LifeWay Staff:

LifeWayʼs professionals include, psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, counselors, clergy, and social workers. Our staff has treated over 25,000 individuals and have decades of personal, trained experience.

Richard W. Brown, MD

A native of the Greater Cincinnati area, Dr. Brown completed his undergraduate studies at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.  He then attended the Medical College of Ohio to earn his medical degree.  He completed his residency at University Hospitals in Cincinnati, fulfilling the role of Chief Psychiatric Resident as he finished.  He has been in practice for over 20 years and is board certified.

He sees clients from late teen years through adulthood with a wide variety of concerns and has expertise in combining therapy with modern pharmacology in an interdisciplinary approach. Of particular interest to Dr. Brown is working alongside his clients toward a holistic approach that minimizes the use of medications. When away from the office, he loves to travel and scuba dive with his family.

Angela Gutowski, APRN, PMHNP-BC

Angela Gutowski is a board certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. In her role, Ms. Gutowski believes in promoting mental health wellness by using evidence based approaches including psychopharmacology and ongoing therapeutic support with a collaborative approach.  She treats clients from late teen years to adulthood. Prior to obtaining her advanced practice degree from The Ohio State University, she earned her Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Eastern Kentucky University.  Angela has 20 years of experience as an RN in a variety of mental health settings across the lifespan including inpatient, outpatient, and Partial Hospitalization Programs.

Mary Huhn, MSSW, LISW, LCSW

Mary graduated from the University of Louisville in 1990. She spent 13 yrs. at Christ Hospital working primarily in Outpatient Behavioral Health, where she ran the Partial Hospital Program and the Intensive Outpatient Program. Mary has had a private practice since 1992 and does marital, couples and individual therapy. She also sees children over the age of 8. Mary has three grown children and four grandchildren.

Dr. Kristen Godenick, Ph.D

Born and raised in the Washington, D.C. metro area, Dr. Godenick is a licensed psychologist who trained at two Christian institutions. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Washington Adventist University and her Ph.D. from Loma Linda University in Southern California. Dr. Godenick completed her pre-doctoral internship and post-doctoral training in the Wisconsin state prison system, working with incarcerated adolescents, men, and women with serious mental illness. In the community, Dr. Godenick has experience conducting a wide variety of psychological evaluations, having done a lot of testing with children with ADHD, learning disorders, or other school-related difficulties. She conducts individual therapy with adults working on a wide range of concerns. She has particular training on successful outcomes for anxiety, trauma and PTSD and is certified in family trauma therapy. This therapeutic model is a collaboration between the therapist and the entire family that aims to restore a healthy family environment and improve child developmental outcomes and family relationships following family events such as physical or mental illness, difficult separations, or other traumas.

Dr. David Smith, Ph.D

An evangelical Christian and licensed Psychologist, Dr. Smith has enjoyed close to a 30 year career as a Child Clinical Psychologist at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center within the Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics (formerly known as the Cincinnati Center for Developmental Disorders, or CCDD). He jointly held an adjunct associate professor appointment in the Department of Psychology at the University of Cincinnati, teaching a graduate course on Ethics in Clinical Psychology and Introduction to Psychology. Dr. Dave, as he is known to his child & teen patients, has been involved in clinical services, professional training of advanced psychology students, and research in addition to teaching/presenting at lay and professional venues on a host of topics. His clinical services to children and teens embrace a family-centered model, often seeking to equip and empower the parent(s) to address the concerns raised. He has been at the forefront of using an increasingly new generation of behavioral therapy, originated at his postdoctoral residency program at the (Portland) Oregon Health Sciences University, called Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). This approach essentially molds the parents to learn how to behaviorally shape their child, while enhancing their relationship. Parents learn in a practical way how to enhance prosocial behaviors, give more effective commands and implement punishment in order to facilitate change. Dr. Smith has years of experience in an interdisciplinary diagnostic setting that specialized with children and youth who have neurodevelopmental disorders, bringing sophisticated diagnostic approaches to assist with differential diagnostic questions as well as facilitating the best plan of care based upon current scientific evidence. Dr. Smith has published several scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals, book chapters and other scholarly products. He is an elder at his church and Class Administrator for the Cincinnati Men’s Bible Study Fellowship evening class. He and his wife are blessed with two daughters and sons-in-law.

