Meet The Team

Our Management Team

Thomas C. Cook, Jr.

President and Chief Executive Officer

Hayley I. Porter. Psy.D.

Chief Compliance, Ethics, and Training Officer & HIPAA Privacy Officer

Aruna Rao, MD

Board Certified Psychiatrist & Chief Medical Officer

Brandi Tanasescu, LCPC

Chief Financial Officer

Michael S. Contreras-Cook

Chief Strategy & Public Relations Officer

Lauren Cook

Director of Marketing

Molly Martin

Chief Operations Officer

Kathryn DeRaffele, LCPAT, ATR-BC

Vice President of Clinical Services

Jennifer Haller, CRNP

Vice President of Psychiatry

Sandy Young

Vice President of Human Resources

Nate Christian

Vice President of Operations

Anna Jung, LCSW-C

Vice President of Staff Development and Training

Lisa Foley

Director of Finance

Lauren Cook

Director of Marketing & Intake

Our Mental Health Treatment Providers

Providers are currently accepting new clients. Contact us at 410-800-2169, option 1, to schedule an appointment/referral

** Please note: All providers are currently providing Telehealth Services **

Amanda Dinges, PMHNP-BC

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Masters of Science in Nursing from Walden University

Wendy Strong, CRNP, PMHNP-BC

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Masters From Walden University

Leslie Allen, LCSW-C

Licensed Certified Social Worker, Clinical Masters in Social Work from University of Maryland School of Social Work

Gerrie Stancik-Bender, LCSW-C

Licensed Certified Social Worker, Clinical Masters in Social Work from the University of Maryland School of Social Work

Christal Banning, LMSW

Licensed Master Social Worker From Salisbury University School of Social Work

Jayyidah Clarke, LCSW-C

Licensed Certified Social Worker, Clinical Masters in Social Work from New York University

Chelise Fox, LCMFT

Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist, Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Brigham Young University

Jerome Garrett, LCPC, LPCMH

Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health (Delaware), Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (Maryland), Masters of Science in Community Counseling from Wilmington University

Ronald Howley, LCPC

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University

Amanda Dinges, PMHNP-BC

Position: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Masters of Science in Nursing from Walden University
Categories: Harford County, Telehealth
Location: Harford County, Telehealth

Amanda is a dedicated board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Over the last decade of her nursing career, Amanda has worked in the Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU) and Postpartum Units. She has developed a deep understanding of emotional and psychological challenges faced by patients and their families throughout her career, observing gaps in mental health education and resources. She has a passion for providing education within the Women’s Health speciality, perinatal mental health, and supporting parents during their child’s NICU journey, all of which inspired her to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing degree.

Amanda is committed to providing patient-centered care. She strives for patients to feel empowered to take an active role in their treatment plan and intends to always create a safe and supportive environment for patients, specializing in care related to anxiety, depression, and trauma. She believes in the importance of collaboration and works closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care. Amanda looks forward to meeting you and being part of your mental health journey!

Wendy Strong, CRNP, PMHNP-BC

Position: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Masters From Walden University
Categories: Delaware, Harford County
Location: Delaware, Harford County

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.

Leslie Allen, LCSW-C

Position: Licensed Certified Social Worker, Clinical Masters in Social Work from University of Maryland School of Social Work
Categories: Harford County
Location: Harford County

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

Gerrie Stancik-Bender, LCSW-C

Position: Licensed Certified Social Worker, Clinical Masters in Social Work from the University of Maryland School of Social Work
Categories: Harford County
Location: Harford County

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.

Christal Banning, LMSW

Position: Licensed Master Social Worker From Salisbury University School of Social Work
Categories: Harford County, School-Based
Location: Harford County, School Based

Christal graduated from Salisbury University with a master’s degree. Christal has provided services to people of all ages and diverse backgrounds. Christal is passionate and committed to providing services that make a positive difference in people’s lives. Christal employs techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), emotionally focused therapy (EMT), and mindfulness. Christal believes that issues related to mental health are important. Christal wants to bring awareness to the underlying issues people struggle with on a daily basis and help them develop self-care and self-love.

Christal works in our School-Based program and in our Harford  County office. 

Jayyidah Clarke, LCSW-C

Position: Licensed Certified Social Worker, Clinical Masters in Social Work from New York University
Categories: Harford County
Location: Harford County

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.

Chelise Fox, LCMFT

Position: Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist, Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Brigham Young University
Categories: Harford County
Location: Harford County

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.

