Behavioral Health

Kari earned her Associate Degree in Nursing from Ohio University and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from Walden University. Kari found her niche in mental health nursing while working as a psychiatric nurse on an inpatient geriatric psychiatric unit. Her time there opened her eyes to the impact that stigmas surrounding mental illnesses, lack of mental health resources, trauma, and social determinants of health can have on a person’s overall wellbeing throughout their lifetime. Kari appreciates the opportunity of being able to empower patients to achieve a better quality of life through her work with empathetic listening, encouragement, education, and the use of practical strategies. She enjoys treating patients experiencing a range of mental health concerns including mood and anxiety disorders, difficulties with attention and focus, as well as other psychiatric diagnoses. Treating patients who are impacted by trauma and other stressors is especially rewarding to her.

A fun fact about Kari is that prior to finding her calling in nursing, her plan was to become an art teacher! She still enjoys creating art in her free time and loves using creativity and out-of-the-box thinking to solve problems. Kari joined the MVHC Team in April of 2024.

Kendra obtained her Bachelor in Social Work from Ohio University and her Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Louisville. She is also a Certified Trauma Professional. Kendra chose to become a social worker because it is a versatile field. She enjoys learning about others and helping them overcome the challenges they face in life. She especially enjoys working with teens and adults. She has previous experience providing case management and therapy services in the Guernsey County area. 
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A fun fact about Kendra is that she has a twin brother who is one minute older than her and an older sister! In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, especially her nieces and nephews. Kendra has been on the MVHC Team since May of 2022. 

Dr. Elson earned his Bachelor of Science in Pre-Medicine from the University of Dayton and his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his Psychiatry Residency at Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine. He chose to become a psychiatrist so he could connect with his patients and have meaningful conversations with them every day. Dr. Elson finds psychiatry to be very rewarding as it is an area of medicine that affects patients’ overall lives. He loves seeing his patients meet their goals and experience life in a better way. Dr. Elson enjoys working with patients who are engaged in treatment and can work with him as a team to establish and reach the goals of their treatment. He particularly enjoys diagnosing and treating patients with mood disorders.

A fun fact about Dr. Elson is he enjoys writing fiction, specifically short fiction! He also enjoys playing the guitar and piano, as well as cooking and playing board games. Dr. Elson joined the MVHC Team in August of 2024.

Tori earned her Bachelor of Social Work and her Master of Social Work from Ohio University. She chose to become a counselor to help individuals become the best version of themselves, not only for them but their children and families as well. Tori enjoys helping families come back together after being impacted by mental health or addiction. While she enjoys treating with patients 16 and up struggling with mental health conditions, her favorite patients to work with are women who are struggling with PTSD.

A fun fact about Tori is she loves reading, cats, and Harry Potter! Tori joined the MVHC Team in September of 2024.

Olivia obtained her Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work from Ohio University. She chose to go into social work because she has always loved supporting others to overcome challenges and reach their full potential. She enjoys working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and is passionate about treating patients struggling with anxiety and stress management. A fun fact about Olivia is that her favorite place to be (other than cheering on the Buckeyes at ‘The Shoe’) is Charleston, South Carolina.

Wendi attended Ohio University and received her bachelor’s degree in Social Work in 2001. She furthered her education and graduated from Ohio State University in 2006 with her Master in Social Work degree. She has previously worked for Children Services, Genesis Extended Care and Rehab, and Genesis Behavioral Heath as an inpatient social worker. She has her certification in smoking cessation. Wendi has worked for MVHC since 2016.

Kaylee earned her Bachelor of Social Work from Ohio University. She wanted to go into the field of social work as she has always had a passion for helping people. Kaylee chose to pursue a career as a counselor so she could advocate for her patients and help them reach their full potential. Kaylee particularly enjoys working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as youth within the foster care system.

A fun fact about Kaylee is she loves watching baseball, especially the Cleveland Guardians. She enjoys spending her free time with family and friends, going to baseball games, and being outside! Kaylee joined the MVHC Team in July of 2024.

Amanda attended Ohio University receiving a Bachelor of Science in Mental Health and later went on to receive her Master of Social Work from The Ohio State University. Amanda previously worked with Children’s Services and Six County, before coming on board with MVHC in 2014. 

Tracey earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ohio University and her Master of Science in Nursing from Northern Kentucky University. She chose to pursue a career as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) after the need for empathetic, compassionate providers of mental health services became apparent to her. Tracey worked as a psychiatric nurse for six years before becoming a PMHNP. She enjoys working with both adults and children with depressive disorders, anxiety, and attention disorders, as well as other psychiatric diagnoses. She finds her work rewarding as she has the opportunity to directly impact her patients’ experiences within the mental health field and provide care in a respectful, non-judgmental manner. 

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A fun fact about Tracey is when she’s not at work, you can find her spending time with her husband and her two grown children. She is most at peace at home with her family and their two goofy dogs, Esther and Mabel. Tracey joined the MVHC Team in September of 2024. 

Julie earned her Bachelor of Arts in Child and Family Services from Muskingum University and her Master of Science in Social Work  from Ohio University. She is currently working towards her LISW licensure. Julie chose to pursue a career in social work as she has always had the heart to help others and wanted a job where she could help people live happier and healthier lives. She enjoys working with adolescents, particularly those dealing with ADHD, trauma, anxiety, substance abuse, and self-esteem issues. 

A fun fact about Julie is that she is a mom to four teenagers! She enjoys watching her kids’ activities and spending time with her family and friends. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling with her children as much as they can. Julie previously worked in the intervention department at The Catholic Schools of Zanesville for six years before joining the MVHC Team. She joined the MVHC Team in June of 2022 as a member of our Social Determinants of Health Team, then became a Behavioral Health Counselor in October of 2023.