Dr. David Groh, Ph.D

Originally from Wisconsin, Dr. Groh is a Ph.D. licensed psychologist who has bachelor’s degrees in psychology and music from the University of Minnesota. He received his master’s and doctoral degrees in clinical psychology from DePaul University in Chicago. He has experience working in a wide variety of settings including community mental health centers, prisons, housing projects, schools, hospitals, and presently, private practice. Dr. Groh has experience conducting psychological evaluations on children and adults in a variety of areas including ADHD, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorders, emotional disorders, and personality disorders. He conducts individual, group, and family therapy with adolescents and adults who may have a range of concerns, including anxiety disorders, mood disorders, trauma-related disorders, eating disorders and personality disorders.  He is also interested in working with individuals with relationship concerns such as codependency as well as survivors of abuse. In addition to clinical practice, Dr. Groh has supervised students and therapists, conducted research and program evaluation, and published in scholarly journals on substance abuse recovery.

Dr. Owen Clutterbuck, Ed.D, LISW

Received his Master’s Degree in Social Work at the Kent School of Social Work in Louisville, KY and his doctorate in counseling from the University of Cincinnati. He has expertise in marital and family therapy, depression, anxiety and specialized in the area of ADD/ADHD. Owen works with adolescents and adults.

Elisabeth L. Howcroft, MS, PCC

Elisabeth received her Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling and her Bachelor degree in Psychology from Lee University. She also obtained her licensure in School Counseling from the University of Cincinnati Her experience includes parenting, pre-marital, couples, family, domestic abuse recovery, grief and bereavement, children, adolescents, depression, anxiety, and stress management. Elisabeth works with adults, couples, children, adolescents, and young adults.

Megann Alberts MA, LPC

Originally from Colorado, Megann is a Licensed Professional Counselor who received her undergraduate degree from Biola University in California and her graduate degree in Counseling at Regis University located in Denver, Colorado.  Megann has experience working in a variety of mental health settings, including an Animal Assisted Therapy facility.  Most of her experience was gained working at Children’s Hospital Colorado as a Mental Health Counselor in their inpatient psychiatric unit for over five years.  Megann works with children, adolescents, and adults.  When working with children, Megann specializes in behavioral issues, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and trauma-related disorders, primarily using the modality of Play Therapy.  Megann is also passionate about working with young adults during difficult life circumstances, providing a safe environment to help people work towards a greater sense of self, meaningful relationships, deeper fulfillment, and purposeful living.

Pamela P. Gerdes, MSW, LISW-S

Pam is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati School of Social Work’s specialized mental health program. Her passion includes helping people resolve issues related to: abuse and trauma; anxiety, depression, anger, and mood instability; relationship and personality difficulties; addictions; and the challenges of daily life. Pam practices from a strengths-based, positive psychology approach. She is certified in EMDR Therapy, Reality Therapy, Rational Living Therapy (cognitive behavioral therapy) and Rational Hypnotherapy. Pam has completed the Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy certificate courses. EMDR Therapy is designed to relieve the pain of past hurts and trauma; increase one’s ability to better handle current situations; and reduce stress related to future expectations. Her experiences in community mental health, education (public and Catholic schools), business, volunteer work and personal life provide an appreciation of life’s opportunities, as well as its challenges. Pam warmly joins each person as desired goals are identified and attained, and distress is transformed into insight, empowerment and well-being.

Christina Lohner, MSW, LISW-S

Is life not how you pictured? Are you struggling with finding contentment and joy or having the life you hoped for? Let Christina help you find that joy and balance. She believes therapy is a collaborative interaction with a non-judgmental exchange of conversation, thoughts, and ideas between the client and therapist. She enjoys working with teens and adults dealing with a variety of challenges from anxiety and depression to bipolar disorders, adjustment, codependency, stress management, anger management, grief and loss, parenting, and family issues. She also works well with couples navigating daily marital experiences, as well as adoption and infertility challenges. She utilizes a variety of treatment concepts such as Cognitive Behavioral Theory, Biopsychosocial Theory, Family Systems Theory, Person-Centered Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Brief Therapy. She has a masters degree from the University of Cincinnati and currently holds an independent license with a supervisory designation in social work in the state of Ohio.

