Meet Our Mental Health Team

Dr. Collins received his Medical Degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, in 2003. He pursued his General Psychiatry training at Howard University, which he completed in 2007. Dr. Collins returned to the University of Maryland, Baltimore, for his Child and Adolescent Psychiatry training, which he completed in 2009. Dr. Collins specializes in medication management of psychiatric conditions.

He has particular interest in childhood related conditions, including ADHD, Anxiety disorders, and Autistic Disorders. He works with children, adolescents, and adults.

Note: Dr. Collins works in the Overlea Office, located in the Beltway Plaza and the Harford County Office.

Wendy is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from Walden University. Wendy has training and experience treating clients with psychiatric disorders across the lifespan and practice settings, including emergency departments and outpatient clinics. Wendy has been a nurse for 14 years, with most of her experience in the emergency department taking care of severe mental health disorders.

She realized that she wanted to provide extended advanced care to this population, which prompted her to return to school for a higher degree.  Wendy treats clients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and schizophrenia. She provides clients with a safe environment and offers culturally diversified care with a holistic approach for mind and body well-being. Each treatment plan is individually comprised of input, not only from Wendy but from the client and therapist as well, truly showing her commitment to individualized, personalized, and comprehensive care for her patients.

Note: Ms. Strong works in the Harford County Office, as well as provides Telehealth Counseling Services.

Jason has been working in the mental health field for over eighteen years providing services to both adolescent and adult clients in various settings. His primary approach utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy principles to help clients build social and emotional skills.

Jason has a firm belief in the importance of understanding the connection between emotions, attitudes, behaviors, and relationships. He uses these concepts to help clients find balance and direction in their lives.

Note: Mr. Quarantillo works in the Harford County Office, as well as provides Telehealth Counseling Services.

Ronald is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who earned his Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. Before joining the Balance Point team, Ron worked at a group practice where he provided individual and group therapy. He has experience working with children, teenagers, and adults.

Most of his focus is on teenagers with problem behaviors. Ron works with a wide range of diagnoses, including (but not limited to) Anxiety, Depression, Trauma Disorder, ADHD, and physical abuse. Ron uses a CBT approach but believes in allowing the client to drive, which modality works best for them.

Note: Mr. Howley works in our Harford office, and remotely, providing Telehealth for Maryland and Delaware. 

Jayyidah Clarke has over 10 years’ experience working as a licensed social worker in the behavioral health field. She believes that each person holds the capacity to utilize their creativity to resolve life’s challenges; working together towards developing new insights that inform change.

Jayyidah believes therapy is most effective when we observe/discuss the challenges, symptoms, or problems that bring you to therapy and also observe/discuss your strengths. Sometimes life brings us opportunities to see ourselves more clearly through that with which we struggle. Jayyidah is a fan of mindfulness-based practices and incorporates this practice when clinically appropriate. She also utilizes CBT and play therapy as needed with children and adolescents. Jayyidah works with all ages and has experience working with individuals with dual-diagnosis or trauma.

Note: Ms. Clarke works in the Harford County Office, located at 2015 Emmorton Rd.

Life is challenging but doesn’t have to be painful, and Gerrie believes everyone has the capacity to be the best version of themselves. Gerrie has a diverse background with advanced education in social work, psychology, anthropology, and American Sign Language. Each discipline has given her extensive knowledge, a solid theoretical foundation, and an open, accepting mindset.

Gerrie and her clients work as a collaborative partnership where they work together to identify what obstacles you are faced with and together identify strategies that can help you move forward towards a meaningful change. Gerrie is especially effective working with adults struggling with anxiety, life transitions (i.e., graduation, divorce, empty nest), grief (death of loved one including beloved pets, job, health, age), infertility, or feel stuck, confused and lost. She uses a variety of tailored techniques to meet each person’s specific needs to gain insight and a new perspective.

Note: Ms. Bender works in the Harford County Office located at 2015 Emmorton Rd.

Chelise is a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist working with adults, teens, couples, and families. Her clinical experience includes helping clients with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, spirituality, faith crisis, and relationship difficulties.

She describes her approach to therapy as experiential and person-centered. She favors narrative and strengths-based models and incorporates mind-body work, such as guided imagery and mindfulness practices. Her therapeutic practice is informed by background and master’s degree in storytelling, and she has a passion for helping clients meaningfully re-story their lives.

Note: Ms. Fox works in the Harford County Office, located at 2015 Emmorton Rd.

Leslie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 25 years of experience working with children and youth. She is a person-centered therapist and certified in CBT, specializing in youth who have experienced trauma. She is a board-approved supervisor. Leslie focuses on anxiety, depression, and behavioral challenges and seeks to improve the activities of daily living, social skills, and life skills of children and youth.

Ms. Allen works in our Harford County office