CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

HAFEEZ HUSSEIN, CDCA (he/him)

Hafeez is a retired Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant who earned the Bronze Star with Valor and Purple Heart for his bravery during overseas combat operations.

His military service spans over 18 years, including 14 years as a Marine Raider in the Marine Raider Special Operations Command. While on deployments worldwide, he discovered he loved administering medical care to children in various field hospitals in austere locations.

A co-founder of the Kindred Harbor Behavioral Health, he oversees all administrative functions, human resources, credentialing, and medical billing and coding.

During his civilian life, he now devotes himself to supporting others and leaving his son a legacy of service and kindness.

CLINICAL DIRECTOR

DR. TAJ HUSSEIN, DSW, JD, LISW-S (she/they)

Dr. Taj is a bilingual (Spanish), passionate social services innovator and strategist, as well as a licensed independent social worker with legal training.

She has 13 years of experience working with people facing mental wellness challenges, addiction, poverty, and homelessness. Additionally, she has served communities in South America as a clinical social worker in Bolivia and as an English teaching fellow in Colombia.

Dr. Taj is a co-founder of KHBH and serves as the clinical director, supervising clinicians who serve clients. Additionally, she provides psychotherapy to our clients.

Her approach to life is based on universal positive regard for all beings, with a belief that all life has inherent value and beauty. It is her specialty to "see the person" and to assist in unlocking potential regardless of their current conditions or their past. She is a certified clinical trauma professional and EMDR trained.

Dr. Taj identifies as non-binary femme and has served members of the LGBTQ+ community in various roles and currently co-facilitates the Trans+ Group and a youth group at the LGBT Center of Cleveland.

She is a proud graduate of Cleveland State University where she received her Bachelor of Social Work and Juris Doctorate (law degree). Additionally, she completed a Master's and a Doctorate of Social Work degree at the University of Southern California (USC). 

(DR. TAJ IS NOT ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS AT THIS TIME)

CANDICE MARKLE, Ed. D, LPCC (she/her)

Throughout my counseling career, I have had the privilege of focusing on diagnostic evaluations and helping clients start their therapeutic journey. I have the most experience working with individuals within the LGBTQ community, survivors of trauma, and survivors of sexual assault. However, I have completed counseling and assessments with a wide variety of people overall. 

I believe it is important to meet someone where they are and believe in the inherent worth of every person. If you are considering therapy through Kindred Harbor, I would be honored to work with you through the intake and assessment process. 

NICOLLE BELLMORE PIERSE, MS, MSSA, LSW (she/her)

Nicolle Bellmore Pierse graduated from Mercyhurst College with a BA in Social Work, Case Western Reserve University with a Master's Degree in Social Work, and Walden University with a Master's Degree in Adult Learning, Training and Performance Development.

For nearly 20 years Nicolle has worked as a Licensed Social Worker in the State of Ohio in a variety of settings helping people strive towards their goal to reach their full potential. Nicolle believes in supporting each person's individuality. In her free time Nicolle likes to crochet, read, and travel.

TIARA NEAL, MACP, LPC (she/her)

Hello there! I'm Tiara Neal, a diverse and dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology.

My professional journey is fueled by an innate desire for change in both the mental health field and our world as a whole, and I am deeply passionate about guiding clients through their personal growth journey to increase their self awareness in a trauma-informed, culturally competent manner.



I pride myself on meeting clients exactly where they are and embarking on their transformative journeys alongside them. I like to think of and explain therapy as not me “fixing” anyone, but two people meeting and sharing ideas to analyze the puzzle pieces and empower clients to complete the puzzle on their own with the new found knowledge they gain in session. With years of experience as an advocate for mental health and case manager, I bring a wealth of expertise to the table. I work with individuals of all ages, providing support for children, teens, and adults alike.

ALEXANDRA HOLLOWAY, LPCC (she/her)

Alexandra (she/her) has experience treating anxiety, depression, codependency, women's issues, mood disorders, grief, family issues, anger management, PTSD, and substance use.

She is LGBTQIA+ affirming and has experience with various neurodivergencies including ADHD. She offers EMDR therapy for many issues. EMDR is a specific and targeted treatment that can provide relief from a variety of symptoms.

