linda Calvert
Associate Executive Director

Linda moved to Sarasota from Redding, CT with her husband, Michael, in 2016. Prior to her move, Linda worked for the Timex Group for 26 years, most recently as VP/General Manager of the Nautica Watch division.
Linda became interested in the mission of Samaritan Counseling while co-chairing the Silent Auction for the Samaritan Annual Luncheon. She has been with Samaritan Counseling since July 2018 and enjoys working closely with the Samaritan team to lead their fundraising efforts. Linda is an active member of Church of the Palms.

Melinda Cerny, MA
Administrative Assistant

Melinda Cerny is 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.

Rev. John Gregory, MDIV, CPLC
Community Care Director

John, a previous board member, joined Samaritan's staff in August 2020 as the first Community Care Director. The Community Care Director's objective is to foster partnering relationships with churches, businesses, schools and nonprofits in Sarasota and Manatee counties in order to provide mental health services to the community. John served on the pastoral staff of three Baptist churches in Florida from 1997-2020 and was ordained in 2003. John holds a Bachelor degree in Secondary Education (Pensacola Christian College), a Master degree in Divinity (New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary), and certification in life coaching (Professional Christian Coaching Institute).

Sybil Porter
Administrative Assistant

Sybil Porter is an Administrative Assistant. Previously, Sybil worked as a Medical Oncology Social Worker and was a licensed, Clinical Social Worker, with experience in counseling patients and families. Currently, Sybil serves as a Stephen Ministry Leader at Harvest United Methodist Church.