Bo earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing and his Master of Science in Nursing from Kent State University. He achieved his Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification in 2020. Bo wanted to go into psychiatry to do his part to help people in his community and the surrounding area. He especially wanted to be able to help those who may be afraid to seek care due to the stigma surrounding mental health. His goal is to help break down those barriers and stigmas so everyone can get the care they deserve without fear of being judged.

A fun fact about Bo is he loves a good dad joke! In his free time, he loves spending time with his family and his dogs, being outdoors, and trying new foods. Before joining the MVHC Team in November of 2020, Bo worked as a travel nurse in the ICU setting for many hospitals in Ohio, including the Cleveland Clinic.

Lindsey graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and  a Master of Social Work. Prior to joining the MVHC team, she worked for Children Services, Faith Hope & Love Autism Services, and Allwell Behavioral Health Services. 

Erin graduated from Wittenberg University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. She then went on to attend The Ohio State University, earning her Master of Social Work in 2012. Erin has previously worked with Franklin County Community Based Correctional Facility, Franklin County Public Defender’s Office, and Six County, Inc. in Guernsey County. Erin has been with MVHC since 2015.

Raegan earned her Associate in Applied Science - Social Work Assistant from Zane State College and her Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Capital University. She chose to become a social worker because she wanted to be a resource to people in need who were unable to help themselves or who were unaware where to go for help. Raegan particularly enjoys helping teens and younger children.

A fun fact about Raegan is her favorite animal outside of cats is a Snow Owl. Raegan joined the MVHC Team in November of 2023.

Sarah earned her Bachelor of Science in Art and Psychology from Muskingum University and her Master of Arts in Counseling and Art Therapy from Ursuline College. She has always had a desire to help others and be a safe place for people in her community. In college, Sarah discovered Art Therapy which allowed her to combine her creative side with her desire to help others. She particularly enjoys working with patients 12 years of age and older. Sarah has experience helping patients with trauma, mood disorders, and self-esteem issues, among other matters. Her ideal patient is someone who is ready to make positive changes in their life and has a willingness to show up for themselves.

A fun fact about Sarah is she is also a Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT). She spends most of her free time out in nature, making art at home, or spending time with her family and friends. She is also in the process of becoming a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher! Sarah joined the MVHC Team in April of 2024.

Kelly earned her Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Capital University and her Master of Social Work from Ohio University. She chose to become a counselor as she enjoys teaching people to advocate for themselves and helping them feel empowered. Throughout her career, Kelly has served in a variety of roles and has experience helping a wide array of patients.

A fun fact about Kelly is she is yoga certified. She has a small private practice where she practices mental health counseling and offers her patients the opportunity to weave in yoga into their sessions. Kelly worked at MVHC from 2016 to 2021 before rejoining the MVHC Team in April of 2024.

Dana earned her Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Ashland University. She chose to become a counselor as she has a passion for helping people and wants to help them reach their mental health goals. Dana particularly enjoys working with patients who are battling anxiety. She feels she can relate to what they are going through, allowing her to better help them.

A fun fact about Dana is she is very crafty and loves making things! Dana previously worked at MVHC on our Social Determinants of Health Team as an Integrated Social Worker from May of 2020 to August of 2023 before rejoining the MVHC Team in September of 2024.

Andrea obtained her Bachelors in Social Work from Ohio University Zanesville. She chose to go into social work as she could see a discrepancy in services for youth in our rural community and a lack of mental health and recreational opportunities for adults. She hopes to lend a hand to make positive changes in our community. She enjoys working with youth as well as those dealing with ADHD, ODD, depression, and anxiety. A fun fact about Andrea is that she has performed in plays since she was a teenager and has begun taking her artistic journeys further.

Shalah received her Associate's Degree in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and Master of Science in Nursing from Chamberlain College of Nursing. She then received her Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post Graduate Certificate from Frontier Nursing University. Shalah chose to go into behavioral health after being made more aware of the need for mental health care while working as a bedside nurse and a Family Nurse Practitioner. She was inspired to advocate for mental health wellness and provide services to those in need. Shalah enjoys treating a variety of patients every day. She is especially passionate about working with patients struggling with substance abuse disorder.

A fun fact about Shalah is even though she has been in the nursing/medical field for over 30 years, she had always wanted to be a pilot! She started as a combat medic/91B in the Army then became an LPN/91C. She says she lost her desire to be a pilot after her first helicopter ride! 

Shauna graduated from Mount Vernon Nazarene University with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Social Work and a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Administration. She chose a career in social work as it allows her to advocate for others and to help them reach their goals. Shauna particularly enjoys helping individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, and PTSD. She has previous experience in both individual and group therapy settings. 

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A fun fact about Shauna is she enjoys traveling with her husband! Two of her favorite destinations are Ocean City, Maryland, and Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Shauna joined the MVHC Team in June of 2023. 

Anna earned her Bachelor of Science in Social Work with a Minor in Psychology from Ohio University. She chose to become a social worker because she knows there is inconceivable power to be found in a helping hand, especially when we feel it is impossible. Anna feels this career path has allowed her to "learn daily, love unconditionally, and do good recklessly" while empowering our community. Her favorite patients to work with are adolescents, as she is drawn in by their vulnerability and unapologetic drive and determination. 

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A fun fact about Anna is that she enjoys listening to true crime podcasts in her free time! Anna joined the MVHC Team in February of 2023.