Samaritan Counseling’s team of 30 Social Workers, Mental Health Counselors, Marriage & Family Therapists, and Interns provide accessible and affordable mental health services working closely with our clients to reach their therapeutic goals. All of our counselors are highly trained Interns, Master’s, or Doctorate clinicians that have extensive experience in their field and are HIPPA compliant for both outpatient counseling and telehealth.
Office Hours
Our offices are open Monday – Friday, beginning at 8:30am
Counseling sessions are available by appointment, including limited evening and weekend hours.
(941) 926-2959
Clinical Staff
Reverend Rick Howell, Th.M, LMHC
Executive Director, MH6032
Executive Director, MH6032
Reverend Rick Howell 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.
Taylor Allen
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, IMH24811 Taylor is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern holding a degree from Liberty University. She has experience working as a Registered Nurse in psychiatric hospitals and has worked with child and adolescent populations as well as adults.
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, IMH24811 Taylor is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern holding a degree from Liberty University. She has experience working as a Registered Nurse in psychiatric hospitals and has worked with child and adolescent populations as well as adults.
Deanna Amato, MA
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, IMH23191 Deanna is a Registered Clinical Mental Health Counselor Intern who earned her M.A. in Clinical Mental Health through Liberty University. Deanna has ten years of experience working with children, adults, and families in areas of abuse, poverty, substance use, trauma, parenting, behavior issues, and life transitions.
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, IMH23191 Deanna is a Registered Clinical Mental Health Counselor Intern who earned her M.A. in Clinical Mental Health through Liberty University. Deanna has ten years of experience working with children, adults, and families in areas of abuse, poverty, substance use, trauma, parenting, behavior issues, and life transitions.
Daniel Aviles, MS, LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, MH21553 Daniel is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. Daniel has worked in a clinical setting for six years and has specific experience working with adult substance abusers as well as teenage sex offenders.
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, MH21553 Daniel is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. Daniel has worked in a clinical setting for six years and has specific experience working with adult substance abusers as well as teenage sex offenders.
Jennifer Barnett
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, IMH24677 Jennifer is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern who earned her M.A. in Clincial Mental Health through Liberty University. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of South Florida.
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, IMH24677 Jennifer is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern who earned her M.A. in Clincial Mental Health through Liberty University. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of South Florida.
Diane Brantley, MSW, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, SW7796 Diane received her Masters 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).
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, SW7796 Diane received her Masters 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).
Christie Byrne, MS, LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, MH18348 Christie graduated with a Master of Science degree in Counseling Psychology and is a Florida Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She has worked as a licensed professional counselor in Texas for over 20 years with individuals, couples, and families.
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, MH18348 Christie graduated with a Master of Science degree in Counseling Psychology and is a Florida Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She has worked as a licensed professional counselor in Texas for over 20 years with individuals, couples, and families.
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. Melissa believes in helping her clients achieve their chosen goals through reinforcing skills they already have while helping them develop new ones.
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. Melissa believes in helping her clients achieve their chosen goals through reinforcing skills they already have while helping them develop new ones.
Loary Coates, MA, LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, MH18122 Loary has been counseling adults and adolescents for over 20 years. 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.
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, MH18122 Loary has been counseling adults and adolescents for over 20 years. 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.
Wendy DiPietro
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, IMH24633 Wendy is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern with a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Liberty University. Her theoretical approach is in cognitive behavioral therapy with attachment and development.
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, IMH24633 Wendy is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern with a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Liberty University. Her theoretical approach is in cognitive behavioral therapy with attachment and development.
Griselle M Feisthammel, MA, LMHC, CRC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, MH18815 Griselle is a bilingual (Spanish and English) Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor who provides individual and family/couples counseling to children, teens, and adults.
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, MH18815 Griselle is a bilingual (Spanish and English) Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor who provides individual and family/couples counseling to children, teens, and adults.
Elizabeth Ibanez, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist, PY7792 Dr. Elizabeth Ibanez, PhD is a bilingual licensed psychologist who provides individually tailored counseling and psychological assessments via tele-mental health. Dr. Ibanez obtained her doctorate (2007) and master’s degrees (2003) in Clinical Psychology from Texas Tech University.