Alexandra graduated from the University of Akron in 2019 with a Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She is currently a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in the state of Ohio. Prior to private practice, she worked extensively with women experiencing addiction and PTSD. Outside of the clinical setting, Alexandra enjoys reading and spending time with her pets.

(ALEX IS NOT ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS AT THIS TIME, PLEASE CONTACT US TO BE PLACED ON HER WAITLIST)

ATHENA MCCAMAN, LISW-S, LICDC (she/her)

Athena is both a licensed independent social worker and a licensed independent chemical dependency counselor.

With over 10 years of experience, she has worked with individuals, families, adolescents, and groups experiencing a wide range of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting concerns, career challenges, and PTSD.

Her previous positions have allowed her to serve the LGBTQ+ community. In those settings, Athena advocated for a policy allowing transgender women access the restroom corresponding to their gender identity.

As a clinical trauma professional, she has worked with many people experiencing trauma. Her approach is client-centered, and she strives to treat people with respect, sensitivity, and empathy. As a counselor, she knows that seeking help takes courage, and she wants to empower and support others on their journey to finding help.

She focuses on helping clients develop healthy coping strategies and skills through CBT and motivational engagement.

Additionally, Athena is trained in EMDR. 

(ATHENA IS ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS AT THIS TIME)

CARMEN RECCHIA, MSW, LSW (she/her)

As a direct service and community-based social worker, Carmen has experience working with individuals, families, groups, and communities.

As part of her previous and current work, she has supported and uplifting the LGBTQ+ community, as well as advocated and worked on policy and legislative issues.

Her experience includes working with individuals experiencing trauma, people experiencing life stressors, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Additionally, Carmen is trained in EMDR and CBT.

(CARMEN IS NOT ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS AT THIS TIME, PLEASE CONTACT US TO BE PLACED ON HER WAITLIST)

GABRIELLE COOPER, M.A, LPC, ATR-P, COUNSELOR (they/them)

Gabrielle is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) and art therapist (ATR-P) holding a B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies with a minor in Fine Arts from Kent State University and dual Master’s degrees in Counseling and Art Therapy from Ursuline College, as well.

Gabrielle has a particular passion for those battling substance abuse, LGBTQ+ folx, blind individuals, and people of multicultural backgrounds; especially those with intersecting identities. They have treated people with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, chronic pain, communication and relationship issues, and pandemic stress and loneliness.

Gabrielle’s clinical style focuses on trauma-informed care and multicultural healing methods. Their approach uses a combination of person-centered, strengths based, feminist, existential, multicultural, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.

As an art therapist, Gabrielle utilizes the creative process to assist clients with healing from the past, coping with the present, and creating hope for the future. Using a variety of art media, clients work through trauma, increase self-esteem, decrease anxiety, and improve their overall well-being. 

(GABRIELLE IS ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS AT THIS TIME)

Kaylee Tomasek, M.A, LPC, COUNSELOR  (she/her)

SERVING CHILDREN, ADOLESCENTS AND TEENS

Hello, my name is Kaylee and I love getting the privilege to hear everyone's unique story! My experience working in the mental health field spans over 6+ years and varies in clinical settings, such as Outpatient Counseling, Day Treatment, School Counseling, and Substance Use Programs. I am particularly passionate about working with children, adolescents, and young adults, including LGBTQ+ youth. I specialize in using trauma-informed practices and have experience treating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, substance use, and family dynamics. 

My goal is to build connections with clients through empathy, trust, and humor. In doing so, my hope is to create a space where clients feel confident and comfortable enough to allow themselves to heal and improve their overall well-being. Through a client centered approach, we will collaborate and determine creative interventions that work best for you! I am incredibly grateful to come alongside you in your journey and am excited to cheer you on every step of the way. 

(KAYLEE IS NOT ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS AT THIS TIME, PLEASE CONTACT US TO BE PLACED ON HER WAITLIST)

MINDA RUBA, LSW (she/her)

SERVING CHILDREN, ADOLESCENTS, TEENS and ADULTS THROUGH AGE 35

Hello! My name is Minda and I have worked with individuals, families, organizations, and communities for over 3 years.

