Laura grew up in Pittsburgh and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Science in Education. While pursuing her career and education, she worked at St. Anthony’s School Program as a life skills coach and student teacher, mainstreaming special need students into the school population. Her experience working with these challenging and amazing students sparked her desire to pursue a Master’s Degree in school counseling. Laura is a licensed school counselor and received her Master’s Degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, with a focus on low socioeconomic populations. She experienced meaningful experiences at IUP, including working as a facilitator and coordinator for several school based therapy programs. Some of her most impactful groups included: grief and loss, self-esteem building and career counseling programs.

Currently her focus is on helping young adults, adolescents, and their families with emotional and behavioral difficulties. Additionally, she specializes in peer relationships, coping skills and ADHD. Laura believes that change can be difficult for everyone and that a skilled therapist can help you to identify the change that you want to make and assist you in getting there. She confidently believes that everyone is capable of change, growth and healing and is willing to take those steps of courage alongside you.

Outside of the office, Laura enjoys spending time with her husband, raising two dogs, reading, traveling and exercising. She is passionate about community service and advocating for children.

Dr. Ventura is a licensed professional counselor and President of Associates in Counseling & Wellness. She has been practicing clinically since 2004. She received her doctorate from Duquesne University in 2010 and has been clinically trained at the University Hospitals in Cleveland, OH, The Cleveland Clinic, and Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic. Dr. Ventura also a professor at Walden University in their Graduate Counseling Department, and serves as Part-time Faculty in the Undergraduate Psychology Department at Robert Morris University. Dr. Ventura has presented at numerous local, state, and national conferences, including the professions flagship professional conference, The American Counseling Association on counseling related topics and she is published in several texts regarding trauma work and clinical issues in therapy.

Professionally, Dr. Ventura adheres to the professions code of ethics and maintains active continuing education credits required for licensure. Dr. Ventura has had extensive

experience treating adults and children, couples and families struggling with various mental health and developmental conditions. She has specific training in cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, EMDR, and other trauma specific interventions, however, believes completely in meeting the needs of each specific individual and therefore utilizes an eclectic approach to enhance the strengths of each client. Dr. Ventura believes in the inherent strength that each person embodies and therefore, uses therapy as a place to enhance the inner experiences of each client from a holistic perspective.

She has spent a majority of her training working across the lifespan from childhood to adulthood, and within family systems. In addition, Dr. Ventura has specific training in addiction, anxiety, eating disorders, trauma, self- esteem, impulse-related conditions, self-injury, and mood disorders.

Dr. Ventura also has training in treatments specific for individuals with neurobehavioral conditions, such as Autism Spectrum Disorders, Tourette's Syndrome, ADHD, Learning Disabilities, Early Childhood Developmental Delays, and Anxiety Disorders and can provide resources for psychological testing in conjunction with therapeutic support within the practice.

Lastly, as a clinician, educator, and avid researcher, Dr. Ventura believes in the value of continuing education and professional organizations in the field of counseling. She is an active member of the American Counseling Association and participates in the associations' trauma division. Dr. Ventura remains active in her research and writing and is currently in the process of authoring a casebook for mental health providers and counselors-in-training. She consults for local attorneys regarding conduct and behavioral assessments as part if the PA Bar Examination and she serves as a consultant to attorneys and as an expert witness on child abuse and trauma related cases.

Melissa is a Nationally Certified Counselor and has experience working with children, adults, and families. She believes that every person is unique and experiences the world differently; and, that a healthy mix of humor and reality can lead to both humility and awareness, which can help one achieve their ideal self. It is for this reason that she utilizes an eclectic approach to treatment, in order to meet the needs of each client in a manner that best suits them and in an attempt to find personal peace and fulfillment.

Melissa has 10 years of experience in clinical mental health, both residential and outpatient settings. Her work in both settings was and continues to be benefitted by her ability to see the individual as a person as opposed to a diagnosis.

She has worked with various populations and have treated a multitude of issues, such as; grief and loss, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, mood disorders, self-esteem and family conflicts.

Ms. Mansberry admires everyone who takes the brave step into treatment and will work to assist each client to fulfill their personal goals.

Jayna is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Nationally Certified Counselor.  She has significant research, teaching, and clinical experience with adolescents and adults struggling with various mental health issues, trauma histories, and substance abuse problems. She has specific training in Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to offer an integrated approach that meets the needs of each individual client.

Jayna was trained clinically at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic and has experience working with justice-involved adolescents and adults, and with adolescents and adults struggling with transitional issues (e.g., emerging adulthood, divorce, empty-nest syndrome). She is also a part time faculty member in the Graduate School at Waynesburg University. Jayna has presented at numerous local, state, and national conferences on counseling related topics from trauma therapy to ethical decision-making to diversity in graduate school programs.

Jayna is in her final year of doctoral study at Duquesne University and obtained her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Waynesburg University. She also has a master’s degree from Carnegie Mellon University and is a graduate of Georgetown University. She is a member the international honor society of professional counseling Chi Sigma Iota – Delta Upsilon Chapter. She is an active member of the American Counseling Association (ACA) and served for two years on their Ethics Committee. She is also a member of the Greater Pittsburgh Counseling Association (GPCA) and has served on their board, as well as the Pennsylvania Counseling Association (PCA) and the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES).

As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I believe that all individuals have the right to experience themselves in what they define as their best possible form. I use an integrative, eclectic approach so that I may best meet the needs of each individual client, and strive to promote continued personal growth.