Licensed Psychologist, PY7792 Dr. Elizabeth Ibanez, PhD is a bilingual licensed psychologist who provides individually tailored counseling and psychological assessments via tele-mental health. Dr. Ibanez obtained her doctorate (2007) and master’s degrees (2003) in Clinical Psychology from Texas Tech University.
Laura Johnston, MSW, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, SW16067 Laura earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) Degree through The Ohio State University in 1997. 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.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, SW16067 Laura earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) Degree through The Ohio State University in 1997. 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.
Fonda Latham, LCSW, ACSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, SW16581 Fonda is a clinical social worker who has worked in the field for over forty years. She has served in several leadership roles, and now serves as a Vice-President with the Solihten Institute. She is pleased to be working part-time as a clinician with SCCGC and once again working alongside clients.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, SW16581 Fonda is a clinical social worker who has worked in the field for over forty years. She has served in several leadership roles, and now serves as a Vice-President with the Solihten Institute. She is pleased to be working part-time as a clinician with SCCGC and once again working alongside clients.
Dennise Lawry, Psy.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, PY7816 Dr. Dennise Lawry is a bilingual Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Dr. Lawry has extensive experience working with individuals, couples and families presenting with a wide array of issues including depression, anxiety, abuse, trauma, marital problems, difficult life transitions, grief or relationship issues.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, PY7816 Dr. Dennise Lawry is a bilingual Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Dr. Lawry has extensive experience working with individuals, couples and families presenting with a wide array of issues including depression, anxiety, abuse, trauma, marital problems, difficult life transitions, grief or relationship issues.
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. She has over forty years of clinical experience in various environments including as a school guidance counselor and child, adolescent, adult and geriatric hospital in-patient settings.
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, MH3149 Linda Martin, LMHC earned a Masters in Counseling Psychology and a Masters in School Guidance from Nova Southeastern University. She has over forty years of clinical experience in various environments including as a school guidance counselor and child, adolescent, adult and geriatric hospital in-patient settings.
Lin Mertens, MSW, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, SW12451 Lin received her Master of Social Work from Michigan State University in 1995. Lin provides faith-based counseling to individuals, couples, groups and families. 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.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, SW12451 Lin received her Master of Social Work from Michigan State University in 1995. Lin provides faith-based counseling to individuals, couples, groups and families. 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.
Antonella Portal-Chetwynd, MA, LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, MH22628 Antonella is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor approved by the state of Florida. Antonella earned her Master of Arts in Counseling from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Massachusetts in 2016.
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, MH22628 Antonella is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor approved by the state of Florida. Antonella earned her Master of Arts in Counseling from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Massachusetts in 2016.
Sandy Pulos, MA
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, IMH22092 Sandy is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern who received her M. A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Liberty University. Her training and experience include working with adolescents and adults, as well as leading psychoeducational groups.
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, IMH22092 Sandy is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern who received her M. A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Liberty University. Her training and experience include working with adolescents and adults, as well as leading psychoeducational groups.
Maria D Richardson, MA, LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, MH20358 Maria is a bilingual (Spanish and English) Licensed Mental Health Counselor who provides youth and adult counseling. She received her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Argosy University.
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, MH20358 Maria is a bilingual (Spanish and English) Licensed Mental Health Counselor who provides youth and adult counseling. She received her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Argosy University.
Sonia Santiago, MS, LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor,
MH4633 Sonia received her Masters degree in Counseling from the University of South Florida. She is a licensed mental health counselor and holds certification from the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC). She has worked in the Sarasota area with children, teens, and families.
Licensed Mental Health Counselor,
MH4633 Sonia received her Masters degree in Counseling from the University of South Florida. She is a licensed mental health counselor and holds certification from the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC). She has worked in the Sarasota area with children, teens, and families.
Jennifer Spurr, Psy.D.
License Psychologist, PY8388 Jennifer is a licensed psychologist with a Psy.D. degree from Fuller Theological Seminary (Pasadena, CA) and a MA in Counseling from Asbury Theological Seminary (Wilmore, KY). Jennifer works within a person-centered, cognitive-behavioral framework driven by the client’s goals and needs. Jennifer seeks to draw out the client’s strengths while addressing barriers that prevent clients from reaching their stated goals.