Leanne Myers, MSW, LISW-S

As both a Christian and a clinician, Leanne believes that each person is unique – having value by virtue of their own special gifting and humanity. She recognizes the different seasons of life – the changing continuum of joy and pain – and strives to meet people where they are in their journey, coming alongside to offer counsel and support.

Leanne utilizes a variety of approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Systems Theory, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, and Christian counseling, depending on the needs and the situation. While familiar with a variety of issues, Leanne particularly focuses on working with women who are struggling with personal issues including self esteem, anxiety, depression, past abuse, and relationship challenges. Leanne also enjoys working with individuals, couples and families, teens and adults, who are dealing with concerns similar to the above, as well as bereavement/grief, parenting issues, and values/goals clarification.
Leanne has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Miami University, and a Masters of Social Work from the University of Kentucky. She is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with the Supervision designation. Leanne has been practicing for 27 years, with over 14 of that in the counseling field.

Brooke Asbury, MA, LPCC-S

Brooke is a Professional Clinical Counselor with a Supervisory designation, licensed by the State of Ohio. She has had experience working in a variety of treatment settings including Community Mental Health, Private Practice settings and with Faith Based organizations. She has a passion to treat the whole person, addressing mental, emotional and spiritual needs or concerns when appropriate. She enjoys working with adults who are struggling to cope with various life stressors, traumas, depression, anxiety or relationship issues.

Brooke also has extensive experience working with children, adolescents and families, helping them to problem solve, communicate and improve their interactions with one another. She uses a variety of counseling approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy, and seeks to collaborate with each individual client towards their goals and dreams.  Brooke considers it a privilege to come alongside others to help them in their healing journey.

Jill Nutter, LISW-S

Jill worked for thirty-one years at Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincinnati; first as a social worker with patients on dialysis and then as the college counselor at Good Samaritan College of Nursing and Health Science. She’s also counseled adults and adolescents in both out-patient and in-patient psychiatry settings. Jill is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with Supervisory privileges. She graduated from Bethany College, West Virginia with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and West Virginia University with a Master’s Degree in Social Work. Jill has dedicated her career to helping others cope more effectively with anxiety, stress, depression, chronic medical conditions, and life balance issues. Jill considers counseling a privilege and is prepared to help you discover tools to become increasingly resilient in the face of adversity and identify strategies for developing peace in the midst of chaos. Jill is the author of three Christian fiction novels. She enjoys helping others find creative outlets for coping with stress.

Kathleen Monday, RN, MA, LPCC

Kathy is a Professional Clinical Counselor as well as a Registered Nurse, licensed in the State of Ohio. She is a Christian and a firm believer in the mind, body and spirit connection. This holistic model offers an integrative approach to mental health therapy which can include; mindfulness, meditation, healing touch and aromatherapy. Kathy likes to involve her Clients in forming a plan of care that will encourage success and positive change. She includes structured as well as non-structured methods for healing, assisting the Client to break free of destructive behavioral patterns which can lead to an improved state of overall health. Kathy has over thirty years’ experience working with families, couples, children and the elderly. As an RN she worked with families and newborns in Labor and Delivery and the NICU, then later in a Pediatric office as a Triage RN and ADD/ADHD specialist with CHMC. She obtained a BA in Religious Studies from Mt. St. Joseph and an MA in Pastoral Counseling from the Athenaeum of Ohio. Specialties include; individual therapy, teens and children, elderly, abusive relationships and recovery, marital counseling, hypnotherapy, play therapy, grief, anxiety, depression, ADD/ADHD. Her life includes three daughters and twelve grandchildren, a golden retriever and two cockatiels. She likes to garden, travel and enjoys cooking. Kathy understands life’s struggle to find balance and would like to offer you help finding that balance on your journey.

Regina Lynn MA, LPCC

A native of Cincinnati, Regina Lynn is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, licensed by the State of Ohio. She received her Master of Arts in Counseling from Cincinnati Christian University and has worked in a number of public and private settings. Regina has experience working with a variety of age groups in both couples and individualized counseling.