I have more than 10 years of experience working with diverse populations spanning a variety of issues and diagnoses, such as, but not limited to; depression and
anxiety, mood disorders, self-esteem and peer-related issues.

I have specialized training in domestic violence and related issues, and have trained hospital staff, agency workers and local law enforcement in the recognition of and response to these issues. I have advanced training in other areas of trauma, including; sexual assault, rape, grief, childhood abuse and neglect.

In addition, I have experience working in community mental health, as well as with families involved with Children and Youth Social Service agencies. I have co-facilitated court mandated seminars for families involved in custody disputes, which focuses on maintaining effective communication and healthy interaction within the family system.

Overall, I believe in the inherent strengths that individuals possess. I believe in the capacity for change and in the hope that individuals are in constant pursuit of their best possible self. I look forward to accompanying you on that journey.

Stephanie is a licensed professional counselor, a licensed behavior specialist, and a Nationally Certified Counselor. She has over 10 years’ experience working clinically in the behavioral health field, with children and their families. Her experience includes working with various childhood disorders including autism spectrum disorders, behavior disorders, and ADHD. Her extensive clinical history includes experience utilizing various therapeutic approaches including play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, teaching and modeling behavior modification techniques for parents, and social skills training. Stephanie believes that when one family member is experiencing difficulties the whole family is affected. She believes in working with the entire family in order to sustain lifelong change and wellness within the family unit.

Stephanie also has experience counseling adolescents addressing various clinical issues including difficulties forming attachments, low self-esteem, emotional dysregulation, ineffective coping skills, sexual abuse trauma, sexual identity issues, depression, anxiety, anger management issues and low self-efficacy. Stephanie strives to support the strengths of the child/adolescent by providing a supportive experience in order to foster healthy self-esteem and a positive sense of self.

In addition to her work with children and families Stephanie has experience working with adults with various diagnoses including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder. She demonstrates skills in addressing presenting problems including difficulties with interpersonal communication and developing and maintaining close personal relationships, low self-esteem, ineffective or unhealthy coping mechanisms, and emotional dysregulation.

Stephanie obtained her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Waynesburg University and is a second year doctoral student in the Counseling Education and Supervision program at Duquesne University. She is a member the international honor society of professional counseling Chi Sigma Iota – Delta Upsilon Chapter, is an active member of the American Counseling Association (ACA), the Pennsylvania Counseling Association (PCA), and the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES).

Stephanie believes in utilizing an integrative approach to counseling in order to best meet the needs of each client. Stephanie utilizes approaches from various counseling theories including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT); solution focused brief therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and behavioral therapy techniques. Stephanie has had specific training in DBT and Functional Behavioral Analysis (FBA). Stephanie has continued to accrue continuing education credits in various topics including concurrent treatment of sexual victimization and sex offending behaviors, parent-child relationship therapy, family counseling, counseling parents, child and adolescent counseling interventions, counseling in the social media age, child-centered filial family therapy, evidence-based interventions in play therapy for traumatized children, dialectical behavior therapy with adolescents, perfectionism and relationships, motivational interviewing, impact therapy, and person-centered treatment planning.
Professionally Stephanie is dedicated to working with individuals, families, and couples. Many people come to counseling looking for answers from the counselor. Sometimes this may be necessary however; Stephanie believes that the answer that the individual is looking for lies within and counseling assists the client in discovering his or her own personal wellness.

“You cannot teach a man anything; you can only help him discover it in himself” - Galileo

Mental Health and Addiction Counseling
Age Groups / work with: Teens and Adults

We all face challenge, struggle and despair at some point in our lives. I use a positive wellness approach, and focus on individual strengths to help achieve clarity, confidence, and healthy connection in one’s life. In providing a safe and compassionate space, individuals can experience hope and possibility toward positive change.

My experience as a mental health and addiction therapist provides individual counseling in culturally diverse backgrounds for anxiety, depression, trauma (PTSD), substance abuse, as well as relationship and adjustment issues. I utilize treatment orientations that consider the individual’s needs, goals and progress throughout treatment.

After graduating from Washington and Jefferson College, I received a master’s degree in Counseling from Waynesburg University. In addition to being a Licensed Professional Counselor, I am certified by the National Board of Certified Counselors, a member of The American Counselor Association and The Washington County Human Services Board of Directors.

Everyone has times in life when they face challenges and difficulties that are weighing them down. The decision to reach out for help is a courageous one and one that is not taken lightly. Heather believes each person is unique and has inner strength and resources that can help them deal with whatever they are facing. She offers an integrated approach that allows people to unburden themselves from the loads they are carrying and learn to walk through life with more clarity and confidence in themselves.

Heather specializes in working with individuals with trauma, depression and anxiety, women's issues and ADHD. She is working towards certification currently in internal family systems (IFS). Internal Family Systems works to unburden people from the heavy loads being carried and allows individuals to see more curiosity, clarity, and confidence in the world. She has training in changing behaviors utilizing Dialectical Behavior Theory that works with an individual to develop additional ways to regulate emotions and learn to deal with various distressing events life can present.

Heather received her degree in Clinical Mental Health and Counseling from Walden University that is a CACREP™ certified university for counseling certifications. She is a nationally certified counselor (NCC) and a member of the national honors society Chi Sigma Iota - Omega Zeta Chapter currently. She is an active member in the American Counseling Association.