License Psychologist, PY8388 Jennifer is a licensed psychologist with a Psy.D. degree from Fuller Theological Seminary (Pasadena, CA) and a MA in Counseling from Asbury Theological Seminary (Wilmore, KY). Jennifer works within a person-centered, cognitive-behavioral framework driven by the client’s goals and needs. Jennifer seeks to draw out the client’s strengths while addressing barriers that prevent clients from reaching their stated goals.
D. Ross Thompson, MS, LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, MH3113 D. Ross Thompson is a Florida Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a Master of Science in Psychology from Nova Southeastern University and has worked as a counselor in Sarasota for the past 30 years.
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, MH3113 D. Ross Thompson is a Florida Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a Master of Science in Psychology from Nova Southeastern University and has worked as a counselor in Sarasota for the past 30 years.
Connie Valenti, MSW, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, SW20604 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 Samaritan Counseling where she completed a two-year course on Spiritually Integrated Therapy.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, SW20604 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 Samaritan Counseling where she completed a two-year course on Spiritually Integrated Therapy.
Richard J. Vantrease, D.Min.
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT3500 Dr. Richard J. Vantrease is a former pastor with a Doctor of Ministry degree in Pastoral Care and Counseling. He is a semi-retired Florida Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 25 years of experience.
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT3500 Dr. Richard J. Vantrease is a former pastor with a Doctor of Ministry degree in Pastoral Care and Counseling. He is a semi-retired Florida Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 25 years of experience.
Todd Warren, MDIV, MA, LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, MH19255 Todd is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor approved by the state of Florida and also a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor approved by the state of Ohio. Todd earned his Master of Arts in Counseling in 2010, as well as a Master of Divinity in 2005.
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, MH19255 Todd is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor approved by the state of Florida and also a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor approved by the state of Ohio. Todd earned his Master of Arts in Counseling in 2010, as well as a Master of Divinity in 2005.
Stephanie Yax, MA
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, IMH25375 Stephanie provides individual counseling to 18+ adults. She has experience working with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, substance use, chronic illness, grief, stress, self-esteem issues, relationship issues, pregnancy/postpartum, career development, life transitions, faith and spirituality, and religious trauma.
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, IMH25375 Stephanie provides individual counseling to 18+ adults. She has experience working with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, substance use, chronic illness, grief, stress, self-esteem issues, relationship issues, pregnancy/postpartum, career development, life transitions, faith and spirituality, and religious trauma.
Administrative Staff
Reverend Rick Howell, Th.M, LMHC
Executive Director Reverend Rick Howell 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.
Executive Director Reverend Rick Howell 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.
Linda Calvert
Associate Executive Director Linda moved to Sarasota from Redding, CT with her husband, Michael, in 2016. 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.
Associate Executive Director Linda moved to Sarasota from Redding, CT with her husband, Michael, in 2016. 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.
Rev. William R. Clough, D.Min.
Training Director Bill was born in Tarpon Springs, FL. He and his wife Betty have lived in Bradenton since 2000. He’s been with Samaritan since 2016. 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.
Training Director Bill was born in Tarpon Springs, FL. He and his wife Betty have lived in Bradenton since 2000. He’s been with Samaritan since 2016. 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.
John Gregory, MDIV, ACC
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.
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.
Laura Johnston, MSW, LCSW
Clinical Director Laura earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) Degree through The Ohio State University in 1997. 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.
Clinical Director Laura earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) Degree through The Ohio State University in 1997. 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.
Nicole Mobley
Development Director Born and raised in Sarasota, Nicole has been involved with nonprofits for over 10 years. In her most recent position, she served as Institutional Giving Officer at The Sarasota Ballet. She is active with local volunteerism and her passion for human services brought her to Samaritan.
Development Director Born and raised in Sarasota, Nicole has been involved with nonprofits for over 10 years. In her most recent position, she served as Institutional Giving Officer at The Sarasota Ballet. She is active with local volunteerism and her passion for human services brought her to Samaritan.