Jerome Garrett, LCPC, LPCMH

Position: Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health (Delaware), Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (Maryland), Masters of Science in Community Counseling from Wilmington University
Categories: Delaware, Harford County, Overlea, Telehealth
Location: Delaware, Harford County, Overlea, Telehealth

Jerome is a Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health in Delaware and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Maryland. He is also a National Certified Counselor (NCC) through the National Board of Certified Counselors. He earned his Master of Science degree in Community Counseling from Wilmington University. He enjoys working with children, adolescents, and adults.

Jerome has over ten years of therapeutic experience working at several outpatient mental health clinics as well as on the behavioral health unit of Union Hospital of Cecil County. He also maintains his private practice where he is contracted with Maryland Circuit Courts to conduct custody evaluations, parent coordination, mediation, and reunification therapy. He treats a wide range of diagnosis including but not limited to anxiety, depression, Bipolar I & II, and PTSD.

He believes that it is important to utilize various modalities in therapy, based on the needs of the individual client. Jerome is well versed in TF-CBT, CBT, and mindfulness techniques. He feels that it is important to build a strong therapeutic relationship with the client to help them be successful in achieving their goals.

Ronald Howley, LCPC

Position: Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University
Categories: Delaware, Harford County, Telehealth
Location: Delaware, Harford County, Telehealth

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. 

 

Our Wellness Team

Wendy Strong, CRNP, PMHNP-BC

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Masters From Walden University

Wendy is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from…

Ronald Howley, LCPC

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University

Ronald is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who earned his…

Jayyidah Clarke, LCSW-C

Licensed Certified Social Worker, Clinical Masters in Social Work from New York University

Jayyidah Clarke has over 10 years’ experience working as a…

Gerrie Stancik-Bender, LCSW-C

Licensed Certified Social Worker, Clinical Masters in Social Work from the University of Maryland School of Social Work

Life is challenging but doesn’t have to be painful, and…

Chelise Fox, LCMFT

Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist, Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Brigham Young University

Chelise is a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist working…

Leslie Allen, LCSW-C

Licensed Certified Social Worker, Clinical Masters in Social Work from University of Maryland School of Social Work

Leslie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 25 years…

Christal Banning, LMSW

Licensed Master Social Worker From Salisbury University School of Social Work

Christal graduated from Salisbury University with a master’s degree. Christal…

Angela Moyna, LCSW-C

Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical, Masters in Social Work from The University of Maryland School of Social Work

Angela is a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical who earned her…

Jerome Garrett, LCPC, LPCMH

Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health (Delaware), Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (Maryland), Masters of Science in Community Counseling from Wilmington University

Jerome is a Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health in…

Wendy Strong, CRNP, PMHNP-BC

Position: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Masters From Walden University
Categories: Delaware, Harford County
Location: Delaware, Harford County

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.

Ronald Howley, LCPC

Position: Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University
Categories: Delaware, Harford County, Telehealth
Location: Delaware, Harford County, Telehealth

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, LCSW-C

Position: Licensed Certified Social Worker, Clinical Masters in Social Work from New York University
Categories: Harford County
Location: Harford County

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.

Gerrie Stancik-Bender, LCSW-C

Position: Licensed Certified Social Worker, Clinical Masters in Social Work from the University of Maryland School of Social Work
Categories: Harford County
Location: Harford County

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 Fox, LCMFT

Position: Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist, Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Brigham Young University
Categories: Harford County
Location: Harford County

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 Allen, LCSW-C

Position: Licensed Certified Social Worker, Clinical Masters in Social Work from University of Maryland School of Social Work
Categories: Harford County
Location: Harford County

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

Christal Banning, LMSW

Position: Licensed Master Social Worker From Salisbury University School of Social Work
Categories: Harford County, School-Based
Location: Harford County, School Based

Christal graduated from Salisbury University with a master’s degree. Christal has provided services to people of all ages and diverse backgrounds. Christal is passionate and committed to providing services that make a positive difference in people’s lives. Christal employs techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), emotionally focused therapy (EMT), and mindfulness. Christal believes that issues related to mental health are important. Christal wants to bring awareness to the underlying issues people struggle with on a daily basis and help them develop self-care and self-love.

Christal works in our School-Based program and in our Harford  County office. 

Angela Moyna, LCSW-C

Position: Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical, Masters in Social Work from The University of Maryland School of Social Work
Categories: Harford County, Telehealth
Location: Harford County, Telehealth

Angela is a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical who earned her master’s degree from the School of Social Work at the University of Maryland. Angela has many years of experience with a diverse population ranging from children to adults. She has experience with ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma and life changing medical diagnoses. She has found with an open mind she is able to help problem solve and improve clients’ lives. She has been successful with clients due to her kind nature, good listening skills and professionalism in a safe environment to promote self-growth. Angela specializes in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Mindfulness.

