"What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are small matters compared to what lies within us." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
You don't have to be sick to get better. In other words, you don't need to be knee deep in stress before you come see us. We can help right now!
Call us at (440) 826-2180 to set up an appointment. Scheduled appointments are held Monday-Thursday 9am - 7pm (depending on availability of counselors) and Fridays 9am - 3pm.
Sophia Kallergis, Psy.D., Director
I am the Director of Counseling Services. I received my Master's degree in Clinical Counseling from Cleveland State and my Doctorate of Psychology from Wright State University. I have been working in college mental health for over 12 years, and am extremely thrilled to be at here at BW and look forward to becoming a part of this vibrant and dynamic community. My areas of clinical interest include adjustment and relationship concerns, multicultural issues, self-esteem and identity exploration, and body image and disordered eating concerns. I enjoy working with 1st generation college students and international students, and strive to assist all individuals in developing healthy life style and effectively managing conflict and stress. I believe that lasting change comes from self-awareness and self-compassion which is enhanced through a collaborative therapeutic work relationship that promotes empowerment and respects self-determination.
Timothy Hall, M.Ed., PCC-S, Associate Director
I am a licensed clinical counselor with a background in residence life, community mental health and college mental health. I received my Master's Degree from the University of Georgia and have found work as a counselor to be an immensely rewarding experience. College is a time of great personal growth and discovery. It is an honor to be a part of that journey for the students of BW. Some of my professional interests include depression and anxiety, adjustment issues, identity exploration and relationships. On a personal note, I enjoy the outdoors, reading, listening to podcasts, and spending time with friends and family.
Elizabeth C. van der Oord, Ph.D, Licensed Psychologist
I received my PhD in counseling psychology from The University of Akron (APA accredited) and completed a health psychology predoctoral internship (APA accredited) at the Louis Stokes Cleveland Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center with rotations in the General Medicine Clinics, Pain Management Center, and Recovery Resource Center. Recently I completed two 2-year postdoctoral fellowships, one at Baldwin Wallace University Counseling Services and the other at a pediatric private practice specializing in the treatment of children and adolescents. I am a member of the American Psychological Association, the Ohio Psychological Association, and the Society of Counseling Psychology. My clinical interests include motivation, sports injury and performance, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, health promotion (smoking cessation, weight reduction, stress management, etc.), multicultural issues, adjustment to chronic illness, and relationships. Although I have worked with diverse populations, I particularly enjoy working with college students. I am excited to be part of the BW Counseling Services team and feel privileged to be able to support students in their endeavors. My free time is spent with family and friends and playing tennis.
Avril Sargeant, LPCC-S, MACMHC, Licensed Counselor
Over my 15+ year career, I've been privileged to lead and develop programs in the non-profit and academic space as a licensed clinical counselor. I am a compassionate, patient-centric service provider for students, faculty, senior citizens, and behaviorally challenged patients to ensure the excellent care they deserve. My expertise and knowledge of multicultural and underserved areas has opened consulting opportunities for mental health counseling in numerous organizations.
Mina Neal, M.Ed., LPCC
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I completed a BA undergraduate degree in Sociology from Ohio State University, a MS graduate degree in Psychology from Capella University, and a M. Ed graduate degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Cleveland State University.
I utilize an eclectic approach in counseling which is flexible and meets the person where they're at. My training and experience also provides therapeutic strategies, various ideas, and multicultural counseling's to all individuals. I am skilled in evidence-based models to process trauma, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). For me, counseling must be based on trust, safety, and collaboration. I value a client counselor relationship. I enjoy spending time with family and friends. My passion is traveling and learning about different cultures.
Mariah Bruening, ATR, LPCC-S, Clinical Counselor, Conservatory of Music
I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with a Master of Arts in Counseling and Art Therapy from Ursuline College. For the last 25 years, I have provided mental health services for individuals from a variety of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. I am also a graduate of the Baldwin Wallace Conservatory.
As a conservatory graduate, I have a unique understanding of the stresses and challenges that performance-oriented students experience every day. I take a collaborative client-led approach to help students build skills and strategies that they can use in their daily lives to increase their success in pursuing their personal goals.
Saissy Kendig, CNP, Psychiatry
Bio information coming -
Cassie Blotzer, Trainee
I am counselor trainee at Cleveland State University. I am excited to be here at BW to work with the college population. My clinical interests include working with first generation college students, anxiety and depression, and preventative/advocacy for mental health. I am passionate about helping others and work through an eclectic and person-centered approach. On a personal note, I love art, Star Wars, and spending time with loved ones.
Halle Letizio, Trainee
I am a second year in the Urban Education - Counseling Psychology doctoral program at Cleveland State University. I received my Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology from Cleveland State, and my Bachelor of Arts degrees in Psychology and Criminology from CSU as well. My Master’s thesis focused on the relationship between childhood traumatic events and problem behaviors in young adulthood. I grew up in the Cleveland area and I love the city, the sports teams, and all of the different activities this city has to offer. In my free time, I love to read, play pickleball, and spend time with my husband, family and friends.
Katelyne Griffin-Todd, Trainee
Mental health is my passion, and I believe in understanding each person's unique situation from the contexts surrounding them. I earned a Masters in Psychology from the University of North Florida and am now pursuing a Counseling Psychology PhD. I'm excited to be a part of BW students' mental health journey. In my free time, I love hiking, taking film photos, and exploring new places.
Stephanie Knezevic, Trainee
I am a master’s student at the University of Akron for Clinic Mental Health Counseling. I am passionate about mental health and love working with the student population. I completed my undergraduate degree at Baldwin Wallace University and I'm excited to be back on campus to be a resource to students.
Karen Heft, B.S., Part-time Office Manager
I've worked with individuals from early childhood all the way through to seniors living out their golden years and therefore; I enjoy meeting and interacting with people of all ages. I find college students very enjoyable because they're making decisions and laying the foundations for their future through learning and exploration. In my free time I enjoy camping, spending time with my husband, son, dog, and extended family, sewing/crafting, and spending time outdoors.