By utilizing a number of approaches to treatment including: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), biblical counseling, and expressive therapies she works with each client to assist them in reaching their individual goals. By using Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT), The Gottman Method, Prepare/Enrich, SYMBIS, and other biblically based interventions Regina is able to provide evidence-based support to couples seeking premarital and marital counseling. With a background in creative arts and outdoor adventures Regina is passionate about using creative and interactive interventions to meet clients where they are. Her goal is to provide quality and compassionate support by walking along side each client on their journey towards healing and wholeness.

Dr. Becky Lilley, Ed.D.

Following a multidisciplinary B.A. in psychology and education, Becky moved to Cincinnati for a master’s degree in counseling individuals with physical, mental or social challenges. During her first years of professional work, she enjoyed working as a therapist in a mental health center, a small private practice and a social service agency. Concurrently, she consulted widely with law enforcement, health care professionals and educators on stress management, family life and gender issues. While earning her doctorate in counselor supervision and training, Becky began teaching nontraditional learners and students as young as kindergarten age; when her second son was small, she balanced her role as a mother with teaching at the small Christian school where he attended. Becky contributed to the helping professions as a fulltime professor and mentor for master’s level and doctoral students at U.C. She also served as a therapist and educator at Wilmington College which was founded by Quakers and the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.
Finding joy and meaning amidst life’s greatest challenges has been a core value for Becky both personally and professionally. Building on her family’s life experience, she has a heart for supporting clients who care for disabled children and elderly parents. She strives to be a mature professional who is actively supportive with individuals who are puzzling out improved coping strategies for 21st century living. With a long-term commitment to moving beyond the mind/body dichotomy, Becky uses mindfulness, sensory awareness and the holistic health model to help clients achieve their goals.
Becky welcomes clients as young as age 5 with play therapy and expressive techniques. She invites youth, midlife adults and elders to embrace the opportunity of therapy for improved health and personal growth.

Terry Payne MSW, LISW-S

Terry Payne is a Licensed Independent Social Worker Supervisor and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Campbellsville University in Kentucky majoring in Psychology and Christian Studies. He completed his Master of Social Work degree at the University of Kentucky. Terry has training in a variety of areas including Problem Gambling, Chemical Dependency, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Multi-Dimensional Family Therapy. Terry has done treatment with adolescents age 12-18 and adults from all age ranges in individual, family, and group therapy. He has worked in several settings including Home-Based therapy, School-Based therapy, Juvenile and Municipal Courts and in Community Mental Health Centers. Terry’s areas of clinical interest include Family Therapy, Couples Therapy, Behavioral Problems, Grief and Loss, Depression, Anxiety, Bi-Polar Disorder, Schizophrenia and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Terry is client-centered and strength-based and he works diligently to help clients find the best they have within themselves. He has a strong belief in the value of human life and in the quality of that life.

Gina Monday Hempel M.Ed. LPCCs

Would you like support in being your best self? Gina is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with both a Trauma Responsive Care certification and Chemical Dependency Counseling assistant. Gina received her Master’s Degree in Education with a specialty in Agency and Community counseling through Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. She completed Post Master’s work at the Athenaeum of Ohio also in Cincinnati, Ohio. Gina has worked in a variety of settings over the 22 years that she has been in the field, this has provided a diversity of experience to best serve you! Gina works with Children, Adolescents, and Adults of all ages. She works individually, with couples or families. Gina specializes in Trauma Responsive Care, LGBTQ Counseling, Anger Management, Behavioral issues, Mood and Anxiety Issues. Gina has experience with Spectrum issues, and Learning delays. The goal is to help provide a safe environment to holistically work towards your best self and enhanced relationships

Dr. Gary Sweeten

LifeWay Founder and Chairman of the Advisary Board

Gary is LifeWay’s Founder and President of Sweeten Life Systems. His background includes teaching, counseling, leader development and organizational health. Gary’s education includes a B.S. in Education, an M.S. in Higher Education and Counseling and an Ed. D. in Counselor Education. Gary has written several books and trained Christian leaders extensively around the world.

Dr. Jerome J. Kelly, MD

LifeWay Medical Consultant and Board Member

He earned his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati School of Medicine. He specialized in working with adults and adolescents age 12 and over and emphasized a working relationship between doctor, patient, and therapist to enhance holistic treatment for his patients.