Jerome Garrett, LCPC, LPCMH

Position: Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health (Delaware), Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (Maryland), Masters of Science in Community Counseling from Wilmington University
Categories: Delaware, Harford County, Overlea, Telehealth
Location: Delaware, Harford County, Overlea, Telehealth

Jerome is a Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health in Delaware and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Maryland. He is also a National Certified Counselor (NCC) through the National Board of Certified Counselors. He earned his Master of Science degree in Community Counseling from Wilmington University. He enjoys working with children, adolescents, and adults.

Jerome has over ten years of therapeutic experience working at several outpatient mental health clinics as well as on the behavioral health unit of Union Hospital of Cecil County. He also maintains his private practice where he is contracted with Maryland Circuit Courts to conduct custody evaluations, parent coordination, mediation, and reunification therapy. He treats a wide range of diagnosis including but not limited to anxiety, depression, Bipolar I & II, and PTSD.

He believes that it is important to utilize various modalities in therapy, based on the needs of the individual client. Jerome is well versed in TF-CBT, CBT, and mindfulness techniques. He feels that it is important to build a strong therapeutic relationship with the client to help them be successful in achieving their goals.

 

Thomas Austin-Braxton

License: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Celia Parada-Worby

School Attended and Major: Maryland University of Integrative Health, Nutrition and Integrative Health with a Concentration in Herbal Medicine
License: Certified Nutrition Specialist, Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist

Celia is a Board Certified Nutrition Specialist and Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist with a deep passion for promoting health and well-being through personalized nutrition and lifestyle guidance. She holds a Master's Degree in Nutrition and Integrative Health with a Concentration in Herbal Medicine from the maryland University of Integrative Health. She has successfully guided clients of all ages and backgrounds towards increased health and vitality, with a focus on cardiometabolic health, digestive support, hormone balancing, and mental health nutrition. Celia believes in fostering a compassionate, non-judgmental, and inclusive approach to health and well-being. She draws from functional medicine, herbalism, Health at Every Size®, and Intuitive Eating, a mindful and compassionate framework that helps individuals break free from diet culture and embrace a more balanced and joyful approach to eating. She enjoys collaborating with clients to create customized plans tailored to their unique health needs.

Yvette Lyn Myers, M. Ac., L.Ac.

Licensed Acupuncturist
Masters in Acupuncture from TAI SOPHIA / Maryland University of Integrated Health.

Yvette Myers is an acupuncturist licensed by the state of Maryland. Over seventeen years ago, she received her Master of Acupuncture degree from TAI SOPHIA/ Maryland University of Integrative Health in Laurel, MD. She specialized in the study of the Five Element teachings of J.R. Worsley and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Since graduation, Yvette has provided detoxification acupuncture to clients in two Intensive Outpatient (IOP) Substance Abuse programs in Baltimore City.

In her private practice, she treats various general medical conditions, including chronic pain, headaches, allergies, anxiety, depression, sports injuries., etc. Working in concert with Dr.’s, therapists, and other practitioners to combine Eastern and Western medicine for the best possible outcomes. Yvette helps her patients discover their healing abilities by supporting them along their healing path.

Note: Ms. Myers works in the York-Belvedere Medical Center office.

Rochan Olson-Burrell, DAOM, L.Ac, MATCM

Licensed Acupuncturist
Masters and Doctorate in Healthy aging and Longevity from Yo San University.

Dr. Rochan Olson-Burrell is a nationally licensed acupuncturist and herbalist. She graduated from Yo San University in 2012 with a master’s in acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine and went on to get her doctorate in 2014 with a focus on healthy aging and longevity.

She spent time in China studying at the Shanghai University spending time in the stroke center. She had a private practice in LA for eight years where she treated a wide variety of conditions, including but not limited to pain, digestion, PMS, fertility, stress, and anxiety. She focuses on treating the whole person physically, mentally, and spiritually, using many different modalities in combination with lifestyle and nutrition coaching to empower the patient to help heal themselves, working to treat the root cause, not just the symptoms.

Note: Ms. Olson-Burrell works in the Hunt Valley office.

Department Directory

Join the Balance Point Wellness Family!

We are looking to hire dedicated clinicians and support staff for our practice! If you are interested in working for Balance Point Wellness, email a resume and cover letter to Sarah Krieger, Talent Acquisition Manager, at [email protected].

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