My previous and current job experience in the mental health sector includes outpatient and inpatient counseling, school counseling, and charitable work. Working with children, adolescents, and young people is something I am really passionate about. I specialize in trauma-informed techniques and has worked with clients suffering from anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and family dynamics. 

My goal is to connect with clients by demonstrating compassion, trust, and empathy. In doing so, I strive to create an environment in which clients may explore their mental health challenges and improve their overall well-being. We will collaborate to determine the most successful creative techniques, with a focus on you as an individual. I am thrilled to be a part of your journey and look forward to assisting you at every step of the way.

I am certified in trauma focused-CBT and EMDR trained.

(MINDA IS ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS AT THIS TIME)

HELENA ROSA, B.S. HUMAN SERVICES, QMHS, CASE MANAGEMENT (she/her)

Helena Rosa (she/her/Ella) is a bilingual qualified behavioral health specialist. 

Throughout her ten-year career, she has provided trauma-informed care via case management, crisis intervention, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and domestic violence survivor advocacy. She also co-facilitates weekly trauma support groups. 

In her previous position, Helena was a bilingual case manager for the DVCAC shelter. She provided support and advocacy to migrant families in crisis. Helena is experienced in creating individualized plans and strategies to maintain clients’ well-being through supportive services. Her objective is to encourage and empower the client to reach their goals. 

Helena is a graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University with a specialization in Human Services. She is certified in administering lethality assessments and collaborating in safety planning. She is also certified to recognize signs of Human trafficking/child abuse and provide intervention.

(HELENA IS NOT ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS AT THIS TIME, PLEASE CONTACT US TO BE PLACED ON HER WAITLIST)

JD HARRISON, QMHS, CASE MANAGEMENT (they/them)

JD is a Cleveland native who earned a BA of Philosophy from Case Western Reserve University and has done work in the community surrounding harm reduction, housing and food insecurity, and racial equality. Their personal and academic background and their understanding of social inequalities help them to provide excellent care to all of their clients.

JD seeks to help their clients identify areas of improvement within their lives and provide them with the tools and guidance necessary to set goals and access resources that help their clients increase their quality of life.

(JD IS ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS AT THIS TIME)

LAKISHA CRENSHAW, QMHS, CASE MANAGEMENT (she/her)

Over the past seven years, I have advocated and supported individuals, children, and families with community-based services. I have expertise in LGBTQ+ advocacy, victim advocacy, trauma, stress, addictions, and mental health services.

I assess situations, evaluate the effectiveness of care plans, and monitor progress made by clients and treatment teams. This results in fewer crises and clients achieving their goals.

(LAKISHA IS NOT ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS AT THIS TIME, PLEASE CONTACT US TO BE PLACED ON HER WAITLIST)

LATEYA “TEYA” SHANKLIN, QMHS, CASE MANAGEMENT (she/her)

Lateya is a highly skilled professional with extensive experience in leadership, customer service, communications, and problem solving. With a background in behavioral health support, substance abuse & detox support, trauma, coping skills, and case management, Lateya is uniquely equipped to provide comprehensive services to clients seeking support in these areas.

As a trained QMHS case manager, Lateya is dedicated to helping individuals achieve their goals and navigate challenges with confidence. Additionally, Lateya offers life skills assistance that ensures that all clients feel seen, heard, and valued.

With a compassionate and personalized approach to care, Lateya is committed to empowering individuals to achieve their full potential.



(LATEYA IS ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS AT THIS TIME)

MARYAM SALIH, QMHS, CASE MANAGEMENT (she/her)

I provide Therapeutic Behavior Services (TBS) to clients who need assistance obtaining resources to meet their daily needs. My work ethic and excellent customer service record make me an excellent TBS worker.

It is my passion and dream to assist clients in achieving a better quality of life. As well as helping clients set their own goals, I also help them identify steps to accomplish those goals and monitor their progress

(MARYAM IS NOT ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS AT THIS TIME, PLEASE CONTACT US TO BE PLACED ON HER WAITLIST)